Newsletter 28 September

Sino-Indian Standoff: India ordered to Fire if PLA solders comes within 100 m

Indian Army geared up for battling both China, harsh winters in Eastern Ladakh

Engaged in a conflict with China for almost five months, the Indian Army’s armored regiments are ready to take on the Chinese Army at altitudes of over 14,500 feet in the area which is the world’s highest battlefield for tanks and infantry combat vehicles along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Eastern Ladakh.

Along with the enemy across the border, the Indian Army is also working on war footing to fight the extremely harsh winters by building new shelters and prefabricated structures for the soldiers.

A visit near the LAC in the Chumar-Demchok area in Eastern Ladakh shows that for countering the Chinese People’s Liberation Army’s deployment of armored columns, the Indian Army is battle-ready to face the Chinese Army with its T-90 and T-72 tanks along with the BMP-2 Infantry Combat Vehicles which can operate at temperatures up to -40^oC.

The Eastern Ladakh area witnesses the harshest winters where temperatures normally dip to -35^oC in the night during winters coupled with high-speed freezing winds.

“The Fire and Fury Corps is the only formation of the Indian Army and also in the world to have actually deployed mechanized forces, advanced part of the Indian Army, in such harsh terrain.

The maintenance of the tanks, infantry combat vehicles and heavy guns is a challenge in this terrain.

To ensure crew and equipment readiness, adequate arrangements are in place for both man and machine,” Major General Arvind Kapoor told ANI near a tank exercising area.

‘Every Tibetan wants to fight China, because that fight isn’t just for India, it is also for our own land, identities’. Tibetans and Indians, as well as Political Future, are intricately linked. For India to have ignored this for 70 years is a tragedy.

“Logistics supplies play a decisive role in modern warfare. China’s ability to send troops, weapons, ammunition, and supplies to border far outweighs that of India. If India dares to fire the first shot, it will have no chance to fire a second one” warned Chines State Media Global times Tweeted on Sun

'Cold War 2: China is Soviet's heir; India very close to USA'

“Chimerica is over. It began dying in the 2008 financial crisis. By 2015, it was dead – with Donald Trump’s election, its funeral began. We are now in Cold War 2 and the US has woken up to the threat China poses. The Chinese also made their move too soon, before they were ready. Now, they find themselves increasingly isolated the world over, said Niall Ferguson who is Milbank Family Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution, Stanford University, and a senior faculty fellow of the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs at Harvard.

Rajnath Singh unveils new Defense Acquisition Procedure

Under the new policy, the offset guidelines have also been revised facilitating preference to defense majors offering to manufacture products in India over relevant components.
Def Min Rajnath Singh on Mon unveiled a new Defense Acquisition Procedure (DAP) with a focus on significantly boosting indigenous production and turning India into a global manufacturing hub of weapons and military platforms.
MoD nod to arms worth Rs 2,290 cr, including 72k more rifles from US.
Under the new policy, the offset guidelines have also been revised facilitating preference to defense majors offering to manufacture products in India over relevant components.
He said the DAP has been aligned with the vision of the government’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India) initiative and to empower Indian domestic industry through ‘Make in India’ projects with the ultimate aim of turning India into a global manufacturing hub.
The policy also provides for single stage accord of AoN (Acceptance of Necessity) in all cases up to Rs 500 crore to cut delays in approval of acquisition proposals.

Indigenous artillery gun may go back to drawing board after barrel burst: Report sought by minister within 10 day.

An indigenously developed artillery gun which suffered a barrel burst in field trials earlier this month injuring four army personnel may need to go back to the drawing board, officials told ET.

