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Pakistan tightens measures to secure $1.1 bn IMF loan   

Shehbaz Sharif.(photo:instagram)

The approval of the second installment of the IMF’s Extended Fund Facility (EFF) comes with 39 strict conditions…reports Asian Lite news

The Pakistani government has implemented several tough measures, including mandatory asset disclosures by civil servants and their families, to fulfil the conditions required to secure a USD 1.1 billion tranche from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), The Express Tribune reported on Monday. 

The approval of the second installment of the IMF’s Extended Fund Facility (EFF) comes with 39 strict conditions, including asset disclosures by civil servants, the elimination of tax amnesties and exemptions, and the submission of a governance and corruption assessment report, as reported by The Express Tribune. 

The IMF has outlined specific benchmarks, such as maintaining foreign exchange reserves equal to three months of import bills, meeting fiscal targets, and adjusting the public finance structure, The Express Tribune reported, citing sources. Other key reforms mandated by the IMF include keeping the difference between the open market and interbank exchange rates within 1.25 percent and ensuring that the State Bank of Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves reach USD 8.65 billion by the end of the fiscal year. 

The Ministry of Finance confirmed that the government must meet 22 specific points to qualify for the USD 1.1 billion installment. A key requirement is the deadline of February 2025 for civil servants to disclose their assets, The Express Tribune reported. The IMF also insists that no additional grants be given outside the budget and stresses the importance of fiscal discipline. 

The agreement also focuses on reducing public sector liabilities, with a cap on outstanding government guarantees set at PKR 5.6 trillion. The IMF further mandates limiting power sector arrears to PKR 417 billion and managing tax refund backlogs to a maximum of PKR 24 billion as part of the government’s reform plan. 

During a briefing to the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Finance, Pakistan’s Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb acknowledged the macroeconomic stability achieved in the past 14 months but emphasized the need to reduce the influence of intermediaries in addressing inflation. He also noted that the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) was developing strategies to review food prices monthly. 

The minister stressed that the current IMF loan agreement would serve as Pakistan’s final message to the international community, urging urgent reforms in taxation, energy, and population control. He also raised concerns about climate change, child stunting, and the increasing number of out-of-school children. 

Aurangzeb mentioned at the end that Pakistan was working on a 10-year partnership framework with the World Bank, aimed at strengthening the country’s economic stability, and highlighted that improvements in the economy had already led to positive trends in the stock market. (ANI) 

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-Top News Asia News China

Oli begins China visit as Beijing mum on revised BRI pact 

Leading a delegation of more than 87 members, Nepali premier Oli left for Beijing with all eyeing on possible agreements to be signed in the Chinese capital….reports Asian Lite News

Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Monday embarked on a five-day official visit to China as Beijing kept mum on revised proposal of BRI pact floated by the Himalayan Nation. 

Leading a delegation of more than 87 members, Nepali premier Oli left for Beijing with all eyeing on possible agreements to be signed in the Chinese capital. 

Oli also the chairman of CPN-UML (Communist Party of Nepal- Unified Marxist Leninist) before heading out for China had held discussion with Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba and senior party officials about new text of the “BRI framework for cooperation.” 

The proposal was prepared by a four-member joint taskforce formed by both the parties. 

Taskforce renamed the “BRI implementation plan” to “Framework for cooperation.” After approval from the two senior leaders last week, the foreign ministry had sent the text to the Chinese Embassy on Saturday itself for Beijing’s consideration. 

The visit of Nepali Prime Minister, scheduled from December 2-5 comes at the invitation of Chinese Premier Li Keqiang. During his four days’ visit to China, Oli also is set to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping and hold bilateral talks with Premier Li Keqiang. 

He will also engage with senior leaders of the Chinese Communist Party during his visit. 

Oli also will make a keynote address by Prime Minister Oli at Peking University. 

The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Mao Ning, confirmed the details of the visit, stating, “Nepal’s Prime Minister Oli will pay an official visit to China from December 2 to 5 at the invitation of Premier Li Keqiang of the State Council.” 

“The entourage of the Prime Minister will comprise Arzu Rana Deuba, Minister for Foreign Affairs; Bishnu Prasad Rimal, Chief Advisor to the Prime Minister; Yuba Raj Khatiwada, Economic and Development Advisor to the Prime Minister; Members of the Parliament; high-ranking government officials; representatives of private sector; and media persons,” the release stated. 

