1. Bangladesh ‘Formally’ Writes India to Extradite Sheikh Hasina. She has 42 murder cases
2. ‘It Pains My Heart’: PM Modi Condemns ‘Attempts To Incite Violence’ In Society
3. Jaishankar travels to US on Tue in 1st visit by Indian side after Trump win
4. Bombs, rockets recovered from two places in strife-torn Manipur’s Churachandpur
5. Centre asks Mizoram, Nagaland and Manipur to keep close watch on activities of foreigners

What Else

1.  Dalai Lama, 89, seeks to allay health concerns as succession planning looms
2. Government schools can now fail Classes 5, 8 students as ‘no-detention policy’ ends
3. Bihar elections: BJP panel puts stamp on Nitish’s name as CM face
4. Ruling, Opposition leaders join protesters outside CM Omar Abdullah’s residence over J&K reservation policy
5. Public Accounts Committee flags excess spending by four ministries in the government 
6. India deploys AI chatbot at Mahakumbh 2025 to give people world over a unique digital experience
7. Bangladesh receives $900m from WB to improve environment sustainability
8. After EU, UK raises concerns over trial of civilians in military courts

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Bangladesh ‘Formally’ Writes India to Extradite Sheikh Hasina. She has 42 murder cases

• Bangladesh has formally requested the extradition of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from India, citing a prisoner exchange treaty signed in 2013.
• The request was made through a diplomatic note sent to New Delhi, with Bangladesh’s Foreign Advisor, Touhid Hossain, stating that the govt wants Hasina back for judicial proceedings.
• Hasina, who faces 51 cases, including 42 murder charges, fled to India on August 5 amid mass protests that ended her 15-year rule.
• The extradition treaty between India and Bangladesh specifies that crimes like murder cannot be considered political offenses, making it possible for Hasina to be extradited.
• Bangladesh Home Affairs Adviser Chowdhury at a presser in Dhaka said that the extradition will occur under a prior prisoner exchange program with India.
• However, sources in the Indian govt suggest that the treaty clauses may not apply in this situation.
• Hasina is not a political prisoner in India and has not been detained or arrested.
• However there were no specific dossiers that were handed over to the Indian delegation
• The Indian govt has confirmed receiving the extradition request but has not commented further on the matter. (more)
• [Following a coup, the numerous cases or charges brought forth often serve as a means to legitimize the new regime and consolidate power, rather than uphold justice. In such instances, the sheer number of charges can be seen as a tool for political retribution, aimed at stabilizing the current govt’s authority.]

‘It Pains My Heart’: PM Modi Condemns ‘Attempts To Incite Violence’ In Society

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a Christmas event hosted by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India. He condemned attempts to incite violence and emphasized Jesus Christ’s teachings of love, harmony, and brotherhood.
• Modi also condemned the recent terror attack in Germany’s Magdeburg Christmas Market.
• He highlighted India’s commitment to human interest and national interest in its foreign policy, citing examples like providing medicines to over 150 nations during the Covid pandemic.
• Modi expressed pride in George Koovakad’s elevation as a Cardinal and invited Pope Francis to visit India. (more)

Jaishankar travels to US on Tue in 1^st visit by Indian side after Trump win

• External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is set to embark on a six-day visit to the US from Dec 24 to 29, MEA stated in the 49-word release.
• This visit marks the first by a senior Indian official since Donald Trump’s presidential election win in Nov.
• Jaishankar will engage in discussions with his US counterpart, Antony Blinken, and other officials, focusing on bilateral, regional, and global issues.
• The visit is significant, as it may be the Indian side’s final engagement with the outgoing Joe Biden administration.
• Although it’s unclear whether Jaishankar will meet with members of the incoming Trump administration, interactions cannot be ruled out.
• Trump is scheduled to begin his second term as US President on Jan 20.
• Jaishankar’s visit aims to strengthen Indo-US relations, which have grown significantly, especially in defense, security, and emerging technologies. (more)

