November 2019 India and the World

Sakshi Education

Pakistan army fires mortar shells on forward posts along LoC in Jammu, Poonch districts
The Pakistan army on 25th November, 2019 fired mortar shells on forward posts and villages along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Poonch districts, an official spokesman said.

Repeated unprovoked ceasefire violation by Pakistani troops took place in the Akhnoor Sector in Jammu district from 4 am Monday, he said, adding that it intermittently continued till 10 pm.

They resorted to "firing of small arms & shelling with mortars", the spokesman said.

Pakistani troops also fired and shelled forward posts and civilians areas in Qasna and Kerni sectors along the LoC in Poonch district, he said.

The Indian army retaliated befittingly, the spokesman said.

According to a statement by Northern Command (Indian Army),"One terrorist has been eliminated in a joint operation in Shopian. Operation in progress."
Cabinet approves India's Approach to UN Climate Change Conference to be held in Spain next week
Union cabinet approved the negotiating stand of India at the 25th Conference of Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) scheduled to be held in Madrid, Spain (under the Presidency of Chile) from 2-13 December 2019.

The Indian delegation will be led by Shri Prakash Javadekar, Hon'ble Minister, Environment, Forest and Climate Change. COP 25 is an important conference as countries prepare to move from pre-2020 period under Kyoto Protocol to post-2020 period under Paris Agreement.

India has been leading the world in its pursuit of enhanced solar energy capacity through International Solar Alliance (ISA).In addition to ISA, two new initiatives have been launched by India as part of its efforts to mobilize world on climate action.
India and China spar over legacy of traditional medicinal system Sowa-Rigpa
India and China is one of the oldest systems of traditional medicine, known as Sowa-Rigpa, which has similarities with Ayurveda. India sought recognition of the ancient medicinal tradition as its intangible cultural heritage.
Sowa-Rigpa
Sowa-Rigpa is a traditional Tibetan system of medicine practiced in India. It is popular in Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, West Bengal's Darjeeling, Himachal Pradesh. The theory and practices of Sowa Rigpa are similar to that of Ayurveda and include a few principles of the traditional Chinese system of medicine. The fundamental textbook 'Rgyud-Bzi' of Sowa Rigpa is believed to have been taught by Buddha himself and is closely linked with Buddhist philosophy.
The NISR would provide an impetus to the revival of Sowa-Rigpa in the Indian sub-continent and provide opportunities for students of the traditional medicinal system not only in India but also from other countries.
It will be an autonomous national institute under the Ministry of AYUSH with the mandate of undertaking interdisciplinary education and research programs in Sowa-Rigpa in collaboration with premier national and international institutes and facilitate the integration of different systems of medicine.
Cabinet approved MoU signed between India, Saudi to combat illicit trafficking
The MoU signed between India and Saudi Arabia will enhance the cooperation between the two countries to combat the smuggling of narcotic drugs as defined by the United Nations International Drug Control Conventions.
Provisions of MoU:
The MoU will enhance the cooperation between the two countries to combat the smuggling of narcotic drugs as defined by the United Nations International Drug Control Conventions.
It will allow the exchange of relevant information including methods, details of trafficking of NDPS, identities and suspicious activities of producers, smugglers, and traffickers of narcotic drugs, and Precursors Chemicals on requisitions and financial details of the traffickers arrested on drug-related charges.
The MoU allows notification of the details of the arrested citizen of the other Party for committing the crime of smuggling of narcotic drugs and consular access to the arrested person.
The MoU also allows the exchange of chemical reports and analysis of narcotic drug, psychotropic substances and chemical precursors that are seized within the territory of either party. Under the MoU, exchange of data and information about illegal laboratories of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and chemical precursors and their technical specifications can be done.
Cabinet approved India-Saudi Arabia Agreement on Strategic Partnership Council
The Union Cabinet led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved Post Facto the Agreement signed by Prime Minister on 29 October 2019.

