[NATIONAL]

China enhancing infra near Arunachal Pradesh: Eastern Command chief

The Indian Army’s Eastern Command chief on Mon said China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) is engaged in infrastructure capacity enhancement (road, rail, and air connectivity as well as a 5G mobile network) across the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Arunachal Pradesh so that they are in a better position to respond to a situation or mobilize forces. Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Command, however, said the Indian side is also continuously upgrading its infrastructure and capabilities to deal with any situation that may arise along the border. The Chinese authorities have built border villages close to the LAC that can be used for dual purposes, the Chief said. “We are continuously monitoring the situation. … These have put us in a robust position,” he added.

India ‘doesn’t foresee’ border fighting with China, but ‘won’t back down’ if tensions reignite

ThePrint (sources)-With the Ladakh standoff having entered its 3^rd year now, India does not foresee fighting China again along the critical Line of Actual Control. However, they made it clear that if Beijing tries to reignite tensions, India will give a “muscular response” without worrying about the outcome. The Chinese “have understood that India will stand up to any kind of aggression”, and will not back down if push comes to shove. Talking about China’s ongoing military and diplomatic talks with India over the LAC issue, the sources said that these will continue for the foreseeable future. They further said that while disengagement has taken place on both banks of Pangong Tso, Galwan, and Gogra, the issues of the Depsang Plains and Demchok will linger on as they predate the current standoff. The tensions with China have led to a rethink on military priorities, and an “all of nation” approach is being followed. A lot of emphases is being put on modern technology and better border infrastructure. (here)

6 Indian Army Divisions assigned to the China border from the Pakistan front

Amid the ongoing military standoff with China, the Indian Army has changed the operational tasks of six of its Divisions from the Ladakh sector to Arunachal Pradesh and shifted its focus from the Pakistan front to China. From Ladakh to the Northeast, the Indian Army has shifted its focus from the Pakistan front to China and has changed the operational tasks of 6 of its Divisions. The Indian Army has been doing rebalancing and realignment of its forces which were earlier more prepared for the Pakistan threat than the challenges faced from the Northern borders. The situation and deployment of Indian Army troops along the border with China was reviewed by Army Chief in his maiden visit as Chief to that sector on Thu. (here)

INS Surat, INS Udaygiri: 2 Indigenous Warships Rajnath Singh Launched Today

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh launched two indigenous warships of the Indian Navy at Mumbai’s Mazagon Dock Ltd (MDL) on Tue. The warships, designed at the Directorate of Naval Design (DND) and built entirely at MDL as part of the Atmanirbhar Bharat mission, are the Project 15B dest­royer Indian Naval Ship Surat and the Project 17A frigate INS Udaygiri. Both 15B and P17A ships have been designed in-house by the Directorate of Naval Design. INS Surat-15B class of ships are the next generation stealth guided-missile destroyers of the Indian Navy being built at the Mazgaon Docks Ltd, Mumbai. ‘Surat’ is the 4^th ship of Project 15B Destroyers, which heralds a makeover of the P15A (Kolkata Class) Destroyers, and is named after the commercial capital of the state of Gujarat and also the 2^nd-largest commercial hub of western India after Mumbai. INS Udaygiri-‘Udaygiri’, named after a mountain range in the state of Andhra Pradesh, is the third ship of Project 17A Frigates. These are follow-on of the P17 Frigates (Shivalik Class) with improved stealth features, advanced weapons and sensors, and platform management systems. (here)

India counters OIC on J&K delimitation move

India on Mon slammed the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) for its “unwarranted” comments on the delimitation exercise in Jammu and Kashmir and asked the grouping to refrain from carrying out its “communal agenda” at the behest of one country, in an oblique reference to Pakistan. India’s strong reaction came after the OIC criticized New Delhi over the delimitation exercise in J&K. India’s strong reaction came after the OIC criticized New Delhi over the delimitation exercise in Jammu and Kashmir. (here) India rejects Pak resolution on J&K delimitation move: ‘No locus standi’- India has rejected a resolution moved in Pakistan’s National Assembly against the delimitation proposal in J&K. In a statement, the foreign ministry said, “We categorically reject the farcical resolution passed by the NA of Pak on the subject of the delimitation exercise in the Indian union territory of J&K.” Pakistan must immediately cease anti-India cross-border terrorism and shut down its infrastructure of terrorism, the govt has underlined. (here)

