The Press Roundup

Pakistan News Headlines

Conventional wisdom suggests that Israel lacks a strategy for the Gaza Strip beyond toppling Hamas.
However, there are indications that some members of the Israeli government have a preference for what happens next in Gaza.
Israeli officials have expressed support for population transfers, with proposals for permanently relocating Gazans to the Sinai region of Egypt and endorsing the voluntary resettlement of Palestinians in Gaza outside of the Strip.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly asked a close confidant to develop a plan to reduce the population in Gaza by opening up routes to other countries.
The strategy employed by Israel in the conflict has made Gaza largely unlivable, suggesting a desire to make many of Gaza's people leave.

Indian Air Force (IAF) C-130 Super Hercules aircraft made a night landing at the Advanced Landing Ground (ALG) in Kargil, which is located close to the Line of Control (LoC) with Pakistan. This was the first night landing at the ALG, demonstrating the capability to carry out specialized missions round the clock in the area. The ALG is located at an altitude of around 10,000 feet and is a restricted airstrip with unidirectional approach surrounded by rough terrain. It does not have night landing facilities. The Kargil ALG is the only airstrip in the area, becoming critical for any exigency.
The Indian Air Force has full-fledged airfields in Jammu and Kashmir at Srinagar, Awantipora, Udhampur, and Jammu. In Ladakh, the IAF has airfields at Leh and Thoise, and ALGs at Nyoma, Fukche, and Daulat Beg Oldi (DBO).
The Defense Ministry has reactivated a series of ALGs close to the border, especially along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China. The IAF has upgraded eight ALGs in Arunachal Pradesh at an estimated cost of Rs1,000 crore, which are now operational.

The 'Know Your Army' festival showcased modern weapon systems and those associated with famous victories like the Kargil war against Pakistan. The Bofors artillery guns, which played a significant role in the Kargil war, were also displayed.
The K-9 Vajra artillery propellor, which was on display at the festival, is the latest addition to the Indian artillery regiment. It has an excellent firing mechanism and advanced fire control system. It is suitable for use in desert terrains and has been used in high altitudes in Jammu and Kashmir with certain limitations.
The Bofors artillery guns, used by one of the artillery units of the 14 Infantry Division, are different from the K-9 Vajra. They need to be towed by field artillery tractors and have an auxiliary engine for short-distance movement.
The Indian army's main battle tank, the T-90, has been upgraded with better range, fire control, mobility, and night firing capability. It is sourced from Russia.

The Qaumi Yakjehti Alliance (QYA) is being formed by independent candidates and small political parties to address polarization in Pakistan and provide solutions to the country's problems.
The alliance aims to run the country on ideological grounds and promote politics based on principles and ideology.
The QYA claims to have the support of 25 like-minded politicians from across the country and is also reaching out to small political parties for alliances.
Ijazul Haq, the President of Pakistan Muslim League-Zia (PML-Z) and former federal minister, plans to visit Balochistan and Sindh to gather support for the alliance.
The QYA is open to independent candidates joining the alliance and aims to govern the country according to the ideology of Pakistan.
The alliance also intends to involve overseas Pakistanis and will announce a manifesto soon, based on the existing manifesto of PML-Z

The caretaker government plans to initiate an iPhone installment plan on January 12, 2024, in response to the demand from freelancers, aiming to facilitate remittances through PayPal.
The government also plans to launch 5G technology in July of the upcoming year, along with an auction of 300 MHz of spectrum, which is expected to bring high-speed connectivity to the country.
The Cabinet has approved the National Space Policy, allowing private sector companies to utilize low orbit satellites, opening up opportunities for the private sector in space-related ventures.
A collaboration with telecom stakeholders will launch an initiative on January 12, 2024, enabling consumers to acquire the latest model phones through easy installment plans, including iPhones.

Security forces believe that two groups, consisting of militants from Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammad, have been involved in the attacks in the Jammu-Poonch-Rajouri region, resulting in the deaths of around 25 personnel in the last two-plus years.
One of the groups is suspected to have just two men, including a Pakistani terrorist, while the other group may have three to five members led by a highly-trained commander.
The sources suspect a presence of around 15-20 Pakistani terrorists in the region.
The Army has killed around 30 terrorists, mostly Pakistani, since October 2021, but has also lost about 30 personnel, including officers.
One of the two groups, which has gone dormant, is suspected to be behind the initial shootouts with the armed forces in October 2021.
The other group, led by a commander and his team, avoids taking shelter in houses and instead lives in caves in the jungle. They maintain minimal contact with locals for logistical support.

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has won her fourth consecutive term as her party, the Awami League, secured an absolute majority in the general election.
The main opposition party, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), boycotted the election after their demands for Hasina's resignation and the appointment of a neutral authority were not met.
The election was marred by violence, and voter turnout was low, with only about 40% of the electorate participating.
The opposition has been accused of instigating anti-government protests that have resulted in several deaths.
The election results for the remaining seats are yet to be announced.