1. ‘Current civil code is discriminatory’: PM Modi bats for secular UCC in Independence Day speech
2. Mohammad Yunus dials PM Modi, assures safety of minorities in Bangladesh
3. PM Modi Addresses 3rd India-Hosted Voice of Global South Summit
4. Election Commission of India announces J&K, Haryana poll schedule; counting on Oct 4
5. Nepal Foreign Minister arrives in New Delhi on a five-day visit to India

What Else

1. Assam police forms special investigation teams after suspected IEDs found on I Day
2. Indian Coast Guard’s new facilities in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry to aid rescue, pollution response ops
3. 26/11 terror attack: Ex-Pak Army doctor Tahawwur Rana extraditable to India, US court rules
4. India a ‘global leader in breakthrough innovations’: Bill Gates
5. Several trains diverted in northern India after 20 coaches of Sabarmati Express derail near Kanpur
6. Former Jharkhand CM Champai Soren’s Delhi visit fuels speculations of his defection to BJP
7. PM greets newly-elected prime minister of Thailand
8. Early Bangladesh polls unlikely as Yunus says implement reforms first
9. Bangladesh: Form minority commission
10. China imposes export ban on rare mineral critical for electric mobility

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‘Current civil code is discriminatory’: PM Modi bats for secular UCC in Independence Day speech

• PM Modi on Thu (I Day) came out in full support of the Uniform Civil Code during his speech from the ramparts of Red Fort.
• PM Modi said a secular UCC was the need of the hour as the current civil codes were ‘discriminatory’ and ‘communal’.
• PM Modi was addressing the country from the iconic Mughal monument for the first time after securing a third term in office.
• “The Constitution tells us, the Supreme Court tells us to and it was the dream of the Constitution makers. So it is our duty to fulfill it.”
• The BJP leader also urged for suggestions and opinions from the public regarding UCC.
• What is the UCC? A comprehensive set of common laws for all religions governing personal matters like marriage, divorce, adoption, inheritance, custody, alimony etc, aims at ensuring equality among all religions.
• Article 44 mentions the “state shall endeavor to secure a UCC for the citizens “. (here)

Mohammad Yunus dials PM Modi, assures safety of minorities in Bangladesh

• PM Modi on Fri spoke with the Chief Adviser of the interim govt of Bangladesh, Muhammad Yunus, and reiterated his call for the safety and security of the “Hindus and all other minority communities” in Bangladesh.
• The two leaders spoke for the first time in the backdrop of the fast-moving developments in the neighboring country, which earlier this month witnessed the dramatic removal of PM Sheikh Hasina and the subsequent internal turbulence.
• The telephone call took place a day after Modi made a forceful mention of the minority communities in Bangladesh amid reports that they have been targeted in the backdrop of the fall of the Hasina-led Govt.
• ‘Second Revolution’: Professor Yunus described the change of Govt through the student movement as the “Second Revolution” in Bangladesh and pledged that his govt will “fulfill the desire of the democratic aspirations of the students and people.

• Nearly 650 people killed in recent spate of violence in Bangladesh: UN report: Nearly 650 people have been killed in the recent unrest in Bangladesh from Jul 16 to Aug 11, 2024, the UNHR Office has said in a preliminary report.
• UNHR suggested a thorough, impartial, and transparent investigation into reports of extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrests, and detentions.
• As per claim, nearly 400 deaths were reported before Aug 4^th and 250 deaths on Aug 5^th to 6^th, leading to the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina
• The number of reported killings in revenge attacks [Western Media Report through UN] since that time remains to be determined, the report which was released on Fri.
• Several Hindu temples, homes, and businesses of the minority community in Bangladesh were destroyed this month amidst the unrest.
• The High Commissioner also announced that a team would visit Dhaka next week to explore areas in which the UN Human Rights Office can support the transition. (here)

