1. Bangladesh violence: Jaishankar meets PM in Parliament; Kolkata police officer injured as protests against attacks on Bangladesh minority Hindus turn violent
2. Parliament Winter Session: India Urges Bangladesh Govt To Ensure Safety Of Hindus, Says MoS MEA
3. ‘Nuclear-capable ballistic missile tested from INS Arighaat’
4. Hemant Soren sworn-in as Jharkhand Chief Minister for fourth term
5. Maharashtra:BJP Set to Get CM Post, Shinde Not Keen on Deputy Role As Mahayuti Talks Continue Today

What Else

1. Army, Manipur Police intensify search for missing Meitei man working at military station
2. J-K police attach properties of 7 Kishtwar-based absconding terrorists operating from PoK, Pakistan
3. J&K: Terrorist Hideout Busted in Poonch, Huge Cache of Explosives Recovered
4. Wanted for terror activities in Bengaluru, LeT member extradited from Rwanda in joint operation by CBI, NIA & Interpol
5. EAM Jaishankar meets counterparts of US, South Korea, Japan and Italy during G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
6. Chinmoy Prabhu’s 2 Aides Arrested in Bangladesh While Delivering Food to Him in Jail
7. Bangladesh High Court refuses to ban ISKCON’s activities in country
8. It will take 4-5 years to implement reforms: Rehman Sobhan
9. Bangladesh: Jamaat delegation in meeting with Yunus
10. Pakistan: Barrister Ali Zafar denies reports of change in PTI leadership
11. PTI sit-in to continue despite Islamabad crackdown announces CM Gandapur
12. NAB team arrives at CM House in K-P to arrest Bushra Bibi in £190m case

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Bangladesh violence: Jaishankar meets PM in Parliament; Kolkata police officer injured as protests against attacks on Bangladesh minority Hindus turn violent

• S Jaishankar meets PM in Parliament, briefs him on : Sources: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met with PM Modi to discuss the ongoing violence against Hindus in Bangladesh.
• This meeting comes amid escalating attacks on the Hindu minority community, which constitutes about 8% of Bangladesh’s population.
• Jaishankar briefed Modi on the situation, including the arrest of Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, who was denied bail and sparked widespread protests.
• The violence has resulted in the death of a Muslim lawyer, and over 30 people have been detained for vandalism and assaulting police officers. (more)
• Protests in Kolkata turned violent on Thu, resulting in the injury of a police officer.
• The demonstrations were sparked by recent attacks on minority Hindus in Bangladesh, as well as the arrest of Hindu leader Chinmoy Krishna Das.
• Das was detained on sedition charges for allegedly disrespecting the Bangladeshi flag during a rally in Oct.
• The protesters, consisting of members of the Hindu Mahasabha, were marching towards the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission to express their outrage.
• Tensions escalated as they neared the consulate, leading to a clash with police.
• Several protesters were detained, and the injured officer was hospitalized. (more)
• Bangladesh’s ousted PM Hasina condemns arrest of Hindu spiritual leader: Sheikh Hasina, condemned Das’ arrest and demanded his immediate release.
• Hasina emphasized the need to ensure religious freedom and security for all communities in Bangladesh. (more)
• West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee condemned the arrest of ISKCON priest Chinmoy Krishna Das in Bangladesh, expressing solidarity with the central govt.
• She voiced concern over the safety of religious minorities in Bangladesh, stating, “We do not want any religion to be harmed.”
• Banerjee acknowledged that the matter falls under the central govt’s jurisdiction (more)
• A group of civil society including Former DGP of J&K, SP Vaid, has expressed concern over the arrest of ISKCON priest Chinmoy Krishna Das and rising violence against minorities in Bangladesh, urging that “this has to be stopped”.
• His remarks come after a group of retired judges, bureaucrats, and a sitting MP sent a letter to PM Modi, seeking intervention in the matter of rising violence and discrimination against Hindus in Bangladesh. (more)

Parliament Winter Session: India Urges Bangladesh Govt To Ensure Safety Of Hindus, Says MoS MEA

