INDIA BANGLADESH BORDER
Why is Sheikh Hasina's plan to return to Bangladesh contentious?
Bangladesh has rejected a fresh passport request from former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who plans to return from exile in India in December despite facing a death sentence over the 2024 crackdown on protesters. With Dhaka urging New Delhi to extradite her, Hasina's possible return could reignite political tensions, test the new government and threaten Bangladesh's fragile stability.
Why does Pakistan keep getting IMF bailouts despite terrorism allegations? Gita Gopinath explains
Why does the IMF continue to bail out Pakistan despite its repeated borrowing history and terrorism-related allegations? Former IMF deputy managing director Gita Gopinath explains who decides lending approvals, why economic distress matters and how member countries exercise voting power. Here's a look at Pakistan's 25 IMF arrangements and the world's biggest borrowers.
Eligible CAA applicants to get citizenship by December 31: West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced plans to expedite the citizenship application process under CAA by December 31. He highlighted that around 2.5 lakh applications remain pending due to previous government delays. Adhikari stated that training and administrative measures are being implemented to ensure timely application processing. Additionally, the state government will invest Rs 1,000 crore over two years to restore religious institutions.
Govt eases passport, visa rules for foreign nationals residing in India
The Union home ministry has announced relaxed passport and visa requirements for certain foreign nationals. These amendments apply to individuals including Pakistani citizens and minority refugees. Exemptions also cover members of religious communities from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan on humanitarian grounds. Registered Sri Lankan Tamils and Tibetans who entered India under specific permits are included in the amendments.
Centre relaxes passport, visa rules for select foreign nationals; revises Nepal, Bhutan travel norms
The Centre has announced amendments to immigration rules for several categories of foreign nationals residing in India. Pakistani citizens who entered India before December 31, 2009, may be exempt from renewing their passports. Additionally, certain refugees from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan fleeing persecution are included in these exemptions. Registered Sri Lankan Tamil nationals and Tibetans with specific entry permits also benefit from relaxed requirements.
Bangladesh deploys additional paramilitary forces as garment workers' protests continue
Protests by garment workers in Bangladesh have persisted for five days due to demands for higher wages. Authorities have deployed additional paramilitary forces to manage the ongoing unrest in various industrial areas. BNP activists are actively attempting to maintain order while claiming infiltrators from the disbanded Awami League are causing chaos. A special tribunal has established a Wage Board to address worker concerns regarding compensation.
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Nine arrests made following attack on BSF personnel in Tripura near India-Bangladesh border
In Tripura's Sepahijala district, nine individuals have been arrested related to an attack on BSF personnel. Three officers were injured after being assaulted by a mob near the India-Bangladesh border. The incident occurred amid illegal cross-border trade activities involving smugglers from both countries.
Garment workers' protests in Bangladesh turn violent
The BNP government has formed a wage board to determine revised pay scales for garment workers. However, protests have continued, potentially emerging as a major challenge for the Tarique Rahman government, which is already facing growing anti-incumbency amid a slowdown in the domestic economy.
UK announces new 'safe and legal' refugee resettlement routes, includes India among seven countries
The UK government has announced new resettlement pathways for refugees to deter illegal migration methods. These pathways will focus on seven countries, including India, and refugees must be outside their home countries. Applicants will undergo necessary checks before gaining refugee status in the UK, starting their arrivals in autumn 2027. Community sponsorship and other support will facilitate the integration of refugees into UK society.
‘The human mind is my favourite tool’: Artist Shilpa Gupta on AI, morality and what matters in art
Artist Shilpa Gupta discusses how perception, borders, power and technology have shaped her artistic practice. She reflects on her use of interactive media, her experiences in border regions and why she sees AI as just another artistic medium, arguing that what matters is what artists do with it.
