Bangladesh crisis: 115 killed as thousands take to streets against quota system, clash with cops; 4500 Indian, more than 1200 Nepali students leave the country
At all-party meet, allies and rivals present long wish list for Modi Govt
PM Modi emphasizes ‘shared consciousness of heritage’ at World Heritage Committee session
Internet suspended in Haryana’s Nuh
Manipur police, central forces recover and diffuse 33 kg IEDs in Imphal East

What Else

Bhutan King to arrive in Vadodara via direct international flight on July 22 on private visit
India reacts to US envoy’s remarks following Modi’s Russia trip
India Army deploys 500 Special Forces commandos to hunt Pakistani terrorists in J&K
ISRO to test air-breathing hypersonic tech on July 22
India: 100,000 Agniveers already enrolled in army, reveals AG Lt Gen CB Ponappa
‘Ban’ on govt employees taking part in RSS activities removed: Cong, BJP cite DoPT ‘order’
Nepal PM Oli secures two-thirds majority in vote of confidence
More than 10,000 Pakistanis protest army operation to root out Afghani militants
Pakistan: FO summons German ambassador over attack on diplomatic mission in Frankfurt
Pakistan: Imran Khan rules out talks with PPP on no-confidence motion
China’s third plenum holds out hope for debt-hit local governments with funding reform
12 dead, dozens missing after bridge collapses amid floods in China’s Shaanxi province

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Bangladesh crisis: 115 killed as thousands take to streets against quota system, clash with cops; 4500 Indian, more than 1200 Nepali students leave the country

The death toll continues to mount amid ongoing violence over the allocation of govt jobs despite the imposition of a curfew in the country.
The army has also been deployed nationwide to control the law and order situation. Meanwhile, several Indian students have started returning home.
B’desh continues to witness violence days after clashes over the allocation of govt jobs.
Various reports said that the death toll has mounted to 115.
Police and protesters clashed in the streets and at university campuses in Dhaka and other cities over the last few days.
Authorities banned mobile and internet services, some TV news channels also went off the air, and the websites of most Bangladesh newspapers were not loading.
Police have imposed a strict curfew across Bangladesh.
Military forces are patrolling the capital city and other parts of the country to control the law and order situation.
US Embassy said on Fri that reports indicated “hundreds to possibly thousands” were injured across Bangladesh. It said the situation was “extremely volatile.”
[Of course! Who else will be the best authority]
Protestors set the jail on fire, following which some 800 inmates fled from a prison in Narsingdi, a district north of the capital Dhaka. (here)
All Indian nationals safe, EAM Jaishankar monitoring situation, says Centre: The Ministry of External Affairs said on Fri, July 19, that all Indian nationals residing in Bangladesh are safe and the ministry is in touch with them.
In a weekly presser, MEA spox said, “The EAM himself is monitoring the situation. The High Commission will be giving regular updates on the situation there” (here)
West Bengal CM Banerjee offers shelter to Bangladeshis amid escalating violence: Expressing solidarity with the people of Bangladesh, WB Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Jul 21 said the State would open its doors to people in distress from the neighboring country.
“…. But I can tell you this — if helpless people come knocking on the doors of Bengal, we will surely provide them shelter,” Banerjee said at TMC ‘Martyrs Day’ rally (here)
[Though this may attract a vote bank, however, a province has no say in giving shelter or citizenship to anyone, which is exclusively under the center’s control.]

At all-party meet, allies and rivals present long wish list for Modi Govt

An all-party meeting convened by the govt ahead of Parliament’s Monsoon Session began on Jul 21 with leaders from various political parties, including BJP, attending it.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, who will put forth the govt’s view, were also present.
While the Oppn demanded a discussion on UP govt’s order to display nameplates [rule had been framed in 2006] at eateries falling on Kanwar Yatra route, [Hindu’s religious procession] the allies, TDP, JD(U), and LJP (Ram Vilas) demanded financial aid for Andhra Pradesh and Bihar.
Besides, Congress’ Jairam Ramesh, Asaduddin Owaisi of AIMIM, RJD’s Abhay Kushwaha, JD(U)‘s Sanjay Jha, AAP’s Sanjay Singh, SP leader Ramgopal Yadav and NCP’s Praful Patel were present at the customary meet.
Fin Min Nirmala Sitharaman will present the Union Budget on on Tue during this session, which begins on Mon, while table the Economic Survey on Jul 22^nd.
A united opposition is set to corner the NDA govt on issues ranging from the NEET paper leak case and railway safety.
The session begins on Mon and will have 19 sittings till Aug 12 when the govt is expected to present 6 bills, including the one to replace the 90-year-old Aircraft Act, and also get Parliament’s nod for the budget of J&K, which is under central rule. (here)

