1. BJP Captures Hindi Heartland with Wins in MP, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan; Congress Finds Southern Comfort in Telangana
2. PM Modi concludes his UAE visit after COP28 summit
3. PM Modi, President Muizzu agree to set up core group to further deepen India-Maldives ties
4. Kenyan President William Samoei Ruto to pay State visit to India from Dec 4-6
5. Parliament’s winter session: 21 bills on govt agenda including 3 to replace IPC, CrPC, EA

What Else

• Ministry of Defence inks deal with Agnit Semiconductors
• NIA raids multiple locations to bust fake currency rackets
• India greenlights new air routes connecting northeastern states to International destinations
• New Zealand court sentences Khalistan supporters in attempted murder of radio host Harnek
• Sri Lanka: President Wickremesinghe holds one-to-one discussions with President Macron
• Pakistan: 8 bus passengers killed by unknown gunmen in northern Pakistan
• Pakistan: 253,068 illegal Afghan immigrants repatriated from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
• Bangladesh: Uncertainty looms over Jatiya Party
• Supply chains headline China-Vietnam talks as US vies for influence

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BJP Captures Hindi Heartland with Wins in MP, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan; Congress Finds Southern Comfort in Telangana

• The BJP won 3 of 4 key state elections in Sun’s vote count, putting it in a pole position to win a stunning third term at the Centre in next year’s Lok Sabha polls.
• Regaining control of Raj and Chh from the Congress and retaining MP for a record 5^th term means that the BJP is looking virtually unassailable in the “Hindi heartland”.
• The results will also deny the Congress an upper hand while bargaining for seats with allies in the opposition INDI alliance that aims to oust the BJP-led NDA in the 2024.
• Vote counting in a 5^th state, Mizoram, is set for Mon where BJP’s regional ally, the Mizo National Front, is in power.
• Defying the calculation of a close contest in MP or a possible Congress win, the BJP scored a huge victory, netting 163 seats and leaving its primary rival with just 66.
• Chha sprung a surprise against all exit polls had predicted a Congress victory in the tribal-dominated state, BJP in the end comfortably emerged victorious with 54 seats.
• The Congress will seek some consolation in Telangana, where it ended the nearly 10-year-old rule of the K Chandrashekar Rao-led BRS govt.
• The polls served as a chance for the Congress to come to power in another southern state after it wrested control of Karnataka from the BJP in May. (here)
• Election results will give more into the diplomatic toolbox, especially dealing with Western tantrums on dealing with Khalistani extremists and any Chinese game plans.
• Foreign govts, now will be betting more on the Modi Govt which means more engagement and upcoming visits soon.

PM Modi concludes his UAE visit after COP28 summit

• PM Modi concluded his day-long visit to the UAE, where he actively participated in the World Climate Action Summit as part of the Conference of Parties-28.
• Reflecting on his visit, PM Modi acknowledged the profound impact of climate change on nations in the Global South.
• Emphasizing the significance of addressing climate challenges collectively, the PM engaged in discussions and initiatives aimed at fostering global cooperation to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change.
• His visit underscored India’s commitment to contributing to international efforts for sustainable and climate-resilient development.
• PM Modi had a hectic schedule as he addressed 4 sessions at the UN climate change conference, met various world leaders, and also held some bilateral meetings. (here)
• PM Modi meets Qatar’s ruler: PM Modi met Qatar’s Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani on the sidelines of the COP28 summit in Dubai on Fri, as they discussed bilateral partnership and the well-being of the Indian community in Qatar. (here)
• PM Modi had 7 bilateral, delivered 4 speeches and part of 2 special initiatives
• PM  Modi on Fri met UN Secy-Gen Antonio Guterres on the sidelines and highlighted India’s initiatives and progress in achieving climate goals.
• The PM met his British counterpart Rishi Sunak, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Italian PM Giorgia Meloni, British Foreign Secy David Cameron, and former PM Tony Blair.
• India pitches to host COP33 in 2028
• Transforming Climate Finance Developed countries must eliminate their carbon footprint before 2050
• Launches Lead-IT 2.0 Inclusive and just energy transition Low carbon tech co-development Fin support to energy transition and Launch of Green Credit Program
• Modi also met Israeli President Isaac Herzog and underlined India’s support for an early and durable resolution of the Israel-Palestine issue through dialogue and diplomacy.
• He met Sri Lankan President, Ranil Wickremesinghe, Ethiopian PM Abiy Ahmed Ali, King of Bahrain Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, Mark Rutte, the PM of the Netherlands, Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmon, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of Guyana, Jordan‘s King Abdullah II, Swedish PM Ulf Kristersson, President of the Swiss Confederation Alain Berset and Vietnamese PM, Pham Minh Chinh (here)

