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Doval Meets Chinese Foreign Minister, Special Representatives Dialogue Resumes

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Doval Meets Chinese Foreign Minister, Special Representatives Dialogue Resumes 2

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met Wednesday, resuming the Special Representatives dialogue as they sought the restoration of bilateral ties frozen for over four years due to a military standoff in eastern Ladakh.

Doval, who is heading the Indian delegation, arrived here on Tuesday to take part in the 23rd round of the Special Representatives’ talks being held after a gap of five years. The last meeting was held in 2019 in Delhi.

The talks began at 10 am China time.

Both the leaders will discuss a range of issues, including the management of peace and tranquillity along LAC and the restoration of bilateral ties stalled for over four years due to the military standoff in eastern Ladakh.

The two officials were expected to discuss a range of issues to rebuild the bilateral ties following the October 21 agreement of disengagement and patrolling in eastern Ladakh between the two countries.

On Tuesday, China expressed optimism about the talks saying that it is ready to work with India to implement the commitments based on the common understandings reached between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping during their meeting at Kazan in Russia on the sidelines of the BRICS summit on October 24.

China is prepared to settle differences with sincerity, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian told a media briefing here when asked about the Special Representatives (SR) talks.

China is ready to work with India to implement the important common understandings between the leaders of China and India, respect each other’s core interests and major concerns, strengthen mutual trust through dialogue and communication, properly settle differences with sincerity and good faith, and bring bilateral relations back to the track of stable and healthy development as soon as possible, he said.

The two SRs will discuss the management of peace and tranquillity in the border areas and explore a fair, reasonable, and mutually acceptable solution to the boundary question, as agreed upon during the meeting of the two leaders in Kazan, the External Affairs Ministry said on Monday.

After the Modi-Xi meeting, which was their first after five years, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his Chinese counterpart met on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Brazil followed by a meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation & Coordination on China-India Border Affairs (WMCC).

The military standoff along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh began in May 2020 and was followed by a deadly clash at the Galwan Valley in June of that year resulting in a severe strain in ties between the two neighbours.

Barring trade, relations between the two countries virtually came to a standstill.

The face-off effectively ended following the completion of the disengagement process from the last two friction points of Demchok and Depsang under an agreement finalised on October 21.

The SRs’ meeting is regarded as significant as it is the first structured engagement between the two countries to restore relations.

Constituted in 2003 to comprehensively address the vexed dispute of the India-China border spanning 3,488 km, the SRs mechanism over the years met 22 times.

While success eluded it in resolving the boundary dispute, officials on both sides regard it as a very promising, useful and handy tool in addressing the recurring tensions between the two countries.

Parliament Scuffle: Police to Record Statement of 2 Injured MPs, Call Rahul Gandhi for Questioning

rahul gandhi, rahul, mps, member of parliament, bjp, fir, delhi
Parliament Scuffle: Police to Record Statement of 2 Injured MPs, Call Rahul Gandhi for Questioning 4

A day after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was booked in connection with a scuffle on the Parliament premises, sources said police are likely to record the statements of the two injured MPs on Friday and may also call the opposition leader for questioning.

They said that the Delhi Police was also likely to write to the Parliament secretariat, seeking access to CCTV footage of the area where the alleged incident occurred.

An official said senior police officers may also consider transferring the case to the crime branch from the local police.

A case under sections 115 (voluntary causing hurt), 117 (voluntary causing grievous hurt), 125 (act of endangering life or personal safety of others), 131 (use of criminal force), 351 (criminal intimidation) and 3(5) (common intention) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita was registered at the Parliament Street police station on Thursday.

Gandhi was booked hours after the BJP filed a complaint, accusing him of physical “assault and incitement” during the scuffle in which its two MPs Pratap Chandra Sarangi and Mukesh Rajput were injured.

According to a police source, officials may call Rahul Gandhi for questioning and also record the statements of other MPs who witnessed the incident.

The source said a team of police officials may also meet the Sarangi and Rajput at the hospital and record their statements for further investigations.

The reports of their medical certificates will be collected, he said.

