Jul 12, 2025 07:00 IST
First published on: Jul 12, 2025 at 07:00 IST
The Sri Lankan government said that a plot by Tamil separatists to assassinate President Junius Jayewardene was foiled when the police discovered 120 kg of gelignite wired to a timing device in a parked van. A statement by the Information Minister said the alleged conspirators “told police that the target was to be the presidential secretariat”. The government said a group called the Eelam Revolutionary Organisation of Students was responsible. The five militant groups and the TULF delegation participating in talks with the Sri Lankan government condemned the alleged attempt and in a joint statement, denied involvement.
US Arms Pakistan
The United States is rushing to Pakistan 100 AIML sidewinder air-to-air missiles and an unspecified number of shoulder-fired surface-to-air Stinger missiles worth $8.5 million. In addition, a Pakistani request for ground or airborne radar for improved detection and interception of Afghan aircraft remains under study. A state department statement said that the defence equipment is “in response to repeated violations of Pakistan’s airspace and territory by Communist aircraft approaching from Afghanistan”.
CJI retires
Chief Justice Y V Chandrachud retired after seven years in the post and 25 years as a judge. Justice P N Bhagwati, the senior-most judge of the Supreme Court, will be sworn in as the new Chief Justice. While Chandrachud had the longest term as CJI, Justice Bhagwati will have one of the shortest — one-and-a-half years.