PM Modi, President Muizzu agree to set up core group to further deepen India-Maldives ties

• India and the Maldives on Fri agreed to set up a core group to further deepen their partnership, as PM Modi held a “productive” meeting with Muizzu on the sidelines of the UN’s COP 28 climate summit.
• According to the PMO’s, the two leaders discussed ways to further bolster relations in sectors about economic relations, development cooperation, and people-to-people ties.
• First meeting: Muizzu, 45, defeated India-friendly incumbent Ibrahim Mohamed Solih in the presidential runoff held in Sept.
• The Maldives is India’s key maritime neighbor in the Indian Ocean and occupies a special place in the PM’s vision of ‘SAGAR’ and the ‘Neighbourhood First Policy’. (here)
• India has decided to withdraw troops in Maldives, Maldives President Muizzu tells the reporters in a presser after reaching Malé after 2 nations visit.
• “Agreement has been reached to withdraw Indian military personnel, which is currently in progress at a technical level“, says the Maldives President’s Office.

Kenyan President William Samoei Ruto to pay State visit to India from Dec 4-6

• Kenyan President William Samoei Ruto will pay a State visit to India from Dec 4-6 at the invitation of President Droupadi Murmu.
• He will be accompanied by a high-level official delegation.
• The visit comes as Ruto’s first to India in his present capacity.
• During his stay in India, Ruto will meet President Murmu.
• He will be accorded a ceremonial welcome at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhawan on Dec 5, as per a release issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
• A State Banquet will be hosted by President Murmu in honor of President Ruto.
• The Kenyan President will also hold detailed discussions with PM Modi.
• The visit is taking place after over 6 years and is expected to strengthen and invigorate the bilateral relations between the two countries, as per the official release.
• Ruto on Fri termed his country’s ties with India “fantastic” and thanked PM Modi for making sure that the AU becomes a permanent member of the G20.
• He said that India and Kenya have a fantastic bilateral relationship and added that he is looking forward to visiting India. (here)

Parliament’s winter session: 21 bills on govt agenda including 3 to replace IPC, CrPC, EA

• The session with the report of the Ethics Committee for cash-for-query allegations against TMC MP Moitra is slated to lay its report on the opening day in Lok Sabha and the opposition some bills including the appointments for the CEC and Other ECs.
• The govt held an all-party meeting on Sat chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh for the smooth functioning of the session that will have 15 sittings between Dec – 22.
• The govt has 21 bills on its agenda for the session including the bills to replace IPC, the Indian Evidence Act, and CrPC.
• (Sources) TMC leaders said during the meeting that govt did not share the full agenda at the all-party meeting and it “secretly added bills” in the mid of last session. (here)

Ministry of Defence inks deal with Agnit Semiconductors

• The Ministry of Defence has signed a contract with Agnit Semiconductors Pvt Ltd for the design and development of advanced Gallium Nitride (GaN) semiconductors.
• GaN is essential for the next generation of wireless transmitters in defense applications ranging from radars to electronic warfare jammers.
• This is the 300^th contract iDEX-DIO has inked to get India rid of imports in Ga components, whose exports are controlled and restricted by many countries, the MoD officially stated on Fri.
• The pact was signed by Addl Secy CEO/DIO with ASP in the presence of the Defence Secretary and other senior civil and military officials of MoD. (here)

NIA raids multiple locations to bust fake currency rackets

• The National Investigation Agency on Sat seized fake notes, currency printing paper, and digital gadgets in raids in 4 states to bust fake Indian currency note rackets
• The raids were conducted as part of the NIA’s probe into a case registered on Nov 24 that relates to a larger conspiracy hatched by suspected individuals for trafficking FICN from across the border and promoting their circulation in India
• Teams of the NIA searched the premises of the accused, Maharashtra, UP, Karnataka, and Bihar.
• The searches led to the seizure of FICN of a face value of Rs 6,600 (in the denomination of Rs 500, Rs 200, and Rs 100), along with currency printing paper and printer.
• The fake currency was circulated across India, the official said.
• NIA investigations further revealed that Patil was using fraudulently obtained SIM cards to take payments by promising to supply fake currency notes. (here)

India greenlights new air routes connecting northeastern states to International destinations

• The Indian govt has greenlit 4 new air routes connecting NE states to international destinations under the flagship regional air connectivity scheme, UDAN.”
• This govt initiative promotes regional air connectivity by making air travel affordable and accessible to a larger population, especially in remote regions.
• This has marked a historic first for the region.
• The routes include connections from Assam to Thailand and Bangladesh, Manipur to Myanmar, and Tripura to Bangladesh.
• Scheduled to become operational within a few weeks, the airfares on these routes—Guwahati-Bangkok, Guwahati-Dhaka, Imphal-Mandalay, and Agartala-Chittagong—will be subsidized under the UDAN scheme. (here)