Bombs, rockets recovered from two places in strife-torn Manipur’s Churachandpur

• In Manipur’s Churachandpur district, a discovery of bombs, arms, and explosives, including 3 unexploded improvised rockets, were found in 2 separate locations on Mon.
• The first discovery was made under a bridge near the Anglo-Kuki War Memorial Gate, where suspected bombs were found at 10:30 am.
• Bomb experts from the 36 Assam Rifles safely defused the suspected Improvised Explosive Device by 3 pm.
• Nine IEDs, one detonator, and a safety fuse were recovered.
• The 2^nd detection was made at Thangjing Hill near Teijang village by a joint operation by security forces and recovered a large cache of arms, explosives, and ammunition.
• This included three unexploded improvised rockets, 45 low-grade explosive sticks, 14 detonators, and several firearms. (more)

Centre asks Mizoram, Nagaland and Manipur to keep close watch on activities of foreigners

• The central govt has asked the states of Mizoram, Nagaland, and Manipur to closely monitor the activities of foreigners due to security concerns.
• This move comes after the government reinstated the Protected Area Permit (PAP) system in these states, requiring foreigners to obtain special permits to visit these areas.
• The decision was made given the influx of people from neighboring countries, which has raised security concerns.
• The PAP system was previously relaxed in 2010 to promote tourism, but it has now been reinstated due to the current security situation.
• Under the PAP system, foreigners will need to obtain prior permission and special permits to visit these states.
• This move is aimed at maintaining national security and protecting the culture and traditions of the tribes living in these areas. (more)

Dalai Lama, 89, seeks to allay health concerns as succession planning looms

• The article from The Print discusses the Dalai Lama’s efforts to allay concerns about his health, as the issue of his succession looms. Here are some key points:
• The Dalai Lama, 88, has been facing health issues, which has sparked concerns about his succession.
• He has been trying to reassure his followers about his health, saying he is “physically and mentally fit”.
• The Dalai Lama has also been working on institutionalizing the Tibetan Buddhist hierarchy, to ensure a smooth transition.
• The Tibetan government-in-exile has begun exploring options for the Dalai Lama’s succession, including the possibility of a regent.
• China has been trying to exert control over the succession process, but the Dalai Lama has made it clear that the Tibetan people will choose his successor. (more)

Government schools can now fail Classes 5, 8 students as ‘no-detention policy’ ends

• The central govt has abolished the “no-detention policy” for 5^th and 8^th graders, allowing schools to hold back students who fail their year-end exams.
• This change applies to over 3,000 central govt-run schools, including Kendriya Vidyalayas and Navodaya Vidyalayas.
• Students who fail will get a second chance to pass within two months.
• If they still don’t meet promotion requirements, they’ll be held back.
• Teachers will provide additional guidance to address learning gaps, and no student will be expelled before completing elementary education.
• This decision reverses the 2019 Right to Education Act amendment and aims to improve learning outcomes.
•  However, states can still choose their approach, and 16 states and two union territories have already discontinued the “no-detention policy” for these classes. (more)

Bihar elections: BJP panel puts stamp on Nitish’s name as CM face

• The BJP panel has officially endorsed Nitish Kumar as the chief ministerial candidate for the upcoming Bihar elections.
• The BJP has reaffirmed its support for Nitish Kumar as Bihar’s CM candidate, ending speculation sparked by Union Minister Amit Shah’s recent comments.
• The BJP’s core committee meeting discussed the party’s strategy for the 2025 assembly polls, focusing on development as its main agenda.
• The NDA will highlight Nitish Kumar’s work as chief minister and take the central and state governments’ achievements to every village and household.
• It’s worth noting that the BJP had previously stated its support for Nitish as chief minister, even if the party were to outperform the JD(U) in the elections.
• This latest development reaffirms that commitment. (more)

