Top Headlines: ‘People-Centric Decisions Of India Taken…’: PM Modi Addresses G20 Summit In Rio

  1. ‘People-Centric Decisions Of India Taken…’: PM Modi Addresses G20 Summit In Rio
  2. Amid thaw in India-China Ties,  Foreign Ministers’ Meet on G20 Sidelines
  3. Manipur Gunfight to Abductions and Killings: NIA Takes Over 3 Jiribam Cases
  4. Lawrence Bishnoi’s brother Anmol held in California, FBI team discussed possibility of his return with Indian officials
  5. Indian Coast Guard Ship Chases Pakistani Vessel For 2 Hours, Rescues 7 Fishermen

What Else

  1. CCI restricts WhatsApp sharing data with other Meta entities, imposes ₹213.14 crore fine
  2. New Zealand says respect India’s territorial integrity after pro-Khalistan group holds ‘referendum’
  3. Sri Lankan President to visit India in mid-Dec: Foreign Minister
  4. Sri Lanka: 24 member cabinet to be sworn in today (Tue)
  5. Moody’s Cuts Bangladesh Further Into Junk on Political Risks
  6. Philippines, United States sign military intelligence-sharing deal
  7. Xi Jinping launches 8 key actions to support Global South at G20, promises major investments
  8. Keir Starmer, Xi Jinping meet at G20, agree on vast potential for UK-China cooperation
  9. Pakistan: Gunmen kidnap seven cops in Bannu
  10. Pakistan: Unregistered VPNs won’t work after Nov 30, says PTA chief

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‘People-Centric Decisions Of India Taken…’: PM Modi Addresses G20 Summit In Rio

  • PM Modi addressed the G20 Summit in Brazil, highlighting the devastating impact of global conflicts on the food, fuel, and fertilizer crisis, particularly in the Global South.
  • He emphasized that these countries are the most severely affected and urged the G20 to prioritize addressing this issue.
  • Modi also stressed the importance of reforming institutions of global governance, pointing out that New Delhi’s decision to grant permanent membership to the African Union was a significant step in amplifying the voice of the Global South.
  • Additionally, Modi expressed India’s support for Brazil’s initiative to create a global alliance against hunger and poverty.
  • He noted that the people-centric decisions made during India’s G20 presidency have been carried forward during Brazil’s presidency, focused on sustainable development goals, inclusive development, women-led development, and youth empowerment.
  • Key Takeaways from Modi’s Address:
  • Global South Impact: Countries in the Global South are most severely affected by the food, fuel, and fertilizer crisis caused by global conflicts.
  • Reform Global Governance: Institutions of global governance need to be reformed to amplify the voice of the Global South.
  • Support for Brazil’s Initiative: India supports Brazil’s global alliance against hunger and poverty.
  • Sustainable Development: India prioritized sustainable development goals, inclusive development, women-led development, and youth power during its G20 presidency. (more)

Amid thaw in India-China Ties,  Foreign Ministers’ Meet on G20 Sidelines

  • India and China are taking steps towards improving their relationship after years of tension.
  • External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar recently met with Chinese counterpart Wang Yi at the G20, discussing progress in border disengagement and next steps in their bilateral ties.
  • This meeting follows a significant breakthrough in patrolling arrangements along the Line of Actual Control, achieved shortly after PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping met at the BRICS summit in Russia.
  • Border Disengagement: Progress in recent disengagement in India-China border areas
  • Patrolling Arrangement: New Delhi and Beijing reached a crucial agreement along the Line of Actual Control
  • Leaders’ Meeting: PM Modi and President Xi Jinping met at the BRICS summit, marking a positive shift
  • China has expressed readiness to deliver on common understandings reached between Modi and Xi, indicating a willingness to move forward.
  • This thaw in relations comes after years of strained ties following the Galwan Valley clash in 2020. (more)
  • China readout of meet says both sides to mark 75 yrs of ties next year with events; China FM hopes for direct flights, journalist movement, and visas to increase engagement between the 2 sides.