It will be the first visit to foreign nation since Oli came to power on July this year. (ANI) 

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China expands polar presence with Antarctic station 

The station aims to conduct continuous, long-term observations of atmospheric components, offering crucial data on their concentration changes…reports Asian Lite News

China has inaugurated its first overseas atmospheric monitoring station in Antarctica, marking a significant step in strengthening its presence in the resource-rich, icy continent. The Zhongshan National Atmospheric Background Station, situated in the Larsemann Hills of East Antarctica, began operations on Sunday, as announced by the China Meteorological Administration (CMA). 

The station aims to conduct continuous, long-term observations of atmospheric components, offering crucial data on their concentration changes. According to the CMA, the findings will provide a reliable representation of the region’s atmospheric composition and characteristics, contributing to global efforts to address climate change. The initiative highlights China’s growing scientific and strategic interests in the polar regions. 

Ding Minghu, from the Institute of Global Change and Polar Meteorology at the Chinese Academy of Meteorological Sciences, underscored the importance of polar regions as “amplifiers” of global climate change. He noted that the station’s unique geographical location would provide valuable insights into the environmental impacts of human activities. 

This station is part of China’s broader expansion in polar research, which includes five operational research stations in Antarctica and two in the Arctic. Earlier this year, China activated its fifth Antarctic research station, a sprawling facility capable of supporting 80 expedition members during summers and 30 in winters. 

Globally, there are 70 permanent research stations in Antarctica, operated by 29 countries. The United States has six, Australia three, and India operates two active stations – Maitri and Bharti. 

China joined the Antarctic Treaty in 1983, committing to preserving the continent as a natural reserve while prohibiting commercial resource extraction. Its ongoing research initiatives, including monitoring Antarctic krill populations, aim to protect the continent’s fragile marine ecosystems and underline its growing scientific footprint in polar exploration. 

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China calls on US to ‘cease arming Taiwan, all official interactions’ 

Till the very fag end of the year, the US intent has been to deter China from crossing the Rubicon - of using military force to settle maritime disputes with its neighbours, including Taiwan. (Twitter/@stennis74)

China also condemned this decision and urged the US to “immediately cease arming Taiwan.” ..reports Asian Lite News

Following the United States’ decision to approve more arms sales to Taiwan, the Chinese foreign ministry called on the US to “cease all official interactions with Taiwan and stop sending erroneous signals to ‘Taiwan independence’ separatist forces,” Taiwan News reported. 

China also condemned this decision and urged the US to “immediately cease arming Taiwan.” 

“US arms sale to Taiwan sends a wrong signal to the island’s Taiwan independence forces and undermines US-China relations,” Al Jazeera reported citing a China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs statement. 

“China will closely follow the developments and take resolute and strong measures to defend our nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” it added. 

Taiwan’s president has begun a tour of Taiwan’s South Pacific allies, with stops in Hawaii, the Marshall Islands, Tuvalu, Guam, and Palau. The trip, which runs from November 30 to December 6, focuses on smart sustainability, sustainable democracy, and sustainable diplomacy, as per Taiwan News. 

“Taiwan will continue expanding partnerships and demonstrate to the world that it is not only a model of democracy but also a crucial force for global peace, stability, and prosperity,” Lai said last week. 

Further, China has expressed strong opposition to any official interactions between the US and Taiwan, including visits by Taiwanese leaders to the US. 

The Chinese ministry has urged the US to adhere to the “One-China” principle and the three China-US joint communiques. 

According to Taiwan News, China’s opposition comes as the US is considering a potential sale of F-16 spare parts and mobile subscriber equipment to Taiwan, worth around USD 385 million. This move is seen as a way to boost Taiwan’s defence capabilities, particularly in terms of air defence resilience. 

According to Su Tzu-yun, Director of the Institute for National Defense and Security Research, the additional equipment will enhance Taiwan’s wartime preparedness. 

