1. Nayab Singh Saini takes oath as Haryana Chief Minister for second time
2. President Murmu holds talk with Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani
3. U.S. charges Indian citizen Vikash Yadav, aka ‘CC-1’ in murder-for-hire plot against Gurpatwant Singh Pannun
4. “Gap between actions and words…”: MEA slams Trudeau for ‘inaction’ against anti-India elements
5. Canada’s ex-NSA explains how cops changed tack in Nijjar killing probe

What Else

1. Assam Accord: SC upholds constitutional validity of Section 6A of Citizenship Act
2. IED Sent Via Drone Found Near International Border In Punjab’s Ferozepur
3. 8 coaches of Agartala-Lokmanya Tilak Express derails in Assam
4. Pakistan: Imran Khan’s party calls for nationwide protests against constitutional amendments
5. Pakistan: Violent protests erupt over Lahore rape incident; properties damaged, 1 official killed
6. Pakistan: Chinese firm to invest $1b in PRL
7. Bangladesh: International Crimes Tribunal issues arrest warrants for Sheikh Hasina, 45 Awami League leaders; MEA: Sheikh Hasina is in India, will continue to be.
8. Italy suspends validity of work permit for Bangladeshis, other nationals until due verification
9. No excuse for violence, responsible ones should be held accountable: US

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Nayab Singh Saini takes oath as Haryana Chief Minister for second time

• Nayab Singh Saini has taken oath as the Chief Minister of Haryana for the second time, marking the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) 3^rd-consecutive term in the state.
• The oath-taking ceremony, held at Dussehra Ground in Panchkula, was attended by top leaders including PM Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and other BJP-ruled state CMs.
• Key Highlights:
• Council of Ministers: Nayab Singh Saini’s 15-member council of ministers includes former Deputy CM Anil Vij and other notable MLAs. (more)
• Show of strength by NDA Chief Ministers at meeting of council held in Haryana: This significant event solidifies the BJP’s stronghold in Haryana, with Nayab Singh Saini at the helm for the second time.
• PM Modi chaired the NDA Chief Ministers’ Council meeting in Chandigarh, emphasizing good governance and resolving people’s problems.
• He highlighted the importance of the Constitution and the dilution of Article 370.
• BJP President J.P. Nadda stated that six proposals were discussed, including celebrating 75 years of the Constitution and exposing attempts to crush democracy during the Emergency. (more)

President Murmu holds talk with Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani

• President Droupadi Murmu is currently in Mauritius as part of her 3-state visit, where she met with President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani to discuss consolidating bilateral relations.
• The two leaders signed 4 MoUs in diplomats’ training, cultural exchange, visa exemption, and Foreign Office consultations.
• Their discussions focused on ongoing cooperation in health, education, trade, investment, capacity building, culture, and people-to-people ties.
• President Murmu also interacted with the Indian community in Mauritius, recognizing their significant contributions to the country’s socio-economic development.
• Areas of Discussion:
• Health and Education: Collaboration in healthcare and education sectors
• Trade and Investment: Enhancing trade and investment opportunities
• Capacity Building: Building capacities in various sectors
• Cultural Exchange: Promoting cultural exchange programs
• Infrastructure Development: Supporting infrastructure development in Mauritius
• India’s Commitment to Africa: President’s visit highlights India’s importance on consolidation partnerships with Africa, given the continent’s 33.2 mn-strong Indian diaspora and shared values of freedom, liberty, democracy, and people-to-people links.
• Additionally, India has extended a new Line of Credit of $6.6 million to Mauritius for a water pipeline replacement project, demonstrating India’s commitment to socio-economic development in the Global South. (more)

U.S. charges Indian citizen Vikash Yadav, aka ‘CC-1’ in murder-for-hire plot against Gurpatwant Singh Pannun

• Vikash Yadav, an Indian national, has been charged by the U.S. Department of Justice for allegedly plotting to murder Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a U.S. citizen and chief of Sikhs for Justice, in New York last year.
• Pannun is designated as a terrorist by India.
• Yadav, previously identified as “CC-1,” was accused of recruiting Nikhil Gupta, another Indian national, to find a hitman to kill Pannun.
• Gupta is currently detained in Brooklyn after his arrest in the Czech Republic.
• The charges against Yadav were announced 2 days after an Indian investigating team visited D.C.
• The U.S. expects accountability from India regarding Pannun’s assassination bid.
• This development comes amidst strained India-Canada relations due to Ottawa’s allegations that Indian govt agents were involved in violent acts, including the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, in Canada. (more)
• [PS: This is an indictment, and everyone is innocent until proven guilty]

“Gap between actions and words…”: MEA slams Trudeau for ‘inaction’ against anti-India elements

