Make way for Monday

[NEWS OF THE DAY]

Sri Lanka’s president, cabinet set to resign, c.bank governor to stay

Sri Lanka’s President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and the entire cabinet will resign to make way for a unity government, the prime minister’s office said on Mon after tens of thousands of protesters stormed the official residences of both men. After Saturday’s sweeping protests in the wake of a debilitating economic crisis, the speaker of parliament said Rajapaksa would resign on Wednesday. However, there has been no direct word from Rajapaksa on his plans. (here)

Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to resign, PM confirms – Amid mounting pressure from protesters, Sri Lanka President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has officially informed Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe that he is resigning from his post. Rajapaksa has informed that he will be resigning as previously announced, the Prime Minister’s media unit said, according to Colombo Gazette. Earlier, on Sat, Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena announced in a press conference that the President will resign from his post on Jul 13. Rajapaksa’s resignation comes after thousands of people stormed into the President’s House in Fort on Sat. Even PM has also announced to step down from their posts amid the ongoing protests. However, the protesters who have occupied the residences of the President and PM have cleared that they will continue to occupy their houses until they resign from their posts. The worsening economic situation in the country has led to increasing tensions and over the last few weeks, there were reports of several confrontations between individuals and members of the police force and the armed forces at fuel stations where thousands of desperate members of the public have queued for hours and sometimes days.

India treads cautiously, says it stands with the people of Sri Lanka-As chaos reigns in Sri Lanka, India sought to maintain a safe distance from the Lankan political establishment with the govt saying on Sun that it stands with the people of the island nation as they seek to realize their aspirations for prosperity and progress through democratic means and values, established institutions and constitutional framework.

  • The Indian envoy in Sri Lanka has categorically dismissed for the 2nd time in as many months the speculative media reports about New Delhi sending its troops to Colombo. 
  • Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Gopal Baglay met the country’s Agriculture Minister; informs him about the arrival of more than 44,000 MT of urea supplied under a credit line extended by New Delhi to Colombo.
  • US envoy to Lanka: Urges Restraint; Calls parties to cooperate; takes step towards resolving debt crisis; Condemns violence; Investigation/prosecution of those involved in violence.

Ministry of External Affairs, India- “…We continue to follow closely the recent developments in Sri Lanka. India stands with the people of Sri Lanka as they seek to realize their aspirations for prosperity and progress through democratic means and values, established institutions and constitutional framework.” India has extended this year unprecedented support of over US$ 3.8 billion for ameliorating the serious economic situation in Sri Lanka.

A battle for influence – India has been playing the role of a concerned neighbor ever since the crisis in Sri Lanka reached a boiling point a few weeks ago. From extending a $500 million line of credit for fuel imports to offering $1 billion in assistance for the procurement of essentials, India’s largesse has helped Sri Lanka avert the worst of its crisis. (here)

India steps up vigil along the border with Sri Lanka, more hovercrafts, patrol boats, and aircraft deployed

Amid a major political crisis in Sri Lanka, the Indian Coast Guard has deployed its hovercrafts, aircraft, and patrol boats to step up the vigil on the maritime border with the island nation to prevent any possible influx of refugees or anti-India elements from there. The surveillance has been enhanced in the areas stretching from the Tamil Nadu coast to the parts of Kerala coast with the deployment of Coast Guard personnel and assets along with other agencies, ANI reported citing officials on Sun. (here)

India projected to surpass China as the world’s most populous country during 2023: UN report

India is projected to surpass China as the world’s most populous country by 2023, according to a report by the United Nations on Mon which said that the world population is forecast to reach 8 billion by mid-Nov 2022. The global population is growing at its slowest rate since 1950, having fallen under 1% in 2020. The latest projections suggest that the world’s population could grow to around 8.5 billion in 2030 and 9.7 billion in 2050. It is projected to reach a peak of around 10.4 billion people during the 2080s and to remain at that level until 2100. The report said that “India is projected to surpass China as the world’s most populous country during 2023.” According to the report, India’s population stands at 1.412 billion in 2022, compared to China’s 1.426 billion. India, which will surpass China as the world’s most populous nation by 2023, is projected to have a population of 1.668 billion in 2050, way ahead of China’s 1.317 billion people by the middle of the century. (here)  Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Mon expressed concern over the growing “population imbalance” in the country and opined that it should not be allowed to happen

With an eye on the Indian Ocean, China and Pakistan kick off naval, and air drills to jointly deal with maritime threats