Such actions “undermine China-US relations and harm peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait,” it said. The ministry urged the US to “immediately cease arming Taiwan.” (ANI) 

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India News Kerala Politics

Kerala calls for gender-inclusive tourism practices 

Conference called for building a tourism landscape that celebrates diversity, empowers women and protects the environment by adopting sustainable and gender-inclusive practices in all verticals of tourism….reports Asian Lite News

 

A conference was held in Kerala on Monday which called for gender-inclusive and responsible tourism practices in the state.  

The event called for building a tourism landscape that celebrates diversity, empowers women and protects the environment by adopting sustainable and gender-inclusive practices in all verticals of tourism. 

The conference was titled, ‘The Kerala Declaration of Gender Inclusive and Women Friendly Tourism’. 

The declaration, signed by an entire spectrum of stakeholders including state agencies, also unveiled a four-point “Call to Action” advocating collective efforts to secure the goals set out by the initiative. 

The declaration pointed to an urgent need for fostering gender inclusivity, accessibility, and climate-responsive practices in the tourism sector while prioritising the safety, well-being and empowerment of women in the tourism economy. 

It also emphasised the need to promote gender-sensitive practices across all areas of tourism to ensure fair representation of women, gender minorities, and other under-represented groups, guaranteeing equality in opportunities, leadership and decision-making. 

It called for organising capacity-building programmes for women in entrepreneurship management, formulating and implementing robust policies to prevent harassment and exploitation of women and children by putting in place effective prevention and response mechanisms. 

The declaration pitched for equitable pay and safe working conditions for women, reskilling and upskilling and leveraging of media and marketing campaigns to break stereotypes about gender roles in tourism. 

The declaration underscored the critical role of women in protecting the environment, especially in promoting climate-responsive tourism practices, encouraging ecotourism and responsible tourism that supports the local community. 

It noted that women can play a lead role in developing Responsible Tourism (RT) that aligns with local customs and practices, forging partnerships with local communities, reducing leakages in benefits, and supporting medium and micro enterprises through equitable business practices. 

The “Call to Action” pledged to take forward the gender-inclusive and responsible tourism model to make it a transformative force on the ground. 

These include integration of gender inclusivity and RT practices as the core principles of tourism planning, with a special focus on women-friendly initiatives, strengthening collaboration across sectors and stakeholders to share knowledge, resources and strategies, continuous monitoring and reporting to ensure gender inclusivity, transparency and accountability, advocacy of policies that protect women’s rights in tourism and addressing gender-based challenges and enhancing safety and empowerment. 

The action plan is aligned with the larger goal of fostering a sustainable and inclusive tourism model that benefits local communities, businesses, destinations, travellers and governments, and called for all stakeholders to embrace this vision. 

The signatories to the historic Kerala Declaration include State Minister for Tourism P.A. Mohamed Riyas, UN Women India Country Representative Susan Ferguson, Chairman International Centre for Responsible Tourism Global, Dr. Harold Goodwin and numerous others. 

IMD issues red alert in 5 Kerala districts  

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Kerala districts Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod, predicting extremely heavy rainfall (over 204.4 mm) in the next 24 hours. An orange alert has been declared for Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, and Palakkad, while a yellow alert is in place for Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, and Kottayam districts. Northern and central Kerala are bracing for very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall on Monday, December 2. 

Schools and Colleges Closed 

In response to the downpour, holidays have been declared for educational institutions in Kottayam, Idukki, Wayanad, Pathanamthitta, and Kannur districts. Schools, Anganwadis, tuition centres, and professional colleges will remain closed, and scheduled examinations have been postponed. However, residential educational institutions in Idukki, operating on a hostel basis, are exempt. 

Advisory from the Chief Minister 

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan urged residents in landslide-prone areas to relocate to safer locations during the day. Those living in coastal regions have been advised to stay alert due to the likelihood of rough seas. 

Weather Update: Tamil Nadu and Puducherry 

Meanwhile, Cyclone Fengal has triggered heavy rainfall across Tamil Nadu and Puducherry over recent days. Although the system weakened into a low-pressure area over North Interior Tamil Nadu early Monday, its impact continues to disrupt normalcy. 

Schools and colleges remain closed in affected districts like Villupuram, Cuddalore, Vellore, and Ranipet. Puducherry has also shut all educational institutions, as announced by Education Minister A. Namachivayam. 

