Top Headlines: India committed to advancing deep-rooted ties with Kuwait, says PM Modi
December 5, 2024
- India committed to advancing deep-rooted ties with Kuwait, says PM Modi
- Mahayuti Govt Swearing-In today (Thu), Home Ministry Likely To Stay With BJP
- US top diplomat Donald Lu embarks on 7-day visit to India, Sri Lanka, and Nepal
- Sukhbir Badal escapes assassination bid at Golden Temple, Pak angle being probed
- Putin praises India’s support for SMEs through ‘Make In India’ initiative
What Else
- Manipur High Court orders setting up of 4-member panel to submit report on missing man
- ‘Open to peace negotiations but NATO membership non-negotiable,’ says Ukrainian security forum head
- Rahul Gandhi competing with ally SP for minority votes, alleges BJP on stalled Sambhal visit
- Adani Defence delivers another Drishti-10 Starliner surveillance drone to Navy; check details
- Bangladesh: We must unite to expose ‘their’ falsehoods: Yunus
- Sheikh Hasina ‘destroyed everything’, will hold elections after ushering in comprehensive reforms, says Muhammad Yunus
- Sheikh Hasina Accuses Yunus of Genocide in 1st Virtual Address Post-Bangladesh Coup
- Alleged attacks on minorities: US calls for respect for religious freedom
- Mob vandalizes Hindu properties in Sunamganj over alleged social media post
- Pakistan: Amnesty urges govt to halt plans to pass Anti-Terrorism Act Amendment Bill
- Pakistan: Dar briefs diplomats on situation caused by PTI protest, reaffirms Red Zone’s security
- China says foreign spy agencies stealing state secrets, duping nationals through crowdsourcing jobs
—————-
India committed to advancing deep-rooted ties with Kuwait, says PM Modi
- PM Modi said on Wed that India is committed to advancing its deep-rooted and historical ties with Kuwait for the benefit of people and the region.
- He posted the comment on X after receiving Kuwait’s Foreign Minister Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya. (more)
- The visit to India has strengthened the bilateral relations between the two nations.
- As a result of this visit, India and Kuwait are expected to advance their deep-rooted and historical ties for the benefit of the people and the region.
- Some potential outcomes of this visit include India and Kuwait exploring new opportunities for trade and investment, building on their existing strong economic ties.
- Increased Collaboration on Energy Security: As a major oil-producing country, Kuwait may collaborate with India on energy security initiatives, including oil and gas trade.
- Strengthened Cultural Ties: The visit may also lead to cultural exchange programs between India and Kuwait, promoting people-to-people diplomacy.
- These outcomes are in line with India’s efforts to strengthen its relations with Gulf countries, including Kuwait. (MEA)
Mahayuti Govt Swearing-In today (Thu), Home Ministry Likely To Stay With BJP
- The Mahayuti alliance, comprising the BJP, Eknath Shinde-led SS, and Ajit Pawar’s NCP, is set to form the new govt in Maharashtra.
- This development comes after the alliance won the recent state assembly elections.
- Devendra Fadnavis, a senior BJP leader, will be sworn in as the Chief Minister.
- Fadnavis has previously served as the CM of the state from 2014 to 2019.
- His return to the top post is seen as a significant development in Maharashtra politics.
- Ajit Pawar, the leader of the NCP, and Eknath Shinde, the leader of the Shiv Sena faction, will take oath as Deputy CM.
- This move is seen as an attempt to balance the power dynamics within the alliance.
- The BJP has reportedly decided to keep the crucial Home Ministry portfolio for itself.
- This decision is significant, as the Home Ministry is responsible for maintaining law and order in the state.
- The BJP’s decision to retain this portfolio is seen as an attempt to assert its dominance within the alliance.
- PM Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah are expected to attend the ceremony, which is seen as a significant endorsement.
- The Mahayuti alliance’s victory in the assembly elections has paved the way for a new era of politics in the state. (more)
US top diplomat Donald Lu embarks on 7-day visit to India, Sri Lanka, and Nepal
- US Assistant Secretary of State Donald Lu will visit India, Sri Lanka, and Nepal from December 3 to 10. The trip aims to strengthen cooperation with key South Asian partners to promote regional prosperity and security.
- Lu’s itinerary includes:
- India: Supporting US-India collaboration in the Indo-Pacific and beyond, and participating in the US-India East Asia Consultations.
- Sri Lanka: Advancing US-Sri Lankan joint efforts to promote sustainable economic growth, combat corruption, and strengthen people-to-people ties.
- Nepal: Meeting with senior leaders to advance cooperation on environmental protection, women’s empowerment, and sustainable development.
- The trip demonstrates the US commitment to supporting a free and prosperous Indo-Pacific region. (more)
- His itinerary besides others includes discussing various topics, such as economic growth, corruption, and human rights,
Sukhbir Badal escapes assassination bid at Golden Temple, Pak angle being probed
- A former Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) terrorist, Narain Singh Chaura, opened fire at Shiromani Akali Dal leader Sukhbir Singh Badal at the Golden Temple in Amritsar.
