1. Modi visits Tirupati in last leg of campaigning
2. Centre convenes all-party meeting on Dec 2 ahead of Parliament Winter session
3. NIA conducts raid in Kozhikode, 3 other states in Pakistan-backed GeH module case
4. Manipur govt to sign peace deal with UNLF (Pambei) soon
5. Technology absorption for GE F414 engine co-production to take about 3 years: HAL chief

What Else

• US: Indian envoy Sandhu celebrates Gurpurab in New York, felicitated by Sikh community
• Cultural diplomacy: Varanasi’s Dev Deepavali draws ambassadors from 70 nations
• Delhi Police nabs two shooters linked to Sikh separatist Arsh Dalla gang
• Arms, Ammunition Recovered in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kupwara, 2 Arrested
• Pakistan: COAS meets Saudi counterpart, discuss bilateral relations
• Investment worth billions of dollars unlocked as Pakistan, UAE sign key deals
• Pakistan: Bannu attack martyrs two civilians, injures 10 including three troops
• UNLF camp raided and captured by PDF in Myanmar
• Bangladesh: Dhaka has ‘excellent’ relations with US: Hasan Mahmud
• Sri Lanka approves Sinopec’s $4.5 billion refinery proposal

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Modi visits Tirupati in last leg of campaigning

• Telangana is going to witness the 1^st-ever BJP govt in the next few days as the people of the state are determined to oust the BRS, PM Modi said on Mon, hours after offering prayers at the Lord Venkateswara temple in Tirumala.
• The PM visited the temple at around 8 am after reaching Tirumala on Sun night.
• Later in the day, Modi addressed two rallies — at Mahabubabad and Karimnagar — and held a road show in Hyderabad.
• Telangana goes to the polls on Nov 30 in what is a triangular contest between the ruling BRS, the Congress, and the BJP.
• Modi said the “farmhouse CM” of the BRS was destroying Telangana’s twin identity of tradition and technology and promoting superstitions. (here)
• “No guarantee when Congress MLAs will join…”: PM Modi in Karimnagar: PM Modi said that whenever someone talks about ‘corruption’, ‘appeasement’ or ‘Dynastic Politics’, the picture of BRS and Congress comes to people’s mind, adding that there is no guarantee as to when Congress MLAs will join BRS. (here)

Centre convenes all-party meeting on Dec 2 ahead of Parliament Winter session

• The govt has convened an all-party meeting on Dec 2^nd ahead of the Winter Session of Parliament that is scheduled to begin on Dec 4 and will be concluded on Dec 22^nd.
• On behalf of the govt, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Prahlad Joshi has called an all-party meeting on Dec 2.
• The all-party meeting is usually convened a day before the session, this time it has been postponed by a day due to the votes counting for 5 states on December 3^rd.  
• The Winter session will be held a day after the declaration of results of assembly polls in five states – Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Mizoram, and Telangana.
• 3 important bills which seek to replace the IPC, CrPC and the Evidence Act may be taken up for consideration during the session.
• The session is also likely to discuss the report of the Ethics Committee on the “cash for query” allegations against TMC MP Mahua Moitra. (here)

NIA conducts raid in Kozhikode, 3 other states in Pakistan-backed GeH module case

• The National Investigation Agency on Sun conducted raids in Kerala, MP, Guj, and UP in connection with the Pakistan-backed Ghazwa-e-Hind module case.
• The central agency seized incriminating documents and digital devices, including mobile phones and SIM cards, in the case.
• The raid was conducted in Kozhikode (Ker) Dewas (MP), Gir Somnath (Guj), and Azamgarh (UP)
• The raids also revealed links of the suspects, whose premises were searched, with Pakistan-based handlers Zain who were involved in propagating the radical, anti-India idea of GeH.
• The accused had added many persons from India and other countries, including Pakistan, B’desh, and Yemen, which were also active on other SMs like Telegram and BiP. (here)

Manipur govt to sign peace deal with UNLF (Pambei) soon

• Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh revealed on Nov 26  that the state govt is on the verge of signing a historic peace agreement with the United National Liberation Front based in the Imphal Valley.
• This marks the 1^st time a valley-based proscribed organization has entered into peace negotiations with the govt since the eruption of ethnic violence in the state on May 3.
• Despite the significance of the announcement, the CM refrained from disclosing finer details about the ongoing negotiations at this stage.
• The breakthrough comes against the backdrop of numerous hill-based underground organizations already under Suspension of Operations with the Indian govt. (here)