Amit Shah says Operation Trident busted international narco-cartel across 3 states, Rs 100 crore hawala trail unearthed
Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced the success of Operation Trident against drug cartels in northeast India. The operation took place on October 23 and involved raids at 38 locations across Assam, Mizoram, and Manipur. Authorities discovered hawala transactions worth ₹100 crore and froze 1,424 bank accounts during the operation. Additionally, 500 detonators and ₹12 lakh in cash were seized, leading to 18 arrests.
Operation Sindoor proved no target beyond IAF' s reach; air power remains India's primary responder, says Air Chief Marshal AP Singh
Air Chief Marshal AP Singh detailed the Indian Air Force's Operation Sindoor in a recent interview. The operation involved precision strikes responding to a terror attack, showcasing effective capability and integration. Singh emphasized the importance of maintaining multiple operational options and adapting to enemy tactics. He outlined future enhancements needed in various military domains for sustained effectiveness.
"Change of government through democratic means is what India wants": Kapil Sibal hits back at Bhagwat's 'regime change' remarks
Kapil Sibal addressed a press conference criticizing RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's Vijayadashami address concerning regime change. He argued that calls for change in India are democratic and peaceful unlike unrest abroad. Sibal accused the government of stifling dissent and manipulating legal processes against opposition leaders. Additionally, he raised concerns about foreign interference and territorial integrity in Arunachal Pradesh.
Women entrepreneurs can power Asia’s digital trade boom
Women entrepreneurs across Asia are increasingly turning to digital trade, enabling them to reach markets far beyond their local confines. This transition allows them to bypass traditional mobility challenges and limited funding opportunities. A variety of initiatives are in place to bolster women-led enterprises through training and improved financial access.
Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma discusses burdens of housing 40,000 displaced refugees amid political plans
Mizoram's Chief Minister Lalduhoma stated that providing shelter for 40,000 refugees from neighboring countries is a burden. He highlighted the state's efforts to manage financial liabilities inherited from previous administrations. The Chief Minister emphasized the importance of understanding border dynamics, particularly regarding tribal communities. Discussions with the central government show cooperation regarding the refugee situation despite challenges.
Mizoram targets 5–7% tourism share in GSDP by 2047, opens new investment pathways
Mizoram plans to enhance tourism's contribution to its economy by leveraging cultural and natural assets. The government is executing tourism infrastructure projects worth over Rs 681.16 crore to support this initiative. Targeting to welcome 10 lakh visitors by December 31, local benefits are prioritized alongside visitor numbers. Various tourism events are scheduled to attract a diverse range of tourists throughout the year.
Need regional resolve to deter terror: Amit Shah
Addressing the first Home Ministers' Meeting of BIMSTEC countries, Amit Shah said India follows a policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism. He said the trust underlying the partnership of BIMSTEC countries is strengthened by the belief that the security arrangements of each member country should contribute to the security of the other members.
BIMSTEC approves Delhi Declaration with focus on combating cross-border terror, other issues
The declaration, approved during the first meeting of BIMSTEC home ministers here, outlines principles guiding security cooperation and prioritises information sharing, mutual legal assistance, extradition, capacity building, and the effective implementation of existing agreements and plans of action, a government statement said.
'Ask your governments to resign first': Assam CM challenges Rahul Gandhi over CEC Gyanesh Kumar, SIR
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma addressed allegations from the opposition regarding electoral roll updates. He emphasized the importance of the Special Intensive Revision due to demographic changes and foreign infiltration. Sarma challenged Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to resign from power in states they govern and hold elections using ballot papers. He criticized the opposition's capacity to mobilize public support, viewing their demonstrations as inadequate.
Himanta Biswa Sarma announces Assam rallies against Rahul Gandhi over EC row, backs nationwide SIR every 5 years
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced rallies from October 13 to 31 against Rahul Gandhi. The rallies aim to counter what Sarma claims is Congress's undermining of democratic institutions. Sarma emphasized the need for a Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls due to concerns over illegal infiltration from Bangladesh. He criticized the Congress party's double standards regarding election results and democratic processes.
