[ NATIONAL ]

Army turns to focus on tech as China looks to test India ‘every fortnight’ at LAC in the Eastern sector

India is keeping track of Chinese build-up in-depth areas, away from the LAC, and fine-tuning its operational plans accordingly.

Indian Navy’s stealth frigate Tushil launched in Kaliningrad, Russia

The 7^th Indian Navy Frigate of P1135.6 class was launched on October 28 at Yantar Shipyard, Kaliningrad, Russia. During the ceremony, the ship was formally named as Tushil (=Protector Shield in Sanskrit) by Datla Vidya Varma, the Navy said in a statement.

Bangladesh invites President Kovind for the 50^th anniversary of liberation from Pakistan

The invitation comes amid tensions between Delhi and Dhaka over the communal violence in Bangladesh during Durga Puja this month. India hasn’t confirmed the visit.

The deliberate weaponization of dangerous pathogens is a serious concern: NSA Doval

This has heightened the need to build comprehensive national capabilities and bio-defense, bio-safety, and bio-security, COVID-19 pandemic, and devastating natural disasters have the potential to impact the collective psyche of people, their economic well-being and instill fears about their survival, said National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval at Pune Dialogue on National Security 2021.

India underlines the need to address implications of terrorist exploitation of cyber domain at UNSC

India on Friday (local time) emphasized the need for Member States to address and tackle the implications of terrorist organizations exploiting the cyber domain to counter hate speech and prevent incitement to discrimination, hostility, and violence on social media at the UNSC.

Centre extends RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das’ term for three years

The Centre on Friday extended the tenure of Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Shaktikanta Das for three years. Shaktikanta Das was appointed as the RBI Governor in Dec 2018. Das, an IAS officer of Tamil Nadu cadre, will have a tenure of 3 years, according to a decision taken by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC). He retired as Economic Affairs secretary last year and was subsequently made a member of the 15^th Finance Commission.

Need rules-based order for Indo-Pacific that respects sovereignty, territorial integrity: EAM

Addressing the 4^th Indo-Pacific Business Forum on Thursday, that External Affair Minister, S. Jaishankar said the Indo-Pacific reflects the reality of globalization, the emergence of multipolarity, and the benefits of rebalancing. “It underlines both our interdependence and interpenetration. As we speak of common good and common efforts, it is natural that this is addressed amongst other means, through a business forum,” he said. Jaishankar said the Indo-Pacific reflects the reality of globalization, the emergence of multipolarity, and the benefits of re-balancing.

[ NEIGHBORHOOD ]

Talks underway between govt and TLP chief Saad Rizvi to call off march: Sheikh Rashid

PM Imran is likely to address the nation on Sat to explain “the entire situation”, the interior minister says. TLP marchers on the move again, Rangers draw ‘red line’ near Wazirabad

China’s Xi to attend G-20 leader’s summit via video link

Xi, who has not left China since early 2020, will be making a speech at the summit.

Covid-19: Beijingers told to delay weddings and keep funerals brief

Disease controls have been tightened across China as the authorities stick to a zero-tolerance approach in the run-up to Winter Olympics.

Tajikistan approves construction of new Chinese-funded base as Beijing’s security presence in Central Asia grows

Tajikistan has approved the construction of a new Chinese-funded base near the country’s border with Afghanistan as Tajik officials warn of growing threats emanating from its southern neighbor.

Afghan girls call for reopening of schools

Kandahar residents said that dozens of schools have been destroyed in the city and other districts and thousands of students have been deprived of learning.

Sino-India Standoff: Army turns to focus on tech as China looks to test India ‘every fortnight’ at LAC in the Eastern sector

It is not just in eastern Ladakh that China has become aggressive, but also in the Eastern Sector where the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) seeks to test India’s ability to defend the Line of Actual Control (LAC) “almost every fortnight”. However, due to India’s increased focus on technology-backed surveillance techniques.

• (Sources)- also said India is keeping track of Chinese build-up in-depth areas as well as at LAC and fine-tuning its operational plans accordingly.
• However, the Indian defense establishment is concerned over China’s speeding up its infrastructure development activities close to the LAC across the Eastern Sector.

Eastern Sector heavily defended: (Sources) – unlike Eastern Ladakh, (Wild West) where the near impossibility to deploy soldiers on every piece of land, the Eastern Sector is more heavily defended since the troops are sitting right at the LAC at many locations.

