1. ‘Constitution has been our guiding light’, says PM Modi at Supreme Court
2. Lawyer killed during violent protests; Dhaka defends arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das after Delhi express its concern
3. Dates for Putin’s visit to India to be set in early 2025 — Kremlin aide
4. Rajnath Singh to visit Russia from Dec 8-10
5. NIA begins probe into three Manipur violence cases

What Else

1. Moldova eyes deeper education ties with India, explores joint research and student exchange
2. ‘If everything is matter of principle…’: Jaishankar “slams” Western criticism of India’s purchase of Russian oil
3. Top Indian Army officer says women colonels are causing ‘high levels of stress’
4. BJP firm on Devendra Fadnavis, Eknath Shinde may have to swallow bitter pill
5. Allahabad HC seeks Centre’s response on Rahul’s citizenship issue
6. PTI protest: Bushra Bibi, CM Gandapur make a run for it as 450 protesters arrested
7. Pakistan Army deployed as four Rangers personnel martyred in Islamabad
8. PSX records historic single-day drop as KSE-100 sheds 3,506 points:
9. Bangladesh: Rein in mob justice with iron hand: Editors’ Council tells govt
10. Labor reform one of top priorities, foreign secy tells US delegation
11. S’pore-China cooperation ‘especially valuable’ in troubled world, SM Lee tells President Xi

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‘Constitution has been our guiding light’, says PM Modi at Supreme Court

• President Droupadi Murmu kicked off the celebrations marking 75 years of the adoption of India’s Constitution, with a joint address to both Houses of Parliament.
• The Constitution was adopted on Nov 26, 1949, and came into effect on Jan 26, 1950.
• To commemorate the occasion, the govt has planned year-long celebrations.
• A new website, ( https://constitution75.com), was launched to enable citizens to engage with the legacy of the Constitution.
• PM Modi attended the Constitution Day celebrations at the Supreme Court, releasing the annual report of the Indian Judiciary (2023-24).
• He emphasized the importance of the Constitution, quoting Dr. Rajendra Prasad, who said India needs 50 honest people with the country’s interest first.
• PM Modi also highlighted the progress in providing tap water access, digital life certificates for senior citizens, and the full implementation of the Constitution in J&K.
• Various leaders, including Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, and Arvind Kejriwal, also addressed events marking the occasion, emphasizing the importance of upholding constitutional values and protecting democracy. (more)
• PM Modi paid homage to the victims of the 2008 Mumbai terror attack, which occurred on Nov 26, 2008.
• He reiterated India’s firm resolve to counter terrorism and give a “befitting reply” to any terrorist organization that challenges the country’s security.
• The 2008 Mumbai terror attack was a tragic event that resulted in the loss of many innocent lives, and it is essential to remember the sacrifices made and honor the victims. (more)

Lawyer killed during violent protests; Dhaka defends arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das after Delhi expresses its concern

• The Ministry of External Affairs expressed deep concern over the arrest and denial of bail to Hindu leader Krishna Das Prabhu, also known as Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, in Bangladesh.
• Prabhu was arrested at Dhaka’s main airport while traveling to Chattogram and faces sedition charges for allegedly disrespecting Bangladesh’s national flag during a rally.
• The MEA urged Bangladesh authorities to ensure the safety and security of Hindus and all minorities, including their right to peaceful assembly and expression.
• The ministry noted that the arrest follows multiple attacks on Hindus and other minorities by extremist elements in Bangladesh.
• Protests erupted in Bangladesh and India, with thousands gathering in Chittagong to demand Prabhu’s release.
• The Bangladesh Hindu Bouddha Christian Unity Council condemned the arrest, and the ISKCON expressed concerns over the incident.
• ISKCON Kolkata Vice President stated that Prabhu’s arrest is unfortunate and that he has become the face of the protest against minority attacks in Bangladesh.
• International President of VHP, Alok Kumar, also expressed concerns, stating that ISKCON is a peaceful organization and not involved in terrorism.
• The incident has sparked widespread outrage, with many calling for Prabhu’s immediate release and an end to the persecution of minorities in Bangladesh. (more)
• Krishna Das’ lawyer Saiful Islam Alif was indeed killed in police firing outside Chittagong Court in Bangladesh.
• This incident is part of the larger context of violence against Hindus in Bangladesh, which has been escalating since Aug 2024. (more)
• Bangladesh Foreign Ministry: India’s statement on arrest a ‘misrepresentation of facts’: Bangladesh’s Ministry has expressed disappointment and hurt over a statement made by India’s Ministry of External Affairs.
• Bangladesh’s govt clarified that Das was arrested on “specific charges” and emphasized its commitment to upholding religious harmony, the rule of law, and ensuring the safety and security of all citizens, including minority communities. (more)
• [Basically, the Bangladesh unelected interim govt in Dhaka has told Delhi to mind its own business.]

