1. Sheikh Hasina accuses US of ousting her for refusing to surrender Saint Martin Island; her Son made U-turn Denies Claims of Resignation ‘False And Fabricated’.
2. Indian PM Modi reacts to Arshad Nadeem’s historic Olympic victory
3. India back in Maldives as S Jaishankar meets Mohamed Muizzu on Fri
4. 69 Indians await release from Russian Army, 8 killed so far, Jaishankar tells Lok Sabha
5. NIA Secures Extradition of Dreaded Khalistani Terrorists Rinda and Landa Nation

What Else

1. Two Indian soldiers killed, four injured in gunfight with J&K terrorists; Governor accuses Pakistan
2. Indian Navy approves Mazagon Dock to build 6 submarines with German collaboration
3. Hindenburg alleges SEBI Chairperson, her husband had hidden stakes in obscure offshore funds with links to Adani scandal
4. Ex-Manipur MLA’s wife killed in blast outside their home
5. China voices support for Iran’s ‘sovereignty’ in assassination’s aftermath
6. China eyes anti-drone technology as key to future battlefield success
7. Record US$20 billion Taiwan defense budget to ‘mostly cover existing expenses’
8. Pakistan: Citizen discovers missile in Islamabad, alerts authorities
9. Journalist tortured by Sindh police for reporting alleged corruption of SSP
10. ‘Its not about re-election but reclaiming the mandate’

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Sheikh Hasina accuses US of ousting her for refusing to surrender Saint Martin Island

• Days after “resigning” from her PM post and fleeing B’desh, ex-PM Sheikh Hasina accused the US of her ouster.
• One of the accusations Hasina,  who is currently residing in a safe house in India leveled against Washington involved a tiny island called Saint Martin’s.
• She accused the US of ousting because she refused to hand over the island
• Saint Martin’s Island is a tiny piece of land, it holds geographical significance because it is touted to provide a “sway over the Bay of Bengal”.
• On Sun, the Bangladeshi premier released an undelivered speech which she wanted to give before she was forced to resign.
• In the statement the 79-year-old leader of the Awami League claimed that she could have remained in power had she given away Bangladesh’s sovereignty over the island.
• “I could have remained in power if I had left St. Martin’s and the Bay of Bengal to America,” she said in a message conveyed to her AL supporters.
• It is pertinent to note that Hasina resigned and fled from Dhaka following nationwide protests over a controversial quota system proposed by her govt.
• Within a few weeks, the quota system protests eventually morphed into an anti-govt and anti-Hasina protest. (here)
• Sheikh Hasina’s Son made U-turn Denies Claims of Resignation ‘False And Fabricated’:
• Sajeeb Wazed, the son of former PM Hasina, has dismissed reports that a resignation statement attributed to his mother and published in a newspaper is “completely false and fabricated”. (here)
• Najeeb Wazed, son of Sheikh Hasina confirms to WION on Aug 6^th that Sheikh Hasina’s comments on US and St Martin Island are authentic. (here)
• [So, what happened in a few days is just a question easy to understand?
• I will return soon inshallah: In her message to supporters and party cadres, she vowed to return to the country, though accepting her defeat.
• “I will return soon inshallah.  The defeat is mine but the victory is [that of] the people of Bangladesh,” she stated. (here)
• Bangladeshi Hindus demand minority protection law; interim leader Yunus condemns ‘heinous’ attacks: The newly formed interim govt on Sun issued a stern warning to the country’s media, stating that they will be shut down if they publish or broadcast any “false or misleading news” [Media censorship? what if Hasina did it?], PTI reported.
• Scores of minority Hindus held protest rallies in Dhaka and Chittagong demanding protection amid nationwide vandalism and attacks on temples, and their households and businesses.
• Meanwhile in India, the Assam Police is on high alert along the Indo-B’desh border to ensure that no person can enter the state illegally.
• The Centre has issued a directive that no person will be allowed to enter India from Bangladesh illegally, the state police chief was quoted as saying. (here)
• Protest outside UN HQ over Attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh, Krishnamoorthi Seeks Action: A large crowd gathered outside the UN HQ in New York, demanding protection for Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh.
• HinduACTion, a Washington-based NGO, said that people from all walks of life showed up spontaneously.
• The protests also took place at other places in New York, HinduACTion said.
• The NGO praised several US Representatives for speaking out against the violence targeting Hindus in Bangladesh.
• Several other leaders spoke up against the violence in Bangladesh. (here)
• Minorities faced 205 attacks after falling of Hasina govt: Hindu groups– Members of minority communities in Bangladesh faced at least 205 incidents of attacks in 52 districts since the fall of the Hasina-led govt on Aug 5, according to two Hindu organizations in the violence-hit nation.
• The Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council and the Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad on Fri presented the data in an open letter to the Chief of the interim govt Muhammad Yunus, who was sworn in as the head of an interim govt. (here)
• Union Home Ministry creates committee to monitor the safety of Indians: A 5-member committee led by a senior BSF official has been set up to communicate with Bangladesh authorities “to ensure the safety and security of Indian nationals, Hindus, and other minority communities living there,” Minister said on Fri (here)

