Important Picks of the Day

NATIONAL

Jaishankar appreciates Danish Queen Margrethe II’s ‘warm sentiments’ for India  (↓)

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, who is on a visit to Denmark, appreciated Danish Queen Margrethe II for her “warm sentiments” for India. “Honoured to be received by Her Majesty, Queen Margrethe II in Copenhagen on Sun.

India-US 2+2 dialogue slated for Nov this year, foreign secretary says

The 2+2 dialogue between India and the United States would be held in Nov this year, Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla has said. The exact dates are not yet worked out, Shringla told a group of Indian reporters after his 3-day visit to Washington DC, during which he held meetings with top officials of President Joe Biden’s administration, including Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

Testing our patience: SC slams Centre over the passing of Tribunals Reforms Act (↓)

The bench, comprising Chief Justice NV Ramana and justices DY Chandrachud and L Nagendra Rao, also hit out at the Centre over the delay in filling up vacancies in the tribunals.

UP: Kisan Mahapanchayat underway in Muzaffarnagar amid tight security (↓)

Kisan Mahapanchayat organized by Sanyukt Kisan Morcha is being held in Muzaffarnagar, on Sun against the 3 central farm laws.

13th BRICS summit to take place on September 9

The 13th BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) Summit under the chairmanship of India will take place on September 9, as per the sources.

Army, Navy, IAF sign deals for the swarm, kamikaze drones amid govt push for new tech warfare

Leading the Services on new contracts signed is the Army which has inked three separate deals for various types of drones.

As Chandrayaan-2 completes two years in lunar orbit, ISRO releases data

The eight payloads onboard Chandrayaan-2 are conducting scientific observations of the Moon by remote sensing.

Defense Ministry orders joint secretary-level probe into alleged forgery in top-level Coast Guard promotion

Taking strong measures against charges of forgery in records of officials being considered for promotion to the 2^nd highest rank in the Indian Coast Guard, the Ministry has ordered a probe at the Joint Secy level to investigate the matter.

Pakistan’s Support to the Taliban is One of the Greatest Feats of Covert Intelligence (↓)

It stretches credulity to believe that the US, which spent over $1000 billion on intelligence from 2001-20, was so utterly inept that it had no idea of Pakistan’s relationship with the Taliban for over 2 decades.

Taliban claim complete control of the Afghan province of Panjshir (↓)

The Taliban said on Mon they have taken control of Panjshir province north of Kabul, the Afghan capital. The province was the last holdout of anti-Taliban forces in the country and the only province the Taliban had not seized during their sweep last month. Thousands of Taliban fighters overrun eight districts of Panjshir overnight, according to witnesses from the area. Fight against Taliban in Panjshir Valley ‘will continue’: Northern Resistance Forces.

Taliban pledge safety, security of humanitarian staff, says United Nations (↓)

In the meeting, United Nations humanitarian chief Martin Griffiths reiterated the humanitarian community’s commitment to deliver “impartial and independent humanitarian assistance and protection to millions of people in need.”

US report lifts a lid on PLA fighting status (↓)

China possesses the world’s largest military, but in many ways, the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) remains an opaque and enigmatic force. However, some of the aurae of the PLA have recently been revealed in a new unclassified document published by the Headquarters, US Army Department.

‘Reprehensible, disgraceful’ — Nepal govt over burning of PM Modi’s effigies in Kathmandu

The statement from Nepal’s home ministry came after some students burnt effigies of PM Modi during protests over the death of a Nepalese youth near the border with India in July.

As China tightens grip, Sri Lanka looks to boost India defense ties

Amid concerns over growing Chinese footprints in Sri Lanka is looking to boost defense and security ties with India with an integrated country strategy paper drafted under new high commissioner Milinda Moragoda, who finally took charge here on Aug 30, calling for a significantly enhanced cooperation.

Army, Navy, IAF sign deals for the swarm, kamikaze drones amid govt push for new tech warfare

In less than two weeks, the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force have signed multiple contracts worth over Rs 500 crore in the sphere of drone technology with the focus being on Indian companies amid Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s push for adapting new technology of warfare.

