1. Maldives President Muizzu arrives in New Delhi for first bilateral visit; met Jaishankar
2. EAM rules out bilateral talks during visit to Pakistan: ‘Not going there to discuss Indo-Pak’
3. Air Force demonstrates ability to shoot down Chinese spy balloon-type objects
4. Assembly polls: 67% voter turnout in Haryana Assembly election
5. 28 Maoists killed amid anti-Naxal operation in Chhattisgarh’s Abujhmad forest

What Else

1. India can encourage Israel to de escalate: Iran Ambassador Iraj Elahi
2. Canada reaffirms ‘absolute’ support for India’s territorial integrity
3. National Investigation Agency arrests jaish operative in conspiracy case
4. Gujarat ATS Seizes Drugs Worth Rs 1,814 Crore, from Bhopal Arrests key conspirators; Cocaine worth Rs 10 crore seized in Amritsar
5. Chennai: Post-air show chaos claims five lives
6. Pakistan capital at standstill as Khan supporters protest
7. Pakistan: Chinese convoy attacked, at least 2 [3] killed in blast at Karachi airport; BLA claims responsibility
8. Pakistan: Militants kill 6 soldiers in a shootout
9. Bangladesh: Leaked files expose covert US govt plot to ‘destabilize Bangladesh’s politics’
10. Bangladesh: Security concern: Buddhists won’t observe major religious event in CHT

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Maldives President Muizzu arrives in New Delhi for first bilateral visit

• Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu and 1^st Lady Sajidha Mohamed arrived in New Delhi for a 4-day bilateral visit (Oct 6-10) after an official invitation from President Droupadi Murmu.
• Muizzu will meet President Murmu, PM Modi, and other officials.
• This visit marks a reconciliatory tone after earlier tensions, with Muizzu praising the “very strong” India-Maldives relationship. (more)
• With forex for 45 days of imports, Muizzu visits India eyeing a bailout package: President Mohamed Muizzu is visiting India amidst his country’s economic crisis, seeking a potential bailout.
• Despite campaigning on an “India out” policy, Muizzu now recognizes the island nation’s dependence on its giant neighbor.
• Experts believe a financial aid package, including a $400m currency swap deal, will be discussed.
• The public debt of the island nation currently stands at about $8bn, including about $1.4bn it owes each to China and India. (more)
• Muizzu meets S Jaishankar in Delhi day before talks with PM: Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu, who is on a four-day bilateral visit to India, met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar hours after he arrived in Delhi on Sun.
• “Maldives is India’s key maritime neighbor in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and holds a special place in Prime Minister’s vision of ‘SAGAR’ (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and India’s ‘Neighbourhood First Policy’,” the Ministry stated. (more)

EAM rules out bilateral talks during visit to Pakistan: ‘Not going there to discuss Indo-Pak’

• External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, has made it clear that he won’t be engaging in talks with Pakistan during his upcoming visit to the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation in Islamabad
• His trip is purely for the SCO summit, and he’s not going to discuss Indo-Pak relations.
• Jaishankar expects significant media interest due to the complex nature of India-Pakistan relations but emphasized that his focus is on being “a good” SCO member.
• He also highlighted that Pakistan is hosting the SCO summit as a relatively recent member, and normally, the Prime Minister would attend such high-level meetings.
• Additionally, he indirectly criticized Pakistan for hindering progress in the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation due to its cross-border terrorism practices.
• India maintains its stance of not holding bilateral talks with Pakistan until it stops supporting terrorism.
• No Bilateral Talks: Jaishankar won’t engage in talks with Pakistan during the SCO meeting.
• SCO Summit Focus: His trip is solely for the SCO summit.
• SAARC Criticism: Jaishankar blamed Pakistan for SAARC’s lack of progress due to cross-border terrorism.
• India’s Stance: No bilateral talks until Pakistan stops supporting terrorism. (more)
• Minister stated that PM Modi’s meetings with Russian and Ukrainian leaders initiated a communication process to resolve the conflict, leveraging India’s unique diplomatic relationships. (more)

Air Force demonstrates ability to shoot down Chinese spy balloon-type objects

• The Air Force has successfully demonstrated its capability to neutralize airborne threats by shooting down a Chinese spy balloon-type target at an altitude of over 55,000 feet.
• This feat was achieved during a training exercise that took place a few months ago under the Eastern Air Command’s area of responsibility.
• A Rafale fighter jet was used to engage the high-altitude balloon, which was released with a payload attached to it.
• The balloon was shot down using an inventory missile after ascending to a height of over 15 km.
• This exercise showcases the IAF’s preparedness to handle airborne threats amidst growing concerns about Chinese surveillance activities using high-altitude balloons.
• In fact, the US Air Force had previously downed a Chinese spy balloon that drifted across North America in early 2023.
• There have been reports of similar balloon sightings over the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in India, sparking concerns about China’s surveillance capabilities.
• Experts believe these balloons have steering mechanisms, allowing them to hover over areas of interest for prolonged periods. (more)

