National

Following the Pahalgam terror attack, the Indian government has implemented strong retaliatory measures. On April 23, 2025, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, reviewed the situation and directed all security forces to remain on high alert.

India has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty (1960) and shut down the Integrated Check Post at Attari with immediate effect. Additionally, Pakistani nationals are no longer permitted to travel to India under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES), and previously issued SVES visas to them are now cancelled. Pakistani nationals in India under this visa scheme must leave the country within 48 hours.

The CCS highlighted the cross-border links of the terror attack, which coincided with Jammu and Kashmir’s peaceful elections and developmental progress. The attack was condemned strongly, and international support has poured in, with many countries expressing solidarity and a zero-tolerance stance on terrorism.

On April 22, 2025, a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, left the nation in shock. Armed militants opened fire on tourists at Baisaran, a scenic meadow, resulting in at least 24 civilian deaths and multiple critical injuries.

The attack, described as one of the worst in recent years, has sparked widespread shock and outrage across India. No group has claimed responsibility yet.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has cut short his Saudi Arabia visit to return to Delhi and address the situation. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah called the incident “much larger than anything we’ve seen directed at civilians in recent years.”

Although Kashmir has experienced a long-running insurgency, attacks specifically targeting tourists are rare, making this tragedy even more alarming.

On April 22, 2025, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) officially announced the final results of the Civil Services Examination 2024. This prestigious exam, known for its rigorous selection process, determines candidates for key administrative positions in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), and other central services.

Highlights of the Results:

• Top Ranker: Shakti Dubey secured the first position.
• Diversity in Selection: Among the successful candidates, 11 women made it to the top 25.
• Muslim Representation: A total of 26 Muslim candidates featured among the toppers.
• Complete List: The full list of successful candidates is available online.

The UPSC Civil Services Examination is widely regarded as one of the toughest exams in India, requiring years of preparation and dedication. The announcement of results marks a significant milestone for aspirants who have worked tirelessly to achieve their dreams of serving the nation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi departed for a two-day official visit to Saudi Arabia on April 22, 2025, aiming to strengthen the growing strategic partnership between the two nations. In his departure statement, he highlighted the importance of India-Saudi Arabia ties, which now encompass defence, trade, investment, energy, and people-to-people connections.

PM Modi emphasized his intent to engage with the Indian diaspora in Saudi Arabia and attend the 2nd Meeting of the Strategic Partnership Council, building on Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s 2023 visit to India.

He is set to arrive in Jeddah, marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the commercial hub in over 40 years. The visit includes a factory tour and interaction with Indian workers.

India’s investments in Saudi Arabia reached around USD 3 billion by August 2023, spanning key sectors like IT, telecom, pharmaceuticals, construction, and consultancy, underlining the countries’ deepening economic cooperation.

The 86th Raising Day of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) was celebrated on April 17, 2025, in Neemuch, Madhya Pradesh, the birthplace of the CRPF. This day marks the establishment of the CRPF, originally formed as the Crown Representative Police on July 27, 1939, and renamed as the CRPF on December 28, 1949, under the leadership of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the chief guest at the event, highlighted the CRPF’s pivotal role in maintaining internal security, combating terrorism, and eradicating Naxalism. He announced that Naxalism, which has been confined to just four districts, will be completely eliminated by March 31, 2026, with the CRPF, especially its elite CoBRA battalion, leading the mission.

The celebrations included a ceremonial parade, mock drills, and skill displays by CRPF personnel, showcasing their preparedness and dedication. Tributes were paid to the fallen heroes who sacrificed their lives for the nation’s unity and integrity.

The CRPF, with over 246 battalions, continues to play a vital role in ensuring peace and security across the country, from counter-terrorism operations in Jammu and Kashmir to maintaining order in the Northeast.

Indian Railways has introduced the first-ever onboard ATM on the Panchvati Express running between Manmad and CSMT, Mumbai, as part of a pilot project. The ATM, installed in an air-conditioned chair car coach, was created by converting a mini pantry space with secure fittings and safety measures.

