Month: April 2025

In a major success for the country, India today joined the select League of Nations, including the US, China and Russia, with the capability of shooting down fixed-wing drones and swarm drones using a high-energy 30-kilowatt laser beam.

The successful trial of the Mk-II(A) Laser- Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) system was showcased at the National Open Air Range (NOAR), Kurnool, mastering the technology of disabling missiles, drones and smaller projectiles, Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) officials told ANI here.

Success has put India in the exclusive and limited club of nations that possess the high-power Laser-DEW.

Speaking with ANI, DRDO Chairman Samir V Kamat said, “As far as I know, it is the United States, Russia and China that have demonstrated this capability. Israel is also working on similar capabilities, I would say we are the fourth or fifth country in the world to demonstrate this system.”

Kamat said that this is just the “beginning of the journey”, adding that DRDO is working on a number of technologies “that will give us Star Wars capability.”

“This is just the beginning of the journey. The synergy that this lab has achieved with other DRDO labs, industry and academia, I am sure we will reach our destination soon… We are also working on other high energy systems like high energy microwaves, electromagnetic pulse. So we are working on a number of technologies that will give us Star Wars capability. What you saw today was one of the components of Star Wars technologies,” Kamat said.

Indigenously designed and developed Mk-II(A) DEW system was demonstrated in its entire spectrum of capability by engaging the fixed-wing drones at long range, thwarting a multiple drone attack and destroying enemy surveillance sensors and antennae.

The lightning speed of engagement, the precision and the lethality delivered to the target within few seconds made it the most potent Counter Drone System.

DRDO’s Centre for High Energy Systems and Sciences (CHESS), Hyderabad, developed the system along with LRDE, IRDE, DLRL and academic institutions and Indian industries.

Once detected by a radar or by its inbuilt Electro Optic (EO) system, laser-DEW can engage targets at the speed of light and use an intense beam of powerful light (Laser Beam) to cut through the target, leading to structural failure or more impactful results if the warhead is targeted. This type of cutting-edge weaponry has the potential to revolutionize the battlespace by reducing the reliance on expensive ammunition while also lowering the risk of collateral damage.

The proliferation of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and the emergence of drone swarms as asymmetric threats are driving the demand for directed energy weapons with counter-UAS and counter-swarm capabilities. The DEW will soon be replacing traditional kinetic weapons and missile defence systems due to its ease of operation and cost-effectiveness. The requirement for cost-effective defence solutions to offset the low-cost drone attacks is driving the adoption of DEWs by military organisations worldwide. The cost of firing it for a few seconds is equivalent to the cost of a couple of litres of petrol. Therefore, it has the potential to be a long-term & low-cost alternative to defeat the target.

Today’s demonstration of the DEW System was witnessed by Secretary DDR&D and Chairman, DRDO. He congratulated the DRDO team and said that the inclusion of DEW Mk-II(A) in the services will boost their layered air defense capability. The Director General (ECS), along with the Directors and officers of DRDO Labs, were also present during the trial. (ANI)

Union Minister of State (MoS) Home Nityanand Rai on Sunday hit out at Congress for “insulting” Babasaheb Ambedkar. He said that Dr Ambedkar was “insulted” so much that he had to resign from Jawaharlal Nehru’s cabinet.

On the eve of Ambedkar Jayanti, he said Prime Minister Narendra Modi was working to fulfil Dr Ambedkar’s dreams to ensure no one stays hungry or homeless. Rai added that 125 crore people have come out of poverty.

“BR Ambedkar, who is the father of India’s Constitution…he wanted a poverty-free country…PM Modi is working to fulfil BR Ambedkar’s dreams. Congress always insulted BR Ambedkar and defeated him in the election; he was insulted so much that he had to resign from Nehru’s cabinet…today, under PM Modi’s leadership, we are working day and night to ensure that no one stays hungry and homeless, we can see the results of it. In India, 125 crore people have come out of poverty,” Rai told ANI.

Earlier in the day, Union Labour Minister Mansukh Laxmanbhai Mandaviya paid tributes to Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar in Patna and commenced the ‘Jai Bhim Padayatra’ program.

Bihar Deputy Chief Ministers Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Sinha were also present at the event to pay homage to Babasaheb Ambedkar and Bharat Mata. Dilip Jaiswal, Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) state unit president, and BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad also paid tributes to the architect of the Indian constitution and participated in the Padayatra event.

The program comes a day ahead of Ambedkar Jayanti, which is scheduled to be celebrated on April 14 across the country.

