Terrorists shot dead 6 non-local A doctor, injured 5 in Kashmir’s Ganderbal: Officials
Blast outside CRPF school in Delhi: Material resembles crude bomb, no terror angle found
India: IndiGo, Vistara flights receive bomb threats; over 70 hoax calls reported less than a week
PM Modi lays foundation for projects worth $725.57 million in Varanasi
Indian diplomate said that Justin Trudeau’s allegations over Hardeep Nijjar’s killing were based on intelligence inputs rather than concrete evidence

What Else

Major diplomatic confrontation with U.S. averted at last minute
Modi to visit Russia for 16th BRICS Summit next week, likely to hold bilateral talks with member countries
Diljit Dosanjh becomes first Indian artist to feature on Billboard Canada
Pakistan: Federal cabinet approves 26th Constitutional Amendment
Pakistan: Cadet passing out parade, Including friendly countries held at PMA
Bangladesh: Govt to bar AL from ‘political participation’
Bangladesh: A nine-year-old’s brutal rape
Bangladesh: Dhaka board chairman announces resignation amid protests
Maldives: President Muizzu decides to introduce UPI in Maldives

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Terrorists shot dead 6 non-local A doctor, injured 5 in Kashmir’s Ganderbal: Officials

Terrorists attacked non-local laborers near the Z-Morh tunnel construction site in J&K’s Gagangir area, killing six people and injuring five, with four critically injured.
The attack was claimed by TRF, an offshoot of the LeT.
The laborers were working on a key infrastructure project, and this incident marks the 1^st time non-locals have been targeted in the peaceful Ganderbal in recent years. (more)
2 non-local laborers were killed, and 2 injured in Ganderbal district’s Gagangir area
Suspected militants opened fire; security forces cordoned off the area to trace gunmen
Victims’ identities unknown; scores of non-locals work in the area on Z-Morh tunnel and highway projects
Separate Encounter: A heavily armed terrorist killed in Baramulla, north Kashmir
Arms and ammunition recovered, including AK rifles, pistols, and magazines
Joint anti-infiltration operation launched by Army and J&K Police along LoC in Uri
Recent incidents: on Oct 18, a Non-local from Bihar killed in Shopian district’s Zainapora
Ongoing search and operation in progress (more)

PM Modi lays foundation for projects worth $725.57 million in Varanasi

PM Modi inaugurated the RJ Sankara Eye Hospital in Varanasi, accompanied by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
This hospital will provide comprehensive eye care services to the people.
During his day-long visit to Varanasi, PM Modi also laid the foundation for 23 development projects worth approximately ₹6,100 crore ($725.57 million).
Key projects: Varanasi Sports Complex: Redevelopment Phases 2 & 3, worth over ₹210 crore, featuring a National Centre of Excellence, players’ hostels, and sports amenities.
Breakdown: Varanasi Sports Complex: $26 million (₹210 crore)
Airport Projects: New Civil Enclaves at Agra Airport: $7.2 million (₹570 crore)
Darbhanga Airport: $11.4 million (₹910 crore)
Bagdogra Airport: $19.5 million (₹1,550 crore)
New terminal buildings at Rewa Airport, Maa Mahamaya Airport, and Sarsawa Airport: $2.76 million (₹220 crore)
These projects aim to enhance sports infrastructure, healthcare, and air connectivity (more)

Blast outside CRPF school in Delhi: Material resembles crude bomb, no terror angle found

A loud explosion occurred near a CRPF school in New Delhi’s Rohini area on Sun, prompting immediate action from multiple security agencies, including the NIA
The blast damaged several shops and structures nearby, but fortunately, no casualties or injuries have been reported.
A white powder-like substance was found on the school wall and the area has been cordoned off by police.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is investigating potential terror links behind the mysterious blast.
The elite commandos and heavy police deployment are securing the area, with sniffer dogs aiding in evidence collection.
Social media platforms, including Telegram, are being monitored for clues, as terrorists often use these channels for communication before attacks.
Forensic experts have collected samples to determine the cause of the blast.
An eyewitness described a massive cloud of smoke lasting 10 minutes, broken glass, and displaced hoardings. (more)
[In all likelihood it seems to be some messaging thing.]