- Badal, serving as a guard at the temple entrance as part of a religious punishment, is safe.
- The shooter was overpowered and handed over to the police.
- Chaura, a Khalistani activist, had crossed over to Pakistan in 1984 and was involved in smuggling weapons and explosives into Punjab.
- The incident has sparked a political storm, with parties blaming each other for the security lapse.
- Police are investigating, and the incident is seen as a major security breach.
- The incident has also sparked a political storm, with parties blaming each other for the lapse. (more)
Putin praises India’s support for SMEs through ‘Make In India’ initiative
- Russian President Putin praised India’s efforts in creating a stable environment for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), highlighting the success of the “Make in India” initiative led by PM Modi.
- Putin drew similarities between Russia’s import substitution program and India’s “Make in India” initiative, expressing readiness to establish manufacturing operations in India.
- He noted India’s leadership prioritizes its interests, creating stable conditions for investments.
- Putin also emphasized the relevance of Russia’s import substitution program in the context of BRICS’s shift for the growth of SMEs.
- He highlighted the emergence of new Russian brands replacing Western brands and the success of local Russian producers in sectors like consumer goods, IT, and agriculture.
- The Russian President called for enhanced collaboration among BRICS nations for the growth of SMEs and encouraged member nations to assess key areas for collaboration during the upcoming summit in Brazil next year. (more)
Manipur High Court orders setting up of 4-member panel to submit report on missing man
- The Manipur High Court has ordered a four-member committee to investigate the disappearance of 56-year-old Laishram Kamalbabu Singh, who went missing from an Army camp in Kangpokpi district on Nov 25.
- The committee, headed by the District Magistrate of Kangpokpi, will submit a detailed report on Dec 11.
- They’ll look into whether Singh was abducted or left voluntarily.
- Singh’s brother, Laishram Brajabanshi Singh, filed a writ petition claiming that Kamalbabu was kidnapped by militants from the high-security zone.
- The court has asked Singh’s family to cooperate with the committee and provide any relevant materials or records. (more)
‘Open to peace negotiations but NATO membership non-negotiable,’ says Ukrainian security forum head
- Ukraine is open to India hosting the next peace summit, according to Svitlana Kovalchuk, head of Ukraine’s top security forum.
- Kovalchuk emphasized that Ukraine’s priority is to obtain “real security guarantees” through NATO membership, which is non-negotiable for Kyiv.
- Ukraine hopes to end the war by 2025 and is looking for a host country for the next peace summit.
- India, having been in touch with leaders from both Ukraine and Russia, could be a potential venue.
- However, President Zelenskyy has stated that India should first sign on to the outcomes of the Global Peace Summit hosted by Switzerland earlier in the year. (more)
Rahul Gandhi competing with ally SP for minority votes, alleges BJP on stalled Sambhal visit
- Rahul Gandhi was stopped at the Ghazipur border while trying to visit Sambhal in Uttar Pradesh, where violence erupted on Nov 24.
- The BJP alleged that Gandhi’s visit was an act of desperation to grab media attention and minority votes.
- Gandhi, who has Z-plus security, was criticized for not giving prior intimation to authorities about his visit. (more)
Adani Defence delivers another Drishti-10 Starliner surveillance drone to Navy; check details
- Adani Defence and Aerospace has delivered a 2nd Drishti-10 Starliner surveillance drone to the Indian Navy, boosting maritime monitoring capabilities and anti-piracy.
- This advanced drone, manufactured in Hyderabad, offers: 36-hour endurance
- 450 kg payload capacity
- All-weather operation with NATO’s STANAG 4671 certification
- Autonomous functions and Satcom-based operations
- The Drishti-10 serves as a force multiplier for the Indian Navy, enhancing situational awareness and maritime surveillance.
- Its successful deployment significantly advances India’s indigenous unmanned defense capabilities. (more)
[Neighborhood]
Bangladesh: We must unite to expose ‘their’ falsehoods: Yunus
- Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus urged all political forces [after banning the major party -AL, ruling before the coup] in Bangladesh to unite and fight against the “falsehood” being spread by “certain forces”.
- He made this call at a meeting with delegations from several political parties, including the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and Jamaat-e-Islami.
- Yunus emphasized the need for unity in the face of adversity, stating that the country’s freedom and independence are being threatened by certain powers.
- He also highlighted the importance of establishing the truth and proving the falsehoods wrong.
- “This is not limited to just one country. It has spread to certain major global powers. Since our great uprising has displeased some, they want to erase it, hide it,” he said.
- Interestingly, Yunus had previously called upon the international community to engage with the “new Bangladesh” that aims to realize freedom and democracy for everyone. (more)
Sheikh Hasina ‘destroyed everything’, will hold elections after ushering in comprehensive reforms, says Muhammad Yunus
- Bangladesh’s interim govt Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has vowed to hold general elections only after implementing constitutional and judicial reforms.
- In an interview with Nikkei Asia, Yunus stated that comprehensive reforms are needed in the economy, governance, bureaucracy, and judiciary before holding elections.