The agreement was signed between India and Saudi Arabia for the establishment of the Strategic Partnership Council.
Agreement:
The Agreement between India and Saudi Arabia aims to enable the leadership at the highest level to meet regularly and monitor progress in the ongoing initiatives and projects under the various strategic partnership.
It will help identify new areas for forging strategic engagement and will define the goals to be achieved and benefits to be derived.
It will benefit the Indian citizens with improved economic and commercial linkages with Saudi Arabia
It will also open new avenues of partnership in strategic areas like security, counter-terrorism, defence, energy security, and renewable energy.
Cabinet approved an agreement between India and Chile to avoid double taxation
The Union Cabinet approved the agreement signed between the Republic of India and the Republic of Chile to avoid double taxation.

The countries signed the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) and Protocol. The Agreement and Protocol will be implemented and monitored by the Ministry of Finance
Aim:
The agreement aimed to eliminate double taxation and the prevention of fiscal evasion in both countries. It will avoid taxes with respect to income.
Agreement:
DTAA will eliminate double taxation.
The Agreement provides a clear allocation of taxing rights between the Contracting States. It is expected that it will provide tax certainty to investors and businesses of both countries while augmenting the flow of investment through fixing of tax rates in royalties, source State on interest, and fees for technical services. The agreement and protocol will implement minimum standards and other recommendations of the G-20 Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Base Erosion Profit Shifting (BEPS) Project.
It is expected that the BEPS Project will curb tax planning strategies that exploit gaps and mismatches in tax rules.
Cabinet approved India-Myanmar Agreement on Human Trafficking
The MoU will deepen the relationship between India and Myanmar. It will increase bilateral cooperation on the issues of rescue, recovery, prevention, and repatriation related to human trafficking
MoU Benefits:
The MoU will deepen the relationship between the two countries. It will increase bilateral cooperation on the issues of rescue, recovery, prevention, and repatriation related to human trafficking.
The MoU will prevent all forms of human trafficking and protect and assist the victims of trafficking
It will ensure speedy investigation and prosecution of traffickers and organized crime syndicates in both countries.
It will strengthen immigration and border controls cooperation and implementation of strategies with relevant Ministries and Organizations to prevent trafficking in persons.
It will set up Working Groups and Task Force to make efforts to prevent human trafficking
Develop and share database on traffickers and victims of trafficking in a safe and confidential manner and exchange information through designated focal points of India and Myanmar
Capacity building programmes for the agencies concerned about both countries.
The MoU will enable both the countries to formulate and adopt Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for Rescue, Recovery, Repatriation, and Integration of the victims of trafficking.
India announces 400 million dollars line of credit to Sri Lanka to strengthen its economy
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today (29 November, 2019) said that India is committed to partner Sri Lanka in its path to development.

Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in New Delhi, Mr Modi said India gives priority to its relations with Sri Lanka under its 'Neighbourhood First' policy. He said, India will fully cooperate with Sri lanka's fight against terrorism. He announced 50 million dollars line of credit to Sri Lanka to tackle terrorism. Mr Modi also announced a new line of credit of 400 million dollars to Sri Lanka to strengthen its economy. Describing the meeting with Mr Rajapaksa as fruitful, Mr Modi said, a strong and prosperous Sri Lanka in not only in the interest of india but in the interest of the entire Indian ocean region. He assured India's help in overall development of the country.

The Sri Lankan President said, India's line of credit of 400 million dollar will further boost Sri Lanka's development. He said PM Modi has always fought terrorism.

The newly elected President of Sri Lanka arrived in the national capital last evening on a state visit to India at Prime Minister Modi's invitation.

Mr Rajapaksha also met External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar and discussed a range of bilateral and regional issues.

This is Mr Rajapaksa's first overseas visit since assuming office. He will call on President Ram Nath Kovind at Rashtrapati Bhawan this evening (29 November, 2019).
India to announce LoC of Rs.3,230 crore to Sri Lanka
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced a line of credit of Rs.3,230 crore (approx) to Sri Lanka financial assistance and $50 million to fight terrorism.

