27 April Newspaper Notes

Sun Apr 27, 2025

Jai Hind Warriors!

For the past week or so, J&K has been in the headlines. The same trend continues. Let's filter important developments and continue with our preparation.


1. 1,000 ‘Illegal’ Bangladeshi Immigrants Detained in Gujarat Crackdown

Background

  • More than 1,000 Bangladeshi immigrants, including women and children, were detained in Ahmedabad and Surat.
  • Gujarat Minister of State for Home, Harsh Sanghavi, stated this was the biggest operation of its kind by Gujarat police.
  • 890 people were detained in Ahmedabad and 134 in Surat.

The Situation Now

  • Fake documents obtained from West Bengal were used by many detainees to settle across India.
  • Authorities suspect links of some immigrants to drug cartels and human trafficking.
  • Investigations into their background and activities are underway.

Way Forward

  • The government plans to deport the detainees swiftly.
  • Warnings have been issued to residents sheltering illegal immigrants about potential legal actions.
  • "Illegal immigrants must surrender voluntarily," advised Minister Sanghavi to avoid harsher penalties.



2. All-Weather Roads Connect Remote Block Along LoC in J&K for First Time 

Background

  • Khwas, a remote block near the Line of Control (LoC) in Rajouri district of J&K, was previously one of the most disconnected areas.
  • Due to lack of road and Internet connectivity, the area faced poverty and terrorism.
  • Khwas recorded zero terrorism incidents in the past one year.
The Situation Now
  • Four Panchayats of Khwas are now connected by all-weather roads under the Aspirational Block Programme.
  • 4G Internet towers installation has begun under BSNL’s 4G Saturation Scheme.
  • Communication gaps reduced significantly; schemes and services are reaching villagers effectively.
Way Forward
  • Government focuses on enhancing connectivity to reduce alienation in tribal areas.
  • Plans include migration control, preventing communities from seasonal migration.
  • Authorities aim for long-term security and development through road, education, and tech access.


3. Sarvam AI Becomes First Company to Get Government Aid for AI Model

Background

  • Bengaluru-based Sarvam AI is the first company to receive aid to build an indigenous Large Language Model (LLM) under IndiaAI Mission.
  • Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced this while unveiling the Electronics Component Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS).
The Situation Now
  • Sarvam AI, founded in mid-2023, will access a pool of 14,000 GPUs for six months.
  • The model aims to be fluent in Indian languages, focused on secure, scalable deployment.
  • 350 datasets have been uploaded to AI Kosh for training.
Way Forward
  • The government is developing additional AI resources under the India AI Safety Institute.
  • Focus on AI models that support voice, reasoning, and deployment in critical sectors like governance and security.


4. Pakistan’s Targeting of Simla Pact: Reasons and Implications 

Background

  • After India suspended parts of the Indus Waters Treaty post Pahalgam terror attacks, Pakistan threatened to put the 1972 Simla Agreement and other treaties "in abeyance."
  • The Simla Agreement established key frameworks for peaceful bilateral resolutions between India and Pakistan.
The Situation Now
  • Pakistan has violated Simla terms repeatedly by funding terror groups and sending troops across the LoC.
  • It threatens to jeopardize existing treaties like the Nehru-Liaquat pact and religious pilgrim protocols.
Way Forward
  • Analysts suggest if Pakistan disowns Simla, India may also disregard the LoC and push for stronger claims on Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
  • Regional stability may be impacted; neighboring countries like China, Nepal, Bhutan are closely watching developments.


5. Kailash Mansarovar Yatra to Restart by June End After Six Years 

Background

  • The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, which started in 1981, was suspended in 2020 due to COVID-19 and tensions following the Galwan clash.
  • It connects Indian pilgrims to Tibet under a bilateral agreement with China.
The Situation Now
  • The first batch of around 750 pilgrims is expected to depart June 30, 2025.
  • Discussions for resuming direct flights, visa exchanges, and media linkages are underway between India and China.
Way Forward
  • Pilgrimage resumption signifies thawing relations between India and China.
  • Future steps include broader bilateral confidence-building measures and border management discussions to stabilize ties.
Relevant Image Prompt:
A majestic shot of Mount Kailash with a group of pilgrims trekking in the foreground, carrying prayer flags and wearing winter gear.

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Minor Updates

1. UNSC Condemns Pahalgam Attack 

The UN Security Council condemned the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, urging that the sponsors be brought to justice. China and Pakistan also joined in condemning the attack. 

2. Houses Razed After J&K Attack 

Following the Pahalgam terror attack, at least five more houses of alleged active militants were razed in Jammu and Kashmir. Skirmishes continued, and many residences of supporters were raided. 

3. TRF Denies Pahalgam Attack Role 

The Resistance Front (TRF), linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba, denied any involvement in the Pahalgam terror attack. They termed a previous online claim of responsibility a breach and a campaign to malign Kashmiri resistance. Police have not confirmed TRF's statement.

Shashank Rai

AIR 19 CDS 1 2018
AIR 118 CDS 2 2017
MA (Psychology)

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