Newsletter 20 August

Sino-Indian Standoff: Joint Secretary level Meeting Concluded, said MEA

18^th meeting of India-China Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC) was held earlier today. The two sides had a candid and in-depth exchange of views on the existing situation in border areas: Anurag Srivastava, Spokesperson MEA.

They reaffirmed that in accordance with agreements reached between foreign ministers, the sides will continue to work towards complete disengagement along LAC in western sector. They agreed to resolve outstanding issues expeditiously, according to existing agreements, protocols.

The two sides (India and China) were in agreement that restoration of peace, tranquility in border areas would be essential for the overall development of bilateral relations. They agreed to continue ongoing engagements, including WMCC meetings.

(see yesterday’s Newsletter for details)

“Actions of nations during Covid-19 determines how world perceives them”: MEA

Without mentioning China, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thurs pointed that “actions of nations” amidst COVID “determines how the world really perceives them”.
This statement came on same day when Joint Secy level talk is going on between two countries regarding Standoff.
Speaking at 6^th Roundtable of the ASEAN-India Network of Think Tanks (AINTT) (the 10-member ASEAN Group — Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand, Myanmar, Indonesia, Philippines, Laos, Cambodia and Brunei) to focus on the Indo-Pacific construct.
He said, “Whatever we may profess, the actions of nations during times of crisis determines how the world really perceives them”.
Highlighting the issues with current global supply chains, the Minister through these “actions” countries “did bring up many of the risks inherent in the current global economy” & therefore “concerns about supply chains are sought to be mitigated at the very least through greater emphasis on their diversification and resilience”.
India, along with its partners like Australia, Japan & US has been calling for diversification of supply chains which are currently china dominated.
Explaining the economic impact he added, “Contraction of the world economy” due to the pandemic “will surely be the largest since the Great Depression.”
He listed cumulative loss in the range of USD 5.8-8.8 trillion or approximately 6.5-9.7% of the global GDP due to the COVID pandemic.

MEA, on weekly Press Briefing:

We are in touch with Pakistan through diplomatic channels. We believe for a free & fair trial in keeping with the letter & spirit of ICJ judgment in Kulbhushan Jhadav case, we have asked that Jhadav be represented by an Indian lawyer. However, it is important that Pakistan needs to address the core issues; these issues involve the provision of relevant documents and providing unimpeded consular access to Jhadav:

The matter is under investigation of NIA (National Investigation Agency). As far as MEA is concerned, we are extending all necessary facilitation, he stated on Kerala Gold Smuggling Case.

Israel signs pact with Uttar Pradesh govt on water management cooperation

Lucknow, Israel, represented by Ambassador Ron Malka, signs agreement with UP Agriculture Production Commissioner Alok Sinha over India-Israel Bundelkhand (SW UP) water project.

The project aims to demonstrate and implement the Israeli model for water management to find solution to water problems of Bundelkhand region in the state.

The project comprises three key components of the value chain: Water conservation, water efficient transportation, and advanced water practices for agriculture, according to an official statement issued on Thurs.

Malka said, “Israel is keen to share its most advanced, innovative, and cutting-edge water technologies with the UP Govt. Water security is the top priority in our strategic water partnership with India.”

China suspends HK judicial assistance treaty with U.S.

China strongly condemns the US’ suspension of extradition treaty with Hong Kong, and has decided to suspend the HKSAR’s implementation of treaty on mutual judicial assistance between HKSAR and US: FM spokesperson Zhao Lijian.

China has decided to suspend the judicial assistance treaty between its Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and the U.S., Zhao said on Mon.

Zhao’s announcement came after the U.S. decided to suspend or terminate three bilateral agreements with the HKSAR.

Meanwhile, Chinese Foreign office claimed that China and the United States have agreed to hold trade talks soon..

Railways Enhancing Exports Between Flag of India & Flag of Bangladesh

After the prompt delivery of 1st consignment, Railways is transporting another set of 118 trucks from Haldi Road Station in Uttarakhand to Benapole in Bangladesh.

