1. PM Modi expresses concern over threats emanating from digital frauds, cybercrimes, AI
2. Chandrababu Naidu Govt Dissolves Waqf Board For ‘Better’ Governance
3. Bangladesh: Hindus Face Persecution in Bangladesh Amidst Rising Extremism
4. Another ISKCON Centre Vandalised in Bangladesh Amid Rising Attacks on Hindus
5. Trump warns BRICS nations: Commit to US dollar or face ‘100%’ tariff 

What Else

1. Indian man detained for leaking sensitive info to Pakistan Navy for $2 a day
2. Bangladeshi national held in Kolkata with ‘fake’ Indian passport, says he is former BNP leader
3. 55 Rohingyas among 675 illegal immigrants apprehended in Tripura in 2024: BSF
4. J&K LG fires teacher, pharmacist for being ‘hardcore OGW for Hizbul Mujahideen’
5. US: India’s Consulate demands action after Telangana student’s murder in Chicago
6. Telangana: 7 Maoists gunned down in encounter with police in Mulugu, weapons recovered
7. Society will perish if population growth rate goes below 2.1%, says Mohan Bhagwat
8. Devendra Fadnavis’ name finalized as Maharashtra’s new CM: Report
9. Manipur CM Biren Singh hits back at Mizoram CM Lalduhoma
10. India’s GDP growth slips to 5.4% in Q2, experts revise FY25 projections
11. Indian Navy helps in maintenance of Maldives, Mauritius Coast Guard vessels
12. Pakistan: Tribal clashes in Kurram leave 130 dead, 186 injured as violence continues for 11th day
13. New York City pays $220 million to rent Pakistan Govt-owned hotel, Ramaswamy calls deal “nuts”
14. Sixteen terrorists killed in action across three provinces
15. Taiwan detects Chinese activity around nation
16. Taiwan establishes ‘ambassador-at-large’ role to enhance diplomatic efforts

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PM Modi expresses concern over threats emanating from digital frauds, cybercrimes, AI

• PM Modi expressed concern over digital frauds, cybercrimes, and AI technology’s potential to disrupt social and familial relations.
• He addressed the 59^th All India Conference of Director Generals/Inspector Generals of Police, calling for technology to reduce police workload and suggesting police stations be the focal point for resource allocation.
• Modi noted wide-ranging discussions on security challenges and expressed satisfaction with counter strategies.
• He called on police leadership to harness India’s AI power to convert challenges into opportunities.
• Modi suggested collating and implementing urban policing initiatives in 100 cities and expanding the SMART policing idea.
• About 250 officers attended the conference physically, and over 750 participated virtually. (more)

Chandrababu Naidu Govt Dissolves Waqf Board For ‘Better’ Governance

• The AP State Waqf Board was dissolved by the Chandrababu Naidu-led NDA govt in Andhra Pradesh to promote good governance, safeguard Waqf properties, and ensure the board operates efficiently.
• The govt revoked an order issued on Oct 21, 2023, which had elected 3 members and nominated 7 others to the 11-member Waqf Board.
• The board had been non-functional for an extended period, and there were writ petitions questioning the legality of the order constituting the board.
• The govt considered the High Court’s observations in the writ petitions while making this decision.
• The Central govt introduced the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, in the Lok Sabha in Aug, aimed at revising the Waqf Act of 1995.
• The proposed legislation seeks to ensure greater accountability, transparency, and inclusivity in Waqf boards, including the mandatory participation of women in these bodies.
• However, the bill has sparked significant criticism from the Muslim community. Despite opposition, the govt maintains that it is a progressive step forward.
• The Lok Sabha extended the tenure of the JPC examining the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, until the conclusion of the Budget Session next year. (more)

