The Catch Up: 29 November

Nov 29, 2024

This week’s discussion dives into the resignation of Maharashtra's Chief Minister, sparking political shifts and a new government formation. It also covers the arrest of a Hindu leader in Bangladesh, raising concerns about minority safety. Additionally, listeners learn about a recent ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah, underscoring the complex social and political dynamics in both India and the Middle East. These developments hint at potential impacts on regional stability.

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Current Events Overview: Political Shifts and International Conflict

00:00 • 6min

This is the Catchup on 3 Things by The Indian Express and I'm Ichha Sharma.
Today is the 29th of November and here are this week’s headlines.

The Lok Sabha passed a resolution on Thursday to extend the tenure of the Joint Committee on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill till the last day of the Budget session next year. Jagdambika Pal, Chairman of the Joint Committee, moved a motion stating, “That this House do extend time for the presentation of the Report of the Joint Committee on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, up to the last day of the Budget Session, 2025.” The Lok Sabha approved the motion with a voice vote. The Centre had referred the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, tabled on 8th of August, to the Committee to scrutinise the Bill following the Opposition’s objections. The panel’s tenure was set to conclude on November 29.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde resigned on Tuesday, marking the end of the 14th Assembly’s term. Shinde, along with deputy CMs Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar, met Governor C P Radhakrishnan at Raj Bhawan. As caretaker CM, Shinde will oversee the formation of a new government. The BJP-led Mahayuti coalition won a clear mandate in the Assembly elections, securing 230 out of 288 seats. Ajit Pawar was also elected leader of the NCP, setting the stage for key decisions in the coming days.

India expressed deep concern over the arrest of Hindu leader Krishna Das Prabhu in Bangladesh on Tuesday. Prabhu, a prominent member of ISKCON, was detained at Dhaka airport, facing charges of sedition after leading a rally in Chattogram. He’s accused of disrespecting Bangladesh’s national flag. India urged the Bangladeshi government to ensure the safety of Hindus and all minorities in the country, calling for Prabhu’s immediate release.

A ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon took effect, following an agreement brokered by the US and France. Hamas expressed support for Lebanon’s efforts to protect its people and hopes for a broader deal to end the Gaza war. While international peace efforts remain stalled, Lebanon’s military is preparing to deploy in the south to help maintain the ceasefire, urging residents near the border to stay away until the Israeli military retreats. This marks a tentative step toward reducing tensions in the region.

Meanwhile, in Pakistan, violent protests erupted on Tuesday after supporters of jailed former PM Imran Khan clashed with security forces. Six people were killed, including four paramilitary personnel, and over 100 injured. The protests, calling for Khan’s release, spiraled out of control, prompting the government to deploy the army in Islamabad. With 'shoot at sight' orders in place, the nationwide demonstrations, led by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf supporters, have challenged Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s government, showing no signs of abating.

This was the Catch Up on 3 Things by The Indian Express.