India: IndiGo, Vistara flights receive bomb threats; over 70 hoax calls reported less than a week

On Sun, 6 IndiGo and 6 Vistara flights received bomb threats, prompting immediate security responses.
After thorough investigations, all threats were deemed false alarms.
IndiGo Flights Affected: 6E 58: Jeddah to Mumbai; 6E 87: Kozhikode to Dammam; 6E 11: Delhi to Istanbul; 6E 17: Mumbai to Istanbul; 6E 133: Pune to Jodhpur; and 6E 112: Goa to Ahmedabad
Vistara Flights Affected: UK25: Delhi to Frankfurt; UK106: Singapore to Mumbai; UK146: Bali to Delhi; UK116: Singapore to Delhi; UK110: Singapore to Pune; and UK107: Mumbai to Singapore
Incident Timeline: Sat: Over 30 flights from various Indian airlines (Air India, Akasa Air, Vistara, SpiceJet, Star Air, and Alliance Air) received bomb threats.
Sun: Six IndiGo and six Vistara flights received bomb threats.
Response and Investigation: Airlines immediately notified relevant authorities and followed security protocols.
Aviation ministry summoned airline CEOs to discuss stricter penalties for hoax threats.
Safety Measures: Enhanced security screening; Passenger and crew safety prioritized; Close coordination with law enforcement and intelligence agencies.
Impact: Over 70 flights affected by bomb threats in two days
Stricter penalties for hoax threats under consideration
Airlines and authorities on high alert to ensure passenger safety (more)
Estimated Total Economic Loss: approximately $6.5-26 million/day.
These estimates and consequences are speculative, as the actual economic loss and long-term impact will depend on various factors, including the duration and frequency of threats, airline responses, and govt actions.
[What is interesting to note is the threats given, gone fake but a small blast occurred without any threat]

Indian diplomate said that Justin Trudeau’s allegations over Hardeep Nijjar’s killing were based on intelligence inputs rather than concrete evidence

India’s envoy to Canada has accused Canadian PM Justin Trudeau of destroying the ties between the two countries, asserting that he had nothing to do with the killing of a Khalistani separatist and that the charges against him are “politically motivated”.
Criticized Trudeau for relying on intelligence without concrete evidence
Canada, however, said it had expelled six Indian diplomats.
The Indian diplomat said Canada didn’t follow the practice, which should have been there.
“And the day on which he did that, since then, he has made it sure that the bilateral relation with India only goes downwards, spiraling down,” the diplomat said.
Khalistani terrorists based out of Canada are not Indians, they are Canadians.
No country should encourage its citizens to attack the sovereignty and territorial integrity of other countries says Verma. (more)
“Some Khalistani extremists and terrorists are deep assets of CSIS (Canadian intelligence agency)”, says Indian high commissioner to Canada Sanjay Verma

Major diplomatic confrontation with U.S. averted at last minute

The US and Canadian agencies have missed that IFS officers aren’t involved in any intelligence activity, which is prohibited by their service rules.
The recent actions taken by the US and Canada in the Khalistani terrorist facilitator Gurpatwant Pannun case, including the public disclosure of alleged closed-door meetings among top security officials and the issuance of arrest warrants against Indian officials, have raised concern in India’s intelligence community.
Former senior officers have described these decisions as “foolish” and potentially “detrimental” in the long run.
(Sources)- a major diplomatic confrontation was averted at the last moment after it emerged that some US officials had planned to arrest a top official who had recently retired from a sensitive post, who they allege was involved in the Pannun case.
The said officer was to fly to the US for personal reasons but was made aware of the intention of US officials, after which he aborted his travel hours before boarding.
The US media, quoting documents and inputs provided by DC-based govt officials, have blamed former R&AW chief Samant Goel for this entire assassination plot.
Earlier last week, Canada had named the Indian High Commissioner to Ottawa, Sanjay Verma, and other diplomats as “persons of interest” in the investigation related to the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Nijjar.
In response, India withdrew the high commissioner and other targeted diplomats and officials because the “Trudeau govt’s actions endangered their safety” in an “atmosphere of extremism and violence.”
The Canadian authorities had asked New Delhi to waive diplomatic immunity for six of its personnel so they could be questioned about “several violent incidents.”
When India refused to waive immunity, the 6 diplomats were served expulsion notices. (more)

Modi to visit Russia for 16^th BRICS Summit next week, likely to hold bilateral talks with member countries

