1. Netanyahu suspends Israeli minister over ‘Nuking Gaza’ remark, says Statement ‘not based in Reality’
2. US-based designated terrorist Pannun ‘warns Sikhs against flying Air India’ on Nov 19
3. PM Modi holds telephonic conversation with UAE President over ongoing situation in West Asia
4. Indian PM Modi, UK PM Rishi Sunak discuss Israel-Hamas war, progress on FTA
5. India: Centre to extend free ration scheme for next five years, says PM Modi at poll rally

What Else

• Russia ‘unfreezes’ S-400 Systems for India; Delhi, Moscow balance trade ties with Big Shipping Order
• India offers 7 helicopters for Philippine Coast Guard’s rescue, humanitarian efforts
• US Assistant Secretary of State to travel to India for 2+2 ministerial dialogue
• To boost cooperation, India to establish defense wings across the world, says Army chief
• ‘Cash for Query’: Ethics Panel to adopt draft report on Nov 7, indication of recommendation against Moitra
• NIA makes 15th arrest in ISIS-inspired car bomb blast case in Coimbatore
• Pakistan troops ‘thwart’ attack on air force base, killing 9 fighters
• Pakistan Army has started cultivation of 1000 acres of land in S Waziristan’s Zarmalan area
• UN seeks safety and protection of women, children in Pakistan
• Pakistan: Imposing Governance order would have horrible results, says Mesam
• Baloch activist flags atrocities, China-Pak nexus in Balochistan
• China will show no mercy towards Taiwan’s independence: CMC Vice Chair Gen Zhang
• China’s Sinopec signs second 27-year natural gas supply deal with Qatar as it seeks to shore up energy security
• China hits back after Canada accuses PLA jets of ‘unsafe’ South China Sea moves

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Netanyahu suspends Israeli minister over ‘Nuking Gaza’ remark, says Statement ‘not based in Reality’

• Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu has suspended Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu from govt meetings indefinitely, hours after his ‘nuking Gaza’ remarks created uproar.
• Distancing itself from this approach, PMO said Israeli Defense Forces are operating by the highest standards of international law to avoid harming innocents.
• During a radio interview, the Israeli minister was asked a question about nuke, to this, Eliyahu replied: “That’s one option”. (here)
• EAM Jaishankar speaks to Israeli counterpart, reaffirms commitment to counter terror, pursue two-state solution: Amid the offensive against the terror group Hamas in Gaza, Jaishankar on Sat had a telecall with his Israeli counterpart, Cohen, reaffirming India’s commitment to “countering terrorism, observance of international humanitarian law and for a two-state solution“.
• The discussion centred on the prevailing situation in Gaza and the significance of finding a solution that ensures regional stability and peace. (here)

US-based designated terrorist Pannun ‘warns Sikhs against flying Air India’ on Nov 19

• India-designated terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun has “issued a threat” against Air India flights, “warning Sikhs against flying the airline” on Nov 19.
• The day marks the birth anniversary of former PM Indira Gandhi who was assassinated for Operation Bluestar in Golden Temple in 1984. 
• Pannun, founder of the banned SFJ outfit and who has dual citizenship (Canada and the US) has issued a video put out first by X accounts banned in India
• The video by Pannun assumes worth because it is a reminder of one of the deadliest acts of aviation terrorism before the 9/11 attack on the US WTC — the bombing of Air India Flight 182 on Jun 23, 1985, which was en route from Canada to India.
• All 329 passengers on board were killed and the attacks were orchestrated by Sikh extremists. (here)
• India Asks Canada to Enhance Security on Air India Flights After SFJ Threat: (sources) India is raising security bars in the airlines adding that a threat analysis was sent to MEA and urgent steps will be taken soon.
• “Punnun is openly threatening one nation sitting in these countries and no action is taken despite multiple requests,” sources said.
• Apart from that, the Air India crew will also be briefed as they halt to various cities in these countries during layover for 24/48 hours (here)
• Canada’s probe into Nijjar killing ‘tainted’, ‘show evidence’, says Indian envoy in Ottawa: Calling the Canadian police probe into the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar “tainted”, Indian envoy to Ottawa Sanjay Verma urged Trudeau govt to release evidence backing its allegation of India’s involvement in the case.
• The High Commissioner made the remarks during an interview. (here)

PM Modi holds telephonic conversation with UAE President over ongoing situation in West Asia

