[NATIONAL]

Israel Defense Minister to visit India next week to amp up bilateral defense ties

Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz is set to travel to India next week to sign a “security declaration” marking 3 decades of diplomatic ties between the 2 countries, a media report said on Wed. Gantz will depart on June 1 on a trip that was meant to take place in March but got canceled, The Times of Israel reported. This trip was canceled after he contracted COVID-19 in the backdrop of a series of terror attacks in Israel that left dozens of people dead. Although the visit was announced on Wed, Gantz’s office did not reveal the details of the trip but said he will meet and sign the document with his Indian counterpart Rajnath Singh. The report added that Tel Aviv has sought to enhance defense ties with New Delhi in recent years, especially in the fields of air and missile defense. (here)

2 Indian satellites to be part of Brics ‘virtual constellation’: Report

India and China are a step closer to working together in space after a joint commission on space cooperation for the Brics bloc was established at a meeting of the top space agencies of Brazil, Russia, India, and China, on Wed, according to a report by official Chinese media. The BRICS remote sensing constellation will be made up of 6 existing satellites contributed by the space agencies of four Brics countries. 2 orbiting Indian satellites Resourcesat-2 and 2A will be part of the “virtual constellation of remote sensing satellites”, a data-sharing mechanism among the BRICS. (here)

Top US government officials in India to discuss Afghanistan, Russian sanctions

Top United States government officials are in Delhi to discuss the situation in Afghanistan and engage more on the issue of sanctions on Russia in the aftermath of its invasion of Ukraine. The officials are US Special Envoy on Afghanistan, Thomas West, who was on a brief visit to Delhi and has left now, and US Treasury Department’s Assistant Secretary Elizabeth Rosenberg, who is currently in India. In Delhi, Thomas held talks with the Joint Secretary (Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Iran) in the Ministry of External Affairs. During the talks, India’s humanitarian support to the Afghan people was among the key issues on which talks transpired. Interestingly, during the short visit, Thomas met Afghanistan’s top leader, Dr. Abdullah Abdullah. (here)

Indian NSA Doval heads to Tajikistan for Dushanbe Security Dialogue

The 2-day Dushanbe security dialogue on Afghanistan kicked off today (Thu), while the key engagement day is set to take place on Fri. India is being represented by National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval who will be in Tajikistan for the meeting. Other participants of the meet include Russia, China, Iran and Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, and Kazakhstan, other than the host Tajikistan. It is understood that Pakistan could not participate as no appointment of NSA has taken place ever since the formation of the new Sharif govt. When it comes to Afghanistan, issues like cross-border terror, humanitarian support to the country, formation of an inclusive govt will be the top issues on the agenda. The security dialogue is 4^th in line with such dialogue.  (here)

Indian Navy successfully tests surface to air missile system from warship

The Indian Navy successfully tested its ship-based surface-to-air missile system by taking down a low flying target. The video of the test was also shared by the Indian Navy on Twitter. Navy’s guided-missile anti-submarine stealth frigate does what it does best – successfully engages a low flying target with its SAM system, reaffirming the mantra of her crew. The test was carried out from a stealth frigate deployed on the western seaboard by the force.

‘Verdict delivered, not justice’: Gupkar alliance terms life sentence to Yasin Malik unfortunate

People’s Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD) on Wed termed life imprisonment awarded to Yasin Malik, a separatist leader from Jammu and Kashmir, in a terror funding case “unfortunate”, and said that the National Investigation Agency court has ‘delivered a verdict, but not justice’. In a press statement, the PAGD expressed its fear of the decision backfiring and enhancing the separatist feeling in Jammu and Kashmir further. “Life imprisonment given to Yaseen Malik is unfortunate and a setback to the efforts for peace. We are afraid that this will further compound the uncertainties in the region and will only fuel more alienation and separatist feelings,” the statement read. However, similar but louder echoes were heard from Islamabad. On May 10, Malik had told the court that he was not contesting the charges leveled against him that including Sec 16 (terrorist act), 17 (raising funds for the terrorist act), 18 (conspiracy to commit terrorist act), and 20 (being a member of terrorist gang or organization) of the UAPA and sections 120-B (criminal conspiracy) and 124-A (sedition) of the IPC. (here)

NIA takes over probe in Karnal IED seizure case

The National Investigation Agency has taken over the investigation of the Karnal Improvised Explosive Device (IED) and ammunition recovery case in which four terror suspects were held earlier this month by Haryana Police, the agency said on Thu. The Ministry of Home Affairs handed over the case to the NIA to probe the matter and the anti-terror agency registered an FIR this week. Four terror suspects were arrested by Haryana Police near Bastara toll plaza at 4 am on May 5^th. 3 IEDs, 1 country-made pistol, 31 live cartridges, 1.31 lakh cash, and 6 mobile phones were recovered from the terror suspects who belong to Punjab. State Home Minister had said that the terror suspects got explosives from Pakistan through drones and were tasked with carrying them to Adilabad in Telangana. The operation to nab them was carried out jointly by Telangana, Punjab, and Haryana Police. (here)