Assembly polls: 67% voter turnout in Haryana Assembly election

• Haryana’s Assembly election on Sat saw a 66.96% voter turnout, slightly lower than 2019’s 68%.
• Fatehabad district led with 74.51%, while Faridabad had the lowest turnout at 54.46%.
• Minor clashes were reported, but polling was largely peaceful.
• 1,031 candidates contested for 90 seats
• Counting on Oct 8^th
• Key candidates: CM Nayab Singh Saini, Bhupinder Singh Hooda, Dushyant Chautala
• Incidents of group clashes and stone-pelting reported in Nuh, Rohtak, and Panipat districts. (more)
• Multiple claimants emerge for Haryana CM’s post in both Congress and BJP: Following Assembly election, the BJP and Congress face the challenge of selecting a Chief Minister if they come to power.
• BJP’s Anil Vij expressed interest in the CM post, citing seniority and public support.
• BJP had declared incumbent Nayab Singh Saini as its CM candidate.
• Congress has multiple contenders: Bhupinder Singh Hooda, Randeep Singh Surjewala, and Kumari Selja.
• Selja stated the Congress high command will choose the CM.
• Leadership tussle expected within Congress if they win. (more)

28 Maoists killed amid anti-Naxal operation in Chhattisgarh’s Abujhmad forest

• At least 28 suspected Maoists were killed in a clash with security forces in Chhattisgarh’s Narayanpur district on Oct 4^th.
• The encounter began around 1 pm local time in the Abujhmad forest, located on the Narayanpur-Dantewada border, during an anti-Naxal operation.
• A joint team of security personnel, including the District Reserve Guard and the Special Task Force, carried out the operation.
• Number of Maoists Killed: 28-36 (reports vary)
• Security Forces Involved: District Reserve Guard, Special Task Force
• Recovered Weapons: AK-series rifles, self-loading rifles
• Total Maoists Killed in Bastar Region this Year: 194
• Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Deo Sai praised the security forces and reiterated his govt’s goal to eliminate Naxalism from the state. (more)

India can encourage Israel to de escalate: Iran Ambassador Iraj Elahi

• Iran’s ambassador to India, Iraj Elahi, has urged India to use its influence to encourage Israel to de-escalate the volatile situation in West Asia.
• He believes India, being friends with both countries, can play a constructive role in calming tensions.
• The situation is critical, with Iran’s direct missile attack on Israel in response to the killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, and Israel vowing to respond, sparking fears of a wider regional war. Key Concerns:
• Regional Stability: The escalation threatens peace and security in the region ².
• Economic Impact: The conflict poses significant threats to India’s economy, including supply chain disruptions and higher freight costs ³.
• Global Implications: The ambassador emphasized that de-escalation benefits both sides, the region, and the world.
• India shares concerns with Israel over the escalating situation and is working on a meeting between PM Modi and Iran’s President Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian at the BRICS.
• The ambassador described the situation as “dangerous,” highlighting the need for diplomatic intervention. (more)

Canada reaffirms ‘absolute’ support for India’s territorial integrity

• Canada’s Dy Foreign Minister David Morrison reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to India’s territorial integrity, stating: “Canada’s policy is clear: India’s territorial integrity must be respected. There’s one India.”
• Morrison acknowledged ongoing private conversations with India and described some pro-Khalistan activities as “awful but lawful” due to freedom of speech protections.
• Relations between Canada and India were strained after Canadian PM Justin Trudeau’s statement on potential Indian involvement in Hardeep Singh Nijjar’s killing.
• However, Morrison noted: “Ties have gradually restored over the past nine months… We’re determined to continue working with India to restore our relationship.”
• Canada respects India’s territorial integrity.
• Ongoing private conversations with India
• Pro-Khalistan activities are considered “awful but lawful”
• Relations improving after strain from Nijjar affair
• Canada seeks accountability for Nijjar’s killing (more)

National Investigation Agency arrests jaish operative in conspiracy case

• The NIA has made an advance in the ongoing Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) investigation with the arrest of Sultan Salah Uddin, also known as Ayubi, a Pakistan-based operative.
• This major conspiracy case led to extensive searches across 26 locations in 5 states
• Search Locations: Goalpara (Assam); Aurangabad, Jalna, Malegaon (Maharashtra); Meerut, Saharanpur (UP); Baramulla, Pulwama, Ramban (J&K); Delhi.
• During these raids, investigators seized incriminating documents, electronic devices, pamphlets, and magazines, revealing the suspects’ involvement in:
• Radicalization: Spreading JeM propaganda and radicalizing individuals
• Recruitment: Recruiting young people for violent terror activities
• Terror Plans: Planning terror attacks across India
• This arrest comes after the J&K Police arrested two JeM overground workers in Jul, linked to the Jul 8 terror attack on Army vehicles in Kathua, which killed 5 soldiers and injured 5 others. (more)