The northern sector (1,500-km-long LAC) is taken care of by a single division, the Leh-based 14 Corps which takes care of border areas with both Pakistan and Tibet, while Eastern Sector (1346 km), is looked after by 3 Corps plus 17 Mountain Strike Corps (offensive operations).

• In Arunachal Pradesh itself: 2 Corps— the Tezpur-based 4 Corps (the western part of Arunachal) and the Dimapur-based 3 Corps (eastern Arunachal).
• Source- “The area of the 3 Corps is wider and many of their locations are several km away from the LAC since the infrastructure is still being made”.
• Sources- It is not as if the areas under the 4 Corps are calm, as there are about 15-16 places under the 4 Corps (the Gajraj Corps), where the Chinese attempt to transgress.
• The 4 Corps is in charge of the areas between Bumla to Yangste (3807) and some of these points see transgression attempts by the Chinese every fortnight.

Sharp rise in Chinese activity after Galwan clash: (Sources) – “There was a sharp increase in Chinese patrolling activities in number (from 12 & 20 to 60) and size in the Eastern Sector, after the Galwan clash. There were also visits by senior PLA officers including by the Western Theatre Commander.”

• The increase in patrolling activities by the PLA has more or less stabilized and is “almost back to pre-Galwan” days.
• Area domination patrols entail a larger number of PLA troops backed by armored personnel carriers.
• Such an increase in PLA activities was observed across sectors-sources said.

Tech helps to counter Chinese transgression: The Estern Command is focusing on technology for surveillance rather than more boots, at not just the LAC but also in-depth areas.

• The immediate advantage that India has got because of the greater deployment of technology and their integration with the chain of command is that Indian soldiers are now aware of the movement of the PLA troops.
• Rather than calling it face-off points, the Army prefers to call it the “meeting point” where both sides carry out banner drills once they come face to face.
• While the usual strength of the Chinese patrol units is about 12-20, the number has, at times, going up to over 60.
• There have also been occasions where there has been some “pushing and shoving” but “nothing dramatic has happened” –(source).

India has beefed up surveillance: India also has beefed up its presence at the LAC with some formations being deployed ahead of where they were traditionally based as the Eastern Command has also upgraded its firepower with the induction of the Bofors guns last year and the M777 lightweight howitzers this year.

• Along with this, the Eastern Command has also deployed the upgraded L-70 air defense systems this year besides others already in use in the region.
• Specialized missiles have also been deployed besides Smerch and Pinaka rocket systems besides setting up of forwarding helicopter bases.
• The Eastern Command has also set up integrated surveillance facilities which rely on almost 24×7 drone and satellite feeds to keep track of the Chinese build-up.

Bangladesh invites President Kovind for the 50^th anniversary of liberation from Pakistan

• ThePrint – Amid bilateral tensions over communal violence in Bangladesh, the Sheikh Hasina government has invited President Ram Nath Kovind for the 50^th Victory Day celebrations to be held in Dhaka later this year. 
• Bangladesh celebrates Victory Day on 16 Dec every year to celebrate the country’s liberation from Pakistan in 1971.
• The invitation comes amid tensions between Delhi and Dhaka over the communal violence in Bangladesh during Durga Puja this month. India hasn’t confirmed the visit.
• (Source)-Dhaka believes Kovind’s visit, as a follow-up to PM Modi’s trip in Mar, will further deepen ties between the two as both sides are keen to take the relationship to the next level.

(sources)-this visit was discussed during a meeting between Foreign Secretary HV Shringla and Bangladesh High Commissioner Muhammad Imran earlier this week, while the visit yet to confirm but likely to.

• Currently, the Chief of Naval Staff of Bangladesh, Admiral M. Shaheen Iqbal, is on a week-long visit to India, considered significant amid the golden jubilee celebration.
• Iqbal met his counterpart, Karambir Singh this week and on Thu, he visited the Western Naval Command headquarters in Mumbai.
• The two sides discussed the strengthening of coordinated patrol along the International Maritime Boundary Line and bilateral exercise ‘Bongosagar’, diplomatic sources said.

Bangladesh orders judicial probe into Durga Puja violence: Meanwhile, the situation continues to remain tense between Dhaka and New Delhi in the wake of the communal violence in Bangladesh on the occasion of Durga Puja earlier this month, in which the minority Hindu community was targeted.