India halts Ka-31 helicopter deal with Russia

India has halted negotiations with Russia for the former to acquire 10 Kamov Ka-31 airborne early warning helicopters for $520 million, following uncertainties in arms supplies amid the Ukraine crisis. New Delhi indefinitely suspended the negotiations with Rosoboron export and original equipment manufacturer Russian Helicopters, the Defense News reposted citing an anonymous official. The official said the G2G deal added that the suspension is due to concerns over Moscow’s ability to execute orders as well as issues related to payment transfers. The suspension represents a setback for the naval service because the Ka-31 helicopters are needed for the country’s 2^nd aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, which was locally built and will be commissioned in July. A former financial adviser for acquisitions said the suspension could also be due to geopolitical pressure from the international community, added with budgetary constraints and India’s preference to acquire locally developed helicopters. (here)

The US hopes to convince India to reconsider wheat exports and curb the decision

ANI – US Ambassador to UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield on Tue said that they hope to convince India to reconsider its decision to limit exports of wheat due to possible shortages in the future amid excessive heat in the Indian subcontinent. (here)

Govt bans wheat exports after new low output estimate, says need to ensure food availability

India, the world’s second-largest producer of wheat, has banned all Export of all wheat, including high-protein durum and normal soft bread varieties with immediate effect after a heatwave affected the crop. A notice in the govt gazette by the directorate of foreign trade, dated Fri, said a rise in global wheat prices was threatening the food security of India and neighboring and vulnerable countries. A key aim is to control rising domestic prices. Global wheat prices have increased by more than 40% since the beginning of the year. Before the war, Ukraine and Russia accounted for a 3^rd of global wheat and barley exports. (here) Locally, prices dropped sharply by 4-8% in different states. The ban on wheat exports Sat fuelled international prices by almost 6% a bushel (£60 or 27.21 kg) when global markets opened Mon. The G-7 countries too expressed disappointment on India’s decision on Sat, while India defended the decision, by saying the ban was “essentially given the price rise”. (here) Interestingly, China on Sun came to India’s defense after G7’s criticism, saying that blaming developing countries like India won’t solve the global food crisis. (GT) Indian Govt says it has allowed wheat to be exported to Egypt which was already under loading at the Kandla port; This is after a request by the Egyptian govt; Egypt is getting 61,500 MT of Wheat.

India-Nepal relations are unshakeable like the Himalayas, says PM Modi

PM Modi in Nepal: Narendra Modi and Nepalese PM Sher Bahadur Deuba Mon held bilateral talks in Lumbini after laying the foundation stone of the India International Centre for Buddhist Culture and Heritage. PM Modi, in his speech at the Buddha Jayanti event in Lumbini, said India and Nepal relations are unshakeable like the Himalayas. He also said that India and Nepal’s ever-strengthening friendship will benefit all entire humanity in the emerging global situation. Ministry of External Affairs called it an “opportunity to strengthen ongoing cooperation and develop new areas in our multifaceted partnership.” Earlier, PM Modi had offered prayers at the Maya Devi temple. The PM was received by his Nepalese counterpart Mon as he arrived in Lumbini. The construction of the Buddhist Centre comes decades after most foreign nations built their centers in Lumbini as an instrument of promoting Buddhist philosophy. It is expected to cost Rs. 1 billion and take 3 years to complete. (here)

India hosting SCO’s RATS meeting amid AfPak terror threat

India is hosting a critical meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation’s anti-terrorism body, Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS), for 3 days from Mon with an eye on addressing terrorism threats in the Eurasian region, including Afghanistan. Pakistan has sent a delegation for the meeting, which is being attended by all 9 members of the grouping. The meeting assumes significance amid prevalent terror networks in the Af-Pak region and threats from narcotics smuggling, said people aware of the matter. RATS, based in Tashkent, is a permanent body for countering terrorism, extremism, and separatism in the Eurasian region. In the ongoing meeting, India aims to take forward the agenda of countering the threats highlighted by PM Modi in his address to SCO and the Collective Security Treaty Organisation’s outreach summit on Afghanistan in Sept 2020. (here)