• The Parliament Winter Session entered its fourth day with Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha resuming proceedings on Thu.
• However, both Houses were adjourned amid a ruckus to meet again on Friday.
• External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar is expected to make a statement on the Bangladesh situation in both Houses, subject to the smooth functioning of the Houses.
• The Opposition demanded a discussion on the Adani issue in Rajya Sabha, leading to an adjournment.
• They also sought a two-day discussion on the Constitution, which has been approved by the Rajya Sabha Chair, although the dates are yet to be announced.
• Congress MP Shashi Tharoor expressed concern over the situation in Bangladesh, terming it “very grave and troubling”.
• The Lok Sabha accepted the extension of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on the Waqf Amendment Bill.
• Priyanka Gandhi took oath as an MP in Lok Sabha on Thu, marking her Parliament debut. She won the Wayanad Lok Sabha by-poll with a record margin. (more)
• Indian Govt accords highest priority to getting permanent membership for India in an expanded United Nations Security Council: EAM Dr S Jaishankar in Parliament
• MoS, MEA: Security Concerns: Canadian authorities have expressed their inability to provide security cover to Indian Consular Camps due to violent acts by secessionists and extremist elements.
• Remittances: The Indian govt expects remittances worth $124 billion from overseas Indians in the financial year 2023-24, as per RBI data.
• Surveillance: Consular officials at the Indian Consulate in Vancouver were informed by Canadian authorities that they are under audio and video surveillance, and their private communications have been intercepted.
• Safety and Security: The Indian govt has urged the Bangladesh govt to ensure the safety and security of Hindus, minorities, and their places of worship.

‘Nuclear-capable ballistic missile tested from INS Arighaat’

• India has successfully tested a nuclear-capable submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM), the K-4, from its newly commissioned nuclear-powered submarine, INS Arighaat, in the Bay of Bengal.
• This milestone enhances India’s nuclear triad capability, allowing it to launch nuclear weapons from land, air, and sea.
• Features of the K-4 Missile: Range: 3,500 km, significantly extending India’s sea-based nuclear deterrence.
• Propulsion: Solid-fueled, ensuring reliable performance
• Warhead Capacity: Designed to accommodate a 2,500 kg strategic nuclear warhead.
• India’s Nuclear Triad Advancements
• INS Arighaat: India’s second nuclear-powered submarine, commissioned on Aug 29.
• Future Developments: India plans to induct the INS Aridhaman, a 7,000-tonne SSBN, early next year, and is working on more advanced submarines. (more)

Hemant Soren sworn-in as Jharkhand Chief Minister for fourth term

• Hemant Soren took oath as the 14^th Chief Minister of Jharkhand for the 4^th time, administered by Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar.
• This milestone marks Soren as the only leader to win the term for the second time in succession.
• The oath ceremony, attended by prominent leaders including Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, and Mamata Banerjee, showcased tribal troupes performing in traditional attire.
• Schools in Ranchi remained closed for the event.
• In a pre-oath message on X, Soren emphasized unity as the biggest weapon for Jharkhandis, asserting that they “can neither be divided nor silenced” (more)

Maharashtra:BJP Set to Get CM Post, Shinde Not Keen on Deputy Role As Mahayuti Talks Continue Today

• Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s meeting with Mahayuti leaders has sparked intense speculation about Maharashtra’s next Chief Minister.
• The BJP is likely to retain the CM post, with Devendra Fadnavis as the frontrunner, following the party’s dominant performance in the state assembly elections.
• Eknath Shinde’s Demands: Shinde is pushing for his son, Shrikant, to be appointed as Deputy CM, along with the Home and Urban Development portfolios for Shiv Sena.
• Ajit Pawar’s Role: Pawar is likely to get the Deputy CM post with key Finance, Minority Affairs, and Women and Child Development portfolios.
• BJP’s Stance: The party wants to retain the Revenue Ministry.
• A final decision is expected after a meeting between the BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP leaders.
• The new government formation is likely by Dec 2 or 5, with the swearing-in ceremony for the Chief Minister and cabinet members. (more)

Army, Manipur Police intensify search for missing Meitei man working at military station

• The Indian Army and Manipur Police are intensifying their search for Laishram Kamalbabu Singha, a 56-year-old supervisor who went missing from the Leimakhong military station in Kangpokpi district.
• Kamalbabu, a native of Assam’s Cachar district, was last seen wearing grey trousers and a dark green jacket on Nov 25.
• The Army and police are working together, using drones and helicopters to search for Kamalbabu.
• They’re also meeting with village heads and elders to gather information.
• The disappearance has sparked tension in the area, with locals suspecting the involvement of insurgents.
• The Manipur High Court has issued notices to top officials, including the Manipur Security Adviser and the DGP, and the next hearing is scheduled for Fri. (more)

J-K police attach properties of 7 Kishtwar-based absconding terrorists operating from PoK, Pakistan

• Jammu and Kashmir police have attached properties of 7 Kishtwar-based terrorists operating from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Pakistan.
• This action follows a meticulous investigation and intelligence inputs, with the NIA Special Court, Doda, issuing attachment orders under Section 83 CrPC.
• The properties have been marked with signboards to notify the public.
• Additionally, properties of 29 more absconding terrorists have been identified, and the process for their attachment is underway.
• ADGP Jammu Zone, Anand Jain, warned that those supporting terrorists will face severe consequences, urging citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities.
• DGP Jammu emphasized that those harboring anti-national intentions or providing any support to terrorists will face severe consequences.
• He urged citizens to remain vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement agencies by reporting any suspicious activity, the statement added.  (more)

