[ NATIONAL ]

Def Min moves Cabinet to set up independent weapon testing-certification agency

The umbrella body will ensure that private players in the Indian defense sector are not at the mercy of govt labs and testing facilities for getting their hardware certified for domestic use and exports.

Intelligence agencies sound alert over the presence of 12 Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorists in Kashmir

India Today -As many as 12 Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists have infiltrated into Kashmir, according to the intelligence alert. 12 foreign origins (FT) JeM terrorists entered Kashmir on Feb 13-14 in 2 different batches via the jungles of Jumagund (Keran sector), the intelligence alert stated. The agencies claim that these terrorists may be hiding in the Sopore and Bandipora areas. These 12 terrorists have satellite phones (Thuraya phones) as well as hand grenades with them. The intelligence agencies revealed that both Kaiser Ahmad Dar, a resident of Pulwama, and foreign terrorist Abu Saad – who were hiding in Pulwama – reached the Sopore area on Feb 21. After this input, everyone has been asked to stay on alert.

One killed, 15 injured in a blast outside the district court complex in Udhampur, J&K

One person was killed and 13 were injured in a blast at Slathia Chowk in Udhampursaid, said the Jammu and Kashmir police. Blast reported at Salathia Chowk of Udhampur in Jammu. 1 killed and over 13 injured in the blast. 6 people were reportedly critical. The nature of the blast is still being examined. “But it appears a localized blast and its impact was not felt in a large area. The blast took place in a small area and impacted those present (in its vicinity,” the senior police officer said. A lawyer, who was in the Udhampur court complex a short distance, said the explosion was powerful. Further details are awaited.

Under PM Modi’s leadership, India more likely to respond to Pakistan provocations: US Intelligence ODNI

“Pakistan has a long history of supporting anti-India militant groups; under PM Modi’s leadership, India is more likely than in the past to respond with military force to perceived or real Pakistani provocations, and each side’s perception of heightened tensions raises the risk of conflict, with violent unrest in Kashmir or a militant attack in India being potential flashpoints,” it said.

Peace on border essential, Foreign Secretary says ahead of India-China talks

A couple of days ahead of talks between the military commanders of India-China, Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla said New Delhi has made it clear to Beijing that peace and tranquility in the border areas is essential for the development of our relationship.

Vijayan meets envoys, seeks to strengthen ties

Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Tue held meetings with the consul general of Japan in Chennai, Taga Masayuki, and the Netherlands ambassador to India, Marten van den Berg, and discussed the necessity to strengthen the cooperation between those countries and Kerala in various fields. Berg called on Vijayan at his office here and assured support to the state’s venture to develop centers of excellence in the higher education sector. Vijayan welcomed Dutch tourists to Kerala and remembered how the idea of “room for the river” from the Netherlands had helped the state government handle the flood situation in the Kuttanad region of Alappuzha district.

India to resume regular international flights from March 27

The Indian govt on Tue said it has decided to resume scheduled commercial international passenger services in the country from Mar 27 as part of the summer schedule 2022. The govt had suspended operations of international commercial passenger services on Mar 23, 2020, amid the coronavirus outbreak. The govt added that the flight operations will be subject to “strict adherence to the ministry of health & family welfare guidelines for international travel. India had planned to resume flight operations in December last year but it had to be pushed back a due surge in Omicron variant cases in the country and across the world.

Cabinet approves amendment to Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act

ANI – The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wed approved a proposal related to amendment in the second schedule of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 that seeks to specify rates of royalty in respect of certain minerals.