Manipur Gunfight to Abductions and Killings: NIA Takes Over 3 Jiribam Cases

  • The National Investigation Agency has taken over three cases related to the Jiribam violence in Manipur from the state police.
  • The cases include the alleged murder of a 31-year-old Hamar woman by Meitei militants on Nov 8, which is believed to have triggered the current cycle of violence.
  • The NIA will also investigate the abduction of 10 people from the Borokbera camp, the subsequent discovery of 6 bodies, and the attack on the CRPF post at Borobekra, Jiribam, and the burning of houses and killing of civilians in the area.
  • Key Developments: Murder Investigation: The NIA has taken over the probe into the murder of the Hamar woman, with the case registered as State FIR Number 80(11)2024.
  • Abduction and Killings: The agency will also investigate the abduction of 10 people from the Borokbera camp and the subsequent discovery of six bodies.
  • Attack on CRPF Post: The NIA will probe the attack on the CRPF post at Borobekra, Jiribam, and the burning of houses and killing of civilians in the area.
  • Additional Deployment: The Centre has decided to deploy an additional 50 companies of paramilitary forces to restore order and peace in Manipur.
  • Security Review: Home Minister Amit Shah reviewed the situation with the security grid and instructed forces to take necessary steps to restore order and peace. (more)
  • Bilatrals: France: We talked about how India and France will keep working closely in sectors like space, energy, AI, and other futuristic areas.
  • United Kingdom: Keir Starmer.
  • Italy: discussed ties in defense, security, trade, and technology
  • Portugal:  discussed renewable energy and green hydrogen, strong defense relations, people-to-people linkages, and other such subjects.
  • President of Indonesia, Prabowo.

Lawrence Bishnoi’s brother Anmol held in California, FBI team discussed possibility of his return with Indian officials

  • Anmol Bishnoi, the 25-year-old brother of jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, has been detained in California by the US Immigration Dept due to forged travel documents.
  • Anmol allegedly fled to the US on May 15, 2022, using a fake passport in the name of Bhanu, but was exposed when the US Immigration Dept found a forged company reference letter attached to his travel documents.
  • Following his detention, FBI officials met with Indian security officials to discuss possible deportation or extradition.
  • Anmol is accused of involvement in several crimes, including:
  • Murder of Sidhu Moosewala: Anmol was allegedly instrumental in the killing of the popular Punjabi singer on Jun 6, 2022.
  • Firing at Salman Khan’s residence: Anmol has been implicated in the case of shots fired outside the Bollywood star’s Mumbai residence on Apr 14.
  • Murder of Baba Siddique: Anmol is suspected of involvement in the October 12 murder of the former Maharashtra minister.
  • Extortion operations: Police claim Anmol managed the Lawrence Bishnoi gang’s extortion operations from abroad.
  • The National Investigation Agency has announced a reward of Rs 10 lakh for Anmol’s arrest, and a Red Corner Notice was issued against him on Dec 6, 2022. (more)

Indian Coast Guard Ship Chases Pakistani Vessel For 2 Hours, Rescues 7 Fishermen

  • The Indian Coast Guard successfully rescued seven Indian fishermen from a Pakistan Maritime Security Agency ship near the Indo-Pak Maritime Boundary on Nov 17.
  • The fishermen were on board the Indian fishing boat Kal Bhairav, which was intercepted by the PMSA vessel.
  • The ICG ship Agrim received a distress call from another Indian fishing boat operating near the No-Fishing Zone and immediately proceeded to the location.
  • Despite the PMSA ship’s attempts to retreat, the ICG ship intercepted it and persuaded them to release the fishermen.
  • Rescue Details: The ICG ship chased the Pakistani vessel PMSA Nusrat for around two hours before rescuing the fishermen.
  • Fishermen’s Condition: All seven fishermen were in stable medical condition.
  • Fishing Boat Damage: The Indian fishing boat Kal Bhairav was damaged and sunk during the incident.
  • Investigation: A joint investigation involving the ICG, State Police, Intelligence Agencies, and Fisheries authorities was launched on Nov 18. (more)

CCI restricts WhatsApp sharing data with other Meta entities, imposes 213.14 crore fine

