1. BJP Set For Haryana Hat-Trick, Congress-National Conference Ahead In J&K
2. Next J&K CM should seek a healthy working relationship with Centre, Raj Bhawan: Omar Abdullah
3. Terrorists abduct Indian Army soldier in J-K’s Anantnag, search operation launched
4. Taiwan to open new office in Mumbai on Oct 16
5. India, Germany review defense ties

What Else

1. In Delhi, Argentina’s Foreign Minister Diana says not interested in BRICS membership
2. Bangladeshi smuggler killed near Tripura border after skirmish with BSF
3. Manipur CM alerts officials on immigration impact from neighboring states
4. CBDT establishes committee to overhaul income tax act and enhance e-filing experience
5. Bangladesh: Over 7000 arrested across country in one week
6. Bangladesh: No info on Sheikh Hasina’s current whereabouts: Adviser
7. Bangladesh: Interim govt struggling on many fronts
8. Pakistan: Chinese engineers killed in Karachi attack were key to energy debt talks: Aurangzeb
9. US tells China hi-tech trade limits are ‘not negotiable’ in meeting of commerce chiefs
10. Antony Blinken to discuss South China Sea and Ukraine at Asean summit

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BJP Set For Haryana Hat-Trick, Congress-National Conference Ahead In J&K

• Haryana: The BJP has taken the lead with 48 seats won out of 90, while the Congress secured 37 seats.
• This marks a historic third consecutive win for the BJP in Haryana, a first for any party.
• Key Takeaways:
• BJP’s Comeback: Despite facing anti-incumbency and dissatisfaction from Jats and farmers, the BJP managed to turn the tables.
• Congress’s Loss: Infighting within the Congress, particularly between Bhupinder Singh Hooda and Kumari Shelja, may have contributed to their loss.
• Historic Win: PM Modi hailed the BJP’s victory, stating it’s the first time a government has been formed in Haryana after completing two terms of 5 years each. (more)
• Big win for National Conference in J-K, shrunken Congress rides on its shoulders: J&K is set to have an NC-Congress govt after the first Assembly elections in 10 years and the first since the scrapping of its special status in Aug 2019.
• The alliance secured 49 seats, surpassing the majority mark of 45, with the NC winning 42 seats and the Congress winning 6 seats.
• Key Takeaways:
• National Conference’s Dominance: The NC won 35 of 47 seats in the Kashmir province, while the Congress won only one seat in Jammu ¹.
• BJP’s Performance: The BJP did not win a single seat in the Valley but increased its overall tally from 25 in 2014 to 29 ¹.
• Challenges Ahead: The new govt faces the challenge of representing Hindu-dominated mainland Jammu, where the alliance won no seats.
• Party Performance: NC: 42 seats; Congress: 6 seats; BJP: 29 seats; PDP: 3 seats. (more)

Next J&K CM should seek a healthy working relationship with Centre, Raj Bhawan: Omar Abdullah

• Omar Abdullah, NC vice-president, stressed the importance of a healthy relationship between the incoming J&K govt and the Union govt, as well as the UT’s Lt Guv.
• He advised the next CM to establish a strong working relationship with the Centre nad recognizing that J&K has too many problems to indulge in confrontational politics.
• Key Takeaways:
• Healthy Relationship: Establish a positive working relationship with the Union government and Lieutenant Governor.
• No Confrontational Politics: J&K has too many problems to engage in antagonistic politics.
• Restore Statehood: Abdullah expects the Prime Minister to honor his promise of restoring J&K’s Statehood.
• Representation: Ensure due representation for the Jammu region in the next govt.
• Legislative Council: Restore the Legislative Council or Upper House to give voice to communities like Kashmiri Pandits and Sikhs.
• The statement comes after the NC-Congress combine’s electoral victory, with the alliance preparing to form the next govt in J&K. (more)

Terrorists abduct Indian Army soldier in J-K’s Anantnag, search operation launched