The initiative, led by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, aims to enhance passenger convenience and explore new sources of non-fare revenue. If successful, similar ATMs may be introduced on other long-distance and high-traffic trains.

The 6th edition of India-Uzbekistan Joint Military Exercise DUSTLIK-6 began on 16 April 2025 at the Foreign Training Node, Aundh, Pune, Maharashtra. The Indian contingent, represented by a JAT Regiment battalion and the Indian Air Force, is participating alongside personnel from the Uzbekistan Army.

This annual bilateral exercise, held alternately in India and Uzbekistan, aims to strengthen defence cooperation and share best practices in Joint Sub-Conventional Operations. The exercise will continue until 28 April 2025.

India’s National Waterways achieved a record cargo traffic of 145.5 million tonnes in the Financial Year 2024-25. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways highlighted a compound annual growth rate of 20.86% in cargo traffic during the last fiscal year. Additionally, traffic movement in FY 2025 showed a 9.34% year-on-year growth compared to FY 2024. Five major commodities—coal, iron ore, iron ore fines, sand, and fly ash—accounted for over 68% of the total cargo transported on National Waterways.

List of Important Waterways in India:

1. National Waterway 1 (NW-1): Ganga-Bhagirathi-Hooghly River System (1620 km) – Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal.
2. National Waterway 2 (NW-2): Brahmaputra River (891 km) – Assam.
3. National Waterway 3 (NW-3): West Coast Canal (205 km) – Kerala.
4. National Waterway 4 (NW-4): Kakinada Canal and Godavari-Krishna River System (1095 km) – Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry.
5. National Waterway 5 (NW-5): Brahmani-Mahanadi Delta Rivers (623 km) – Odisha, West Bengal.

For the first time, India has successfully demonstrated a 30-kilowatt laser-based weapon system, capable of shooting down fixed-wing aircraft, missiles, and swarm drones. With this achievement, India joins an elite group of countries—the US, China, and Russia—that have demonstrated such Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) capabilities.

The Centre for High Energy Systems & Sciences (CHESS), under DRDO, conducted the field demonstration of the land-based, vehicle-mounted Laser Directed Weapon DEW MK-II(A) at Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh.

The system successfully disabled surveillance sensors and caused structural damage to fixed-wing UAVs and swarm drones. DRDO Chairman Dr. Samir V. Kamat called it just the beginning, highlighting ongoing projects in high-energy microwaves, electromagnetic pulses, and other futuristic Star Wars-like defense technologies.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted release trials of the Long-Range Glide Bomb ‘Gaurav’ from a Su-30 MKI aircraft on 12 April 2025.

The Gaurav bomb demonstrated a range close to 100 km with high accuracy during the trials, according to the Defence Ministry.

Gaurav is a 1000-kg class indigenously developed glide bomb, designed by Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), and the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, Odisha.

Senior officials from DRDO and the Indian Air Force (IAF) were present and reviewed the trials.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praised DRDO, IAF, and industry for the successful development, stating that Gaurav will significantly enhance the Armed Forces’ capabilities. DRDO Chairman Dr. Samir V Kamat also congratulated the DRDO team on the successful trials.

Tahawwur Rana, a key conspirator in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, was extradited to India on April 9, 2025. A Canadian national of Pakistani origin, Rana aided David Headley in conducting reconnaissance for the attacks. He will be in NIA custody for 18 days for interrogation.

His extradition, following failed legal appeals in the U.S., marks a major step in India’s pursuit of justice. This move highlights global cooperation against terrorism and may reveal further details about the 2008 attacks that killed 166 people and injured over 238.

On April 9, 2025, India approved the acquisition of 26 Rafale fighter jets from France to strengthen its naval capabilities amid growing Chinese presence in the Indian Ocean. The deal, estimated at ₹630 billion (approx. $7 billion), includes 22 single-seater and 4 twin-seater jets from Dassault Aviation.