“Contrary to all ongoing ‘propaganda’, only 6 people died during recent violence of which 4 were Muslims, killed during encounters with law enforcing authorities and 2 were Hindus,” reads a statement issued on Fri, by Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dr. AK Abdul Momen on recent violence incidents

The Daily Star– On Thu, a Bangladeshi High Court ordered a judicial probe into the violence that took place in the six districts of Cumilla, Feni, Noakhali, Chattogram, Chandpur, and Rangpur.

Indian Navy’s stealth frigate “Tushil” launched in Kaliningrad, Russia

ANI – The 7^th Indian Navy Frigate of P1135.6 class was launched on Oct 28 at Yantar Shipyard, Kaliningrad, Russia. During the ceremony, the ship was formally named as Tushil (=Protector Shield in Sanskrit) by Datla Vidya Varma, the Navy said in a statement.

Based on an Inter-Governmental Agreement between the India and Russian Federation for the construction of two ships of Project 1135.6 ships in Russia and 2 ships in India at M/s Goa Shipyard Limited, the contract for construction of 2 ships was signed between the two Govts on Oct 2018.

• The construction of these ships is based on the Indian Navy’s specific requirements to meet the entire spectrum of naval warfare in all three dimensions of Air, Surface, and Sub-surface.
• The ships with a potent combination of state-of-art Indian and Russian Weapons and Sensors are equipped to operate in Littoral and Blue waters, both as a single unit and as consort in a naval task force, the release said.
• They feature “stealth technology” in terms of low radar and underwater noise signatures.
• These ships are being equipped with major Indian supplied equipment such as Surface to Surface Missiles, Sonar system, Surface Surveillance Radar, Communication Suite, and ASW system along with Russian Surface to Air Missiles and gun mounts.
• The stealth frigate was launched in presence of D Bala Venkatesh Varma, Ambassador of India (Moscow) and senior dignitaries of Russia, and Indian Navy officials.
• Ilya Samarin, DG, Yantar Shipyard, Kaliningrad, in his address dwelt upon the challenges faced by the shipyard in executing the complex shipbuilding project.
• Despite challenges posed by the ongoing pandemic, production of the ships was continued by the utilization of innovative solutions.
• He thanked the Indian Government for their unstinted support and reiterated the shipyard’s commitment to delivering the ships as per contractual timelines.
• Varma highlighted the long-standing tradition of Military-Technical Cooperation between India and Russia and acknowledged the efforts put in by the Yantar Shipyard to ensure the ship was launched as per scheduled overcoming the COVID crisis.

Theaterisation, new technology important with changing character of wars, says Army Chief Naravane

ANI – Army Chief General MM Naravane on Fri asserted that the theaterization process of the country’s military is underway and new technology is being inducted into armed forces keeping given the changing character of wars while addressing a press conference after attending the passing out parade of the 141^st course at the National Defence Academy in Pune.

• “The theaterisation process is going on…We will go with the process slowly…..But theaterization will happen,” the army chief said.
• “As far as induction of technology in armed forces is concerned…We are no way behind as compared to any country in the world,” he added.
• The chief also shared that Army is buying “most of the technology and equipment from the Indian companies, (Atmanirbhar Bharat).”
• The chief stressed the need to constantly gain knowledge through professional education, in post-academy time to deal with the changing nature of wars.
• Earlier this year, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Bipin Rawat while sharing details about the ongoing theaterisation process said that it is going well and making satisfactory progress.
• Amongst the tri-services, we have been able to resolve ‘most of the issues’.

There is a better understanding that if the tri-services integrate, they can bring about jointness and carry out transformation. Then I think, we will ensure better efficiency and utilization of our existing services.

On how the final structure will evolve, General Rawat said it will only be decided after the initial organization is created.

India underlines the need to address implications of terrorist exploitation of cyber domain at UNSC

ANI-India on Fri (local time) emphasized the need for Member States to address and tackle the implications of terrorist organizations exploiting the cyber domain to counter hate speech and prevent incitement to discrimination, hostility, and violence on social media at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).