All-weather friends China and Pakistan on Sun kicked off their ‘Sea Guardians-2’ drills off the Shanghai coast by deploying their new high-tech naval ships and fighter jets to “jointly deal with maritime security threats,” as their navies stepped up cooperation in India’s backyard, the Indian Ocean. The Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) and the Pakistan Navy, will hold a joint naval exercise in maritime and aerial spaces off Shanghai in mid-July, a spokesperson for the PLN, said. The two navies held an opening ceremony for the second edition of the Sea Guardian drills on Sun, official media reported. The exercise is a “normal arrangement according to an annual schedule, and it is not aimed at a third party,” it added said. The PLA Eastern Theatre Command Navy sent the frigate Xiangtan, the corvette Shuozhou, the comprehensive supply ship Qiandaohu, a submarine, an early warning aircraft, two fighter jets, and a helicopter for the drill while the Pakistan Navy’s frigate Taimur joined the exercise, state-run Global Times reported. (here)

[NATIONAL]

The Indian army focuses on imparting mandarin language training to its personnel

The Indian Army has recently obtained requisite approvals to induct Mandarin-trained personnel in the Territorial Army for which notification for inviting applications for Mandarin experts into the Territorial Army has been issued on Sun. With recalibration of the Indian Army’s strategic outlook toward Northern borders, the Indian Army has upscaled its Chinese language training and has synergistically enmeshed appropriate scaling of Chinese linguists within its overall strategy. A slew of measures has been undertaken to improve its in-house Mandarin expertise. The aim is to empower junior and senior military commanders to engage with PLA personnel as and when the situation arises. The Indian Army has concluded a MoUs with Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU), Central University of Gujarat (CUG), and Shiv Nadar University (SNU) for imparting Mandarin proficiency to its personnel. (here)

‘India does not want to rule the world…’: Rajnath Singh explains 

India does not want to rule the world, defense minister Rajnath Singh said on Mon at an event, as he spoke on the growth of Artificial Intelligence while referring to a comment by Russian President Vladimir Putin. “The way this sphere is growing, this possibility can’t be denied. But I want to add, at the same time, that India does not want to rule the world. India has always given one message – The whole world is a family. We have never intended to conquer the world,” the minister underlined. “But we also have to strengthen the AI technology in India so that no other country can overpower us.” Singh made the comments while addressing a symposium on ‘AI in Defence’ in New Delhi. At the special event, the Army also showcased various AI-based solutions for military applications. (here)

Two terrorists killed in Pulwama encounter

Top Jaish-e-Muhammed terrorist Kaiser Koka was among two terrorists killed in an encounter with security forces in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir on Mon, police said. The encounter broke out at Wandakpora in the Awantipora area after security forces launched a cordon and search operation, a police official said. (here)

MP cops book Medha Patkar, 11 others for ‘misappropriation of NGO’s Rs 14 crore’

Police in Madhya Pradesh’s Barwani has registered a case against Narmada Bachao Andolan leader Medha Patkar and 11 others for alleged misappropriation of funds collected by an NGO for the education and welfare of tribal children in the state and neighboring Maharashtra. The complainant, Pritam Badole, alleged that Rs 13.5 crore collected by Narmada Navnirman Abhiyan was diverted to finance political activities and manage and organize large-scale protests against development projects. Patkar has refuted the allegations and called the complaint “politically motivated”. (here)

SC to hear on July 15 plea alleging attacks on Christian institutions, priests

The Supreme Court on Mon adjourned for July 15 the hearing of a plea alleging a rising number of attacks on Christian institutions and priests across the country. A bench headed by Justice DY Chandrachud said it will take up the matter for hearing on Fri. Earlier, senior advocate Colin Gonsalves, appearing for the petitioner, sought an urgent listing of the plea. “What you are saying is unfortunate, if it is happening. What we can ensure is that your matter is listed on the re-opening day itself,” the bench had observed. The petition, filed by the Archbishop Of Bangalore Diocese Dr. Peter Machado, sought directions to stop violence and mob attacks against the members of the Christian community in various states across the country and also sought the implementation of earlier apex court guidelines to curb hate crimes. (here)

Navy completes final sea trials of an indigenous aircraft carrier, warship to be commissioned next month

The fourth phase of sea trials for indigenous aircraft carrier (IAC) has been completed on Sun, said Indian Navy. The ship’s delivery is being targeted by the end of this month followed by the ship’s commissioning in August to commemorate ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’. This has led to growth in indigenous design and construction capabilities, besides the development of a large number of ancillary industries, with employment opportunities for over 2,000 CSL personnel and about 12,000 employees in ancillary industries. (here)

