1. Modi’s visit to Guyana aims to bolster ties in region once known as US’s backyard but now China’s den
2. After hour-long talks, Rajnath tells Chinese counterpart, ‘focus on cooperation, not conflict’
3. Manipur to relax curfew in 5 districts for people to buy essential items
4. Most exit polls predict victory for BJP-led alliances in Maharashtra, Jharkhand
5. India strongly rejects new Canadian media report on Nijjar killing, calls it smear campaign

What Else

1. India: Long-term prisoners still on trial to get bail ahead of Constitution Day
2. U.S. charges Gautam Adani with defrauding investors, hiding plan to bribe Indian officials
3. Pakistan: Suicide attack kills 12 military personnel, leaves 10 critically injured
4. IHC grants Imran bail in new Toshakhana case as govt rules out release
5. Govt okays Rangers, FC in Islamabad from Fri ahead of PTI Nov 24 power show
6. PoJK to witness shutter down strike as protests against ‘controversial’ presidential ordinance
7. Xi, Lula meet in Brasilia to ‘enhance ties’

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Modi’s visit to Guyana aims to bolster ties in region once known as US’s backyard but now China’s den

• PM Modi’s visit to Guyana, the first by an Indian leader in 56 years, is part of India’s strategy to strengthen ties with South America and the Caribbean.
• This is Modi’s third visit to South America and the first to a CARICOM country since he took office in 2014.
• South America holds significant economic value due to its vast reserves of minerals like lithium, copper, graphite, and nickel, essential for modern technology and clean energy.
• India has been negotiating a Free Trade Agreement with Peru to access the ‘lithium triangle’ (Bolivia, Argentina, Chile), holding around 56% of the world’s lithium supply.
• China poses a major challenge, providing nearly $300 billion in loans and grants to the region since 2000, making it a key economic partner.
• The US, historically protective of the region, faces China’s growing influence.
• India has enhanced its diplomatic presence by opening new missions in Paraguay and the Dominican Republic.
• While India aims to strengthen ties with countries where there’s a significant Indian-origin population, like Guyana, China’s long-term economic and political involvement remains a hurdle. (more)
• India and Guyana sign “ground-breaking” deals on energy, agriculture and health: Hosted by President Irfaan Ali, discussions covered a wide range of issues, resulting in 10 MOUs:
• Health: Cooperation in medical product regulation.
• Hydrocarbon Sector: Bilateral collaboration, joint studies, and capacity building.
• Agriculture: Promotes joint activities, expertise exchange, and capacity building.
• Finance: Strategic alliance for deploying UPI real-time payment systems.
• Health: Pharmacopeia cooperation for medicine regulation.
• Both leaders committed to regular high-level meetings to further strengthen their partnership. (more)
• Guyana, Dominica confer top awards on PM Modi: Guyana and Dominica have conferred their top awards on PM Modi for his contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic and his exceptional contributions to the global community and efforts in strengthening bilateral ties with the two Caribbean nations. (more)

After hour-long talks, Rajnath tells Chinese counterpart, ‘focus on cooperation, not conflict’

• Def Min Singh emphasized the importance of cooperation over conflict between India and China during his meeting with Chinese counterpart Admiral Dong Jun in Laos.
• Singh highlighted that amicable relations would positively impact global peace and prosperity, considering the neighboring countries’ permanent status.
• He reflected on the 2020 border clashes, urging that lessons be learned to prevent future conflicts and maintain peace along the India-China border.
• He also expressed India’s desire for greater trust and confidence-building through de-escalation.
• Both sides agreed to work towards rebuilding mutual trust and understanding.
• This meeting follows recent diplomatic efforts, including External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s talks at the G20 summit in Brazil.
• India and China have made progress in easing military tensions, signing an agreement to disengage from the Depsang Plains and Demchok in Ladakh on Oct 21 and completing their first joint patrol on Nov 12. (more)

Manipur to relax curfew in 5 districts for people to buy essential items

• Manipur authorities announced a curfew relaxation in Imphal West, East, Bishnupur, Kakching, and Thoubal districts from 5 am to 12 noon on Thu to buy essentials.
• The curfew was previously relaxed from 5 am to 10 am on Wed.
• The relaxation does not include gatherings or protests without approval.
• Essential services like health, electricity, and banking are exempt from the curfew.
• The curfew was imposed on November 16 due to protests over the recovery of six civilian bodies.
• The state home department extended the suspension of internet services for 3 more days in 7 districts to maintain peace and prevent the spread of disinformation. (more)