J&K: Terrorist Hideout Busted in Poonch, Huge Cache of Explosives Recovered

• A major terrorist hideout was unearthed in the forest area of Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district on Thu by the Indian Army.
• According to the reports, the terrorist hideout was busted during a combing operation by the Army in the Chajla area of Mendhar in Poonch.
• A huge cache of explosives and ammunition was recovered from the hideout, which was located under a bridge in upper Chajla in Medhar.
• Further search operations are being carried out by the army personnel. (more)

Wanted for terror activities in Bengaluru, LeT member extradited from Rwanda in joint operation by CBI, NIA & Interpol

• Salman Rehman Khan, a 29-year-old Bengaluru resident, has been extradited from Rwanda for his alleged involvement with the Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist organization.
• Khan, who was previously imprisoned for a POSCO case, was reportedly radicalized and recruited by Thadiyantavide Nazeer, a life convict in a terror case.
• Khan is accused of providing arms, ammunition, and explosives for terrorist activities in Bengaluru.
• He was declared a fugitive by a court after the NIA filed a chargesheet against him.
• The NIA, with the help of Interpol, brought Khan back to face legal action. (more)

EAM Jaishankar meets counterparts of US, South Korea, Japan and Italy during G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting

• External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar recently attended the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Fiuggi, Italy, where he discussed with his counterparts from the US, South Korea, Japan, and Italy.
• Jaishankar met with Italian FM Antonio Tajani to discuss opportunities in technology, clean energy, and investments.
• He also met with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to discuss global security and prosperity, emphasizing that the US and India are “stronger when we work together”.
• Additionally, Jaishankar conferred with S Korean and Japanese FMs on Indo-Pacific cooperation, highlighting India’s commitment to deepening bilateral ties and addressing global security challenges. (more)

[Neighborhood]

Chinmoy Prabhu’s Two Aides Arrested in Bangladesh While Delivering Food to Him in Jail

• Two aides of Hindu leader Chinmoy Krishna Das have been arrested by Bangladesh officials while they were delivering food to him in the jail.
• This comes as the atrocities against minorities especially Hindus continue in the South Asian country under Muhammad Yunus.
• Earlier, the Bangladesh govt allowed food for Hindu priest Das after massive and continuous protests by members of the ISKCON and Hindu community.
• A permit has been secured for providing food prepared by a ‘vaishnav’ chef cook for Chinmoy Krishna Das.
• In addition to this, new utensils have been purchased for the ISKCON priest.
• As per reports, Chinmoy Prabhu received his prasadam (food) at 3 pm and has been kept in a special cell under tight security.
• In a post on X, ISKCON, Inc. stated, “ISKCON has not, and does not distance itself from supporting Chinmoy Krishna Das’s rights and freedom for peacefully calling for protecting Hindus and their places of worship.”
• It further said, “We also support, along with all other sanatani groups, the protection and safety of Hindus, and re-establishing an atmosphere of peaceful coexistence with minorities in Bangladesh.
• Many of our press statements and interviews have made this fully clear.
• We have only clarified, something that was already said by us in the past many months, regarding him not officially representing ISKCON in Bangladesh.” (more)

Bangladesh High Court refuses to ban ISKCON’s activities in country

• The Bangladesh High Court has refused to ban ISKCON’s activities in the country, despite a lawyer’s petition seeking the ban.
• This decision comes after Chinmoy Krishna Das, a Hindu leader and former ISKCON member, was arrested on sedition charges, sparking violent protests and the death of a lawyer, Saiful Islam. (more)
• ISKCON has expressed solidarity with Chinmoy Krishna Das, a priest arrested in Bangladesh on sedition charges for allegedly disrespecting the national flag.
• ISKCON, Inc. stated, “ISKCON, Inc. stands with Chinmoy Krishna Das. Our prayers to Lord Krishna for the protection of all these devotees.” (more)
• In the daytime there was a rumor that ISKCON disowned Das, which was later on clarified by ISCKON itself.
• Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan stated that no discussion was held to ban the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (Iskcon) in Bangladesh.
• She added that Iskcon has claimed no relation with arrested Hindu leader Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari. (more)

Bangladesh: It will take 4-5 years to implement reforms: Rehman Sobhan

• Professor Rehman Sobhan, Chairman of the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), emphasized the need for sustained reforms to address discrimination in Bangladesh, regardless of the ruling party.
• He stressed that removing discrimination is crucial, focusing on four key areas:
• Discriminatory Market: Ensure fair-priced markets for micro-producers and equal access to data and wealth.
• Unequal Social Opportunities: Increase investment in education and healthcare to reduce disparities.
• Unjust Political Process: Implement inclusive election systems, empowering local and national democratic institutions.
• Injustice of the State: Address bad governance, ensuring allocation of resources for the poor and human resource development.
• Sobhan commended interim government chief adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus’s efforts to eliminate poverty and reduce inequality through his “Three Zeros” theory.
• He urged the govt to prioritize reforms, identifying key issues through established commissions, to create a just society in Bangladesh. (more)