PM Modi emphasizes ‘shared consciousness of heritage’ at World Heritage Committee session

PM Modi on Jul 21^st said that moving ahead with a vision of “development as well as heritage”, India was committed to promoting global cooperation and engaging local communities in heritage conservation efforts.
The World Heritage Committee meets annually and is responsible for managing all matters on WH sites and deciding on sites to be on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
India is hosting the World Heritage Committee meeting for the first time.
The PM said that more than 350 heritage items have been brought back in recent times.
“This return of ancient heritage artifacts is a display of global generosity and respect for history,” he said.
“India’s history and sense of history are older and more elaborate than the normal, leading to the need for new perspectives to witness the past with technological developments and new discoveries,” Mr. Modi said.
He encouraged people to use this potential of heritage for the betterment of the world and to connect hearts. (here)

Internet suspended in Haryana’s Nuh

The Haryana govt suspended mobile internet and bulk SMS services in Nuh district for 24 hours starting Sun evening to prevent tension and maintain public order during the Braj Mandal Jalabhishek Yatra, which saw violence last year.
This measure aims to curb misinformation spread via social media.
Last year’s violence, involving communal clashes during the religious rally, resulted in 5 deaths and was reportedly sparked by rumors about the participation of Bajrang Dal member and cow vigilante Monu Manesar.
Authorities have tightened security with CCTV and drone surveillance, established checkpoints, and mandated the closure of meat shops along the Yatra route.
A strict ban on carrying weapons and a special team to monitor SM have also been implemented to ensure peace. (here) [Irony is majority frears with 2^nd largest majority]

Manipur police, central forces recover and diffuse 33 kg IEDs in Imphal East

The Manipur Police, along with central security forces, on Sat recovered and diffused 8 IEDs weighing around 33 kg in the Saichang Itham area of Imphal East, averting a major tragedy in the region, an official aware of the matter said.
As part of ongoing search operations, the combined team of Manipur police and central forces continues to recover arms, ammunition, explosives, and other contraband on a near-daily basis, particularly from vulnerable areas across Manipur, the official added.
This operation follows an earlier incident on Apr 13, where 2 Kuki militants were allegedly killed in a clash with the security forces in Itham in Imphal East.
The confrontation began after the alleged Kuki militants launched an attack from Kamu Saichang toward the villages of Tumokhong and Itham Moirangpurel.
Security forces recovered 2 firearms, including an AK-47 and a folding INSAS rifle, from the deceased militants. (here)

Bhutan King to arrive in Vadodara via direct international flight on July 22 on private visit

The King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, is likely to arrive at Vadodara Airport via the first direct international flight from Bhutan on Mon, July 22.
This marks the first time an international flight carrying a state guest will land in Vadodara.
The King is likely to be joined by the Prime Minister of Bhutan.
The scheduled arrival time according to sources is 11.15 am.
Vadodara Airport authorities confirmed that no other flights have been rescheduled due to the arrival of this international flight.
The king is expected to land at Vadodara Airport and visit the Statue of Unity at Ektanagar – Kevadiya, and will return to Bhutan on July 24 itself.
The reason for the King’s visit has not been disclosed due to security concerns. (here)

India reacts to US envoy’s remarks following Modi’s Russia trip

India on Fri reacted to US Ambassador Eric Garcetti’s remarks that appeared to be critical of PM Modi’s visit to Russia.
Last week, Garcetti said that “strategic autonomy” cannot apply in times of conflict and India and the US must work towards upholding principles when there is a breach of rules-based order or violation of sovereign borders.
Though Garcetti did not make any reference to Modi’s visit to Moscow, the remarks were largely seen as Washington’s criticism of the trip.
‘India values its strategic autonomy’: Reacting to the remarks, Foreign Ministry spox said on Fri, “India, like many other countries, values its ‘strategic autonomy’. The US ambassador is entitled to his opinion. Obviously, we have different views.”
“Our comprehensive global strategic partnership with the US gives us the space to agree to disagree on certain issues while respecting each other’s viewpoints,” Jaiswal said.
He added that as comprehensive global strategic partners, India and the US have regular discussions on bilateral, regional, and global issues of mutual interest.
Sullivan talks to Doval: A day after Garcetti’s remarks, US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan spoke to his Indian counterpart Ajit Doval. (here)

India Army deploys 500 Special Forces commandos to hunt Pakistani terrorists in J&K