Mandaviya, while addressing the ‘Jai Bhim Padayatra’ program on Sunday, said that the youths were the future of the country and further urged them to respect the constitution and fulfil the goal of Viksit Bharat by 2047.

“Youth is the future of the country. Dr BR Ambedkar wrote the constitution and, through it, gave equal rights to the people of the country. The youth must move forward with these rights, respect the constitution and fulfil the goal of Viksit Bharat…” Mandaviya said, addressing the event.

The event commemorates the birth anniversary of Dr BR Ambedkar. ‘Jai Bhim Padayatra’ honours his legacy and 10,000 MY Bharat Youth Volunteers.

“PM Modi has resolved to establish Viksit Bharat in 2047 when the country completes 100 years of independence. This padayatra has been organized so that crores of youth become a part of this resolve,” added Mandaviya. (ANI)

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) president and actor Vijay has filed a petition in the Supreme Court challenging the Waqf (Amendment) Act 2025.

Several petitions were filed in the apex court challenging the Act, contending that it was discriminatory towards the Muslim community and violated their fundamental rights.

The Rajya Sabha passed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, on April 4 with 128 votes in favour and 95 against. The Lok Sabha had earlier cleared the Bill following a lengthy debate, with 288 members voting in favour and 232 opposing it.

President Droupadi Murmu gave her assent to the Bill on April 5, making it a law.

Among those who have moved the court against the Waqf (Amendment) Act are All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) MP Asaduddin Owaisi, Congress MPs Mohammad Jawed and Imran Pratapgarhi, AAP MLA Amanatullah Khan, and Azad Samaj Party chief and MP Chandra Shekhar Azad.

Others include Samajwadi Party MP from Sambhal Zia Ur Rehman Barq; Maulana Arshad Madani, President of Jamiat Ulema-i-Hind; the Kerala-based Sunni scholars’ body Samastha Kerala Jamiatul Ulema; the Social Democratic Party of India; the Indian Union Muslim League; and the NGO Association for Protection of Civil Rights.

The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has also challenged the Act, saying it strongly objected to the amendments passed by Parliament for being “arbitrary, discriminatory and based on exclusion”.

Rajya Sabha MPs Manoj Jha and Faiyaz Ahmad from Bihar’s Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) have also challenged the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, arguing that it facilitates large-scale government interference in Muslim religious endowments. RJD MLA from Bihar Muhammad Izhar Asfi also challenged the Act.

Tamil Nadu’s ruling party DMK has also joined the legal challenge. Its MP A Raja, who was a member of the Joint Parliamentary Committee on the Waqf Bill, has approached the apex court.

Intervention applications have been filed in the Supreme Court in support of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, stating that the amendments are in consonance with the scheme of the Constitution of India, and that there is no violation of any right of any member of the Muslim community.

The Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, seeks to focus on improving the management of waqf properties, empowering relevant stakeholders, improving the efficiency of survey, registration, and case disposal processes, and developing waqf properties. (ANI)

A Russian missile strike on the northeastern Ukrainian city of Sumy has resulted in the deadliest attack of the year, leaving at least 21 people dead, CNN reported, citing local authorities.

The assault occurred as residents were attending Sunday church services.

Ukraine’s Interior Minister reported that at least 83 individuals were injured in the attack, including seven children, marking it as the most severe attack on Ukrainian civilians since 2023.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the strike and expressed his condolences.

In a post on X, Zelenskyy wrote, “A horrific Russian ballistic missile strike on Sumy. Russian missiles hit an ordinary city street, ordinary life – residential buildings, educational institutions, cars on the street… And that’s on the day when people go to church – Palm Sunday, the feast of the Lord’s Entry into Jerusalem. According to preliminary information, dozens of civilians were killed and wounded. Only filthy scum can act like this – taking the lives of ordinary people. My condolences to the families and loved ones. A rescue operation is underway. All necessary services are working at the scene.”

The post further reads, “The world must respond firmly. The United States, Europe, everyone in the world who wants this war and these killings to end. Russia wants exactly this kind of terror and is dragging this war out. Without pressure on Russia, peace is impossible. Talks have never stopped ballistic missiles and aerial bombs. What’s needed is an attitude toward Russia that a terrorist deserves. I thank everyone who stands with Ukraine and helps us defend life.”

https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/1911340183800205684

Meanwhile, Minister of Foreign Affairs Andrii Sybiha said that Russia has rejected a US-backed proposal for a complete ceasefire for the second consecutive month.

https://twitter.com/andrii_sybiha/status/1911339009776693276

In a post on X, Sybiha wrote, “Just now, in the morning of Palm Sunday, when believers go to church to celebrate the Lord’s entry into Jerusalem, Russia launched a horrific attack on the residential area of Sumy city. Many civilians have been killed and injured. Launching such an attack on a major Christian holiday is absolute evil.”

