[NATIONAL]

Vice President Naidu emplanes for a 3-nation visit to Gabon, Senegal, and Qatar

Vice President Venkaiah Naidu on Mon emplaned for his visit to Gabon, Senegal, and Qatar, the first visit from India at the level of Vice President to all 3 countries. Naidu is accompanied by a high-level delegation including the Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare and 3 Members of Parliament. This will be the first-ever high-level visit from India to Gabon and Senegal. The visit to Qatar, as both sides prepare to celebrate the 50^th anniversary of diplomatic relations, will further enhance the bilateral ties. Several bilateral documents are expected to be concluded during the visit to the 3 countries. In Gabon, the VP will hold delegation-level talks with PM Rose Christiane Ossouka Raponda. He will call on the President, Ali Bongo Ondimba. Both India and Gabon are currently serving as non-permanent members of the UNSC. Bilateral trade reached USD 1.12 bn in 2021-22. In Senegal, the VP will hold delegation-level talks with the President, Macky Sall. Senegal is the current Chair of the African Union. India-Senegal bilateral trade reached USD 1.65 bn in 2021-22. India has offered a total of 16 Lines of Credit amounting to USD 350 mn and Buyer’s Credit of about USD 305 mn in various sectors. (here)

Indus water talks between India, Pakistan begin in New Delhi

Key talks between India and Pakistan over the Indus water treaty started in New Delhi on Mon. Pakistan’s side is led by its Indus Water Commissioner Mehr Ali Shah while India is being represented by its water commissioner AK Pal. Speaking to WION, Shah said, “The talks are a part of treaty obligation that we have to fulfill under the Indus water treaty. It is a continuous process. So, it should continue, but in a meaningful manner.” This is the second Pakistani delegation to visit India in the last few weeks. Earlier this month, a Pakistani delegation visited New Delhi for Shanghai Cooperation Organization’s Regional Anti-Terror Structure (RATS) meeting.  Under the Indus water treaty of 1960, the waters of 3 eastern rivers – Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi is allocated to India for unrestricted use while the waters of three western rivers – Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab goes to Pakistan. Additionally, New Delhi has the right to generate hydroelectricity through the run of the river projects on the 3 western rivers, subject to specific criteria for design. Pakistan can under the treaty raise objections to the design of Indian hydroelectric projects on western rivers. (here)

India-Bangladesh train services resume after two years: Officials

The Maitree Express train service between Dhaka and Kolkata resumed from Dhaka Cantonment Railway station on Sun. Meanwhile, another train service, Bandhan Express, which runs between Bangladesh’s southwestern Khulna and Kolkata route reached Bangladesh, resuming its service after 2 years of halt, Bangladesh Railway officials said. (here)

India and others in seeking dismantling of terror camps in Afghanistan, the region

China, Russia, Iran, and 4 central Asian countries – Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan – joined India in strongly condemning terrorism in a joint statement after the 4^th NSA-level regional security dialogue in Dushanbe while also calling for the dismantling of terror camps in Afghanistan and the region. Significantly, without naming the US or West, the joint statement India signed on to mentioned the “view” that countries responsible for the current situation in Afghanistan should fulfill their “obligations” for the economic reconstruction of Afghanistan. Participating in the conference on Fri, NSA Ajit Doval had called for enhanced efforts to check the activities of terror groups and also underlined the significance of respecting the basic rights of women and children at a time the Taliban are said to have imposed severe restrictions on their activities. According to the Iranians, in a bilateral with his counterpart Ali Shamkhani, Doval also warned against the possible use by terror groups of leftover or abandoned US weapons in Afghanistan. (here)

US replaces China as India’s biggest trading partner in FY22 at $119.42 bn

The US surpassed China to become India’s top trading partner in 2021-22, reflecting strengthening economic ties between the two countries. While India’s two-way commerce with China aggregated at $115.42 bn in 2021-22. The US surpassed China to become India’s top trading partner in 2021-22. According to the data of the commerce ministry, in 2021-22, the bilateral trade between the US and India stood at $119.42 bn against $80.51 bn in 2020-21. Exports to the US increased to $76.11 bn in 2021-22 from $51.62 bn in the previous fiscal year, while imports rose to $43.31 bn as compared to about $29 bn in 2020-21. During 2021-22, India’s two-way commerce with China aggregated at $115.42 bn as compared to $86.4 bn in 2020-21, the data showed. Exports to China marginally increased to $21.25 bn last fiscal year from $21.18 billion in 2020-21, while imports jumped to $94.16 bn from about $65.21 bn in 2020-21. The trade gap rose to $72.91 bn in 2021-22 from $44 bn in the last fiscal year. (here)

