The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), India has said they support a "democratic, stable, peaceful, progressive, and inclusive" Bangladesh. "That is our approach to Bangladesh and our ties with Bangladesh, and as a democracy also," said official spokesperson at the MEA Randhir Jaiswal while responding to a question on election issues in Bangladesh. During a weekly media briefing on December 20, the MEA spokesperson said they have reiterated their willingness to build a "positive and constructive" relationship with Bangladesh based on "mutual trust, respect, and mutual sensitivity" to each other's concerns and interests. Bangladesh, Turkiye discuss exchange of high-level visits Jaiswal referred to recent Foreign Office Consultations between the two countries where they had a range of talks and they have very clearly defined their approach towards their ties with Bangladesh. "We've also emphasized that the people of Bangladesh are the main stakeholders in India-Bangladesh relations and noted that India's development cooperation and multifaceted engagements with Bangladesh, including in the areas of connectivity, trade, power, energy, and capacity building and such activities are all geared towards the benefit of the people of Bangladesh," he said. One of the reporters wanted to India's stance on Adviser Mahfuz Alam's recent Facebook post. In reply, the MEA Spokesperson said they have taken this up with the Bangladesh government. Prioritise reconstruction of Gaza, West Bank, Lebanon: Prof Yunus "We have actually strongly registered our protest on this issue. We understand that the post that you referred to has been taken down. We would like to remind all concerned to be mindful of their public comments," Jaiswal said. While India has repeatedly signaled interest in fostering relations with the people and the interim government of Bangladesh, such comments underline the need for responsibility in public articulation, he said. "And once again to repeat that we have strongly protested against this with the Bangladesh government," Jaiswal said. He said India follows all developments which have a bearing on their security and interest very closely. "And we take these things very seriously and take action as appropriate."

Bangladesh endured an eight-wicket defeat against India in their Super Four match of the Under-19 Women's T20 Asia Cup Cricket at the Bayuemas Oval in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday. Following the loss, Bangladesh faces a must-win scenario against Nepal on Friday, requiring not only a victory but also a strong net run rate to stay in contention for the final. Meanwhile, India will play Sri Lanka in the other Super Four fixture on the same day. Sent in to bat first, Bangladesh managed to score only 80 runs for the loss of eight wickets in their 20 overs, struggling against India’s disciplined bowling attack. Opener Mosammat Eva, Habiba Islam, Fahmida Choya, and Nishita Akter Nishi were the only Bangladeshi batters to reach double figures, while 11 runs came from extras. The rest of the lineup faltered under pressure. India's Aayushi Shukla wreaked havoc, claiming 3 wickets for just 9 runs in her four overs, including a maiden. Sonam Yadav was equally effective, taking 2 wickets for 6 runs in her four overs, also with a maiden. Champions Trophy: ICC confirms neutral venues for India-Pakistan matches Chasing a modest target of 81, India reached 86 runs with ease in just 12.1 overs, losing only two wickets. Opener Gongadi Trisha played a stellar innings, smashing an unbeaten 58 off 46 balls, including 10 boundaries. Captain Niki Prasad supported with an unbeaten 22 off 14 balls, hitting one four and two sixes. Bangladesh’s Anisa Akter Soba was the sole wicket-taker, claiming both Indian wickets for 19 runs in her four-over spell.

Indian cricket allrounder Ravichandran Ashwin waved goodbye to international cricket. His decision came abruptly on Wednesday.  He hastily called a media conference following the drawn test between Australia and India at the Gabba, and came up with the retirement decision, reports AP.  “It’s a very emotional moment,” Ashwin said. “I have had a lot of fun, I have made a lot of memories alongside Rohit (captain Sharma) and my other teammates.” Bangladesh clinch T20I series vs West Indies The right-arm spinner and handy batter got his maiden Test cap in 2011 and played 106 Tests since. He grabbed 537 wickets in Test cricket. He has 115 wickets in Tests against Australia in 23 matches.  He has more wickets against Australia than other countries.  Sharma said he was aware of Ashwin’s desire to walk away before the start of the series, but convinced him to play in Adelaide last week. The 38-year-old spinner was then left out of the third test in Brisbane, with Ravindra Jadeja taking his spot. India trails Australia by 278 runs on the 4th day of the 3rd test “He felt if I am not needed now in the series, I am better off saying goodbye to the team,” captain Rohit Sharma said. Ashwin’s call means he will not be available for the final two tests in Australia, with Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar the two remaining spinners in the Indian squad.