Speaking at the virtual Arria Formula meeting, an informal meeting of members of the UNSC, on addressing and countering hate speech and preventing incitement to discrimination, hostility, and violence on social media Pratik Mathur, Counsellor in India’s Permanent Mission to the UN highlighted,

• An “Arria formula” meeting is an informal meeting, which must be convened by a member of the UNSC for the meeting to take place.
• Information and communication technologies have played a major role in bringing societies closer and transforming the world into a ‘global family’.
• “New media, especially social media, is increasingly being used by various actors, including terrorists, for amplifying discriminatory ideas and promoting violent radicalization,” said Mathur at UNSC.
• He called out for the member states that willfully allow their territory to be used for committing illegal acts using Information and communications technologies (ICTs) including cross-border cybercrime and cyber-terrorism.
• India co-authored the Cross-Regional Statement on “Infodemic” in the context of COVID-19, a first of its kind statement by any Member State.

Mathur further said that the only way to counter hate speech and prevent incitement to discrimination is to promote an environment that guarantees pluralism, democracy, and freedom. He stressed the role of the private sector.

[ NEIGHBORHOOD ]

China’s Xi to attend G-20 leader’s summit via video link

Straits Times-China’s President Xi Jinping will attend the Group of 20 (G-20) leaders’ summit in Rome on Oct 30 – 31 via video link, according to a notice from China’s foreign ministry on Fri (Oct 29), the notice said

Xi has not left China since early 2020 when the gravity of the Covid19 pandemic became clear.

• The other 3 key leaders, from G-20 nations including Russian President Vladimir Putin and Japanese Prime Minister, Fumio Kishida and Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador will not attend in person.
• Host Italy had hoped the summit would see all leaders meet face-to-face, while US President Joe Biden has confirmed he will attend.
• The G-20 (liable for 80% of global C-emissions) is considered an important stepping stone before the UN COP26 climate summit in Scotland,  which begins on Sun. 
• Xi is also not expected to attend COP26 in person, which could indicate that the world’s biggest CO₂ producer has already decided that it has no more concessions to offer at the UN COP26 climate summit in Scotland after 3 major pledges since last year, climate watchers said. 
• The G-20 also aims to underline that rich countries should stump up US$100 billion per year to help poorer nations adapt to climate change. 
• This goal was supposed to be achieved by 2020, according to an agreement reached in 2009, but has not been met. 

PM Modi has arrived in Rome, Italy. PM Modi will be participating in the 16^th G-20 Summit from Oct 30-31 at the invitation of Italian PM Mario Draghi. Italy has been holding the presidency of the G-20 since Dec last year. 

• In Glasgow, PM Modi will highlight the need to comprehensively address climate change issues, including equitable distribution of carbon space.
• Ahead of his visit PM Modi on Thu said that in Rome he will hold discussions on global economic and health recovery from the pandemic
• The PM said on the sidelines of the G20 Summit he will also meet with leaders of other partner countries and review the progress in India’s bilateral relations with them.
• PM Modi is set to interact with the Indian community in both Italy and Glasgow which would most likely be on a small scale owing to COVID-19 restrictions.

PM Modi holds a joint meeting with top EU leaders in Rome ahead of G20 Summit: Ahead of the G20 Summit, PM Modi has held a joint meeting with Charles Michel, President of the European Council, and Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission in Rome.

He is likely to hold several bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the G20 Summit, apart from attending the summit.

Tajikistan approves construction of new Chinese-funded base as Beijing’s security presence in Central Asia grows

RadioFreeEurope-Tajikistan has approved the construction of a new Chinese-funded base near the country’s border with Afghanistan as Tajik officials warn of growing threats emanating from its southern neighbor. (1)

In a separate development, the Tajik govt has offered to transfer full control of a pre-existing Chinese military base in the country to Beijing and waive any future rent in exchange for military aid from China, according to a communique sent from the Chinese Embassy in Dushanbe to Tajikistan’s Foreign Ministry and seen by RFE/RL’s Tajik Service.

The two developments paint a picture of a growing Chinese military footprint in the Central Asian country as Beijing and its neighbors in the region turn their attention toward an increasingly tenuous security situation in Afghanistan since the Taliban’s mid-Aug takeover.