Authorities in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry are monitoring the situation closely as they address the aftermath of the cyclone’s passage. 

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‘India-Israel ties are built on shared values, friendship’   

Barkat outlined Israel’s ambitious goal to increase its exports and affirmed, “Israel knows how to partner with global partners with countries that share same values and interests….reports Asian Lite news

Israel Economy Minister Nir Barkat on Monday emphasized on the strong ties between India and Israel, built on shared values, government-to-government diplomacy, and people-to-people friendships, saying that “Israel is focused on expanding trade and business partnership.” 

Speaking at the inaugural session of the 29th Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Partnership Summit 2024 in Delhi, Barkat specifically mentioned the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel by Iran and its proxies, resulting in significant atrocities and the ongoing detention of 101 hostages in Gaza. 

“Ties between India and Israel are built on shared values, complemented by strong government to government, diplomatic foundation and friendship, and also on people to people, friendship and respect. We’re living in an era of uncertainty and instability all over the world. Israel can testify to that more than others. Since our independence in 1948 Israel’s faced wars and terror, with the goal of our enemy to eliminate Israel off the map,” he said. 

“On October 7, 2023, Israel was attacked by Iran and his jihadi proxies, Hamas and Gaza Hezbollah, Lebanon, the Houthis in Yemen and a direct attack from Iran by hundreds of ballistic missiles, we’ve seen the worst atrocities committed to Jews since the holocaust by Nazi Germany, and we still have 101 hostages held in inhumane conditions in the undergrown tunnels of Gaza,” he added. 

Futher, Barkat outlined Israel’s ambitious goal to increase its exports and affirmed, “Israel knows how to partner with global partners with countries that share same values and interests. So Israel is focused on expanding in our trade and business partnership. Our whole goal is to scale our export from USD 160 billion today to a trillion dollars within the 15 to 20 years.” 

Barkat also highlighted the country’s exceptional capabilities in cyber security, desert technology, and climate change solutions. 

“Israel’s excellent cyber security companies hold 25 per cent of all global cyber business. We are also global leaders in desert tech and climate change tech, leading wastewater treatments and leaders in drip water irrigation, offering wide solutions for deserts and drought-stricken regions. Tech & innovation including agro tech, food tech and aqua tech companies are focused on creating healthier, higher yields and creating new sources of food,” he said. 

Speaking at the summit, Bahrain Commerce Minister Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro highlighted the country’s strategic position as a bridge between East and West, fostering trade and cultural exchange between India, the Middle East, Europe, and beyond. 

“For centuries, Bahrain has been a vital link between East and West, situated at the heart of their kingdom, has been a help of trade and cultural exchange, connecting the thriving margins of India with the Middle East, Europe and beyond, Indian traders and back laying merchants have shared goods, knowledge and trust for hundreds of years, saving a partnership that continues to thrive in modern times,” Fakhro said. 

“In access to both regional and global markets, to our over 20 free trade agreements, including the land, the landmark free trade agreement with the US, and ongoing GCC acting negotiations with over 10 major economic players and laws, we are creating opportunities for seamless trade and investment,” he added. 

He stressed that “no nation can thrive in isolation”, given the interconnected nature of the global economy. 

“No nation can thrive in isolation. The global economy is interconnected, and its future depends on our ability to build bridges and not walls, but in historical as a bridge between East and West is as relevant today as ever, and we are committed to enabling partnerships that deliver sustainable and inclusive growth against us ready to serve you as to gain wealth, and your partner in anterior and host,” said Fakhro. 

While adressing the event, Nepal Industry Minister Damodar Bhandari extended an invitation to businesses and investors worldwide to invest in potential sectors of Nepal 

“Nepal has a strong and historical relationship with India. India is the largest source country in terms of tourism. Similarly, India is Nepal’s largest trading partner, having about 68 per cent of total exports and 63 per cent of total imports in 2023,” Bhandari said. 

“I invite businesses and investors from around the globe to invest in the highly potential sectors of Nepal and partner with us by bringing in new technology, capital and expertise to materialise our shared goals of economic growth, prosperity and inclusive growth,” he added. 

The 29th CII Partnership Summit brings together 61 participating countries, 30 global speakers, and 11 international ministers. Discussions are underway on topics such as resilient supply chains, sustainability, research and development, green technologies, artificial intelligence, gender equality, and strategic growth initiatives. 

