1. PM Modi wrapped up G20 and headed to Guyana
2. PM Modi meets Brazil President Lula, reaffirms commitment to improve cooperation
3. India, China agree on Special Representatives’ meeting, discuss direct flights
4. PM Modi, Albanese launch India-Australia Renewable Energy Partnership
5. Maharashtra and 2nd phase of Assembly Election: Security tightened ahead of voting day

What Else

1. Bharat Forge & Defence Ministry started contract negotiations for ATAGS. The journey so far
2. Tirumala Temple board to ask state govt to take appropriate decision on non-Hindu employees
3. China and Pakistan announce first joint counterterrorism drills in 5 years
4. China says Myanmar rebel chief in Yunnan for medical care, contrary to detention reports
5. Join Nov 24 protest or leave party: Imran Khan to PTI leaders
6. Security forces addressing governance shortcomings by sacrificing lives daily: COAS Munir
7. Pakistan’s Apex Committee approves comprehensive military operation against terrorist outfits in Balochistan
8. Baloch activist highlights enforced disappearances as victim family protests for missing loved one

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PM Modi wrapped up G20 and headed to Guyana

• PM Modi has wrapped up his participation in the G20 Summit in Brazil and is now headed to Guyana as part of his three-nation tour.
• PM Modi Wed arrived in Guyana, the first Indian PM to visit the country in 56 years.
• In an unprecedented gesture, he was received at the airport by the President of Guyana, Mohamed Irfaan Ali, and over a dozen cabinet ministers.
• This visit marks the first time a PM has visited Guyana in over 50 years.
• During his stay, Modi is scheduled to meet with President Mohamed Irfaan Ali and address the Parliament of Guyana.
• Also, Modi will attend the 2^nd India-CARICOM Summit, where he’ll engage with leaders from Caribbean nations to strengthen historical ties and explore new areas of cooperation.
• This trip aims to build upon the strategic partnership between India and Guyana, based on shared heritage, culture, and values.
• Modi’s 3-nation tour, which began on Nov 16, includes visits to Nigeria, Brazil, and Guyana, concluding on Nov 21.
• In Brazil, he met with global leaders, including US President Joe Biden, French President Emmanuel Macron, and UK PM Keir Starmer, at the G20 Summit. (more)

PM Modi meets Brazil President Lula, reaffirms commitment to improve cooperation

• PM Modi met with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on the sidelines of the G20 Summit, expressing strong support for Brazil’s ‘Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty’ initiative.
• The two leaders discussed bilateral issues, including cooperation in energy, biofuels, defense, and agriculture, and Modi complimented Lula on Brazil’s efforts during its G20 presidency.
• Modi assured India’s full support for the alliance and explored opportunities for greater cooperation in renewable energy, biofuels, defense, agriculture, healthcare, and digital technology.
• This meeting was part of Modi’s 3-nation tour, including visits to Nigeria and Guyana.
• Notably, President Lula warned that the COP29 climate talks in Azerbaijan cannot delay critical decisions until next year’s meeting in Brazil.
• The G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro was inspired by India’s summit in 2023, with Brazil aiming to match India’s efficiency in organizing the event. (more)
• India’s G20 Sherpa, Amitabh Kant, stated that the Rio Declaration builds upon the New Delhi Declaration’s vision for inclusivity, peace, and global unity.
• The Rio Declaration calls for a comprehensive ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon, reaffirming the commitment to a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine.
• It also addresses the Russia-Ukraine crisis, advocating for a just and durable peace.
• The declaration expresses deep concern over the humanitarian situation in Gaza and Lebanon, emphasizing the need for expanded humanitarian assistance.
• Additionally, the G20 Summit launched the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty, with India as one of its 147 founding members. (more)

India, China agree on Special Representatives’ meeting, discuss direct flights

• India and China are taking steps to normalize their bilateral ties after the disengagement of troops along the Line of Actual Control.
• External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Chinese FM Wang Yi met on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro to discuss next steps.
• They acknowledged the disengagement’s contribution to peace and tranquility and agreed to convene meetings with Special Representatives and senior diplomats soon.
• Resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra pilgrimage
• Sharing data on trans-border rivers
• Direct flights between India and China
• Media exchanges
• Facilitating visas as soon as possible
• Jaishankar emphasized India’s commitment to a multipolar world and independent foreign policy, while Wang stressed the importance of respecting each other’s core interests and enhancing mutual trust.
• This meeting marks a significant step towards improving relations, which had hit a 6-decade low following the 2020 military standoff in Ladakh. (more)

PM Modi, Albanese launch India-Australia Renewable Energy Partnership

• PM Modi and Australian PM Anthony Albanese launched the India-Australia Renewable Energy Partnership on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Brazil.
• This partnership aims to boost investment between the two nations in renewable energy, specifically in areas like solar PV, green hydrogen, and energy storage.
• The partnership will provide a framework for practical cooperation, including two-way investment in renewable energy projects, skills training for the renewables workforce, and addressing climate change.
• Australian PM Albanese expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, calling it a significant milestone in their cooperation.
• PM Modi highlighted the 40% increase in bilateral trade since the India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement came into force.
• He also reiterated India’s commitment to strengthening cooperation through the Quad, a force for global good delivering positive impacts for the Indo-Pacific.
• Additionally, PM Albanese accepted India’s invitation to attend the QUAD Leaders’ Summit in 2025.
• This development marks a significant step in the growing partnership between India and Australia. (more)