  • The Competition Commission of India has imposed a penalty of ₹213.14 crore on Meta for its unfair business practices related to WhatsApp’s 2021 privacy policy update.
  • The CCI found Meta guilty of abusing its dominant position in the market for OTT messaging apps through smartphones in India and online display advertising.
  • Directives from CCI: Meta must stop its anti-competitive practices.
  • Data Sharing Restrictions: WhatsApp can’t share user data with other Meta companies or products for advertising purposes for 5 years.
  • User Autonomy: Sharing user data for purposes other than providing WhatsApp services cannot be a condition for users to access the service.
  • Opt-Out Option: Users must be provided with an opt-out option for data sharing through an in-app notification.
  • Transparency: WhatsApp’s policy must explain user data sharing, specifying the purpose and type of data shared.
  • The CCI concluded that WhatsApp’s 2021 policy update was an unfair condition, forcing users to accept expanded data collection and sharing without an opt-out option.
  • This constitutes an abuse of Meta’s dominant position, undermining user autonomy and creating entry barriers for rivals in the display advertisement market. (more)

New Zealand says respect India’s territorial integrity after pro-Khalistan group holds ‘referendum’

  • New Zealand’s govt has recognized the recent Sikh referendum held by Sikhs for Justice in Auckland, emphasizing their respect for India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
  • The referendum aimed to create a sovereign Sikh state from India’s Punjab.
  • New Zealand’s foreign ministry stated that they support human rights initiatives, provided they are lawful and peaceful.
  • Sikhs for Justice, banned in India under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, has organized similar referendums in Canada, Australia, and the UK.
  • The group faces numerous criminal charges in India, with investigations led by agencies like the National Investigation Agency and state police forces.
  • India and New Zealand maintain a positive bilateral relationship, in education, technology, agriculture, and the Indo-Pacific situation.
  • Despite this, the Khalistan movement has gained attention, with significant coverage in Pakistani media. (more)

Sri Lankan President to visit India in mid-Dec: Foreign Minister

  • Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath said on Mon that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is set to visit India in mid-Dec for his maiden state visit.
  • He told the media after the swearing-in ceremony that the President is scheduled to hold talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit.
  • External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, during his visit to Sri Lanka in Oct, extended an invitation to President Dissanayake to visit India at a mutually convenient date. (more)

[Neighborhood]

Sri Lanka: 24 member cabinet to be sworn in today (Tue)

  • Sri Lanka’s new govt is set to make history with a diverse cabinet representing women MPs and all three main ethnicities.
  • PM Harini Amarasuriya will retain her position, while President Anura Kumara Dissanayake will keep the defense portfolio.
  • The cabinet will consist of 24 members, including the President.
  • Record-Breaking Win: The National People’s Power (NPP) secured over two-thirds of seats (159 out of 225) in the general election, a first for a single party under the current proportional representation system.
  • Sweeping Victory: The NPP won all electoral districts except Batticaloa.
  • Humility in Victory: General Secretary of the JVP Tilvin Silva pledged that the govt will remain humble and focused on serving the people, rather than becoming arrogant with an unprecedented win.
  • This development marks a significant milestone in Sri Lanka’s political landscape, emphasizing diversity and representation. (more)

Moody’s Cuts Bangladesh Further Into Junk on Political Risks

  • Moody’s Ratings has downgraded Bangladesh’s sovereign rating to B2 from B1, citing heightened political risks and lower growth prospects for the South Asian nation.
  • This downgrade sends Bangladesh deeper into junk territory, with a negative outlook.
  • The reasons for downgrade: Ongoing political uncertainty is weakening growth, increasing reliance on short-term domestic debt, and liquidity risks.
  • Lower Growth Prospects: Economic activity has largely normalized under the interim govt, but lapses in law and order have hurt domestic demand and weighed on the ready-made garment sector.
  • External Vulnerabilities: Foreign-exchange reserves have decreased to $19.8 billion as of Oct 2024, down from $21.7 billion in Jun 2024.
  • Weakening Fiscal Position: The negative outlook reflects downside risks to B’desh’s growth outlook, which could further strain the country’s already weak fiscal position.
  • This downgrade puts Bangladesh’s rating on par with nations like Rwanda, Cambodia, and Mongolia.
  • Fitch Ratings also downgraded B’desh’s sovereign rating in May, emphasizing the need to strengthen its forex stockpile even after the country secured a $4.7 billion bailout from the IMF last year. (more)