India, Japan naval exercise JIMEX-2020 begins in Arabian Sea

Indian Navy and Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) ships conducted operations in close formation at JIMEX-2020, 4^th edition of India-Japan Maritime bilateral biennially exercise from Sept 26-28^th. JIMEX series of exercises commenced in Jan 2012 with a special focus on maritime security cooperation.
Naval cooperation between India and Japan has increased in scope and complexity over the years.
Advanced level of operations and exercises planned during JIMEX-20 are indicative of the continued upswing in Indo-Japanese defense relations and continued efforts by both Govts to work closely for a more secure, open and inclusive global commons, in accordance with international regulations.
JIMEX 20 is being conducted in a ‘non-contact at-sea-only format’, in view of COVID-19 restrictions.
Indigenously built stealth destroyer Chennai, Teg Class stealth frigate Tarkash and Fleet Tanker Deepak, under the command of Rear Admiral K Swaminathan, Flag Officer Commanding Western Fleet, will represent the Indian Navy.
The Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force will be represented by JMSDF Ships Kaga, an Izumo Class Helicopter Destroyer and Ikazuchi, a Guided Missile Destroyer, led by Rear Admiral Konno Yasushige, Commander Escort Flotilla – 2 (CCF – 2).
In addition to ships, P8I Long Range Maritime Patrol Aircraft, integral helicopters and fighter aircraft will also participate in the exercise.

Second batch of 5 Rafale fighter jets from France to arrive in India in Oct

The formal induction ceremony of the first 5 Rafale fighters has held at the Ambala Air Station on 10 Sept
France had delivered 10 fighters in the first batch. However, five stayed back to train Indian pilots, the Govt said.
India has signed an Rs 59,000 crore deal for 36 aircraft in Sept 2016 to strengthen the Air Force.
This squadron of the Rafale jets would be at Hasimara, West Bengal.

India does not strengthen development partnership with malafide intent: PM Modi at UN

Noting that India has always worked for the interests of humankind and has not been driven by “self-interests,” PM Modi on Sat asserted that the country strengthens its development partnership “not with any malafide intent of making the partner country dependent or hapless“.
The PM’s remarks are being seen as a veiled reference to China who’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has raised concerns over “debt diplomacy“.
Addressing the 75^th session of the United Nations General Assembly, the PM said that any gesture of friendship by India towards one country is not directed against any third country.
Modi said India has always thought about the interests of the whole humankind and not about its own vested interests. “This philosophy has always been the driving force of India’s policies.
From India’s Neighborhood First Policy to our Act East Policy, as well as the idea of Security and Growth for All in the Region, or our views towards the Indo Pacific region, we have always worked for the interests of humankind and not driven by our own self-interests,” he said.
The PM said that the initiatives for the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure and the International Solar Alliance are realities due to India’s efforts.
Modi said India will not hesitate in raising its voice against the enemies of humanity, human race and human values including terrorism, smuggling of illegal weapons, drugs and money-laundering during its stint as a non-permanent member of UN Security Council.
The PM, who spoke in Hindi, said India will always speak in support of peace, security and prosperity and noted that the country’s developmental journey, marked with its ups and downs, will only add to strengthening the path to global welfare.
As the world’s largest democracy we will bring our years of rich developmental experience for the benefit of the whole Our way forward is to proceed from human welfare to the welfare of the world,” the PM said. He also called UN to change with the changing times.
India one of those countries where women are provided Paid Maternity Leave of 26 weeks: PM
PM Modi makes strong pitch for India’s inclusion in Security Council, calls for reform in character of UN
PM Modi hails India’s vaccine production in UNGA, says delivery capacity will help humanity to fight pandemic.

What Pakistan PM Imran Khan said about India in his UNGA 2020 speech

Imran Khan singled out India in his UNGA speech by claiming that it was the only “one country” that “state sponsors Islamophobia”, rooted in “RSS ideology”.
In his approximately 30-minute speech at this year’s UNGA on Sept 25, Pakistan’s PM Imran Khan spent a half of time in 50 min speech hurling veiled barbs against “neighbors”, essentially referencing his country’s long-standing disputes with India.
Other subjects that Khan mentioned in his speech included fiscal recovery from the impact of COVID-19, international money laundering and its impact on developing countries, climate change and Islamophobia.
After he had addressed these issues, Khan spent the remainder of his time talking about Kashmir and India’s abrogation of Article 370 last year.
Here is a round-up of everything Khan mentioned with regard to Pak’s ongoing diplomatic disputes with India.
Pointing to the UNSC resolution 1264 in 1999 where the international body intervened in East Timor for the people to vote for independence from Indonesia, Khan called for similar resolutions to be enacted in JnK. “India must rescind the measures it has instituted since 5 Aug 2019,” Khan said.
Last in its attacks against India was the issue of Kashmir, particularly the abrogation of Article 370.Khan accused India of “upping the military ante” against Pakistan to divert attention from JnK.
Strongly hitting back at Khan’s rant at the UNGA, India has said its citizens do not need anyone else to speak on their behalf and “least of all those who have built an industry of terrorism from the ideology of hate.”
India fielded its newest diplomat, First Secretary in India’s Permanent Mission to the UN Vidisha Maitra at its mission at the UN to fend off the allegations.