• The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has slammed Canadian PM Justin Trudeau for his inaction against anti-India elements, citing a gap between his words and actions.
• Trudeau claims to support the “One India” policy, but the MEA says no action has been taken against those promoting separatist ideologies or disunity.
• The diplomatic row escalated when Canada labeled India’s High Commissioner and diplomats as “persons of interest” in the investigation into Hardeep Singh Nijjar’s death.
• India recalled its diplomats and expelled Canadian diplomats.
• Trudeau admitted to having no hard evidence, only intelligence, regarding India’s alleged involvement in Nijjar’s killing.
• The MEA criticized Trudeau’s “cavalier behavior” for damaging India-Canada relations.
• Diplomatic Fallout: India recalls diplomats, Canada expels Indian diplomats.
• India-Canada Relations: Ties strained since Trudeau’s allegations in Canadian Parliament last year. (more)
• MEA Calls Out Canada: 26 extradition requests pending with Canada for over a decade
• Requests include terror charges and related crimes against individuals like Gurjeet Singh, Gurjinder Singh, and Lakbir Singh Landa
• MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal criticizes Canada’s inaction
• Canada’s Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) blames India for crimes committed by these individuals in Canada (more)

Canada’s ex-NSA explains how cops changed tack in Nijjar killing probe

• Canada’s former national security adviser, Jody Thomas, has revealed a shocking twist in the investigation into Hardeep Singh Nijjar’s murder.
• Initially, intelligence and police probes suggested the killing was retaliation for Ripudaman Singh Malik’s murder, who was accused of involvement in the 1985 Air India Kanishka bombing.
• However, further investigation indicates that Nijjar’s assassination might have been an extra-judicial killing.
• Thomas stated that Nijjar’s killing was the second high-profile murder in the same gurdwara, occurring almost exactly a year after Malik’s murder.
• The Canadian Sikh community wasn’t satisfied with the retaliation assessment.
• Thomas also mentioned that good intelligence and policing work revealed a high probability of an extra-judicial killing.
• This development coincides with PM Justin Trudeau’s accusations against India for violating Canada’s sovereignty.
• India denies any involvement, calling the allegations “absurd” and “motivated.”  (more)

Assam Accord: SC upholds constitutional validity of Section 6A of Citizenship Act

• The Supreme Court has upheld the constitutional validity of Section 6A of the Citizenship Act, which was enacted in 1985 as part of the Assam Accord.
• This section allows migrants from Bangladesh who entered Assam between Jan 1, 1966, and Mar 25, 1971, to seek Indian citizenship.
• The court ruled that Section 6A was a humanitarian measure in response to the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War and is deeply intertwined with India’s history.
• The majority verdict, delivered by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud and Justices Surya Kant, MM Sundresh, and Manoj Misra, stated that the Parliament had the legislative competence to enact the provision.
• Deportation: Those who entered Assam on or after Mar 25, 1971, are considered illegal immigrants and are liable to be detected, detained, and deported.
• Justice JB Pardiwala delivered a dissenting verdict, stating that Section 6A has become unconstitutional over time due to its arbitrary provisions. (more)

IED Sent Via Drone Found Near International Border In Punjab’s Ferozepur

• Punjab Police have recovered an Improvised Explosive Device delivered via drone from the India-Pakistan border in Fazilka district.
• The drone shipment included RDX, batteries, and timers.
• This incident is currently under investigation, and a case has been registered.
• Interestingly, this isn’t the 1^st drone recovery in Punjab not all could have been recovered, as well.
• Earlier, a made-in-China drone, specifically a DJI Mavic 3 Classic, was found in Tarn Taran district. (more)

8 coaches of Agartala-Lokmanya Tilak Express derails in Assam

• Eight coaches of the Agartala-Lokmanya Tilak Terminus Express derailed at Dibalong station in Assam’s Lumding division on Thursday at 4 PM.
• Key Points: No casualties or injuries reported
• Engine and power car among derailed coaches
• Train services suspended on Lumding-Badarpur single-line section
• Accident relief trains dispatched to site with senior officials
• Helpline numbers issued at Lumding
• Railway officials are working on rescue and restoration efforts. (more)
• There have been at least 19+ train derailments in India this year, as of Aug 1, 2024.
• 7 train accidents averted due to human disturbances created on the tract.

 [neighborhood]

Pakistan: Imran Khan’s party calls for nationwide protests against constitutional amendments

• Imran Khan’s party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, has called for nationwide protests this Fri against proposed constitutional amendments and Khan’s incarceration.
• The party is directing regional and local organizations to hold peaceful demonstrations at district headquarters following Fri prayers, taking a unified stance against govt attempts to alter the Constitution.
• The protests are part of PTI’s broader strategy to rally support and voice dissent against govt policies and actions.
• This move comes after the party announced plans to hold a protest on Oct 15, which was later called off ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit.
• Key Reasons for the Protests: Proposed Amendments: PTI opposes the govt’s attempts to alter the Constitution.
• Imran Khan’s Incarceration: The party demands Khan’s release and an end to what they see as political persecution.
• Govt Policies and Actions: PTI seeks to voice dissent against government decisions and rally support for their cause.
• Recent Developments: Meher Bano Qureshi, daughter of detained PTI Vice Chaif Shah Mahmood Qureshi, reported her sister-in-law’s alleged abduction by masked men.
• Hammad Azhar, PTI’s Punjab chapter president, condemned the incident and urged citizens to protest nationwide after Fri prayers. (more)

Pakistan: Violent protests erupt over Lahore rape incident; properties damaged, 1 official killed

