Hook News Brief | 01.05.25

Ukraine-US ink historic deal

War-torn Ukraine and the US have signed a historic deal that will provide Washington with access to valuable rare minerals. The deal will see them collaborate to ensure that "mutual assets, talents, and capabilities" can accelerate Kyiv's recovery.

This comes after months of fraught negotiations as well as last minute hiccups.

Scott Bessent, US Treasury Secretary, told reporters the Ukrainians wanted some last-minute changes, while reiterating that no changes were asked for by the US.

The initial agreement was due to be signed in February but fell apart following a heated exchange between US President Trump and his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Trump’s deportation plans hit a snag

A US federal judge has placed limits on Trump’s efforts to deport migrants held in Guantanamo Bay. District Judge Brian Murphy in Boston issued an order stating that Trump’s administration must give migrants an opportunity to raise concerns about the safety of the countries where they are being deported.

The ruling further raises concerns about the legality of Trump’s hardline moves on immigration and expansive interpretations of executive power.

The Pahalgam fallout

Following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack, the Indian government has ordered the closure of Indian airspace for Pakistani flights from April 30 to May 23. The order bans aircrafts registered in Pakistan, those operated, owned, or leased by Pakistani airlines or operators, and of course any military aircraft.

Furthermore, the Indian government has revamped its National Security Advisory Board amid speculations about possible retaliation to Pahalgam. Beyond a host of new members, the standout appointment is that of ex-RAW chief Alok Joshi as its chairman.

Modi govt announces caste census

In a first since India’s independence, PM Modi’s government announced that caste enumeration will be part of the next census exercise. This decision has been hailed as a victory for and by Opposition parties that have long called for its inclusion.

For context, India’s census in 2021 was postponed on account of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Of UCL classics & IPL nail-biters

In what will certainly go down as an all-time classic, Spanish side Barcelona thrice came from behind to draw level with Italy’s Inter Milan in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League Semi-Finals.

And in the IPL, Punjab Kings beat Chennai Super Kings in a thrilling encounter at Chennai’s Chidambaram Stadium. Punjab won the match by 4 wickets and just 2 balls to spare with Punjab’s Shreyas Iyer being declared Man of the Match.

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