Ruling, Opposition leaders join protesters outside CM Omar Abdullah’s residence over J&K reservation policy

• Protests erupted outside J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s residence over the contentious reservation policy in the state.
• National Conference MP Aga Ruhullah Mehdi led the protest, demanding equal opportunities for open-merit students.
• The protest also drew support from opposition leaders, including PDP’s Iltija Mufti and MLA Langate Sheikh Khursheed.
• The protesters are seeking a “rationalization” of the reservation policy, which they claim discriminates against open merit category students.
• The policy, amended in March, reserves 40% of seats for various categories, leaving only 40% for open merit students.
• This has sparked widespread discontent among students and parents.
• Abdullah met with the protesting students and assured them that a sub-committee would review the reservation policy and provide a solution in a time-bound manner.
• Abdullah also emphasized that his govt is committed to finding a fair solution.
• The reservation policy has become a highly contentious issue, with many calling for a more equitable distribution of seats.
• The protests highlight the growing frustrations among students and parents who feel that the current policy is unfair and discriminatory. (more)

Public Accounts Committee flags excess spending by four ministries in the government 

• The Public Accounts Committee has flagged excess spending by four ministries in the govt, including the Finance, Defence, Railways, and Chemical & Fertilizers.
• According to the report, these ministries spent a total of ₹1,291.14 crore over the 2021-22 Budget sanctioned by Parliament. The breakdown of excess spending is as follows:
• Ministry of Finance: ₹742.56 crore
• Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers: ₹493.38 crore
• Ministry of Railways: ₹55.16 crore
• Ministry of Defence: ₹3.17 crore
• The PAC has taken the govt to task, stating that overspending should not continue in the age of e-governance and e-payment systems.
• The committee has emphasized the need for strict scrutiny of Budget proposals, continuous monitoring of the pace of expenditure, and strict adherence to financial rules. (more)

India deploys AI chatbot at Mahakumbh 2025 to give people world over a unique digital experience

• The Mahakumbh 2025 in Prayagraj is poised to offer a groundbreaking digital experience, featuring an AI-powered chatbot for the first time.
• This initiative is part of the Digital Mahakumbh vision, spearheaded by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
• AI-Powered Chatbot: Provides complete details about events and programs, guides users virtually to Mahakumbh Nagar, and offers information on amenities.
• Personalized Mahakumbh Certificate: Users can receive a customized certificate with their photo by scanning a QR code.
• Multilingual Support: The chatbot assists in 11 languages, allowing users to ask questions and receive responses in their preferred language.
• State-of-the-Art Control Room: Established at the tent city to ensure seamless operation of the Kumbh Mela, with specialized cabins for managing operations.
• The Mahakumbh 2025 is scheduled from Jan 13 to Feb 26 in Prayagraj. (more)

[Neighborhood]

Bangladesh receives $900m from WB to improve environment sustainability

• Bangladesh and the World Bank signed 2 financing agreements worth $900 million to support environment sustainability, climate resiliency, and inclusive growth.
• The agreements consist of:
  • $500 million Second Bangladesh Green and Climate Resilient Development Credit: Supports policies for green and climate-resilient development, reducing air pollution, and improving environmental enforcement.
  • $400 million Resilient Urban And Territorial Development Project: Improves climate-resilient urban infrastructure and management in 7 city clusters, benefiting 17 million people.
• These projects aim to help Bangladesh achieve green growth, build climate resilience, and improve urban infrastructure management. (more)

After EU, UK raises concerns over trial of civilians in military courts

• The UK has raised concerns over the trial of civilians in military courts, following similar concerns expressed by the EU.
• This issue is particularly relevant in countries where military courts have jurisdiction over civilians, such as Pakistan.
• In the UK, military courts, also known as Court Martials, typically deal with military personnel.

Still, they can also try civilians in certain circumstances, such as when the military employs them or are family members of military personnel serving abroad. (more)