In light of the increased terror attacks in the UT of J&K, the Indian Army has deployed 500 Special Forces para-commands in the region.
This is part of the army’s tactical and strategic readjustment to counter terrorists.
These para-commandos will be hunting down the terrorists who have snuck in from the neighboring nation of Pakistan.
While the Special Forces have already been deployed, about 3,000 infantry troops are also expected to be stationed in the region in the coming days.
The heavy deployment is indicative of the increased strength of the enemies.
Since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019 in the valley, Pakistan has found it difficult to ship its homegrown terrorists to India.
However, after years of keeping a low profile, the terrorists have started mushrooming in large numbers, not to mention that with the help of over-ground workers (OGWs), they have managed to inflict considerable damage to the Indian forces in the region.
Over 70 to 80 foreign terrorists: According to state Police, there are around 70 to 80 active foreign terrorists in the UT and a fresh batch of 25-20 terrorists have recently infiltrated the region. (here)

ISRO to test air-breathing hypersonic tech on July 22

On Mon, the Indian Space Research Organisation will be test-flying a unique piece of technology known as an air-breathing propulsion system.
The test launch of this system is expected around 7:30 am IST, from India’s spaceport Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota.
This flight test will be performed using a modified version of ISRO’s ‘Rohini-560’ experimental rocket, dubbed an Advanced Technology Vehicle (ATV).
The test articles would be mounted on the ATV rocket.
This test will be a follow-up to ISRO’s maiden experimental flight of air-breathing propulsion technology that was carried out on Aug 28, 2016.
Types of air-breathing propulsion: Ramjet, Scramjet & Dual Mode Ramjet are the 3 concepts of air-breathing engines, which are being developed by space agencies. (here)

India: 100,000 Agniveers already enrolled in army, reveals AG Lt Gen CB Ponappa

Indian Army’s Adjutant General Lt Gen C B Ponnappa on Sun said that that one lakh Agniveers have already been enrolled in the force till now and around 70,000 of them have been posted to the units.
General Ponappa also mentioned that in the year 2024-25, around 50,000 vacancies have been released and the recruitment process is ongoing.
Earlier, in a significant move aimed at empowering ex-Agniveers, the Central Industrial Security Force and Border Security Force announced special recruitment benefits.
CISF DG, Neena Singh stated that the CISF has made all arrangements to recruit ex-Agniveers. (here)

‘Ban’ on govt employees taking part in RSS activities removed: Cong, BJP cite DoPT ‘order’

The Congress on Sun cited a purported govt order issued last week to claim that a “ban” on the participation of govt employees in the activities of the RSS has been removed.
While the veracity of the purported order, which was posted on X by Congress leaders, could not be ascertained immediately, BJP’s IT cell head also shared the screenshot of the order and said that an “unconstitutional” directive issued 58 years ago has been withdrawn by the Modi govt.
Congress’s Jairam Ramesh shared an office memorandum, dated Jul 9, issued by the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pension of the participation of the govt servants in the activities of the RSS. (here)

[Neighborhood]

Nepal PM Oli secures two-thirds majority in vote of confidence

Nepal PM KP Sharma Oli garnered a two-thirds majority in the vote of confidence motion tabled in parliament on Sun.
Oli received 188 votes in the 275-member parliament, with 74 votes in opposition and one abstinent, the House Speaker announced.
On Sunday, a total of 263 lawmakers were present at the meeting.
The Prime Minister required at least 138 votes to win the trust motion.
Oli was appointed PM as per Article 76(2) of the constitution, and the prime minister thus appointed must take a vote of confidence within 30 days.
Earlier while tabling the motion, Oli made public the content of the 7-point agreement reached between the Nepali Congress and the CPN-UML earlier this month.
The Constitution is a document that can be amended. It indeed is a dynamic vibrant document. It can be and would be amended based on the demand of the public. It is not subjected to be amended based on interest, it rather moves according to the need of the time… Oli said. (here)

