[ NATIONAL ]

Indian Army’s Cheetah helicopter crashes in Gurez sector of Jammu and Kashmir

An Indian Army Cheetah helicopter crashed in the Baraum area of the Gurez sector of Jammu and Kashmir on Fri. The search parties of the security forces are reaching the snow-bound area for the rescue of the chopper crew. More details are awaited.

Islamic State-Khorasan Province member from Kerala killed in Afghanistan

HT-The Islamic State-Khorasan Province has claimed some of the most brazen attacks in Afghanistan in recent months, including the suicide attack on Kabul airport on Aug 26 last year

BSF recovers huge arms cache in Punjab’s Ferozepur

ANI – Border Security Force and Special Task Force in a joint operation on Fri recovered a huge cache of weapons from the Ferozepur Sector on the India Pakistan border. Among the confiscated arms and ammunition are five AK-47 rifles and 10 magazines, 3 US-made rifles with 6 magazines, and 5 pistols with 10 magazines and cartridges. The joint operation of BSF and STF is underway and more details are awaited.

India Briefs High-level UN Team on Concerns Over Terrorism in South Asia

PTI- India has briefed a high-level UN team about its concerns over terrorism in the South Asian region, especially the possible threats from misuse of new and emerging technologies and unmanned aerial systems. India’s concerns were conveyed to the team of experts from the UN Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring team during its visit to the country from March 8 -10, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). The UN experts visited India following an invitation from New Delhi and it was in continuation of regular consultations between the team with key member-states relevant to their mandate, it said. “A team of experts from the UN Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team concerning ISIL (Da’esh), Al-Qaida and the Taliban supporting the Security Council’s 1267 & 1988 Sanction Committees visited India from March 8 to 10,” the MEA said.

Top Republican Senator seeks halt to Eric Garcetti’s nomination as US Ambassador to India

ANI -The nomination of Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti to become US ambassador to India seems to be in trouble as a top Senate Republican has sought to put the matter on hold owing to a pending investigation regarding sexual harassment of his adviser. According to a document obtained by Politico, Republican Senator Charles Grassley asked Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell to seek a delay of the nomination until the probe is concluded. “The United States owes it to the Republic of India to send them a qualified Ambassador that will represent the values of the United States,” Grassley said in the documents sent to McConnell on Thursday to notify the Senate. In Jan this year, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee had confirmed the nomination of Garcetti to be US ambassador to India. However, the nomination needed to be confirmed by a majority of the US Senate. Garcetti was among a series of ambassadors and other foreign affairs nominees approved. Although individual senators raised public objections to some of the nominees, none did to Garcetti’s selection.

Tibetans Demonstrate Against Chinese ‘Aggression’

PTI- Tibetan and Indian protestors demonstrated against China’s `aggression’ in Tibet as well as `Incursions’ into Indian border states outside the Chinese Consulate General here on Thu. Indo-Tibetan Coordination Office (ITCO), a part of the Central Tibet Organisation, led a motley crowd of demonstrators waving Tibetan and Indian flags as well as photographs of the Dalai Lama in a city, which half a century back used to have slogans inked on walls praising Mao Zedong, Chairman of the Chinese Communist Party. The demonstration coincided with the anniversary of the Tibetan uprising in Lhasa against Chinese rule in 1959, which led to the Dalai Lama and many of his followers fleeing Tibet for refuge in India.

India’s Russian Coal Imports Could Be Highest In Over 2 Years In March

REUTERS- India’s coal imports from Russia in March could be the highest in more than two years, data from research consultancies showed, as Indian buyers continue buying the fuel from a market that is now increasingly isolated by sanctions. Vessels carrying at least 1.06 million tonnes of coking coal, mainly used for steelmaking, and thermal coal, used primarily for electricity generation, are set to deliver the fuel at Indian ports in March, the highest since Jan 2020, data from consultancy Kpler showed.