“For the second month in a row, Russia has refused to accept the US proposal for a full ceasefire, which Ukraine unconditionally accepted on March 11. Instead, Russia ramps up its terror. We urge partners to provide Ukraine with additional air defence capabilities and increase pressure on Moscow. Strength is the only language they can understand and the only way to put an end to the horrific terror,” the post added. (ANI)

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Sunday launched a scathing attack against Congress leader and Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the state assembly Pratap Singh Bajwa over “50 bombs” remark, saying that strict action will be taken if his statement’s purpose was to spread “terror”. 

He asked the top Congress leadership to clarify the issue of whether they were involved with the enemies of the country. Police, he added, have been instructed to meet Bajwa to ask him to point out places where the bombs have been planted.

“If you have given such a statement to spread terror in Punjab, it is a serious crime, and strict action will be taken. Congress leaders should come out and clarify whether they are involved with enemies of the country. I have given instructions to the police to go and meet Bajwa and ask him to point out the places where bombs have been planted,” Mann said in a video message.

Intensifying his attack, the Punjab CM asked LoP Bajwa about the connections he shared with Pakistan, given the nature of the information he had about the presence of bombs in the state.

“If Partap Singh Bajwa Bajwa, the LoP, gave the details about 50 bombs have reached Punjab, 18 of them have exploded, and 32 bombs are yet to go off. How did you get this information? What connection do you have with Pakistan that the terrorists there are directly calling you and telling how many bombs they have sent? What is your source?” Mann asked.

The Punjab CM said that the information provided by Bajwa wasn’t from the state government’s intelligence nor from the central government.

“This information is neither with the intelligence nor has it come from the central government. This means that you (Bajwa) have connections with Pakistan. If such information has come to such a big leader, it was his responsibility to tell the Punjab police that there are bombs here. Was he waiting for the bombs to explode and for people to die so that his politics could continue?” Mann added.

Bajwa has come under fire for his remarks, where he said that 50 bombs have reached Punjab and 18 of them have already exploded while the 32 bombs are yet to go off. (ANI)

Financial advisory firm Prabhudas Lilladher asserted that US tariff war with China is of significant strategic imperative and is unlikely to wane off soon, even if the US enters into bilateral trade agreements with various countries.

According to the financial advisory firm, the current tariff stand-off will impact supply chains, global growth and money flow through first half of 2026 which could shave off 0.5 per cent from global GDP and result in increased volatility in commodities and currencies.

“Prolonged tariff wars, decline in global trade and lower spending by US corporates can hamper growth in IT services which can partly negate gains from cheaper crude oil prices. Higher quantum of dumping by China and other SE Asian nations can add to domestic woes,” it said in a report.

US President Donald Trump paused the reciprocal tariffs for 90 days on dozens of countries that have engaged in negotiations with the US administration for a trade deal. However, the high reciprocal tariffs levied on China will continue.

Since assuming office for his second term, President Trump has reiterated his stance on tariff reciprocity, emphasising that the United States will match tariffs imposed by other countries, including India, to ensure fair trade.

About India, Prabhudas Lilladher said that domestic demand remains impacted as the benefit of the significant decline in food inflation is yet to be reflected in consumer sentiment and spending.

RBI has undertaken 50 basis points repo rate cuts (25 basis points each), and more cuts are likely to follow, Prabhudas Lilladher said.

RBI has also lowered GDP growth estimates for 2025-26 by 20 basis points.

“While normal monsoons cooled off inflation, govt capex and likely benefits of Rs 1000 billion tax cuts are positive, outlook looks extremely hazy on global cues,” it asserted.

Nifty has shown a decline of 3.8 per cent by far in 2025 amidst slow domestic demand. FII selling and tariff wars have added to the chaos.