In a surprising move to eliminate begging, authorities in an Indian city will begin registering police cases against individuals who give money to beggars, starting January 1, 2025, according to media reports. The initiative aims to make Indore the first city in India to be declared “beggar-free.” The district administration has announced that an awareness campaign will continue until the end of December. However, from January, legal action will be taken against those found giving alms, marking the enforcement of a city-wide ban on begging in Indore. This effort is part of a central government pilot project targeting the rehabilitation of beggars across ten cities, including Delhi, Bengaluru, and Mumbai. The initiative aims to reshape the lives of those who depend on begging while maintaining Indore’s reputation as a model urban center. India listed as 'uncooperative' country by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement The campaign is being supported by Madhya Pradesh’s Social Welfare Department and local organizations. According to officials, a local organization will provide six months of shelter to beggars while helping them secure employment opportunities. Indore authorities believe this dual approach—combining enforcement with rehabilitation—will not only eliminate begging but also create pathways for vulnerable individuals to reintegrate into society.

India was 167-6 at lunch Tuesday on the fourth day and still trailing Australia by 278 runs in its first innings in the rain-plagued third cricket test at the Gabba in Brisbane. Australia scored 445 runs in its first innings after only 13 overs were bowled on the first day Saturday and after there were eight stoppages of play due to rain on the third day Monday. That continued Tuesday morning and rain returned to delay the start of play after lunch. Kane Williamson makes 156 as New Zealand sets England 658 to win the 3rd test Ravindra Jadega on 41 was one of the not-out batters. KL Rahul top-scored for India with 84 runs before being caught by Steve Smith off Nathan Lyon's bowling, while Mitchell Starc and captain Pat Cummins have taken two wickets each for Australia. Australia could be a bowler down for the remainder of the test after Josh Hazlewood suffered calf soreness ahead of the fourth day’s play and was only able to send down one over before leaving the field. Hazlewood, who missed the second Adelaide test due to side soreness, was late entering the field at the start of play and then looked labored when he came into the attack. India won the first test by 295 runs at Perth, while Australia came back to win the second day-night test in Adelaide by 10 wickets.

Zakir Hussain, the peerless tabla player and multiple Grammy award winner, is critical and in a US hospital over serious heart-related ailments, his family said on Sunday. "My brother is deeply ill at this time. We are asking for all his fans around India and around the world to pray for him, to pray for his health. But as India's greatest ever exports, do not finish him off just yet," Zakir Hussain's sister Khurshid Aulia told news agency PTI amid multiple reports that her brother had died. "I just want to request all the media not to follow wrong information about Zakir's passing. He is very much breathing at the moment. He is very very critical, but he's still with us. He has not yet gone.” “So, I will request (the media) not to spread this rumour by writing or saying that he has passed away. I feel so bad watching all this information on Facebook which is very wrong," she added. "He is unwell and admitted in the ICU right now. We all are worried about the situation," said Zakir Hussain's friend and flautist Rakesh Chaurasia. His manager, Nirmala Bachani, said he was admitted to a hospital in San Francisco for the last two weeks. "I am Zakir Hussain nephew and he has not passed away. We ask for prayers for my Uncle's health. Can you please remove this misinformation. He is in a serious condition and we ask for all his fans around the world to pray for his health," said Ameer Aulia on X. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting of India, which posted about the artist's death, later deleted its post on X. Zakir Hussain, born on March 9, 1951, to Ustad Alla Rakha Qureshi, showed an early aptitude for the tabla, performing with his father at just seven years old. Hussain played with legendary artists like Pandit Ravi Shankar and Ustad Ali Akbar Khan and co-founded the fusion band Shakti with John McLaughlin, broadening the tabla's global appeal. Honoured with the Padma Shri (1988), Padma Bhushan (2002), and Padma Vibhushan (2023), Hussain's work earned him a Grammy Award in 2009 for his album ‘Global Drum Project’. He has received seven Grammy nominations, winning four, including three in 2024. He was also awarded the prestigious National Heritage Fellowship by the US National Endowment for the Arts.   Source: With inputs from NDTV

Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan has highlighted the importance of clearing the political clouds that once overshadowed Bangladesh-India relations, emphasising the need for fostering a harmonious partnership between the two nations.  “The political clouds that once overshadowed our relations with India had to be cleared in the interest of both nations,” she said on Friday. She was speaking at an awareness and driver retraining programme on noise pollution control in the capital. Bangladesh, Morocco reaffirm commitment to strengthen bilateral ties While acknowledging the historical significance of Bangladesh’s the recent mass uprising, Rizwana stressed the importance of balancing this legacy with a forward-looking approach to bilateral relations.  “We cannot deny the impact of the recent movement in our nation while building friendly ties with India,” she added.   Noise Pollution and Environmental Initiatives In the same event, Rizwana announced that the Noise Pollution Control Act will soon be published as a gazette, reinforcing legal measures to combat noise pollution and protect public health. “Efforts are underway to finalise the necessary steps, and the act will be published shortly,” she said. India refrains from backing Hasina's criticism of interim government: Misri Political Reforms Rizwana also questioned the lack of progress in political reforms, urging political parties to take accountability for decades of stagnation. “If political reforms cannot be achieved without the involvement of political parties, why haven’t they been implemented in the last 53 years?” she asked, calling for immediate action.

Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri has said India does not endorse ex-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s criticism of Bangladesh's interim government describing it a pinprick in India-Bangladesh relationship. Addressing the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs, chaired by Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Wednesday, Misri reaffirmed India’s focus on strengthening ties with Bangladeshi people rather than aligning with any specific political party or government, reports The Hindu. Misri said Hasina was using “private communication channels’ to air her views, and India had not provided her with any platform or facility to carry out political activities from its soil. He underscored India's longstanding policy of non-interference in the internal matters of other countries. The briefing came against the backdrop of Sheikh Hasina's recent video messages criticising Bangladesh’s interim government, led by Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus. Japan reaffirms commitment to support Bangladesh’s reform agenda and economic growth Misri told the committee that during his visit to Dhaka earlier this week, he conveyed to the interim government that India’s relation with Bangladesh went beyond “a particular political party” or a particular government and that India prioritised relations with the people of Bangladesh and would engage with the government of the day. Vikram Misri visited Dhaka on Monday to hold several meetings in Dhaka, including Foreign Office Consultations, aiming to address mutual concerns. After Foreign Office Consultations with his Bangladesh counterpart, Md Jashim Uddin, and his courtesy meeting with Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain he expressed India’s desire to see a "positive, constructive and mutually beneficial" relationship with Bangladesh. He said there is no reason why this mutually beneficial relationship should not continue to deliver in the interest of people. During these meetings, Misri highlighted India’s support for a democratic, stable, peaceful, progressive and inclusive Bangladesh. Foreign Adviser calls for increased Norwegian investment in Bangladesh The Indian Foreign Secretary emphasized that people are the main stakeholders in India-Bangladesh relations, and noted that India’s development cooperation and multifaceted engagements with Bangladesh, including in the areas of connectivity, trade, power, energy and capacity building, are all geared towards the benefit of the people of Bangladesh.