India partnership to boost Australian critical minerals sector

A new investment partnership with India is set to unlock mutual benefits for both countries from Australia’s world-leading critical minerals sector. Minister for Resources and Water Keith Pitt said the Govt has allocated $5.8 million to the three-year Australia-India Critical Minerals Investment Partnership. “Australia and India are natural partners sharing mutual strategic and economic priorities and this partnership will support further Indian investment in Australian critical minerals projects,” Minister Pitt said. “It is the first of its kind and represents a step-change in how countries can work together to support key industries and pursue growth opportunities.

OprationGanga: All 3 flights with all the Indian students evacuated from Ukraine’s Sumy have reached India.

-In 90 flights India has brought back over 18000 of its nationals from war-torn countries. All in all, 23000 Indians have left the country since India started issuing its advisories.

Ministry of External Affairs issued Guidelines for Indian students studying in Russia

The Embassy has been receiving messages from Indian students in universities in Russia seeking advice on their continued stay in the country. The Embassy would like to reassure all students that at present we see no security reasons for them to leave. The Embassy is in regular contact with relevant authorities concerning the safety and security of the Indian nationals, including students. Certain disruption of banking services in Russia and direct flight connectivity from Russia to India is, however, taking place. If students have concerns regarding these aspects and would like to travel back to India, they may consider doing so.

Bihar news: Bomb found on railway tracks in Gaya, operations disrupted for two hours

A major tragedy was averted after a bomb was found on railway tracks in the Gaya district of Bihar, police said on Thu. The railway operations were disrupted for 2 hours due to the bomb threat. The bomb was recovered from tracks near Guraru railway station. According to police officials, the bomb was defused on the tracks itself as the explosive device was of low intensity. Police said an investigation is underway in the case, according to a report in ANI.

CBI writes to Microsoft to seek details of ‘rigyajursarma@outlook.com’

Central Bureau of Investigation has asked Microsoft to give details of email id rigyajursarma@outlook.com which was purportedly used and created by former group operating officer of NSE Anand Subramanian. This email id was active for six years between 2010-16. CBI also said that that investigation has revealed that most of the email communication made from the email address had been deleted by Anand to destroy crucial evidence. Some deleted email correspondence were retrieved during the forensic audit by NSE and later by SEBI during its inquiry.

Top Maoist killed in Chhattisgarh: Police

The slain Maoist was identified as Ritesh Punem, who was the commander of the Sendra Local Organisation Squad of the Maoists. A Maoist commander carrying a reward of ₹3 lakh on his head was killed in an exchange of fire with security forces in Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur district on Fri, a police officer said. The exchange of fire took place around 8:30 am near Kaika and Mosla villages, he added. “A joint team of security personnel including jawans of district reserved guard and personnel from the 222^nd battalion of Central Reserve Police Force were out on anti-Naxal operation when Maoists fired and the encounter started,” said inspector general of police (Bastar range). He added that the Maoist’s body was recovered along with a gun from the scene of the gun battle. The officer identified the slain Maoist as Ritesh Punem, who was the commander of the Sendra Local Organisation Squad of the Maoists. He added that a jawan sustained a minor injury and his condition was stable.

Visakhapatnam: infrared test facility inaugurated at NSTL

THE HINDU -An infrared (IR) test facility developed by the Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL) to study the performance of diesel engine Infrared Signature Suppression (IRSS) systems for the Indian Navy was inaugurated by NSTL Director Y. Sreenivas Rao on Thursday. Mr. Sreenivasa Rao appreciated the team for designing and developing a unique facility, which can simulate the exhaust gas system of diesel engines of any make, thereby avoiding multiple test facilities.

BJP creates new records as it retains UP, Uttarakhand, Manipur, Goa; AAP sweeps Punjab

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) retained power with impressive victories in Uttar Pradesh (272/402), Uttarakhand (47/70), and Manipur (32/60) and is set to retain Goa (20/40) too as its performance across different parts of the country created new records and gave a big jolt to Congress. In Punjab, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) scored a smashing victory by getting over three-fourths (92/117) seats in a multi-cornered contest. Comedian turned politician Bhagwant Mann to be Punjab’s next CM. Yogi Adityanath becomes first UP CM in 37 years to retain power after completing a full term.