On Thursday, BJP MP Hemang Joshi, accompanied by party colleagues Anurag Thakur and Bansuri Swaraj, visited the Parliament Street police station and filed the complaint.

The Congress strongly rejected the claim, alleging that BJP MPs pushed its chief Mallikarjun Kharge and “physically manhandled” Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi.

The Congress also lodged a complaint in connection with the matter.

A delegation of Congress MPs, including Digvijaya Singh, Mukul Wasnik, Rajiv Shukla and Pramod Tiwari, filed the complaint visiting the station in person, an officer said.

Search Operation On for 7-Year-Old Boy Missing After Ferry-Navy Craft Crash

ferry accident, ferry, search operation, ferry-navy craft
Search Operation On for 7-Year-Old Boy Missing After Ferry-Navy Craft Crash 6

The search operation launched by naval boats to locate a seven-year-old boy missing after a Navy craft rammed into a ferry off the Mumbai coast two days ago continued on Friday, an official said.

With the recovery of the body of a 43-year-old man on Thursday evening, the death toll in the December 18 tragedy rose to 14.

The Navy has launched a probe into one of the deadliest crashes in the city’s harbour area.

A naval helicopter and boats of the Navy and Coast Guard were deployed to look for the missing passengers as part of the Search and Rescue (SAR) operation, the official said.

Of the 113 persons on board both vessels, 14 died and 98, including two injured, were rescued.

There were six persons on board the Navy craft, of which two survived, the official said.

The tragedy struck when the speeding Navy craft undergoing engine trials lost control and collided with passenger ferry ‘Neel Kamal’ off the Mumbai coast. The ferry with more than 100 passengers was on its way from the Gateway of India to the Elephanta Island, a popular tourist attraction that has a collection of ancient caves.

According to the documents issued by the Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB), the boat had permission to carry 84 passengers and 6 crew members, but it was overloaded, a police official said.

A case has been registered against the Navy craft driver at the Colaba police station, the official said.

Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) sections invoked in the FIR related to the tragedy included those related to causing death by negligence, actions that endanger the personal safety or life of others, rash or negligent navigation of a vessel and acts of mischief that cause wrongful loss or damage to individuals or the public.

The accident-affected craft is in the custody of the Navy and police will demand it whenever needed for investigation, the official said.

The mangled passenger ferry has been taken to Bhaucha Dhakka (a wharf near Dockyard Road) in south Mumbai, another official said.

5 Dead, 37 Injured in Fire After LPG Tanker Collides With Other Vehicles on Jaipur Highway

lpg tanker, lpg, jaipur highway, tanker accident, tanker collide
5 Dead, 37 Injured in Fire After LPG Tanker Collides With Other Vehicles on Jaipur Highway 8

A deadly collision involving an LPG tanker and multiple vehicles turned a stretch of the Jaipur-Ajmer highway here into an inferno on Friday morning, killing five people, injuring 37, and engulfing over 30 vehicles in flames as thick black smoke filled the sky.

Eyewitnesses reported spotting the flames from over a kilometre away and ambulances and fire brigade teams rushed towards the crash zone as panic and chaos set in. A school van driver on his way to pick up students recounted with horror the sight of a man engulfed in flames.

Jaipur Police Commissioner Biju George Joseph told PTI that five people lost their lives and 37 suffered injuries in the accident.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma rushed to the SMS Hospital, where the injured were admitted, spoke to administration officials and doctors and issued directions to ensure proper treatment was facilitated. He also visited the accident site and spoke to police officials.

In a post in Hindi on X, the chief minister said, “Deeply saddened to hear the news of casualties in the gas tanker fire incident on the Jaipur-Ajmer National Highway. As soon as the information about the incident was received, I went to the SMS Hospital and directed the doctors there to provide immediate, necessary medical facilities and take proper care of the injured.”

Sharma, Governor Haribhau Bagade, and former chief minister Ashok Gehlot expressed their condolences for the loss of lives in the crash.

The station house officer of Bhankrota, Manish Gupta, said it was difficult to bring the fire under control initially.