Bangladesh: Hindus Face Persecution in Bangladesh Amidst Rising Extremism

• A court in Dhaka is set to decide on bail for Chinmoy Krishna Das, a Hindu leader arrested on sedition charges.
• Das was reportedly arrested while protesting increasing attacks on Bangladeshi Hindus.
• Meanwhile, Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma says the central govt is actively engaging in diplomatic efforts to ensure the safety of Hindus in Bangladesh, who are facing increasing threats and violence.
• Additionally, there have been fresh cases of violence in Bangladesh, including a Bangladeshi journalist attacked and briefly taken hostage by a mob in Dhaka, and an Indian Hindu allegedly assaulted because of his religious identity. (more)
• In a separate incident, Bangladesh’s immigration police prevented 54 members of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) from crossing into India via the Benapole border checkpoint.
• Despite possessing valid travel documents, they were turned back due to “suspicious travel” concerns.
• The group, consisting of Hindu devotees from various parts of Bangladesh, arrived at the border on Sat, seeking to cross through the Benapole-Petrapole crossing.
• However, authorities denied them permission, citing unclear reasons.
• This incident follows a pattern of persecution of minorities, especially Hindus, in Bangladesh, with increasing extremist rhetoric and violence.
• The RSS has urged the central govt to mobilize global support to stop atrocities against Hindus and minorities in Bangladesh.
• They demand the release of Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das and condemn the attacks by Islamic fundamentalists.
• The Indian govt has also expressed deep concern and urged Bangladesh to ensure the safety of minorities. (more)
• The VHP, an RSS affiliate, has launched a nationwide protest against atrocities on religious minorities in Bangladesh. (more)
• Bangladesh’s Foreign Affairs Advisor, Mohammed Touhid Hossain, has declared that the country’s relationship with India has changed since the ousting of former PM Hasina on Aug 5.
• He emphasized that Bangladesh must adapt to this new reality and establish a new relationship with India.
• Hossain remains optimistic about establishing a good relationship with India, stating that Bangladesh will not harm anyone and wants to protect the interests of both parties.
• However, he criticized Indian media for “exaggerating” and urged Bangladeshi media to be objective in reporting on relations with India.
• Meanwhile, India has expressed concern over the rise of extremist rhetoric and violence in Bangladesh, particularly targeting Hindus and other minorities. (more)

Another ISKCON Centre Vandalised in Bangladesh Amid Rising Attacks on Hindus

• An ISKCON center in Bhairab, Bangladesh, was vandalized on Saturday, marking another attack on the Hindu minority in the country.
• The local police have launched an investigation and members of the Hindu community have expressed their outrage and fear over the growing number of such incidents.
• The Bangladesh government has been urged to take strong steps to protect Hindus and bring global attention to their struggles.
• 3 Hindu Temples in Chattogram Vandalised: On Fri, 3 Hindu temples were vandalized by a slogan-shouting mob in Chattogram which has witnessed protests and violence since a former ISKCON member was booked under sedition charges. (more)
• Kolkata hospital denies treatment to Bangladeshi patients over ‘disrespect’ to Indian flag: JN Ray Hospital in Kolkata has announced that it will no longer admit patients from Bangladesh.
• This came after incidents of violence against Hindus and the arrest of Chinmoy Das, as well as reported insults towards the Indian flag by Bangladeshi nationals.
• The hospital’s director, Subhranshu Bhakta, stated that national dignity takes precedence over medical care and called on other hospitals to join the protest. (more)

Trump warns BRICS nations: Commit to US dollar or face ‘100%’ tariff 

• Trump stated that the US will no longer tolerate nations undermining the dollar’s dominance and demanded that BRICS countries abandon efforts to replace the dollar.
• He threatened that countries that do not comply “will face 100% Tariffs” and “say goodbye to selling into the wonderful US Economy”.
• He also stated that the US will not stand by and watch as nations undermine the dollar and that the idea of BRICS countries moving away from the dollar is “OVER”. (more)

Indian man detained for leaking sensitive info to Pakistan Navy for $2 a day

• A boat repairman from Gujarat, Dipesh Gohil, was arrested for passing sensitive information about Indian Coast Guard vessels to Pakistani operatives.
• Gohil was contacted by a Pakistani agent on Meta and was paid $500 over 7 months for the information.
• He was aware that sharing this information was illegal but did it for the money.
• The arrest highlights the strategic importance of the Okha port, which is close to Pakistan’s coastline and has heavy maritime traffic and fishing activities.
• The Indian Navy base in the area also makes security a top priority. (more)