• Violent protests have erupted in Pakistan’s Punjab province following an alleged rape incident in Lahore.
• The protests turned severe, with incidents of violence, vandalism, and arson reported across public and private institutions.
• In the Gujrat district, a security guard was killed, and several campuses of the implicated private college were vandalized and set on fire.
• The protesters clashed with law enforcement agents, leading to charges of damaging properties and a murder case filing.
• Lahore Protests: Students gathered at Punjab College’s Campus 11, causing extensive damage and blocking traffic on Burki Road.
• Gujrat Violence: A 50-year-old security guard, Azhar Hussain, was killed, and three students were injured during confrontations at the PGC boys’ campus.
• Other Protests: Violent protests also erupted in Lalamusa, Kharian, Jalalpur Jattan, Faisalabad, Samundri, Shorkot, and Jhang, with protesters damaging PGC campuses and stealing valuables.
• Response and Aftermath: Gujrat police arrested at least 92 people linked to the violent protests.
• A senior official suggested the protests were ‘politically motivated’ and promised a thorough investigation.
• All public and private colleges in Gujrat district were ordered to close until Oct 19, and the PGC suspended academic activities across all its campuses. (more)

Pakistan: Chinese firm to invest $1b in PRL

• A Chinese investment corporation is investing $1 billion in Pakistan Refinery Limited (PRL) to upgrade its production capacity, doubling it from 50k-1L barrels/day.
• This project aims to meet domestic consumer demand, transition to a deep-conversion process, and produce Euro 5-compliant high-speed diesel and motor spirit.
• Annual Motor Spirit Production: Increase from 250,000 tonnes to 1.5 million tonnes
• Annual HSD Production: Increase from 6Lac tonnes to 2 million tonnes
• Investment: $1 billion from a Chinese investment corporation, with a total investment of $3 billion from PRL, Attock Refinery Limited, and National Refinery Limited (NRL).
• The Chinese firm has specified that it wants no govt involvement and expects repayment in dollars without govt control.
• PRL has assured the corporation that it will generate the required dollars through petroleum product exports.
• China Export & Credit Insurance Corporation has also insisted on no govt interference regarding dollar provision. (more)

Bangladesh: International Crimes Tribunal issues arrest warrants for Sheikh Hasina, 45 Awami League leaders

• Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal has issued arrest warrants for former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and 45 other top Awami League leaders, including former ministers, for alleged crimes against humanity during the Jul-Aug uprising.
• This decision comes after the prosecution filed two petitions seeking arrest warrants, according to Chief Prosecutor Muhammad Tajul Islam.
• The tribunal has ordered the authorities to produce Hasina and the others by Nov 18.
• Notably, former ministers Obaidul Quader, Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, Hasan Mahmud, and Anisul Huq are among those wanted.
• Over 60 complaints of crimes against humanity and genocide have been filed against Hasina and her party members.
• Sheikh Hasina is in India, will continue to be: Indian foreign ministry: Sheikh Hasina, is indeed currently in India.
• The Indian External Affairs Ministry confirmed this, stating that she arrived at short notice due to security reasons and will continue to stay in India.
• This clarification comes after speculation about her whereabouts, with some Bangladeshi media outlets suggesting she might have gone to the UAE or received travel documents from the Indian govt.
• The situation surrounding her stay in India is complex, especially given the recent developments in Bangladesh.
• Additionally, since Sheikh Hasina’s departure, visa processing for Bangladeshis in India has been limited to urgent needs and medical purposes, with hopes of returning to normal once law and order improves in Bangladesh. (more)

Italy suspends validity of work permit for Bangladeshis, other nationals until due verification

• The Italian govt has temporarily suspended the validity of all “Nulla Osta” (work authorizations) for citizens of certain countries, including Bangladesh, due to a high number of false documents.
• This suspension will remain in place until verification is complete.
• What This Means for Applicants: Passports will be returned starting Oct 20, and applicants will be notified via SMS or email.
• Appointments are no longer necessary and will not be scheduled during this phase.
• Once verification is complete, applicants will be contacted to bring their passports back to VFS Global to obtain their visas.
• Nulla Osta holders can contact their prospective employers in Italy for verification status updates.
• The suspension does not affect other types of visas (family, study, business, tourism).
• Work Nulla Osta will not expire pending confirmation by the Italian provincial immigration office. (more)

No excuse for violence, responsible ones should be held accountable: US

• The United States has reaffirmed its stance against violence and emphasized the need to hold accountable those responsible, regardless of their affiliations.
• This statement was made by US State Department spox during a press conference on Wed.
• Miller’s response was prompted by a journalist’s question about the Bangladesh home ministry’s embargo on prosecuting individuals involved in the anti-Hasina movement, which saw violence between Aug 5-8, resulting in over 3,000 police officers killed and 400 police stations abolished ¹.
• Miller stressed that there’s no excuse for violence, whether against peaceful protesters or by protesters themselves, and that anyone responsible should be held accountable. This stance is consistent with the US’s previous concerns about democratic norms and human rights in Bangladesh, particularly during Sheikh Hasina’s tenure. (more)