“We consider reciprocal tariffs as an attempt by the US to reignite the dead engine of its domestic manufacturing. However, not only has the US balance sheet weakened with huge trade deficit, a fiscal deficit of USD 1.2 trillion and a total debt of USD 36 trillion but it has become strategically vulnerable to China. Recent Chinese success in Deepseek AI, Digital Rambi and its global reach with BRI initiatives have shaken the US dominance,” Prabhudas Lilladher opined. (ANI)

In response to a formal request from the Government of Myanmar, a specialist team of Indian Army Engineers arrived in the country on 6 April 2025 under Operation Brahma, further reaffirming India’s ongoing commitment to regional support and humanitarian relief.

According to the Indian Army, the Engineer Recce Team–led by the unit’s Commanding Officer and comprising one officer and five personnel–has been deployed to assess earthquake-affected infrastructure in the Mandalay and Naypyitaw regions.

The deployment marks a crucial phase in India’s continued efforts to support Myanmar following the deadly 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck the nation on 28 March. The team has been conducting a comprehensive assessment of damaged structures and facilities, providing critical technical input to guide ongoing relief and reconstruction measures.

Operation Brahma has been India’s dedicated humanitarian outreach to Myanmar in the wake of the disaster. As part of this initiative, India has also extended aid to the Indian diaspora in the Yangon region.

The Embassy of India in Myanmar stated that Ambassador Abhay Thakur handed over 15 tonnes of rice, cooking oil, and foodstuff to a local community relief group. The Consulate General of India in Mandalay similarly contributed by providing a generator set, water purifier, and cooking oil to the Ambika temple kitchen, which is currently serving meals to 4,000 people daily.

“Giving a helping hand to our diaspora. This week, Ambassador Abhay Thakur handed over 15 T rice, cooking oil & foodstuff to the community Relief Group in Yangon, and the Consulate General of India in Mandalay gave a genset, water purifier & cooking oil for Ambika temple kitchen serving 4000 pax daily,” the embassy said on X.

In Mandalay, India has also set up a Field Hospital to treat the injured. As of 9 April, the Indian Army reported that a total of 1,651 patients had been treated at the facility, including 281 on that day alone. Medical teams have performed seven major surgeries and 38 minor procedures. India also delivered 442 tonnes of food aid last Friday, part of a cumulative 625 metric tonnes of humanitarian supplies sent under Operation Brahma.

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), comprising 80 personnel and four specially trained canine units, has also been deployed to support rescue operations on the ground.

According to Myanmar’s State Administration Council, the earthquake has claimed 3,645 lives, injured 5,017 people, and left 148 missing. With damage spread across six regions–including the capital–and critical infrastructure disrupted, the situation remains dire.

The disaster has compounded an already severe humanitarian crisis from the ongoing civil war, which has displaced over three million people and left nearly 20 million in need of aid, according to UN figures cited by Al Jazeera. (ANI)

West Bengal Police have arrested a total of 150 individuals in connection with the recent violence in the Murshidabad district, which was sparked by protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act.

Adequate police forces have been deployed in Samserganj, Dhuliyan, and other affected areas to maintain order, according to a statement by the police.

On Saturday, a special bench of the Calcutta High Court ordered the deployment of central forces “immediately” in Murshidabad in the wake of widespread violence in the district during the protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act that resulted in three deaths so far.

Advocate Anish Mukherjee, representing West Bengal Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, filed a PIL seeking deployment of central forces and an NIA probe. He said, “For several days now, we have been witnessing widespread violence throughout the state of West Bengal, particularly in the Murshidabad district.”

The high court also instructed both the Mamata government and the Centre to submit detailed reports on the situation. The matter is scheduled for further hearing on April 17.

Security was also heightened in Jangipur following violent protests that damaged public property. According to a police official, the demonstrations were in response to the Waqf (Amendment) Act, but the situation has now stabilised.

On Friday, West Bengal governor CV Ananda Bose directed the Mamata Banerjee-led State government to take strict action against the miscreants responsible for disturbances in several areas of the state, including Amtala, Suti, Dhuliyan, and other places in Murshidabad and North 24 Parganas.

Similarly, a Muslim organisation in Siliguri protested against the Waqf (Amendment) Act. A protester urged the central government to repeal the Act. Earlier, Students from Aliah University on Friday staged a protest against the Waqf (Amendment) Act in Kolkata.

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill was tabled in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha on April 2 and 3, respectively.

It was passed in both Houses and later received the President’s assent, after which it became a law. On April 5, President Droupadi Murmu gave her assent to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025.

While the Opposition has been protesting against the Waqf Act, the BJP has launched a ‘Waqf Reforms Awareness Campaign’, which will run from April 20 to May 5. The initiative will tell the benefits of the Waqf Act to the Muslim community. (ANI)

A new portrait of President Donald Trump was swapped with that of former President Barack Obama in the hallway of the White House on Friday (local time).

