On May 4, 2025, India and the world witnessed significant developments across various sectors. India stopped sending mail and parcels to Pakistan because of ongoing problems between the two countries. In Australia, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese won the election again, which means India and Australia can continue working together. In Sri Lanka, the President said their new defence agreement with India will soon be shared in Parliament. These events show how India is working with its neighbours and other countries to stay safe and grow stronger.

Awareness regarding daily UPSC current affairs is crucial for cracking the UPSC Prelims, excelling in UPSC Mains. It helps perform well in the UPSC personality test, thus becoming an informed and effective UPSC civil servant.

Below are the current affairs and headlines of the day taken from The Hindu, Indian Express, Press Information Bureau & All India Radio as required for UPSC preparation:

India Suspends Mail and Parcel Services with Pakistan

Source: The Hindu

Syllabus: GS Paper II – International Relations

In News:

• On May 3, 2025, India suspended all mail and parcel services to and from Pakistan via air and surface routes. This action follows the tragic Pahalgam terrorist attack in April 2025, where 26 civilians were killed.

• India attributes the attack to Pakistan-based militant groups, escalating tensions between the two nations.

Background

• Pahalgam Attack: A terrorist assault in Jammu & Kashmir's Pahalgam region resulted in 26 civilian deaths. India alleges the involvement of Pakistan-supported groups.
• Diplomatic Fallout: In response, India expelled Pakistani diplomats, closed borders, and suspended the Indus Waters Treaty. Pakistan retaliated by suspending the Simla Agreement and restricting trade.
• Current Measures: The suspension of mail and parcel services is part of India's broader strategy to isolate Pakistan diplomatically and economically.

Significance

These developments mark a significant deterioration in India-Pakistan relations, affecting diplomatic, economic, and people-to-people ties. The suspension of communication channels underscores the severity of the current standoff.

India - Pakistan Relations

Defence pact with India to be presented in Parliament, says Sri Lankan president

Source: The Hindu

Syllabus: GS Paper II – International Relations

In News:

• During Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Sri Lanka in April 2025, both nations signed a landmark Defence Cooperation Agreement.

• Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake announced that the pact would be presented in the Sri Lankan Parliament for ratification.

Key Features

• Joint Military Exercises: Regular training programs and exercises to enhance interoperability.
• Naval Collaboration: Enhanced maritime surveillance and joint patrolling to secure the Indian Ocean region.
• Defence Technology Sharing: India to provide defence platforms and assist in capacity building.

Strategic Context & Significance

• This agreement marks the first major defence pact between India and Sri Lanka since the 1987-1990 period, aiming to counterbalance China's growing influence in the region, particularly concerning the Hambantota Port.
• The pact signifies a strengthening of bilateral ties, focusing on regional security and stability. It reflects India's commitment to its 'Neighbourhood First' policy and underscores the strategic importance of the Indo-Pacific region.

Read the article on India's Relations with Neighbouring Countries!

India-Sri Lanka Relations

Read the article on India-Sri Lanka Relations!

PM Modi Congratulates Anthony Albanese on Re-election as Australian PM

Source: The Hindu

Syllabus: GS Paper II – International Relations

In News:

• On May 3, 2025, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Anthony Albanese on his re-election as Australia's Prime Minister.
• Albanese's Labor Party secured a second consecutive term, marking a significant political milestone.

Election Highlights

• Labor Party Victory: Secured a majority with at least 87 seats in the House of Representatives.
• Opposition Setback: Liberal leader Peter Dutton lost his seat, indicating a shift in public sentiment.

Significance

Albanese's victory is anticipated to further solidify bilateral ties, contributing to regional stability and shared prosperity in the Indo-Pacific.

Know more about the India-Australia Economic Partnership!

India-Australia Relations

Read the article on India-Australia Relations!