Bangladesh: Jamaat delegation in meeting with Yunus

• A delegation of Jamaat-e-Islami, led by its Ameer Shafiqur Rahman, held a meeting with Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus at the state guest house Jamuna.
• The delegation entered Jamuna around 6:00 pm, Jamaat sources said.
• Shafiqur is likely to hold a press briefing after the meeting.
• Earlier yesterday, a 5-member delegation of BNP, led by Secretary Gen Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, met with Yunus at the state guest house Jamuna.
• A high-level delegation from Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh met with Dr. Muhammad
• The meeting aimed to foster dialogue and discuss key national issues.
• Governance Reforms: Jamaat leaders shared proposals for improving governance, ensuring transparency, and strengthening institutions.
• Economic Development: Delegates discussed strategies for economic growth, poverty reduction, and social welfare enhancement.
• Political Representation: The meeting touched on ensuring inclusive representation and addressing concerns of marginalized communities.
• Inclusive Governance: The meeting demonstrates the interim govt’s commitment to engaging diverse stakeholders.
• National Reconciliation: Dialogue between Jamaat and the govt may pave the way for greater political consensus.
• Policy Input: Jamaat’s suggestions may inform policy decisions, reflecting the organization’s concerns and values.
• Future Outlook: The meeting sets the stage for potential collaboration and continued dialogue.
• Both parties may explore avenues for cooperation, addressing Bangladesh’s pressing challenges.

Pakistan: Barrister Ali Zafar denies reports of change in PTI leadership

• Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leader Barrister Ali Zafar has denied reports of a meeting with Imran Khan to discuss changes in the party leadership, including the nomination of Asad Qaiser as PTI chairman.
• Zafar clarified on X that he didn’t make any statements about Asad Qaiser and Ali Muhammad Khan being appointed chairman and secretary general.
• The denial comes amid reports of Imran Khan removing Barrister Gohar Ali Khan as PTI chairman and nominating Asad Qaiser as his replacement.
• The PTI has faced significant unrest following the arrest of hundreds of its workers during a large-scale operation by authorities against PTI protesters in Islamabad. (more)

PTI sit-in to continue despite Islamabad crackdown announces CM Gandapur

• Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur announced that the PTI will continue its sit-in across Pakistan, despite the recent crackdown against party workers in Islamabad.
• Gandapur emphasized that PTI has always led peaceful protests, upholding the supremacy of law and democracy.
• He also announced that PTI will provide Rs 10 million each to the families of workers who were martyred during the protest.
• The PTI protest was met with violence, with 954 protesters arrested over the past three days, and 610 arrested yesterday alone.
• The Inspector General of Police (IGP) Islamabad reported confiscating over 200 vehicles and 39 weapons during the protest.
• He slammed the govt for its actions, stating that they are trying to suppress peaceful protest and warned to refrain from using violence against peaceful protesters. (more)
• Jamaat-e-Islami leader denounces crackdown on protesters, calls for electoral reforms: JI leader Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman condemned the govt’s crackdown on protesters, calling it an assault on Pakistan’s constitution and democratic values.
• He emphasized that peaceful protest is a basic right and the government has no authority to use excessive force.
• Rehman also demanded electoral reforms, stressing that power should be given to those who genuinely succeed in elections.
• He warned that continued rigging will undermine democracy and the Constitution.
• Rehman criticized the authorities for supporting corrupt parties and demanded the release of all political prisoners.
• He reiterated JI’s call for a judicial commission to ensure genuinely elected govts (more)
• Pakistani journalist Matiullah Jan was arrested on Thu, following an alleged confrontation with police at a security checkpoint in Islamabad.
• According to the police, Jan’s vehicle collided with a constable, injuring him, and Jan allegedly seized the officer’s weapon and threatened to kill him.
• However, Jan’s family and human rights organizations claim that he was abducted.
• His son, Abdul Razzaq, alleged that Jan was taken away by unmarked abductors in an unmarked vehicle.
• Human rights lawyer Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir also stated that Jan is missing despite police custody claims.
• The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) Asia and HRCP have expressed concern over the alleged abduction and demanded Jan’s immediate release (more)

NAB team arrives at CM House in K-P to arrest Bushra Bibi in £190m case

• The £190 million case involves allegations that Imran Khan and others adjusted £190 million transferred by the UK’s National Crime Agency to the Pakistani govt.
• Khan, as PM, obtained cabinet approval for the settlement in 2019 without disclosing confidential details.
• The funds were meant to be submitted to the Supreme Court, but Khan and his wife allegedly received land worth billions of rupees intended for an educational institute instead. (more)