1. Parliament 2024 Winter Session: Both Houses adjourned, to meet again on Wednesday
2. Cabinet approves launch of National Mission on Natural Farming, multitracking projects PAN 2.0 Project
3. As India inaugurates global co-operatives alliance, Bhutan pitches Gelephu as biggest cooperative project
4. New element of India-Mediterranean ties will be connectivity; IMEC can be game changer”: Jaishankar at MED Dialogues
5. J-K: Stones pelted amid protest by locals against Vaishno Devi ropeway project in Katra

What Else

1. Bangladesh: Iskcon seeks India’s ‘immediate’ intervention after Bangladesh arrests priest Chinmoy Krishna Das
2. Trump excludes India from initial tariff plans; targets China, Mexico and Canada
3. Maharashtra govt formation: BJP brass to consult Sena, NCP on CM as party backs Fadnavis
4. ‘Biggest ever drug haul’: Indian Coast Guard seizes five tonnes of drugs in Andaman
5. Finance Ministry flags export challenges over softening demand in developed countries
6. Bangladesh: Press freedom under extreme threat: NOAB
7. Bangladesh: Students to launch political party by next February
8. Nepal readies new BRI deal ahead of PM’s China visit
9. Pakistan: PTI convoys enter Islamabad amid violent clashes with police
10. China uncovers ‘massive’ gold reserve worth billions in Hunan province
11. Sri Lanka: 32 Sri Lankan victims of human trafficking in Myanmar, rescued

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Parliament 2024 Winter Session: Both Houses adjourned, to meet again on Wednesday

• The Winter Session of Parliament began today but was adjourned till Wed due to disruptions.
• The Opposition demanded discussions on the Adani bribery case and Manipur violence, leading to the adjournment of both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
• Before the adjournment, Union Minister Manohar Lal moved a motion for the election of one member to the advisory council of the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), which was adopted by a voice vote.
• Another motion for the election of one member to the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro-Sciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru was also adopted.
• PM Modi emphasized the importance of healthy debate in Parliament and criticized those trying to control it for personal gains.
• He also expressed hope that new members would get a chance to share their ideas during the session.
• The Parliament will commemorate the 75^th anniversary of the Constitution on Tue and conclude the session on Dec 20.
• Several bills, including the Waqf (Amendment) Bill and the Banking Laws (Amendment) Bill, are listed for introduction, consideration, and passing during the session. (more)
• Congress Parliamentary Strategy Committee meeting today to chalk out strategy: The Congress Parliamentary Strategy Committee met today to outline its strategy for the winter session of Parliament.
• The meeting comes after Mon’s session was adjourned due to the Opposition’s demands for discussion on the Adani bribery allegations. (more)

Cabinet approves launch of National Mission on Natural Farming

• The Union Cabinet has launched the National Mission on Natural Farming, with a total outlay of $2.95 billion.
• This mission aims to promote natural farming practices across the country, reducing the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
• The scheme will be implemented as a standalone Centrally Sponsored Scheme under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare.
• It will support farmers in reducing their input costs and dependency on externally purchased inputs.
• Benefits:
• Promoting Chemical-Free Farming: Encourages local livestock integrated natural farming methods and diversified crop systems.
• Healthy Soil Ecosystems: Builds and maintains healthy soil ecosystems, promotes biodiversity, and encourages diverse cropping systems.
• Climate Resilience: Aims to shift towards sustainable agriculture practices, strengthening climate resilience and providing healthy food for farmers and consumers. (more)
• Cabinet approves multitracking projects worth $9.41 billion to boost rail connectivity The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved 3 multitracking projects for Indian Railways, worth approximately $9.41 billion.
• These projects aim to improve connectivity, reduce congestion, and support economic growth. They include:
• Jalgaon-Manmad 4^th Line: 160 km
• Bhusawal-Khandwa 3^rd & 4^th Line: 131 km
• Prayagraj (Iradatganj)-Manikpur 3^rd Line: 84 km
• These projects will increase the existing network of Indian Railways by about 639 km, enhancing connectivity to two aspirational districts and serving around 1,319 villages and 38 lakh population. (more)
• Govt announces $17 million PAN 2.0 Project: The govt has announced the $17 million PAN 2.0 Project, which aims to make the Permanent Account Number a common business identifier for all govt agencies’ digital systems.
• This enables technology-driven transformation of taxpayer registration services, providing benefits such as ease of access, speedy service delivery, and improved quality.
• Benefits: Single source of truth and data consistency
• Eco-friendly processes and cost optimization
• Security and optimization of infrastructure for greater agility
• The PAN 2.0 Project is an e-Governance initiative that will upgrade the current PAN/TAN 1.0 ecosystem, consolidating core and non-core PAN/TAN activities and PAN validation services.
• With approximately 78 crore PANs issued, of which 98% are to individuals, this project aims to enhance the digital experience of taxpayers. (more)

