15 April 2025 Current Affairs

  Deployment Of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) In Bengal.  

Introduction:

Violent protests over the Waqf (Amendment) Act in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district on April 12, 2025, led to the deaths of three people and injuries to several others. The situation prompted the deployment of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) and intensified political responses. Tensions remain high as both state and central leaders react to the developments.

Key Points:

1. Security Measures & Arrests:

Seventeen CAPF companies, including nine BSF units, were deployed in Murshidabad following the violence. Over 150 people were arrested, and one person with a bullet injury was hospitalized. Eighteen police personnel were also injured.

2. Government Response:

DGP Rajeev Kumar stated that the situation is under control. An all-party meeting was called by Congress leaders Isha Khan Chowdhury and Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury. Senior officers have been deployed to monitor the area.

3. BJP Demands & Allegations:

BJP MP Jyotirmoy Singh Mahato urged the Centre to declare four bordering districts as “disturbed areas” under AFSPA. BJP leaders alleged the involvement of radical outfits like PFI and SIMI and claimed displacement of Hindus from Dhulian.

4. TMC Counterclaims:

Trinamool Congress accused BJP of spreading fake images from unrelated incidents to incite communal tensions. Leaders like Kunal Ghosh pointed out misattributed visuals from Lucknow and Jalandhar.

5. Government Stand on Law & Order:

TMC’s Sagarika Ghose emphasized that the state government will deal strictly with any attempts to disturb peace, regardless of religious or political affiliation.

Russian Drone Strike Indian Pharmaceutical Company

Introduction:

A Russian drone strike reportedly hit a warehouse belonging to Indian pharmaceutical company Kusum Healthcare in Kyiv, Ukraine. The Ukrainian embassy accused Russia of deliberately targeting Indian businesses, raising diplomatic concerns. The incident occurred amid ongoing hostilities and accusations of violating ceasefire agreements.

Key Points:

1. Strike on Indian Business in Ukraine:

A warehouse owned by Kusum Healthcare, an Indian pharma company, was destroyed in a Russian drone strike in Kyiv. The facility housed medicines for children and the elderly.

2. Ukraine Alleges Targeted Attack:

Ukraine’s embassy in India claimed the strike was deliberate, criticizing Moscow for targeting Indian assets while maintaining a “special friendship” with India.

3. British Ambassador's Confirmation:

UK’s envoy to Ukraine, Martin Harris, confirmed the warehouse was destroyed by Russian drones and condemned the strike as part of Russia’s continued attacks on Ukrainian civilians.

4. Russia's Allegations Against Ukraine:

Prior to the incident, Russia accused Ukraine of launching five strikes on Russian energy infrastructure, violating a reported US-mediated ceasefire understanding.

5. India’s Stance:

India reiterated its neutral position, urging both nations to cease violence and engage in peaceful dialogue, while refraining from directly criticizing either side.

  U.S. National Security Advisor (NSA) Postponed Visit To India  

Introduction:

U.S. National Security Advisor (NSA) Michael Waltz has postponed his scheduled visit to India amidst growing controversy over alleged communication security breaches within the U.S. National Security Council. The visit, originally planned for April 21–23, was to include key meetings and participation in the U.S.-India Forum.

Key Points:

1. Waltz’s Visit Postponed:

Michael Waltz postponed his India visit, which included meetings with PM Modi, NSA Ajit Doval, and EAM S. Jaishankar, along with participation in the U.S.-India Forum and a TRUST mechanism meeting.

2. Communication Breach Controversy:

Waltz is under scrutiny for a security breach dubbed “Signalgate,” where he mistakenly added a journalist to a Signal chat discussing real-time military operations, raising serious concerns about information handling.

3. Use of Insecure Channels:

Reports revealed Waltz’s continued use of Signal and personal Gmail accounts for sensitive discussions on foreign policy issues involving Yemen, Ukraine, China, and Gaza, sparking criticism despite White House support.

4. Possible Rescheduling & Replacements:

Waltz may reschedule his India visit to align with the Indus-X defence innovation summit. Meanwhile, U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, already visiting India privately, may fill Waltz’s slot at the U.S.-India Forum.

5. India Engagements Continue:

VP J.D. Vance, accompanied by his family, is set to visit both North India and Andhra Pradesh, with a meeting planned with PM Modi on April 21 before the Prime Minister departs for Saudi Arabia.

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