• PM Modi on Fri dialed UAE President Mohammaed Bin Zayed and shared concerns over the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas and the loss of civilian lives in the West Bank amid the war.
• During the conversation, leaders agreed on “the need for early resolution of the security and humanitarian situation” in the region.
• Earlier, the PM spoke with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi on the ongoing military operations conducted by Israel in the Gaza Strip. (here)
• UAE readout says, both leaders “discussed the importance of urgent diplomatic efforts to establish a clear pathway to achieve a comprehensive, just, and sustainable peace“

Indian PM Modi, UK PM Rishi Sunak discuss Israel-Hamas war, progress on FTA

• PM Modi and his British counterpart Rishi Sunak held a telephonic talk on Fri and discussed the development in West Asia and the conflict between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas.
• The two leaders also discussed the recent progress on Free Trade Agreement negotiations, said Downing Street, in a statement.
• The leaders also discussed the “deeply distressing situation in the Middle East and condemned Hamas’ attacks on Israel,” Sunak’s office said in a readout.
• “They reiterated that Hamas did not represent the Palestinian people and reflected on the need to de-escalate tensions in the wider region,” it added.
• The two leaders also agreed on the importance of securing an “ambitious” trade deal, as talks continue over a deal, which could be finalized this year. (here)

India: Centre to extend free ration scheme for next five years, says PM Modi at poll rally

• PM Modi said on Sat that his govt would extend the scheme of providing free ration to the country’s poor for the next five years.
• Addressing a rally at Durg in poll-bound Chhattisgarh, PM Modi said, “I have decided that the BJP government will extend the scheme of providing free ration to 80 crore poor people of the country for the next 5 years.”
• The Modi govt’s free ration scheme aids 80 crore poor people, launched during the pandemic, in 2020.
• Elections in Chhattisgarh will be held in 2 phases – Nov 7 and Nov 17 and results will be announced on Dec 3. (here)

Russia ‘unfreezes’ S-400 Systems for India; Delhi, Moscow balance trade ties with Big Shipping Order

• The stalemate on the currency of payment has caused a delay in the delivery of the 2 systems of S-400 surface-to-air missiles (NATO nom de guerre SA-21 ‘Growler’).
• Russia has now ordered 24 cargo ships with an Indian shipyard to help it spend some of the Rupees in its coffers.
• The collaboration between the GSL and the Russian Export Center came when Russian officials were in India to discuss the delivery of the remaining 2 batteries of S-400s.
• It is projected that by 2027, GSL, a GoI-owned military ship maker, will have completed the construction of 24 cargo ships that will traverse the Caspian Sea.
• During the international forum in Astrakhan on October 25, Dmitry Dubovik, director of the Caspian International Integration Club “North-South,” announced it.
• In fiscal year 2022, India exported 3,139 items to Russia, including machinery, chemicals, marine products, and pharmaceuticals, valued at US$3.14 billion.
• On the import side, India imported 1,225 items from Russia in fiscal 2022, including crude oil, petroleum, precious stones, and vegetable oil, worth $46.21 billion. (here)

India offers 7 helicopters for Philippine Coast Guard’s rescue, humanitarian efforts

• The Indian govt is offering the Philippines at least 7 helicopters that will be used for the rescue and humanitarian efforts of the Philippine Coast Guard during disasters, the President of the Philippines said in an official statement on Sun.
• President Ferdinand R Marcos Jr said that India’s offer to provide helicopters to the PCG will be a big help to the Philippine govt’s efforts to build up the country’s capabilities in terms of rescue and humanitarian efforts.
• The President added that it will also be “a big contribution for PCG’s maritime operations“.
• “We’re trying to build up our capacity – our capabilities in terms of our coast guard, in terms of our – of course, the search and rescue is always the primary consideration,”
• President made the remarks during the courtesy call of the Indian Diplomat, last week where he discussed the continuing efforts to strengthen the bilateral relations between the Philippines and India. (here)

US Assistant Secretary of State to travel to India for 2+2 ministerial dialogue

• US Asstt Secy of State Donald Lu is traveling to India this week to participate in the 2+2 ministerial where he will discuss strategic coordination on clean energy, and security cooperation.
• Lu’s trip from Nov 4 to 11 starts with Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and finally India, according to a State Department statement.
• Lu will meet with partners ahead of the US-India 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue, to discuss strategic coordination on regional and global issues and security cooperation
• Lu will lead a US delegation to Central Asia to build on the success of the inaugural C5+1 Presidential Summit on the margins of the UNGA in Sept and the C5+1 Regional Connectivity Ministerial in Oct. (here)

To boost cooperation, India to establish defense wings across the world, says Army chief