Most exit polls predict victory for BJP-led alliances in Maharashtra, Jharkhand

• Exit polls for the Maharashtra and Jharkhand Assembly elections are out, and the predictions are varied.
• In Maharashtra, most exit polls suggest a win for the BJP-led Mahayuti govt, with predicted seat counts ranging from 137-157 (P-MARQ) to 175-195 (People’s Pulse).
• However, some polls, like Electoral Edge and Lokpoll, predict a victory for the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition, with 150 seats and 151-162 seats, respectively.
• In Jharkhand, Axis MyIndia is the only 1 predicting a win for the Congress-JMM alliance, with 53 seats out of 81.
• Other exit polls, such as Matrize and People’s Pulse, predict a close contest between the NDA and INDIA bloc.
• Maharashtra: Matrize Exit Poll gives 150-170 seats for BJP and allies, 110-130 seats for Congress and allies
• People’s Pulse: 175-195 seats for NDA’s Mahayuti, 85-112 seats for MVA
• Electoral Edge: 150 seats for MVA, 121 seats for BJP-led Mahayuti
• Jharkhand: Axis MyIndia gives 53 seats for the Congress-JMM alliance, 25 seats for BJP-led NDA
• Matrize Exit Poll: 42-47 seats for NDA, 25-30 seats for INDIA bloc
• People’s Pulse: 44-53 seats for NDA, 25-37 seats for INDIA Bloc
• Remember, exit polls aren’t always accurate, and the Election Commission has criticized their methodology.
• The actual results will be declared on Nov 23. (more)

India strongly rejects new Canadian media report on Nijjar killing, calls it smear campaign

• India has rejected the claim from a Canadian media report that claimed PM Modi was aware of the alleged plot to kill Sikh separatist Hardeep Nijjar, calling it a “smear campaign”.
• External Affairs Ministry spox stated that such “ludicrous statements” should be dismissed with contempt, as they further damage already strained ties between India and Canada.
• “We do not normally comment on media reports. However, such ludicrous statements made to a newspaper purportedly by a Canadian government source should be dismissed with the contempt they deserve,” he said.
• This development is the latest in a diplomatic storm between the two nations.
• Nijjar was killed on Canadian soil last year, and Canada recently linked Indian diplomats to the murder, leading to a mutual expulsion of diplomats.
• India has strongly rejected all allegations and recalled its High Commissioner.
• The tension between India and Canada has been escalating, with Canada alleging extortion, homicide, and violent acts by New Delhi.
• External Affairs Minister, Jaishankar, has slammed Canada for its “double standards”.  (more)

India: Long-term prisoners still on trial to get bail ahead of Constitution Day

• India’s judiciary has a massive backlog of cases, with nearly 83,000 pending cases in the Supreme Court alone.
• This number has grown eightfold over the past decade, despite an increase in judges.
• The delays are causing accused individuals to spend extended periods in prison awaiting trial.
• Experts point to various factors contributing to this backlog, including:
• Insufficient judges: The number of judges has not kept pace with the growing population and increasing complexity of cases.
• Inefficient case management: Cases are often delayed due to ineffective listing practices
• Lack of technological advancements: The judiciary’s slow adoption of technology hinders efficient case resolution.
• To address this issue, Chief Justice DY Chandrachud is exploring digitization and process reforms.
• However, with millions of cases pending across various courts, finding a solution will require sustained efforts and innovative thinking. (more)

U.S. charges Gautam Adani with defrauding investors, hiding plan to bribe Indian officials

• Gautam Adani, a prominent Indian businessman, has been indicted in federal court in Brooklyn, U.S. on securities fraud and conspiracy charges.
• The ‘indictment’ alleges that Adani and co-defendants concealed a bribery scheme to facilitate Adani Green Energy’s massive solar project in India.
• Prosecutors claim they misled Wall Street investors, portraying the project as legitimate while secretly paying $265 million in bribes to Indian officials.
• The SEC filed a parallel civil action, accusing Adani of violating antifraud provisions.
• Adani’s conglomerate previously faced ‘allegations’ of “brazen stock manipulation” and “accounting fraud” from Hindenburg Research.
• Adani’s lawyer has not commented.
• Co-defendants include his nephew Sagar Adani and Vneet Jaain.  (more)