The summit aims to foster productive partnerships and global cooperation, ensuring a shared vision for a sustainable and prosperous future. (ANI) 

ALSO READ: India beefs up security at Bangladesh missions in country 

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Navy may ink Rs 90,000 cr deals for 26 Rafale, 3 Scorpene subs 

The Indian Navy is looking to induct the three submarines along with the Project 75 India programme, which aims to enhance India’s indigenous submarine capabilities. ..reports Asian Lite News

The Indian Navy is hoping to finalise the Rs 90,000 crore deals for 26 Rafale Marine combat aircraft and three additional Scorpene submarines by next month, announced Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi on Monday. 

Addressing the annual Navy Day press conference, Admiral Tripathi stated, “The Indian Navy is hoping to sign the deals for Rafale-Marine and three additional Scorpene submarines by next month.” 

The Indian Navy has been negotiating with France for the purchase of 26 Rafale Marine fighter aircraft and with the French Naval Group for the construction of three additional Scorpene-class submarines at Mazagon Dockyards Limited. 

The three submarines will complement the six Scorpene-class submarines that have already been built by the dockyard. 

The Indian Navy is looking to induct the three submarines along with the Project 75 India programme, which aims to enhance India’s indigenous submarine capabilities. 

Meanwhile, Indian Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi on Monday said that the maritime force keeps a watch on the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLA Navy) in the Indian Ocean Region. 

“We are keeping a close watch on the extra-regional forces operating in the Indian sea including the PLA Navy, the warships and even their research vessels and know what they are doing and where they are,” Tripathi said while addressing the media at a press conference. 

The Naval Chief further mentioned that while China’s naval presence is increasing in the Pacific Ocean, the Indian Navy remains focused on safeguarding India’s interests in the Indian Ocean region. 

“I believe you must have heard about China calling itself the Middle Kingdom. The book- The Hundred Year Marathon is on how the Chinese are planning to become what they want to. There is a vision that they want to become a world power. We see that is happening… Our reading is that it will manifest more in the Pacific Ocean and we are keeping a watch to ensure that our interests in the Indian Ocean region are not affected.” Admiral Tripathi said. 

Additionally, Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi affirmed that the launch of the nuclear-capable missile from the INS Arighaat was successful. (ANI) 

ALSO READ: India beefs up security at Bangladesh missions in country 

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India’s role as closest partner an inspiration, says Bhutan’s minister 

Dorji described the CII Partnership Summit as an “example of India’s leadership, its commitment to fostering innovation, inclusivity, and shared prosperity across Asia and the larger world…reports Asian Lite News

Lauding India’s role as a “closest partner,” Bhutan’s Minister of Industry, Commerce, and Employment, Lyonpo Namgyal Dorji, praised New Delhi as a pillar of support and inspiration for Thimphu. He said that the trust and shared values between the two nations make India an enabler of Bhutan’s aspirations. 

Speaking at the inaugural session of the 29th Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Partnership Summit 2024 in Delhi on Monday, Dorji said, “India’s role as Bhutan’s closest partner is not only a pillar of support but also an inspiration. The trust, collaboration and shared values between our two countries making India an enabler of Bhutan’s aspirations. Beyond herself, India enables opportunities, facilitates connections and engagements for us. It is this spirit of collaboration and mutual growth that excites the two countries.” 

Dorji described the CII Partnership Summit as an “example of India’s leadership, its commitment to fostering innovation, inclusivity, and shared prosperity across Asia and the larger world.” He also highlighted how, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has emerged as a global leader for nations like Bhutan. 

“Under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, India has emerged as a global leader for countries like Bhutan. India stands not only as a trusted neighbour but also as a partner in our journey of growth and transformation, offering both inspiration and…support as we pursue our aspirations,” he said. 

“Leveraging this partnership, Bhutan has embarked on a transformative care strategic plan to evolve into a high income, Gross National Happiness, economic central Environment Initiative,” he added. 

Encouraging investors to explore opportunities in Bhutan, Dorji said, “My pitch here is this for investors thriving in India or seeking opportunities in the region, the futuristic city project at Bhutan offers unparalleled potential. We invite you to visit Bhutan and explore the possibility opportunity to partner in an initiative that seamlessly aligns profitability with purpose creating an economical design to connect high-value industries.” 