“Every word spoken from the podium of this August Assembly, it is believed, carries the weight of history. Unfortunately, what we heard today from PM Imran Khan of Pakistan was a callous portrayal of the world in binary terms. Us vs Them; Rich vs Poor; North vs South; Developed Vs Developing; Muslims vs Others. A script that fosters divisiveness at the United Nations. Attempts to sharpen differences and stir up hatred, are simply put – ‘hate speech“.

India working with Japan, Australia for global supply-chain diversification, PM Modi tells Denmark PM

India and Denmark share rules-based, transparent, humanitarian and democratic value-system and the events of past few months have made it clear how important it is for like-minded countries to work together, PM Modi said on Mon in a virtual summit with Denmark’s PM Mette Frederiksen, hosted by India, did not name any country and said COVID-19 has shown that it is risky to have global supply chains dependent on a single source.
“The events of the past few months have made it clear that how important it is for like-minded countries, who share rules-based, transparent, humanitarian and democratic value-system, to work together,” the Prime Minister said.
The Prime Minister said that the virtual summit will not only be useful for bilateral relations between India and Denmark but also in contributing to a shared approach to global challenges.
Noting that he had a “very productive meeting with Denmark’s Prime Minister a few months back, the Prime Minister said they talked on increasing cooperation between the two countries in several areas.
Bilateral trade in goods and services between India and Denmark has grown by 30.49%, from US$ 2.82 billion in 2016 to US$ 3.68 billion in 2019.
Around 200 Danish companies have invested in India in sectors such as shipping, renewable energy, environment, agriculture, food processing and smart urban development.

Maldives-India cargo ferry service would continue to strengthen friendship between the nations: PM Modi

PM Modi on Sun said that the Maldives-India Cargo Ferry Service would boost the economies of the two countries — India and the Maldives — adding that it would continue to strengthen the friendship between the two countries. Modi said while replying to a tweet from the Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.

“The cargo ferry service between the Kulhudhuffushi, Male’ and southern ports of India, first envisioned by President Mohamed Nasheed and realized by President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih will bring monumental benefits to the people of the Maldives, especially the Northern islands,” Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid said.

High Commissioner Das makes farewell call on B'desh President Abdul Hamid

Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh made a farewell call to the Bangladeshi President Abdul Hamid on Sun at Bangabhaban. HC said India looks forward to 50^th-anniversary celebrations of diplomatic relations and 50^th anniversary of the Liberation War in 2021,” a tweet from the Indian High Commission read.

Chinese banks to start enforcement action against Anil’s global assets

The three Chinese banks to whom Anil Ambani owes more than $716 million (Rs 5,276 crore), as well as significant legal costs, have decided to pursue their rights against him on his worldwide assets, following the beleaguered Reliance Group chairman’s English high court cross-examination on Fri.

President Kovind has given assent to 3 farm bills passed by Parliament: Protests erupted in Punjab, Haryana etc.

Agriculture sector has freed itself from shackles, strong farmers will lay foundation of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’: PM Modi said on Sun.

Days after quitting the union cabinet, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) has now decided to pull out of the BJP-led NDA alliance over “Centre’s stubborn refusal to give statutory legislative guarantees to protect assured marketing of farmers crops on MSP”. The decision was taken at the core committee meeting of SAD.

What is left of NDA after Akali Dal, Shiv Sena exit: Saamana, mouthpiece of Shiv Sena, a state based party.

New agri laws are death sentence for farmers: Rahul Gandhi

Days after agriculture Bills were passed in the Parliament leading to protests by a number of farmer organizations and political parties in various states.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi called it ‘a death sentence’. Their voice is crushed in Parliament and outside. Here is proof that democracy in India is dead, he said. Punjab Congress leaders, led by CM Amarinder Singh, launched a sit-in agitation against the contentious agricultural laws at Khatkar Kalan in Nawanshahr, the birthplace of Bhagat Singh. Besides legal recourse, the Punjab Govt was looking at other options to scuttle the Centre’s new agriculture laws “that are designed to ruin Punjab’s farmers and economy“, said the CM.Punjab Congress leaders, led by CM Amarinder Singh, launched a sit-in agitation against the contentious agricultural laws at Khatkar Kalan in Nawanshahr, the birthplace of Bhagat Singh. Besides legal recourse, the Punjab Govt was looking at other options to scuttle the Centre’s new agriculture laws “that are designed to ruin Punjab’s farmers and economy“, said the CM.