Maharashtra and 2^nd phase of Assembly Election: Security tightened ahead of voting day

• Security has been tightened in Mumbai ahead of the Maharashtra Election, with police checking vehicles and making elaborate arrangements to maintain law and order.
• Voting begins at 7 am and ends at 6 pm today, with 288 assembly seats up for grabs.
• This election is crucial, being the first after the Shiv Sena and NCP split. Key leaders, including CM Eknath Shinde and Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis, are contesting in various constituencies.
• The ruling Mahayuti alliance and Maha Vikas Aghadi are locked in a fierce battle.
• Voter turnout is a critical focus, with the Election Commission and local initiatives urging citizens to exercise their franchise.
• Results will be announced on Nov 23, 2024. (more)
• The Jharkhand Assembly polls are happening today, Nov 20, with 38 constituencies across 12 districts going to the polls in the second phase.
• This follows the first phase, which took place on Nov 13, covering 43 assembly seats.
• A total of 528 candidates are vying for the 38 seats, including 55 women and one third-gender candidate.
• Voting Time: Polling begins at 7 am and concludes at 5 pm, with some sensitive stations closing at 4 pm.
• Eligible Voters: Over 1.23 crore eligible voters, including 61 lakh women
• The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha is looking to retain power, with Hemant Soren as the incumbent CM.
• The JMM is part of the Mahagathbandhan alliance, along with the Indian National Congress and Rashtriya Janata Dal.
• The BJP is leading the National Democratic Alliance. (more)

Bharat Forge & Defence Ministry started contract negotiations for ATAGS. The journey so far

• Bharat Forge is in the final stages of negotiating a contract with the Indian Ministry of Defence to supply 307 indigenous Advanced Towed Artillery Gun Systems (ATAGS).
• The company emerged as the lowest bidder after technical evaluations and commercial bids were opened in October.
• The ATAGS, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation in collaboration with Bharat Forge and the TATA group, has a range of 35-45 km and has performed well in extensive trials.
• Armenia has already contracted Bharat Forge for ATAGS and is discussing a larger order following successful induction and performance.
• The Indian Army plans to allocate 60% of the contract to Bharat Forge and 40% to the TATAs if they agree to supply at the negotiated price.
• Negotiations are expected to conclude by the end of the fiscal year.
• Interestingly, the Army is also exploring the new 155 mm/52 caliber Towed Gun Systems (TGS), which will be lighter and more agile than ATAGS, with opportunities for Elbit and Nexter to partner with Indian firms for local manufacturing. (more)

Tirumala Temple board to ask state govt to take appropriate decision on non-Hindu employees

• The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) Trust Board has passed resolutions to address several key issues. Here are the main points:
• Non-Hindus working in Tirumala: The board resolved to write to the State Govt to take necessary decisions regarding non-Hindus working in Tirumala.
• No political statements: The board emphasized the importance of maintaining the sanctity of Tirumala and resolved to prohibit political statements within the premises.
• Legal action: The board also resolved to take legal action against individuals who make or propagate political statements in Tirumala.
• These resolutions were passed during the board’s first meeting, which was held at Annamaiah Bhavan in Tirumala and covered 80 agenda items.
• The meeting was chaired by TTD Chairman BR Naidu, who recently took oath as the 54^th Chairman of the TTD Board of Trustees.
• Naidu expressed his commitment to serving the temple with dedication and selflessness.
• The TTD Trust Board’s decisions come amidst controversy surrounding Tirupati Prasadam, with allegations of using substandard ingredients, including animal fat, in the preparation of Tirupati laddus.
• The Supreme Court has intervened, setting up an independent Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate these allegations. (more)

[neighborhood]

China and Pakistan announce first joint counterterrorism drills in 5 years

• China is sending troops to Pakistan for a joint counterterrorism drill, “Warrior-8”, from late Nov to mid-Dec.
• This comes after a deadly attack in Karachi killed 2 Chinese nationals.
• The exercise aims to improve cooperation and simulate real combat scenarios.
• Key Points: 8^th joint counterterrorism drill between China and Pakistan
• Focus on joint clearance operations and practical cooperation
• People’s Liberation Army’s Western Theatre Command participating
• Recent attacks on Chinese targets in Pakistan prompted increased security measures
• China invested heavily in Pakistan through the CPEC
• The drill highlights China’s growing involvement in regional security and its efforts to protect its interests and citizens in Pakistan. (more)

China says Myanmar rebel chief in Yunnan for medical care, contrary to detention reports

