Bangladesh Crisis News Highlights: Monitoring condition of minorities in Bangladesh, says MEA spokesperson

The Haryana government on Thursday approved a proposal to give Rs 2,000 per acre as a bonus to farmers for their Kharif crops in the wake of less rainfall in the state.

Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini said the state witnessed less rainfall in May, June, and July this year as compared to the corresponding period last year.

This move is expected to cost Rs 1,300 crore to the state exchequer.

News Live Updates: Visuals from the second day of multilateral Exercise Tarang Shakti underway in Sulur Air Force Base

The BJP is set to launch the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign across the country next week following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call for organising the event ahead of Independence Day.

In his monthly 'Mann Ki Baat' radio broadcast on July 28, Modi talked about the Har Ghar Tiranga Abhiyan and urged people to upload selfies with the national flag on the harghartiranga.com website, saying the campaign has caught on with every section of society.

Maharashtra Congress leaders will tour Marathwada and Vidarbha regions from August 10 to take stock of preparations for the coming assembly elections, a party statement said on August 8.

The party's Maharashtra in-charge Ramesh Chennithala and senior state leaders will take part in the tour, it said.

Chennithala, state unit president Nana Patole, Balasaheb Thorat, Mukul Wasnik, Vijay Wadettiwar, Prithviraj Chavan, Satej Patil, Naseem Khan and Amit Deshmukh will hold district-wise meetings with local office-bearers, it said.

Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said on Thursday that the National Conference has presented its viewpoint to the Election Commission, hoping for an early issuance of notifications to initiate the election process in the Union Territory.

The National Conference (NC) vice president said the Election Commission (EC) is obligated to conduct the assembly elections according to the deadline set by the Supreme Court, provided they believe the situation is better than it was in 1996.

Trade Minister Piyush Goyal says at the India International Footwear Fair (IIFF) 2024 that the Government of India is always there to support the footwear industry.

“You have unique capabilities. With the skills the footwear industry has, our artisans have, I am sure you will be able to capture the global markets,” he says.

Goyal adds, “Our footwear industry should target $50bn in exports by 2030, but must ensure to maintain quality control. The industry should leverage the FTAs that we have with other countries.”

On 07-08-2024, at 11:30 PM, Sandeep Singh, Assistant Director, Directorate of Enforcement (ED) was trapped by CBI Mumbai in New Delhi along with Rs 20 Lakh cash which he had allegedly extorted from an individual under investigation by ED to give favour in an ED case.

Taking immediate cognizance of this incident and following the policy of zero tolerance towards corruption, the ED initiated criminal action against Sandeep Singh under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA).

An ECIR has been registered against him and a search operation was conducted at his residence on August 8 under the provisions of PMLA by ED so as to gather evidences of his criminal activities. His office was jointly searched by the CBI and ED to collect evidence related to the offence.

In addition to PMLA case, action has also been initiated to place him under immediate suspension and for his repatriation to his parent department from ED.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has registered a case under PMLA against Sandeep Singh, Assistant Director, ED, and conducted search operations at his house under PMLA, 2002.

A joint search operation was conducted at his office by the ED and CBI. The action was in consequence of an FIR and the arrest of Sandeep Singh by CBI.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Thursday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be visiting the landslides-hit areas of Wayanad on August 10 and hoped that the PM will take a positive stand with regard to providing Central assistance for rehabilitation of the disaster victims.

Vijayan said Modi's visit to Wayanad on Saturday comes amidst the state government's request to treat the landslides as a 'national or severe disaster'.

He further said that following the state's request, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has appointed a nine-member committee to examine the severity of the disaster and submit a report in this regard.

“We observed the latest developments in Bangladesh. We are following it closely…. I understand that the military plans to call for elections very early and I can only encourage to guarantee a smooth transition to a civilian government so that the country can come to peace.”

“This particular issue (attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh) was addressed by the External Affairs Minister in his suo moto statement (in the Parliament). We are also monitoring the situation with regard to the status of minorities. There are reports that various initiatives have been taken by groups and organisations to ensure the protection and wellbeing of minorities.”