Gujarat ATS Seizes Drugs Worth Rs 1,814 Crore, from Bhopal Arrests Key Conspirators

• In a major crackdown on drug trafficking, the Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad and Narcotics Control Bureau seized MD drugs and raw materials worth ₹1,814 crore from a factory in Bhopal on Sun.
• Gujarat dy Home Harsh Sanghavi praised the joint operation, calling it a “massive win” in the fight against drugs.
• This achievement highlights the efforts of law enforcement agencies in combating drug trafficking and abuse, safeguarding the health and security of society. (more)
• Just within a week, Delhi Police just made the largest drug bust in the city’s history, seizing over 560 kg of cocaine and 40 kg of hydroponic marijuana worth approximately Rs 5,620 crore from Mahipalpur in South Delhi.
• This massive operation uncovered a complex web of international drug trafficking, with the marijuana originating from Phuket, Thailand, and the cocaine sourced from West Asian countries and various Indian states. (more)
• Cocaine worth Rs 10 crore seized in Amritsar linked to Delhi drug bust: Delhi Police has made a significant move in the Rs 5,000-crore drug haul case, seizing cocaine worth Rs 10 crore from Amritsar, Punjab.
• This raid was made possible by information from Jitendra Pal Singh, a UK resident arrested on Oct 4, who is linked to the Delhi drug bust.
• A Toyota Fortuner car was also confiscated during the raid, which took place in a village near Amritsar, close to the Nepal border.
• This is part of a larger investigation that began on October 2, when Delhi Police seized 560 kg of cocaine and 40 kg of hydroponic marijuana worth Rs 5,620 crore from Mahipalpur in South Delhi.
• This case has significant implications, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah criticizing the opposition party due to Goyal’s connection with the Congress party. (more)

Chennai: Post-air show chaos claims five lives

• Tragedy struck after an Indian Air Force (IAF) air show on Chennai’s Marina Beach, as massive crowds led to: 5 fatalities; 35 hospitalizations due to dehydration; nad traffic chaos
• The event, which drew thousands, overwhelmed emergency services and created Unprecedented congestion at Lighthouse metro and Velachery MRTS stations
• Gridlocked traffic on arterial roads for several hours
• Police intervened to clear paths for ambulances and regulated the crowd to prevent a stampede.
• Key Facts: Event time: 11 am – 1 pm; Crowds gathered 1-3 hours prior; Scorching sun and lack of shade contributed to dehydration issues
• Police successfully managed the crowd and ensured safe passage for ambulances (more)

 [Neighborhood]

Pakistan capital at standstill as Khan supporters protest

• Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad, was locked down on Sat due to protests by supporters of jailed ex-PM Imran Khan, who was barred from standing in the Feb elections
• The city was swarmed by security forces, with mobile internet cut off, as Khan’s supporters attempted to take to the streets.
• Protests and Clashes: PTI activists drove to Islamabad from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and met with shipping container roadblocks and tear gas.
• Government Response: Troops deployed to maintain security ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit on Oct 15.
• International Concern: Amnesty International criticized communications cuts and road blockades, citing infringement on freedom of expression and assembly.
• Khan, who served as PM from 2018 to 2022, claims court cases against him are orchestrated to prevent his return to power.
• His party, PTI, continues to defy the crackdown with regular demonstrations. (more)
• CM Gandapur resurfaces after day-long disappearance, addresses K-P Assembly: KP CM Ali Amin Gandapur has reappeared at the provincial assembly after a day of uncertainty following his disappearance during a PTI-led protest in Islamabad.
• His sudden disappearance had sparked widespread concern, prompting the KP Assembly to pass a resolution demanding his immediate release.
• Gandapur delivered a fiery speech upon his return, accusing the federal govt of undermining the will of the people of KP.
• He criticized the treatment of PTI members, and the raid on K-P House, and questioned the opposition’s electoral success.
• However, Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar labeled Gandapur’s actions as “irresponsible,” accusing him of orchestrating a political drama. (more)
• Imran Khan faces legal heat: Booked for D-Chowk protest planning: Imran Khan is facing serious charges for allegedly masterminding the D-Chowk protest.
• The charges against him: Kidnapping, Robbery, Attempted Murder, Interference with Government Operations, and Violations under the Anti-Terrorism Act + 8 other cases.
• Sub-Inspector filed the case, naming Khan and 14 local leaders.
• The complaint alleges that Khan was given special treatment in prison, contrary to the prison manual, and incited violence against the state and institutions during visits and communications from jail. (more)
• A case has been registered against former incarcerated PTI founding chief Imran Khan and several party leaders and workers under serious charges of “rebellion and terrorism”. (more)
•  Federal govt imposes ban on PTM: The federal gov has banned the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement due to its alleged connection to spreading anti-state narratives and anarchy.
• This decision was made based on “plausible evidence” that PTM poses a danger to peace and security.
• The ban was imposed under Section 11 of the 1997 Anti-terrorism Act.
• Interestingly, just days before the ban, PTM leader Manzoor Pashteen met KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur to discuss key issues facing the province, including the upcoming “Pashtun Grand Jirga” scheduled for Oct 11. (more)

