1. PM Modi chairs Cabinet Committee on Security meet amid West Asia crisis
2. UK Gives Up Sovereignty of Chagos Islands to Mauritius, keeps Military Base in Diego Garcia
3. 2 Meitei youth kidnapped in Manipur released in exchange for Kuki prisoners
4. 3 killed, many injured in Manipur firing during cleanliness drive
5. India, U.S. sign MoU on critical minerals supply chains

What Else

1. 14 Bangladeshis held in Assam for illegally entering the state: Himanta Biswa Sarma
2. ‘Far-reaching effect on Institution of marriage’: Centre to SC on Criminalising marital rape Nepal, India, B’desh sign pact to facilitate cross-border electricity trade
3. Diplomatic Synchrony: India and Germany Gear Up for Pivotal IGC Meeting
4. ‘Malicious and biased’: India rejects US report on ‘abuses’ against religious minorities
5. Pakistan, Malaysia strengthen ties with major trade, defence agreements
6. Pakistan’s SC accepts review on Article 63-A, gives immunity to dissident votes
7. Police arrest 412 PTI activists, including 60 Afghans, ahead of Islamabad protest
8. Bangladesh Denies nod to Hindus for Durga Puja Celebration, Idols Vandalised at several
9. Lankan President AKD to visit New Delhi as his first overseas visit
10. China to bring Tanzania-Zambia railway back to full speed with US$1 billion boost

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PM Modi chairs Cabinet Committee on Security meet amid West Asia crisis

• PM Modi recently chaired a crucial meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security to address the escalating conflict in West Asia.
• The discussion centered around the conflict’s impact on India’s trade and petroleum supply, stressing the need for restraint and diplomacy to prevent a broader regional crisis.
• India has expressed deep concern over the security situation in West Asia, urging all parties to resolve issues through dialogue and diplomacy.
• The conflict’s potential to affect global economies, particularly in the Middle East, is a significant worry.
• The International Monetary Fund has warned that the escalating conflict poses significant economic risks, with potential ramifications for the global economy.
• Economic Impact: The conflict could lead to higher commodity prices, increased shipping costs, and decreased economic growth in the region.
• Regional Stability: India is concerned about the conflict’s potential to spread to other countries in the region, exacerbating existing tensions.
• Trade and Energy: The conflict may disrupt trade routes and energy supplies, affecting India’s economy and global markets.
• In light of these concerns, India has called for restraint and diplomacy to resolve the conflict. The government is closely monitoring the situation, and its strategic response will likely prioritize maintaining regional stability and protecting India’s economic interests. (more)

UK Gives Up Sovereignty of Chagos Islands to Mauritius, keeps Military Base in Diego Garcia

• The UK has agreed to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, marking a significant milestone after 2 years of negotiations.
• This move resolves longstanding disputes and demonstrates the UK’s commitment to peaceful dispute resolution and international law.
• The agreement allows Mauritius to claim sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago, including Diego Garcia, where a strategic joint military base with the US is located.
• The base has been crucial for US operations in the Indian Ocean and Gulf regions, and its continued operation has been welcomed by US President Joe Biden.
• Diego Garcia Base: The joint UK-US military base will remain operational.
• International Support: The agreement has received support from the US and India.
• Historical Context: The UK separated the Chagos Islands from Mauritius in 1965, evicting thousands of islanders who have since sought compensation.
• This development is a significant step forward in UK-Mauritius relations and addresses international calls for the UK to relinquish control over the territory. (more)
• Indian Perspective: India supports Mauritius’ claim to the Archipelago, aligning with its interests in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
• India welcomed the agreement and said this “significant understanding completes the decolonization of Mauritius”.
• The pact reinforces India’s role as a key regional player and promotes cooperation.
• Diego Garcia base’s continued operation ensures stability and security, vital for India’s maritime trade.
• Geopolitical Significance: Counters China’s growing influence in the Indian Ocean.
• Ensures maritime security and international shipping lanes.
• This development strengthens India’s ties with Mauritius and the UK, promoting regional stability and security.