The decision comes after the talks held between PM Modi and Sri Lanka's newly elected President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.
Rajapaksa's visit to India:
The newly elected Sri Lankan President Rajapaksa is on a three-day visit to India.
He held a discussion with Indian PM Narendra Modi. The talks focused on issues like fulfilling the aspirations of the Tamil community in Sri Lanka.
The talks aim to boost security, trade ties and address concerns of the fishermen.
The leaders also discussed to strengthen mutual cooperation in dealing with terrorism. The talks also focused on economic cooperation.
India, Japan to hold Foreign and Defence Ministerial Dialogue in New Delhi
Japanese Foreign Affairs Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and Japanese Defence Minister Taro Kono called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi this morning (30 November, 2019). The Japanese Ministers are on a day's working visit to participate in 22 India-Japan Dialogue today. They will also meet External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar ahead of the dialogue.

The meeting will provide an opportunity for the two sides to further strengthening defence and security cooperation to provide greater depth to the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership. The two sides will also exchange views on the situation in the Indo-Pacific region and their efforts for achieving their shared objective of peace, prosperity and progress for a better future for the people of the two countries and the region.

The meeting is being held following the decision taken by Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Abe during the 13th India-Japan Annual Summit held in Japan in October 2018 to institute a Foreign and Defence Ministerial Dialogue for further deepening bilateral Security and Defence cooperation.
India to set up 12 hi-tech parks in Bangladesh
India will set up 12 hi-tech parks in Bangladesh at a cost of $193 million.

Speaking at a business meeting in Rangpur organised by the local Chamber of Commerce and Industry on 28 November, 2019, High Commissioner of India to Bangladesh Riva Ganguly Das said that these hi-tech parks will provide training to 30,000 youth of Bangladesh as skilled IT professionals.

She also inaugurated Swami Vivekananda Bhawan at Rangpur which houses a Computer Center, Charitable Medical Centre, Coaching centre and student's home.
Gotabaya Rajapaksa to arrive in India on Nov 29
Sri Lanka’s new President Gotabaya Rajapaksa will embark on his maiden visit to India on 29th November, 2019 on the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Gotabaya assumed office as the seventh President of Sri Lanka this morning, after his victory in the election, on 16 November, 2019.

This was finalised during External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar short visit to Colombo on 19 November, 2019, during which he called on Mr Rajapaksa.

He conveyed Prime Minister Modi’s message of a partnership for shared peace, progress, prosperity and security.
India and Singapore agree to strengthen defence cooperation
India and Singapore have agreed to strengthen bilateral defence cooperation and taking it to greater heights.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed satisfaction at the increasing engagement of the Armed Forces of both the countries in conducting joint exercises. This while calling on Singapore Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat in Singapore.

Mr. Singh stressed that the Indo-Pacific for India means an open, inclusive and stable region, connected through secure seas, integrated by trade and anchored by the unity and centrality of ASEAN.

The Defence Minister will co-chair the 4th India-Singapore Defence Ministers’ Dialogue today before concluding his two-day visit.
Union Cabinet approves MoU with Finland in tourism
Union Cabinet on 20 November, 2019 approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Finland for strengthening cooperation in the tourism sector.

The MoU seeks to establish the basis for a cooperative relationship to encourage and promote successful bilateral cooperation in the field of tourism, sharing data, knowledge, expertise in the field of tourism.

The two countries will also be sharing experiences in making policies, regulation and standards in planning, implementation and development of tourism policy.

India and Finland will also be exchanging best practices through workshops and study visits for experts of the two countries on cooperation.
Brazil hosting its 2nd BRICS summit from 13th to 14th November
Brazil is hosting 2019 BRICS summit, this time in capital Brasilia from 13th to 14th November.

BRICS brings together five major economies of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa having 23 percent of the global GDP and around 17 percent of the share in world trade.

