1. Indian, Maldivian govts sign MoUs, agreements including launch of RuPay card in Maldives
2. J&K, Haryana assembly poll results on Tue: Opposition slams LG’s ‘undemocratic’ nomination of 5 candidates
3. Sanjay Roy Raped, Murdered Abhaya: CBI Files Chargesheet in Kolkata Rape-Murder Case
4. As Russia seeks to expand trade in rupee-rouble, RBI & SEBI remain wary
5. Enough Oil available in the world, India buying from 39 sources: Hardeep Singh Puri

What Else

1. Indians now comprise 10% of all seafarers globally after steep rise over last decade
2. Mohammed Zubair faces FIR over tweet concerning Yati Narsinghanand
3. Pakistan: PM assures Chinese envoy of personally overseeing Karachi terror attack investigation
4. 56 Pakistani prisoners return from Sri Lanka
5. Imran Khan’s sisters handed over to police on remand; warrants issued for Gandapur
6. ‘Wrong, say Sorry…’: In Pakistan, Zakir Naik chides Pashtun girl over question on Paedophilia
7. Bangladesh: Assistant commissioner suspended over FB post Criticising govt
8. Envoy: ‘Russian leadership’ decides to delist Taliban as terrorist group
9. Bangladeshi hajj pilgrims can now travel by sea
10. China’s Pacific ally Kiribati criticizes Beijing’s missile launch
11. China to provide emergency medical supplies to Lebanon
12. Taiwan’s Tsai Ing-wen to strengthen Europe ties in first overseas trip since stepping down

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Indian, Maldivian govts sign MoUs, agreements including launch of RuPay card in Maldives

• India and Maldives have strengthened their bilateral ties with several key agreements signed during Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu’s 4-day visit to India.
• The agreements include the launch of RuPay services in Maldives, with PM Modi and President Muizzu witnessing the first transaction.
• The two addressed a joint press conference where they virtually inaugurated the runway of Hanimaadhoo International Airport in Maldives.
• Key Projects and Agreements:
• RuPay Service Launch: India’s RuPay card payments were introduced in the Maldives, with plans to connect both countries through UPI.
• Free Trade Agreement (FTA): India and Maldives agreed to initiate discussions on FTA to strengthen economic relations.
• Combatting Corruption: An MoU was signed between India’s Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Anti-Corruption Commission of Maldives.
• Sports and Youth Affairs: An MoU was renewed for cooperation in sports and youth affairs.
• Currency Swap Agreement: India and Maldives signed a currency swap agreement ¹.
• Social Housing: Over 700 social housing units built with India’s cooperation were handed over to Maldives.
• Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership: India and Maldives aim to enhance maritime and security cooperation, with India supporting Maldives in defense platforms and assets.
• President Muizzu expressed gratitude to India for its generous assistance and cooperation, while PM Modi highlighted India’s commitment to being a first responder for the Maldives and fulfilling its responsibilities as a neighbor. (more)
• Other developments: Indian consulate to be established in Addu, Both sides to sit for talks on FTA: MEA on India Maldives Ties.
• PM Modi has accepted the invitation to go to the Maldives: MEA
• On the removal of Indian military personnel and replacing it with civilians,  MEA stated, “Solution to this issue was found and it has been addressed satisfactorily. We don’t need to go back to an earlier situation”.
• India to support Maldives on Hydrographic matters, including, through capacity building and training, as per the requirements of the Govt of Maldives: joint statement.
• $400 million currency swap: This agreement will allow the Maldives to access much-needed foreign exchange to stabilize its economy.
• $357.22 million bilateral currency swap: This additional support will provide liquidity to the Maldives and help address its financial woes.
• Economic Challenges: The Maldives is struggling with low foreign exchange reserves, making it difficult to meet its financial obligations. (more)

J&K, Haryana assembly poll results on Tue: Opposition slams LG’s ‘undemocratic’ nomination of 5 candidates