The painting depicts Trump moments after a bullet grazed his ear during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, last July. Trump is shown defiantly raising his fist in the air with blood splattered across his face and the American flag in the background.

Special Assistant to the President and White House Principal Deputy Press Secretary Harrison Fields clarified in a post on X that “Obama remains in the Entrance Hall of the White House State Floor.”

Obama remains in the Entrance Hall of the White House State Floor. pic.twitter.com/lOLv7371Cd

— Harrison Fields (@HFields47) April 11, 2025

The portrait is displayed in the Grand Foyer of the East Wing, while former President Barack Obama’s portrait has been relocated to the Entrance Hall of the White House State Floor.

Fields’ post shows that the Obama painting is still hanging in a prime spot, overlooking former President Franklin D Roosevelt’s Steinway grand piano, as reported by the New York Post.

As per the New York Post, the new painting–which appears to be an artistic interpretation of one of the iconic images captured by New York Times photographer Doug Mills in Butler, Pa., last July–is hanging in a prominent spot in the Grand Foyer of the East Wing of the White House, social media posts from the White House and White House officials show.

Some new artwork at the White House 👀 pic.twitter.com/l6u5u7k82T

— The White House (@WhiteHouse) April 11, 2025

The artwork depicts Trump, with blood splattered across his face and the American flag in the background, defiantly raising his fist in the air as Secret Service agents attempt to shield and rush him off stage.

The artist behind the painting is Marc Lipp, and Andrew Pollack gifted the piece to the White House, a White House official told The Post.

Pollack is an author and school safety advocate whose 18-year-old daughter, Meadow, was among the 17 students killed in the 2018 mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida.

Trump has added his personal touch all over the West Wing since taking office in January, as per NYP.

The President has added ornate, gold flourishes to the furniture, fireplace and walls of the Oval Office, reminiscent of the decor at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida.

Trump has also lined the West Wing with the front pages of The Post that chronicle his stunning political comeback.

Some social media users have criticized the move, calling it “dictator energy” and questioning Trump’s priorities. Typically, paintings of presidents and first ladies are hung in the White House after they have left office. (ANI)

BJP leader and West Bengal Assembly’s Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari claimed on Sunday that more than 400 Hindus have been “forced to flee” their houses, claiming that the people are facing religious persecution following central security forces being deployed in Murshidabad, after violence erupted in the area,

He blamed Trinamool Congress for their alleged “appeasement politics” which has “emboldened radical elements.”

“More than 400 Hindus from Dhulian, Murshidabad driven by fear of religiously driven bigots were forced to flee across the river & take shelter at Par Lalpur High School, Deonapur-Sovapur GP, Baisnabnagar, Malda,” Adhikari wrote in a post on X.

Adhikari also shared pictures and videos of the people being interviewed. One person in the video shared by Adhikari claimed that his house had been burnt down, and that the police officials did not do anything to help, simply fled the scene.

He further urged the Border Security Force deployed in the area, along with district and state police to ensure the safe return of the people.

“I urge the Central Paramilitary Forces deployed in the District, the State Police and the district administration to ensure the safe return of these displaced Hindus & protect their lives from this jihadist terror. Bengal is burning. The social fabric is torn. Enough is enough,” his post read.

Attacking the TMC for their appeasement politics, he added, “Religious persecution in Bengal is real. Appeasement politics of TMC has emboldened radical elements. Hindus are being hunted, our people are running for their lives in their own land! Shame on the State Govt for allowing this breakdown of law & order.”

The Border Security Force had deployed five companies to assist the state police operations in wake of violence erupting during Waqf protests in the area.

Speaking to media reporters, IG South Bengal Frontier Karni Singh Shekhawat said, “We have to work along with them in this situation. The discussions were held on this only. We have sent our five companies to help the police. We are here to help the police, not for independent action. We will act according to the demands of the state police. We hope that peace will be restored here soon.” The BSF companies had arrived after Calcutta high Court had ordered the immediate deployment of central forces in the area.

The high court also instructed both the Mamata government and the Centre to submit detailed reports on the situation. The matter is scheduled for further hearing on April 17.

Three people were killed on Friday night in Murshidabad in the aftermath of mob violence against the Waqf (Amendment) Act in the district, West Bengal Police said. Several vehicles were also torched, and as per police, the situation is now under control. (ANI)