Govt sitting on the appointment of 20 women as HC judges: CJI

On International Day of Women Judges, CJI N V Ramana complained about the chronic delay in judges’ appointment to constitutional courts and gave it an occasion-specific spin by saying that the Centre is sitting over recommendations for appointing 20 women as high court judges.

[ NEIGHBORHOOD ]

‘India to explain what happened in Mian Channu,’ says DG ISPR after Indian projectile falls in Pakistan

Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Maj Gen Babar Iftikhar on Thursday briefed the media on an Indian “high-speed flying object” that fell in Mian Channu, Khanewal district on Wednesday night.

Pakistan opposition seeks PM Imran Khan’s ouster with a no-confidence motion

Pakistan’s opposition parties moved a no-confidence motion seeking the ouster of Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tue, accusing him of mismanaging the economy and poor governance in the toughest challenge he has faced since taking power in 2018. The move comes after the opposition, led by the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), rallied thousands of supporters to demonstrate against Khan, raising the prospect of political turmoil in the nuclear-armed nation. “Resign in 24 hours and face us in an election,” PPP leader Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, the son of assassinated former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, told the rally just outside the capital Islamabad. “Or be prepared for a no-confidence motion.”Unprecedented scenes were witnessed inside Pakistan NA after police stormed Parliament lodges and roughed up opposition lawmakers before arresting them. Is the internal turmoil within Pakistan now turning to be Imran Khan Niazi Versus General Bajwa? Niazi says Army Chief Gen. Bajwa asked him not to call Maulana Fazlur Rehman ‘diesel’. PM then goes on to mock Fazlur Rehman in public. This won’t end well.

A Chinese company and Gwadar Port Authority to set up a desalination plant

Urdu Point- An agreement has been reached between a Chinese company and Gwadar Port Authority to set up a desalination plant. Chinese company officials and Port Authority Director Dawood Kalmati signed the agreement. Rear Admiral Jawad Ahmed of Pakistan Navy, Brigadier Fahad Hussain of Pakistan Army, and other senior officials were also present on the occasion.

US lawmakers seek probe against Pak envoy Masood Khan’s terror links

ANI – Three prominent US lawmakers have called for a probe in newly-installed Ambassador to the United States, Masood Khan, for his links with terror outfits and sympathizers. The approval of Khan’s appointment generated criticism last month due to reports of his links to Islamist charities that have openly affiliated with terrorists and his praise for terrorist organizations. In a letter sent to US Attorney General, US Reps. Scott Perry, Mary Miller, and Greg Steube asked for a probe of Masood Khan’s ties with several Islamist groups in Pakistan which the lawmakers say represent a threat to US national security.

Pakistan police conduct raid at North Korean embassy

PTI-The police in Pakistan’s national capital conducted a raid at the North Korean embassy earlier this week over inputs about the presence of a large amount of liquor in its premises, prompting the diplomatic mission to lodge a strong protest over what it called the violation of the Vienna Convention. Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid on Thu apologized for the police raid on the diplomatic mission, terming the incident as a “misunderstanding”. His remarks came hours after reports surfaced that the North Korean embassy wrote a letter to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, saying the Islamabad Police violated the Vienna Convention. A report published in The News daily said that the embassy had stated in a letter to the Foreign Office and Islamabad’s police chief that police entered the mission’s premises from the backdoor at approximately 5 pm (local time) on March 7 and harassed its workers.

Indian Army’s Cheetah helicopter crashes in Gurez sector of Jammu and Kashmir

• One Indian Army aviation pilot has killed in the helicopter crash in Gurez of Bandipora in North Kashmir. Co-Pilot injured seriously but stable.
• An Indian Army Cheetah helicopter crashed in the Baraum area of the Gurez sector of Jammu and Kashmir on Fri.
• Reports suggest that the chopper crashed when it was en route on a mission to rescue an injured soldier in the Gurez area.
• The Army helicopter crashed in north Kashmir along the Line of Control (LAC).
• The search parties of the security forces are reaching the snow-bound area for the rescue of the chopper crew. More details are awaited.
• The helicopter was about to land but “drifted away” because of the weather conditions, news agency PTI reported. 