[ NEIGHBORHOOD ]

Chinese foreign minister holds phone call with Pak counterpart, discusses Afghanistan, Ukraine crisis

The Express Tribune- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Tue held a phone conversation with his Pakistani counterpart Shah Mahmood Qureshi and discussed issues concerning Afghanistan, the Ukraine crisis, and bilateral matters. The Pakistani FM said the two ministers discussed bilateral ties and exchanged views on the regional and global situation, reported. Chinese media reports said that Wang condemned the recent terrorist attack in Peshawar city. Wang said China looks forward to working with Pakistan to push forward the implementation of the consensus reached between the leaders of the two sides and deepen strategic mutual trust and cooperation, Xinhua news agency reported. The two sides exchanged views on the situation in Ukraine. The two ministers also exchanged views on the Afghan issue and agreed to strengthen communication and coordination, and leverage the unique strengths and roles of neighboring countries.

Chinese firms aiding Russia could be shut down, US official warns

ANI – Chinese companies that defy Western sanctions on Russia and Belarus can be subjected to “devastating” actions, US Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo said on Tue. “We could essentially shut SMIC [Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation] down because we prevent them from using our equipment and our software,” Raimondo said told NYT. He added that SMIC or any Chinese companies breaching US export control measures can be shut down should they deliver chips and other high-tech items to the sanctioned countries. NYT – the export controls prohibit the sale of certain high-tech products, including advanced semiconductors, to Russia and Belarus. The export controls apply not just to US firms, but also to companies that use American software or technology to manufacture their products. Raimondo’s remarks come a day after the US had issued a warning saying, Washington has the means to “take steps” against China if Beijing does not abide by the sanctions on Russia amid the conflict in Ukraine. “We have also seen China abide by the sanctions that have been put in place. … If they don’t abide by the sanctions we always have, you know, we have means to take steps but that’s what we have seen today,” White House spokesperson Jen Psaki said during a press briefing.

As Russia attacks Ukraine, China eyes Indo-Pacific: Australian intelligence

Australia’s intelligence agency fears Russia’s invasion of Ukraine may spread into a regional or global conflict, with China focusing on the Indo-Pacific. Australian intelligence believes China could try to use the Indo-Pacific as a base to overtake the US as the world’s leading power.

China lawmakers have West’s decline on their minds at Two Sessions

China’s annual govt report skipped any mention of the United States, but Washington and its allies are definitely on the minds of the Chinese lawmakers meeting in Beijing this week. While discussions are predominantly focused on domestic affairs, delegates at this year’s National People’s Congress tend to see the West as in decline, according to meeting minutes made available to journalists. The lawmakers also see Washington as the main source of domestic and international uncertainties. The People’s Liberation Army is expected to face “unprecedented” confrontation between major powers, said Wei Fenghe, China’s minister of defense, in a Sun discussion at the NPC.

PM should not have reacted publicly against the EU, says Tarin

Dawn-Finance Minister Shaukat Tarin on Wed said PM Imran Khan should not have reacted “publicly” against the European Union in his recent speech where he lashed out at the bloc’s ambassadors for their “undiplomatic” statement asking Pakistan to condemn Russia for its invasion of Ukraine. Speaking during a public rally in Vehari last week, the PM had questioned if the EU had called out India for its actions in occupied Kashmir, which went against international law. The premier was referring to a letter penned by 23 EU envoys last week, urging Pakistan “to join them in condemning Russia’s actions [in Ukraine] and to voice support for upholding the UN Charter and the founding principles of international law”. To another question, the FM said the govt also held discussions with the International Monetary Fund over a recent relief package that was announced by the PM.

As foreign reserves slip, Sri Lanka devalues currency

Sri Lanka is effectively devaluing its currency as its foreign reserves dwindle, potentially accelerating the worst inflation surge in Asia as the nation struggles to service its debt and pay for imports. The Central Bank of Sri Lanka said in a statement late Mon that “greater flexibility in the exchange rate will be allowed to the markets with immediate effect.” The central bank also said it’s “of the view” that transactions would be capped at 230/$, about 12% below the current market level of 201.49 rupees. The island nation’s debt load, which the International Monetary Fund has said is “unsustainable,” is becoming increasingly difficult to manage as it also struggles to pay for imports of fuel and other necessities, leading to power cuts and other shortages.