• The contracts signed by the Services include those for buying kamikaze drones or loitering munitions to swarm drones with both kill and surveillance capability besides counter-drone systems.
• ThePrint reported through sources in the defense and security establishment that the directive from the “top” is very clear — focus on Indian companies.
• They said the Prime Minister’s Office has been pushing for adopting newer warfare technology, something which was seen during the Azerbaijan-Armenia conflict.
• Sources termed the procurement of swarm drones and loitering munitions by the Army and Navy as a part of the ‘Revolution in Military Affairs’, known as RMA, which changes the way the war is fought.
• Incidentally, all contracts are being signed under the emergency procurement route, because the process is faster and the aim right now is to support the domestic companies while they work on the upgraded variants.

Army signs maximum number of contracts

• Leading the three Services on the new contracts signed is the Army, which has signed 3 separate deals for various types of drones.
• This includes two deals worth over Rs 200 crore for Swarm drones with Indian start-ups — Bengaluru-based NewSpace Research and Tech, run by former IAF officer Sameer Joshi, and Noida-based firm Raphe, as both firms are Indian and not joint ventures with a foreign player.
• The Army has also ordered over 100 tactical Indo-Israel kamikaze drones, used in the Azerbaijan-Armenia conflict, to beef up its operational capability along the borders with Pakistan and China.

Swarm drones and loitering munition, the way ahead

• The order placed with New Space Research and Tech is for drones that can hit targets with five to 10 kg of explosives while also being used for surveillance and for carrying urgent medical and other supplies to the troops.
• The capability of these drones was showcased earlier this year during the Army Day parade at Delhi Cantonment.
• A swarm of 75 drones, had then showcased offensive capability by carrying out a simulated kamikaze attack on targets, including enemy tanks, fuel depots, terror hideout, and radar positions, among others.
• The Army had then termed the system a “disruption technology”, which can hit targets 50 km inside enemy territory.
• The company had come first in the Army’s swarm drone evaluation trials at Ahmednagar, Maharashtra earlier this year. Incidentally, the algorithm used by the 2018 start-up for its drones is of Indian origin.
• The company which came second — Raphe — has also been given over Rs 100 crore swarm drones contract, mainly for surveillance and load-carrying capacity.
• The Army had then announced that a total of 600 kg supplies can be delivered by these drones.
• The plan right now is to bring out more complex and upgraded versions in the future, which could then be part of a larger procurement process.

Each of the three Services is also focusing on loitering munition which changes the warfare dynamics. These loitering munitions are of different types – both for long-range and tactical operations.

UP: Kisan Mahapanchayat underway in Muzaffarnagar amid tight security

• Kisan Mahapanchayat organized by Sanyukt Kisan Morcha is being held in Muzaffarnagar, on Sun against the three central farm laws.
• Uttar Pradesh Police has beefed up security in Muzaffarnagar to ensure law and order during Kisan Mahapanchayat which is termed as the ‘biggest ever congregation of farmers’ in the last nine months as the SKM stated.
• “Appropriate arrangements have been made because of the Kisan Mahapanchayat in Muzaffarnagar to ensure that no law and order problem arises. There is a possibility of farmers from neighboring states Haryana, Punjab, and Uttarakhand also attending the gathering,” Director General of Police Mukul Goel told reporters.
• Protesting farmers have been demanding repeal of the three farm laws.
• A woman farmer said, “We have gathered here demanding repeal of the three farm laws. We request the PM to take back the three laws.” Sanyukt Kisan Morcha organized “Kishan Mahapanchayat” at the Government Inter College grounds in Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh.

While speaking to ANI, a Farmer from Haryana, said, “Our Prime Minister has no respect for the farmers. What type of king is Modi Ji if he is making the farmers sit in the winter? “

Testing our patience: SC slams Centre over the passing of Tribunals Reforms Act

The Supreme Court on Mon expressed its displeasure over the way the Union government enacted the Tribunals Reforms Act calling it “a virtual replica of the provisions struck down by the court”. 