Bangladeshi national held in Kolkata with ‘fake’ Indian passport, says he is former BNP leader

• The recent arrest of Selim Matabbar, a Bangladeshi national, has sparked a political blame game between the TMC and BJP in West Bengal.
• Matabbar was living in India under a fake identity and had even obtained a fake Indian passport using forged documents.
• 4 other Bangladeshi nationals were also arrested in the neighboring district of Nadia.
• The TMC and BJP are now pointing fingers at each other regarding the issue of cross-border infiltration and illegal immigration.
• The TMC claims that the Union govt should take responsibility for addressing the issue, while the BJP alleges that the TMC is accommodating illegal immigrants.
• The situation has become increasingly politicized, with the BJP threatening widespread protests if the safety of religious minorities in Bangladesh is not ensured. (more)

55 Rohingyas among 675 illegal immigrants apprehended in Tripura in 2024: BSF

• The Border Security Force (BSF) in Tripura has apprehended 675 illegal immigrants, including 55 Rohingyas.
• In addition to their regular duties of keeping the 856-km border with Bangladesh secure, they’ve also seized a huge quantity of illegal substances, including 66,316 bottles of phensedyl cough syrup, over 9,000 kg of ganja, and more than 6 lakh yaba tablets.
• The BSF has also been working hard to prevent trans-border crimes and has maintained a good relationship with state authorities and other security agencies.
• They’ve also been helping stranded Indian students and workers return home. (more)
• There are approximately 20,000 Rohingya refugees in India, according to the UNHCR.
• The govt last estimated in 2017 that there were 40,000 Rohingya in the country (more)

J&K LG fires teacher, pharmacist for being ‘hardcore OGW for Hizbul Mujahideen’

• J&K Lt Governor Manoj Sinha recently fired 2 govt employees, Abdul Rehman Naika and Zahir Abbas, for allegedly supporting HM operatives and passing sensitive info to Pakistan-based handlers.
• The two were identified as a pharmacist and a teacher who allegedly provided logistical support and helped plan attacks.
• This decision is part of the J&K administration’s crackdown on terrorist sympathizers.
• In the past two years, 57 govt employees have been sacked for allegedly supporting militant activities, with the highest number coming from the education department.
• The L-G has been invoking Article 311 (2) (c) of the Constitution, which allows action without an inquiry in the “interest of the security of the State”, for the dismissals (more)

US: India’s Consulate demands action after Telangana student’s murder in Chicago

• The Consulate General of India in Chicago has expressed shock and sorrow over the murder of Indian student Nukarapu Sai Teja from Telangana, who was killed outside a store in Chicago on Fri.
• The consulate has called for immediate action against the perpetrators and has assured all possible assistance to the victim’s family and friends.
• Sai Teja was pursuing an MBA at Concordia University in Chicago and working part-time.
• His uncle, Talluri Srujan, has expressed concern about the safety of Indian students in the US and has called for measures to address the situation (more)

Telangana: 7 Maoists gunned down in encounter with police in Mulugu, weapons recovered

• 7 Maoists were killed in an encounter with the police in Telangana’s Mulugu district on Dec 1.
• The incident occurred when 10-12 individuals in olive green uniforms opened fire on a police team, and despite repeated appeals for surrender, the Maoists continued firing, prompting the police to return fire in self-defense.
• The exchange lasted for approximately half an hour, and after the gunfire, a thorough search operation was conducted, during which the police discovered seven bodies and recovered several weapons at the site.
• The weapons recovered include two AK-47 rifles, one SLR, one .303 rifle, one pistol, magazines, live rounds, kit bags, and other materials. (more)

Society will perish if population growth rate goes below 2.1%, says Mohan Bhagwat

• RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat emphasized the need for couples to have more than two children to ensure societal survival.
• This statement came after Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu proposed incentivizing families with more children.
• However, PM Modi has expressed concerns about India’s population growth in the past.
• Bhagwat stressed that a fertility rate below 2.1 would lead to societal destruction, citing population science and India’s population policy introduced over two decades ago.
• He also highlighted the importance of a “sense of family” for people to thrive.
• Interestingly, Telugu Desam Party leader Naidu and Tamil Nadu CM M.K. Stalin have also encouraged couples to have more children.
• However, the UN World Population Prospects report predicts India’s population will peak at 1.701 billion in 2062. (more)

Devendra Fadnavis’ name finalized as Maharashtra’s new CM: Report

• The BJP has finalized Devendra Fadnavis as the next chief minister of Maharashtra.
• The BJP legislature party is set to meet on Dec 2 or 3 to formalize the decision.
• Additionally, reports are suggesting that Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar will be appointed as deputy CMs.
• However, it is important to note that the party has not officially confirmed the news yet.
• The oath-taking ceremony of the new govt is scheduled for Dec 5, and PM Modi is expected to attend.
• The BJP is moving cautiously as the aspirations of its allies, especially Shiv Sena, grew after the massive poll victory. (more)

Manipur CM Biren Singh hits back at Mizoram CM Lalduhoma

• The Manipur govt has responded to Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma’s criticism of CM N Biren Singh, stating that Lalduhoma should display better statesmanship by being a good neighbor rather than stoking hatred and division.
• The Manipur govt also strongly disapproves of Lalduhoma’s comments on Manipur’s internal matters, calling them an attempt to stoke hatred and double standards.
• The controversy comes amid rising violence in Manipur, with around 260 people killed in ethnic clashes between the Meitei and Kuki communities.
• Lalduhoma had said that Singh is a liability for the state, its people, and the BJP, and that even President’s Rule is preferable to his administration. (more)

India’s GDP growth slips to 5.4% in Q2, experts revise FY25 projections

• India’s GDP growth for the July-September quarter was 5.4%, lower than expected and the slowest growth in seven quarters.
• This has raised concerns among economists, who are adjusting their projections for the rest of the year.
• The manufacturing sector appears to have been hit the hardest, while agriculture has seen a strong pace of growth.
• The RBI remains optimistic about the medium-term outlook, but analysts are cautious and predict that India’s growth will be lower than initially forecast. (more)

Indian Navy helps in maintenance of Maldives, Mauritius Coast Guard vessels

• The Indian Navy is playing a significant role in naval diplomacy by extending its expertise in ship maintenance to neighboring countries.
• The navy is currently undertaking the maintenance and repair of the Maldivian Coast Guard vessel CGS Huravee and the Mauritius Coast Guard vessel MCGS Valiant.
• The Indian Navy is also providing maritime assets to countries in need, such as the recent gifting of two Fast Interceptor Crafts to Mozambique in East Africa.
• This “Womb to Tomb” support by the Indian Navy is part of the Indian govt’s “Neighbourhood First” policy and its vision for “Security And Growth for All in the Region” (SAGAR) ¹.
• The Indian Navy’s engagement with neighboring countries is not limited to maintenance and repair work.
• The navy is also involved in providing training and assistance to other countries.
• For example, the Indian Navy has been providing training to the Sri Lankan Navy for several years.
• The Navy has also been involved in joint exercises with other countries, such as the recent exercise with the US Navy.
• The Indian Navy’s role in naval diplomacy is critical in maintaining regional security and stability.
• The navy’s engagement with neighboring countries helps to build trust and strengthen relationships.
• The Indian Navy’s expertise in ship maintenance and repair is also an important aspect of naval diplomacy, as it helps to ensure that the naval assets of other countries are in good working condition.
• Overall, the Indian Navy plays a vital role in naval diplomacy, and its engagement with neighboring countries is an important aspect of India’s foreign policy.
• The navy’s expertise in ship maintenance and repair, as well as its involvement in training and joint exercises, helps to build trust and strengthen relationships with other countries. (more)

[Neighborhood]

