1. Manipur violence: 2-year-old among 6 abducted by armed militants during Jiribam encounter
2. India, China complete one round of patrolling along LAC following border truce
3. FCRA license of NGOs to be canceled if involved in religious conversion, anti-development acts: MHA
4. Strengthening India-Russia Ties
5. 119 terrorists active in J&K: Intel reveals shifting trends in terror ops

What Else

1. Sri Lankan Navy’s arrest of Indian fishers in 2024 is the highest in seven years
2. Canadians feel unsafe: Brampton temple cancels event amid risk of protests
3. Jharkhand Election 2024: Voting underway as focus is on tribal belt in phase
4. UP: Fire at Mathura refinery, seven personnel sustain burn injuries
5. Delhi, Beijing bid to move ties to pre-2020 normal: China officials
6. Beijing pushes to join security efforts for citizens in Pakistan, sources say
7. AL leader files complaint against Yunus, 61 others in International Criminal Court: Report
8. ‘Protect rights of all’ irrespective of their political beliefs, urged Amnesty:
9. China shows off military technology at Zhuhai Air Show
10. Sri Lankans falling prey to cyber scam centres in Myanmar on the rise, Defence Ministry warns

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Manipur violence: 2-year-old among 6 abducted by armed militants during Jiribam encounter

• Violence erupted in Manipur’s Jiribam district on Mon, between security forces and armed militants, resulting in the abduction of 6 people, [3 women & 3 children] including a 2-year-old child.
• The militants attacked a Central Reserve Police Force post, leading to a retaliatory fire that killed at least 10 militants.
• Key Developments: Prohibitory orders (Curfew Imposed) in place to prevent further incidents
• Shutdown Observed: Kuki-Zo majority areas in hills protest against killings
• Fresh Violence: Armed groups engage in exchanges of fire in Imphal Valley
• Arms Recovered: Improvised mortar shells found in Imphal West district
• Ongoing Operations: Security forces work to flush out militants, with reinforcements deployed
• This incident is part of the ongoing ethnic conflict in Manipur, which started in May 2023 between the Meitei people and the Kuki-Zo tribal community.
• The conflict has resulted in over 221 deaths and 60,000 displaced individuals. (more)

India, China complete one round of patrolling along LAC following border truce

• India and China have completed one round of patrolling in the friction areas of Demchok and Depsang in eastern Ladakh, following their disengagement agreement.
• The two nations will now conduct one coordinated patrol every week in these areas, where tensions have persisted since the 2020 Galwan Valley clash.
• Developments: One patrol by Indian troops and one by Chinese troops in each area
• Local Commanders’ Talks: Ongoing discussions to refine patrolling protocols and address remaining issues
• Disengagement Verification: Both sides verified disengagement through patrols and agreed to remove temporary infrastructure.
• Diwali Tradition: Indian and Chinese troops exchanged sweets on Oct 31, promoting goodwill.
• Breakthrough Agreement: India and China reached a deal on patrolling along the LAC on Oct 21, marking progress in ending the four-year-long military standoff. (more)

FCRA license of NGOs to be canceled if involved in religious conversion, anti-development acts: MHA

• Union Home Ministry has announced that NGOs involved in anti-developmental activities, religious conversion, or inciting protests with malicious intentions will face cancellation of their Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) registration.
• Reasons for Cancellation: Diverting foreign contributions for harmful purposes.
• Religious Conversion: Forced or induced conversion, affecting social or religious harmony.
• Malicious Protests: Inciting protests with harmful intentions.
• Terrorist Links: Ties to terrorist or radical organizations.
• Non-compliance: Failing to upload annual returns or meet spending criteria.
• Recently, 5 prominent NGOs, including CNI Synodical Board of Social Service and Evangelical Fellowship of India, had their FCRA licenses revoked due to allegations of religious conversion and foreign grant regulation violations.
• Over 100 NGOs have lost their FCRA licenses in the past year due to alleged misuse of foreign grants. (more)

Strengthening India-Russia Ties

• India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar praised the economic partnership between India and Russia, highlighting the trust and confidence built over the years.
• He noted the impressive growth in bilateral trade, now estimated at $66 billion, and emphasized the need for balance.
• Jaishankar identified key areas to boost ties, including:
• Easier Trade: Progress in India-Eurasian Economic Union FTA negotiations
• Economic Cooperation: Program till 2030 to enhance partnership
• Mutual Interest: Welcoming Russia’s growing interest in exploring economic opportunities in India
• Jaishankar expressed confidence in achieving $100 billion in annual bilateral trade before 2030.
• The India-Russia partnership has remained strong for over 75 years, with a shared commitment to a multipolar world. (more)