No plan to increase in MRP of DAP, NPK fertilizers: IFFCO

“Though there is a huge spike in the cost of raw materials like phos acid and others in the international market but IFFCO’s commitment for farmers service will remain intact.
IFFCO has 5 manufacturing plants in India and largest and leading fertilizer player of the country,” it said.

With this, all 3 bills have now become acts-

The Farmers Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, 2020,
The Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Service Act, 2020
The Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act, 2020.

RBI may push headless Lakshmi Vilas Bank to merge

The unprecedented move by shareholders of Lakshmi Vilas Bank to oust an RBI-approved CEO and directors is likely to result in the banking regulator stepping in to hasten the deal with Clix Capital or to find other bidders for the bank. On Sunday, RBI approved the constitution of a committee of three independent directors to manage day-to-day affairs of the bank.

RBI postponed MPC meet on key interest rates. From RBI & govt banks to LIC, Rs 205 crore to PM Cares from salaries

The PM’s Office, which manages the fund, has declined to furnish details of contributions received, saying that PM CARES is “not a public authority under the…RTI Act”.

It’s not just a wide range of central educational institutions, at least 7 public sector banks, seven other leading financial institutions and insurers, and the RBI, have together contributed Rs 204.75 crore from their staff salaries to the Prime Minister’s Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations (PM CARES) fund, RTI records accessed by The Indian Express show.

2 Lashkar Militant killed in Pulwama encounter

Two Lashkar-e-Taiba Militant were killed in a gunfight between them and a joint team of police, Army’s 50RR and CRPF in Samboora area of Awantipora in South Kashmir’s Pulwama district on Sun, after receiving specific input. An army jawan received minor injuries in the gun battle and was shifted to 92 Base Hospital for treatment.

WB Guv Jagdeep Dhankhar, said to media “Have been ignored for long, will be forced to look at Article 154 of Constitution” (which mandates power of the state shall be vested in Governor).

PM Modi will address 2 public meetings in Himachal Pradesh after opening strategic Atal Tunnel Rohtang on Oct 3^rd, CM Jai Ram Thakur says, asserting all COVID-19 protocols will be followed during function.

NEIGHBORHOOD/ WORLD

G20 summit to be held virtually: Saudi hosts

Saudi Arabia said on Mon it will hold the G20 summit virtually in Nov, instead of having leaders of the world’s richest nations converge on Riyadh as planned before the coronavirus crisis. The pandemic has forced all of the group’s meetings to be held by videoconference since Mar.

'Trump's paid $750 in taxes in US, $145,400 in India in 2017'

Donald Trump paid just $750 in federal income taxes in the year he was elected US president and also in his first year in the White House, according to a media report, which also said that he or his companies paid $ 145,400 taxes in India in 2017. Trump paid no income taxes at all in 10 of the previous 15 years — largely because he reported losing much more money than he made.

Pakistan concerned on deteriorating situation in Nagorno-Karabakh region: Pak FO

Spokesperson of the Foreign Office Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri said that the intensive shelling by Armenian forces over the weekend on civilian populations of Azerbaijani villages of Terter, Aghdam, Fizuli and Jabrayil region is reprehensible and most unfortunate.
He said this could compromise peace and security of the entire region. Armenia must stop its military action to avoid further escalation.
The spokesperson said that Pakistan stands with the brotherly nation of Azerbaijan and supports its right of self-defense.

INDIA COVID UPDATE

Indian population still far from achieving herd immunity shows ICMR’s second Sero Survey: Harsh Vardhan

The CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology has launched a study in a hospital environment to assess how long and far the coronavirus can stay in air from an infected person, in a bid to strengthen the safety of health workers.

India’s Covid cases now at 6 million, recoveries at 5 million

India became the second country after the US to register 6 million Covid-19 cases on Sunday, amid signs that the pandemic could finally be slowing down in the country, at least for now. It took 12 days for India’s caseload to go from 5 million to 6 Mn, a day more than the previous 1-Mn rise.