Def Min moves Cabinet to set up independent weapon testing-certification agency

As a first major step towards the “Atmanirbharta” vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Defence Ministry has approached the Union Cabinet to green light to set up an independent nodal umbrella body to meet the wide-ranging testing and certification requirements of weapon systems developed and manufactured by Indian private sector.

• The body was foreseen in the Union Budget this year as a move towards decoupling the Indian private defense industry from the clutches of military bureaucracy on Raisina Hill.
• By painting the private players as mere profiteers, the military-industrial complex has been at the mercy of poor-performing officials who are fantastic in promise but very low on delivery.
• The new independent authority will ensure that the private sector is not at the mercy of the govt laboratories and testing ranges for getting their equipment approved.
• With 68% of the defense capital procurement budget earmarked for the domestic industry this financial year.
• Thus, the private sector took advantage of this move and started manufacturing high-end products with western defense majors who are willing to set up shop in India.
• The Ukraine crisis and the ensuing sanctions by the west reveal that the Indian private sector will have to hit the ground running as there will be a premium on self-reliance in military hardware all over the world.
• With the possibility of Russia being caught up in the Ukraine war increasing by the day, the spares and ammunition supplies for Russian-origin weapon systems with India will run the risk of a sudden cut in the supply chains as Moscow’s priority will be war in the west.

• And last-minute replacements or acquisitions are going to cost a packet.
• The ”Atmanirbharta” model is crucial for a country that has legitimate ambitions and capability for the global high table.
• This setting up of a nodal body of testing and certification be able to herald a new era in the Indian defense sector.
• However, this must be accompanied by strong reforms in defense as the establishment of India is like an immense that is steeped in imperial legacy and moves at its own will and pace.
• There is a need for a total revamp of the defense military planning and forecasting so that India develops the latest technologies and futuristic weapon systems.
• Before 2014, the Indian defense sector catered to a military that kept silent on China and showed aggression on Pakistan.
• The fact is that strategic roads were not built up to the China border for the fear that the PLA may use them to enter India.
• The May 2020 transgressions by the PLA in East Ladakh have rudely woken the Indian military establishment to the real threat on both land and high seas.
• Post Ukraine, self-reliance is the only panacea to deal with an uncertain world.

Amid the ongoing Ukraine-Russia crisis, Army Chief General MM Naravane on Tue said the lesson for India from the ongoing conflict is that we have to be ready to fight wars of the future with indigenous weapon systems and steps have to be taken in that direction, in response to a question asked by ANI.

Sanctions on Russia unlikely to create problems for India’s defense sector: V K Saraswat

India’s defense sector will not face any problems because of the western sanctions on Russia as Moscow has inherent military strength and is self-sufficient in its production capabilities, Niti Aayog member V K Saraswat said on Wed.

• Russia is one of the biggest suppliers of defense products and equipment to India mostly under G-G contracts.
• The US on Tue announced that the US would ban the import of Russian oil and gas, targeting the main artery of Russia’s economy, in response to Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.
• He pointed out that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has already said that now the government wants to have 68% of defense equipment of indigenous variety.
• According to a report released by Stockholm-based defense think-tank, SIPRI in Mar 2021, India’s import of arms decreased 33% between 2011-15 and 2016-20 and Russia was the most affected supplier.
• The Indian Army’s main battle tank force is composed predominantly of Russian T-72M1 (66%) and T-90S (30%), it had said.
• CRS had said the Indian Navy’s sole operational aircraft carrier is a refurbished Soviet-era ship, and its entire complement of fighter and ground attack aircraft are Russian-made or produced in India on license.
• The Navy’s fighter fleet comprises 43 MiG-29K/KUBs, it had said.

Peace on border essential, Foreign Secretary says ahead of India-China talks

A couple of days ahead of talks between the military commanders of India-China, Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla said New Delhi has made it clear to Beijing that peace and tranquility in the border areas is essential for the development of our relationship.