119 terrorists active in J&K: Intel reveals shifting trends in terror ops

• There are currently 119 active terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir, with 79 concentrated north of the Pir Panjal range, comprising 18 local recruits and 61 foreign operatives.
• South of the Pir Panjal, 40 terrorists are active, with 34 foreign nationals and 6 local recruits.
• This year has seen 25 terror-related incidents, resulting in 24 security personnel deaths, nearing last year’s toll of 27.
• However, counter-terrorism efforts have made progress, neutralizing 61 terrorists, including 21 Pakistani nationals.
• Key Trends: Local recruitment in Jammu and Kashmir has decreased.
• Foreign Terrorist Presence: Foreign terrorists, mainly from Pakistan, continue to pose a threat.
• Shift in Operations: Terrorist activity has decreased along the Line of Control while increasing in the hinterland and accordingly counter-terrorism efforts have shifted.
• Security forces remain vigilant, leveraging real-time intelligence to maintain stability. (more)

Sri Lankan Navy’s arrest of Indian fishers in 2024 is the highest in seven years

• Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin has written to Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar, expressing concern over the rising number of Indian fishermen arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy.
• This year has seen the highest number of arrests in seven years, with 66 Indian fishing boats and 497 fishermen held in Sri Lankan waters.
• The issue remains a longstanding contentious point between India and Sri Lanka, involving fishing rights and territory in the Palk Strait.
• Stalin highlighted two recent incidents where 35 Tamil Nadu fishermen and their four boats were taken into custody.
• Recent Developments: Meetings Between Indian and Sri Lankan Authorities: Discussions focused on combating transnational maritime crime and promoting regional cooperation
• Coast Guard Meetings: Addressing maritime challenges, including drug trafficking and marine pollution
• Sri Lankan President’s Stance: President Anura Kumara Dissanayake vows to protect Sri Lankan fishermen’s rights and combat the exploitation of marine resources. (more)

Canadians feel unsafe: Brampton temple cancels event amid risk of protests

• A temple in Brampton, Canada, has canceled an Indian consulate event due to significant security threats.
• The decision was made after police warned of an “extremely high and imminent threat level of violent protests” following a recent attack on Hindu devotees by a pro-Khalistani mob.
• The attack, which occurred on Nov 4, targeted Hindu devotees at the Hindu Sabha Temple in Brampton, sparking widespread international condemnation, including from PM Modi.
• The temple management expressed concern that Canadians now feel unsafe visiting Hindu temples and called for immediate measures to ensure their safety and security.
• The canceled event, a Life Certificate event scheduled for Nov 17, was deemed too risky after police advice.
• PM Modi strongly condemned the attack, calling it “deliberate” and criticizing the “cowardly attempts to intimidate our diplomats”.
• The incident has led to increased tensions and protests in the area, prompting the temple authorities to prioritize the safety of devotees and visitors. (more)

Jharkhand Election 2024: Voting underway as focus is on tribal belt in phase

• The first phase of the Jharkhand Assembly elections is underway today, with voting taking place in 43 constituencies.
• With 15,344 polling booths set up across the state with 683 candidates, including former Chief Minister Champai Soren and 6 cabinet ministers from the Hemant Soren-led govt in the fray.
• Bypoll for six Assembly seats in West Bengal on today: Six Assembly constituencies in West Bengal, spread across five districts, are set to go to polls on Nov 13.
• The constituencies include Sitai and Madarihat in north Bengal and Naihati, Haroa, Medinipur, and Taldangra in south Bengal.
• Key Candidates: Trinamool Congress: Sangita Roy (Sitai), Jay Prakash Toppo (Madarihat), Sanat Dey (Naihati), Sk Rabiul Islam (Haroa), Falguni Singhababu (Taldangra), and Sujoy Hazra (Medinipur)
• BJP: Rupak Mitra (Naihati), Bimal Das (Haroa), Rahul Lohar (Madarihat), Subhajit Roy (Medinipur), Ananya Roy Chakraborty (Taldangra), and Dipak Kumar Roy (Sitai)
• The by-polls will gauge public sentiment following the horrific rape and murder of a doctor in Kolkata, which led to widespread protests and criticism of the TMC’s handling of law and order. (more)

UP: Fire at Mathura refinery, seven personnel sustain burn injuries

• A fire broke out at the Mathura Refinery in Uttar Pradesh on Tue at 7:30 pm, injuring seven staff members, three of whom were transferred to Delhi for further treatment.
•  Thankfully, no lives were lost, and the fire has been brought under control, according to Renu Pathak, the refinery’s public relations officer.
• An investigation will be conducted to determine if any negligence occurred.
• This incident follows another fire at the Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) refinery in Vadodara, Gujarat, which resulted in two fatalities and one injury.
• The IOC has agreed to provide compensation of ₹25 lakh to the families of the deceased, as well as education and job support for their families.
• Key Incidents:
• Mathura Refinery Fire: 7 staff members were injured, 3 transferred to Delhi
• Vadodara Refinery Fire: 2 fatalities, 1 injury, ₹25 lakh compensation offered (more)