Indian PM Modi reacts to Arshad Nadeem’s historic Olympic victory

• Following Arshad Nadeem’s historic victory over Indian rival Neeraj Chopra at the Paris 2024 Olympics, PM Modi praised the sporting spirit displayed by Chopra’s mother, Saroj Devi, who referred to Nadeem as “like her son.”
• On Thu, Nadeem clinched the gold medal in the javelin throw competition, while Chopra secured the silver.
• Saroj Devi expressed her happiness for Nadeem’s success, stating that she was proud of her son’s silver medal and that the Pakistani gold medalist was also like her son. (here)

India back in Maldives as S Jaishankar meets Mohamed Muizzu on Fri

• External affairs minister S Jaishankar on Fri said India’s partnership with the Maldives is based on its deep desire to work together for each other’s welfare and interests.
• He emphasized that the relationship with Male was one of the cornerstones of India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy.
• Jaishankar arrived in Male for a 3-day official visit to reset the bilateral relationship with the Maldives, the 1^st high-level trip from India after the pro-China president Mohamed Muizzu assumed office last year.
• The visit follows a period of strained relations earlier this year when 3 Maldivian ministers and some parliamentarians made derogatory remarks about PM Modi.
• Tensions escalated further after the Maldives, under new President Mohamed Muizzu, reiterated its demand for the withdrawal of Indian troops from the country.
• As a result, the Indian military personnel were replaced by civilians.
• Muizzu, known for his pro-China stance, led an ‘India out’ campaign against the then-Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. (here)

69 Indians await release from Russian Army, 8 killed so far, Jaishankar tells Lok Sabha

• Over the past 9 months, 91 Indians have been recruited into the Russian Army, and 8 have been killed so far, Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar told the Lok Sabha on Fri.
• 69 Indians are still awaiting release from the Russian Army, he said that PM Modi had “personally” raised the issue with President Putin during his visit to Moscow last month
• He was replying to questions from AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi who asked whether the govt would stop buying oil from Russia if Mascow is not taking it seriously.
• Repatriation in progress: The Hindu had reported first on Feb 20 that Indians who traveled to Russia on tourist visas were offered jobs as security helpers, but were forced to fight alongside the Russian military on the Russia-Ukraine border.
• The Minister added that the CBI has registered a criminal case against 19 individuals and entities and the agency has examined 14 people who have returned from Russia. (here)

NIA Secures Extradition of Dreaded Khalistani Terrorists Rinda and Landa Nation

• The NIA on Fri arrested a key aide of dreaded foreign-based terrorists Harwinder Sandhu alias Rinda and Lakhbir Singh alias Landa after successfully securing his extradition from the UAE.
• The accused, Tarsem Singh of district Tarn Taran in Punjab and the real brother of designated individual terrorist Lakhbir Landa, had a non-bailable warrant of arrest against him since June 2023.
• Tarsem was initially picked up in Abu Dhabi in Nov 2023 following the issuance of the NBW by an NIA special court and the subsequent Red Corner Notice by INTERPOL.
• Eventually, on Fri, he was extradited from the UAE to India in adherence to INTERPOL’s due processes. (here)