PM Modi Addresses 3^rd India-Hosted Voice of Global South Summit

• India today held the 3^rd edition of the Voice of Global South Summit, an event underpinned by India’s philosophy of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’.
• The summit is an extension of PM Modi’s vision of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas aur Sabka Prayas’, the MEA said in a statement earlier this week.
• It envisages bringing together countries of the Global South to share their perspectives and priorities on a common platform across a whole range of issues.
• VOGSS with the overarching theme of “An Empowered Global South for a Sustainable Future”, .. continues to affect the world, such as conflicts, food, and energy security crises, and climate change – all of which severely affect developing countries: the MEA.
• Yesterday, the Ministry of External Affairs in its weekly briefing stated that all countries from the Global South have been invited for the summit.
• The inaugural session at the Head of State/Govt level will be hosted by PM Modi. (here)

Election Commission of India announces J&K, Haryana poll schedule; counting on Oct 4

• The Election Commission on Fri announced the schedule for the upcoming assembly elections in the state of Haryana and the UT of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K).
• In J&K, polls will be held in 3 phases: 1^st – Sept 18; 2^nd – Sept 25; and 3^rd –Oct 1^st, while in Haryana, polls will be held in one phase, on Oct 1^st
• Results will be declared on October 4 for both the states.
• A total of 11,838 polling stations would be set up in J&K and 20,500 PS in Haryana.
• Ahead of the scheduled announcement, a major administration reshuffle was observed in the UT, as more than 200 civil and police officers were transferred on Fri. (here)
• Nalin Prabhat joins as new Special Director General of J&K Police: The central govt has appointed IPS officer Nalin Prabhat as the special DGP of the J&K Police.
• The order will be effective Oct 1, 2024, following the clearance of his inter-cadre deputation from Andhra to the AGMUT cadre by the Cabinet Appointment Committee on Wed
• Prabhat has major experience in CT operations across the country and has previously served as the DG of the NSG and as addl DG in the Central Force (CRPF) in J&K.
• Prabhat, a 1992-batch IPS officer, will take charge from RR Swain upon his retirement next month. Until then, he will serve as the SDG of J&K Police. (here)
• J&K will challenge Article 370 revocation first thing after elections: Omar Abdullah– National Conference leader Abdullah, who often criticizes the Indian govt, on Sat said that the J&K Assembly plans to pass a resolution opposing the Central govt’s decision to revoke Article 370, as its 1^st action following the upcoming assembly elections. (here)

Nepal Foreign Minister arrives in New Delhi on a five-day visit to India

• Nepali Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba arrived in New Delhi on Sun for a 5-day official visit to India on the invitation of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.
• The Ministry of External Affairs said that the visit continues the tradition of regular high-level India-Nepal bilateral exchanges.
• As per a statement by Nepal’s Foreign Ministry, the FM will be holding meetings with Jaishankar and will “discuss matters of mutual interest for strengthening Nepal-India relations and promoting cooperation.” (here)

Assam police forms special investigation teams after suspected IEDs found on I Day

• Assam Special Director General of Police on Sun said that special Investigation teams have been formed after several suspected Improvised Explosive Device-like objects from various locations of the state were detected on Aug 15.
• Earlier on Aug 15, the Assam Police carried out searches for explosive devices in several places across the state on I Day after “suspicious articles” were found in a few cities and towns, including Guwahati.
• DGP further said that teams are tasked with a thorough investigation to determine the nature of the substances and to ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
• The Assam police on Aug 16 announced a reward of ₹5 lakh for concrete leads.
• Assam DGP said that, yesterday police found two IED-like objects from two locations in Guwahati and other places of the state and he assured the people of the state that Assam police will solve the case soon. (here)

Indian Coast Guard’s new facilities in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry to aid rescue, pollution response ops

• The Indian Coast Guard’s mission to ensure zero life loss at sea, tighten maritime security, and to protect the oceans and marine life, received a boost, as Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated three new facilities in Chennai and Puducherry.