• The Jammu and Kashmir assembly election results will be announced on Oct 8, marking a new chapter for the Union Territory after a decade-long gap.
• This election is significant, being the first after the abrogation of Article 370.
• A controversy has erupted over the Lt Governor’s proposal to nominate 5 members to the Assembly, granting them voting rights, including participation in confidence votes.
• NC President Farooq Abdullah and J&K Congress chief Tariq Hamid Karra have strongly criticized this move, labeling it undemocratic and unconstitutional.
• Exit polls suggest a close contest between the NC-Congress coalition and the BJP, with the former likely to emerge victorious.
• The PDP has expressed willingness to support the Congress-NC alliance.
• The outcome will significantly impact governance in Jammu and Kashmir, and all eyes are on the results. (more)
• The constitutionality of the Lt Guv’s proposal to nominate 5 members:
• The J&K Reorganisation Act, 2019, grants the Lt Guv the power to nominate members to the Legislative Assembly.
• The amended J&K People’s Representation Act allows for the nomination of members, including representatives from Kashmiri displaced persons and PoJK.
• The total Seats in the J&K assembly is 114. Out of which 24 seats are reserved for PoJK and the election was contested on 90 seats ( Jammu Div: 43+Kashmir Division: 47)
• Haryana Assembly Elections: 1^st major contest between BJP and Congress since Lok Sabha polls
• 1,031 candidates, including 464 Independents and 101 women, contesting 90 seats
• Prominent candidates: CM Nayab Singh Saini, Bhupinder Singh Hooda, Abhay Chautala, Dushyant Chautala, Anil Vij
• Contesting Parties: BJP, Congress, Aam Aadmi Party, INLD-BSP, JJP-Azad Samaj Party
• Background: BJP formed govt with JJP’s support in 2019
• JJP’s post-poll alliance with BJP ended after the CM change in Mar
• Significance: The result will set a narrative for upcoming polls in other states. (more)

Sanjay Roy Raped, Murdered Abhaya: CBI Files Chargesheet in Kolkata Rape-Murder Case

• The Central Bureau of Investigation has filed a chargesheet against Sanjay Roy, accusing him of the rape and murder of a trainee doctor, Abhaya, at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.
• The chargesheet, submitted to a special court in Kolkata, alleges that Roy committed the crime on Aug 9 while working as a civic volunteer with the local police.
• Notably, the CBI did not include gang rape charges, suggesting that Roy acted alone.
• The CBI has kept the investigation open, and junior doctors in West Bengal have been protesting, demanding justice and improved workplace safety. (more)

Enough Oil available in the world, India buying from 39 sources: Hardeep Singh Puri

• Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri, has assured that the country has enough oil sources to meet its growing energy demands.
• India has diversified its procurement base, increasing its suppliers from 27 to 39, providing ample choices.
• Currently, the global supply of oil exceeds consumption, ensuring a stable market.
• Indian oil marketing companies are set to boost refining capacity by 35-40 million tonnes by 2030, driven by rising domestic demand.
• Key Highlights: Global Oil Market: Supply outpaces consumption
• Refining Capacity Expansion: 35-40 million tonnes by 2030
• Domestic Demand Growth: 4% compound annual growth rate over the past decade
• This growth is mainly driven by rising domestic demand, with existing refineries operating at 100-103% capacity utilization. (more)

As Russia seeks to expand trade in rupee-rouble, RBI & SEBI remain wary

• India’s government and financial regulators remain cautious about Sberbank AG’s proposals due to sanctions on Russia and complexities in rupee-rouble trade. Issues include:
• Retained “high risk” rating by ECGC Ltd
• Restricted FPI license by SEBI
• Rejected import licence for Russian gold
• 15% import duty on Russian gold, higher than UAE’s 14%
• Difficulty accessing government websites due to firewalls
• These challenges hinder the expansion of rupee-rouble trade and payment of dividends to Indian companies in Russia. (more)

Indians now comprise 10% of all seafarers globally after steep rise over last decade

• India saw a significant rise in women seafarers, from 1,699 in 2014 to 10,440 in 2023, a 514% increase, as highlighted by former foreign secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla at the Indian Maritime University’s convocation in Chennai.
• He noted that the total number of active Indian seafarers has grown from 117,090 to nearly 300,000, making India the 3^rd-largest provider of seafarers globally, contributing about 10% to the maritime workforce.
• Shringla emphasized India’s rich maritime heritage and the impact of global conflicts on shipping, noting recent disruptions due to regional tensions. The Indian Navy and Coast Guard play crucial roles in securing maritime routes and addressing piracy in the Indian Ocean region. (more)

Mohammed Zubair faces FIR over tweet concerning Yati Narsinghanand

• Mohammed Zubair, the co-founder of Alt-News, has landed in trouble with the Ghaziabad police filing an FIR against him.
• The charges: Allegedly promoting enmity among religious groups and other offenses.
• This development comes after a complaint was filed by an aide of the controversial priest Yati Narsinghanand, specifically targeting Zubair’s social media posts.
• [The FIR was filed based on a complaint lodged by BJP leader Dr Udita Tyagi on Oct 7 at the Web City police station in Ghaziabad after the temple attack on Oct 5 by a mob of Islamists that had tried to lay siege to the Shiv Shakti Dham after a video shared by Zubair had gone viral on the internet.]
• [On Oct 4^th, thousands of Islamists took to the streets to protest against Saraswati’s remarks on Prophet Muhammad in the village of Sultanpur, Laskar, Haridwar district.
• The protesting Islamists raised slogans such as “Nara-e-Takbir Allah Hu Akbar”, “Fansi Do”, and “Sar Tan Se Juda”.
• The FIR was registered under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language, etc.
• Zubair, through Alt-News, has been [allegedly] fact-checking and spreading manipulated speech and misinformation under the grab of a fact-check.