Delhi, Beijing bid to move ties to pre-2020 normal: China officials

• China and India are working to restore ties to pre-2020 levels, following a meeting between President Xi Jinping and PM Narendra Modi in Kazan.
• Chinese officials cite a “personal friendship” and “chemistry” between the leaders.
• The “official” also indicated that former US President Donald Trump’s return to the White House indicates a toughening of the US position.
• India and China, therefore, should “work together” to solve the common challenges confronting the two countries.
• Proposed confidence-building measures include:
• Direct flights between China and India
• Easier visas for Chinese nationals
• Lifting the ban on Chinese mobile apps
• Allowing Chinese journalists in India
• More Indian movies in Chinese theaters
• The two nations aim to resolve border issues and cooperate on climate change, AI, and green energy.
• China hopes PM Modi will attend the SCO summit in China next year. (more)

[Neighborhood]

Beijing pushes to join security efforts for citizens in Pakistan, sources say

• China is pushing Pakistan to allow Chinese security personnel to protect its citizens working in Pakistan, following a recent car bombing near Karachi’s airport.
• This incident is the latest in a string of attacks on Chinese interests in Pakistan, prompting Beijing to seek greater control over security arrangements.
• The proposed joint security system includes deploying Chinese security agencies and military to Pakistan to assist in counter-terrorism missions and conduct joint strikes.
• However, Pakistan is hesitant to agree to this proposal, instead asking China to help improve its intelligence and surveillance capabilities.
• The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, a $65-billion investment in President Xi Jinping’s BRI, has thousands of Chinese nationals working on projects in Pakistan.
• Chinese officials have expressed frustration over Pakistan’s inability to provide adequate security, with China’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Jiang Zaidong, calling the attacks “unacceptable”. (more)

AL leader files complaint against Yunus, 61 others in International Criminal Court: Report

• A complaint was filed against the Chief Adviser of Bangladesh’s interim govt, Muhammad Yunus, and 61 others, under Article 15 of the Rome Statute at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in the Netherlands.
• Anwaruzzaman Chowdhury, an Awami League leader and former Mayor of Sylhet, filed the complaint, as per a report in ANI.
• “From 5^th to 8^th Aug, in the name of the student movement in Bangladesh, all the leaders and workers of Bangladesh Awami League and its various affiliates, Hindus, Christians, Buddhists living in Bangladesh and the police force of Bangladesh have been victims of brutal genocide and crimes against humanity,” Chowdhury said in a video message.
• “In this regard, we have submitted all the facts and evidence to ICC,” he added.
• About 800 pages of documents have been attached to the original complaint
• Extensive preparations are underway to file 15,000 more such complaints in the ICC very soon.
• The affected persons will file complaints one by one, it added. 
• India condemned the recent attacks on the Hindu community in Chittagong and said that such actions would only create more tensions in the community. (more)

‘Protect rights of all’ irrespective of their political beliefs, urged Amnesty:

• [Waked after the 144 deaths and 2000+ attacks on Hindus] Amnesty International has urged Bangladeshi authorities to safeguard citizens’ rights, regardless of their political affiliations, following Sun’s thwarted Awami League rally.
• Amnesty condemned attacks on individuals perceived to be Awami League members, emphasizing that such violence violates freedom of expression and association.
• The rally, intended to promote democracy, was met with strong resistance from students and activists of opposing parties, including BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami.
• At least 10 people were assaulted, and 42 detained, including 9 women.
• The interim [unelected, parachute] govt deemed AL a “fascist party” and vowed to prevent their political programs, with police arresting over 50 activists on charges of inciting anarchy.
• This incident highlights escalating tensions in Bangladesh’s political landscape. (more)

China shows off military technology at Zhuhai Air Show

• China is showcasing its latest military technology at the Zhuhai Air Show, a six-day event from Nov 12 to 17.
• The event features aircraft, drones, and missiles, including the J-35A stealth fighter, which made its public debut.
• The J-35A is expected to play a key role in the People’s Liberation Army Air Force, serving as an air superiority aircraft with secondary strike capabilities.
• Highlights:
• J-35A Stealth Fighter: A twin-engine, medium-weight fighter with advanced avionics and stealth capabilities.
• J-15T Fighter: A carrier-borne fighter designed for catapult-assisted take-off and arrested recovery.
• CH-7 Stealthy Flying-Wing UCAV: A drone capable of launching hypersonic missiles.
• HQ-19 Air Defence System: A system that intercepts incoming ballistic missiles.
• Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV): A 500-ton vessel for strike, air defense, and anti-submarine warfare.
• The Zhuhai Air Show demonstrates China’s growing military prowess and technological advancements in the defense sector. (more)

Sri Lankans falling prey to cyber scam centres in Myanmar on the rise, Defence Ministry warns

• Sri Lanka’s National Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force (NAHTTF) warns of a surge in Sri Lankans being trafficked to Myanmar for cyber scams.
• Victims are lured with promises of high-paying IT jobs in the UAE, then coerced into illegal work in Myanmar.
• Key Points: Traffickers target IT professionals with fake job offers
• Victims face mental and physical torture, including electrocution
• NAHTTF advises against illegal migration routes
• Urges the public to report suspicious activities
• Contact NAHTTF: Report suspicious activities via phone or email (not specified)
• Stay Safe: Use authorized channels for migration
• Be cautious of fake job offers
• Protect vulnerable individuals (more)