UniFocus IAS ( UNIFOCUS UNIVERSAL )

  Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today participated in the 6th BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) Summit hosted by Thailand, the current chair. The theme of the Summit was - "BIMSTEC: Prosperous, Resilient and Open”. It reflected the priorities of the leaders and the aspirations of the peoples of the BIMSTEC region, as well as the efforts of BIMSTEC in ensuring shared growth in times of global uncertainties. The Summit adopted the following: i. Summit Declaration ii. BIMSTEC Bangkok Vision 2030 document, which lays out the road map for the collective prosperity of the region. iii. Signing of the BIMSTEC Maritime Transport Agreement, which provides for – National Treatment and assistance to vessels, crew and cargo; mutual recognition of certificates/ documents; Joint Shipping Coordination Committee; and dispute settlement mechanism. ⅳ. Report of the BIMSTEC Eminent Persons Group constituted to make recommendations for future ...

  In a first-of-its-kind initiative, India is set to begin an ambitious, inter-ministerial scientific study aimed at detecting zoonotic diseases that could spill over from birds to humans, focusing on the critical intersection of human, bird, and forest health. The study entitled, “Building a surveillance model for detecting zoonotic spillover in increased bird-human interaction settings using the One Health approach: A study at selected bird sanctuaries and wetlands” was launched at the Indian Council of Medical Research Headquarters, here today. This unique study will be conducted in select bird sanctuaries and wetlands across Sikkim, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu, leveraging the One Health approach to monitor the health of both human populations and migratory bird species, as well as the environment in which they coexist. With India being a vital hub along the Central Asian migratory bird flyway, bird sanctuaries represent an interface where the risk of zoonotic transmission is hei...

  Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Army conducted four successful flight-tests of the Army version of Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM) from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha on April 03 & 04, 2025. The four operational flight-trials were carried out against high-speed aerial targets. The missiles intercepted the aerial targets and destroyed them, registering direct hits. The trials were carried out to intercept four targets at long-range, short-range, high altitude and low altitude, proving the operational capability. The MRSAM is developed jointly by DRDO and Israel Aerospace Industries for use by the Indian Army. The MRSAM Army weapon system comprises multi-function radar, command post, mobile launcher system and other vehicles. PIB

The bilateral Naval Exercise   INDRA 2025   between   Indian and Russian navies   was held from   28 Mar to 02 Apr 2025 . This  14th edition  of the exercise included a wide range of activities and structured drills designed to enhance  interoperability  towards countering common  maritime threats . PIB

  During 03-04 April 2025, H.E. Shri Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of the Republic of India paid an Official Visit to Thailand and participated in the 6th BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok, on the invitation of H.E. Ms. Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand. Prime Minister Modi was accorded a ceremonial welcome by Prime Minister Shinawatra at the Government House in Bangkok. Acknowledging the deep civilisational, cultural, religious and linguistic bonds and 78 years of establishment of diplomatic ties between India and Thailand, both leaders held wide ranging discussions on various areas of bilateral cooperation including defence and security, trade and investment, connectivity, science and technology, innovation, space, education, health, culture, tourism and people-to-people exchanges. They also exchanged views on sub-regional, regional, and multilateral issues of mutual interest. Both leaders witnessed exchange of several MoUs covering various areas of cooper...

  Introduction The  Waqf Amendment Bill, 2025  was introduced to fix problems in the management and governance of Waqf properties. The aim is to make rules clearer, include more people in decision-making, and improve how Waqf assets are used. On  August 8, 2024 , two bills were introduced in the  Lok Sabha ;  Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 and Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, 2024.  These bills aim to make Waqf Boards work more smoothly and ensure Waqf properties are managed well. The  Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, 202 5  seeks to repeal the  Mussalman Wakf Act, 1923 , which was created during British rule and is now outdated. Removing this old law will help create a more  consistent, transparent, and accountable  system under the  Waqf Act, 1995 , removing confusion caused by the old law. The  Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 202 5  aims to update the  Waqf Act, 1995 , to solve problems in managing Waqf properties. It prop...

  Introduction The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025 aims to update the Waqf Act, 1995 to fix issues in the management of Waqf properties. The proposed changes focus on: Overcom ing  the shortcomings of the previous act and enhanc ing  the efficiency of Waqf boards Updating the definitions of waqf Improving the registration process Increasing the role of technology in managing Waqf records​. The  Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill,  2025  seeks to remove the outdated  Mussalman Wakf Act, 1923 , which is no longer effective for modern India. The repeal will: Ensure  uniform rules  for managing Waqf properties under the  Waqf Act, 1995 . Improve  transparency and accountability  in Waqf management. Eliminate  confusion and legal contradictions  caused by the old law. Major issues: Irrevocability of Waqf Properties The principle "once a waqf, always a waqf" has led to disputes, such as claims over islands in Bet Dwarka, which have b...