• Terrorists have abducted an Indian Army soldier in Jammu and Kashmir’s Anantnag.
• The incident occurred in a forest area, where two Territorial Army soldiers were taken, but one managed to escape.
• Security forces have launched a search operation to locate the missing soldier.
• This is a developing story, with more details awaited.
• In recent times, Anantnag has witnessed encounters between security forces and terrorists, resulting in casualties on both sides.
• The Indian Army, along with J&K Police, has been conducting operations to neutralize terrorists in the region. (more)
• TA are local soldiers who wear local clothes and not uniforms.
• They came face to face with terrorists. In the scuffle, one managed to escape and fell down the hill.
• He dislocated his shoulder but managed to reach his unit

Taiwan to open new office in Mumbai on Oct 16

• Taiwan is expanding its presence in India with a new office in Mumbai, set to open on Oct 16.
• This move is part of Taiwan’s “New Southbound Policy” to strengthen economic and cultural ties with India.
• The Taipei Economic and Cultural Center in Mumbai will be Taiwan’s third mission in India, joining existing offices in Delhi and Chennai.
• Key Areas of Cooperation:
• Semiconductors: Taiwan’s Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation is collaborating with Tata in Gujarat, paving the way for similar projects.
• Education: 36 Taiwan education centers have been established across Indian campuses to promote Mandarin teaching and learning.
• Trade and Investment: Bilateral trade between Taiwan and India reached $8.22 billion in 2023, with efforts to deepen economic and trade relations.
• This development comes as India and Taiwan celebrate growing ties, despite New Delhi not officially recognizing Taiwan as a separate country.
• The new office aims to serve more Taiwanese and Indian businesses, fostering stronger economic ties between the two nations.
• Taiwan’s National Day was celebrated in Delhi on Tue, but no govt representatives were present, as New Delhi does not officially recognize Taiwan as a separate country.
• Former Indian MP Sujeet Kumar was present at the national day.
• Foreign diplomats from nations that adhere to the “One China” policy also chose to skip the event. (more)

India, Germany review defence ties

• India and Germany reviewed their bilateral defense ties in a phone call between Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and German counterpart Boris Pistorius on Oct 8.
• They discussed ongoing cooperation, including air and maritime exercises, and ways to strengthen defense-industrial collaboration and supply chain resilience.
• This comes ahead of German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s visit to India later this month.
• The ministers plan to meet soon to solidify defense engagements and joint projects, aiming to make defense a key pillar of the India-Germany relationship.
• Singh shared details of the call on social media, highlighting the review of ongoing cooperation and plans to boost defense-industrial ties. (more)

In Delhi, Argentina’s Foreign Minister Diana says not interested in BRICS membership

• FM Diana Mondino has made it clear that her country is not interested in joining the BRICS grouping, citing a preference for Mercosur, a regional economic trade bloc.
• Mondino emphasized that Argentina values its strong economic links with individual BRICS members but wants to maintain its independence, free from others’ agendas.
• Argentina was invited to join BRICS in 2023, but after President Javier Milei’s election, the country formally withdrew its interest.
• Mondino confirmed that letters were sent to the 5 original BRICS members, confirming Argentina’s decision.
• Instead, Argentina is keen on strengthening ties with India, particularly in trade, space, nuclear, railways, agriculture, fisheries, health, and defense.
• Mondino highlighted Argentina’s potential to contribute to India’s food and energy security and expressed interest in a strategic partnership.
• Mondino is currently in New Delhi for joint commission talks with External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar, where they’re exploring ways to boost cooperation (more)

Bangladeshi smuggler killed near Tripura border after skirmish with BSF

• A clash between Indian Border Security Force personnel and Bangladeshi smugglers near the Tripura border resulted in one smuggler’s death.
• The incident occurred on Oct 7^th when 15 armed smugglers attempted to infiltrate Indian territory.
• BSF jawans opened fire, and in the ensuing scuffle, one smuggler was killed, while a BSF jawan suffered injuries and is undergoing treatment.
• The smugglers were attempting to smuggle contraband into India. (more)