• The bench, comprising Chief Justice NV Ramana and justices DY Chandrachud and L Nagendra Rao, also slammed the Centre over the delay in filling up vacancies in the tribunals.
• The apex court posted the matter to next Mon and said it expected appointments to be done by then.  
• SC: NCLTs, NCLAT cornerstones of the economy, vital for rehabilitation of corporate entities
• SC warns Centre: Will stay Tribunal Reforms Act, fill up vacancies on our own
• SC pulls up Centre on tribunal vacancies, passing the law in violation of court orders

Supreme Court refuses to hear a plea filed by residents of Sonipat, Haryana facing difficulties due to the Singhu border being blocked by farmers and asks them to approach the Punjab and Haryana High Court for relief

Jaishankar appreciates Danish Queen Margrethe II’s ‘warm sentiments’ for India

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, who is on a visit to Denmark, appreciated Danish Queen Margrethe II for her “warm sentiments” for India. “Honoured to be received by Her Majesty, Queen Margrethe II in Copenhagen today.

• Deeply appreciate her warm sentiments for India,” tweeted Jaishankar. Jaishankar is on an official visit to Slovenia, Croatia, and Denmark from Sept 2-5, as part of a tour to boost bilateral ties and further strengthen India’s cooperation with the Central European countries.
• During his visit to Denmark on 4-5 Sept, EAM Jaishankar also met his Danish counterpart, Jeppe Kofod, and thanked him for the initiative in bringing CEOs of Vestas, Grundfos, CIP, Haldor Topsoe, and Maersk and Chamber representatives together for Green Strategic Partnership.
• Jaishankar co-chaired the 4th round of the Indo-Danish Joint Commission Meeting (JCM) along with Foreign Minister Kofod.
• The JCM undertook a comprehensive review of bilateral cooperation under the Green Strategic Partnership, which was established during the Virtual Summit in Sept 2020.

As reported, earlier, Jaishankar met Croatia’s Foreign Minister Gordan Grlic Radman and exchanged views on bilateral cooperation, regional and global issues. He also met Slovenian PM Janez Jansa and discussed strengthening bilateral ties between the countries.

13^th BRICS summit to take place on Sept 9 (ANI)

The 13th BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) Summit under the chairmanship of India will take place on Sept 9, as per the sources.

• This is the third time that India will be hosting the BRICS Summit after 2012 and 2016.
• The 2020 BRICS summit was held virtually amid the covid pandemic under the chairmanship of Russia.
• The summit took place in Nov and it was the first time that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Chinese President Xi Jinping were on the same platform after the Galwan valley episode.
• Earlier, the 11^th BRICS Trade Ministers Meeting saw new areas of co-operation gaining traction on Trade in Professional Services, Genetic Resources, and Consumer Protection under e-commerce.
• India also welcomed Bangladesh, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Uruguay as new members of the BRICS New Development Bank (NDB).
• India at BRICS Digital Health Summit discussed challenges and opportunities during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Energy ministers of BRICS nations also met under the presidency of India and vowed to increase the efficiency of the energy sector.
• The leaders of BRIC countries met for the first time at St Petersburg, Russia, on the margins of the G8 Outreach Summit in July 2006. Shortly afterward, in Sept 2006, the group was formalized as BRIC during the 1st BRIC Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, which met on the sidelines of the General Debate of the UN Assembly in New York City.
• After a series of high-level meetings, the 1st BRIC summit was held in Yekaterinburg, Russia on 16 June 2009.

Indian bid to hamper regional peace stands exposed, says PM Imran on Defence Day

President and the PM in their separate messages on the occasion of Defence and Martyrs Day have renewed the pledge that the brave Pakistani nation will never compromise on its sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity.

• He commended the security agencies for their relentless efforts towards exposing the enemy to carry out covert activities.
• Dr. Arif Alvi emphatically stated that Pakistan will never back away from its principled stand on the issue of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IOJK).
• Prime Minister Imran Khan in his message said India today stands exposed before the world community for its bid to hamper peace in the region, especially regarding Pakistan.

Meanwhile, Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Farrukh Habib said Pakistan created history by giving a befitting response to the enemy’s aggression.