Dates for Putin’s visit to India to be set in early 2025 — Kremlin aide

• Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to visit India in 2025, following an invitation from PM Modi.
• The exact dates will be finalized early next year, according to Kremlin Aide Yury Ushakov.
• This visit is part of the leaders’ agreement to hold annual meetings, with the last meeting taking place in Moscow in Jul 2024.
• Putin and Modi maintain regular contact through phone calls and in-person meetings, showcasing the strong bilateral relationship between India and Russia. (more)

Rajnath Singh to visit Russia from Dec 8-10

• Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will visit Russia from Dec 8-10, as reported by Russia’s TASS state news agency.
• During his trip, Singh is expected to visit Moscow and Kaliningrad, Russia’s European exclave.
• This comes after PM Modi invited Russian President Vladimir Putin to visit India, with Putin likely to visit in the coming months, although dates are yet to be finalized. (more)
• Russia and India signed a contract to deliver 4 Project 11356 frigates in Nov 2018.
• Under the deal, two frigates will be built in Russia at the Baltic shipyard Yantar in Kaliningrad and two more at India’s Goa Shipyard Limited.
• The Project 11356 frigates are designed to engage enemy surface ships and submarines in both littoral and oceanic waters and to engage air targets both independently and as part of a ship’s mission.
• Frigates of this type are armed with 100 mm A-190 artillery, missile and anti-aircraft systems, and torpedo armament.
• Anti-submarine helicopters can be based on them. (more)

NIA begins probe into three Manipur violence cases

• The National Investigation Agency has launched an investigation into 3 cases of violence in Manipur, including the abduction and killing of six women and children from Jiribam district on Nov 11.
• The NIA re-registered the cases on Nov 13, after the Home Ministry handed them over, considering the gravity of the offenses amid escalating violence in the state.
• The 3 cases under investigation include:
• Borobekra Violence: Several houses were burnt, two civilians killed, and six people abducted and murdered in the Borobekra area of Jiribam district on Nov 11.
• CRPF Post Attack: An attack on a CRPF post at Jakuradhor Karong and the Borobekra police station led to a gunfight, injuring a CRPF constable and resulting in the recovery of 10 bodies of unidentified assailants.
• Zairawn Village Killing: A woman from Zairawn Village was reportedly raped and burnt alive by armed extremists on Nov 7.
• The NIA aims to “unearth the larger conspiracy behind the brutal attacks” and has already visited the crime scenes and started the probe. (more)

Moldova eyes deeper education ties with India, explores joint research and student exchange

• Moldova is keen on strengthening its education ties with India, focusing on joint research and student exchange programs, and even setting up Moldovan university campuses in India in the long term.
• The country’s Education Minister, Dan Percium, emphasized Moldova’s commitment to offering high-quality, affordable, and safe higher education opportunities for Indian students.
• Currently, around 3,000 Indian students are studying in Moldova, primarily in medical universities.
• The country aims to diversify this by adding technical courses like software engineering and business management.
• Joint Programs and Student Exchanges: Moldovan universities are keen to collaborate with Indian universities in areas like faculty exchange, teacher training, and research.
• Research Collaborations: Moldova has access to extensive European research networks and funding, which could complement Indian universities’ expertise.
• Establishing Moldovan University Campuses: This is still early, but it could provide more opportunities for Indian students to study in Moldova. (more)