“Fire brigade teams initially were unable to reach the vehicles that were burning. There are three petrol pumps in the area but fortunately, they are safe,” he added.

More than 25 ambulances shifted the victims to the hospital.

A nearly 300-metre busy stretch of the highway was affected by the accident, leading to a long queue of vehicles.

Police officials said the fire engulfed some establishments along the highway as well and details of the actual losses were not yet clear.

The school van driver told PTI that the flames were visible from a kilometre away and there was panic and chaos on the highway.

“As I got closer to the spot, I saw people running in haste and shouting for help. I saw a man engulfed in flames. It was a frightening scene. Fire brigades and ambulances were there but it was difficult for them to reach the spot initially,” he said.

India and Israel: A Strategic Partnership in Shared Challenges and Opportunities

israel, india-israel partnership, israel, kobbi shoshani
India and Israel: A Strategic Partnership in Shared Challenges and Opportunities 10

India and Israel share a deep-rooted partnership built on shared challenges, mutual respect, and opportunities for collaboration. From addressing security concerns to advancing trade, technology, and agriculture, the relationship between the two nations continues to thrive and evolve, as highlighted during the recent plenary session at the World Hindu Economic Forum (WHEF) 2024.

Shared Challenges in Security and Extremism

Kobbi Shoshani, Consul General of Israel to Mumbai, underscored the similarities in challenges faced by India and Israel, particularly in areas of security and extremism. Speaking at the WHEF, Shoshani expressed solidarity with the Hindu community in Bangladesh, condemning the violence and persecution they endure. He drew parallels between the historical experiences of the Jewish community and the Hindu community, emphasizing a shared understanding of suffering and resilience. Highlighting the attacks by Hamas on Israel, Shoshani reflected on the importance of addressing these challenges through robust military and economic strategies.

“You can’t have a strong economy with a weak Army,” Shoshani remarked, stressing the importance of military strength as a foundation for economic stability. He further emphasized that crises often lead to innovation, citing advancements in telecommunications and medical technology as examples.

Economic Ties: Trade and Investment

India is Israel’s second-largest trading partner in Asia and the ninth-largest globally. Bilateral trade has grown exponentially from a modest US$ 200 million in 1992 to US$ 10.77 billion in FY23 (excluding defence). Diamonds and chemicals have traditionally dominated this trade; however, recent years have seen diversification into sectors such as electronic machinery, medical equipment, communications systems, and high-tech products.

India’s exports to Israel amounted to US$ 8.45 billion in FY23, driven by petroleum products (US$ 5.50 billion), gems and jewellery (US$ 1.26 billion), and engineering goods (US$ 136.84 million). Between April-November 2023, exports reached US$ 3.51 billion, continuing to highlight petroleum products, gems, and chemicals as key commodities. Israel, in turn, has invested significantly in India, with nearly 300 companies actively engaged across sectors such as pharmaceuticals, clean energy, water management, and health.

Agricultural Collaboration and Technology Sharing

Agriculture remains a cornerstone of bilateral cooperation. Under a comprehensive work plan signed in 2006, projects are implemented through MASHAV (Israel’s Center for International Cooperation) and CINADCO (Centre for International Agricultural Development Cooperation). The fifth phase of the joint action plan (2021-23) has furthered high-level collaborations between Israeli institutions and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), leveraging Israel’s advanced agricultural technologies to enhance productivity in India.

Strategic Partnerships in Defence and Technology

The defence sector forms a critical pillar of the India-Israel partnership. India is the largest buyer of Israeli military equipment, while Israel is India’s second-largest defence supplier. These ties have strengthened over the last decade, with both countries advancing partnerships in homeland security, cyber defence, and advanced military technologies. In May 2023, India and Israel signed agreements facilitating the deployment of 42,000 Indian workers in Israel’s construction and nursing sectors, a move aimed at addressing rising costs and workforce shortages in Israel.

Celebrating 30 Years of Diplomatic Relations

The year 2022 marked 30 years of full diplomatic ties between India and Israel. Commemorative events included illuminating historic landmarks with the colors of both nations’ flags and launching a logo combining the Star of David and the Ashoka Chakra—symbols of friendship and mutual admiration. These celebrations highlighted the growing depth of cooperation in trade, technology, agriculture, and defence.