• China already operates a military base in Tajikistan in the Murghab region near the Afghan border in a remote stretch close to the Wakhan Corridor.
• The collection of facilities and outposts is believed to have been in operation for at least 5 years and was the subject of a recent investigation by RFE that showed Chinese personnel taking on a growing role in the area.
• Both the Chinese and Tajik govt have officially denied the base’s existence and few details about its ownership and operation are known.
• The documents seen by RFE say that Chinese personnel are operating at the base in Tajikistan, but that it currently is owned by Dushanbe.

Talks underway between govt and TLP chief Saad Rizvi to call off march: Sheikh Rashid

Dawn-PM Imran is likely to address the nation on Sat to explain “the entire situation”, the interior minister says. TLP marchers on the move again, Rangers draw ‘red line’ near Wazirabad

Briefing the media after a meeting of the National Security Committee (NSC) convened by Prime Minister Imran Khan, Ahmed said the government wanted to “amicably” resolve the matter of the protest march, which has disrupted life in several Punjab cities for two weeks.

Rashid – PM Khan would address the nation on Sat about the current security situation, saying “he will present the entire situation before the nation and his speech will explain the narrative of the govt.”

• 4 policemen had been martyred in clashes with TLP workers, while more than 80 had been injured, 8 of them critically.
• it was also expected that Minister for Religious Affairs Noorul Haq Qadri would talk to the TLP leadership again.
• Referring to one of the TLP’s demands, the expulsion of the French ambassador, Rashid said the govt had taken the matter to the parliament, added, the opposition wouldn’t vote in favor.
• TLP protesters were heading to Islamabad for the 7^th time. People are facing difficulties, the demonstrators should review their stance.
• The meeting was attended by key members of the federal cabinet, the services chiefs, and the intelligence agencies’ heads.

Dawn-TLP marchers on the move again, Rangers draw ‘red line’ near Wazirabad: Protestors march spent the night near the General Bus Stand on the Grand Trunk Road and resumed their rally in the morning, despite Rashid’s Thu night warning to the TLP to call off its march or face “consequences”.

• The rally comprises around 5,000 participants, is heading towards Wazirabad via Aziz Cross, and will make a stop for Fri prayers.
• Dawn (official) the next TLP-police encounter was expected at 2 major security points that had been established at Chenab and Jhelum rivers, the only route for the march to reach Islamabad.
• The hundreds of Rangers would lead the command, while the Punjab Police would assist them as per the SOP issued since the govt deployed Rangers in the province as per notification issued on Wed, was deployed at the Chenab toll plaza to counter the marchers.
• The security personnel also have armored vehicles with them and are equipped with riot gear, according to police sources.
• About 500 m from the Chenab toll plaza, the Punjab Rangers marked a ‘red line’, and put up a notice nearby warning the protesters not to breach the line or face consequences.

The warning notice put up by Punjab Rangers, read –Attention: Beyond this line, the responsibility for law and order lies with Pakistan Rangers (Punjab), who have been given the authority to open fire at the miscreants. All the people are strictly warned to return to their homes,” the banner installed by the paramilitary force reads.

• In Rawalpindi, the authorities have blocked the entry and exit points to the city due to a feared disturbance in the law and order situation in the wake of the TLP march.
• A heavy contingent of Frontier Constabulary, Elite Force, and Rangers have been deployed at Faizabad Interchange to deal with any untoward situation.
• Similarly, Rangers have also been stationed along the Metro Bus track and Murree Road.
• Several areas have been sealed with containers to stop the marchers from creating a law and order situation.

32 suspects arrested: Meanwhile, Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry announced that 32 members of a “proscribed organization” had been arrested in a nighttime operation.

• Although Chaudhry did not divulge the arrested suspects’ affiliation, he during a presser about the TLP on Wed had lashed out at “fake news” on social media and called on those spreading misinformation to mend their ways.
• He said TLP activists were receiving “social media help” from India and some other countries, adding that the govt was contacting these countries to have such people expelled and the PTA had been issued directions in this regard.
• The TLP had earlier said that it would resume its journey after Friday prayers in Gujranwala. It plans to reach Wazirabad and Chenab toll plaza by the evening.
• All 3 bridges over Chenab between Gujrat and Wazirabad towns have been filled with containers and at least 100 containers have been placed throughout the pathway of the bridges.
• These fresh arrangements to prevent the TLP march were made on Thu in addition to the already dug-up trenches near the toll plazas on Wazirabad and Gujrat sides as the area was already blocked for the last one week.