Two Indian soldiers killed, four injured in gunfight with J&K terrorists; Governor accuses Pakistan

• Two Army personnel died while four others were injured during a fierce gunfight with terrorists in a forest in Anantnag district of South Kashmir on Sat, officials said.
• The conflict occurred during a cordon and search operation that was initiated by the security forces based on intel inputs indicating the presence of terrorists
• Two civilians were also injured in the crossfire, officials said.
• The skirmish began when a group of terrorists opened fire at the joint search parties comprising Army troopers, including para commandos, and local police.
• In the ensuing gun battle, 6 Army personnel and 2 civilians were injured, officials said
• The remaining injured personnel and civilians are receiving medical attention, they said.
• Reinforcements have been deployed in the area and operations to locate and neutralize the fleeing terrorists are underway, the latest officials said.
• Governor accuses Pakistan of sending trained terrorists to J&K: Pakistan has been pushing highly foreign-trained terrorists into J&K to destabilize its security situation, Lt Governor Manoj Sinha claimed Sun and said a strategy has been formulated and security forces are being redeployed to foil the neighboring country’s nefarious designs.
• He asserted that there would be a “big change in the situation in the next 3 months”.
• The Jammu region, previously known for its peaceful atmosphere, has seen a surge in terror incidents, particularly in the border districts.
• Attacks on an IAF convoy, a pilgrim bus, and the killing of soldiers in Kathua during the last few months highlight the evolving threat.
• On Sat, 2 soldiers and a civilian were killed during an encounter between terrorists and security forces in Anantnag in south Kashmir. (here)

Indian Navy approves Mazagon Dock to build 6 submarines with German collaboration

• In a major development, the Indian Navy has cleared the state-owned Mazagon Dock Limited to build 6 submarines with a projected cost of upto Rs 60k crores.
• The decision follows the completion of trials for submarines under Project 75 India, according to defense sources.
• The deal is crucial for India to counter the increasing influence of China and Pakistan in the IOR.
• MDL, in partnership with Germany’s ThyssenKrupp, was competing against L&T and Navantia.
• The Indian govt is focused on enhancing public sector units for job creation and technology development.
• India plans to acquire six advanced conventional submarines equipped with an AIP system, allowing them to stay underwater longer than previous models without AIP.
• Project 75 India aims to acquire diesel-electric attack submarines with AIP technology, making them larger and more advanced than current models. (here)

Hindenburg alleges SEBI Chairperson, her husband had hidden stakes in obscure offshore funds with links to Adani scandal

• US-based firm Hindenburg Research on Aug 10 alleged that SEBI’s Chair Madhabi Buch and her husband had a stake in “both the obscure offshore entities used in the Adani money siphoning scandal.”
• After putting out a teaser this morning, hinting at a significant disclosure involving India, Hindenburg by the end of the day published a new report
• The report claimed, “We had previously noted Adani’s total confidence in continuing to operate without the risk of serious regulatory intervention, … Adani’s relationship with SEBI Chairperson, Madhabi Buch.” (here)
• The recent allegations have ignited a political storm, with opposition parties demanding a Joint Parliamentary Committee to investigate the matter. (here)

Ex-Manipur MLA’s wife killed in blast outside their home

• The wife of former Manipur MLA Yamthong Haokip was killed in a bomb blast outside their home in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district.
• The incident occurred on Sat near the home of Haokip, a former legislator from Saikul, in Ekou Mullam village.
• The blast occurred around 3 pm when the family, including the victim, Sapam Charubala (59), were engaged in cleaning work outside the house. (here)

 [Neighborhood]

China voices support for Iran’s ‘sovereignty’ in assassination’s aftermath

• China has backed Iran in its right to defend its sovereignty following the assassination in Tehran last month of a leading Palestinian figure.
• It also renewed its call for joint efforts to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East.
• In a call on Sun, Chinese FM Wang Yi told acting Iranian FM Ali Bagheri Kani that Beijing supported Tehran “in defending its sovereignty, security, and national dignity by the law”.
• “[China also supports Iran’s] efforts to maintain regional peace and stability, and stands ready to maintain close communication with Iran,” Wang said, as the Chinese ministry.
• “The priority is for the international community to jointly urge all parties to implement in earnest United Nations Security Council resolutions and create conditions for a comprehensive, permanent ceasefire in Gaza as soon as possible.”
• He also described China and Iran as “comprehensive strategic partners” and said China was willing to work with the new Iranian govt. (here)