Future Directions: Free Trade Agreement and I2U2

Negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and Israel have resumed, with the potential to significantly boost economic collaboration. This agreement aims to capitalize on India’s manufacturing prowess and Israel’s technological expertise, complementing India’s flagship ‘Make in India’ initiative. Additionally, both nations have joined the I2U2 group, which includes the UAE and the United States, to address global challenges such as food security and clean energy.

Conclusion

India and Israel’s partnership exemplifies the power of collaboration in addressing shared challenges and seizing opportunities. With robust economic ties, strategic defence cooperation, and innovative agricultural and technological exchanges, the relationship continues to set new benchmarks. As both nations look ahead, the foundation of trust and shared values promises to propel their partnership into new horizons, fostering stability, innovation, and prosperity.

NIA Chargesheets Two Key Aides of Khalistani Terrorist Lakhbir Singh Alias Landa

Lakhbir Singh Sandhu, khalistani, khalistan, terrorist
NIA Chargesheets Two Key Aides of Khalistani Terrorist Lakhbir Singh Alias Landa 12

The National Investigation Agency has charge-sheeted two key aides of designated terrorist Lakhbir Singh alias Landa of the banned Babbar Khalsa International outfit in a Punjab terror conspiracy case, according to the probe agency on Wednesday.

Jaspreet Singh of Punjab’s Ferozepur district and Baljeet Singh of Madhya Pradesh’s Barwani district were charge-sheeted on Tuesday before the NIA special court in Mohali, it said.

They were identified by NIA as members of a terror gang formed by foreign-based Khalistani terrorist Landa, said a statement issued by the probe agency.

A probe by the NIA found Jaspreet Singh to be an important on-ground operative of Landa and his associate Pattu Khaira, while Baljeet Singh was involved in supplying weapons to members of the Landa gang and other gangsters.

It further emerged during the investigation that Jaspreet Singh was involved in Landa’s drug smuggling and extortion network aimed at generating funds for BKI, the NIA claimed.

Baljeet was manufacturing weapons locally and using social media to supply them to operatives of the Landa gang, it added.

He was one of the various weapons suppliers with whom the terrorists had tied up across the country for the supply of arms and ammunition, the NIA said.

In the course of the investigation, NIA seized various arms, ammunition, narcotics and drug money, digital devices, and other incriminating articles from the accused.

Maha Opposition MLAs Protest at Vidhan Bhavan Steps Against Beed Sarpanch’s Murder

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Maha Opposition MLAs Protest at Vidhan Bhavan Steps Against Beed Sarpanch’s Murder 14

Leaders of the opposition parties staged a demonstration at the Vidhan Bhavan here on the second day of the Winter Session on Tuesday to protest the murder of a sarpanch in Maharashtra’s Beed and demanded the arrest of the accused involved in the crime.

Legislators from the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi allies protested on the steps of the Vidhan Bhavan and raised slogans against the government.

Leader of Opposition in the legislative council Ambadas Danve, Congress’s Nana Patole, Nitin Raut, Bhai Jagtap, Vikas Thakre, and Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders Bhaskar Jadhav, Sachin Ahir, NCP (SP) Jitendra Awhad and other legislators took part in the protest.

Last week, Massajog village sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh was abducted from his car near a toll plaza, and his body was later found in the Daithana area of Kej tehsil, following which three persons were arrested. The CID is investigating the murder.

Talking to reporters, Danve alleged that people from the ruling party were involved in the death of the sarpanch in Beed.

He claimed that the Mahayuti government had not taken any action in both the Beed murder and the death of a 35-year-old man arrested in connection with the violence triggered by the vandalism of a replica of the Constitution in Parbhani last week.

The post-mortem report in Parbhani case suggested that the man died due to assault, the Shiv Sena (UBT) leader said, alleging that the collector and superintendent of police of Parbhani are responsible for the incident.