It started off primarily with an economic aspect but has now actually diversified into the political, security issues, socio-economic issues, and also people-to-people connections.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will reach Brasilia in the early morning of 13th Nov.

This is Prime Minister's second visit to Brazil and his first visit after the new administration led by the president Bolsonaro assumed office on 1st January 2019.

2019 edition of BRICS will be its 11th summit, happening every year since its inception.

The plenary session will take place in Itamarty Palace where preparations are in full swing to receive the dignitaries.

Business delegations from all the 5 BRICS countries will start reaching Brasilia from today to attend BRICS business council meeting on 13th which will also be addressed by all the BRICS leaders on the same day.

BRICS plenary session will be held on 14th Nov.

Several rounds of security drills have been conducted, both on land and in air to make it a successful summit which is expected to see many firsts with the launches of Innovation BRICS Network, BRICS Institute of Future Network and a Women Business Alliance.

This year's BRICS will also see a major focus on counter-terrorism measures, in addition, to clean energy and push to multilateralism.
Ministry of Tourism participated in World Travel Market (WTM)
The Ministry of Tourism participated in the three- day-long World Travel Market (WTM) from November 04-06, 2019 in London, UK.

The theme for India Pavilion at WTM 2019 was ‘Incredible India – Find the Incredible India’.

A total of 32 stakeholders, including State Governments, Union Territory Administrations, Air India, IRCTC participated as co-exhibitors in the India Pavilion.
Dharmendra Pradhan to visit to UAE for ADIPEC
Minister of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Steel Dharmendra Pradhan has arrived in UAE on 10 November, 2019 to participate in the Inaugural Ministerial Session of Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition & Conference (ADIPEC) and a Ministerial Panel Discussion.

He is visiting on the invitation of UAE Minister of State and CEO, ADNOC Dr. Sultan Ahmad Al Jaber.

Mr Pradhan along with Dr. Sultan will inaugurate the India Pavilions set up by Federation of Indian Petroleum Industry, Directorate General of Hydrocarbons and Confederation of Indian Industry.

Mr Pradhan is also scheduled to meet his UAE counterparts Suhail Mohamed Faraj Al Mazrouei and others and discuss issues of bilateral hydrocarbon as well as steel sector.

Union Minister Pradhan will also meet his counterparts from various countries and Heads of international energy organizations and CEOs of global oil & gas companies on this occasion.

He will also use the occasion to explore opportunities for steel exports to the Middle East countries.

ADIPEC has become one of the most influential global conference in the oil and gas sector, attracting 1,45,000 attendees from more than 160 countries, including Government Ministers, global industry CEOs, policy makers and leading energy companies.

There are 23 exhibiting country pavilions at the ADIPEC including India.
BRICS trade ministers meeting begins in Brasilia
BRICS trade ministers meeting has started in Brasilia. Commerce minister Piyush Goyal is leading the Indian delegation.

The meeting will focus on trade facilitation, investment promotion and cooperation in customs among other issues.

MoU on trade and investment promotion between agencies of all the 5 BRICS countries will be signed after the meeting.

Power minister R K Singh will attend the meeting of BRICS power ministers where deliberations will focus on clean energy and harnessing the strengths of each other in the energy sector.
PM Narendra Modi to leave for Brasilia to attend BRICS summit today (12 November)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will leave for Brasilia this afternoon (12 November, 2019) to attend 11th BRICS summit.

The theme of the BRICS summit this year is "Economic Growth for an Innovative Future.

It is sixth time that Mr. Modi is participating in the BRICS summit.

A large business delegation from India is also expected to be present during the visit to attend the BRICS Business Forum where the business communities of all five countries are going to be represented.

Prime Minister is scheduled to hold separate bilateral meetings with the Russian President Vladimir Putin and the Chinese president Xi Jinping.
India to address cross-border terrorism strongly at BRICS summit in Brazil
BRICS which accounts for 23 per cent of the global GDP and around 17 per cent of the share in world trade has diversified its agenda over the years.