Philippines, United States sign military intelligence-sharing deal

  • The Philippines and the US have strengthened their defense ties by signing a military intelligence-sharing deal, specifically the General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA).
  • This pact enables the secure sharing of classified military information between the two nations, aiming to counter China’s aggressive policies in the South China Sea and near Taiwan.
  • Agreement: The GSOMIA facilitates real-time information sharing and boosts interoperability between the Philippines and US armed forces.
  • Access to Advanced Capabilities: The Philippines gains access to higher capabilities and big-ticket items from the United States.
  • Regional Security: The agreement aims to maintain peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region, countering China’s claims in the South China Sea.
  • Reactions: China’s foreign ministry emphasized that military agreements should not harm third-party interests or undermine regional peace.
  • The Philippines expressed confidence in the alliance’s strength under incoming US President-elect Donald Trump.
  • The US and the Philippines have a mutual defense treaty since 1951, which can be invoked if either side is attacked, including in the South China Sea.
  • This is a weighty step in deepening security engagements between the two. (more)

Xi Jinping launches 8 key actions to support Global South at G20, promises major investments

  • Chinese President Xi Jinping has announced a series of measures to support the Global South at the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro.
  • Xi’s plan includes 8 actions to promote global development, particularly through the BRI, which invests in infrastructure projects in developing countries.
  • Building a “High-Quality” Belt and Road Initiative: Investing in infrastructure projects in developing countries
  • Open Science International Cooperation Initiative: Sharing scientific and technological innovations with the Global South, launched in collaboration with Brazil, South Africa, and the African Union
  • Increased Trade: China’s imports from developing countries expected to exceed $8 trillion by 2030
  • Xi emphasized China’s commitment to supporting the Global South, citing the country’s long-term partnership with developing nations and its role as a driver of global development.
  • This comes as Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and other developing economy leaders push for greater influence in multilateral talks.
  • The Global South’s growing presence in the G20 presents opportunities for China, given its strong economic and political ties with developing countries, particularly in Africa.
  • The G20 represents 85% of global GDP, 75% of global trade, and two-thirds of the world population. (more)

Keir Starmer, Xi Jinping meet at G20, agree on vast potential for UK-China cooperation

  • UK PM Keir Starmer met with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro, emphasizing the importance of a strong UK-China relationship.
  • This is the 1st bilateral meeting between leaders since Xi’s talks with Theresa May 2018.
  • Starmer expressed concerns about sanctions on British MPs and the deteriorating health of imprisoned Hong Kong democracy activist Jimmy Lai, a British citizen.
  • Chinese officials escorted British journalists out of the room during this discussion.
  • Key Discussion Points: Starmer raised broader human rights issues, including sanctions on Conservative MPs Tom Tugendhat and Nus Ghani.
  • Economic Cooperation: Starmer proposed a full bilateral meeting with Premier Li and suggested Chancellor Rachel Reeves meet with Vice Premier He Lifeng to explore investment opportunities.
  • UK-China Relations: Both leaders agreed to maintain “consistent, durable, respectful” relations, aiming to keep surprises to a minimum.
  • The meeting aimed to improve ties between China and the UK, strained due to espionage allegations, human rights, and Beijing’s control over Hong Kong. (more)

Pakistan: Gunmen kidnap seven cops in Bannu

  • Unknown armed men kidnapped over half a dozen policemen from the Rocha Check Post on Monday night, in the Wazir subdivision of Bannu district.
  • District Police Officer Ziauddin Ahmad confirmed that seven cops were abducted from the checkpost.
  • An official told Dawn that armed militants forcibly entered the checkpost after surrounding it, and took the cops deployed there hostage at gunpoint.
  • “They also snatched official rifles from the policemen,” the official said.
  • A large police contingent reached the area and launched a search operation for the recovery of the kidnapped officials in the remote and mountainous terrain.
  • The Rocha Check Post is located on the border with North Waziristan, in the limits of Otmanzai police station, in Bannu district. (more)

Pakistan: Unregistered VPNs won’t work after Nov 30, says PTA chief

  • Pakistan is set to block unregistered Virtual Private Networks from Dec 1, following a Nov 30 registration deadline.
  • The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority chairman announced this decision, distinguishing between commercial VPNs for businesses and non-commercial ones used by individuals to access blocked content.
  • Commercial vs Non-Commercial VPNs: PTA is only registering commercial VPNs, sparking concerns about its authority to block non-commercial VPNs.
  • Legal Questions: Lawmakers questioned PTA’s power to block non-commercial VPNs, citing the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016.
  • The move aims to curb illegal activities and ensure a safer digital environment but has raised concerns among lawmakers, freelancers, and users. (more)

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