Danve said the Opposition raised these issues in the House on Monday and will do so today.

One Nation One Election Bills Introduced in Lok Sabha With 269 Votes in Favour

arjun ram meghwal, one nation one election, one nation, one election, lok sabha, parliament, bills, bill tabled
One Nation One Election Bills Introduced in Lok Sabha With 269 Votes in Favour 16

Two bills that lay down the mechanism to hold simultaneous elections were introduced in the Lok Sabha after a fiery debate on Tuesday.

Opposition parties dubbed the draft laws—a Constitution amendment bill and an ordinary bill—as an attack on the federal structure, a charge rejected by the government.

The bills were introduced after the opposition sought a division of votes.

After electronic voting and a subsequent count by paper slips, the bills were introduced with 269 members in favour and 198 against.

This was the first time that the electronic voting system was used in the Lok Sabha in the new Parliament House.

The proceedings were later adjourned for a little over an hour till 3 pm.

Zakir Hussain Dies in San Francisco, Tributes Pour In for Tabla Maestro

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Zakir Hussain Dies in San Francisco, Tributes Pour In for Tabla Maestro 18

Tabla maestro Zakir Hussain died in a hospital in San Francisco, US, his family said on Monday. He was 73.

Hussain died from complications arising out of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, the family said in a statement.

He had been in hospital for the past two weeks and was shifted to the intensive care unit (ICU) after his condition deteriorated.

Hussain’s sister Khurshid Aulia said he passed away “very peacefully”.

“He passed away very peacefully after the ventilation machine was switched off. This was 4 pm San Francisco time,” she told PTI.

Regarded as the greatest tabla player of his generation, Hussain is survived by his wife Antonia Minnecola and their daughters — Anisa Qureshi and Isabella Qureshi.

Born on March 9, 1951, he was the son of legendary tabla master Ustad Alla Rakha.

The family said in its statement, “He leaves behind an extraordinary legacy cherished by countless music lovers around the globe, with an influence that will resonate for generations to come.”

In a career spanning six decades, Hussain worked with several renowned international and Indian artistes but it was his 1973 project with English guitarist John McLaughlin, violinist L Shankar and percussionist TH ‘Vikku’ Vinayakram that brought together Indian classical music and elements of jazz in a hitherto-unknown fusion.

Starting at the age of seven, he went on to collaborate with virtually all of India’s iconic performers, including Ravi Shankar, Ali Akbar Khan and Shivkumar Sharma, in his career.

His groundbreaking work with Western musicians such as Yo-Yo Ma, Charles Lloyd, Bela Fleck, Edgar Meyer, Mickey Hart and George Harrison brought Indian classical music to an international audience, cementing his status as a global cultural ambassador.

Hussain received four Grammy Awards in his career, including three at the 66th awards ceremony earlier this year.

The percussionist, one of India’s most celebrated classical musicians, received the Padma Shri in 1988, Padma Bhushan in 2002, and the Padma Vibhushan in 2023.

As news of Hussain’s passing spread, messages of condolence poured in on social media.

Grammy-winning musician Ricky Kej remembered Hussain for his “immense humility, approachable nature”.

“One of the greatest musicians and personalities India has ever produced. Along with being the best himself, Zakir ji was known for… being responsible for the careers of numerous musicians, who are now forces to reckon with themselves,” Kej said in a post on X.

“He was a treasure trove of skill and knowledge and always shared and encouraged the entire music community through collaborations and his actions. His legacy will live on forever, and his influence will be felt for generations. He left us too soon,” he added.

American drummer Nate Smith thanked Hussain for “all of the music you gave us”.

Rajya Sabha MP Priyanka Chaturvedi also paid tribute, describing Hussain as an “irreplaceable legend”.

“The world of music will be lesser without tabla maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain. Heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and his fans all around the world. My prayers, Om Shanti,” she said on X.

Filmmaker Hansal Mehta credited Hussain for bringing “an accompanying instrument to the forefront”.