• To give a fillip to defense cooperation outreach, India is establishing Defence Wings at new locations across the world, said Army Chief Gen Manoj Pande on Thu at Chanakya Defence Dialogue
• Chanakya Defence Dialogue – a flagship National Security Event, being organised by the Indian Army and the Centre of Land Warfare Studies.
• Security discourses, such as this event, among like-minded countries, assume importance for several reasons.
• This alignment of shared values creates a solid foundation for cooperative security efforts, he said.
• These collaborative efforts are not restricted to security but transcend into the economic realm, innovation, and technology, capacity building, multilateral problem-solving, and diplomacy as well, he said. (here)

‘Cash for Query’: Ethics Panel to adopt draft report on Nov 7, indication of recommendation against Moitra

• The Lok Sabha ethics committee will meet on Nov 7^th to consider and adopt its draft report about the ‘cash-for-query’ allegations against TMC MP Mahua Moitra.
• The 15-member committee is likely to take a grim view of her conduct with BJP members in a majority.
• The situation has worsened after Moitra stormed out of the last meeting on Nov 2^nd and accused the panel’s chair of asking ‘filthy and personal questions’, a charge he denied.
• He replied by alleging that the MP created a ruckus, got angry, used unparliamentary language, and stormed out in which she was supported by opposition members.
• The meeting for adopting the draft report means that the committee has finished its inquiry and will now be making its endorsement after its members split along party lines in their last get-together. (here)

NIA makes 15^th arrest in ISIS-inspired car bomb blast case in Coimbatore

• One more accused was arrested in connection with the ISIS-inspired car bomb blast in Coimbatore last year, taking the number of those nabbed by the NIA in the case to 15.
• Suicide bomber Mubeen was killed when his vehicle laden with IED exploded early in front of the ancient Thirukovil temple, Ukkadam in Coimbatore on Oct 23 last year.
• The case was initially registered at the Ukkadam Police Station in Coimbatore city and subsequently handed over to the NIA a few days later.
• Tahanaseer, a resident of Coimbatore, was arrested during a raid.
• Tahanaseer, along with Mohd Thoufeeq, was closely associated with Mubeen. (here)

[NEIGHBORHOOD]

Pakistan troops ‘thwart’ attack on air force base, killing 9 fighters

• A group of fighters has targeted an air force training base in Pakistan’s Mianwali area but troops foiled the attack, killing 9 of the attackers, according to Pakistan’s military.
• The military said in a statement that 3 grounded aircraft and a fuel tanker had been damaged in the attack.
• A newly founded group called TJP, which has carried out attacks in the country this year, claimed responsibility in a statement sent to journalists by its spokesperson.
• The attack comes a day after an ambush on a military convoy killed 14 soldiers in SW Baluchistan.
• Also on Fri, a bomb and gun attack on a vehicle carrying police killed 3 people and wounded more than 20.
• The country is also grappling with political and economic crises, which have led to a general decline in law and order.
• Aug saw a sharp rise in armed attacks with 99 incidents reported across the country, the highest number in any single month since Nov 2014.
• Meanwhile, the country is also set to hold its delayed national elections on February 8 as security crises mount. (here)

Pakistan Army has started cultivation of 1000 acres of land in S Waziristan’s Zarmalan area

• In the coming years, agriculture would be increased at a big level and 41 thousand acres of barren land would be cultivated.
• This will increase the agricultural products of the region and will ensure food security
• The Army worked in cooperation with the civil govt to bring investments
• Corps Commander Peshawar, Lt. Gen. Sardar Hasan Azhar Hayat said that the Army is determined to increase the agriculture sector in the region.
• He added that there are plenty of investment opportunities for minerals, Pin-electricity, agriculture, and tourism in KP, to increase the resources of the province.
• The CC said that he believes in dialogue with different communities to end the gulf between people and the army, and for the same reason he has been meeting students, teachers, scholars, and people from other sections of society, especially of the merged districts of FATA. (here)