Have supported India on J&K and will continue to do so: Armenia FM Mirzoyan

Foreign Minister of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan has reiterated his country’s support to India on Jammu and Kashmir highlighting “close interests regarding regional and international issues” with Delhi. Speaking exclusively to WION, Mirzoyan, “We have supported India on Jammu and Kashmir and will continue to do so“. India and Armenia have seen high engagement in past few years. EAM Jaishankar was in the country last year, while Armenian FM was in Delhi in April. The minister expressed interest in the India-backed Chabahar port. He said, “we are interested in advancing our dialogue and cooperation within the framework of INSTC project, Chabahar port…Armenia considers India’s role in this corridor to be quite significant“. (here)

India to buy 26 fighters for INS Vikrant on a G-2-G basis

With the indigenous twin-engine deck-based fighter a decade away, the Modi govt will be buying 26 carrier-based fighters for the soon-to-be commissioned INS Vikrant on a G-2-G basis on the approval of the Indian Navy. While the flight test trials of options French Rafale-Marine have already been conducted at the Indian Navy’s shore-based test facility in Goa this Jan, the trials of the US F-18 super hornet are expected to be completed by Jun 15. Out of the 26 aircraft, the Indian Navy wants 8 twin seater trainers, which can also be used in combat conditions. India’s indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant is undergoing sea trials and is expected to be commissioned on Aug 15, 2022. The carrier-based fighter deal is expected to be linked with a larger strategic arrangement with the country involved as New Delhi is looking for aircraft engine manufacturing under the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiative with the participation of Indian private sector companies. While French Safran is keen to manufacture 100-kilonewton engines with Indian entities without any pre-conditions, the Ministry is also exploring the same with the US as the GE-404 engine is used in the indigenous Tejas fighter and GE-414 being considered for the twin-engine AMCA project of the DRDO. (here)

Defense ministry cracks down as foreign firms default on offsets

The defense ministry is cracking down on foreign companies who have defaulted on their offset obligations, with harsher action (including debarment of the companies in the future) expected in the coming months in case of non-compliance. Notices have been sent to overseas companies bagging major military contracts but failing to undertake mandatory investments of at least 30% into the defense and aerospace sector. (Sources)- the crackdown is taking place as several major foreign manufacturers, particularly from Europe and the US, are either behind on their offset commitments or have not submitted viable plans under the prevailing rules. Data available with the ministry shows that in the past 5 years, foreign companies have failed to perform offsets worth over $2.24 bn, despite multiple extensions. The ministry has already imposed fines worth $43.14 mn against erring companies, with the amount expected to rise exponentially over the coming months. The offsets route was estimated to bring in $11.2 billion over the 2008-24 period but till now, just over 20% of these have been fulfilled. (here)

Pulwama: 2 JeM Terrorists Neutralised By Security Forces, 2 AK Rifles Also Recovered

In an overnight encounter that is taking place in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pulwama district, the security forces neutralized 2 Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists on Mon morning and recovered two AK rifles. The encounter started at the Gundipora village in Pulwama on Sun evening after receiving specific input from Kulgam Police about terrorist presence in the area. A joint team of the J&K Police, Indian Army, and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) launched a cordon and search operation. Following that, terrorists started firing while the security forces continued asking them to surrender. Eventually, in retaliation, the forces fired back which went on from both sides till late at night. Later, due to lack of visibility, the attacks were halted but again resumed in the early morning. (here)

Paradip Port to be developed into a world-class port for Rs 3,000 cr

As the Centre has been emphasizing the development of eastern states, Paradip Port in Odisha will be developed into a world-class modern port, which will have the capability to handle Capesize vessels at Rs 3,004.63 crore. Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways aims for robust investor confidence by underpinning a strong vision and leadership from a long-term strategic infrastructure plan including a pipeline of investable projects that are economically, socially, and environmentally sustainable and practically deliverable. The project involves deepening and optimization of inner harbor facilities including the development of the western dock on the build, operate, and transfer (BOT) basis under Public-Private Partnership (PPP) mode at Paradip Port, which will enhance the Port’s ability to handle Cape Size vessels, will contribute to the Port’s capacity addition of 25 MMTPA and will result in improvement in the Port efficiency, better cargo handling, increased trade and also lead to socio-economic growth including employment generation. (here)