“I would like to reiterate what External Affairs said in the Parliament. We welcome these steps, but will naturally remain deeply concerned till law and order is visibly restored. We also want to make it clear that it is the responsibility of every government to ensure the wellbeing of all its citizens. We hope for early restoration of law and order in Bangladesh," says MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal

The tribal affairs ministry in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, will provide basic training to 1,500 and advanced training to 600 tribal students in semiconductor technology over the next three years, the government informed Parliament on Thursday.

In response to a question by BJP MP C M Ramesh, Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs Durgadas Uikey said his ministry has given the project -- Semiconductor Fabrication & Characterization Training for Students from Tribal Community -- to the Centre for Nano Science and Engineering of the Indian Institute of Science (IISc).

On the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, TMC MP Shatrughan Sinha said, "The government understood that it would be difficult to pass the bill because many are of the opinion that even though the BJP is showing that it is working for the minorities, they don't have even one MP or leader in top positions from the Muslim community. Seeing everything, it was clear that the government would not be able to sail through it. It is good that they have decided to form a JPC to look into it."

Rashtra Sevika Samiti chief Shantha Kumari on Thursday claimed efforts are being made to create confusion among people and instability in India against the backdrop of the prevailing turmoil in Bangladesh, as she called upon the Hindu society to remain vigilant and united to thwart any such moves.

The Rashtra Sevika Samiti is a women organisation which parallels the ruling BJP's ideological fountainhead Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh.

In a video statement, Kumari claimed that Hindus are being subjected to atrocities in Bangladesh since the elected government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was "brought down". This is "extremely condemnable", she said.

On the situation in Bangladesh, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal says, "... There are 4 more assistant High Commissions other than the High Commission. We are in constant touch with them for their and our nationals' safety there. We expect that law and order will improve as soon as possible so that our High Commission becomes functional again..."

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday expressed confidence that the Centre will address the alleged attacks on Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh through diplomatic efforts.

He assured that while the Indian government is managing the situation with patience and caution, the focus remains on ensuring safety and maintaining strict vigilance along the Indo-Bangladesh border, which has been fully sealed.

Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini says, "The government will provide service security to contractual employees working for more than 5 years in the state government, till their age of retirement. We have passed an ordinance for this... The services of all contractual workers employed in various ministries of the state government, in addition to services of all contractual workers employed under the Haryana Kaushal Rozgar Nigam, have been safeguarded till their age of retirement... 1,20,000 employees will benefit from this act... Their salary structure and benefits will match that of permanent employees of the government..."

On giving political asylum to former Bangladesh PM Shiekh Haseena, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal says, “Our EAM has already explained the approval for former PM Shiekh Haseena to come to India was given at short notice. The situation is still evolving as far as Bangladesh is concerned...”

A Delhi court on August 8 extended the judicial custody of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal till August 20 in a corruption case registered by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in the alleged excise scam.

Special Judge Kaveri Baweja extended Kejriwal's custody after he was produced before the court through video conference.

The court is likely to consider on August 12 a supplementary charge sheet filed by the CBI against Kejriwal in the case.

External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar received a call from UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy on August 8.

The two leaders discussed the situation in Bangladesh and West Asia.

Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, 84, takes oath as head of Bangladesh's new interim government. He was designated head of the interim government after President Mohammed Shahabuddin dissolved parliament on Tuesday.

-- Seven more Zika Virus cases have been reported in Pune, Maharashtra.

-- This takes the total number of cases to 73, a health officer of the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) said.

Former West Bengal chief minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee's mortal remains to be donated to government hospital for research, news agency PTI reports.

At least 232 people were killed in Bangladesh in the incidents of violence that erupted across the country following the fall of the government led by Sheikh Hasina on Monday, according to a media report that came out on August 8, taking the death toll to 560 since the anti-quota protests first started in mid-July.

Hasina resigned as Prime Minister and fled the country after weeks of tumultuous student protests against her regime.

