Morning Brief: India Asks US To Designate SFJ As Terror Outfit, Exports Shrink, Trade Deficit At 42-Month Low, Advance Tax Collections Rise Over 14 Per Cent, And More

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India Asks US To Designate SFJ As Terror Outfit

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has urged US intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard to designate Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) as a terrorist outfit, citing its links with Pakistan’s ISI and other terror groups. Gabbard later met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. Her visit coincided with an intelligence chiefs’ conference in India attended by officials from the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, all part of the Five Eyes alliance. The request comes amid tensions over an alleged Indian plot to assassinate SFJ leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun and an ongoing Canadian investigation into the killing of Khalistan separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India has denied involvement in Nijjar’s death, calling the accusations baseless and politically motivated.

The Ministry of Home Affairs banned SFJ under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act on July 10, 2019, and designated Pannun as an “individual terrorist” on July 1, 2020.

India’s Exports Shrink, Trade Deficit Hits 42-Month Low

India’s merchandise exports fell 10.9 per cent to $36.91 billion in February, marking the sharpest decline in 20 months and the fourth consecutive month of contraction, while imports dropped 16.3 per cent to $50.96 billion, narrowing the trade deficit to a 42-month low of $14 billion. The commerce ministry estimated a $4.43 billion trade surplus in goods and services for February, the first since the Covid-19 pandemic. Gold imports declined to $2.3 billion, and crude oil imports fell to $11.8 billion from $13.4 billion in January. While exports of electronics, rice, marine products, readymade garments, and coffee grew, gems and jewellery were hit by G7 sanctions on Russian diamonds, commerce secretary Sunil Barthwal said.

Advance Tax Collections Rise Over 14 Per Cent In FY25

Advance tax collections for 2024-25 rose over 14 per cent, driven by strong growth in personal income tax-led non-corporate segments, with over 95 per cent of the Revised Estimate (RE) for direct taxes already achieved, according to CBDT data. The rise is attributed to significant income growth among businesses and professionals, along with improved corporate profitability, leading to double-digit growth in tax collections for both corporate and non-corporate categories. The Index of Industrial Production (IIP) expanded by 5 per cent in January, its highest in eight months, fueled by strong performance in capital goods, consumer durables, FMCG, healthcare, and pharmaceuticals.

Other Developments

India To Take Over Polio Surveillance From WHO

India will take over polio surveillance from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and transfer the responsibility to the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), following a directive to dismantle the 30-year-old joint programme. The transition, set to begin on April 1 and be completed within two years, aims to achieve self-sufficiency as the government believes India now has the necessary infrastructure and expertise for disease surveillance. The plan was discussed at the recent India Expert Advisory Group meeting, where officials emphasised the need for a structured transition, citing India’s successful handling of the Covid-19 pandemic as proof of its capability.

Bajaj Finserv has signed agreements with Allianz SE to acquire its 26 per cent stake in Bajaj Allianz General Insurance and Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance for Rs 24,180 crore ($2.83 billion), raising Bajaj's ownership in both firms to 100 per cent. The company will pay Rs 13,780 crore for the general insurance stake and Rs 10,400 crore for the life insurance stake, marking the end of their nearly 25-year partnership. Bajaj Finserv chairman Sanjiv Bajaj highlighted the success of the collaboration, noting strong solvency margins and a combined premium exceeding Rs 40,000 crore. He added that full ownership would drive further growth for the insurance businesses.

Trump, Putin To Discuss Ukraine Peace Deal

US President Donald Trump announced that "many elements" of a Ukraine peace agreement have been agreed upon with Russian President Vladimir Putin ahead of their scheduled call on Tuesday. Trump stated on Truth Social that while progress has been made, much remains to be finalized, emphasizing the urgent need to stop the ongoing casualties. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky criticized Putin for prolonging the war, arguing that the proposed peace deal could have been implemented earlier. Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio clarified that discussions with Ukrainian officials in Jeddah focused on the negotiation process rather than specific ceasefire conditions. Putin has reiterated his support for a ceasefire but insists on conditions, including securing Russia’s hold over the Kursk region and rejecting NATO presence on the frontline.

From The States

Sambhal: Permission For Neja Mela Denied Over Mahmud Of Ghazni Link

Sambhal police have denied permission for the annual Neja Mela, citing its association with Syed Salar Masood Ghazi, a 12th-century military commander under Mahmud of Ghazni, who played a key role in the latter’s campaigns of conquest and destruction in India. When members of the Neja Mela Committee met Sambhal ASP Shreesh Chandra, he questioned them about the fair’s dedication and refused approval upon learning it honored Ghazi. Chandra argued that commemorating a figure associated with temple desecrations and mass killings was unacceptable, calling such an event anti-national and a potential threat to law and order. He warned that any attempt to organize the mela would result in strict action, branding those who proceeded with it as traitors if done deliberately. The organisers, however, have vowed to fight the decision,.

Nagpur Sees Violence Over Aurangzeb Tomb Protest

Violence erupted in Nagpur on Monday after rumours spread that a holy book had been desecrated during a protest by right-wing groups, including Bajrang Dal, demanding the removal of Aurangzeb’s tomb in Khuldabad, leading to vehicles being torched and police firing tear gas. At least four policemen were injured as clashes broke out following the burning of an effigy of Aurangzeb, which was misinterpreted on social media. Nagpur Police Commissioner Ravinder Singal confirmed that a photograph was set on fire, triggering unrest, and assured that an investigation was underway. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari urged people to ignore rumours, maintain peace, and cooperate with authorities.

Telangana Passes Bills For 42 Per Cent BC Reservation

The Telangana Assembly passed two Bills on Monday, granting 42 per cent reservation for Backward Classes in government jobs, educational institutions, and rural and urban local body elections. The decision follows the state government’s caste survey, which found that BCs, including Muslim caste groups, constitute 56.33 percent of the state’s population. The Bills received broad support, with both the ruling Congress and opposition parties like the BJP and BRS backing the move, while another Bill addressing sub-caste reservations for BCs was also introduced. Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, citing Rahul Gandhi’s earlier promise to increase BC reservations, called the move a historic moment of unity in the Assembly.

You’re all caught up—until next time.