J&K: Three terrorists killed in encounter in Kupwara, TV Actress Shot Dead in Budgam

The security forces on Wed eliminated three terrorists in an encounter that started this morning in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kupwara. The Kashmir Police informed that the encounter began after terrorists tried to infiltrate near village Jumagund, Kupwara. Police Chief said that all 3 terrorists were affiliated with the proscribed terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). “Identification being ascertained. Incriminating materials including arms and ammunition recovered,” he said. An official said that from the incriminating materials recovered, the 3 killed terrorists have been identified as Pakistani, affiliated with terror outfit LeT. This comes just a day after three terrorists were gunned down in an encounter at Baramulla. So far, 26 foreign terrorists (14 JeM+12 LeT) have been neutralized this year, he said. (here) A TV actress, Amreen Bhat was shot dead by terrorists in the Chadoora area of J&K’s Budgam district, police said on Wed adding that her minor nephew was also injured in the attack. NIA arrested Abid Ahmad Mir from Pulwama in a case relating to Apr 22 Sunjwan terror attack in which 1 CISF personnel was killed. NIA said he is a close aide of one of 3 terrorists arrested earlier. Mir was in touch with Pak-based Jaish handlers

Pakistan’s ISI planning to blow up railway tracks in India: Intelligence alert

Intelligence agencies have issued an alert warning that Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence has hatched a big conspiracy to target railway tracks in Punjab and its surrounding states. The alert said ISI operatives have planned to blow up railway tracks in Punjab and adjoining states. India’s intelligence agencies said the plans to blow up railway tracks were being formulated to hit freight trains. Intelligence agencies also stated in the alert that ISI is funding its operatives in India on a large scale to target railway tracks. Pakistan’s sleeper cells present in India are being paid hefty amounts to carry out terror activities.

Amid CDS appointment process, Govt seeks list of top serving, retired defense officers

ANI (source)- At a time when the process to appoint the new Chief of Defence Staff is on, the govt has sought names of senior serving and retired officers from the Army, Navy, and Air Force. The Defence Ministry has sought the names of the top 5 serving officers including the serving chiefs from the three forces along with the names of retired chiefs and commander-in-chief rank officers. For the retired officers, the service headquarters have been asked to provide the names of only those officers who have retired after Jan 2020, they said. (here)

The government on the course on PSU bank privatization: Sources

IT (source)- The govt is on course with the privatization of two public sector banks (PSBs) and will take appropriate steps in the coming months. In the Union Budget for 2021-22, the govt announced its intent to take up the privatization of two PSBs in the year and approved a policy of strategic disinvestment of public sector enterprises. Besides, the divestment of BPCL is also on the card and fresh bids will be invited. The govt had planned to sell its entire 52.98% stake in Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL) and invited Expression of Interest from bidders in March 2020. At least three bids came in by Nov 2020 but only one remains now after the others withdrew from the race. (here)

By Acing Space Race, India can cut Military Spending, Develop Self –Reliance, Deter China

It is paramount to boost India’s defense space capabilities as part of the ‘militarisation of space’. This includes sending up more satellites, getting better sensors, high-speed communication, efficient, reusable rockets, along with linked infrastructure and counter-space capabilities. The defense ministry’s move to grant an Acceptance of Necessity to the Army in Mar to get the indigenous satellite GSAT-7B was long-awaited. It’s just that it came too late. If and when the final order is placed, this will be the first-ever dedicated communications satellite for the Indian Army. (here)

Congress to present a report card of Modi govt on its 8^th anniversary

As the Modi govt at the Centre is completing 8 years in office, the Opposition Congress party will release a “report card” on its performance by Congress General Secretaries. According to sources, the Communication Department of the All India Congress Committee has prepared a report card highlighting the failures and performance of the Modi Govt on various fronts like the economy, foreign policy, communal harmony, and inflation. (here)

[NEIGHBORHOOD]

Azadi March: PTI protesters at D-Chowk enter Red Zone after Imran gives govt six days to announce polls

• PTI chief warns he’ll “return” to the capital with “entire nation” if demand not met; protest ends in Karachi, reports media.
• Police say protesters entered Red Zone, and disperse after talks with police officials
• Imran Khan gives govt 6-day deadline to dissolve assemblies and announce the date for polls
• Says five supporters killed in clashes with police
• Police say eight personnel of the Islamabad police and 7 of Rangers were injured as protesters hurled stones
• Protesters in Karachi begin to disperse
• SC orders govt to allow protest at H9, bars arrests
• SC allows PTI to stage protest at Islamabad’s H-9, restrains govt from arresting marchers
• SC dismisses govt’s petition for contempt proceedings against Imran. Earlier Govt moved SC for contempt proceedings against Imran Khan

Pakistan, IMF can’t reach a deal on the economic bailout

Pakistan and the International Monetary Fund failed on Wed to reach an agreement on an economic bailout mainly because of the govt’s indecision on fuel and electricity subsidies and resultant next year’s budget uncertainties. Informed sources said that in the absence of a decision on fuel and electricity subsidies, it was unclear, how the overall fiscal and external deficits would look like, not only at the end of the current fiscal year but also in the next fiscal year. Therefore, it would be equally uncertain how these deficits would be funded, what kind of revenue measures would be required, and what would be the shape of social sector and development allocations. “Our team is returning tonight empty-handed,” an official said.