• Myanmar rebel leader Peng Deren, also known as Peng Daxun, is undergoing medical treatment in Yunnan, China, according to Beijing.
• This contradicts reports that he was under house arrest after being summoned to Yunnan for a meeting with a Chinese official.
• Peng has been in contact with his commanders in Myanmar via phone during his stay in Yunnan.
• As the leader of the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army since 2009, Peng has been instrumental in the group’s fight against Myanmar’s military junta.
• The MNDAA is part of the Three Brotherhood Alliance, which launched a large attack in Shan state last year.
• China has been trying to broker peace in the region, which has seen intense fighting and human and drug trafficking.
• The conflict has also affected Chinese citizens, with thousands falling victim to online scams. (more)

Join Nov 24 protest or leave party: Imran Khan to PTI leaders

• Imran Khan has called on PTI leaders and ticket holders to join the Nov 24 protest or leave the party.
• He described this as a critical moment in their fight for freedom and justice.
• The protest aims to address issues like a “stolen mandate,” unjust arrests, and the 26^th amendment, which he claims strengthens a “dictatorial regime.”
• Imran has extended the invitation to the entire nation, emphasizing the importance of the event for Pakistan’s future.
• Bushra Bibi, Imran’s wife, stated that participation in the protest would impact election candidacies.
• The PTI has made it clear that they will not call off the sit-in until their demands are met, including the release of detained members.
• Imran also highlighted concerns over the suspension of democracy in Pakistan, citing issues like the rule of law, free elections, and media freedoms.
• He condemned the enforced disappearances, brutality, and violence faced by PTI workers, asserting that these incidents were damaging the reputation of the country’s national security institutions.
• The PTI has maintained its stance of non-negotiation with the govt and has made it clear that the protest will go ahead without any attempts to halt it.
• Imran has given the go-ahead to senior PTI members Ali Amin Gandapur and Barrister Gohar to hold negotiations with the establishment.
• Aleema Khan, speaking outside Adiala Jail, relayed Imran’s message, calling for the nation to rally on Nov 24 in a show of solidarity.
• She conveyed that Imran Khan had linked election candidacies to the commitment shown in the upcoming protest.
• If Imran secures bail in the ongoing Toshakhana case, he intends to lead the protest.
• Otherwise, PTI leaders and supporters will gather on his behalf. (more, more, more)

Security forces addressing governance shortcomings by sacrificing lives daily: COAS Munir

• COAS General Syed Asim Munir warned that anyone obstructing national security or hindering military operations will face consequences.
• Speaking at an apex committee meeting chaired by PM Shehbaz Sharif, he emphasized the collective responsibility of every Pakistani in the fight against terrorism, stating that “every Pakistani is a soldier”.
• Munir highlighted the military’s constitutional duty to ensure both internal and external security and acknowledged the sacrifices made by the Pakistan Army and law enforcement agencies in addressing governance challenges. (more)

Pakistan’s Apex Committee approves comprehensive military operation against terrorist outfits in Balochistan

• The Federal Apex Committee has approved a comprehensive military operation against terrorist organizations in Balochistan, targeting civilians, foreign nationals, and security forces.
• The operation aims to dismantle groups like the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), Majeed Brigade, Balochistan Liberation Front, and Balochistan Raaji Ajoi-R-Sangar, which are allegedly backed by hostile external powers.
• The decision was made during a meeting chaired by PM Shehbaz Sharif, attended by federal cabinet members, provincial chief ministers, and senior government officials.
• The meeting emphasized the need for a unified political voice, national consensus, and a cohesive narrative to address multifaceted challenges.
• Revitalizing the National Counter Terrorism Authority
• Establishing the National and Provincial Intelligence Fusion and Threat Assessment Centre
• Strengthening collaboration between federal and provincial governments
• District coordination committees under Provincial Apex Committees
• Whole-of-system approach incorporating diplomatic, political, informational, intelligence, socio-economic, and military efforts
• PM Sharif stressed that economic and political stability are interrelated and that eliminating terrorism is crucial for progress.
• He urged political leaders to work together, broaden the tax net, and overcome issues like leakage and evasion of taxes, circular debt, gas, and power theft. (more)

Baloch activist highlights enforced disappearances as victim family protests for missing loved one

• Prominent Baloch activist Sammi Deen Baloch has raised concerns about enforced disappearances in Balochistan, highlighting the case of 28-year-old Diljan Baloch, who was taken by security forces on Nov 12, 2024, and has since been forcibly disappeared.
• Diljan’s family is protesting outside the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Awaran, demanding information and his immediate release.
• Sammi criticized mainstream media and Pakistani authorities for pressuring the family to end their protest and harassing them.
• Enforced disappearances in Balochistan are a long-standing issue, with thousands of individuals from the Baloch ethnic community taken by security forces or paramilitary groups without explanation or legal process.
• Those who disappeared include activists, political leaders, students, and ordinary citizens perceived as critical of the state or advocating for Baloch rights and autonomy.
• Recent Cases of Enforced Disappearances:
• Attaullah son of Jumma Khan: An 8^th-grade student allegedly detained by Pakistani forces from his home in Quetta.
• Sher Jan and Irshad Baloch: Two young men taken from Buleda, Kech district, with no information provided to their families.

Salman Baloch: Missing for 2 years from Quetta’s Hazarganji area, with his family demanding answers. (more)