US special coordinator for Tibet to visit India and Nepal from Tue

US Special Coordinator for Tibetan issues Uzra Zeya will travel to India and Nepal, on May 17–22, week to deepen cooperation on human rights and democratic governance goals with the two nations, the State Department has announced. Zeya, the Under Secy for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights and an India-American, is expected to visit Dharamsala in Himachal Pradesh during her visit to India. Dharamsala is home to the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan govt-in-exile. It will be the first high-level contact between the US and the Tibetan leadership after Biden became President. In New Delhi, people familiar with the development said last month that Zeya will hold talks with the Dalai Lama and other senior leaders of the Tibetan govt in exile in Dharamsala, signaling the Biden administration’s commitment to the Tibetan cause. Last month, Tibetan exile leader Penpa Tsering paid a visit to Washington D.C. and met Zeya. China considers the 14^th Dalai Lama as a political exile who has attempted to split Tibet from China under the guise of religion. (here)

Railways awards 39,000 train wheels tender to a Chinese company

New Delhi: Indian Railways has awarded a contract for the supply of 39,000 train (Vande Bharat) wheels to a Chinese company after deliveries from other countries got affected because of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The tender for solid forged wheels (rough turned) was awarded to TZ (Taizhong) Hong Kong International Ltd., ET reported. While the value of the tender is just ₹170 crore, the move is significant given the restrictions imposed by New Delhi last July on investments and supplies from companies from countries sharing a land border with India following the Galwan valley standoff with China. The last tender awarded to TZ was in Mar 2020. The tender was opened on Apr 4 this year and the ministry awarded it to TZ on May 2. According to the Railway order, the place of manufacture of these wheels is Taiyuan Heavy Industry Railway Transit Equipment Company at Dianzi Steet in Taiyuan City, Shanxi, China. TZ is the international trading arm of Taiyuan Heavy Machinery Group Co, Ltd. According to the company website, it is a state-owned oversize backbone enterprise. It has links to the Chinese govt. Indian Railways has already begun work on local manufacturing. (here)

CBI raids Congress leader P Chidambaram, son Karti’s properties in ‘fresh graft case’

ThePrint- The Central Bureau of Investigation Tue conducted raids at 9 locations, including homes and offices of former Union minister and Congress leader P Chidambaram and his son Karti Chidambaram in Chennai and Delhi. The raids are in connection with a fresh case registered against Karti by the agency as the main accused of receiving “illegal gratification”, CBI sources said. (Sources)- Congress MP Karti took “illegal gratification” of Rs 50 lakh, laundered through various shell companies in 2010-12, for facilitating visas to some 250 Chinese citizens during the UPA regime. These visas were granted to people to work on a project in Punjab. It is also found that foreign remittance was made. We have registered a fresh case and the investigation is on. The CBI also confirmed that coordinated raids were conducted across Punjab, Odisha, Delhi, Chennai, and Karnataka. (here) The CBI got the whiff of the case during its ongoing investigation related to the INX media case in which Karti is already under probe in getting Foreign Investment Promotion Board clearance for INX media. (here)

Rupee off record lows on RBI intervention; bond yields rise

The partially convertible rupee was trading at 77.63/64/ dollar by 0805 GMT compared with its close of 77.45 on Fri. The rupee touched a record low of 77.7975 during the session.

Centre to train 20,000 J-K Govt officials in grievance redressal under Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions

Centre will train 20,000 Jammu and Kashmir govt officials in grievance redressal and the task will be undertaken by the Department of Administrative Reforms, Union Ministry of Personnel, announced Union Minister of State, Jitendra Singh on Mon. The announcement came while inaugurating a two-day Regional Conference on the theme “Bringing Citizens and Government Closer – Through Administrative Reforms” at SKICC Srinagar. The Regional Conference is being organized by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances, GoI in collaboration with UT of J&K. The conference is being held in the backdrop of the replication of good governance practices in the UT, 16 PM Awardees presented their innovations during the 2-day event. (here)

[NEIGHBORHOOD]

Sri Lanka is printing money to pay salaries but this could cause a further economic implosion

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said he is forced to print money to pay salaries for govt employees. In the first quarter of 2022, the nation printed 588 billion rupees. It started to print money extensively in Feb 2020, leading, coupled with other blunders, to the current economic implosion. Sri Lanka printed 1.2 trillion rupees in 2021 and, in the first quarter of 2022, it printed 588 billion. Between Dec 2019 and Aug 2021, Sri Lanka’s money supply increased by 42%. The Modern Monetary Theory suggests that govts can simply print money instead of raising revenue through taxes and borrowing which Sri Lanka experimented with leading to catastrophic consequences, is a theory. (here) The new administration plans to privatize Sri Lankan Airlines, PM said in a televised address to the nation Mon. The premier pledged to announce a new “relief” budget to replace President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s “development” budget that helped stoke Asia’s fastest inflation rate.