More than 10,000 Pakistanis protest army operation to root out Afghani militants

Thousands of people rallied on Fri against a planned operation by the Pakistan army to root out militants along the Afghan border, with at least 1 protester killed when gunfire broke out, officials and witnesses said.
More than 10k people waving white flags and calling for peace gathered for the rally in Bannu – 40 km from Afghanistan — where a suicide bomber on Mon rammed an explosive-packed vehicle into an army enclave, killing 8 Pakistani troops.
“Military operations have been ongoing for 20 years, yet peace has not been established,” protester Jamaluddin Wazir told AFP.
“Military operations can never be a substitute for peace.”
earlier this year, without giving details, that the military would launch a new campaign to counter violence in areas along the border with Afghanistan, which has surged following the Taliban govt’s return to power.
Friday’s protest turned violent when crowds reached the walls of an army facility and gunfire broke out, witnesses and officials reported.
At least one protester died, according to Pakhtun Yar, the provincial minister for public health, who was a speaker at the protest.
He accused the military of opening fire on the protesters.
Influential military: For years the Pakistan Taliban waged a bloody campaign in the area, killing thousands of civilians and taking control of parts of the border region, before being pushed back by a military campaign that began in 2014.
Former PM Imran Khan, who waged a campaign of defiance against army chiefs after being ousted from power, is currently in jail on charges of inciting protests.
The Taliban govt insists it will not allow foreign militant outfits to operate from Afghanistan, but Islamabad-Kabul relations have soured over the issue. (here)

Pakistan: FO summons German ambassador over attack on diplomatic mission in Frankfurt

The incident happened on Sat when Afghan nationals protested outside the Pakistani Consulate in Frankfurt.
Some of the protesters, as visible in social media videos, scaled the walls of the mission, removed the Pakistani flag, and attempted to burn it.
According to reports, some 8-10 Afghan nationals were involved in storming and fled after taking down the Pakistani flag.
The German police have not made any arrests so far.
(Sources)- the German diplomat was summoned to the FO over the incident.
An official handout issued by the Office confirmed that the protest had been lodged with the German Embassy but didn’t say if its envoy was called to the ministry.
The handout termed protesters a “gang of extremists”, without identifying their nationalities.
The motive of the protest by Afghan nationals was not clear.
Some suggested that they gathered outside the Pakistani consulate to condemn the apparent murder of Gilman Wazir, a poet and a leader of a local political party. (here)

Pakistan: Imran Khan rules out talks with PPP on no-confidence motion

Former PM and PTI founder Imran Khan firmly ruled out any possibility of discussions with the PPP regarding a no-confidence motion.
During an informal conversation with journalists at Adiala Jail on Sat, Khan expressed his unwavering stance, asserting that PPP and PML-N were indistinguishable and both were products of ‘manipulated’ electoral processes.
Khan criticized the current political climate, describing it as detrimental to democracy.
He highlighted the restrictions placed on his party, key leaders, including the chairman and vice chairman, were already imprisoned, yet the govt still threatened further bans on the party.
He condemned this as an attack on democratic principles.
Addressing the conditions in Adiala Jail, Khan detailed the harsh treatment he faced, including unsanitary conditions and inadequate food.
He called for an investigation into the alleged poisoning and mistreatment during his imprisonment.
Khan also voiced his strong condemnation of the Bannu incident, where “he claimed” the military fired on unarmed civilians during a peace march.
He demanded a judicial inquiry to ensure accountability. (here)

China’s third plenum holds out hope for debt-hit local governments with funding reform

China’s ruling elites have committed to boosting the financial power of local govts, to address a decades-old economic imbalance and overcome a vital structural problem

Over the next 5 years, China will aim for a “clear division of responsibilities, coordinated financial resources and regional balance” in the fiscal relationship between central and local govts, according to decisions by the CP’s 20^th Central Committee.

The full text of the decisions document from the committee’s long-awaited third plenum last week was released by state news agency Xinhua on Sun.
The leadership agreed to grant local govts more “autonomous fiscal capacity”, allowing them to increase their tax sources and “appropriately” expand their management authority relating to taxation, the document revealed.
The policy measures from the 4-day, closed-door plenary session – aimed at laying out China’s economic road map for the medium term – come as local authorities battle a cash drain, with the risk of waves of defaults on trillions of dollars worth of debt casting a shadow over prospects for the Chinese economy. (here)

12 dead, dozens missing after bridge collapses amid floods in China’s Shaanxi province

At least 12 people are reported to have died and dozens of others are missing after a bridge collapsed amid heavy rain in China’s NW Shaanxi province on Sat.
According to the state broadcaster, “a sudden heavy rainstorm and flash floods” caused the bridge on Danning highway in southern Shaanxi to partially collapse into the river below around 9 pm on Fri.
12 people had been confirmed dead, CCTV said.
About 31 others and some 18 vehicles were still unaccounted for.
He also urged emergency workers to “meticulously inspect surrounding safety hazards, and rigorously prevent secondary disasters”. (here)

Top Headlines: Bangladesh crisis: 115 killed as thousands take to streets against quota system, clash with cops; 4500 Indian, more than 1200 Nepali students leave the country