Bangladesh home minister to skip BIMSTEC meet in India amid strained ties
Bangladesh Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed will skip the BIMSTEC meeting in New Delhi. Instaed, a senior bureaucrat will represent Bangladesh. The meeting focuses on strengthening security cooperation among South and Southeast Asian nations bordering the Bay of Bengal. Bangladesh currently holds the chairmanship of BIMSTEC and seeks better coordination on law enforcement and anti-terrorism efforts. Tensions between India and Bangladesh have increased following the political changes in 2024.
Calcutta High Court asks Bengal govt how many people crossed Indo-Bangla border in 1970s
The Calcutta High Court recently heard a petition from Sahidul Shekh challenging his detention and deportation. Justice Saugata Bhattacharyya questioned how the government identified Shekh as a Bangladeshi national. The state's lawyer claimed Shekh's identification documents were obtained through forgery, raising further suspicions. The court emphasised the need for due process in immigration matters related to illegal migrants. Ultimately, the deportation order was put on hold pending further judicial review.
18 Bangladeshi nationals apprehended in Guwahati in last 24 hours
Assam Police apprehended 18 Bangladeshi nationals in separate operations in Guwahati over the past 24 hours, including five intercepted at the railway station and 13 found at a hotel. Police said the individuals had entered India illegally and were staying or travelling without valid documents, with legal proceedings initiated for their expulsion.
Dibrugarh sends first international cargo from Bogibeel to Bangladesh since Independence
A momentous occasion unfolded as the cargo vessel 'DLB Patkai' set sail from Bogibeel Terminal in Dibrugarh, heading to Dhaka. This significant shipment is the first direct trade from Upper Assam to an international market since Independence. Carrying methanol from Namrup, the vessel will embark on a 1,300 km journey to Bangladesh.
US imposes visa bonds of up to $20,000 on 50 countries; is India on the updated list?
The US has expanded its visa bond programme to citizens of 50 countries, requiring some B1/B2 applicants to post bonds of $10,000, $15,000 or $20,000 depending on the consular officer’s decision. India is not included, while Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal are covered; paying the bond does not guarantee visa approval, and refunds depend on complying with travel and visa conditions.
G20 trade ministers deadlock on excess capacity, forced labour as US seeks tougher rules
G20 trade ministers met in Milwaukee but failed to reach an agreement on overproduction of goods. The Trump administration accused various countries, especially China, of flooding markets, affecting competition. Tensions between the US and Canada escalated after new tariffs were imposed, raising concerns about trade relations. Discussions on forced labor also did not lead to a consensus among the participating countries.
Neighbourhood Power Play: Transmission lines are new pathways of India’s subcontinental influence
India’s power grid is emerging as a strategic counter to China’s Belt and Road push in South Asia. India’s ability to buy large quantities of electricity makes its market crucial for neighbours such as Nepal and Bhutan. While China funds power projects, India provides the revenue through electricity imports.
Dibrugarh set to resume international cargo movement on Brahmaputra after nearly 80 years
Dibrugarh is set to resume international cargo movement through the Brahmaputra river, transporting methanol to Bangladesh. Two vessels are prepared for this operation, carrying 1,080 tonnes of methanol from Bogibeel. The journey spans approximately 783 kilometres and is expected to take about seven days. This initiative aims to revitalize trade connections previously established during British rule. The expanded cargo transport will support local producers by opening international market access.
Bangladesh delegation to visit Delhi in early October for JWG meeting on trade: Sources
A Bangladesh delegation will visit New Delhi in early October for discussions on trade. The meeting will address various economic issues and explore ways to improve bilateral trade relations. Recent meetings in Dhaka reaffirmed the commitment to regional cooperation and sustainable development. Both countries aim to simplify procedures and enhance infrastructure for smoother trade facilitation. This collaboration highlights the ongoing efforts to strengthen economic ties and mutual prosperity.
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