• Def Min Rajnath Singh visited the new Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre building in Chennai.
• Following the inauguration of the MRCC, he also dedicated the Regional Marine Pollution Response Centre, located at the Chennai Port premises, and the Coast Guard Air Enclave in Puducherry.
• Senior officers of the Ministry of Defence, ICG & Armed Forces, dignitaries from State govts, and guests from friendly countries attended the event.
• MRCC -aims to significantly enhance the coordination and effectiveness of maritime rescue operations.
• It serves as a 24/7 control center that monitors distress alerts, and weather systems and coordinates with ICG air and sea assets, commercial ships, fishers, etc.
• It underscores the Govt’s resolve to protect lives and ensure a swift response in critical situations. (here)
• Indian Coast Guard Director General Rakesh Pal passes away: The Chief of the Indian Coast Guard, DG Rakesh Pal, aged 59, passed away in Chennai on Aug 18^th.
• He was in the city to preside over the inauguration of 3 facilities for the force.
• In the evening, DG Pal was to take part in the inaugural event organized at the Coast Guard’s Region East HQ in the city, but he had to be rushed to a nearby hospital hours before the commencement of the event, as he complained of discomfort. (here)

26/11 terror attack: Ex-Pak Army doctor Tahawwur Rana extraditable to India, US court rules

• Canadian national and former Pakistani army doctor Tahawwur Rana, wanted by the National Investigation Agency for his role in the 26/11 terrorist attack, is extraditable under the extradition treaty between DC and Delhi, the US Court has ruled.
• Ruling on an appeal filed by Rana, a panel of judges of the US Court of Appeals for the 9^th Circuit affirmed the District Court in the Central District of California’s denial of his habeas corpus petition challenging a magistrate judge’s certification of his extradition to India. (here)

India a ‘global leader in breakthrough innovations’: Bill Gates

• India is a global leader with breakthrough innovations, US businessman and Microsoft founder Bill Gates has said as he joined Indian-Americans to celebrate the first-ever India Independence Day celebrations of the newly-opened Indian Consulate in Seattle.
• Addressing the nearly 2,000-plus Indian-American community, he referred to India as a “global leader with breakthrough innovations in areas like technology, agriculture, and healthcare”.
• Other participants at the India Day celebrations included Congresswoman Suzan DelBene, Congresswoman Kim Schrier, Congressman Adam Smith, Lt. Gen Xavier Brunson, Commander of America’s First Corps in Pacific NorthWest, Rear Admiral Mark Sucato, Commander of the Navy Region of North West, Washington Lieutenant Governor Denny Heck and Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs and Chief Justice from Washington Supreme Court Steve Gonzalez. (here)

Several trains diverted in northern India after 20 coaches of Sabarmati Express derail near Kanpur

• At least 20 coaches of the Sabarmati Express passenger train derailed between Kanpur and Bhimsen station in UP at 2:30 am on Sat, a Railway Board official said.
• “No injury to any person has been reported as of now,” the official said.
• “The loco pilot said that some boulder hit the cattle guard (front portion) of the engine which got badly damaged and bent,” he added.
• According to the Railways, seven trains have been canceled and three diverted due to the derailment. (here)
• As of Aug 17^th, 2024, 8 major train accidents had occurred on Indian Railways in the first half of the year, including 5 derailments. 
• [In all other cases, the reason might be various types, but in the case of a derailment, the main reason is a disturbance on the tract, spread over 126,366 km.]

Former Jharkhand CM Champai Soren’s Delhi visit fuels speculations of his defection to BJP

• Amid the buzz around his defection to the BJP, senior JMM leader and former CM of Jharkhand arrived in Delhi on Sun.
• “I have come here for my personal work,” he told reporters, ignoring the direct questions on his BJP switch.
• According to sources, he is likely to meet senior BJP leaders in the national capital. Some of his loyalists are also accompanying him during the visit. (here)

PM greets newly-elected prime minister of Thailand

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday congratulated Ms. Paetongtarn Shinawatra on being elected Prime Minister of Thailand.
• PM Modi expressed the hope to further strengthen bilateral ties between India and Thailand, which are based on strong foundations of civilizational, cultural, and people-to-people connections. (here)

[Neighborhood]