Afghanistan Crisis: Taliban Declares End To War With Panjshir ‘win’; Calls China, Pak, Iran To New Govt Event

Declaring an end to the war in Afghanistan, Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid on Mon, claimed that the Panjshir is now under its control. Addressing a press conference in Kabul, Zabihullah invited Turkey, China, Russia, Iran, Pakistan, and Qatar to attend the ceremony for a govt announcement which will be revealed soon.

• Afghanistan’s Constitution To Be Rewritten Or Amended Post Govt Formation: Taliban
• Assuring an ‘Islamic and inclusive government’, the Taliban warned Afghans from taking up arms terming them as ‘enemy of the state’.
• The National Resistance Front (NRF), the anti-Taliban forces in Panjshir Valley, pledged to carry on fighting. The NRF said it was present in “strategic positions” across the valley, adding “the struggle against the Taliban and their partners will continue”.
• Talking about Govt formation, he said, “The new Afghan govt which will be announced could be an interim one. Some technical issues are left, we want to do a proper job“.
• Stating that Pakistan repeatedly asked to visit Kabul, the Taliban said that it has assured that no one will be allowed to threaten any country from Afghanistan.
• He also urged women protestors to stop citing ‘sensitive security issues’ amid the new govt formation.

Afghanistan National Resistance Front leader Ahmad Massoud calls on people across the country to rise in a national uprising against the Taliban.  Massoud through a voice message said that they would stand and fight. The resistance forces are still present in Panjshir and continue to fight Taliban forces, as per TOLOnews.

• While expressing condolences to martyrs in Panjshir, he claims ‘Pakistan directly attacked Afghans in the Valley and international community watched silently’. Massoud says ‘he won’t give up until his last drop of blood’.
• Pakistan Armed Forces are helping the Taliban, as the Panjshir was attacked by a coalition of terrorist organizations such as al Qaeda, ISIS, ISKP, and led by Pakistan-backed Taliban.

Russia’s position on Afghanistan ‘very close’ to India: Ambassador Nikolay Kudashev: Russian Ambassador to India, Nikolay Kudashev on Mon said that Moscow’s position on Afghanistan is “very close” to that of New Delhi and both countries want Afghan-owned and Afghan build govt. “What is it the two of us need in Afghanistan is security, predictability, and inclusive govt, which will satisfy the needs of the Afghan people. Afghan-owned and Afghan build govt That’s the basics of the Indian position, (which is) very close to us,” Kudashev told ANI.

China should cooperate with us, many projects awaited, says Taliban’s Zabihullah Mujahid

• Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said that there was a “food shortage” in Panjshir Valley during the fighting while adding that it will now be fixed. As the Taliban claimed it had captured Panjshir Valley, the militant group’s spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said there were no civilian casualties while “taking over Panjhsir”.
• “There was a shortage of food during the fighting,” the Taliban spokesman said, adding, “but we will fix that now.” The Taliban spokesman asserted that “China should cooperate with us, there are so many projects awaited due to security concerns like roads and other infrastructure, they all will be implemented soon.”

US Secy Of State Blinken Heads To Qatar, Germany On Diplomatic Trip: “Departing for Qatar and Germany where I’ll have the opportunity to thank our Qatari and German friends in-person for the outstanding support,” Blinken wrote.

• US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Sun headed to Doha, Qatar, and Ramstein, Germany on his first-ever diplomatic trip since the Taliban’s takeover of Kabul.
• Blinken is expected to hold a meeting with Qatari and German counterparts to thank them for their assistance with the massive airlift efforts during the Afghanistan evacuations by the Aug 31 deadline.
• US military base in Qatar was the first stop for the US military planes as they safely flew out Afghan refugees after the traumatizing Taliban’s siege of the country that prompted the former Afghan President Ashraf Ghani in exile.
• Doha is currently a state leading the Afghanistan diplomatic operations as several Afghans that worked with NATO and US forces await a transfer to the US and other nations.

The United States expects ‘inclusivity’ from the Taliban government: Qatar has hosted the Taliban’s political office for over 8 years.