What’s at stake for China on the South Pacific visit?

As reported, China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi is visiting the South Pacific with a 20-person delegation this week in a display of Beijing’s growing military and diplomatic presence in the region. The U.S. has traditionally been the area’s major power, but China has been pursuing inroads, particularly with the Solomon Islands, a nation less than 2,000 km from Australia. The newly-appointed Foreign Minister, of Australia, Penny Wong is heading to Fiji. Wang is due to stop in the Solomon Islands, Kiribati, Samoa, Fiji, Tonga, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, and East Timor on a 10-day trip. The visits emphasize China’s push for engagement with the region, which has traditionally retained close ties with Beijing’s major rivals including the US and Australia. (here)

China military drill ‘a warning’ to Taiwan in wake of Biden defense pledge

Just two days after US President Joe Biden said Washington was committed to Taiwan’s defense, the Chinese military announced that it conducted a drill near the island, sending a warning against “collusion” with the US. Shi Yi, from the PLA’s Eastern Theatre Command, said on Wed that the joint naval and air combat-readiness exercise by the People’s Liberation Army was a “solemn warning against recent collusion between the United States and Taiwan”. “It is hypocritical and futile for the US to say one thing and do another on the Taiwan issue,” Shi said. Beijing say there would be heavy consequences for supporting Taiwanese independence. (here)

Nepal and China Discuss Cooperation in Trade and Other Sectors During Virtual Meeting

Nepal and China on Wed agreed to promote cooperation in various sectors, including trade, transit, connectivity, and investment, in a virtual meeting which also underscored the importance of exchange of high-level visits and stressed the need for timely implementation of the agreements and understandings reached between the two countries, the foreign affairs ministry said. The 14^th meeting of the Nepal-China Diplomatic Consultation Mechanism was held virtually on Wed afternoon, the ministry said in a press release. Foreign Secretary Bharat Raj Paudyal and Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs of China Wu Jianghao led their respective delegations to the meeting. “Both sides agreed to promote cooperation in various sectors including trade, transit, connectivity, investment, health, tourism, poverty alleviation, disaster management, education, culture, and people-to-people exchanges, among others,” it said. They also emphasized the need for timely completion of China-assisted projects. (here)

Beijing and Manila need new ideas to manage South China Sea differences: experts

Beijing and Manila need to come up with new ideas to narrow their differences in the South China Sea, according to experts at a virtual conference on Wed. While China-Philippines relations improved under outgoing president Rodrigo Duterte, their maritime disputes in the strategic waterway remained a major difference between the two countries, they said. The webinar was organized by the Beijing-based Global Governance Institute and the Pandesal Forum, a Manila-based non-governmental organization, to review bilateral relations and maritime cooperation under Duterte. Conference calls for open lines of communication and cooperation to maximize joint interests in the disputed waterway (here)

China imposes a voluntary fishing moratorium in the northern Indian Ocean after being linked to illegal catches

China has launched a voluntary fishing moratorium covering international waters in the northern Indian Ocean for the first time. A notice issued by the agriculture ministry said fishing bans on the high seas of the southwest Atlantic and the north Indian Ocean would be in effect between Jul 1 and Sept 30, while the fishing moratorium in the eastern Pacific open seas will run from Sept 1 to Nov 30. During the fishing moratorium, all Chinese distant-water fishing vessels, including squid boats and trawlers, must stop fishing in related waters, the ministry said. The agriculture ministry announces three-month bans for the southwest Atlantic and the north Indian Ocean and later one in the eastern Pacific. Two separate reports suggest Chinese trawlers have been involved in illegal fishing in the Indian Ocean (here)

China may benefit from Elon Musk’s Twitter ownership: Reports

With Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s deal to buy Twitter on hold, Amazon owner Jeff Bezos wondered whether Musk’s ownership of Twitter might benefit China at democracy’s expense. China has banned Twitter since 2009. However, many Chinese citizens have been using proxy servers to escape from the autocratic regime of the Chinese govt. They access news reports that the Chinese authorities view as unfavorable, reported The Washington Times. Twitter has further shut down a significant number of Twitter accounts which is connected to the CCP. Also, Musk’s Tesla is already dependent on the special treatment that China. Further, Tesla relies on the loans provided by China along with China’s business. This might lead Musk in tasking a Twitter engine, enabling Chinese authorities to find out and attack people. (here)

Four bombs kill at least 16 in Afghanistan

The death toll from four bombs that ripped through minibusses and a mosque in Afghanistan has risen to at least 16, officials said Thursday, with some of the attacks claimed by the Islamic State group. While the number of bombings has dropped across the country since the Taliban seized power last August, several deadly attacks rocked the country last month during Ramadan. “The bombs were placed on three mini-buses in different districts of the city,” Balkh provincial police spokesman Asif Waziri told AFP, adding that 15 other people were wounded. Hours after the explosions, the Islamic State group (IS) claimed responsibility. (here)