The 29th CII Partnership Summit brought together 61 participating countries, 30 global speakers, and 11 international ministers. The summit aims to foster productive partnerships and global cooperation, ensuring a shared vision for a sustainable and prosperous future. 

Qatar’s Minister of State of Foreign Trade, Ahmed Mohammed Al Sayed, emphasized his country’s strong economic diversification strategy during the summit. “Qatar has positioned itself as a strong avenue for economic diversification with our development strategy with metro and highway projects with industries. Logistics, IT and digital transformation in public and private sectors are our focus,” he said. 

He noted Qatar’s “strong partnership” with India and recalled Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Qatar in February this year. “This visit highlights the importance of our bilateral relations and led the a deeper cooperation,” he said. 

Al Sayed said that the trade volume between Qatar and India exceeded USD 14 billion in 2023, making India Qatar’s second-largest trading partner. He called Qatar an “attractive destination for global and regional investors, offering annual opportunity for growth in collaboration.” 

“The partnership between Qatar and India represents long-term strategic allies that we are committed to advancing and strengthening together, our unique position allows us to energize our collaboration and achieve significant progress in the near future. Together, we can unlock even greater potential driving innovation, trade and investment for the benefit of our people,” he said. 

Myanmar’s Deputy Minister of Commerce, Minn Minn, stressed that India and Myanmar have complementary strengths as the latter has rich agricultural assets and the former has technological innovation and manufacturing expertise. 

Speaking at the summit, Minn Minn said, “As neighbouring countries and key trading partners, we stand as a testament to the power of strategic partnerships in advancing regional stability and mutual growth. Our economies possess complementary strengths; Myanmar with its rich agricultural assets and India with its technological innovation and manufacturing expertise. By fostering cooperation in these sectors, we can generate substantial economic benefits for our people.” 

He expressed gratitude to India for its technical assistance and Capacity Building Initiative, which has significantly boosted Myanmar’s trade development agenda and improved its capabilities of institution and workforce. 

He also acknowledged that economic progress cannot occur in isolation. 

“As an active member of ASEAN, we continue to prioritize initiatives such as the master plan of the ASEAN Economic Community ASEAN collectivity, which aims to force trade investment and infrastructure development,” he said. 

He stressed the importance of diversifying partnerships, exploring untapped opportunities for collaboration, and addressing challenges, including trade barriers and supply chain issues. (ANI) 

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India beefs up security at Bangladesh missions in country 

Last week, during the weekly media briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal urged Bangladesh’s interim government to take steps to protect minorities….reports Asian Lite News

India on Monday decided to step up security arrangements for the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi and its other diplomatic premises in the country following an incident earlier in the day involving the breach of Bangladesh Assistant High Commission premises in Agartala. 

In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said, “The breach of premises at the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission in Agartala is deeply regrettable. Diplomatic and consular properties should not be targeted under any circumstances.” 

The MEA added, “Government is taking action to step up security arrangements for the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi and their Deputy/Assistant High Commissions in the country.” 

Last week, during the weekly media briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal urged Bangladesh’s interim government to take steps to protect minorities. 

Expressing concern over the rise of “extremist rhetoric, increasing incidents of violence and provocation,” the MEA said on Friday that India has consistently and strongly raised the issue of targeted attacks on Hindus and other minorities with the Bangladesh government. 

On the situation of minorities in Bangladesh, Jaiswal had said, “India has consistently and strongly raised with the Bangladesh government the threats and targeted attacks on Hindus and other minorities. We made our position very clear as far as the situation of Hindus and minorities in Bangladesh is concerned. The interim government must live up to its responsibility of protecting all minorities.” 

“We are concerned about the surge of extremist rhetoric, and increasing incidents of violence and provocation. These developments cannot be dismissed only as media exaggerations. We once again call upon Bangladesh to take all steps for the protection of minorities and safeguarding their interests,” he had added. 

Notably, Bangladesh has witnessed a surge in violent attacks against Hindus and other minority groups, prompting calls for greater protection and support. 