PM Modi is heading to Kazan, Russia, from Oct, 22 to 23 for the 16^th BRICS Summit.
This will be his 2^nd visit to Russia this year, following his attendance at the 22^nd India-Russia Annual Summit in Moscow in Jul.
During the summit, Modi is expected to hold bilateral meetings with leaders from BRICS member countries, including Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping, and S African President Cyril Ramaphosa.
The BRICS Summit, themed “Strengthening Multilateralism for Just Global Development and Security,” provides a platform for leaders to discuss key global issues.
This year’s summit is particularly significant, as Russia has assumed the presidency of BRICS.
Agenda: Discussions on strengthening economic cooperation among BRICS nations
Multilateralism: Emphasis on promoting multilateralism and global governance
Security: Addressing pressing security concerns, including terrorism and cybersecurity
Modi’s visit comes after Russian President Vladimir Putin extended an invitation, referring to him as a “good friend”.
This underscores the strong bilateral ties between India and Russia. (more)
Russian President Vladimir Putin has stated that the time hasn’t arrived yet for a common BRICS currency.
However, the 10-nation bloc is actively exploring alternative payment systems, including a blockchain-based payment platform.
This move aims to reduce dependence on the US dollar and promote economic integration among BRICS nations.
Benefits of a BRICS Currency: Strengthen economic ties among BRICS countries
Reduced US Influence: Weaken the US dollar’s dominance as a global reserve currency
Improved Cross-Border Transactions: Enhance trade and economic integration through seamless payments.
Current Status: The BRICS nations are working on a multisided payment platform, known as the BRICS Bridge, to connect member states’ financial systems using payment gateways for settlements in central bank digital currencies.
While there’s no definitive launch date for a BRICS currency, the ongoing discussions and developments suggest a potential shift in the global financial landscape. (more)

Diljit Dosanjh becomes first Indian artist to feature on Billboard Canada

Singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh has become the first artist from India to grace the cover of Billboard Canada.
The magazine’s debut print issue will showcase exclusive content from Dosanjh’s Dil-Luminati tour, marking a significant moment in his career and for Indian representation in the North American music scene.
On Sat, Billboard Canada’s official Instagram account shared this news along with cover pages featuring Diljit.
They added that the exclusive edition will have photos, an in-depth interview and behind-the-scenes stories from the Dil Luminati tour.
Limited signed copies will also be available for purchase.
The cover was launched at Diljit’s concert in London. (more)

[Neighborhood]

Pakistan: Federal cabinet approves 26th Constitutional Amendment

The Federal Cabinet approved the 26th Constitutional Amendment bill during a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the Parliament House.
Key Developments: President Asif Ali Zardari briefed and consulted.
Government, PPP, and coalition partners collaborated on the draft.
JUI-F Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman pledged support.
PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari expressed gratitude.
Security and Proceedings: Strict security at the National Assembly.
Media access is restricted.
The Senate has also passed the bill.
National Assembly session scheduled for 6 pm.
However, earlier Sun PTI decided to boycott the voting.
The decision was announced following the meeting of the party’s political committee. (more)
PTI has lost contact with 12 lawmakers, including 2 senators and 10 National Assembly members, ahead of the constitutional amendment vote.
This development comes after the PTI announced its decision to boycott the voting process, citing the current govt’s lack of moral, democratic, or constitutional legitimacy to amend the constitution.
Lawmakers Unaccounted For: Chaudhry Ilyas, Aslam Ghuman, Riaz Fatyana, Mukhtar Hussain, Aurangzeb Kachhi, Murad Zeeshan Khan, Aniqa Mehdi, and Zain and Zahoor Qureshi.
PTI’s Concerns: 2 senators, Zarqa Taimur and Faisal Saleem, may vote against the party’s stance.
Govt’s Plan: The constitutional package draft will be presented to the federal cabinet for approval, incorporating proposals from JUI-F Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman.
This loss of contact and potential defection within PTI’s ranks may impact the party’s ability to influence the constitutional amendment process. (more)
Implications: Enhanced Provincial Autonomy, improvement in the electoral process, increasing transparency and accountability.
PTI’s boycott may intensify political polarization.
Potential clashes between institutions, such as parliament and judiciary.
Controversial aspects of the amendment could spark protests.