In an exclusive interview to our correspondent, India's Sous (pronounced as 'Su') Sherpa, India is focussing on taking up the issue of cross border terrorism strongly at BRICS 2019.

Global commons are facing several issues related to sovereignty which will also be discussed extensively:

This alliance is going to help the women across the BRICS societies a lot through its connection with the New Development Bank.
India calls for coordinated global action against cyber terrorism
India has called for coordinated action by nations, bilaterally or multilaterally, to prevent the forces of terrorism and extremism from building presence in the digital domain.

Countries should consider entering into arrangements for speedy action and mitigation on issues pertaining to the governance of cyberspace and specific security threats.

India's support to the Christchurch call to eliminate terrorist and violent extremist content online manifests the country's commitment to work with like-minded countries, without endangering our safety and security.

Cyberspace and digital technologies have been a real force of economic, social, political, industrial, even behavioural transformation.

India has joined France, New Zealand, Canada and several other countries in launching a major initiative to combat terrorism and extremism online and secure the internet.
PM Narendra Modi to attend 11th BRICS Summit beginning today (13th November) in Brasilia
11th BRICS Summit will begin in Brazil's capital Brasilia today(13 November, 2019). BRICS comprises Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

The theme of this year's summit is "Economic Growth for an Innovative Future."

Mr Modi is looking forward for exchanging views with leaders to further strengthen intra BRICS cooperation.

Modi will address the BRICS Business Forum and interact with BRICS Business Council as well as the New Development Bank.

The visit to Brazil will give him an opportunity to hold talks with President Jair M. Bolsonaro on ways to deepen the India-Brazil strategic partnership.

There is great potential in sectors like trade, defence, agriculture and energy.

BRICS will also discuss counter-terrorism cooperation as one of its priority areas this year (2019).

BRICS Innovation Network, BRICS Institute of Future Network and a Women Business Alliance will also be launched.
Ex Indra 2019 to be held in December
The first-ever joint tri-service exercise between India and Russia code named INDRA 2019 will be conducted from December 10-19.

Company-sized mechanised contingents, fighter and transport aircraft as well as ships of respective Armies, Air Forces and Navies will participate in this 10-days exercise.

It is aimed at enhancing interoperability between both the national armed forces.
India, Switzerland hold bilateral meeting to discuss fight against tax evasion
India and Switzerland held Secretary-level bilateral meeting in New Delhi and discussed enhanced cooperation in the fight against tax evasion.

The Secretaries expressed satisfaction over the progress made over the past few years in the area of administrative assistance in tax matters, particularly the efforts made by Switzerland in providing assistance in HSBC cases.

Welcoming the first transmission of financial account information on automatic basis between the two countries in September 2019, the Secretaries reiterated their countries’ commitment to global tax transparency for tackling offshore tax evasion.

The Secretaries encouraged the competent authorities of both countries to further collaborate and share experiences with the aim of continuously enhancing the quality of the exchanged data.
PM Modi holds bilateral meeting with President of Russia
Prime Minister held bilateral meetings with top leaders from Russia, Brazil and China last night on the sidelines of BRICS summit in Brasilia.

During his talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Mr. Modi expressed happiness at the pace of growth of bilateral relations.

This is the 4th time the two leaders have met this year.

During the meeting, both leaders reviewed the progress made in the bilateral relationship since PM's visit to Vladivostok.

The two leaders noted with satisfaction that the 25 billion US Dollar target of bilateral trade by 2025 has already been achieved.
Which country’s President will be the chief guest for the Republic Day celebrations in 2020?
The Prime Minister invited the Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro as chief guest for the Republic Day celebrations in 2020 and he accepted the invitation with pleasure.

During the meeting between Prime Minister Modi and Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, the two leaders spoke about diversifying cooperation for the benefit of their people. Both leaders agreed that on this occasion the two countries can comprehensively enhance our strategic partnership.