As India inaugurates global co-operatives alliance, Bhutan pitches Gelephu as biggest cooperative project

• Bhutanese PM Tshering Tobgay unveiled plans for the Gelephu Mindfulness City, a massive “cooperative project” in Bhutan, and expressed gratitude for India’s support.
• Key Features of Gelephu Mindfulness City:
• Zero Carbon City: Spanning 2,500 km², the city aims to be a hub for knowledge, technology, and finance.
• Co-operative Spirit: Every citizen of Bhutan is both a shareholder and a stakeholder, actively participating in this initiative.
• Sustainable Development: The city will focus on mindfulness, sustainability, and harmony, showcasing Bhutan’s commitment to environmental conservation.
• The project has received significant attention, with Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck visiting India twice to discuss plans and seek investment from the Indian private sector. (more)

New element of India-Mediterranean ties will be connectivity; IMEC can be game changer”: Jaishankar at MED Dialogues

• External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met with his British counterpart, Foreign Secretary David Lammy, in Rome on Mon.
• They discussed the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, cooperation in technology, green energy, trade, and mobility, as well as developments in the Indo-Pacific and West Asia regions.
• Jaishankar is on a 3-day official visit to Italy, where he will participate in the Outreach Session of the G7 FMs Meeting and the 10^th edition of the MED Mediterranean Dialogue in Rome.
• He also inaugurated the new Chancery of the Indian Embassy in Rome and highlighted the historical India-Italy ties.
• In his address at the Conference, Jaishankar emphasized the importance of connectivity in India-Mediterranean relations, citing the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) as a potential game-changer.
• He also noted India’s significant trade and diaspora connections with the Mediterranean region. (more)

J-K: Stones pelted amid protest by locals against Vaishno Devi ropeway project in Katra

• Protesters in Katra, J&K, clashed with police on Monday, pelting stones in opposition to the Mata Vaishno Devi ropeway project.
• The project, worth Rs 250 crore, aims to provide a faster and safer journey for pilgrims traveling to the Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine.
• However, locals and workers fear it will render them jobless.
• The protest began on Nov 22, and Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha has assured that any losses suffered will be addressed.
• Paramvir Singh, Senior Superintendent of Police Reasi, stated that the situation is being managed, and normalcy is expected to be restored soon. (more)

Iskcon seeks India’s ‘immediate’ intervention after Bangladesh arrests priest Chinmoy Krishna

• ISKCON has urged the Indian government to intervene and secure the release of Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, a prominent Hindu spiritual leader detained by Dhaka police.
• ISKCON termed allegations of their involvement in terrorist activities as baseless, emphasizing they are a peace-loving Bhakti movement (more)
• Former ISKCON leader arrested from Dhaka airport: Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, a former ISKCON leader and principal of Sri Sri Pundarik Dham, a Hindu temple in Chattogram, was arrested at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka.
• The arrest is connected to a sedition case filed in Chattogram on Oct 31.
• The case alleges that Chinmoy and 18 others, including Rajesh Chowdhury and Hriday Das, who were arrested earlier, disrespected Bangladesh’s national flag during a Hindu community rally on Oct 25 in Chattogram’s New Market area.
• However, the organizers of the rally claimed they had nothing to do with the flags and the flag in question was not the Bangladeshi national flag but an Islamist flag.
• The Hindu community has protested Chinmoy’s arrest, demanding his immediate release.
• Hundreds of people from the Hindu community took to the streets in Chattogram and Dhaka, blocking intersections and demanding the withdrawal of the sedition case. (more)