A total of 232 were reported dead as of Wednesday evening since Hasina's ouster, Prothom Alo newspaper reported.

Southern Japan has been hit hard by a series of seismic events, with a 6.9-magnitude earthquake followed by a 7.1-magnitude tremor striking offshore. The quakes have generated tsunamis reaching up to one meter in coastal areas of Kyushu and Shikoku islands, as reported by NHK. The first earthquake occurred at a depth of 33 kilometers, with the second following at a depth of 25 kilometers. In response, the Japanese government has established a special task force to manage the crisis. Positioned on the volatile "Ring of Fire," Japan remains highly susceptible to such natural disasters.

In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court has ruled that service tax cannot be levied on lotteries, classifying them as actionable claims rather than goods. The Court overturned previous high court rulings from Kerala and Sikkim, stating they overlooked earlier judgments defining lotteries as actionable claims. The Court has directed the relevant authorities to expedite refunds of service tax collected from lottery companies for transactions prior to July 2010. Since that date, the Finance Act, 1994 was amended to specifically include lottery-related activities under the tax regime, following the removal of the previous tax explanation on lottery sales.

A powerful 7.1 magnitude earthquake has struck Miyazaki, Japan, triggering an immediate tsunami warning for the region. Authorities are urging residents to seek higher ground and stay alert for further updates. Emergency services are responding to the situation, and the full extent of damage is still unfolding. Stay tuned for more information as this developing story progresses.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed sorrow over the passing of former CM Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee at age 80. “It’s a sad news. The state government has announced a holiday today. His last rites will take place with state honour,” she said, recalling their meeting during the Singur movement with Gopalkirshna Gandhi.

The Delhi High Court has asked SpiceJet whether its directors are willing to guarantee payment if the airline fails to settle the outstanding amount with its lessors, Team France 01SAS and Sunbird France 02 SAS. The court has also directed the lessors to respond on whether they will accept the directors' undertaking or proceed with actions for grounding the engines due to non-payment.

The Met office has issued an 'orange' alert for Himachal Pradesh, forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall with thunderstorms and lightning on August 10-11. The alert warns of a low to moderate flash flood risk in Sirmaur, Chamba, Shimtla, Kullu, and Mandi districts. "Since 5:30 pm on Wednesday, Shillaroo recorded the highest rainfall at 86.4 mm," the Met office reported. Despite recent rains, the state faces a 29% rainfall deficit for the monsoon season, which began on June 1.

Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar condemned the Opposition's walkout, stating, "The entire nation is in pain because of the girl...to politicise it, is the greatest disrespect to the girl." He also criticized TMC MP Derek O'Brien's conduct.

The Congress party has announced its intention to oppose the introduction of the Waqf Bill in the Lok Sabha. Congress MPs K.C. Venugopal and Hibi Eden have submitted notices to challenge the bill's presentation, with Eden specifically labeling it as "unconstitutional."

Eden argues that the bill conflicts with the Right to Property under Article 300A and could infringe upon property rights without sufficient legal safeguards. Additionally, he contends that the bill violates the Fundamental Right to Religious Freedom under Article 25. Concerns have been raised about the bill's new requirements for waqfs to register detailed information on a government portal and its potential encroachment on states' powers.

Former West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee has passed away at the age of 80. Bhattacharjee, who led the state from 2000 to 2011, died at his Kolkata home on Thursday after a prolonged illness related to old age. He is survived by his wife, Mira, and daughter, Suchetana. CPI(M) state secretary Mohd Salim confirmed the news, marking the end of an era for the prominent political figure.

Saima Wazed, daughter of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives in her country amid widespread anti-government protests. Wazed, who is the World Health Organization's Regional Director for Southeast Asia, shared her emotional struggle in a recent post on X, revealing her distress at being unable to see or comfort her mother during this challenging period. The protests, initially sparked by demands to end a quota system, have escalated into broader anti-government demonstrations. In response, Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin has dissolved Parliament and appointed Nobel laureate Mohammad Yunus as the head of an interim government.