• Blinken had told reporters that the Taliban has promised to “cooperate” in the US pledge of continuing the evacuation efforts well past the Aug 31 deadline.
• Speaking of the Taliban, he also said, the US expects “inclusivity” and a Govt that “makes good on commitments that the Taliban have made,” especially regarding freedom of travel.

Taliban Stops Evacuees From Leaving Afghanistan; 4 Planes With Refugees, Americans Blocked: Several chartered planes with evacuees have been unable to take off from the Kabul Airport in the aftermath of the Taliban takeover, officials revealed on Sun. As per sources, 4 planes chartered to evacuate several hundred people from Afghanistan have not been allowed to leave the country. This comes even as the Taliban promises to uphold ‘safe passage’ for foreigners and Afghans willing to leave the war-torn nation.

Taliban pledge safety, security of humanitarian staff, says United Nations: United Nations humanitarian chief Martin Griffiths met Taliban co-founder Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar and head of its political office and other leaders of the outfit in Kabul on Sun, Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said.

• In the meeting, Griffiths reiterated the humanitarian community’s commitment to delivering “impartial and independent humanitarian assistance and protection to millions of people in need.”
• He emphasized the critical role of women in the delivery of aid and called on all parties to ensure their rights, safety, and well-being and called for all civilians – especially women and girls and minorities – to be protected at all times, and expressed his solidarity with the people of Afghanistan.
• Noting that further meetings are expected in the coming days, Dujarric said Griffiths will also meet – and convey his thanks on behalf of the UN to – representatives of humanitarian organizations, both the UN agencies and NGOs, who remain operational in the country and have assisted eight million people this year.
• The UN official promised the continuation of humanitarian assistance to the Afghan people, saying he would call for further assistance to Afghanistan during the coming meeting of donor countries.
• The delegation thanked the UN contingent, assuring them of cooperation and provision of needed facilities. The UN statement said that as Afghanistan faces a looming humanitarian catastrophe, the Secretary-General has convened a high-level ministerial meeting to address the growing humanitarian needs in the country.

Is Pakistan’s Poking Around Costing Taliban Its ‘Approval Ratings’ in Afghanistan?

As Pakistani officials led by Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Director-General Lieutenant-General Faiz Hameed arrived in Kabul on Sat to meet the Taliban, many Afghans have lashed out at Islamabad for its interference and held it responsible for ruining their lives and igniting a war-like situation in Afghanistan.

• The visit of the Pakistani delegation came at a time when the Taliban are struggling to finalize and install an “inclusive” government in Afghanistan that would be acceptable to the international community.
• Hameed’s trip is the first high-level visit by a Pakistani official since the Taliban took over Kabul on Aug 15 in a move that surprised both their foes and friends. Since then, the insurgent group has been trying to form its Govt but has been postponing the announcement.
• The Taliban have postponed the formation of a new Govt in Afghanistan for next week, their spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid said on Sat.
• This is the second time that the Taliban have delayed the formation of the new government in Kabul since they toppled the US-backed Afghanistan Govt.
• Hameed’s visit to Kabul came as Army chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa met with British Foreign Secy Dominic Raab earlier in the day and said that Pakistan will assist in the formation of an inclusive administration in Afghanistan.
• Several people from Afghanistan have expressed their anger for Pakistan on social media platforms. Many people also demanded sanctions against Imran Khan-led Pakistan for its role in supporting and enabling the Taliban.
• While speaking on Hum News program ‘Breaking Point with Malick’ recently, Pakistan interior minister Sheikh Rashid had openly accepted that the Pakistan government has done everything for Taliban leaders, who are back in power in Afghanistan after 20 years.
• “We are the custodian of Taliban leaders. We have taken care of them for a long. They got shelter and education, in Pakistan. We have done everything for them,” he said.
• It’s absolutely clear now that Pakistani forces are helping Taliban terrorists and Al-Qaeda to attack Panjshir. Pakistan using attack helicopters & drones. Pakistan ISI Chief monitoring/coordinating from Kabul.

This is because the Indian strategic establishment’s military assessment of the war in Afghanistan – which relied on ‘wisdom’ borrowed from the United States – was wrong from the very beginning.