2 Meitei youth kidnapped in Manipur released in exchange for Kuki prisoners

• Two Meitei youths, Thokchom Thoithoiba and Oinam Thoithoi, abducted by Kuki militants on September 27, were released unharmed on Thu morning.
• They were handed over to the Superintendent of Police in Kangpokpi around 5 AM, after a series of negotiations between central and state officials.
• The youths were escorted back to Imphal by state police and Assam Rifles, where their family members were waiting at the police station.
• Their release coincided with the release of 11 Kuki undertrial prisoners from Sajiwa jail, who were handed over to Saparmeina PS at 2 AM.
• Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh expressed gratitude to state and central officials for ensuring their safe return, saying, “Your efforts are deeply valued”. (more)

3 killed, many injured in Manipur firing during cleanliness drive

• Tragedy struck in Manipur’s Ukhrul district during a cleanliness drive, part of the Swachh Bharat Mission, when a land dispute between Hungpung and Hunphun villages escalated into a deadly gunfight.
• 3 people, including a Manipur Rifles jawan, were killed, and several others injured.
• Eyewitnesses reported that sophisticated firearms, typically used by law enforcement, were used in the attack, raising concerns about local militarization led to:
• Prohibitory Orders: Imposed in the town for a day
• Internet Suspension: Mobile internet services were suspended
• Additional Forces: Rushed to the district to control the situation (more)

India, U.S. sign MoU on critical minerals supply chains

• Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal and U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo met for the 6^th Commercial Dialogue on Oct 4, 2024.
• They reviewed progress in semiconductor supply chains, innovation partnerships, energy networks, and the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity.
• Critical Minerals MoU: India and the U.S. signed an MoU to expand and diversify critical minerals supply chains, focusing on equipment, services, policies, and best practices.
• Semiconductor Collaboration: The U.S. Semiconductor Industry Association and India Electronics Semiconductor Association completed a “readiness assessment” to identify industry opportunities and develop complementary semiconductor ecosystems.
• Innovation Handshake: Two successful roundtables brought together startup ecosystems from both countries, enhancing innovation partnerships.
• Clean Energy Partnership: The U.S.-India Strategic Clean Energy Partnership ministerial meeting advanced clean energy solutions and sustainable markets.
• Future Collaboration: Priorities include critical minerals, supply chain resilience, and SME engagement, with plans for a U.S. Department of Commerce-led trade mission to India in March 2025.
• The meeting aimed to strengthen bilateral commercial ties, promote resilient supply chains, and foster innovation and trade between India and the U.S. (more)

14 Bangladeshis held in Assam for illegally entering the state: Himanta Biswa Sarma

• Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that 14 Bangladeshi nationals were caught illegally entering the state, with 9 of them possessing Indian Aadhaar cards.
• The individuals were apprehended in the South Salmara-Mankachar and Karimganj districts based on intelligence input.
• This brings the total number of illegal infiltrators caught since the Bangladesh unrest to 108, with the state police and Border Force working to prevent non-Indians.
• Number of Bangladeshi Nationals Caught: 14
• Number with Aadhaar Cards: 9
• Total Infiltrators Caught Since Bangladesh Unrest: 108
• The Assam govt has maintained a strict vigil along its 267.5 km international border with Bangladesh, particularly in border districts. (more)

 ‘Far-reaching effect on Institution of marriage’: Centre to SC on Criminalising marital rape

• The Indian govt has opposed criminalizing marital rape under the new laws, citing concerns it could destabilize the institution of marriage.
• In an affidavit to the Supreme Court, the govt argued that marital rape issues require a comprehensive approach due to their socio-legal implications.
• Marital Rape Exception: The govt supports the existing exception to Section 375 of the Indian Penal Code, which doesn’t consider sexual intercourse between a husband and wife as rape if the wife is not a minor.
• Continuing Expectation of Sexual Access: The govt believes marriage implies a reasonable expectation of sexual access, making it distinct from other situations.
• Alternative Remedies: The govt highlights existing laws protecting married women’s consent, such as those punishing cruelty and domestic violence.
• Judicial Limits: The govt asserts it’s not up to the judiciary to remove the marital rape exception.
• The court is currently reviewing petitions challenging the marital rape. (more)