[Neighborhood]

Pakistan: PM assures Chinese envoy of personally overseeing Karachi terror attack investigation

• PM Shehbaz Sharif assured that he would personally oversee the investigation into a recent terror attack near Karachi’s International Airport, which resulted in the deaths of 2 Chinese nationals and injuries to several others.
• The blast, attributed to the Majeed Brigade of the BLA, has raised serious concerns about security for foreign nationals in Pakistan, particularly amid ongoing high-profile engagements, including the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit.
• The explosion occurred late on Sun night, with conflicting reports about its cause.
• Sharif expressed deep sorrow over the attack and vowed to bring those responsible to justice, emphasizing that the safety of Chinese citizens in Pakistan is a top priority.
• The Chinese Embassy confirmed the deaths and called for a thorough investigation.
• In the aftermath, security measures are being intensified, and a joint committee involving police and law enforcement agencies has been established to investigate.
• Both the Pakistani govt and various officials condemned the attack, highlighting that it aimed to undermine the strong ties between Pakistan and China.
• The FO reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to ensuring the safety of Chinese nationals and projects in the country. (more)
• China presses Pakistan to ensure protection of citizens after fatal bombing: A suicide bombing targeted Chinese workers in Karachi, Pakistan, killing 2 and injuring 1, along with 10 Pakistani security personnel.
• China condemns the attack and demands Pakistan ensure security for its citizens and projects. (more)

56 Pakistani prisoners return from Sri Lanka

• A total of 56 Pakistani prisoners, comprising 51 men and five women, returned home from Sri Lanka on Mon, via a specially chartered flight.
• This repatriation was made possible through the collaborative efforts of Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Sri Lankan HC Admiral R Chandrasiri Wijegunaratne.
• The returning prisoners expressed gratitude to Naqvi and Privatization Minister Abdul Aleem Khan, who covered all expenses related to their return.
• Notably, over 23,000 Pakistanis are still imprisoned abroad, with 15,000 convicts, primarily in Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
• The Senate Standing Committee on Human Rights has directed the foreign ministry to formulate a ‘Uniform Consular Protection Policy’ to address this issue. (more)

Imran Khan’s sisters handed over to police on remand; warrants issued for Gandapur

• An anti-terrorism court has remanded former PM and PTI founder Imran Khan’s sisters, Aleema Khan and Uzma Khan, into police custody for further physical remand, while arrest warrants were issued for KP CM Amin Gandapur and PTI leader Mughal.
• Issued arrest warrants for KP CM Ali Amin Gandapur and PTI leader Amir Mughal.
• Granted a 7-day remand for Adnan Khan, brother of Asad Qaiser.
• The case, registered at Kohsar PS, alleges terrorism charges.
• PTI lawyers argued the unlawful arrest of Aleema and Uzma
• No recovery of evidence from the scene
• Request to discharge Imran Khan’s sisters from the case
• The prosecutor justified the remand for technical investigation.
• The court reserved its decision on the remand request. (more)

‘Wrong, say Sorry…’: In Pakistan, Zakir Naik chides Pashtun girl over question on Paedophilia

• Controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik has sparked outrage with his recent comments in Pakistan.
• During a sermon, he rebuked a Pashtun girl for asking about pedophilia, calling it a “wrong question” and demanding she apologize to God.
• He also belittled a Hindu boy who questioned fundamentalist Islam, claiming no Indian spiritual leader, including Ravi Shankar, Jaggi Vasudeva, and Baba Ramdev, could debate him.
• Naik’s remarks have gone viral on social media, with many condemning his statements.
• The Indian govt has expressed disappointment and condemnation, calling his warm welcome in Pakistan “not surprising”.
• Naik has been wanted in India for alleged money laundering and inciting extremism through hate speeches since 2016.
• Pro-Pakistan Comment: Naik said living in Pakistan offers a better chance of entering heaven than living in the US.
• Indian Govt’s Reaction: India condemned Naik’s warm welcome in Pakistan, calling it “disappointing and condemnable”. (more)

Bangladesh: Assistant commissioner suspended over FB post Criticising govt

• Lalmonirhat assistant commissioner Tapasi Tabassum Urmi, who drew attention for her FB post criticizing the interim govt and the chief adviser, was suspended Mon.
• Interestingly, another govt employee, who had lost his job for his Facebook post against former PM Sheikh Hasina, has recently been reinstated.
• Mansur Hossain, public relations officer of the public administration ministry, confirmed that disciplinary proceedings have also been initiated against Urmi.
• Earlier, she was transferred to the Rangpur Divisional Commissioner’s Office and made officer on special duty due to what officials say are her controversial Facebook posts and criticism of Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus.
• On Oct 5, a FB post challenged the constitutional basis of the interim govt, stating “the countdown has begun” for the chief adviser.
• Separately, Senior Assistant Secy Saidur Rahman, also known as “Poet Rahman Henry,” has been reinstated after a 2-year dismissal for posting a poem mocking PM Hasina.
• Saidur, a member of the BCS (administrative cadre) since 1995, will receive back pay, promotions, and benefits for the period between his dismissal and reinstatement. [Democrecy par exceelelnce] (more)