UN seeks safety and protection of women, children in Pakistan

• 3 UN agencies on Fri called for the protection of children and families as Pakistan has started a campaign to deport foreigners residing illegally in Pakistan on Sat.
• The agencies say children face serious protection risks while on the move in Pakistan, in detention centers, crossing borders, and upon return to Afghanistan.
• UNHCR, IOM, and Unicef continue to appeal to the international community to increase support for hosting vulnerable children, families, and refugees in Pakistan.
• Children face risks of physical threats to their safety, family separation, distress, fear, abuse, and exploitation.
• Afghanistan is currently grappling with a humanitarian crisis marked by ongoing human rights challenges and the looming threat of a harsh winter.
• Approximately 30 million people in the country require humanitarian assistance, with 3.3 million being internally displaced. (here)
• Afghan refugees alleges mistreatment by Iranian security forces: A significant number of Afghan migrants who recently returned from Iran have complained of mistreatment by the Iranian security forces.
• In addition to physical abuse, these refugees report enduring severe psychological harm due to verbal mistreatment by the Iranian military.
• In the past 2 months, out of the 120,000 Afghan refugees who returned from Iran, an alarming 90% of them were reportedly forcibly deported. (here)
• Deportation pushing Pak-Afghan ties to the edge: Though Pakistan has repeatedly stated that its decision was only meant to send back those having no legal documents, the Afghan Taliban govt continues to accuse Islamabad of harassing the refugees.
• Kabul has indicated that Islamabad’s decision may be a pressure tactic on the issue of the banned TTP.
• Afghan Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani, in a recent video message, asked Pakistan not to punish Afghan refugees if it had any issue with the Kabul administration.
• Haqqani termed the decision as un-Islamic, claiming that Islamabad could not blame Afghanistan for its problems.
• Defence Minister Mullah Yaqub, meanwhile, warned that such a decision would have consequences for Pakistan. (here)

Pakistan: Imposing Governance order would have horrible results, says Mesam

• Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly opposition leader Kazim Mesam said that imposing a Govt order would have horrible results, and GB should be made a constitutional province.
• He added that orders are given to slaves and we are not slaves.
• Gilgit-Baltistan should be given representation in Parliament, NSF, CCI, and all monetary departments.
• We will not allow others to snatch our sovereignty and the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly will take all decisions for the province. (here)

Baloch activist flags atrocities, China-Pak nexus in Balochistan

• Protests in front of the UN office in Geneva have become an everyday affair as Baloch political activists are seeking international intervention to stop gross violations of human rights in Pakistan’s Balochistan province.
• The Baloch Rights Council raised concern over Pakistani atrocities in Balochistan as they held demonstrations to highlight the plight of the people in the region.
• Activist Qambar Malik Baloch said thousands of people are victims of the “kill and dump policy” of the Pakistani state, while the whereabouts of many are unknown.
• He added, “First half of 2023, 160 individuals were kidnapped by Pakistani security forces, and 10 of those who went missing were executed extrajudicially. (here)

China will show no mercy towards Taiwan’s independence: CMC Vice Chair Gen Zhang

• A top Chinese military official has said China will show no mercy towards Taiwan’s independence, despite turmoil in the top ranks of the country’s armed forces.
• General Zhang Youxia, vice chairman of China’s Central Military Commission said: “No matter who wants to separate Taiwan from China in any form, the Chinese military will never agree and will show no mercy.”
• His remarks came at the 10^th Xiangshan Forum in Beijing on Mon.
• More than 1,800 people attended the 2-day forum -China’s biggest annual event focused on military diplomacy. (here)

China’s Sinopec signs second 27-year natural gas supply deal with Qatar as it seeks to shore up energy security

• Qatar has agreed to supply Sinopec with natural gas for 27 years, the Gulf emirate’s state-owned company said Sat, its 2^nd such deal with the Chinese firm.
• Doha will supply 3 million tonnes of gas a year under the deal, QatarEnergy said, announcing another agreement, which grants the Chinese oil giant a further share of Qatar’s North Field gas expansion project.
• The expansion, which broke ground last month, contains the world’s biggest natural gas reserves and extends under the Gulf into Iranian territory.
• Under the deal signed in Shanghai, QatarEnergy will give Sinopec a 5% interest in a joint venture with a 6 million tonnes/year capacity in the 2^nd phase of the expansion. (here)

China hits back after Canada accuses PLA jets of ‘unsafe’ South China Sea moves

• Beijing has hit back at Ottawa over a mid-air encounter between a Canadian aircraft and PLA fighter jets over the SCS late last month, describing the action as provocative.
• Chinese def Ministry spox said on Sat that a Canadian helicopter conducted flights of “unknown intent” to approach the airspace around the Paracel Islands (China- Xisha)
• Zhang said the PLA’s naval and air forces had identified the Canadian helicopter and repeatedly issued warnings, but it “refused to respond” and “took provocative actions such as flying at ultra-low altitude”.
• The Canadian flights represented “malicious and provocative actions with ulterior motives”, Zhang said.
• Beijing’s response came after Ottawa accused the Chinese air force of unsafe behavior over international waters in the South China Sea on Oct 29. (here)