‘If everything is matter of principle…’: Jaishankar “slams” Western criticism of India’s purchase of Russian oil

• External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has responded to Western criticism of India’s purchase of Russian oil, despite the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
• Jaishankar emphasized that every region has its interests and priorities and that Europe’s expectations from other parts are “unreasonable”.
• He also criticized Europe’s “selective approach” to dealing with Russia, pointing out that Europe has not cut off its business ties with Russia.
• Jaishankar asked why India should “pay higher prices just to make Europe happy”.
• Regarding India’s position on resolving the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Jaishankar reiterated that Delhi advocates for ending the war through diplomacy and dialogue.
• He emphasized that a solution cannot be found on the battlefield and that negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv are necessary.
• India’s purchases of Russian oil have increased significantly since the conflict began, with India buying $2.8 billion worth of crude oil from Russia in Jul alone. (more)

Top Indian Army officer says women colonels are causing ‘high levels of stress’

• A critical report by Lt Gen Rajeev Puri has raised concerns about the performance of eight Colonel-rank women officers in the Indian Army.
• The report highlights several issues, including:
• “Mundane ego problems” and a “lack of empathy” among the officers
• “Serious concerns regarding interpersonal relations” and a “lack of tact and understanding”
• An “exaggerated tendency to complain” and a “my way or highway” decision-making approach
• A “sense of entitlement” and “prejudice and mistrust” in some cases, leading to high-stress levels in units
• A tendency to seek credit for achievements rather than acknowledging subordinates
• A lack of exposure to operational tasks, resulting in a “lack of understanding of hardships” and compassion for troops
• The report recommends focusing on “gender neutrality” rather than “gender equality” to address these issues.
• The report’s findings are based on Lt Gen Puri’s review of the performance of women officers in the Army, conducted at the end of his tenure as commander of the 17 Mountain Strike Corps. (more)

BJP firm on Devendra Fadnavis, Eknath Shinde may have to swallow bitter pill

• The suspense over Maharashtra’s new Chief Minister continues, with the BJP pushing for Devendra Fadnavis and the Shiv Sena advocating for Eknath Shinde.
• The BJP has ruled out a ‘Bihar model’, where the JD(U) chief Nitish Kumar is the Chief Minister despite the BJP having more numbers in the state Assembly.
• The Shiv Sena has been pushing for Shinde to return as Chief Minister, citing the popularity of the Mahayuti govt’s policies.
• However, the BJP is firm on Fadnavis, who was the party’s face during the campaign.
• The NCP has also backed Fadnavis for the top post, with party president Sunil Tatkare saying that while Ajit Pawar should become the Chief Minister, there are “practical limitations”.
• The BJP has said it will not rush into announcing its chief ministerial candidate until the distribution of portfolios in the new Maharashtra government is finalized. (more)

Allahabad HC seeks Centre’s response on Rahul’s citizenship issue

• The Allahabad High Court has asked the Centre to provide an update on a complaint questioning Rahul Gandhi’s Indian citizenship.
• The complaint, filed by BJP member S. Vignesh Shishir, alleges that Gandhi holds British citizenship and seeks cancellation of his Indian citizenship.
• The petitioner claims that Gandhi declared himself as a British citizen in a company’s records in the UK and had several bank accounts there.
• The plea argues that if Gandhi is indeed a British citizen, he was ineligible to stand for election.
• The court has directed the Centre to inform it about the action taken on the complaint by Dec 19, 2024. (more)

[Neighborhood]

PTI protest: Bushra Bibi, CM Gandapur make a run for it as 450 protesters arrested

• Police and Rangers have successfully cleared Islamabad’s Blue Area after launching a crackdown on protesters demanding the release of Imran Khan, the founder of PTI.
• Over 450 individuals were arrested, mainly PTI activists who allegedly attacked security forces.
• The authorities have formed special teams to target PTI leaders, including Bushra Bibi, Imran Khan’s wife, and K-P Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur.
• The govt has also restricted movement in the area, closing key markets and removing vehicles from streets.
• The protest turned violent, with security forces using tear gas and conducting arrests to disperse the crowd.
• PTI protesters began retreating from D-Chowk, and widespread blackouts were reported in various parts of Islamabad. (more)