- Yunus also accused the previous Sheikh Hasina administration of “destroying everything” and expressed his intention to try Hasina in the International Crimes Tribunal in Bangladesh.
- He expects India to extradite Hasina once the trial concludes, citing an international law signed by both countries.
- Additionally, Yunus proposed reviving the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and mentioned that Bangladesh’s interim govt has set up several commissions to push reforms in areas such as the electoral system, constitution, and judiciary.
- [So far, no visible change reported except demeaning and destroying Hasina, and her govt. What is clear from the acts of the installed govt is rewriting the history of B’Desh]
Sheikh Hasina Accuses Yunus of Genocide in 1st Virtual Address Post-Bangladesh Coup
- Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has publicly accused the country’s interim leader, Muhd Yunus, of masterminding genocide and neglecting minority communities.
- In her first public address since seeking refuge in India, Hasina alleged that Yunus has failed to safeguard the rights of minorities, including Hindus, and has instead orchestrated attacks on them.
- She also expressed concerns about threats to her life and that of her sister, Sheikh Rehana.
- Hasina’s accusations come amid a spate of attacks on minorities in Bangladesh, which has strained relations with India. (more)
Alleged attacks on minorities: US calls for respect for religious freedom
- The United States has urged Bangladesh to respect fundamental freedoms, including religious and basic human rights, amid alleged attacks on minorities.
- State Department Dy Spox emphasized the importance of respecting the rule of law and basic human rights.
- “We are consistent with every government in which we have a relationship with. We are clear that there needs to be the respect of fundamental freedoms,” [generalized one]
- Additionally, Congressman Brad Sherman called on Bangladesh’s interim govt to demonstrate leadership in stopping violence against minorities, specifically stressing the need to protect the Hindu minority.
- Sherman’s statement came after Hindus from Bangladesh organized a rally in front of the White House, demanding protection for Hindus in Bangladesh and the release of former ISCON leader Chinmaya Das. (more)
Mob vandalizes Hindu properties in Sunamganj over alleged social media post
- A mob in Sunamganj’s Dowarabazar upazila, vandalized Hindu businesses and houses after allegations that a Hindu man, Akash Das, had posted a “derogatory image” on Fb, hurting Muslim sentiments.
- Das, 21, was detained by police for his safety, but the mob attacked the police team and vandalized several houses and shops owned by Hindus.
- The army intervened to control the situation, and local leaders helped calm the mob.
- Abu Saleh, coordinator of the Anti-discrimination Student Movement, claimed the violence was orchestrated by a banned organization and called for a fair investigation.
- This incident is not isolated, as there have been reports of attacks on Hindu houses and businesses in at least 27 districts in Bangladesh (more)
Pakistan: Amnesty urges govt to halt plans to pass Anti-Terrorism Act Amendment Bill
- Amnesty International has urged the Pakistani govt to halt plans to pass the Anti-Terrorism Act Amendment Bill 2024, citing concerns that it doesn’t comply with international human rights law and standards.
- The bill, introduced last month, proposes amendments to the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) 1997, granting military and civil armed forces the authority to detain individuals facing terrorism charges for up to three months without trial.
- Amnesty expressed concerns that the bill would vest broad and discretionary powers to armed forces, leading to arbitrary detention and human rights violations.
- They also noted that the bill was presented without consultation with civil society organizations, which is a worrying trend in Pakistan’s legislative process. (more)
Pakistan: Dar briefs diplomats on situation caused by PTI protest, reaffirms Red Zone’s security
- Deputy PM and FM Ishaq Dar briefed diplomats on the recent clashes between PTI protesters and authorities in Islamabad, reaffirming the govt’s commitment to ensuring the security of Islamabad’s Red Zone.
- Dar emphasized that the government prioritizes protecting the Red Zone, which houses key institutions and the diplomatic corps.
- The clashes resulted in several deaths, with the PTI claiming 12 supporters were killed, while officials reported four security personnel deaths.
- Dar noted that the PTI chose to protest on November 24, coinciding with the Belarusian president’s visit, which he deemed “mala fide”.
- The government enacted the ‘Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Act, 2024’ to bar demonstrations in the Red Zone and require permission for public gatherings.
- Dar highlighted that the Islamabad High Court had barred the PTI from holding protests in the Red Zone. (more)
China says foreign spy agencies stealing state secrets, duping nationals through crowdsourcing jobs
- China’s Ministry of State Security (MSS) has warned citizens about foreign intelligence agencies using crowdsourcing platforms to obtain state secrets.
- These agencies allegedly break down intelligence-gathering operations into smaller tasks, recruiting individuals through legitimate internet platforms.
- Unaware participants collect data that, when combined, can reveal sensitive information.
- The MSS noted that foreign entities have acquired important data on marine hydrology, mineral distribution, and energy reserves through such methods.
- The ministry advised citizens to be cautious when engaging in online tasks, especially those that involve downloading software or uploading data from specific locations.
- The MSS also warned against accepting high-paying jobs or information-gathering opportunities that may be fronts for foreign espionage agencies (more)