Trump excludes India from initial tariff plans; targets China, Mexico and Canada

• US President-elect Donald Trump has announced plans to impose tariffs on China, Mexico, and Canada, but notably, India is not included in his initial tariff plans.
• Trump aims to use tariffs to bring manufacturing jobs back to the US and as leverage for trade negotiations.
• As part of his plan, Trump intends to impose a 25% tariff on all goods from Mexico and Canada, effective immediately after taking office.
• Additionally, he plans to impose an extra 10% tariff on Chinese imports until China takes action to stop the smuggling of synthetic opioid fentanyl into the US.
• India, which was labeled a “very big [trade] abuser” by Trump during his campaign, may still face renewed trade tensions, including higher tariffs on over $75 billion worth of Indian exports to the US.
• However, for now, India is not part of Trump’s initial tariff plans. (more)

Maharashtra govt formation: BJP brass to consult Sena, NCP on CM as party backs Fadnavis

• The battle for the Maharashtra Chief Minister’s post is heating up.
• BJP’s Devendra Fadnavis is emerging as the frontrunner, with Shiv Sena’s Eknath Shinde and NCP’s Ajit Pawar likely to be Deputy Chief Ministers.
• However, the Shiv Sena is not ready to give up the post easily, with Shinde’s supporters arguing that he should continue as CM since the Mahayuti alliance won under his leadership.
• The BJP leadership is treading cautiously to avoid antagonizing Shinde and is making efforts to convince him to accept Fadnavis as CM. (more)

‘Biggest ever drug haul’: Indian Coast Guard seizes five tonnes of drugs in Andaman

• The Indian Coast Guard has made the largest drug seizure in its history, confiscating around 5 tonnes of narcotics from a fishing boat in the Andaman waters.
• This massive haul is part of a broader crackdown on drug trafficking in the country.
• Defence officials confirmed that this is likely the biggest-ever drug haul by the Indian Coast Guard. (more)

Finance Ministry flags export challenges over softening demand in developed countries

• India’s export recovery may face challenges due to softening demand in developed markets, according to the Ministry of Finance’s monthly report.
• Merchandise exports grew moderately during the first seven months of 2024-25, driven by weak external demand and declining international commodity prices.
• However, merchandise imports performed well, driven by strong domestic demand, resulting in a widening trade deficit of $63.24 bn, up 5.36% from $60.02 bn. (more)

[Neighborhood]

Bangladesh: Press freedom under extreme threat: NOAB

• The Newspaper Owners’ Association of Bangladesh (NOAB) has expressed deep concerns over the escalating threats to press freedom in the country.
• In a statement, NOAB president AK Azad condemned the recent incidents of vandalism and attacks on newspapers like Prothom Alo and The Daily Star.
• NOAB emphasized that while individuals have the right to express objections to news reports or editorial policies, attempts to create chaos and disrupt the practice of journalism are unacceptable.
• The organization urged the govt to prevent mob justice and protect press freedom.
• This concern is not new, as Bangladesh has a history of restricting press freedom.
• Human Rights Watch has documented numerous cases of journalists facing harassment, arrest, and violence under the Digital Security Act. (more)

Bangladesh: Students to launch political party by next February

• Student leaders who led the Jul-Aug mass uprising in Bangladesh are planning to launch a new political party by early Feb 2025.
• The party will focus on a balanced approach, avoiding extremist views, and will adhere to international standards while considering the country’s reality.
• The new party will be led by leaders from the Jatiya Nagorik Committee and the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, but these platforms will continue to operate as “pressure groups.” [AAM AADMI PARTY of India]
• The party aims to contest the next general election and will have leaders from various other political parties and representatives from civil society.
• The goal is to break away from divisive politics and focus on agenda-driven politics, addressing critical issues like unemployment, economic, and national unity.
• They also emphasize the need for inclusivity, especially for women, and will uphold democratic values by ensuring accountability. (more) [The same playbook every time]