Centre retracts caution on Aadhaar photocopies

Two days after it issued an advisory cautioning people against sharing a photocopy of their Aadhar card, the govt Sun withdraw the notification, claiming that it could be “misinterpreted”. A perusal of past tweets by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), which manages Aadhar, shows the about-turn reveals confusion on its policy regarding photocopies of Aadhar. The Bengaluru Regional Office of the UIDAI, on May 27, published a notification asking people to not share photocopies of their Aadhaar card as it could be “misused”. (here)

Bishnoi gang claims responsibility for Sidhu Moose Wala’s murder, SIT to probe

Punjab Director-General of Police VK Bhawra on Sun informed that the jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi’s gang was involved in Sidhu Moose Wala’s murder. Gang member- Lucky, has taken responsibility for the murder. The group has claimed that he was involved in the murder of Vicky Middukhera, Gurlal Brar, and Ankit Bhadu, police did not take action. Bhawra further said that a special investigation team (SIT) has been formed to investigate the matter. He also informed that Moose Wala had a private bulletproof car and two police commandos, which he did not take along today. Notably, the singer had joined the Congress party last year in Dec ahead of the Assembly elections. (ANI)

[NEIGHBORHOOD]

Nepal Army finds wreckage of crashed aircraft in Mustang District

The Nepal Army on Mon confirmed that the wreckage of a passenger plane, which crashed on Sun with 22 people on board, including 4 Indians and 3 Japanese, has been located in the Sanosware of Mustang District. The army twin-engine Tara Air passenger plane had crashed in Sanosware, Thasang-2 in Mustang, Nepal Army said. Due to possible snowfall and inclement weather the team of the Nepal Army is still struggling to reach the site of the incident. It lost contact at 9:55 am, after reaching the Lete area of Mustang, said the Airport authorities. According to the information given by locals to the Nepal Army, the plane crashed at the mouth of the Lamche river under the landslide of Manapathi Himal. As per the police officials, the aircraft has been suspected to have crashed in the “Titi” area of Lete in Mustang (from the Tibetan Muntan meaning “fertile plain”) the traditional region is largely arid. The world’s deepest gorge that goes down 3 miles vertically between Dhaulagiri and Annapurna mountains runs through this district. 16 bodies out of 22 have been recovered from plane crash site (here)

‘Will Take Back Land Occupied By India’: Nepal PM Sher Bahadur Deuba On Kalapani Boundary Dispute

Prime Minister of Nepal Sher Bahadur Deuba on Sat said that the country’s government is ready to take back the “disputed land currently occupied by India“. During the Budget presentation, Deuba said that his govt is committed to protecting the land that belongs to Nepal, IANS reported. He said that since the issue is sensitive, the govt will resolve the issue through talks and diplomatic means while asserting that Kalapani, Lipulekh, and Limpiyadhura belong to Nepal. Meanwhile, former PM Oli, while addressing the House on Fri, criticized the Deuba govt for ‘failing to take back the land occupied by India’. Deuba said that relations with India are multidimensional and areas of cooperation are diverse. (here) [General elections are expected to be held in Nov 2022 unless the House of Representatives is dissolved earlier.]

Pak’s LeT, JeM have hundreds of fighters, 11 camps in Afghanistan: UN report

Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) still have hundreds of fighters in Afghanistan and both groups maintain at least 11 terrorist training camps in Kunar and Nangarhar provinces, according to a new UN report. The Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), blamed for a string of attacks in northwest Pakistan in recent months, accounts for the largest component of foreign terrorist fighters in Afghanistan, with their number estimated at “several thousand”, said the latest report from the team monitoring the UNSC’s sanctions on the Taliban. Though JeM and LeT are estimated to have a few hundred fighters each in Afghanistan, JeM maintains 8 training camps in Nangarhar province, 3 of them directly under Taliban control, according to the report. There were no details on the location of these camps or the number of fighters in each of them. (here) On expected lines Taliban rejected the presence of foreign fighters in Afghanistan as pointed out in UN report.