Pakistan Army deployed as four Rangers personnel martyred in Islamabad

• At least 4 Pakistan Rangers soldiers were martyred and 5 others, including policemen, were injured when miscreants ran them over with a vehicle on Srinagar Highway in Islamabad during a PTI protest.
• The incident occurred amidst rising tensions between the govt and PTI supporters, who have been protesting since Nov 24 for the release of Imran Khan from Adiala Jail.
• The Pakistan Army has been deployed in Islamabad under Article 245 of the Constitution, with shoot-at-sight orders.
• Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi warned PTI protesters of strict measures, including curfews and extreme steps, if they cross the Red Line.
• The govt has also suspended internet services in areas with security concerns and imposed Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code to ban public gatherings temporarily.
• The PTI convoy, led by Bushra Bibi, Imran Khan’s wife, is approaching Islamabad’s Zero Point, despite the government’s warnings and restrictions.
• Naqvi stated that despite efforts to engage with PTI, they withdrew.
• He claimed that PTI is controlled by a “secret hand” that overpowers the party’s leadership.
• Naqvi believes PTI has ulterior motives, warning that they will face unforeseen consequences (more, more)

PSX records historic single-day drop as KSE-100 sheds 3,506 points:

• Pakistan’s stock market experienced a historic single-day drop, with the KSE-100 index plummeting 3,505.62 points (3.57%) to 94,574.16.
• This drastic decline came after the index hit an all-time high the previous day, gaining 281.55 points (0.29%).
• Analysts attribute this sharp drop to political uncertainty, which eroded investor confidence.
• The State Bank removal of the Minimum Deposit Rate on conventional banks for companies and its directive for Islamic banks to pay at least 75% of the weighted average gross yield on PKR savings individual deposits further unsettled the market. (more)

Bangladesh: Rein in mob justice with iron hand: Editors’ Council tells govt

• The Editors’ Council in Bangladesh has urged the government to take strong action against mob justice targeting media institutions.
• This comes after recent attacks and vandalism against the offices of Prothom Alo and The Daily Star, two leading dailies in the country. (more)
• The council condemned these incidents and requested all parties to refrain from activities that undermine press freedom.
• The govt has been asked to ensure the safety and security of journalists and media workers.
• The Editors’ Council emphasized that differences in opinion can be expressed intellectually, without resorting to violence and chaos.
• The council’s statement was signed by its president, Mahfuz Anam, and general secretary, Dewan Hanif Mahmud.
• Meanwhile, Home Advisor Lieutenant General (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury stated that the govt wants to resolve crises through dialogue, rather than force.
• He emphasized the importance of convincing students not to take to the streets, as this causes suffering for the general public. (more)

Labor reform one of top priorities, foreign secy tells US delegation

• Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin informed a US labor delegation that labor reform is a top priority for Bangladesh’s interim government.
• He highlighted initiatives like the 18-point demands agreement, revision of the Bangladesh Labor Act, and establishment of a High-Powered Commission on Labour.
• The US delegation, led by Kelly M Fay Rodrigues, appreciated the “progress” made by the interim govt and expressed full support for the reform initiatives.
• They also praised the 18-point agreement and the initiative to bring owners and employees together.
• The delegation emphasized the importance of fair wage-setting and developing skilled labor to capture the global market for high-end products.
• The foreign secretary thanked the delegation and reiterated the government’s commitment to working together. (more)

S’pore-China cooperation ‘especially valuable’ in troubled world, SM Lee tells President Xi

• Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized the importance of cooperation between Singapore and China during their meeting in Beijing on Nov 26.
• SM Lee highlighted that cooperation is “especially valuable” in today’s uncertain world, benefiting both countries’ populations.
• President Xi called for strengthening bilateral relations, deepening collaboration, and contributing to regional peace and prosperity.
• The meeting marked SM Lee’s first visit to China in his new role, and he was accompanied by a delegation including Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan and Education Minister Chan Chun Sing.
• The visit commemorates the 30th anniversary of the Suzhou Industrial Park, a flagship government project between Singapore and China. (more)