On Wed, the Indian foreign secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla, concluded his two days visit to Bangladesh.

Previously, on July 27^th, this year, India sent 10 Locomotives to Bangladesh Further Boosting Bilateral Ties.

A Pakistan based News Agency “Kashmir Media Services” [1] to set their narratives, from which Pak Radio Picks news from it.

Probe sought into last month’s IIOJK fake encounter-Pak Radio

Centre of Indian Trade Unions (unit of Communist Party of India-Maoist)] has sought probe into last month’s killing of three Kashmiri youth in a fake encounter in Shopian district of Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

In a petition moved before the Indian Human Rights Commission, Gen Secy of the Trade Union Om Prakash asked the commission to initiate criminal as well as departmental action against those involved in the fake encounter.

The petition also demanded the Commission to direct authorities to pay compensation to the families of killed youths.

JnK: Top LeT commander among two terrorists killed in Handwara encounter

Lone was involved in the killing of 3 CRPF jawans at Sopore on Apr 18, 2020, and 3 CRPF jawans at Handwara on May 4, 2020, IGP Kumar said.

One of the two terrorists, who was killed in an encounter in Handwara on Wed, has been identified as Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) commander Naseer-u-din Lone, said Vijay Kumar, Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kashmir.
Two unidentified Militant were killed in an encounter with the security forces in the Ganipora Kralgund area of Handwara on Wed.
In Shopian, 1 unidentified Militant was killed in an encounter that broke out between security forces and Militant.

The Space sector reforms that govt has introduced is going to be a real game-changer in India's space sector: ISRO Chief

Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) Chief K Sivan at a webinar on “Unlocking India’s Potential in Space Sector”. He further added “There have been many misconceptions like privatization of ISRO. I want to state that there is no privatization of ISRO. In fact, the whole mechanism is enabling private people to carry out space activities, which otherwise are done by ISRO.”

Jaipur: Rajasthan CM, Ashok Gehlot launches ‘Indira Rasoi Scheme’ on the occasion of former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi’s birth anniversary.

Under the scheme, food will be served at Rs 8 per meal. State government to spend Rs 100 crores on the scheme every year.

A courier parcel destined to Singapore was detained at Chennai Airport Courier terminal and 40000 GBP (Great Britain Pound, the official currency of the United Kingdom, the British Overseas Territories of South Georgia, the South Sandwich Islands, and British Antarctic Territory and the U.K. crown dependencies the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands) worth Rs 38.64 lakhs was seized under Customs Act-FEMA. Currency was concealed inside 25 specially molded steel plates. The consignor has been arrested. Chennai Airport Customs

Serving, former soldiers exempted from panchayat property tax

Till now, the recipients of defense gallantry awards or their dependents were exempted from the Gram Panchayat property tax for one residential building.

All serving and retired soldiers in Maharashtra will be exempted from the Gram Panchayat property tax, Rural Development Minister Hasan Mushrif announced on Wed.

We weren’t clear about contesting polls in Uttarakhand so we did a survey there. 62% respondents said we should, so we decided to fight elections in UK. Unemployment, education and health infrastructure problems are main issues: Arvind Kejriwal, Aam Admi Party chief & Delhi CM.

Cong drops hints of Rahul’s imminent return as party president

Confusion arose when a section of the media presented Priyanka’s view on the leadership question from a year-old interview.

Hint came by aggressively contradicting reports that had suggested that Priyanka Gandhi Vadra wanted somebody from outside the family to lead the party.

Former president of congress, Rahul Gandhi Predicts Massive Unemployment, Blames PM Modi, Says ‘wait For 6-7 Months’.

On Aug 20, former Congress president Rahul Gandhi accused PM Narendra Modi of destroying the unorganized sector of the Indian economy.

Rahul Gandhi remarked, “The unorganized sector contributes 90% of employment to Indians. They comprise small businessmen, middle-sized businessmen, farmers. Narendra Modi destroyed this system. Now see, when the moratorium ends, companies will collapse one by one. Small and medium businesses will be finished.”

