INTERNATIONAL NEWS

US Supreme Court Blocks Trump's Use of 1798 Alien Enemies Act for Deportations

• The US Supreme Court has temporarily halted the Trump administration's plan to use the 1798 Alien Enemies Act to deport Venezuelan migrants.

• The law, which hasn’t been used since World War II, would have allowed deportations without court hearings.

• The Trump administration aimed to revive the statute in an effort to expedite the removal of migrants.

• The Court’s ruling puts a temporary pause on deportations under this law while the issue is further examined.

• Justice Samuel Alito voiced dissent, arguing that the Court acted inappropriately by not allowing both sides to be heard before making a decision.

• Democratic leaders and civil rights groups have criticized Trump’s actions, claiming that he is overstepping his authority and bypassing legal protections for migrants.

• The decision underscores the ongoing legal battle over immigration policies and presidential powers.

• The case raises important questions about the balance of executive power and the rights of individuals facing deportation.

Bangladesh Requests Interpol Red Notice for 12 Individuals, Including Sheikh Hasina

• Bangladesh’s National Central Bureau has formally requested Interpol to issue a Red Notice for 12 individuals, including former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

• The request also includes former transport minister Obaidul Quader and ex-home minister Asaduzzaman Khan.

• Enamul Haque Sagor, Assistant Inspector General of Media at Bangladesh Police Headquarters, confirmed that such requests are typically made following appeals from courts, prosecutors, or investigative agencies.

• The Red Notice request is currently being processed by Interpol.

• In November 2024, the Chief Prosecutor’s Office of the International Crimes Tribunal in Dhaka submitted an official request to Interpol, seeking assistance in capturing the individuals, who are considered fugitives.

• A Red Notice is a global request for law enforcement agencies to locate and detain a person pending extradition or other legal actions. However, it is not an international arrest warrant.

• While member countries receive the Red Notice, they decide independently whether to arrest the individual based on their national laws.

• Most Red Notices are used solely by law enforcement agencies, limiting broader access.

NATIONAL NEWS

Prime Minister Presents Awards of Excellence at the 17th Civil Services Day

• On April 21, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation’s public servants during the 17th Civil Services Day event.

• Civil Services Day is celebrated annually on April 21 to honor the contributions of civil servants and their role in public service.

• During the event, the Prime Minister's Awards for Excellence in Public Administration were presented to recognize outstanding performance in implementing priority programs and fostering innovation across districts and government organizations.

• The Prime Minister’s Awards, introduced in 2006, aim to acknowledge exceptional work for the welfare of the common people.

• For the 2024 awards, three priority categories were identified: Holistic Development of Districts, the Aspirational Blocks Programme, and Innovation.

• After a thorough evaluation process, 14 awardees were selected from a pool of 1,588 nominations for their innovative and impactful work.

• The awards include a trophy, a scroll, and a financial incentive of Rs. 20 lakh for the awarded district or organization.

• Additionally, PM Modi released e-books detailing the success stories of Holistic Development and Innovations, showcasing the effective implementation of these priority programs.

STATE NEWS

Two Cheetahs Released in Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary by Madhya Pradesh CM

• On April 20, 2025, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav released two cheetahs, named Prabash and Paavak, into the Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary in Mandsaur.

• During the release, the Chief Minister highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of transforming Madhya Pradesh from a Tiger State to a Cheetah State.

• These two male cheetahs, aged six, are part of a group brought to India from South Africa in February 2023 and were initially housed in Kuno National Park.

• The cheetahs will have a 64-sq. km territory within the Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary, located between the Mandsaur and Neemuch districts, with the Chambal River dividing the area.

• The introduction of cheetahs to Kuno National Park in September 2022 marked a significant step in efforts to restore the species to India.

• Plans are in place to relocate additional cheetahs to the region, with four more scheduled to be moved from Botswana to Gandhi Sagar in May, followed by another four in the second phase.

• With the release of Prabash and Paavak, the total number of cheetahs in Kuno now stands at 24 — 14 in the wild and 10 in enclosures.

• This effort aims to not only increase the cheetah population in India but also ensure the species’ long-term preservation in the country.

SUMMIT AND CONFERENCE

India’s Participation in GITEX Africa 2025: Showcasing Digital Innovation and Growth

• India actively participated in GITEX Africa 2025, the largest technology and startup event on the continent, held in Marrakesh, Morocco.

• The event attracted global policymakers, innovators, and leaders, focusing on forging partnerships for inclusive economic growth.

• Minister of State Jayant Chaudhary led the Indian delegation and took part in key bilateral meetings and panel discussions.

• He emphasized India’s digital transformation, showcasing key initiatives like Aadhaar, UPI, ONDC, and digital healthcare tools as part of India’s Digital Public Infrastructure.

• The Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH) was highlighted, with over one crore users joining in just 18 months.

• Chaudhary also spotlighted the country’s rapidly expanding AI talent pool, citing a 33.39% increase in AI-related hiring according to the AI Stanford Index 2025.

• India’s presence at GITEX reaffirmed its leadership role in digital innovation and skill development on the global stage.

• Initiatives such as Skill India, Digital India, Aadhaar, UPI, SIDH, DIKSHA, and DigiLocker are now seen as global benchmarks in the field of digital transformation.

DEFENCE

Indian Air Force Joins Exercise Desert Flag-10 in UAE

• The Indian Air Force (IAF) is taking part in the multinational Exercise Desert Flag-10, hosted at Al Dhafra Air Base in the United Arab Emirates.

• The exercise runs from April 21 to May 8, 2025, and features a wide range of air combat activities.

• The IAF is participating with its MiG-29 and Jaguar aircraft, contributing to the exercise’s dynamic range of operations.

• Organized by the UAE Air Force, Exercise Desert Flag-10 involves air forces from several nations, including Australia, Bahrain, France, Germany, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the Republic of Korea, Turkey, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the UAE.

• The goal of the exercise is to conduct complex air combat missions, exchange operational expertise, and share the best technologies and systems among some of the world’s leading air forces.

• The exercise aims to improve mutual understanding, enhance interoperability, and bolster military cooperation between the participating nations.

• India’s participation reflects its strong commitment to strengthening defense ties and enhancing operational compatibility with regional and global allies.

MISCELLANEOUS

Indian Army Unveils 'Voice of Kinnaur' Community Radio in Himachal Pradesh

• On April 20, 2025, the Indian Army officially launched the 'Voice of Kinnaur' community radio station in Himachal Pradesh's Kinnaur district.

• The radio station is a part of the Army’s ongoing Operation Sadbhavana, aimed at fostering goodwill and support in remote areas.

• The primary objective of the station is to broadcast local news, educational and health-related content, and to promote the rich regional culture of Kinnaur.

• ‘Voice of Kinnaur’ will act as a platform for delivering important public interest information to the community.

• The station will provide a space for youth, women, and apple farmers to express their concerns and highlight their accomplishments.

• The official launch event took place at the Army Tripeak Public School, with senior officials from the Indian Army’s Surya Command in attendance.