Chinese navy’s biggest destroyer leads Yellow Sea combat drills seen to target smaller rivals

The Chinese navy’s largest destroyer led 3 corvettes in a joint services exercise in the Yellow Sea, a new “high-low mix” drill that experts say was aimed at simulating military confrontations with weaker regional counterparts. The Lhasa, a Type 055 stealth-guided missile destroyer and the largest and most advanced warship of its kind in the People’s Liberation Army, conducted a series of assessment drills with three Type 056A corvettes in the Yellow Sea recently, state broadcaster CCTV reported on Sun. They carried out 3 days of air-defense, anti-ship, and anti-submarine exercises, the report said. Some other types of surface warships, submarines, early-warning aircraft, and helicopters also took part in the drill to simulate combat conditions. The PLA Navy’s Lhasa is seen as the second most powerful destroyer in the world after the USS Zumwalt(here)

The US did not try to pressure Asean nations to distance themselves from Russia at White House summit, official says

The US has not tried to persuade Asean countries to distance themselves from Russia over its invasion of Ukraine, a senior US official said on Tue during a briefing about the recently concluded US-Asean summit. A statement issued after the summit did not mention Russia or the invasion but said “we continue to reaffirm our respect for sovereignty, political independence, and territorial integrity” and called for an “immediate cessation of hostilities” in Ukraine. Some ASEAN nations have been reticent to condemn Vladimir Putin’s decision to start the war, while Indonesia, as host of the G- 20 summits later this year, refuses to exclude Putin from the gathering. Special assistant to the US president Edgard Kagan says expanded US-Asean ties are ‘really critical’ to Washington’s efforts in the Pacific amid China’s rise. Joe Biden told last week’s event America wanted a ‘new era’ in relations and promised greater cooperation over the South China Sea (here)

Chinese scientists work on hypersonic missile that can hit moving car

China is developing a heat-seeking hypersonic weapon that will be able to hit a moving car at Mach 5, according to scientists involved in the project. The research team from the PLA Rocket Force University of Engineering in Xian said that “important progress” had been made towards solving the main problem of how to pinpoint a moving target at extreme speeds. The team has been given a deadline of 2025 to come up with solutions to the seemingly intractable challenges of hypersonic technology. Researchers say their breakthroughs will achieve split-second pinpoint accuracy over long distances (here)

Don’t see the US as an enemy, but have reservations about its intentions: Haqqani network

Acting Afghan Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani has said the Taliban regime in Afghanistan does not look at the United States “as enemies” and wants to have good ties with it but that they have reservations over Washington’s intentions based on its conduct. The deputy chief of the Afghan Taliban — who is still wanted by the US that has offered a reward of $10 million for information leading to his arrest — made these remarks during his first on-camera interview with CNN‘ in Kabul, more than two months after making his first public appearance in the Afghan capital to address a passing-out parade for police. Haqqani — whose replies were translated and played as a voiceover — began his answer by saying that he wanted to make a “small clarification”. (here)

ECP reserves decision on reference seeking disqualification of dissident PTI MPAs

The Election Commission of Pakistan on Tue reserved its verdict on a reference seeking the disqualification of 25 dissident MPAs of the PTI, who had voted for PML-N’s Hamza Shehbaz in the election for the Punjab chief minister. It will announce the verdict at 12pm tomorrow (Wed). Last month, Hamza was elected Punjab CM, defeating PTI-PML-Q’s joint candidate, Chaudhry Parvez Elahi. Hamza had bagged 197 votes, including 25 from PTI dissidents. Elahi did not get any votes as the PTI and PML-Q lawmakers had walked out of the session. (here)