1. Violence in Bengal leaves several police personnel injured
2. Govt strengthening IT cells to counter terrorist propaganda on social media: Union Home Secretary
3. Congress Slams UP Govt Over Maha Kumbh Stampede Death Toll
4. Bangladesh’s Yunus Reveals PM Modi Refused to Restrict Sheikh Hasina’s Statements
5. India-China Relations Thaw: Chinese Vice Foreign Minister to Visit India

What Else

1. Canada’s $47.9 Million Cocaine Bust Exposes ISI-Khalistani Nexus
2. India-EU Free Trade Agreement Shows Promise
3. Global Religious Landscape Shifts: Muslims and Unaffiliated on the Rise
4. Pakistan Army Chief’s US Visit
5. Indian Origin “Paul Kapur” Nominated for Top South Asia Diplomatic Role
6. U.S. CENTCOM chief terms Pakistan a ‘phenomenal partner’ in counter-terrorism
7. Pakistan Rejects Indian Minister’s Remarks as “Irresponsible”
8. Pakistan Explores German Air Defense System Amid BrahMos Concerns
9. Bangladesh: Muhammad Yunus Rules Out Participation in Next Government
10. Bangladesh: BNP Leaders Expelled Over Vandalism Incident of AL Members
11. US-China Trade Deal: Trump Announces Breakthrough

Violence in Bengal leaves several police personnel injured

• Violence broke out in Maheshtala, on Kolkata’s southern fringes, after clashes erupted between two groups in ward number 7 of Maheshtala Municipality.
• The situation spiralled out of control, prompting a large police deployment, which resorted to firing tear gas shells and lathicharge to disperse the mob.
• Several police personnel were injured, and police vehicles were set on fire as the mob pelted stones. A few shops were vandalised during the violence.
• Prohibitory orders were imposed in the area to restore order.
• Trinamool Congress MLA Abdul Khalek Mollah attributed the violence to isolated incidents and anti-social elements taking advantage of the situation.
• Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari visited the West Bengal Police headquarters, seeking a meeting with the Director General of Police.
• The police took measures to control the situation, evacuating injured personnel and containing the violence. (more)

Govt strengthening IT cells to counter terrorist propaganda on social media: Union Home Secretary

• Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan announced that the government is bolstering IT cells and cyber surveillance to combat terrorist propaganda on social media.
• Terrorists are using advanced drone technology and social media to spread radical ideologies, carry out surveillance, and launch targeted attacks.
• Mohan emphasized the need to eradicate terrorism from its roots, stating that associating terrorism with identity or faith tarnishes humanity.
• A 25-point plan to curb terrorist financing has been finalized, and police are encouraged to use strict provisions under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA).
• India has proscribed 40 groups as terror organizations. Mohan called for global cooperation to combat terrorism, highlighting the importance of public awareness and technological solutions.
• He also mentioned Operation Sindoor, a military strike on terrorist hideouts in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. (more)

Congress Slams UP Govt Over Maha Kumbh Stampede Death Toll

• Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has accused the Uttar Pradesh government of suppressing the true death toll in the Maha Kumbh stampede, citing a BBC report.
• The report allegedly reveals that 82 people died, significantly higher than the official figure of 37.
• Gandhi slammed the BJP, saying, “This is the BJP model – if there is no counting of the poor, then there is no accountability either!”
• Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav also cited the same report, accusing the government of lying and questioning the credibility of those who provide “false statistics”.
• Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had earlier downplayed the incident, stating that it wasn’t excessively highlighted to avoid panic.
• Gandhi and Yadav demand accountability and transparency in the government’s handling of the stampede. (more)

Bangladesh’s Yunus Reveals PM Modi Refused to Restrict Sheikh Hasina’s Statements

• Bangladesh’s interim government Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus disclosed that PM Modi rejected his request to restrict ousted PM Sheikh Hasina from making public statements that fuel anger among Bangladeshis.
• Yunus requested a conversation with PM Modi, citing the inflammatory nature of Hasina’s speeches, which he claimed were sparking outrage in Bangladesh.
• However, Modi reportedly responded by saying, “it’s a social media, we cannot control it.”
• Yunus expressed frustration with this response, describing the situation as “explosive”.
• India had given Sheikh Hasina shelter after she fled Bangladesh following a violent coup.
• Yunus also spoke about the violent events leading to her ousting, stating that he would have shared video evidence with the world if possible, to showcase the brutality and cruelty that occurred. (more)

India-China Relations Thaw: Chinese Vice Foreign Minister to Visit India

• Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong will visit India for 2 days, starting Thu, to review progress on normalizing ties following Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri’s trip to Beijing in Jan.
• The talks will likely cover direct air services, trade concerns, and people-to-people exchanges, with India seeking a more transparent and predictable economic relationship with China.
• NSA Ajit Doval will meet Sun, and may host Chinese Special Representative Wang Yi later this year for another round of boundary talks.
• A potential visit by PM Modi to China in Sept for the SCO summit may also be discussed, aiming to build on the recent thaw in relations after troop disengagement in eastern Ladakh and meetings between PM Modi and President Xi Jinping. (more)
• [Diplomacy is synonymous with caution]