[Neighborhood]

Pakistan: Suicide attack kills 12 military personnel, leaves 10 critically injured

• At least 12 Pakistan Army personnel were killed and 10 critically injured in a suicide attack on a security check post in MaliKhel, Bannu district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
• The attack occurred late Tue night when 6 men rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into the post.
• The attackers were neutralized by security forces.
• No group has claimed responsibility, but the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan and affiliates are suspected.
• This attack follows a similar one in Balochistan, which killed seven soldiers.
• The Pakistani govt has approved a comprehensive military operation against terror groups in Balochistan. [Reported earlier]
• The operation was discussed in a high-level meeting chaired by PM Shehbaz Sharif, attended by military and govt officials.
• The focus is on countering terrorism and other critical challenges. (more)
• The AFP reported on Tue that “9 militants” were also killed in the gunfight.

IHC grants Imran bail in new Toshakhana case as govt rules out release

• The Islamabad High Court granted bail to former PM Imran Khan in a Toshakhana case, but his release is uncertain due to pending cases.
• The court accepted his bail petition, requiring Rs 1 million bonds and two sureties.
• Khan must appear before the trial court, or his bail could be revoked.
• Imran and his wife, Bushra Bibi, were accused of retaining an expensive Bulgari jewelry set at a low price, causing a significant loss to the exchequer.
• Bushra Bibi was granted bail last month, but Imran remains incarcerated.
• Despite the bail, Information Minister Ataullah Tarar stated that Imran would not be released due to pending cases.
• The Lahore High Court also rejected Imran’s pre-arrest bail plea in other cases.
• Reactions to the bail decision were mixed, with PTI members celebrating and the ruling PML-N criticizing it. (more)

Govt okays Rangers, FC in Islamabad from Fri ahead of PTI Nov 24 power show

• The federal govt has approved the deployment of Pakistan Rangers and Frontier Constabulary personnel in Islamabad from Nov 22 to manage the law and order situation ahead of PTI’s Nov 24 rally.
• PTI founder Imran Khan called for the protest, denouncing the “stolen mandate” and “unjust arrests” since his Aug 2023 arrest.
• The Islamabad police chief requested 5,000 Rangers and 4,000 FC personnel, in addition to the 1,000 FC already provided, to handle the situation.
• The police are on high alert, and Section 144 has been extended in the federal capital for two more months  (more)

PoJK to witness shutter down strike as protests against ‘controversial’ presidential ordinance

• The Joint People’s Action Committee in PoJK has called for a shutter-down strike starting Dec 5, protesting a new presidential ordinance that requires permission for public protests.
• This ordinance, meant to maintain public order, has faced opposition for restricting citizens’ rights.
• The committee demands its repeal and the implementation of their demands.
• In May, PoJK saw similar protests against rising electricity and flour prices, resulting in shutdowns and arrests.
• Despite the controversy, the PoJK admin committed to enforcing the ordinance.
• The “Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Ordinance 2024” aims to regulate public assemblies for order and safety.
• Approved swiftly by the Senate and National Assembly, the ordinance has sparked widespread debate.
• PoJK continues to face historical, administrative, and socio-economic challenges that impede its development. (more)

Xi, Lula meet in Brasilia to ‘enhance ties’

• Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Brasilia on Nov 20, 2024, for a state visit, following his attendance at the G20 and APEC summits in Latin America.
• He was warmly welcomed by Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and his wife with military honors, marking 50 years of diplomatic ties between the two nations.
• Xi’s visit aims to strengthen China-Brazil relations, with talks focusing on enhancing trade, development strategies, and regional issues.
• China is Brazil’s largest trading partner, with $160 bn in two-way commerce last year.
• Brazil seeks to increase value-added exports, while China aims to expand its influence in Latin America.
• This visit comes as Xi prepares for potentially rocky trade relations with the West, particularly the US, under Donald Trump’s presidency.
• Trump has threatened tariffs of up to 60% on Chinese goods.
• Meanwhile, China and Brazil position themselves as leaders of the Global South, seeking to mediate in the Ukraine war and promote peace.
• The two nations signed 37 agreements in areas like trade, tourism, agriculture, and education, reflecting their growing ties.
• Brazil’s Vice President Geraldo Alckmin’s visit to Beijing earlier this year paved the way for potential membership in China’s Belt and Road Initiative. (more)