According to a statement of the Ministry of Defence in Nov 2021, the replacement of the aircraft fleet of the defense forces including Cheetah and Chetak helicopters is reviewed from time to time keeping in view the operational requirements.

The Government has planned replacement of these helicopters with Naval Utility Helicopter, indigenous Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) manufactured by HAL under “Buy (Indian-IDDM)” project, and Russian built Ka-226T as “Buy & Make (Indian)”.

Islamic State-Khorasan Province member from Kerala killed in Afghanistan

The Islamic State-Khorasan Province has claimed some of the most brazen attacks in Afghanistan in recent months, including the suicide attack on Kabul airport on Aug 26 last year

• An Indian member of the Islamic State-Khorasan Province has died fighting in Afghanistan, apparently in a suicide attack, according to the latest issue of a publication of the group.
• Voice of Khurasan, the ISKP’s publication, identified the Indian fighter only by his nom de guerre, Najeeb Al Hindi,
• It described him as a 23-year-old “engineering (M.Tech) student from Kerala” in an article about his death.
• The article didn’t give further details about Najeeb or state exactly when he was killed, or the specific circumstances of his death.
• The article compared Najeeb to Hanzala Ibn Abi Amir, one of the companions of Prophet Mohammed, because he was killed hours after getting married to a Pakistani woman.
• Hanzala died in the Battle of Uhud at the age of 24 after leaving for the battlefield on his wedding night.
• The article stated Najeeb had come to Khorasan – the area of Afghanistan where ISKP is based – “from India” on his own.
• “It was very difficult to make hijra on (sic) those days,” the article said.
• He also met other fighters “who came from his place” and lived as a bachelor in a guest room.
• “He was very quiet and spoke when needed, with always a smile on his face,” the article said.
• “Never complaining about the difficult life of mountains, the only thing going on in his mind was Shahadah.”
• After several months, Najeeb’s friends forced him to get married and there was a proposal from a Pakistani family on behalf of a young woman who was within the ISKP fold.
• On the date set for Najeeb’s wedding, the article states, the “kuffar” (non-believers) “began to advance in our area and bombardment started”.
• The article does not identify exactly who had attacked the ISKP.
• However, there have been numerous clashes between the IS and the Taliban since the latter assumed power in Kabul in mid-Aug 2021.
• Several dozen men and women from Kerala are believed to have joined the ISKP in recent years.
• A few have died in fighting or by US drone strikes.
• During an operation against the group by Afghan forces in Nangarhar province in later 2019, at least 25 Indian nationals – 13 fighters and the rest women and children – were captured.
• Scores of ISKP cadres held in prisons in Kabul and other cities were freed during the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan and the fighters returned to the group.
• The ISKP has claimed some of the most brazen attacks in Afghanistan in recent months, including the suicide attack on Kabul airport on Aug 26 last year that killed more than 180 people.

[ NEIGHBORHOOD ]

‘India to explain what happened in Mian Channu,’ says DG ISPR after Indian projectile falls in Pakistan

Dawn-Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Maj Gen Babar Iftikhar on Thu briefed the media on an Indian “high-speed flying object” but it was certainly unarmed, which fell in Mian Channu, Khanewal district on Wed night.

• Earlier reports had suggested that a private aircraft had crashed in the area.
• “On Mar 9, at 6:43 pm, a high-speed flying object was picked up inside the Indian territory by Air Defence Operations Centre of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF),” he began.
• “From its initial course, the object suddenly maneuvered towards Pakistani territory and violated Pakistan’s air space, ultimately falling near Mian Channu at 6:50 pm.”
• “PAF continuously monitored the complete flying path of the object, from its point of origin near Sirsa in India to its point of impact, near Mian Channu.
• “It initiated requisite tactical actions,” he said.