Technology absorption for GE F414 engine co-production to take about 3 years: HAL chief

• Hindustan Aeronautics Limited will likely need a 3-year timeframe to absorb the technology for its ambitious co-production of GE F414 jet engines for the Air Force, Chairman, and MD of the Indian public sector aerospace and defense manufacturer said
• The MoU was signed in Jun for the transfer of technology.
• And then, after that, GE also has to get the necessary approvals from their govt (the US), which has also been approved. (here)

US: Indian envoy Sandhu celebrates Gurpurab in New York, felicitated by Sikh community

• Indian Ambassador to the US, Taranjit Singh Sandhu visited the Hicksville Gurdwara in New York to celebrate the occasion of Gurpurab with the Sikh community.
• During the occasion, Ambassador Sandhu praised the Sikh community from Afghanistan who have kept their heritage alive despite facing severe times.
• The ambassador also visited and offered prayers at Sri Guru Ravidass Temple in New York on the occasion.
• Earlier on Sun, the Indian envoy also attended the farewell ceremony of India’s current consul general in New York, Randhir Jaiswal at an event organized by the Indian community in Long Island.
• Randhir Jaiswal, who will head toward his new assignment as the official spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs received a warm reception (here)
• A few Khalistani tried to heckle Ambassador Sandhu at a Gurudwara but the Sikh community came to the rescue and supported him with utmost respect and dignity.
• Sikh community rises against Khalistani paid goons of Pakistan.
• However, APP reported that Pro-Khalistan Sikhs, led by Himmat Singh at Gurdwara in New York, confronted Ambassador Sandhu over his alleged involvement in the failed assassination plot against Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.

Cultural diplomacy: Varanasi’s Dev Deepavali draws ambassadors from 70 nations

• Ambassadors and diplomats from over 70 nations have gathered in the historic city of Varanasi to partake in the grand celebrations of Gurupurnima.
• Organized by the Ministry of External Affairs, the guests will witness the lighting of earthen lamps, alongside the mesmerizing Ganga Arti and Dev Deepavali at Kashi.
• They received a warm welcome at Varanasi’s Lal Bahadur Shastri airport.
• Varanasi, a city steeped in spiritual significance, has played host to various international events, including G20 and SCO meetings during India’s presidency. (here)

Delhi Police nabs two shooters linked to Sikh separatist Arsh Dalla gang

• Following a brief encounter on Mon night, the Delhi Police Special Cell arrested 2 individuals identified as shooters affiliated with the Arsh Dalla gang from Mayur Vihar.
• Delhi Police said, “Both of the criminals were given a task by Arshdeep to assassinate a singer namely Elly Mangat, for which they attempted in Oct 2023 in Bathinda, but failed as the target was not found at home.”
• One revolver .45 mm with 06 live cartridges and another .30 mm pistol with 07 live cartridges along with a hand grenade and a stolen bike has been recovered
• Earlier on Oct 7, the Special Cell of the Delhi Police apprehended two individuals associated with the Arsh Dalla-Sukha Duneke gang, based in Canada.
• Notably, one of the arrested individuals was involved in the murder of Sandeep Nangal Ambian, the captain of the British Kabaddi team, in Mar, last year. (here)

Arms, Ammunition Recovered in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kupwara, 2 Arrested

• Two persons were apprehended on Mon after arms and ammunition were recovered in the Kupwara district, according to an official statement issued by the Indian Army.
• Indian Army said that under Operation GUSHI, a Mobile Vehicle Interception Post (MVIP) was established at Gushi Bridge in Kupwara.
• “Four hand Grenades, one Pistol with ammunition along with other incriminating materials were recovered,” it added. (here)

[NEIGHBORHOOD]