New Zealand court sentences Khalistan supporters in attempted murder of radio host Harnek

• 3 individuals, identified as Khalistan supporters, have been sentenced by a court in New Zealand in the attempted murder of Auckland-based radio host Harnek Singh.
• Singh, known for his vocal opposition to the Khalistan ideology, was attacked on Dec 23, 2020, in his driveway by a group of religious fundamentalists, media reports said.
• Sarvjeet Sidhu, aged 27, admitted guilt to attempted murder, while Sukhpreet Singh, aged 44, was found guilty of being an accessory.
• The third person, a 48-year-old Auckland resident with interim name suppression, was identified as the mastermind behind the plot.
• He had a deep-seated resentment against Harnek Singh for his views on Khalistan.
• This verdict comes at a time when tensions surrounding the Khalistani issue, a matter that has strained relations between India and Canada ties, continue. (here)

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Sri Lanka: President Wickremesinghe holds one-to-one discussions with President Macron

• President Ranil Wickremesinghe engaged in one-on-one discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron on the sidelines of COP28 in Dubai, UAE today (Sat)
• The focal point of their conversation revolved around collaborating to facilitate Sri Lanka’s transition to a green economy.
• President Wickremesinghe specifically urged President Macron to enhance involvement in the Indian Ocean through the Indian Ocean Rim Association. (here)

Pakistan: 8 bus passengers killed by unknown gunmen in northern Pakistan

• Gunmen attacked a bus near the town of Chilas in northern Pakistan on Sat, killing 8 passengers and injuring at least 15, district and regional officials said.
• Muhammad Ali Johar, the regional govt spox for the, said militants had opened fire on the bus on Sat evening and the wounded had been taken to a local hospital.
• No group immediately claimed responsibility and the motive was not clear.
• Chilas lies in the mountainous region of GB, near the province of KP, where attacks have been rising in recent years, including some claimed by the Pakistani TTP. (here)
• Six held, KKH traffic slows to a crawl: 6 people have been arrested in connection with an attack on a passenger bus in the Chilas Diamer, according to a local police official.
• At least 9 people, including 2 soldiers, lost their lives, and 21 passengers received injuries when unknown attackers opened fire at the Rawalpindi-bound bus (here)

Pakistan: 253,068 illegal Afghan immigrants repatriated from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

• As part of the ongoing drive to repatriate illegal Afghan immigrants in Pakistan, a total of 253,068 people returned until Dec 2^nd through 3 border points in KP Pakistan, local media reported on Mon.
• ARY reported, citing the KP Home Department, that 248,890 immigrants were repatriated through Torkham, 3,479 people through Angor Adda Waziristan, and 698 people via Kharlachi Kurram district.
• Moreover, a total of 5064 people including 114 from Islamabad, 873 from Punjab, and 24 from Azad Kashmir were deported through Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
• Earlier, the caretaker state Information Minister reiterated the govt’s resolve and said that the illegal immigrants will be repatriated to their own country at any cost. (here)

Bangladesh: Uncertainty looms over Jatiya Party

• Jatiya Party leaders find themselves in an uncertain and uneasy situation ahead of the Jan 7 national election, as party has yet to reach any consensus on seat sharing with AL.
• In the last few elections, AL didn’t nominate anyone from certain constituencies to facilitate easy victories for top JP leaders.
• However, the ruling party aspirants are on the field this time in almost every constituency.
• While JP leaders publicly say that they welcome a competitive election, behind the scenes, they are trying to reach an understanding with AL to secure victories.
• Speculation circulates within JP circles that the party might withdraw if ensuring victory for its top-ranked leaders becomes increasingly challenging. (here)

Supply chains headline China-Vietnam talks as US vies for influence

• China’s top diplomat has been in Vietnam on a mission to boost supply chains as competition rises with the US for influence in the Southeast Asian country.
• In Hanoi on Fri, Chinese FM Wang Yi called on the two countries to increase high-level exchanges and improve security, economic and maritime ties.
• “The two sides should … deepen cooperation in trade, connectivity, and key minerals, and jointly build a mutually beneficial, stable, and unimpeded production and supply chain system,” Wang said.
• Wang’s trip to Hanoi was expected to pave the way for Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to the country later this month (sources).
• If the trip goes ahead, it will be Xi’s first to Vietnam in six years and come hard on the heels of a visit by US President Joe Biden.
• During Biden’s visit in Sept, ties between Washington and Hanoi were upgraded to put the US on a diplomatic par with China.
• The US and Vietnam also agreed to improve hi-tech cooperation. (here)