Today in History (May 20^th,1965)

Successful launch of unmanned space ‘Spectra’ by Russia.

Summary of Today’s News

Trump Initiates Push for Russia-Ukraine Ceasefire Negotiations

U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Russia and Ukraine will “immediately” begin ceasefire negotiations following a two-hour call with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

• Additional Talks: Trump also spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders to promote ceasefire efforts.
• Negotiation Dynamics: Trump emphasized that the specifics of the ceasefire will be determined by Ukraine and Russia, stating they alone understand the crucial details.
• Putin’s Response: Putin described the conversation as “informative and frank,” expressing Russia’s willingness to continue discussions but warning no breakthrough was achieved. He stressed the importance of addressing the root causes of the conflict and finding mutual compromises.
• Trump’s Motivation: Trump is attempting to fulfill his promise of ending the war, a key component of his foreign policy stance and campaign rhetoric.
• Frustration with Leaders: The White House noted Trump’s growing frustration with both Zelenskyy and Putin over the prolonged conflict.
• Conditional Commitment: Vice President J.D. Vance indicated Trump may abandon negotiation efforts if he believes Russia is not negotiating in good faith.
• Outreach to NATO: Trump plans to continue efforts by engaging with NATO leaders as part of his broader strategy.
• Leadership Style: Trump is relying on his personal rapport with Putin and assertive diplomatic approach to drive progress toward peace.

Supreme Court to Hear Plea for FIR Against HC Judge Over Burnt Cash

Advocate Mathews Nedumpara filed a plea seeking an FIR against Justice Yashwant Varma, a High Court judge, after half-burnt currency was found at his official residence following a fire in March.

• Supreme Court Response: Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai said the plea would be listed for hearing once the procedural defects in the petition are corrected.
• Allegations in Petition: The petitioner alleged that the burnt and partially removed cash was linked to bribery and corruption, calling the lack of criminal proceedings a failure of justice.
• No FIR Filed: The petition criticized authorities for not filing an FIR or taking criminal law action, such as securing the scene or seizing evidence.
• Reference to Legal Precedent: Nedumpara cited the Veeraswami v. Union of India case, which mandates prior consultation with the Chief Justice before registering a criminal case against a constitutional court judge.
• Official Inaction Questioned: The petition emphasized the absence of any official explanation for not initiating a criminal case.
• Previous Steps Taken: Former Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna had forwarded the inquiry committee’s report to the President and Prime Minister after Justice Varma declined to resign or retire voluntarily.

Indian Army Thwarts Pakistani Attack Attempts on Golden Temple

• Attempted Attack: The Indian Army revealed that Pakistan attempted drone and missile strikes targeting the Golden Temple in Amritsar during the night of May 7–8.
• Successful Interception: Indian Air Defence systems, including indigenous Akash missiles and L-70 air defence guns, successfully intercepted the aerial threats.
• Army’s Stance: Major General Kartik C. Seshadri emphasized that the Indian Army acted with restraint and professionalism, focusing only on known terrorist camps during India’s retaliatory operations.
• Operation Sindoor: He noted that India’s precision strikes avoided civilian harm, a fact reportedly acknowledged by the Pakistan Army.
• Pakistan’s Tactics Criticized: The Army accused Pakistan of lacking legitimate military targets and instead using terrorism and unmanned aerial attacks as state policy.
• Targeting Religious Sites: Pakistan’s attempt to strike the Golden Temple—a major religious and cultural site for Sikhs—was strongly condemned, with the Army affirming its commitment to protect all places of faith.

U.K. and EU Enter New Phase of Relations with Trade and Defence Agreements

• Historic Summit: The U.K. and EU held their first formal summit since Brexit (2016), marking a new era in bilateral relations with agreements on trade, defence, and mobility.
• Trade Agreements:
  • The EU gains 12-year access to U.K. fishing waters (replacing annual negotiations).
  • The U.K. gains expanded access to EU plant and animal markets but must align with EU sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) rules.
  • Carbon markets between the U.K. and EU will be linked to avoid cross-border taxes on sectors like steel and cement.
• Defence Cooperation:
  • Regular foreign and security policy dialogues will occur every six months.
  • Initial steps are being taken for U.K. participation in the EU’s €150 billion defence loan facility.
• Mobility & Youth Exchange: Discussions are set to continue on a student exchange programme and a time-limited, capped youth mobility scheme.
• Leadership Statements:
  • K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the deal a “win-win” and a reflection of the public’s mandate.
  • European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the summit opened a “new chapter” in U.K.-EU ties.
• Political Backlash:
  • Opposition voices, including Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch and former PM Boris Johnson, criticized the agreement as “one-sided” and a “sellout” on fishing.