Canada’s $47.9 Million Cocaine Bust Exposes ISI-Khalistani Nexus

• The Peel Regional Police in Canada have successfully dismantled a massive narco-terror network, seizing 479 kg of cocaine worth $47.9 million in the largest-ever drug bust in the region.
• Dubbed Project Pelican, the operation led to the arrest of nine individuals, including 7 Indian-origin men suspected of having ties to Khalistani sympathizers.
• The investigation revealed that the network exploited commercial trucking routes from the US to Canada, collaborating with Mexican cartels and US-based distributors.
• Proceeds from the drug trafficking were allegedly used to finance anti-India activities, including protests, referendums, and funding for weapons.
• Intelligence sources suggest an ISI-backed plan to fund Khalistani groups in Canada for trafficking high-value Mexican cocaine and Afghan-grown heroin.
• The accused faces 35 charges related to firearm and drug offenses.
• Ontario Solicitor General Michael S. Kerzner praised the operation, highlighting the importance of collaboration and resources in keeping communities safe. (more)
• [Pakistan: a partner in the fight against terrorism… for “some”. While the US praises Pakistan’s cooperation in counter-terrorism efforts, India points to Pakistan-based terrorist groups like LeT and JeM targeting Indian citizens. Different priorities, same terrorism.]

India-EU Free Trade Agreement Shows Promise

• India and the EU have made significant progress in their discussions on a comprehensive free trade agreement, according to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar.
• After meeting EU officials in Brussels, Jaishankar expressed optimism that the agreement could be finalized by the end of 2025.
• The proposed FTA aims to elevate the strategic partnership between India and the EU, covering areas such as trade, defense, security, talent mobility, and education.
• Jaishankar’s meetings with EU Commissioners Maros Sefcovic and Jozef Sikela focused on strengthening the India-EU partnership, including cooperation on clean energy, sustainable urbanization, and enhanced connectivity.
• The India-Middle East-Europe Corridor Project was also discussed. A trilateral cooperation arrangement was signed, benefiting the Global South.
• Jaishankar’s visit to Europe is part of efforts to deepen ties with the EU, with a potential FTA expected to boost trade and investment between the two partners. (more)

Global Religious Landscape Shifts: Muslims and Unaffiliated on the Rise

• A recent Pew Research Center study reveals that Muslims are the fastest-growing faith group globally, with a 347 million increase over the past decade.
• According to Conrad Hackett, a senior demographer at Pew, this growth is primarily due to Muslims having more children than deaths, rather than conversions.
• The Asia Pacific region is home to the largest Muslim population, which grew by 16.2% between 2010 and 2020.
• In contrast, Christianity, the world’s largest religion with 2.3 billion believers, saw a decline in percentage terms, largely in Europe and North America.
• Meanwhile, the religiously unaffiliated population has become the third-largest group, with 24.2% identifying as such, predominantly in the Asia Pacific region.
• Hinduism remains the fourth-largest group, with most Hindus residing in India.
• These shifts reflect changing global demographics and faith trends. (more)

[Neighborhood]

Pakistan Army Chief’s US Visit

• Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, General Syed Asim Munir, will visit Washington DC for the US Army Day celebrations, where the US will likely urge Pakistan to act against terrorist groups targeting Afghanistan and India.
• Pakistan will seek US assurances on the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) operating from Afghanistan and pursue its agenda on Kashmir mediation, although India is unlikely to agree.
• The visit aims to manage strained US-Pakistan security relations, with Pakistan also seeking investment opportunities in its mineral resources, while being cautious of China’s influence and potential debt traps.
• The US views Pakistan’s neutrality as compromised due to its close ties with China through CPEC and BRI. (more)

Indian Origin “Paul Kapur” Nominated for Top South Asia Diplomatic Role

• Paul Kapur, nominated by US President Donald Trump as Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia, has told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee he would prioritize security cooperation with Pakistan, where it aligns with US interests.
• Kapur, an Indian-origin academic, acknowledged the region’s volatility, citing the recent escalation between India and Pakistan.
• He emphasized promoting peace, stability, and counter-terrorism in the region.
• If confirmed, Kapur would focus on practical diplomacy, including securing the release of detained Americans in Afghanistan and preventing the country from becoming a terrorism launchpad.
• His appointment signals a strategic shift in US policy towards South Asia, potentially strengthening ties with India while adopting a more critical approach towards Pakistan.
• Kapur’s nomination has drawn attention due to his past scholarship, which some in Pakistan view as biased. The Senate is set to vote on his nomination later this month. (more)