Pakistan: Cadet passing out parade, Including friendly countries held at PMA

The Pakistan Military Academy (PMA) at Kakul held a passing-out parade for cadets from various courses, including the 150^th PMA Long Course, 69^th Integrated Course, 24^th Lady Cadet Course, and 36^th Technical Graduate Course.
Cadets from friendly countries such as Iraq, Jordan, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Palestine, Sudan, and Yemen also graduated.
Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Overseas Gold Medal: Friendly Country Senior Under Officer Kshitij Gurung of 150th PMA Long Course from Nepal
Commandant’s Canes: Course Junior Under Officer Mohammad Suleman of 69^th Integrated Course and Course Under Officer Pakeeza Yaqoob of 24^th Lady Cadet Course
General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, was the chief guest and reviewing dignitary of the parade. (more)

Bangladesh: Govt to bar AL from ‘political participation’

Bangladesh’s [unelected] interim govt is considering barring the Awami League and its allies from participating in political activities, as per special assistant to the chief adviser
This decision is based on allegations that these parties “deceived the people” by participating in the last 3 elections and entering parliament “illegally”.[Who decided?]
The govt plans to put obstacles in its path, citing legal and administrative aspects that will become clearer during the election process.
However, the decision to ban the AL and its allies will be made after discussions with various political parties, ensuring it’s not a unilateral move.
Key Demands: Some parties, like the LDP, demand a ban on the AL for its alleged role in fighting against the people and perpetuating corruption.
Constitutional Reforms: Jatiya Mukti Council seeks a new constitution, labeling the current one undemocratic.
Repatriation and Trial of Hasina: Some parties want the former PM repatriated from India and put on trial.
Reform of Advisory Council: The LP demands the removal of “failed” advisers and expansion of the council.
Next Steps: Formation of a search committee to appoint a new chief election commissioner and other election commissioners.
Discussions on election-related issues, voter list preparation, and reform commissions will continue in parallel.
These developments follow talks between the chief adviser, Prof Muhammad Yunus, and representatives from 10 political parties, including Gonoforum, Jatiya Mukti Council, and Bangladesh Labour Party. (more)
[Recall the Sept 26^th meeting of Secretary Blinken with Chief Advisor Yunus. The Secretary underscored U.S. support and assistance for the Interim Govt as it guides the country towards economic stability and highlighted the importance of reforms to ensure continued foreign direct investment. He also indicated U.S. support for free and fair elections, which will chart an inclusive, democratic, and equitable future for all Bangladeshis.]

Bangladesh: A nine-year-old’s brutal rape

The brutal rape of a nine-year-old child—who is now fighting for her life in a hospital.
The injuries caused by the rapist are indescribable—the child has had to go through surgery to make an opening in her abdomen to pass stool.
It is impossible to imagine the physical pain and mental trauma this child is experiencing, and if she survives, it will take months for her to lead a normal life.
On Oct 12, the girl left her house to visit a puja mandap in the neighborhood, but when she didn’t return home that night, her family began searching for her.
Key Points: Suspect remains unidentified
Case highlights the vulnerability of children, especially girls, in Bangladesh
Low conviction rate for sexual violence cases perpetuates impunity (more)

Bangladesh: Dhaka board chairman announces resignation amid protests

Dhaka Board Chairman Prof Tapan Kumar Sarkar has resigned amid protests over the HSC results. Students confined board officials, demanding result cancellations, claiming errors in subject mapping and unfair grading.
Prof Tapan stated that the students were seeking an “auto pass,” beyond the board’s jurisdiction, and he would submit his resignation letter and student demands to the education minister.
Protests Across Bangladesh: Chattogram: Students gathered at the education board, alleging discrimination, and police and military restored order by 4:30 p.m.
Jashore: Hundreds protested, accusing the board of issuing “fake results” despite an easier English exam ¹.
Cumilla and Mymensingh: Students demanded re-evaluation, with ongoing protests.
The HSC exams, initially disrupted by quota reform protests, were rescheduled by the interim govt, yielding a 77.78% pass rate. (more)

Maldives: President Muizzu decides to introduce UPI in Maldives

Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu has decided to introduce India’s Unified Payment Interface (UPI) in the island nation, following the Cabinet’s recommendation.
This move aims to boost the Maldivian economy through increased financial inclusion, improved efficiency in financial transactions and enhanced digital infrastructure.
Key Benefits: Increased Financial Inclusion: More people will have access to digital payment services.
Improved Efficiency: Faster and more secure transactions.
Enhanced Digital Infrastructure: Upgraded technology for better financial services.
Implementation Plan: A consortium will be set up, comprising banks, telecom companies, state-owned companies, and fintech companies.
TradeNet Maldives Corporation Limited will lead the consortium.
An interagency coordination team will oversee the UPI establishment.
This decision follows India’s agreement to share expertise in digital and financial services during President Muizzu’s state visit earlier this month.

The launch of RuPay cards in the Maldives will also enhance payment ease for Indian tourists and Maldivian nationals visiting India. (more)

Top Headlines: Terrorists shot dead 6 non-local A doctor, injured 5 in Kashmir’s Ganderbal: Officials