Russia and Algeria clashed at the UN Security Council after Russia raised concerns about gender issues in Olympic boxing. Deputy Ambassador Dmitry Polyanskiy criticized Western countries for imposing an LGBT agenda and alleged that female boxers faced unfair competition from athletes deemed men by hormonal tests.

Dmitry Medvedev, Russia’s deputy security council head and former president, called for Russian forces to advance to key Ukrainian cities, including Odesa, Kharkiv, and Kyiv, on Thursday.

Congress MP K. Suresh condemned the government’s move to introduce the Waqf Act Amendment Bill in the Lok Sabha without consulting stakeholders. Opposition parties, including Congress, TMC, and others, have demanded the bill be reviewed by a Standing Committee before further action.

Maharashtra’s voter base has grown by more than 7.3 lakh since the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. The revised list shows 9,36,75,934 voters, up from 9,29,43,890. Male and female voter numbers have also increased significantly. Assembly elections are scheduled for October.

A fire on the tanker ship Elisabeth off Bali's Gili Tepekong left five dead and 15 injured. The explosion happened near the crew's living area as the vessel traveled to West Nusa Tenggara. Read more.

A blaze broke out early Thursday at a vehicle impounding yard in Wazirabad, Delhi. Firefighters received initial reports at 5:15 am and deployed 12 tenders. No injuries have been reported. This is the second fire at the site in a week.

The BJP has targeted Rahul Gandhi after reports revealed the Pakistan High Commission sent mangoes to seven MPs, including Gandhi. The move has sparked political controversy.

The Municipal Corporation of Delhi has sealed the basements of 10 coaching centres and libraries in Shahdara (South Zone), Karol Bagh, and Najafgarh Zone for violating building bylaws.

President Droupadi Murmu arrived in Wellington, New Zealand, on Thursday morning, as announced by Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal in a post on X. "President Droupadi Murmu arrived in Wellington on a State Visit to New Zealand. Substantive talks with New Zealand leadership to give a fillip to the India-New Zealand partnership lie ahead," Jaiswal stated.

On Wednesday, the Nepal government voiced its concern over the loss of lives and property in Bangladesh, expressing solidarity with the victims of the ongoing violence. "We call for calm and restraint by all and stress the importance of an orderly return to the democratic process. We are confident that the strong and resilient people of Bangladesh will be able to ensure a smooth transition towards peace and stability," read a statement from Nepal's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The United States has called on Bangladesh's new interim government to respect democratic principles. On Wednesday, US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller emphasized the importance of the interim government making decisions that promote long-term peace and political stability. While expressing hope for positive developments, Miller declined to comment on former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's visa status, citing confidentiality under US law.

Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat announced her retirement on Thursday, following her disqualification from the 50kg freestyle wrestling final at the Paris Olympics 2024. In an emotional post on X (formerly Twitter), Phogat shared her decision, stating, "Maa kushti (wrestling) won against me, I lost. Forgive me, your dream and my courage have been broken. I don't have any more strength now. Goodbye Wrestling 2001-2024. I will always be indebted to you all for forgiveness." This announcement comes a day after her disqualification, marking the end of her wrestling career. Read more. 

As Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus prepares to lead Bangladesh's new interim government, former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia urges for a democratic nation amidst escalating tensions. Yunus, returning from Paris after a medical procedure, has called for nonviolent protest. Meanwhile, the Indian High Commission remains operational with reduced staff, and Indian carriers are repatriating citizens. Sheikh Hasina stays in India, undecided about seeking asylum elsewhere. The Border Security Force stopped a large group of Bangladeshis from crossing into India amid local unrest fears.

June current account surplus at ¥1.53 trillion vs estimation of ¥1.87 trillion; trade surplus ¥560 billion vs estimation of ¥351 billion.

BoJ Member says neutral rate seems to be at least 1%. No change in easing stance after hike to 0.25%. nominal rate at 0.25% is still extremely loose.

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