China eyes anti-drone technology as key to future battlefield success

• China’s military and private manufacturers have been urged to ramp up efforts to produce anti-drone weapons after seeing how effective they have been in the Ukraine war.
• The PLA has been watching closely how the technology has been employed on the battlefield and has been testing its capabilities in regular exercises.
• The official military newspaper, The PLA Daily, has reported on some of these drills, the most recent being carried out in Kunming, the capital of Yunnan province.
• Another article in May highlighted some of the technology being studied, including Britain’s DragonFire, a high-powered laser weapon that was successfully tested in Jan.
• The military has also published regular articles about the use of technology in conflicts such as Ukraine and Gaza. (here)

Record US$20 billion Taiwan defense budget to ‘mostly cover existing expenses’

• Taiwanese leader William Lai Ching-te’s government is proposing to spend a record $19.9 billion on defense next year in response to growing threats from Beijing.
• The unprecedented defense spending, out of a total expenditure of NT$3.13 trillion, is almost double the NT$359 billion listed during the first year of Lai’s predecessor Tsai Ing-wen’s term in 2016.
• Lai, who also heads the independence-leaning DPP has been keen to demonstrate his government’s commitment to improving Taiwan’s defenses.
• In a statement released by his office late on Tuesday, Lai said “We are determined to boost our self-defense and deepen cooperation with democratic partners to ensure peace and prosperity”.
• Two days later, at a ceremony marking senior military promotions, Lai reiterated his determination to build a “strong and self-reliant” force against any potential aggression from the People’s Liberation Army. (here)

Pakistan: Citizen discovers missile in Islamabad, alerts authorities

• A small missile was discovered by a citizen within the limits of the Police Station Golra Sharif area of Islamabad, ARY News reported on Sun.
• The citizen immediately alerted the authorities by calling the police helpline 15.
• Upon receiving the report, police swiftly arrived at the scene and secured the area.
• A Bomb Disposal Squad was also called to assess and manage the situation.
• The police have initiated an investigation to determine the nature of the missile and how it ended up in the public area. (here)

Journalist tortured by Sindh police for reporting alleged corruption of SSP

• Khursheed Rajput, a journalist from Tando Adam, has reportedly been subjected to torture by the local police after exposing alleged corruption by the Police chief, ARY News reported on Sun
• Rajput, along with a friend, was presented in court by the police, who requested a remand, but the civil magistrate rejected the plea.
• The police have charged Rajput with robbery and possession of illegal weapons, but the journalist claims that these charges are false and were fabricated as retaliation for his reporting on the SSP’s corrupt activities.
• Rajput also revealed that the SHO of Tando Adam recorded his indecent videos while he was being tortured.
• Earlier this, a tragic incident was reported from Nowshera city of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) where a Local journalist was shot dead by some unidentified assailants. (here)

‘Its not about re-election but reclaiming the mandate’

• Ali Mohammad Khan, a central leader of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), emphasized that the issue at hand is not about re-election but about reclaiming the mandate.
• Speaking on ARY News’ program, “Aiteraz hai”, Ali Mohammad Khan stated that while Maulana Fazlur Rehman and PTI may share the view that there was ‘fraud’ in the electoral process, their perspectives are not entirely aligned.
• He pointed out that on Feb 8, PTI received a clear mandate, which he believes was manipulated by the Election Commission and its procedures.
• He mentioned that Form 45, which is crucial in the election process, was discarded, leading to what he describes as the theft of PTI’s mandate.
• He asserted that if the mandate is restored, PTI would secure a majority in Parliament.
• Khan concluded by suggesting that the PML-N govt may not want the May 9 issue resolved and questioned why a judicial commission has not been established. (here)