Pakistan: COAS meets Saudi counterpart, discuss bilateral relations

• Lt Gen Fahd bin Abdullah Al-Mutair, Commander of the Royal Saudi Land Forces, called on Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir at the GHQ, on Mon.
• In a statement issued by the army media wing ISPR, the 2 “discussed …. defense, security, military training as well as the regional situation and the ongoing conflict in the Middle East”.
• The “visiting dignitary appreciated [the] Pakistan Army’s role in fighting the menace of terrorism and paid rich tribute to the sacrifices made in bringing peace to the region”.
• 3 days ago, on Nov 24, 2023, Imam-e-Kaaba Sheikh Saleh bin Abdullah bin Muhammad Humaid met COAS.
• The officials jointly condemned the ongoing atrocities in the Gaza conflict and the oppression faced by Muslims in IIOJK, expressing solidarity with the people of Palestine and Kashmir. [?] (here)

Investment worth billions of dollars unlocked as Pakistan, UAE sign key deals

• The door to multi-billion dollars worth of investment was unlocked on Mon as Pakistan signed key deals with the UAE during the 2-day visit of Caretaker PM Anwaarul Kakar.
• According to a statement issued by the PM’s Office, the interim PM held a bilateral meeting with the President of the UAE, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi.
• Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir was also present on the occasion.
• The two leaders witnessed the signing of MoUs between Pakistan and the UAE about investment cooperation in the sectors of energy, port operations projects, wastewater treatment, food security, logistics, minerals, and banking and financial services. (here)

Pakistan: Bannu attack martyrs two civilians, injures 10 including three troops

• The suicide attack in Bannu’s Bakka Khel area martyred 2 civilians and injured 10 others, including three security forces personnel, said the ISPR on Mon.
• The military’s media wing added that the bomber was identified as an Afghan national and was affiliated with the Hafiz Gul Bahadur Group.
• “Security forces of Pakistan are determined to eliminate the menace of terrorism and such sacrifices of our brave civilians and soldiers further strengthen our resolve.”
• Earlier yesterday, security forces killed 8 terrorists while conducting an intel-based operation in the Sararogha area of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa’s South Waziristan.
• An intense fire exchange took place between the troops and terrorists during the operation, which was carried out after receiving information. (here)

UNLF camp raided and captured by PDF in Myanmar

• The United National Liberation Front has suffered a significant setback, losing a major camp in Myanmar amid the ongoing violence in Manipur.
• The UNLF camp, located in upper Tamu township, approx. 4 km from Moreh, India’s last border town in Manipur’s Tengnoupal district, was raided and captured by a joint force of the Democratic Forces –PDF and the Kuki National Army-Burma.
• The raid resulted in the confiscation of documents and a substantial cache of arms and ammunition.
• The UNLF camp, established with the assistance of the Myanmar Junta in 2020, was situated more than 2 miles east of Thanan village.
• The clash between the UNLF and the forces lasted for approximately one hour. (here)

Bangladesh: Dhaka has ‘excellent’ relations with US: Hasan Mahmud

• I&B Minister Hasan Mahmud on Mon said that B’desh has an excellent relationship with the US and it is working to strengthen the relationship further.
• The minister made the remarks while exchanging views with journalists and a newly elected committee of cinema hall owners at the secretariat.
• Asked about the Russian spox’s statement on Peter Haas, US envoy to Dhaka, Hasan Mahmud said, “I don’t want to say anything about it. It’s a two-state matter.”
• Responding to a question about whether the Awami League will run in the upcoming election as a coalition, he said that the party will contest as part of the 14-party alliance, and if there is to be coordination with others, it will also be done. (here)

Sri Lanka approves Sinopec’s $4.5 billion refinery proposal

• Sri Lanka on Mon approved a proposal by China’s Sinopec to build a $4.5 bn refinery, its energy minister said, making it the largest single investment in SL since a crippling economic crisis last year.
• The cabinet approval cleared to finalize project details and sign an agreement with the govt before it starts building the export-oriented refinery at Hambantota.
• China is Sri Lanka’s biggest bilateral lender and its companies have built highways, sea and air ports, and other infrastructure projects on the island off India’s southern coast.
• For Sinopec, the world’s top refiner by capacity and one of the largest petrochemical producers, the investment would mark a breakthrough in a long effort to expand beyond China’s borders.
• The company also owns refinery assets in Saudi Arabia and petrochemicals production in Russia.
• Iran built Sri Lanka’s only refinery at Sapugaskanda in the west of the country in 1969.
• The refinery can process 38,000 barrels of oil per day. (here)