Nepal, India, B’desh sign pact to facilitate cross-border electricity trade

• Nepal, India, and Bangladesh have signed a tripartite agreement to facilitate cross-border electricity trade.
• This historic deal enables Nepal to export its surplus electricity to Bangladesh via India from Jun 15 to Nov 15 every year.
• Export Capacity: Nepal will initially export 40 MW of hydroelectricity to Bangladesh through Indian territory.
• Transmission Arrangements: India will facilitate the supply of electricity from Nepal to Bangladesh.
• Tariff: The rate per unit of electricity is fixed at 6.4 cents.
• Annual Revenue: Nepal is expected to earn around $9.2 million from electricity exports.
• The agreement was signed in Kathmandu by top officials from Nepal, NTPC India, and Bangladesh, with the energy ministers of Nepal and Bangladesh in attendance.
• This development marks a significant milestone in regional cooperation and energy sharing among the three nations. (more)

Diplomatic Synchrony: India and Germany Gear Up for Pivotal IGC Meeting

• German NSA Jens Plötner recently met with Indian NSA Ajit Doval and EAM S. Jaishankar to lay the groundwork for German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s visit to India later this month.
• This visit is significant, as Chancellor Scholz will engage in in-depth discussions with PM Modi under the India-Germany IGC, the primary platform for bilateral talks.
• The two nations are expected to explore opportunities to enhance cooperation in various sectors, including:
• Trade and Investment: Strengthening economic ties and increasing trade volume.
• Defense: Expanding security cooperation and defense collaborations.
• Emerging Technologies: Collaborating on cutting-edge technologies.
• Indo-Pacific Region: Fostering ties and promoting stability in the region.
• These discussions will build upon the existing partnership between India and Germany, which has been strengthened through previous interactions, such as the 6^th India-Germany Inter-Governmental Consultations in 2022. (more)

‘Malicious and biased’: India rejects US report on ‘abuses’ against religious minorities

• India has rejected a report by the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) that criticized the country’s alleged worsening religious freedom conditions.
• The Indian govt calls the USCIRF “biased” and motivated by a “political agenda”.
• Report: The commission flagged alleged religious freedom violations in India and recommended designating India as a “Country of Particular Concern”.
• Allegations: The USCIRF report cited misinformation, hate speech, and violence against religious minorities, including killings, arrests, and demolition of homes and places of worship.
• Govt Response: Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, dismissed the report as “malicious” and urged USCIRF to focus on US human rights issues instead.
• “Our views on the USCIRF are well known,” the MEA stated.
• “It is a biased organization with a political agenda. It continues to misrepresent facts and peddles a motivated narrative about India.”
• India’s Stance: India has consistently denied visas to USCIRF members, citing “interference” in internal affairs. (more) [Notably, it is not any US govt report, but an advisory.]

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Pakistan, Malaysia strengthen ties with major trade, defence agreements

• On Thu, Pakistan and Malaysia committed to enhancing bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, defense, and agriculture during a meeting between their prime ministers.
• Pakistan to export $200 million worth of halal meat and 100k metric tonnes of Basmati rice annually to Malaysia, as trade volume currently stands at $1.4 billion.
• Regarding Kashmir, PM Shehbaz reiterated Pakistan’s stance, condemning the denial of Kashmiris’ right to self-determination despite decades of sacrifices. ‘
• He expressed hope that Kashmiris would soon attain their rights through the UNSC resolutions and their aspirations.
•  PM Shehbaz expressed confidence in the quality of Pakistan’s exports and highlighted the role of Pakistani students in fostering closer ties.
• Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim noted Malaysia’s interest in hiring skilled labor from Pakistan, particularly in IT and semiconductors.
• The meeting resulted in the signing of several Memorandums of Understanding to facilitate trade and cooperation.
• Ibrahim also presented Shehbaz with translated works of Allama Iqbal.
• Both leaders reiterated their commitment to resolving regional issues and planned follow-up discussions to implement their agreements. (more)