Envoy: ‘Russian leadership’ decides to delist Taliban as terrorist group

• Russia reported Fri that a “principal decision” had already been made to remove Afghanistan’s ruling Taliban from Moscow’s list of terrorist organizations.
• Zamir Kabulov, the Russian presidential envoy for the South Asian nation said that the foreign ministry and national security agencies “are putting finishing legal touches” on the Taliban’s delisting in line with federal laws.
• The remarks were reported on the same day that Moscow hosted a conference of regional countries to discuss Afghanistan, with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov presiding over the proceedings.
• Lavrov later held bilateral talks with Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, who led his delegation at Fri’s multilateral event in the Russian capital, organized under the Moscow Format platform. (more)

Bangladeshi hajj pilgrims can now travel by sea

• Saudi Arabia has agreed to allow Bangladeshi Hajj pilgrims to travel by sea, following a bilateral meeting between Religious Affairs Adviser KM Khalid Hossain and Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfiq Fawzan Al-Rabiah.
• This marks a significant shift in travel arrangements for Bangladesh. Key Highlights:
• Sea Route Approval: Saudi govt has no objections to Bangladeshi pilgrims traveling via sea routes.
• Pilot Project: B’desh govt is considering sending 2,000-3,000 pilgrims by sea this year.
• Biometric System Upgrade: Saudi minister assured of upgrading the biometric system for pilgrims.
• Visa Issuance: Assurance given for issuing multiple-entry visas for Hajj agency owners or representatives.
• Lost Luggage Addressed: Saudi minister promised to address lost luggage issues under “Route to Makkah” initiative.
• Quota Reconsideration: Request made to reconsider minimum quota of 2,000 pilgrims per agency. (more)

China’s Pacific ally Kiribati criticizes Beijing missile launch

• Kiribati’s President’s Office has expressed concerns over China’s recent ICBM test, stating that they didn’t receive prior notice from China.
• The Chinese Embassy responded that notification wasn’t necessary since the test wasn’t targeting any Pacific country.
• Kiribati has criticized China’s actions and urged all nations to cease weapons testing to maintain global peace and stability.
• This comes at a time when strategic competition between China and the US is rising in the region, particularly after China’s security pact with the Solomon Islands in 2022.
• Interestingly, China has become a significant development partner for Kiribati since the country shifted diplomatic ties from Taiwan in 2019.
• This partnership includes redeveloping a disused US World War 2 airfield in Kiribati.
• In related news, Kiribati is set to hold presidential elections this month, with all 4 candidates hailing from incumbent President Taneti Maamau’s Tobwaan Kiribati Party.
• Opposition leader Lambourne has criticized Maamau’s close ties with China. (more)

China to provide emergency medical supplies to Lebanon

• China’s International Development Cooperation Agency will send emergency medical supplies to Lebanon amid escalating Israel-Hezbollah fighting. Key Points:
• China responds to Lebanese government’s request for aid
• Fighting has caused large-scale casualties in Lebanon
• Emergency medical supplies to support Lebanon’s medical assistance
• Israel-Hezbollah conflict intensifies, with Hezbollah firing rockets at Haifa
• The conflict began Oct 8, with Hezbollah supporting Hamas in Gaza war
• China’s aid comes as the conflict expands into Lebanon, with rising tensions between Israel and Hezbollah. (more)

Taiwan’s Tsai Ing-wen to strengthen Europe ties in first overseas trip since stepping down

• Former Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen is embarking on an 8-day trip to the Czech Republic and 2 other European countries to strengthen Taiwan’s ties with Europe.
• Her trip, scheduled to begin on Saturday, is her first overseas visit since leaving office.
• Tsai’s successor, President William Lai Ching-te, has confirmed the visit and expressed full support, instructing Taiwan’s National Security Council and Ministry of Foreign Affairs to ensure her safety and provide necessary assistance.
• Lai believes Tsai is the best representative for Taiwan on the global stage and hopes her trip will fortify Taiwan’s friendships with European countries.
• This trip is sensitive, given Beijing’s likely objections and Lai being viewed as a “stubborn separatist” by Beijing, raising concerns about the conflict in Taiwan Strait.

Tsai’s office has not disclosed trip details, promising an announcement once plans are confirmed. (more)