Congress to launch ‘rape’ protest against BJP MLA

Move comes after the woman’s complaint was not formally accepted by the police but an FIR against her was registered when the leader’s wife accused her of blackmail two days ago.

The Opposition Congress in Uttarakhand has threatened to launch a movement if no action is taken against a BJP lawmaker, Mahesh Singh Negi, the MLA of Dwarahat in Almora, who has been accused by a woman of sexual exploitation and refusal to accept that he had fathered her child (Rita Negi, the MLA’s wife). She registered the blackmail complaint at Nehru Colony police station in Dehradun on Mon.

BJP Seeks Explanation From MLAs Absent During Trust Vote In Rajasthan Assembly-Pak Radio

The House reassembled at 1 pm but the MLAs, Gopi Chand Meena, Kailash Meena, Harendra Ninama and Gotam Meena, were absent.

The Ashok Gehlot government had moved a motion of confidence on Fri and if the BJP had demanded a division on the motion, only 68 from the BJP would have voted instead of 73 and the party could have faced embarrassment.

Neighborhood

Pakistan summons Indian diplomat, lodges strong protest over ceasefire violation-Pak Radio Reported

Foreign Office summoned a senior Indian diplomat on Thurs and registered Pakistan’s strong protest over the ceasefire violation by the Indian occupation forces along the Line of Control on Wed.
Pakistan on Sat also summoned a senior Indian diplomat to register strong protest over ceasefire violation by India along the LoC.
In a statement, FO Spokesperson Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri said one innocent civilian was injured in indiscriminate and unprovoked firing by the Indian occupation forces in Sabzkot Sector of the LoC.
He said the Indian occupation forces along the LoC and the Working Boundary have been continuously targeting civilian populated areas with artillery fire, heavy-caliber mortars and automatic weapons.
He said this year, India has committed more than 2027 ceasefire violations to date, resulting in 16 martyrdoms and serious injuries to 166 innocent civilians.
Condemning the deplorable targeting of innocent civilians by the Indian occupation forces, the Spokesperson said such senseless acts are in clear violation of the 2003 Ceasefire Understanding, and are also against all established humanitarian norms and professional military conduct.
He said these egregious violations of international law reflect consistent Indian attempts to escalate the situation along the LoC and are a threat to regional peace and security.

Meanwhile, Sheikh Rasheed Ahmad, Pakistan Federal Min for Railways claimed that the Pakistan has made such type atomic bomb with absolute precision and calculated for India, which will not affect the Muslims in the area. He warned through a TV interview, if India attacks, then it will be an atomic and last war, and Pakistan can target up to Assam. And he was not kidding!

Joint session of parliament will be held in Islamabad today

A day Later reason given by a senator that to discuss national and international issues, besides legislation.

FM SM Qureshi is visiting China from 20-21 Aug.

He will be leading Flag of Pakistan delegation to Second Round of China-Pakistan Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue. Both sides will, inter alia, discuss cooperation on Covid-19, bilateral ties, regional international issues of mutual interest.

China, and Pakistan to hold 2^nd strategic dialogue between foreign ministers, also confirmed by the China state-affiliated media.

At least 5 civilians were killed and 11 others injured in a roadside bomb blast in western Ghor

The incident took place in the Do Lina district of the province, when a civilian passenger vehicle fell prey to a roadside bomb, Provincial Spokesman, Abdul Hai Khatibi said.
The victims have been taken to a nearby hospital, he said.
Khatibi believes that the bomb had been planted by the Taliban insurgents in the area.
No group including the Taliban has claimed responsibility for the blast.

Nation Amid COVID-19

GMC Srinagar (JnK) Conducted Second Round of Sero-Survey for COVID-19.
Punjab CM Captain Amarinder Singh today ordered a series of emergency measures, including the extension of weekend lockdown with daily night curfew from 7pm to 5am in all the 167 cities/towns of the state from tomorrow. CM has also ordered a total ban on all gatherings except weddings & funerals across the state till Aug 31^st. Government and private offices will work at 50% capacity till the end of this month: Punjab CMO

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