Manipur CM alerts officials on immigration impact from neighboring states

• Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh has expressed concerns about recent immigration policies from neighboring states Nagaland and Mizoram, which could impact Manipur.
• He highlighted the need for increased vigilance to prevent illegal entries, especially following Nagaland’s announcement of a base year for legal settlers and Mizoram’s land purchase restrictions for those arriving after 1951.
• In a similar vein, Mizoram has enacted a regulation
• Nagaland has also commenced an enumeration process for residents from various communities, including Garo, Kuki, Kachari, Mikir (Karbi), and Nepali/Gorkha settlers in Kohima district. (more)

CBDT establishes committee to overhaul income tax act and enhance e-filing experience

• The Central Board of Direct Taxes has formed an internal committee to review the Income Tax Act, aiming to modernize tax regulations and enhance the e-filing portal’s user experience.
• This initiative seeks to simplify the tax filing process, reduce litigation, and provide a seamless experience for citizens. Key Objectives:
• Simplification of Language: Make the Act easier to understand
• Litigation Reduction: Identify provisions leading to disputes and minimize litigation
• Compliance Reduction: Streamline processes to reduce administrative burden
• Redundant/Obsolete Provisions: Remove outdated provisions to modernize the law
• The CBDT invites public inputs and suggestions in these 4 categories.
• Taxpayers and professionals can submit their suggestions through the official income tax website under the tab “Suggestions for a comprehensive review of Income Tax Act”.
• This initiative exhibits the govt’s commitment to adapting tax policies to contemporary needs, simplifying compliance, and ensuring transparency and inclusivity. (more)

[Neighborhood]

Bangladesh: Over 7000 arrested across country in one week

• Over 7,000 arrests have been made across the country in the past week, including individuals involved in the recent student uprising, as well as those accused of narcotics, murder, and other crimes.
• Law enforcement faced criticism for failing to apprehend influential figures linked to the ousted Awami League government, many of whom fled after the student protests.
• In response, police intensified their efforts, arresting an average of over 100 people daily in Dhaka, with 7,018 total arrests from Oct 1-7.
• The focus has been on apprehending those accused of violence against the student movement and influential former officials.
• Notably, at least 222 cases have been filed against former PM Hasina and others.
• Recently arrested include former ministers and high-ranking officials.
• Police morale was low following the govt’s fall on Aug 5, but operations have resumed with new leadership. (more)

Bangladesh: No info on Sheikh Hasina’s current whereabouts: Adviser

• The interim govt of Bangladesh, represented by foreign affairs adviser Touhid Hossain, stated it has no information on the whereabouts of former PM Sheikh Hasina, despite inquiries in Delhi and the UAE.
• Regarding former officials seeking to travel abroad, Hossain clarified that travel passes can only be issued for returning to Bangladesh, as a passport is required for int’l travel.
• Additionally, Hossain announced that the Italian embassy in Dhaka plans to process 20,000 pending visa applications by Dec, addressing delays in the process.
• He noted that around 40,000 applications are currently backlogged and mentioned efforts to expedite processing with additional embassy staff. (more)

Bangladesh: Interim govt struggling on many fronts

• The interim govt has faced criticism for frequently reversing its decisions, casting doubt on its resolve and competence.
• Analysts attribute this to inconsistency and pressure from social media and public opinion amidst a complex political landscape.
• Since taking office, Muhammad Yunus has encountered significant agitation, forcing the govt to backtrack on various appointments, from senior officials to public prosecutors, in an attempt to balance public demands and practicality.
• Political expert Prof. Al Masud Hasanuzzaman described these reversals as signs of “indecision” and noted that hasty decisions led to mistakes.
• Notable examples: the swift cancellation of appointments for several bureaucrats following public outcry, including AKM Rahman’s promotion and Ilahi Khan’s appointment as food secretary, which was rescinded due to corruption charges.
• Also, several other high-profile appointments were canceled or declined amid protests or controversy, stress the govt’s struggle to maintain stability and public support. (more)