Approved by the Cabinet Committee on Security chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the agreement is expected to be signed soon, with France’s defence minister likely to visit India beforehand. This move aligns with India’s goals to modernize its military, reduce dependence on Soviet-origin systems, and bolster defence ties with France, its second-largest arms supplier.

On April 6, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the New Pamban Bridge in Tamil Nadu, India’s first vertical-lift sea bridge, marking a major milestone in the country’s infrastructure and engineering capabilities. Spanning 2.07 km across the Palk Strait, the bridge enhances connectivity between Rameswaram Island and mainland India, replacing the original 1914 structure.

The bridge was built by Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) and offers improved vertical clearance for maritime traffic, as demonstrated by the successful passage of an Indian Coast Guard boat and a train during the event. The project was sanctioned in 2019, is three metres taller than the original, and designed for higher speed, load capacity, and durability.

Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi joined the inauguration. Vaishnaw also marked the BJP’s foundation day by hoisting the party flag. The New Pamban Bridge symbolizes India’s leap in infrastructure, standing alongside global engineering icons like the Golden Gate and Tower Bridge.

On April 5, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was awarded the Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushana, Sri Lanka’s highest civilian honour for foreign Heads of State and Government, by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in Colombo. The award recognizes PM Modi’s significant contributions to strengthening India-Sri Lanka relations and symbolizes deep friendship between the two nations.

PM Modi expressed gratitude, calling it an honour for all 140 crore Indians, and highlighted the shared spiritual and cultural heritage of both countries. The medal’s design features symbols such as the Dharma Chakra and Pun Kalasa, reflecting their Buddhist legacy and prosperity.

This marks Modi’s 22nd international recognition, reinforcing his image as a global statesman. During the visit, both leaders also launched bilateral projects like the Sampur Solar Power Project and signed MoUs in energy, digital transformation, and trilateral cooperation (including the UAE). India’s aid to Sri Lanka now totals around $7 billion, including grants and investments exceeding $2 billion.

On April 4, 2025, the DRDO and Indian Army successfully conducted four flight tests of the Army version of the Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM) from Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Island, Odisha.

The missiles intercepted and destroyed aerial targets at various ranges and altitudes, demonstrating full operational capability. The tests involved targets at long range, short range, high altitude, and low altitude. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated all involved and said the tests re-established the weapon system’s effectiveness.

On April 4, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in the 6th BIMSTEC Summit held in Bangkok, where he unveiled several India-led initiatives focused on institution and capacity building across the region. Key announcements included the setting up of BIMSTEC Centres of Excellence in India for Disaster Management, Sustainable Maritime Transport, Traditional Medicine, and Agriculture Research & Training.

He also launched the BODHI programme (BIMSTEC for Organized Development of Human Resource Infrastructure), aimed at providing training and scholarships to youth, professionals, and researchers. Other initiatives included a pilot study on Digital Public Infrastructure, a cancer care capacity-building programme, and the proposal for an annual BIMSTEC Business Summit in India, alongside the creation of a BIMSTEC Chamber of Commerce.

PM Modi welcomed the signing of the BIMSTEC Maritime Transport Agreement, adoption of the Bangkok Vision 2030, and the BIMSTEC Eminent Persons Group Report. He paid tribute to victims of the recent earthquakes in Myanmar and Thailand, and praised Thailand’s leadership in BIMSTEC.

Additionally, PM Modi visited the Wat Pho Buddhist Temple in Bangkok, highlighting the cultural ties between India and Thailand.

Later the same day, PM Modi arrived in Colombo for a three-day state visit to Sri Lanka at the invitation of President Anura Kumara Dissanayaka. He was received by Sri Lankan ministers at the airport. During his visit, PM Modi will engage in bilateral talks, inaugurate Indian-assisted projects, and visit Anuradhapura, where he will pray at the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi temple and inaugurate railway connectivity projects in the northern region.