He claimed that “It is important to highlight that the flight path of this object endangered many international and domestic passenger flights — both in Indian and Pakistani air space — as well as human life and property on the ground.”

“It, nevertheless, shows their disregard for aviation safety and reflects very poorly on their technological prowess and procedural efficiency,” he said, adding that this could have resulted in a major aviation disaster.

‘Flagrant violation’- “Pakistan strongly protests this flagrant violation and cautions against recurrence of any such incident in the future,” he warned.

• Air Vice Marshall Tariq Zia told the media that at the time this projectile was picked up, there were two airway routes active and several commercial airlines in the area.
• The projectile traveled 124 km inside Pakistani territory in 3.44 minutes, he added, as per DG, ISPR it took 6.17 min.
• The DG also made it clear that there was no sensitive installation in Mian Channu where the projectile fell.
• In response to a question, he said “testing and trial of such weapon systems do take place”. “But what this was, India has to explain.”
• “This incident reflects the questionable capabilities of the human resources working on these programs in India as well as this technology.”
• Asked for more details about the object, he said “we are not claiming anything right now”.
• “As a responsible nation, we will wait for India to respond.”
• We have given details of whatever we know right now. But it is for the Indians to explain what happened in Mian Channu.”
• “All our forces are alert to the threat and challenges that we face.”
• He said it traveled at an altitude of 40,000 feet, at Mach 3, and flew 124 km in Pakistani airspace before crashing.

‘Army has nothing to do with politics’

• The DG ISPR was also asked whether the army was standing with PM Imran Khan, concerning the current political situation and his impending no-confidence vote.
• “I had clearly stated in my last press conference that the army has nothing to do with politics,” he replied. “It is this way and it will remain this way.”
• There was no immediate reaction from the Indian side.

Chinese state-owned oil firms occupying Myanmar territory in wake of development projects

ANI – The Chinese state-owned companies China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) South East Asia Oil Pipeline Co. Ltd. (SEAOP), and South East Asia Gas Pipeline Co. Ltd. (SEAGP) during the implementation of the FDI in oil and gas projects in Myanmar have illegally acquired land by violating existing laws.

• In a recent development, China implemented the 2.5 billion dollar largest FDI investment in Myanmar, namely the Myanmar China Oil and Gas Pipeline (MCOGP).
• The gas and oil pipeline started at Kyauk Phyu in Rakhine state and ended in Nam Kham, a northeast border town with China.
• The pipeline measured 30 m in width for a distance of 793 km.

The Myanmar-China Pipeline Watch Committee (MCPWC), in its research, found that a large-scale FDI project in the country’s oil and gas sector generated environmental destruction and had a major social impact on the life and livelihood of Myanmar’s farmers.

• The MCPWC had conducted field research in 100 villages and published a report in Jan 2016 explaining in detail issues of land use, corruption, damage to farmland, and land compensation.
• The MCPWC also met and discussed with the Natural Resource and Environmental Conservation Committee of the Upper House of Parliament.
• This Committee categorically stated that “the pipeline has been constructed dividing the country”.
• The matter was discussed in the Parliament of Myanmar in Dec 2016.
• The then deputy minister of the Ministry of Electricity and Energy revealed that CNPC had acquired the land by paying direct compensation to the farmers.
• The transfer of land should, however, had to be done through the Transfer of Immovable Property Restriction Act 1987; Foreign Investment Law (2012), and Farmland Law (2012).
• According to the FDI law, MCPWC has the right to lease the land for the pipeline route from the Myanmar government through the long-term land lease agreement.

The report also examined that the CNPC took no responsibility for post-construction requirements, namely soil erosion among the pipeline resulting in damage to water resources and environmental destruction.

In effect as the land of 30 m in width starting from the Myanmar western border to the Chinese border was acquired by Beijing, the country has in effect been split into 2, resulting in affecting Myanmar’s security and national interests adversely.