Taiwan scrambles jets against renewed Chinese military activity:

• Taiwan’s air force scrambled on Sun against renewed Chinese military activity, with its defense ministry reporting that 19 aircraft including nuclear-capable bombers had flown into Taiwan’s air defense identification zone.
• Chinese-claimed Taiwan has complained for a year or more of repeated missions by China’s air force near the self-ruled island, often in the southwestern part of its air defense zone near the Taiwan-controlled Pratas Islands.
• The latest Chinese mission involved 10 J-16 and four Su-30 fighters, as well as four H-6 bombers, which can carry nuclear weapons, and an anti-submarine aircraft, Taiwan’s Defence Ministry said.
• Taiwanese combat aircraft were dispatched to warn away the Chinese aircraft, while missile systems were deployed to monitor them, the ministry said.
• The Chinese aircraft flew in an area closer to the Chinese than the Taiwanese coast, roughly northeast of the Pratas, according to a map provided by Taiwan’s defense ministry.

There was no immediate comment from China. The last such large-scale activity, on June 15, involved 28 Chinese air force aircraft, the largest incursion reported by Taiwan to date.

• China often mounts such missions to express displeasure at something Taiwan has done or at shows of international support for the democratically ruled island, especially by the US, Taiwan’s main arms provider.
• It was not clear what might have prompted China to launch its aircraft this time, though a U.S. warship and a U.S. Coast Guard cutter sailed through the Taiwan Strait late last month.
• China has described its activities as necessary to protect the country’s sovereignty and deal with “collusion” between Taipei and Washington.

Taiwan’s defense ministry warned last week that the threat from China was growing, saying China’s armed forces can “paralyze” Taiwan’s defenses and can fully monitor its deployments.

US report lifts a lid on PLA fighting status

• China possesses the world’s largest military, but in many ways, the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) remains an opaque and enigmatic force.
• However, some of the aurae of the PLA have recently been revealed in a new unclassified document published by the Headquarters, US Army Department. The world only knows about the PLA what the paranoid Chinese Communist Party (CCP) carefully reveals.
• Part of that orchestrated narrative is that the PLA is a modern force for good and that its rise is inexorable and irresistible. Several of China’s neighbors, such as the Philippines, have already fallen for that portrayal.
• Importantly, the US Army released its “Chinese Tactics” document, coded ATP 7-100.3, last month.

This comprehensive 252-page report assesses the structure, tactics, capability, and limitations of the PLA in minute detail. The document is designed for US Army training, professional education, and leader development, but anyone interested in the PLA’s capabilities, or charged with countering Chinese aggression, will find the nuts and bolts in the report extremely useful.

In its preamble, ATP 7-100.3 noted: Territorial disputes across the Western Pacific and East Asia, aggressive cyber activities, uncooperative diplomacy, questionable trade practices, and a horrendous human rights record all undermine the Chinese goal of being seen as a benevolent superpower.

ANI has claimed to read the report: (The appendices are given in the following order)

• The PLA’s maneuver capabilities rest primarily in the ground force’s 73 combined-arms brigades, supported by PLAAF airborne units and the PLAN’s Marine Corps.
• While the PLA is undergoing unprecedented investment and modernization, “significant but decreasing numbers of older systems are expected to be fielded throughout frontline formations through 2035”. In recent months, for example, the Xinjiang Military District has benefited from a lot of new equipment as the CCP prioritizes that theater in response to Indian resistance in Eastern Ladakh.
• Chinese combined-arms brigades are of three types: light (motorized), medium (mechanized), and heavy (armored). As well as these brigades, the PLA has approximately 18 reserve and militia divisions, though their readiness levels are considerably lower.
• The US Army assessed (only meant to assess China’s Army evaluation), “In just over 20 years, the PLA’s maneuver capabilities evolved from a forced mixture of light infantry conscripts and obsolete tanks to a nearly fully motorized and mechanized force that employs a variety of cutting-edge armored vehicles and advanced guided munitions.”
• Indeed, that is the picture the CCP paints for the world, but it is incomplete.