The three BNP associate organisations--Jatiyatabadi Jubo Dal, Swechchasebak Dal, and Chhatra Dal--staged a long march from Dhaka to Agartala in protest against Indian aggression and demanding an end to the false campaigns against Bangladesh. The long march, which began at the capital’s Nayapaltan around 9:00 am, reached Akhaura Land Port by 4:00 pm and ended peacefully with a brief rally there. Speaking at the rally, Jubo Dal President Abdul Munayem Munna said BNP, together with the people of Bangladesh, will foil any plot against the country. He warned that BNP and its associate bodies would not compromise on the issue of Bangladesh’s independence and sovereignty and would resist Indian aggression through united efforts. Munna also urged Indian politicians and media outlets to stop spreading false information and propaganda about Bangladesh. He said they earlier staged a road march in Dhaka, and submitted a memorandum to the Indian High Commission in Dhaka in protest against recent anti-Bangladesh incidents in India and the Indian media’s information terrorism. “Our protests will continue.” On the way to Akhaura, a roadside rally was also held at Bhairab intersection around 1:30 pm. At the rally, Swechchasebak Dal President SM Jilani said India could not be considered a friend of Bangladesh since it sheltered Sheikh Hasina, whom he called the "enemy of Bangladesh". “We would like to say that this is not Sheikh Hasina's Bangladesh. This is the Bangladesh of Shaheed Zia, Khaleda Zia, and Tarique Rahman. If they (enemies) even look at an inch of soil in this country, those eyes will be plucked out,” he said. Jubo Dal General Secretary Nurul Islam Nayan said the people of Bangladesh once thought of India as a friend. “But they (India) attacked our Assistant High Commission office and desecrated our national flag. Are these examples of friendship? Friendship with India cannot continue in this manner.” Describing India as a hegemonic state, he said the dictatorial rule of Sheikh Hasina repressed the people of Bangladesh for the past 16 years, with the backing of India. Chhatra Dal President Rakibul Islam Rakib said India is conspiring to create chaos in Bangladesh only to please Sheikh Hasina. “We will resist this with united efforts.” India doesn’t want democracy in neighbouring countries: Rizvi Talking to UNB, Dhaka District unit Jubo Dal President Yasin Ferdous Murad said their long march had ended with the rally in Akhaura. He said many common people who joined the long march on its way to Akhaura from Dhaka while many others were seen standing on the road side and chanting slogans in support of the march. Murad said that through this long march, they aimed to send a message that the people of Bangladesh, under the leadership of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, would build resistance against any plot or aggression against the country. Earlier in the morning, the three BNP associate bodies began their long march from Dhaka to Agartala to protest against Indian aggression. The programme also aimed to protest the attack on the Bangladesh mission in Agartala, the desecration of the country’s national flag, and the spread of false information and terrorism against Bangladesh by India. Several thousand leaders and activists from the three organisations formally began the long march with a huge motorcade from the party's Nayapaltan central office at around 9:00 am. BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi formally inaugurated the programme. BNP’s associate bodies start long march towards Agartala

Sanjay Malhotra, a seasoned civil servant and former revenue secretary, assumed the role of India's central bank governor on Wednesday, stepping into the position as the nation grapples with slowing economic growth and soaring inflation. Malhotra begins a three-year tenure at the helm of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), taking over from Shaktikanta Das, who concluded an extended six-year term. India's economic growth decelerated to 5.4% in the latest quarter, marking the slowest pace in nearly two years, while inflation surged to 6.2% in October—well above the RBI's 4% target. The spike in inflation has been largely driven by a steep rise in vegetable prices. An editorial in The Indian Express noted, “Malhotra faces the challenge of navigating the RBI through a period of global and domestic uncertainty, with increasing calls to ease policy rates to support growth.” Despite rising food prices, the central bank under Das held interest rates steady at 6.5% last Friday, a level maintained since February 2023. However, it lowered the cash reserve ratio for banks from 4.5% to 4%, aiming to ease monetary conditions and bolster growth. Read: X accounts, several Indian media spread propaganda against Bangladesh: Rumor Scanner Economists anticipate that inflationary pressures may ease in the coming months, potentially paving the way for a rate cut in the spring. “Structural weaknesses in India’s economy, including weak job growth and low wages, are restraining demand as urban consumer spending slows,” Shumita Deveshwar of TS Lombard highlighted in a recent report. The RBI has also revised its economic growth forecast for the current fiscal year (April-March) to 6.6%, down from an earlier projection of 7.2%. The downgrade reflects a slowdown in key industries such as mining, petroleum products, iron and steel, and cement. Nonetheless, the central bank expressed optimism for an industrial recovery, supported by increased government spending post-monsoon. “Supply chain pressures eased in October-November, falling below historical averages. Meanwhile, the services sector remains robust,” the RBI stated. Source: With inputs from agencies