Pakistan’s SC accepts review on Article 63-A, gives immunity to dissident votes

• Pakistan’s Supreme Court has made a significant ruling regarding Article 63-A, deciding that dissenting members’ votes will be counted in no-confidence motions.
• This decision overturns the previous ruling from May 17, 2022, which stated that votes cast against parliamentary party lines should not be counted.
• The 5-member larger bench, led by Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa, made the unanimous decision after hearing arguments from various parties.
• The court’s verdict has significant implications for Pakistan’s political landscape.
• Reversal of Previous Ruling: Dissenting members’ votes will now be counted in no-confidence motions.
• Article 63-A: The article deals with the penalty for violating party lines, previously resulting in disqualification.
• Implications: The decision may impact future no-confidence motions and political party dynamics.
• The ruling came after a heated exchange between PTI’s lawyer, Barrister Ali Zafar, and Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa.
• Zafar boycotted the hearing initially but was later appointed as a judicial assistant to proceed with the case. (more)

Police arrest 412 PTI activists, including 60 Afghans, ahead of Islamabad protest

• Islamabad Police have arrested 412 individuals, including 60 Afghan nationals, ahead of a planned protest by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) at D-Chowk on Fri.
• The arrests are part of a crackdown on PTI supporters, with detainees found with spiked batons and slingshots. Security in the capital has been heightened, with Rangers deployed to secure the Red Zone.
• Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi warned PTI leaders against proceeding with the protest, especially with Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim in Islamabad.
• In response, the authorities have mobilized 4,000 police officers and set up security barriers to prevent access to D-Chowk.
• Despite the crackdown, PTI officials, including advisor Barrister Saif, reaffirmed their intent to protest, claiming that “thousands” would attend.
• PTI leaders have called for a “battle for true freedom” and warned supporters to avoid bringing private vehicles to the event. (more)

Bangladesh Denies nod to Hindus for Durga Puja Celebration, Idols Vandalised at several

• Bangladesh’s interim govt and Muslim organizations have prohibited Hindus from celebrating Durga Puja nationwide, citing security concerns and threats.
• This decision follows reports of Durga idol vandalism in various locations, including Kishoreganj’s Batrish Gopinath Jiur Akhara and Comilla, where a newly constructed idol was desecrated and the temple’s donation box was looted.
• Additionally, Islamists attacked a Durga temple in Narail district’s Mirapara 2 days ago.
• Puja committees have been instructed to remain silent during Namaaz offerings and pay Rs 5 lakh each as ‘jizya’ taxes, leading many committees to cancel their celebrations. (more)
• This incident marks the 2^nd act of vandalism in the area, following a similar incident in Nishipara. Despite this, 51 temples in Sujanagar upazila will still celebrate Durga Puja this year, with resident committees formed to ensure security during the festival (more)

Lankan President AKD to visit New Delhi as his first overseas visit

• President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is set to make his first official overseas visit to New Delhi, following an invitation from Indian EAM Dr. S. Jaishankar.
• Jaishankar’s visit, the first from a high-ranking foreign dignitary since Dissanayake’s Sept 21 presidential win, aims to strengthen ties between India and Sri Lanka.
• Discussions will focus on Indian-funded projects in Sri Lanka and deepening the countries’ longstanding partnership.
• The visit is expected to take place after the Nov 14 Parliamentary Election, continuing the tradition of Sri Lankan presidents’ first official visits being to New Delhi. (more)

China to bring Tanzania-Zambia railway back to full speed with US$1 billion boost

• China is investing $1 billion to refurbish the Tanzania-Zambia Railway (Tazara), a 1,860 km railway line connecting Zambia’s copper belt town of Kapiri-Mposhi to the Tanzanian port of Dar es Salaam.
• The railway, built by China in the 1970s, has fallen into disrepair and is operating at a fraction of its capacity, with only 10 locomotives in use instead of 50.
• China’s Investment: $1 billion to refurbish Tazara
• Railway Capacity: Expected to increase from 500,000 metric tonnes to 2 million MT
• Concession Period: 30 years for China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) to operate the railway
• Geopolitical Significance: Counters US’s Lobito Corridor project and secures access to critical minerals in Zambia and DRC
• The refurbishment plan includes upgrading tracks and purchasing new locomotives to increase capacity and shift heavy cargo from roads to rail.

The project is expected to create jobs and enhance trade and connectivity in the region. (more)