Mr. Modi also outlined areas for potential investment from Brazil, including in areas of agricultural equipment, animal husbandry, post-harvest technologies and biofuels. Mr Modi welcomed the decision of Brazilian President to grant visa-free travel to Indian citizens.
PM Modi invited for the 3rd informal summit in China in 2020
Mr Modi met Chinese President Xi Jinping for the second time in two months, on the margins of the BRICS Summit.

Both leaders had forward-looking discussions on various aspects of the multifaceted India-China relationship.

President Jinping invited Mr Modi for the 3rd informal summit in China in 2020.

The two leaders agreed that the new High-Level Mechanism on Trade and Economy should meet at an early date.
Exercise Tiger Triumph commenced in Visakhapatnam
Exercise Tiger Triumph, a joint tri-services Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) between India and the US, commenced at Visakhapatnam on 13 November. The exercise will be held from 13-21 November 2019.

The aim of the exercise is to grow the partnership between India and the US. It also is aimed to develop interoperability for conducting HADR operations.

Indian Naval Ships (INS) Jalashwa, Airavat and Sandhayak, Indian Army troops from 19 Madras and 7 Guards, and Indian Air Force MI-17 helicopters and Rapid Action Medical Team (RAMT) are participating in the exercise.

The US side is represented by the US Navy Ship Germantown with troops from the US Third Marine Division.

The Harbor Phase of the exercise commenced at Visakhapatnam. It will be held on 13-16 November 2019.

The opening ceremony held onboard INS Jalashwa on 14 November.

Personnel from both navies are participating in the training visits, sports events, subject matter expert exchanges, and social interactions.

At the HADR Exercise Area, the Indian Army and US Marines will jointly establish a Command and Control Centre.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) Rapid Action Medical Team (RAMT) and the US Navy Medical Team will establish a Medical Facility Camp for providing medical aid to victims.
Rajnath Singh to co-chair India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military and Military Technical Cooperation
Defence minister Rajnath Singh will co-chair the 19th India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military and Military Technical Cooperation starting in Moscow.

During his visit, Mr Singh is expected to hold discussions with Defence Minister of Russian Federation General Sergei Shoigu.

He is also scheduled to inaugurate, along with Russian Minister of Industry and Trade Denis Manturov, India-Russia Defence Industry Cooperation Conference.
Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla addresses 6th Parliamentary Speakers’ Summit of G 20 Countries
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has said that terrorism not only damages the society but also significantly impacts the economy.

Mr Birla, who is in Tokyo to attend the 6th Parliamentary Speakers’ Summit of G 20 Countries, shared his views with Presiding Officers of Parliaments of G20 countries.
Rajnath Singh urges Russian Defence Industry to jointly manufacture defence equipment with India
Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh called upon the Russian Defence Industry to jointly manufacture defence platforms and equipment with India that will give a massive boost to the nations’ exports to third countries.

Mr. Singh was addressing CEOs of Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) from Russian Defence Industry after jointly inaugurating ‘India-Russia Defence Industry Cooperation Conference’ with Russian Minister ofIndustry and Trade Denis Manturov in Moscow, Russia.

Defence Minister is on a three-day visit to Russia to co-chair the 19th India-RussiaInter-Governmental Commission on Military and Military Technical Cooperation.

He urged industryleaders to make use of the significant economic reforms undertaken by thegovernment under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to improve easeof doing business and opening up the defence manufacturing sector for foreignparticipation.

Government of India is encouraging OEMs to partner with Indian entities making use of the ‘Make in India’ initiative.

He also looked forward to his meeting with the DefenceMinister of Russia General Sergei Shoigu tomorrow, saying that he hopes to discuss mutual steps to facilitate Russian OEMs to take necessary actions for collaboration with Indian Industry.
India decided not to be part of RCEP agreement in national interest: Piyush Goyal
Free Trade Agreements, FTAs with Japan, South Korea and ASEAN countries are being reviewed, said Piyush Goyal.