Pakistan: Chinese convoy attacked, at least 2 [3] killed in blast at Karachi airport; BLA claims responsibility

• A massive blast outside Karachi Airport in Pakistan on Sun killed 2 Chinese + one and injured at least 8 [17] others, including police officers.
• The explosion occurred when an oil tanker blew up outside Pakistan’s largest airport, shaking the airport’s buildings and engulfing cars in flames.
• The Chinese Embassy has condemned the incident as a “terrorist attack” and expressed condolences to the victims.
• The embassy also advised Chinese citizens in Pakistan to exercise caution and strengthen security measures.
• Fatalities: Two Chinese workers confirmed dead, possibly three
• Injuries: Eight reported, including police officers
• Perpetrators: Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claims responsibility, but unverified
• Investigation: Ongoing, with calls for thorough probe to punish perpetrators
• The incident highlights concerns over the safety of Chinese workers in Pakistan, particularly those involved in Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative. (more)
• China calls on Pakistan to ‘severely punish’ attackers after 2 Chinese die in Karachi: The Chinese embassy in Pakistan has condemned a deadly attack on Chinese nationals near Karachi’s international airport, killing 2 and injuring several others.
• The Baloch Liberation Army claimed responsibility, targeting Chinese engineers working on a power project under China’s BRI.
• The embassy demands Islamabad investigate and punish perpetrators, ensuring safety for Chinese citizens and projects. (more)

Pakistan: Militants kill 6 soldiers in a shootout

• Six Pakistani soldiers were killed in a shootout with militants in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, bordering Afghanistan, where armed groups like the Pakistani Taliban are active. The troops died in an overnight operation in the North Waziristan district, with six militants also killed.
• Six Pakistani soldiers were killed in North Waziristan district.
• Six militants were killed in an overnight operation.
• 2 militants were killed in Swat, one linked to an ambassador attack. (more)

Bangladesh: Leaked files expose covert US govt plot to ‘destabilize Bangladesh’s politics’

• Leaked documents have revealed that the International Republican Institute (IRI), funded by the US govt, played a major role in toppling Bangladeshi PM Sheikh Hasina.
• The IRI allegedly spent millions coaching opposition parties and establishing a network of urban youth to facilitate regime change, with the goal of installing a more US-friendly govt.
• IRI’s Strategies: Activist Training: Trained rappers, LGBTQI individuals, and ethnic minority leaders
• Events: Hosted transgender dance performances and other events to promote social change
• Online Campaigns: Utilized social media to promote protests and influence public opinion
• US Involvement: US Embassy officials participated in IRI events, sparking allegations of US meddling.
• The leaked documents contradict the State Department’s claims that the US was not involved in Hasina’s resignation.
• Key Figures: Muhammad Yunus, a Clinton Global Initiative fellow and Nobel laureate, is allegedly linked to the IRI’s efforts
• Toufique Ahmed, a Bangladeshi barrister and rapper, received funding from the IRI for his music videos promoting democracy and social change
• The IRI’s involvement in Bangladesh raises concerns about foreign influence in the country’s politics and the organization’s alleged role in foreign interference. (more)

Bangladesh: Security concern: Buddhists won’t observe major religious event in CHT

• The association of Buddhist monks in Chattogram Hill Tracts has decided not to observe Kathin ChibarDaan, a significant religious event, this year due to safety concerns and recent racial violence in the region.
• This decision was announced at a press conference at Rangamati’s Maitri Bouddha Bihar, which was recently vandalized.
• The violence has resulted in several deaths, over 100 shops being set on fire, and destruction of property, including historic Buddhist institutions.
• Specifically, 3 indigenous people were shot dead in Khagrachhari, and a college student from the Chakma community was lynched in Rangamati.
• The monks’ association expressed that violence against the Buddhist community is not new, and law enforcement could have prevented the destruction.
• However, the administration’s lack of effort to bring perpetrators to justice has left the community feeling unsafe.
• Kathin Chibar Daan typically marks the end of a 3-month meditation period for monks and is preceded by Probarona Purnima, a festival characterized by releasing sky lanterns.
• Unfortunately, this year’s event has been canceled due to the prevailing insecurity (more) [and extra security provided by US certified, pro democracy establishment].