INDIAN EXPRESS DATED 19TH JULY 2025

Summary of Important News Items and Editorials-41

INDIAN EXPRESS DATED 19TH JULY 2025.

1.    Pahalgam Attack Outfit TRF Placed on US Terror List, Boosts India Efforts

In a significant diplomatic win for India, the United States designated The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of Lashkar-e-Taiba, as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT). The TRF had claimed responsibility for the April 22 Pahalgam attack that killed 26 civilians. This designation, welcomed by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, affirms India-US counter-terrorism cooperation and is expected to isolate TRF internationally by criminalizing financial or logistical support to it under US law. Indian security officials highlighted that although such moves signal diplomatic pressure on Pakistan, the operational impact remains to be seen given TRF's shadowy nature and ability to rebrand under new names. The designation strengthens India's case to list TRF under UN sanctions, counters Pakistan’s claims of ‘indigenous struggle’ in Kashmir, and underscores growing international convergence on tackling terrorism in South Asia.

2.    PM Reaches Out to Bihar Youth with ₹15,000 Incentive for First-Time Pvt Sector Employees

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a major pre-election announcement in Motihari, Bihar, declared the launch of a Central employment scheme offering ₹15,000 to youth securing their first private sector job. Effective from August 1, 2025, under the Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) scheme, the government aims to spend ₹1 lakh crore over two years to boost youth employment. This move is seen as a counter to the Rashtriya Janata Dal’s popular job promises and aims to reassert NDA’s credibility on employment. Modi emphasized a contrast between past regimes that allegedly “grabbed land in exchange for job promises” and the NDA’s development-focused governance. The scheme also aligns with Bihar CM Nitish Kumar’s recent welfare announcements, such as increasing pension and launching free power schemes, reinforcing NDA unity. With new Amrit Bharat trains and pucca houses under PMAY also highlighted, the rally underscored NDA’s narrative of progress and employment.