India is also exploring trade agreements with the USA and European Union, where Indian industry and services will be competitive and benefit from access to large developed markets.

India decided not to be part of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, RCEP agreement in national interest.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken this historic step in the interest of the farmers and medium and small scale industries.

India put forth its key demands before the member countries and made it clear that it will not compromise with its national interest.

A balanced trade deficit, better market access of the Indian goods and services and protection of the industries from the unfair trade practices were the key demands of India.

Goyal assured that India will never finalize any trade agreement in a hurry and the focus will be on India first.

Various trade associations and cooperative bodies continue to compliment Prime Minister Modi for refusing to be part of RCEP.

China will resolve the outstanding issues raised by India for not joining the RCEP.
Union Minister Prakash Javadekar to attend 15th meeting of Governing Council of SACEP in Dhaka
Environment, Forest & Climate Change and Information & Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar will attend the 15th meeting of the Governing Council of South Asia Co-operative Environment Programme, SACEP in Dhaka on 6 November, 2019.

The SACEP is an inter-governmental organization which was established in 1982. Its member countries Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka aim to promote and support protection, management and enhancement of the environment in the region.

The 14th meeting of the SACEP Governing Council was held in March last year (2018) in Colombo.
I & B Minister Prakash Javadekar Meets Bangladesh Information Minister in Dhaka
Union Minister of Environment, Forest & Climate Change and Information & Broadcasting Prakash Javadekar met the Information Minister of Bangladesh Hasan Mahmood on the first day of his visit to Bangladesh.

He discussed host of issues including cooperation in two film production namely Story of Liberation of Bangladesh and Bangabandhu with his Bangladeshi counterpart.

Both the leaders also discussed the progress and impact of DD India broadcasted in Bangladesh and Bangladesh TV being aired in India.

The two countries have ties and cooperation in many fields. He invited Information Minister of Bangladesh to visit India to take forward the cooperation between the two countries.
Kartarpur Corridor: India asks Pakistan to provide highest level of security to the visiting VVIPs
India has asked Pakistan to provide the highest level of security to VVIPs visiting Kartarpur as pilgrims.

Dignitaries who will be crossing over from India to Kartarpur as pilgrims include former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh, Union Ministers Harsimrat Kaur Badal and Hardeep Singh Puri and several MPs.

Human Resource Development Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ and Food Processing Industries Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal will launch three books on Guru Nanak Dev Ji at Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Khalsa College in Delhi today.

The National Book Trust has published three titles - Guru Nanak Bani, Nanak Bani, and Sakhian Guru Nanak Dev-to spread the message of Guru Nanak Dev’s writings among readers of Indian sub-continent.

The Kartarpur Corridor, which will be inaugurated on Saturday, will connect the Dera Baba Nanak shrine in Punjab with Darbar Sahib at Kartarpur in Pakistan.
PM Narendra Modi to visit Brazil for BRICS summit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be on a two-day visit to Brazil from the 13th November, 2019 to attend the 11th BRICS Summit in Brasilia. The theme of the Summit this year is "Economic Growth for an Innovative Future”.

This will be the sixth time that Mr Modi participates in the BRICS Summit. His first BRICS Summit was at Fortaleza in Brazil in 2014.

A large business delegation is also expected to be present during the visit, especially to attend the BRICS Business Forum where the business community of all five countries are represented.
Indian-American community lauds Supreme Court verdict in Ayodhya case
The Indian-American community on 09 November, 2019 lauded the Supreme Court's historic verdict in the Ayodhya case.

The ruling by the Supreme Court is equally a victory for Hindus and Muslims, as it is for archeologists, historians and the Indian legal system.

There is no immediate reaction from the Muslim-American groups in the US.

For Hindus around the world, the Ram Janmabhoomi movement is a symbol of their centuries-old struggle against colonialism and the brutality and tragedy that came with it.