Nepal readies new BRI deal ahead of PM’s China visit

• Nepal is preparing to sign a new framework agreement with China on the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) during PM KP Sharma Oli’s visit to China in Dec.
• This comes seven years after the initial framework was signed in 2017, but none of the projects have been implemented yet.
• The new agreement focuses on seeking grants from China to fund projects, rather than loans. This is a significant shift, as Nepal is cautious about falling into a debt trap.
• PM Oli has made it clear that Nepal will not take loans to finance BRI projects.
• China’s Ambassador to Nepal, Chen Song, expressed dissatisfaction with PM Oli’s remarks on loans and Nepal-China relations.
• Despite this, Nepal is moving forward with the new agreement, which covers various areas such as transportation, trade, education, and healthcare.
• The new document prioritizes grants for sovereign-initiated projects and has provisions for cooperation mechanisms.
• Nepal’s Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba emphasized that the country’s debt is already 41% of its GDP, making it essential to avoid taking loans. (more)

Pakistan: PTI convoys enter Islamabad amid violent clashes with police

• PTI convoys led by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa CM Ali Amin Gandapur and Opposition Leader Omar Ayub have entered Islamabad, defying heavy police resistance.
• The convoys– originating from Hazara Interchange– are heading towards D-Chowk in Islamabad, with vehicles stretching over 2 km.
• Despite the police crackdown, Omar Ayub’s convoy managed to push back Punjab Police forces at the Hazara Interchange.
• Several police personnel were injured in the scuffles, and 2 officers were severely (more)
• Govt says policeman killed near Hakla; PTI’s KP convoy enters Islamabad’s limits: A policeman was killed and several others injured in clashes between Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf protesters and police at the Hakla interchange in Islamabad.
• The Punjab police reported that a Constable died from injuries caused by the “violence of miscreants” while performing his duties to maintain law and order.
• PM Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the death and ordered that the culprits be identified and given exemplary punishments.
• Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also paid tribute to the constable and expressed his condolences to the deceased’s family.
• The protesters demanding Imran Khan’s release and are expected to reach Islamabad by Tue or Wed.
• The govt has taken strict security measures to prevent the protesters from entering the capital, sealing off the Red Zone and securing the Diplomatic Enclave.
• Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi vowed to take all protesters trying to enter the federal capital into custody. (more)

China uncovers ‘massive’ gold reserve worth billions in Hunan province

• China has made a massive discovery of a new goldfield in Hunan province, with estimated gold reserves valued at approximately $82.8 billion.
• The Wangu gold mine in Pingjiang County has yielded over 40 gold veins, with the core area containing 300.2 tonnes of gold.
• The newly identified deposits are expected to contain over 1,000 tonnes of gold.
• This discovery is a significant achievement for China’s mineral exploration strategy, according to Liu Yongjun, vice president of the Hunan Provincial Geological Institute.
• The Wangu goldfield has been a vital gold-mining hub in China, with over 100 million yuan invested in mineral exploration since 2020.
• China’s gold demand has surged in recent years due to economic uncertainties but has eased slightly after the central bank halted gold purchases in May ¹.
• Despite this, China continues to intensify its investments in mineral exploration, aiming to expand domestic reserves of strategic resources. (more)

Sri Lanka: 32 Sri Lankan victims of human trafficking in Myanmar, rescued

• Thirty-two Sri Lankan nationals who were victims of human trafficking in Myanmar have been rescued following a successful operation.
• The rescued individuals, comprising 8 females and 24 males, were lured into cybercrime operations and had been stranded in Myanmar.
• They were safely brought across the Mae Sot border on November 25 and are currently in the Tak Province, Thailand, receiving welfare support.
• This rescue follows 2 previous operations in Apr and Aug 2024, where 28 Sri Lankans were rescued.
• The Sri Lankan Govt will work with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to repatriate the rescued individuals. (more)