• The initiative is part of the Government’s efforts to mainstream Neighbourhood First policy in the functioning of all Ministries and Departments of the Govt of India.
• He said while India wanted a good relationship with Pakistan, it cannot be at the expense of security.
• India will be resolute in dealing with the security challenges and continue to expand its capacities to do so.
• Turning to the neighborhood, Shringla drew attention to two striking areas, connectivity which has steadily improved, and the energy sector.
• The Indian grid is connected to Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh and trans-national movement of electricity in the neighborhood is a reality.
• There are no cross-border hydrocarbon pipeline links between India and Nepal and an India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline is also under construction.
• India’s Lines of Credit to its neighbors have also jumped from $3.27 billion in 2014 to $14.7 billion in 2020.
• There are also 2 other important areas in which India is working closely in the neighborhood, healthcare, and education.

“Physical proximity means that we often share solutions. It also means, unfortunately, that many of our major foreign policy and security challenges arise from the neighborhood. Some of our neighbors remain trapped in interpretations of history that do not allow them to adopt a progressive vision for the region,” he regretted.

Cabinet approves amendment to Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act

ANI – The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wed approved a proposal related to amendment in the second schedule of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 that seeks to specify rates of royalty in respect of certain minerals.

The amendment will be focused on specifying the rate of royalty in respect of minerals like Glauconite, Potash, Emerald, Platinum Group of Metals (PGM), Andalusite, Sillimanite, and Molybdenum.

The approval would ensure auction of mineral blocks thereby reducing import of these minerals, generating empowerment opportunities in the mining as well as manufacturing sector which will help in ensuring inclusive growth of a large section of the society.

• The rate of royalty for Andalusite, Sillimanite, and Kyanite which are mineral polymorphs are kept at the same level, it said.
• Encouraging indigenous mining of these minerals is in the National interest that would lead to a reduction in imports in potash fertilizers and other minerals. (1)
• With the active cooperation of the State Govts, more than 145 mineral blocks have been successfully auctioned in the country, the ministry said.
• With further impetus given by the reforms made in the year 2021, more than 146 blocks have been put up for auction in the financial year 2021-22.
• Of this, 34 blocks have been successfully auctioned in the financial year, it added.

[ NEIGHBORHOOD ]

As Russia attacks Ukraine, China eyes Indo-Pacific: Australian intelligence

SCMP-A “troubling new strategic convergence” between Beijing and Moscow has developed and the risk of “major power conflict” had grown since Russia invaded Ukraine, Andrew Shearer, director-general of the Office of National Intelligence Australia said on Wed.

• Shearer said China’s President Xi Jinping appears to be planning to dominate the Indo-Pacific region and use it as a base to overtake the US as the world’s leading power.
• The comments reinforce warnings that the Russian invasion, which has met near-universal condemnation by the West, may spread into a regional or global conflict.
• This week Australian PM Scott Morrison called on liberal democracies to stop an “arc of autocracy” reshaping the world.
• “We’re going to have to work much harder to maintain the liberal quality of the rules-based order in Europe and here in the Indo-Pacific region,” Shearer said.
• “We see a leader who’s battening down and hardening his country for this struggle to overtake the US as the world’s leading power,” he added, referring to Xi.
• “The base camp … is to establish primacy in the Indo-Pacific region.”
• Shearer said the geopolitical threat would center around technology, including the use of cyberattacks, so Australia must bolster its cyber defenses without closing itself to trade and information-sharing.
• Since Russia’s invasion, which it has called a “special operation,” Australian intelligence considered that “a major power conflict, unfortunately, is becoming a less remote prospect than it was previously,” Shearer said.
• He foreshadowed a “brutal, bloody couple of weeks” since Russian leader Putin had “everything at stake now [and] it’s hard to see an elegant, or inelegant, dismount”.
• The Kremlin describes its actions as a “special operation” to disarm Ukraine and unseat leaders it calls neo-Nazis.
• Ukraine and Western allies call this a baseless pretext for a war of choice that has raised fears of wider conflict in Europe.