U.S. CENTCOM chief terms Pakistan a ‘phenomenal partner’ in counter-terrorism

• US General Michael Kurilla, CENTCOM chief, has praised Pakistan’s military as a “phenomenal partner” in countering terrorism.
• Pakistan’s military has captured at least 5 ISIS-Khorasan terrorists using US-provided intelligence, including Mohammed Sharifullah, accused of orchestrating the 2021 Kabul airport suicide blast that killed 13 US military personnel and 170 Afghan civilians.
• Kurilla highlighted Pakistan’s active counter-terrorism fight, with over 1,000 terrorist attacks in the western area in 2024, resulting in 700 deaths and 2,500 injuries.
• Despite India’s concerns about cross-border terrorism from Pakistan, Kurilla emphasized the importance of US engagement with both India and Pakistan to advance security goals.
• Incoming US Assistant Secretary of State Paul Kapoor also expressed similar views, stating he would pursue security cooperation with Pakistan, which would be beneficial to US interests. (more)

Pakistan Rejects Indian Minister’s Remarks as “Irresponsible”

• Pakistan’s Foreign Office has rejected Indian External Affairs Minister’s remarks in Brussels, calling them “irresponsible” and “bellicose.”
• The Foreign Office spokesperson advised the minister to avoid spreading misleading narratives to justify recent aggression.
• Pakistan accused India of sponsoring terrorism beyond its borders and engaging in state-sanctioned oppression in Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
• The spokesperson urged India to introspect on its own actions instead of pointing fingers at others.
• Pakistan emphasized its commitment to peaceful coexistence, dialogue, and diplomacy but asserted its resolve to safeguard its sovereignty against any aggression.
• The country highlighted its robust response to India’s recent strikes as an example of its determination.
• Pakistan called on India to improve the standard of its discourse and discard its obsession with Pakistan, stressing that history will judge leaders by their wisdom, not their loudness. (more)

Pakistan Explores German Air Defense System Amid BrahMos Concerns

• Pakistan is looking to acquire the German-made IRIS-T SLM air defense system to counter India’s BrahMos supersonic cruise missile.
• This move comes after China’s HQ-9 and HQ-16 air defense systems failed to stop Indian drone and missile strikes during Operation Sindoor.
• The IRIS-T SLM has proven effective in Ukraine against Russian cruise missiles similar to the BrahMos.
• However, Pakistan’s pursuit of the German system may be complicated by Diehl Defence’s partnerships with India, including a collaboration with Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems on defense projects and a strategic agreement with Reliance Defence to manufacture precision-guided munitions in India.
• Despite economic challenges, Pakistan has increased its defense spending by 20% in its annual budget, while slashing overall expenditure by 7%.
• The country has recently secured billion-dollar loans from the IMF and ADB, raising questions about its priorities. (more)

Bangladesh: Muhammad Yunus Rules Out Participation in Next Government

• Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has categorically stated that he and his cabinet members have no intention of participating in the next elected government.
• Their primary goal is to ensure a smooth transition of power through a free and fair election.
• Yunus emphasized that their role is to manage the transition process and hand over power to an elected government.
• Yunus also commented on the Bangladesh Awami League, questioning whether it can be considered a political party given the allegations against it.
• He noted that the party’s activities have been suspended for the time being to ensure national safety and protect politicians.
• On media freedom, Yunus said the media has never enjoyed such freedom as it does now.
• He acknowledged that the interim govt faces challenges in addressing various issues, including the demolition of the historic Bangabandhu Memorial Museum, and is working to bring order to the nation. (more)

Bangladesh: BNP Leaders Expelled Over Vandalism Incident of AL Members

• Two local BNP leaders, Anwarul Islam and Rafiqul Islam, have been expelled from the party for life due to their alleged involvement in vandalism and arson at the house of a businessman who supports the Awami League in Puthia, Rajshahi.
• The victim, Abdul Hannan, claimed that Rafiqul Islam, a senior joint convener of Baneshwar union BNP and local UP member, demanded a toll of Tk 500,000 from him after Aug 5, threatening to beat him and set fire to his house if not paid.
• The incident occurred after a dispute between Rafiqul and Hannan’s son, leading to Rafiqul and his men vandalizing Hannan’s house, setting fire to it, and burning down several structures and livestock.
• Hannan filed a case with the police, naming Rafiqul as the prime accused.
• The BNP’s Rajshahi district unit confirmed the expulsion of the two leaders, stating that they were found guilty of violating party discipline. (more)

US-China Trade Deal: Trump Announces Breakthrough

• US President Donald Trump announced a trade deal with China, pending final approval from both him and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
• According to Trump, China will supply rare earth minerals and magnets upfront, while the US will impose 55% tariffs on Chinese goods, and China will impose 10% tariffs on US goods.
• The deal also includes allowing Chinese students to study in US colleges and universities.
• The agreement follows two days of talks in London between US and Chinese officials, focusing on resolving trade disputes, particularly on rare earth minerals and magnets.
• US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said the deal should resolve restrictions on these critical materials.

The deal aims to ease trade tensions between the two economies, with both sides working closely together to open up China to American trade. (more)