Early Bangladesh polls unlikely as Yunus says implement reforms first

• Bangladesh interim govt chief adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus pledged on Sun to hold elections but said a “free, fair and participatory” election can only be held when the interim govt has completed its “mandate” to carry out “vital reforms”.
• In his 1^st interaction with diplomats stationed in Dhaka, Prof Yunus said reforms are needed in the election commission, judiciary, civil admin, security forces, and media.
• In their effort to stay in power, Prof Yunus told diplomats, that the “Sheikh Hasina dictatorship destroyed every institution of the country.”
• The “to-do list” involves a long process, creating uncertainty about the prospect of early elections and the formation of an elected govt.
• “The revolutionary students want us to carry out meaningful and deep reforms, which will turn the country into a real and thriving democracy,” Professor Yunus said.”
• His comments came amid calls from the international community for steps to “restore democratic order and rule of law” through an “inclusive and participatory” process guided by human rights. (here)
• Some Reforms: 6 more cases filed against Hasina: Six more murder cases were filed on Sun against former PM Sheikh Hasina, several of her cabinet members, ex-Awami League lawmakers, leaders and activists of the party, and police officials.
• With this, Hasina is now facing 15 cases, including 12 for murder, one for abduction, and two for committing crimes against humanity and genocide. (here)
• Govt mulls formation of mass media commission: Information Adviser Nahid Islam on Sun said the govt is contemplating forming an independent mass media commission to ensure freedom of the press.
• Certain laws will be amended, if needed, after discussing the matter with journalists
• Expressing his frustration over Bangladesh’s position in the World Press Freedom Index, he said, “Freedom of the press is one of the pillars of democracy. If we want democracy, we have to ensure freedom of the press and freedom of speech.”
• Asked about enacting Mass Media Employees Act, he said the govt would look into it.
• The information adviser said they would overhaul the Bangladesh Film Censor Board and take logical steps in response to demands for its abolition. (here)
• 201 officials promoted to joint secys: The govt has promoted 201 officials from the post of deputy secretary to joint secretary.
• A notification, signed by Ziauddin Chowdhury, deputy secretary of the Ministry of Public Administration, was issued to this effect yesterday.
• Since the fall of the Awami League govt, “politically sidelined” officers have been gathering at the Secretariat almost every day to put pressure on the interim govt to promote them. (here)
• 12-yr-old girl knocked unconscious, raped: 2 men have been accused of raping a 12-year-old girl after giving her and her family sweets laced with sedatives in Habiganj’s Chunarughat upazila.
• They are Billal Miah and Farhad Miah are from the same village, said police.
• On Sat evening, the victim’s father filed the case, accusing the duo, said Hillol Roy, officer-in-charge (OC) of Chunarughat Police Station. (here)

Bangladesh: Form minority commission

• The Sanatan Adhikar Parishad has demanded a minority commission to investigate the attacks on the homes and places of worship of the Hindus across the country.
• Yesterday, a six-member delegation met the Chief Adviser to the interim govt Prof Muhammad Yunus to present an 8-point demand, including the prosecution of attacks on the properties of the minority community and ensuring their security.
• Yunus assured them that his govt is committed to protecting the human rights of every citizen, including members of religious minorities.
• Information Adviser Nahid Islam, and Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Mahmud were present at the meeting.

China imposes export ban on rare mineral critical for electric mobility

• China on Thu announced that it will control the export of rare antimony (Sb) metals, ores, and oxides with effect from Sept 15, 2024.
• The world’s 2^nd-largest economy accounted for nearly half of total antimony last year.
• In a statement on Thu, the Chinese Ministry of Com said the move was set to safeguard national security, defend its interests, and also fulfill its non-proliferation obligations.
• “We oppose any country or region using controlled items from China to engage in activities that harm China’s national sovereignty, security, and development interests,” the spox said.
• The latest ban comes on top of a ban already in place on exporting technology to extract and separate critical materials.
• Beijing tightened exports of some graphite products last Dec.
• China also imposed restrictions on exports of gallium (Ga) and germanium (Ge) products widely used in the semiconductor industry from last Aug. (here)