China, Pacific islands unable to reach a consensus on the security pact

China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Mon urged the Pacific region not to be “too anxious” about his country’s aims after a meeting in Fiji with his counterparts from 10 island nations was unable to agree on a sweeping trade and security communique. Wang hosted the meeting with FMs from Pacific island nations (Samoa, Tonga, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, Niue, and Vanuatu) with diplomatic ties with China midway through a diplomatic tour of the region where Beijing’s ambitions for wider security ties have caused concern among US allies. A draft communique and 5-year action plan sent by China to the invited nations ahead of the meeting showed China was seeking a sweeping regional trade and security agreement. After the meeting, Wang said the nations had agreed on 5 areas (doesn’t includes security) of cooperation, but further discussions were needed. (here)

EU laments UN human rights chief’s limited access on a visit to China

The European Union has expressed “regret” that the UN human rights chief Michelle Bachelet could not secure full access to persecuted groups, individuals, and detention centers during a visit to Xinjiang last week. Pointing to voluminous “credible reports about systematic human rights violations in Xinjiang”, the bloc’s foreign affairs spokeswoman Nabila Massrali said “independent monitoring, fact-finding, and investigations” are the only “credible” ways to properly assess the situation in the Western Chinese province. “While taking note of the non-investigative nature of the visit, we regret that Bachelet’s access to independent civil society organizations, human rights defenders, and detention centers was limited and that this did not allow her to assess the full scale of political re-education camps in Xinjiang,” Massrali said. Beijing has hailed the visit as a great success, but Brussels remains skeptical of the wisdom of the visit. (here)

Scuffles over Taiwan law change to clear former president Chen Shui-bian of state fund corruption charges

Taiwan’s legislature has paved the way for corruption charges against a former president to be dropped, passing an amendment to a bill amid scuffles among lawmakers on Mon. Lawmakers from the ruling, independence-leaning Democratic Progressive Party pushed through the final reading of the amendment to the accounting act which technically allows authorities to dismiss charges against Chen Shui-bian over his use of special state funds when was president from 2000 to 2008. Shouting “supporting the amendment is supporting corruption”, opposition Kuomintang lawmakers tried to block the review session by occupying the podium. (here)

Rupee gains another Rs1.2 in interbank as Pakistan closes in on IMF deal

Continuing its recovery, the rupee on Mon appreciated by Rs 1.2 against the US$ in the interbank trade, a development which is largely being attributed to the change in market sentiments over the govt’s expected to deal with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) after it complied with its condition to raise fuel prices. According to the Forex Association of Pakistan (FAP), at around 11 am the greenback depreciated to Rs198.40 — down Rs1.20 against Fri’s close of Rs199.60. This is the second continuous session during which the dollar is depreciating against the rupee. On Fri, the greenback had lost Rs2.35. Since the PML-N-led coalition govt took over on April 11, when the dollar was valued at Rs182.30, the greenback rose around Rs20 to breach Rs 202 by May 26. (here)

PM Shehbaz to leave for a 3-day Turkey visit tomorrow (Tue)

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will embark on a 3-day trip to Turkey tomorrow, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb said on Mon. The visit is part of efforts to renew bilateral relations with Pakistan’s trusted friends and brotherly countries, she said in a series of tweets. The minister said the visit would be important for enhancing cooperation in various sectors including investment, trade, health, education, culture, and other areas of mutual interest. Earlier this month, the PM had proposed turning the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor into a “trilateral arrangement” to include Turkey. Separately, FM Bilawal Bhutto and his Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu, in their maiden official meeting on May 18, had vowed to bolster economic ties between the two countries. (here)

Don’t want handouts, but investments from our Chinese friends: PM Shehbaz Sharif

The premier said that the friendship between Pakistan and China unwavering friendship has weathered storms and strengthened over time. He praised China for progressing in various sectors and lifting numerous above the poverty level during the last three decades. Pakistan has China as a model to emulate and replicate its development reforms, PM Shehbaz Sharif said during a meeting with the representatives of Chinese companies investing in Pakistan on Mon. The premier said that Pakistan looks forward to seeking support from China in every walk of life and it will benefit from China’s experience in the fields of industries and agriculture. PM said that China is the most reliable friend of Pakistan. (here)

Balochistan holds local govt polls after nine years

As of Monday morning, independent candidates were leading on around 1,753 seats, according to unofficial results. JUI-F was leading on 362 seats, Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) on 257, National Party (NP) on 128 seats Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP) on 125, PPP on 99, Balochistan National Party (BNP) on 92, BNP-Awami on 49, ANP 32, PTI on 59 seats, Jamhoori Watan Party (JWP) on 19 seats, PML-N on 18 and Jamat-e-Islami (JI) was leading on 11seats. Independent candidates take lead in Balochistan LG polls. JUI-F leads with 260 seats among political parties. Several districts reported incidents of violence during polling. (here)