“The maestro, Ustad Zakir Hussain passed away a few hours ago. Goodbye Ustad ji. The man who made the tabla sexy, who brought an accompanying instrument to the forefront is gone. Deepest condolences to his family, fans and students around the globe,” Mehta said.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan called the percussionist “a beacon of India’s rich musical heritage and a true custodian of classical traditions”.

“Ustad Zakir Hussain was instrumental in popularising Indian music across the globe, serving as a beacon of India’s rich musical heritage. A true custodian of classical traditions, his contributions to the arts remain unparalleled. His passing is a monumental loss to culture and humanity. Heartfelt condolences to his loved ones,” Vijayan said.

Expressing his condolences to Hussain’s family, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge called him a “cultural ambassador who bridged borders and generations with his mesmerising rhythms”.

“The Padma Vibhushan tabla maestro and percussionist, gloriously took forward the legacy of his father with exceptional performances and collaborations. His numerous national and international honours are a testament to this,” Kharge said.

Rahul Gandhi Slams BJP: ‘Your Leader Savarkar Chose Manusmriti Over Constitution’

savarkar, veer savarkar, rahul gandhi, parliament, lok sabha, congress, manusmriti
Rahul Gandhi Slams BJP: 'Your Leader Savarkar Chose Manusmriti Over Constitution' 20

Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi launched a scathing attack on the BJP in Parliament on Saturday, invoking Hindutva ideologue V. D. Savarkar’s critique of the Indian Constitution to accuse the ruling party of hypocrisy. Gandhi alleged that while the BJP claims to protect the Constitution, its ideological roots lie in the Manusmriti, a text Savarkar deemed superior to the Constitution.

Quoting Savarkar, Gandhi said, “The worst thing about the Constitution of India is that there is nothing Indian about it. Manusmriti is that scripture which is most worshippable after the Vedas and has codified the spiritual and divine march of our nation. Today, Manusmriti is law.” Gandhi challenged the BJP, asking, “Do you stand by your leader’s words? When you speak of defending the Constitution, you are defaming Savarkar. Do you accept his vision or reject it?”

Gandhi further accused the BJP government of perpetuating social and economic inequality, drawing a parallel between the epic story of Eklavya in the Mahabharata and the policies of the current regime. “Just as Dronacharya demanded Eklavya’s thumb, this government is cutting the thumbs of the poor, Dalits, farmers, and backward classes by creating monopolies for Adani, introducing schemes like Agnipath, and ignoring systemic corruption like paper leaks,” he said.

Referring to his visit to Hathras, where a Dalit woman was allegedly gangraped and murdered, Gandhi said the victim’s family was confined to their house while the accused roamed free. “Where in the Constitution is it written that the victim’s family should be imprisoned while the perpetrators walk free? This is not the Constitution’s vision—it’s yours,” he declared, directly targeting the BJP.

Accusing the BJP of fostering division and societal violence, Gandhi cited recent incidents like the Sambhal violence and claimed that the BJP’s ideology thrives on inequality. “The INDIA alliance stands to protect the Constitution that brought political, social, and economic equality. The BJP and RSS want to return to the Manusmriti days,” he said, adding that a caste census and the removal of the 50% reservation cap would pave the way for a more equitable society.

Gandhi also invoked historical figures like Ambedkar, Periyar, Phule, and Basavanna, calling them the true defenders of equality and the Constitution. He quoted B. R. Ambedkar: “If there is political equality but no social and economic equality, political equality will be destroyed,” stressing that the BJP has already eroded the balance of equality in the country.

On the BJP’s repeated references to Savarkar, Gandhi claimed his grandmother and former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi viewed Savarkar as someone who “compromised” with the British. “Savarkar wrote letters of apology to the British. Meanwhile, Gandhi ji went to jail, Nehru ji went to jail, but Savarkar begged for forgiveness,” Gandhi remarked.

Gandhi concluded his fiery speech by reiterating his stance: “The country will be run by the Constitution, not by Manusmriti. The Congress and the INDIA alliance are the protectors of the Constitution, while the BJP and RSS are its opponents.” Posting his remarks on social media, Gandhi declared, “This is a battle for the soul of India—a battle between Manusmriti and the Constitution.”