The 6th BIMSTEC Summit is set to take place on April 4, 2025, in Bangkok, Thailand. This summit marks a significant milestone as it is the first in-person BIMSTEC meeting since 2018. The theme for this year’s summit is “BIMSTEC – Prosperous, Resilient, and Open”, reflecting the organization’s focus on enhancing regional cooperation in areas such as trade, security, connectivity, and human security.

The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) is a regional organization comprising seven member states: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. Established in 1997, BIMSTEC aims to foster economic and technical collaboration among countries bordering the Bay of Bengal.

During the summit, leaders are expected to adopt the Bangkok Vision 2030, which outlines a roadmap for regional development and cooperation. Key discussions will focus on enhancing maritime transport, completing the India–Myanmar–Thailand Trilateral Highway, and addressing shared challenges such as climate change, terrorism, and poverty.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is attending the summit and will also hold bilateral talks with Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra to strengthen India-Thailand relations. Following the summit, PM Modi is scheduled to visit Sri Lanka to further enhance bilateral ties.

This summit underscores BIMSTEC’s role as a bridge between South Asia and Southeast Asia, promoting regional integration and collaboration across various sectors. It is a pivotal moment for the member states to reaffirm their commitment to a prosperous and resilient Bay of Bengal region.

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has raised toll charges by 4-5% as part of its annual inflation adjustment based on the wholesale price index. The additional revenue will support highway maintenance and expansion projects.

Key toll hikes include:

• Delhi-Meerut Expressway: Toll for cars from Sarai Kale Khan to Meerut increased from ₹165 to ₹170, and from Ghaziabad to Meerut from ₹70 to ₹75.
• Chhijarsi toll plaza (NH-9): Car tolls rose from ₹170 to ₹175, light commercial vehicles to ₹280, and trucks to ₹590.
• Lucknow Highways: Light vehicles will pay ₹5-10 more per trip, while heavy vehicles will pay ₹20-25 extra.
• Delhi-Jaipur Highway (Kherki Daula toll plaza): No hike for private cars and jeeps, but larger vehicles face a ₹5 increase per trip.
• Monthly passes: For cars, it increased from ₹930 to ₹950, and for cabs, from ₹1,225 to ₹1,255.

India has 855 toll plazas, with 675 government-funded and 180 privately operated.

Chilean President Gabriel Boric Font is on a state visit to India from April 1 to April 5, 2025, marking 76 years of diplomatic relations between the two nations. President Droupadi Murmu welcomed him at Rashtrapati Bhavan and hosted a banquet in his honor.

During his visit, President Boric is engaging in New Delhi, Agra, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. He held discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on minerals, energy, defense, agriculture, and space cooperation. Both leaders agreed to initiate talks for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement.

The visit also highlights cultural and educational exchanges, including student programs and Chile’s growing interest in Yoga and Ayurveda. President Boric emphasized Chile’s commitment to strengthening ties with India, recognizing its global geopolitical significance.

This visit reinforces India-Chile cooperation in trade, innovation, and culture, reflecting a shared vision for a prosperous future.

Exercise Tiger Triumph 2025, the fourth edition of the India-US bilateral Tri-Service Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) Exercise, began in Visakhapatnam on April 1, 2025. The Harbour Phase will run from April 1 to April 7, including an Opening Ceremony with a joint Flag Parade on INS Jalashwa. The exercise will conclude on April 13 with a Closing Ceremony on the US Navy Ship Comstock.

Following the Harbour Phase, participants will proceed to the Sea Phase off Kakinada for Maritime, Amphibious, and HADR operations. The exercise aims to enhance interoperability and establish Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for a Combined Coordination Center (CCC) to facilitate cooperation between the Indian and US Joint Task Forces (JTF) during emergencies.

India will be represented by INS Jalashwa, Gharial, Mumbai, and Shakti, along with P8I Maritime Patrol Aircraft, Army troops from 91 Inf Brigade and 12 Mech Infantry Battalion, Air Force C-130 Aircraft, MI-17 Helicopters, and the Rapid Action Medical Team (RAMT). The US will participate with US Navy Ships Comstock and Ralph Johnson and troops from the US Marine Division.