Daily Current Affairs (UPSC CSE) - 20th September 2024

1. GURPATWANT PANNUN MURDER PLOT: INDIA REACTS TO US COURT SUMMONS

News Link: India Calls US Court Summons in Gurpatwant Pannun Murder Plot 'Unwarranted Imputations'

Syllabus: Prelims & Mains – General Studies Paper II (International Relations, India and Its Diaspora)

Context: India has termed as "unwarranted" and "baseless" the summons issued by a US court regarding an alleged plot to assassinate Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a designated terrorist and leader of the banned organization Sikhs for Justice (SFJ).

Background:

• Gurpatwant Singh Pannun is the founder of SFJ, a pro-Khalistan secessionist organization banned under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in India.

• SFJ advocates for a separate Sikh homeland called Khalistan, to be carved out from the Indian state of Punjab and neighbouring areas.

• Pannun is based in the United States and has been involved in anti-India propaganda and activities promoting secessionism.

About the Issue:

• A US district court reportedly issued summons to India's external intelligence agency, the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), and its chief, alleging involvement in a conspiracy to assassinate Pann