Pakistan: Tribal clashes in Kurram leave 130 dead, 186 injured as violence continues for 11^th day

• The ongoing tribal clashes in Kurram district have resulted in a significant number of casualties and disruptions in the region.
• The situation: The clashes have claimed 130 lives, with 6 more fatalities and 8 more injuries reported on Sun.
• A total of 186 people have been injured in the violence.
• Duration of violence: The clashes have been ongoing for 11 consecutive days, despite efforts to negotiate a ceasefire.
• Impact on travel and supplies: The intense clashes have led to the closure of the main Peshawar-Parachinar road, halting travel, and the suspension of movement at the Pak-Afghan Kharlachi border.
• This has caused a shortage of oil, food supplies, and medicines in the region.
• Communication blackout: The Kurram area is facing a communication blackout, with mobile and internet services cut off. Schools in the area have also been shut down due to the ongoing unrest.
• Efforts to negotiate a ceasefire: The Dy Commissioner confirmed that security forces have been deployed throughout Lower Kurram, and efforts to negotiate a ceasefire.
• Previous peace efforts: Previous peace efforts, including a 7-day truce brokered by provincial officials in Nov, have failed to bring lasting peace.
• A high-level delegation negotiated a ceasefire last weekend, but violence erupted again soon after. (more)

New York City pays $220 million to rent Pakistan Govt-owned hotel, Ramaswamy calls deal “nuts”

• New York City has agreed to lease the Roosevelt Hotel, a property owned by Pakistan International Airlines, for three years to use as a shelter for asylum-seekers.
• The deal, worth $220 million, was part of a $1.1 billion IMF bailout package to help Islamabad avoid defaulting on international debt.
• The hotel had been closed since 2020 and was in dire need of renovation.
• The deal has sparked controversy, with Indian-origin Republican Vivek Ramaswamy expressing anger over the decision, calling it “nuts”. (more)

Sixteen terrorists killed in action across three provinces

• At least 16 terrorists were killed and 4 law enforcers, including 2 army men, were killed in separate gun battles across KP, Balochistan, and Punjab provinces on Sat and Sun.
• Here are some key points from the incidents:
• Baka Khel area of Bannu district: 5 militants were killed and 9 others sustained injuries in an intelligence-based operation.
• Shagai area of district Khyber: 3 terrorists were killed and two others were arrested by security forces.
• Captain Muhammad Zohaibuddin, 25, was martyred in the operation.
• Darra Pezu town of Lakki Marwat district: A police official, Kiramatullah, was martyred in a shootout with armed assailants who attacked a police station.
• Chapri police station in Punjab: 4 militants were killed in a shootout with police after they attacked the station with rocket launchers and hand grenades.
• Sur Dagar area of merged tribal tehsil Darazinda: One policeman was injured in an attack on a police check-post.
• Sherani district: 4 suspected terrorists were killed and several others were injured in a gun battle with security forces. (more)

Taiwan detects Chinese activity around nation

• Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence reported that 15 Chinese military aircraft and seven naval vessels were detected around Taiwan until 6 a.m. local time today.
• 11 of the aircraft crossed the median line, entering Taiwan’s southwestern and eastern air defense identification zones.
• This is the latest in a series of tensions between Taiwan and China, with Beijing frequently showcasing its military might near the island.
• The Taiwanese govt has been monitoring the situation and responding accordingly. (more)

Taiwan establishes ‘ambassador-at-large’ role to enhance diplomatic efforts

• Taiwan has introduced a new “ambassador-at-large” position to enhance diplomatic efforts and support non-governmental cooperation.
• This role will be filled by senior diplomats who have returned to Taiwan and have specialized skills and experience.
• The ambassadors-at-large will be chosen based on their unique qualifications, such as foreign language expertise or international experience.
• Their duties will include establishing diplomatic missions, promoting Taiwan’s initiatives and facilitating relationships with non-governmental entities.
• The duration of their assignments will be flexible and determined by the specific needs of each project.

This new role aims to unlock the full potential of senior diplomats and advance Taiwan’s foreign policy priorities. (more)