The situation in Bangladesh has been marked by increasing violence against minority communities, with temples, being destroyed after the arrest of a former priest Chinmoy Krishna Das over sedition charges and for allegedly hoisting a saffron flag above Bangladesh’s national flag in Chittagong on October 25. 

Tensions escalated further after a lawyer was killed during clashes between police and alleged followers of Das in the Chattogram Court Building area on November 27. (ANI) 

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Mamata slams Centre for targeting Muslims with Waqf Bill   

Banerjee alleged that the Centre had “bypassed” state governments over the matter and criticised the “lack of dialogue” on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024….reports Asian Lite News

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday slammed the BJP-led central government over the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, accusing it of targeting Muslims and expressing doubts on its passage in Parliament. 

Touching upon the reduction of the minority Hindu population in Bangladesh and the ongoing unrest in the neighbouring country, she questioned the Centre’s alleged inaction in the matter. 

The chief minister, during a debate in the West Bengal assembly on a resolution opposing the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, launched a scathing attack on the BJP-led central government, accusing it of “fostering divisiveness, neglecting Constitutional norms, and mishandling issues like Bangladesh’s minorities, the NRC, UCC, and CAA”. 

Banerjee alleged that the Centre had “bypassed” state governments over the matter and criticised the “lack of dialogue” on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024. The Centre did not consult us on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, she claimed. 

Banerjee also questioned the timing and process of the proposed legislation, stating, “The budget session is in February. Will you not discuss this Bill with the state before that? Is there no time for it? Will you not consult the state? We raised objections after noticing an advertisement.” 

Apparently referring to her letter to the Centre on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, she said, “I don’t know if they even acknowledged it.” She accused the Centre of pushing a “divisive agenda” by singling out Muslims. 

“Why is a single religion being targeted in the name of this Waqf (Amendment) Bill? Why are Muslims being targeted? Would you dare to do the same with the properties of various Hindu temple trusts or churches? The answer is no. But, targeting a specific community suits your divisive agenda, Banerjee claimed. 

Banerjee made the remarks during the first day of a two-day discussion on a resolution opposing the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, moved under Rule 169 by state Parliamentary Affairs Minister Sobhandeb Chattopadhyay. Banerjee criticised what she termed “misleading narratives around Waqf properties”, calling these baseless allegations. 

“Religion is personal, but festivals are for everyone. Those who are suddenly changing their stance now used to say one thing yesterday, and today they say something completely different. It’s all misleading and distorting. They’re saying that wherever you touch, it becomes Waqf. They claimed that even our MPs have said this. Such are baseless remarks, she claimed. 

The Trinamool Congress chief criticised the BJP for “making opposition members silent” during the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) deliberations on the Bill. In the JPC, opposition members are not allowed to speak. That is why they have boycotted it, Banerjee claimed. 

She claimed that a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) was formed because of public pressure and alleged that her party’s MPs were excluded from discussions. “Their visits were cancelled. They were supposed to come to Kolkata. Why are they afraid of Kolkata? Surely, there’s something fishy about this,” she claimed. 

Banerjee emphasised that constitutional norms must be respected. “We cannot interfere with others’ independence. The Constitution does not give us that right. Do you (BJP) have a majority? First, it has to be passed in Lok Sabha, then Rajya Sabha. You will need a two-thirds majority to pass this,” she remarked. 

On the situation in Bangladesh, the CM said the Union government should take steps to protect Hindus in the neighbouring country. “If the minority population in Bangladesh has decreased, is that our fault? Why didn’t the central government address this issue? Were they sitting idle? We tried to bring many from there but couldn’t. Many Hindus wanted to come here. We provided food for them, but you don’t know that. Many Muslims also came here,” she claimed. 

Banerjee pointed out the alleged communal undertones in political rhetoric by the BJP leaders, saying, “Are Muslims living only in this country? Don’t they live in other countries? Then why do you target Bengal? Whether fortunate or unfortunate, this country got divided into three parts.” 

She recounted the Beldanga incident, where communal tensions flared a few weeks back. “During the Kartik Puja, abusive remarks were made against me in lighting displays. In another place, there were abusive remarks about a specific community in the lighting. Despite multiple warnings, they didn’t listen, leading to clashes. I stayed awake the entire night, along with the DGP and the chief secretary.” 

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