Evening News Wrap: Army Issues Advisory on Social Media Use; Gadkari Recalls Meeting Hamas Leader Before Killing, and More
In today's headlines, the Indian Army has issued a new advisory concerning social media usage for its personnel, and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has recounted a meeting with a Hamas leader shortly before his assassination. Additionally, we cover a Maoist encounter in Odisha, the return of Tarique Rahman to Bangladesh, and increased scrutiny of overseas remittances.
The Indian Army has implemented a new policy to regulate social media and messaging app usage by its personnel. The guidelines permit access to platforms like Instagram, YouTube, X (formerly Twitter), and Quora solely for passive viewing and monitoring. Posting comments, messages, or any user-generated content is strictly prohibited. Limited use of messaging apps is allowed only for unclassified communication with known contacts. This advisory emphasizes online conduct consistent with Army values and standards, reminding soldiers that they represent the U.S. Army even when off duty. Soldiers must abide by the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) at all times, and online misconduct, defined as using electronic communication to inflict harm, is punishable. The Army encourages soldiers and their families to use social media to stay connected but stresses awareness of security risks and regulations. The advisory also restricts engaging in political activity on personal social media while in the federal workplace or while on duty.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has revealed that he met Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran just hours before Haniyeh was assassinated in a heavily guarded Iranian military facility. Gadkari attended the swearing-in ceremony of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in July 2024, representing India at the request of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Gadkari recalled meeting Haniyeh at a five-star hotel in Tehran, where global leaders and dignitaries had gathered. He noted that Haniyeh, despite not holding a formal state position, was present and given importance by the Iranian government. Gadkari was informed early the next morning by the Indian ambassador that Haniyeh had been assassinated. Iranian authorities later confirmed that Haniyeh was killed at approximately 1:15 am on July 31, 2024, while staying at a secure military complex. The exact method of the assassination remains unclear.
In other news, a senior Maoist leader, Ganesh Uike, carrying a bounty of Rs 1.2 crore, was among four Naxals killed in an encounter with security forces in Odisha's Kandhamal district. This brings the total number of Naxals killed in the district over two days to six.
Tarique Rahman, the acting chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, has returned to Dhaka after over 17 years in exile. His return is seen as significant, positioning him as the party's main figurehead ahead of the February 12 elections.
Finally, amid a falling rupee, banks have increased their scrutiny of foreign fund transfers. High-net-worth individuals (HNIs) and Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) are now required to provide CA-certified proof of the sources of their funds, with some banks insisting on using bank-empanelled accountants.