Pakistan: Chinese engineers killed in Karachi attack were key to energy debt talks: Aurangzeb

• Fin Min Muhammad Aurangzeb revealed that the Chinese engineers killed in the recent Karachi suicide attack were part of the team negotiating the country’s $16 billion energy debt restructuring.
• The attack resulted in 2 Chinese nationals killed and 1 injured, as per Chinese embassy.
• This incident has compromised Pakistan’s efforts to address Chinese security concerns, prompting Beijing to propose a joint security company to protect its citizens.
• The minister also claimed that the PTI strike caused a daily loss of Rs190 billion to the economy, disrupting business activities for 3-4 days and affecting 0.8m people in Islamabad alone. Key Impacts:
• Economic Losses: Rs570 billion to Rs760 billion losses over four days
• Security Concerns: Beijing urges citizens to reconsider travel plans to Pakistan
• Energy Debt: Pakistan Seeking 5-year Extension on $16 Billion Energy Debt
• Chinese Investment: Pakistan had set up 2 special security divisions to protect Chinese commercial interests, [with a cost of the 2 divisions $69 million]
• [These divisions were established to ensure the security of Chinese nationals and projects in Pakistan, particularly those related to the CPEC.]
• [However, despite these efforts, security concerns persist, and Beijing has proposed establishing a joint security company to protect its citizens.]
• In other developments, Pakistan has engaged Alvarez & Marsal to operationalize its Sovereign Wealth Fund, addressing transparency concerns raised by the IMF. (more)
• US condemns deadly attack near Karachi airport: State Dept: Condemned the deadly attack near Karachi’s airport, offering condolences.
• Supported peaceful assembly and freedom of expression in Pakistan.
• Called on Pakistani authorities to respect human rights. (more)

US tells China hi-tech trade limits are ‘not negotiable’ in meeting of commerce chiefs

• US Secy of Commerce Gina Raimondo recently defended President Joe Biden’s hi-tech trade restrictions with China, calling them “not negotiable” due to security concerns.
• This stance was reiterated during a call with Chinese counterpart Wang Wentao, where Raimondo expressed concerns about China’s decreasing regulatory transparency, non-market policies, and industrial overcapacity.
• The Biden administration is tackling growing concerns about China’s military presence in the Indo-Pacific and dominance in key industries like electric vehicles.
• Recent measures include banning Chinese and Russian hardware and software for connected vehicles to curb technology flow that could advance Beijing’s military power.
• China’s commerce ministry responded by expressing “serious concerns” about US semiconductor policies and restrictions on connected cars.
• Wang emphasized the need to clarify national security boundaries in trade to ensure global supply chain stability and foster bilateral business cooperation.
• China urged the US to address the concerns of Chinese companies, lift sanctions, and improve the business environment for Chinese firms in the US Despite tensions, both sides reported “positive progress” in expanding cooperation and managing differences. (more)

Antony Blinken to discuss South China Sea and Ukraine at Asean summit

• US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is heading to Laos this week to attend the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit, where he’ll address concerns over China’s actions in the SCS and its alleged support for Russia’s war in Ukraine.
• Daniel Kritenbrink, Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, noted that China’s escalating steps in the South China Sea are coercing and pressuring claimant countries, including Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei.
• Blinken will also press China to stop supporting Russia’s defense industrial base, emphasizing that US concerns are growing.
• This issue was previously discussed with Chinese FM Wang Yi in Jul and Sept.
• Some US diplomats are worried that President Biden’s absence from the summit might undermine US influence against Beijing.
• However, Kritenbrink assured that Biden’s commitment to the region remains firm, citing his past visits to SE Asia and hosting the 2022 US-ASEAN leaders’ meeting.
• Experts like Natalie Sambhi suggest that the US should avoid a zero-sum approach, recognizing China’s historical and economic ties with Southeast Asia.

ASEAN leaders fear coercion from both Beijing and Washington, seeking a more nuanced approach. (more)