Sudhakar Dalela appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the Royal Kingdom of Bhutan

Sudhakar Dalela (IFS: 1993), presently Deputy Chief of Mission in the Embassy of India, Washington, has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the Royal Kingdom of Bhutan. Sudhakar Dalela previously served as Minister (Political Affairs) at the Indian Embassy in Washington D.C, and most recently as India’s Consul General in Chicago. Dalela has served in critical roles in New Delhi, including Director in the Prime Minister’s Office, focusing on India’s engagement with its South Asian neighbors, China, and countries in the Indo-Pacific region, Gulf, Middle East, Africa, and as Joint Secretary (North), overseeing India’s relations with Bhutan and Nepal. (here)

AIADMK Assures steps to Remove O Panneerselvam from Party

The AIADMK on Mon assured steps to ease rival leader and treasurer O Panneerselvam out of the party after its General Council members demanded action to expel him from the organization. In his address to the GC meeting, senior leader N Viswanathan tore into Panneerselvam alleging he had a ‘brutal face’ opposite to his reputation as a ‘calm person.’ The GC meet had earlier picked EK Palaniswami as the AIADMK’s interim general secretary. (here)

[NEIGHBORHOOD]

China warns ASEAN nations to avoid being used as ‘chess pieces’ by big powers

China’s foreign minister Wang Yi warned on Mon (Jul 11) during a policy speech in the Indonesian capital that countries should avoid being used as “chess pieces” by major powers in a region at risk of being reshaped by geopolitical factors, just a day after G20 meet. Speaking at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) secretariat in Jakarta, Wang, who was speaking through a translator, said many countries in the region were under pressure to take sides. he said, “The future of our region should be in our own hands.” On the sidelines of the G-20, Wang held a 5-hour meeting with US Secy of State Antony Blinken with both describing their first in-person talks since Oct as “candid”. Responding to a question about Taiwan after his speech, Wang said Washington “by distorting and hollowing out the One China policy, is trying to play the Taiwan card to disrupt and contain China’s development”. (here)

China-Australia: Albanese rejects Beijing’s 4 ‘demands’ after Wang Yi-Penny Wong meeting

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has ruled out complying with a list of demands from the Chinese govt to improve relations between the two countries, complicating attempts to repair diplomatic ties between Canberra and Beijing. Speaking at a press conference in Canberra on Mon, Albanese said Australia “doesn’t respond to demands” when asked about a statement by China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who has listed four “actions” by which Australia could improve its relationship with Beijing. Among those were the need for Australia to view China as a “partner rather than a rival”, seeking common ground “while reserving differences” and not “being controlled by any third party”. Wang made his statement after he met Australia’s counterpart Penny Wong on Fri, the first such meeting between the two, since 2019. However, both sides still largely blame the other for the original fallout, with Wang saying the “root cause of the difficulties” was the previous Morrison govt. (here)

Chinese Communist Party leader Liu calls on Deuba

Head of the International Liaison Department of the Communist Party of China Liu Jianchao called on Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba after arriving in Kathmandu on Sun for a 3-day visit. “Minister of International Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China Liu Jianchao paid a courtesy call on PM Deuba today. Matters of mutual interest between Nepal and China were discussed during the call,” the Foreign Ministry said in a statement after the meeting. The ministry stated that Liu also had a meeting with Minister for Foreign Affairs Narayan Khadka at the Foreign Ministry. Liu arrived in Kathmandu, leading an 8-member delegation and he is scheduled to meet various dignitaries, including President Bidya Devi Bhandari and leaders of communist parties—especially the CPN-UML, the CPN (Maoist Centre), and the CPN (Unified Socialist). Liu’s visit comes at a time when discussions are on bringing together two communist parties UML and CPN (Maoist Centre) again for the upcoming federal and provincial polls. Recently, amid a flurry of debates and deliberations on the US State Partnership Program, which is yet another US proposal for cooperation in the field of security and military, China has also expressed grave concerns over whether Nepal would be an US ally in defense cooperation. (here)

IMF did not release tranche despite Pakistan ‘dancing to its tune’: Rana Sanaullah

Federal Minister for Interior Rana Sanaullah said that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) did not release the tranche for the $6 billion bailout package under its Extended Fund Facility even though “it made us dance to its tune”. Talking to the media on Sun after Eid prayers in Faisalabad, Sanaullah said that Pakistan is currently going through the most difficult situation in terms of its economy. “For the sake of the country we have to make difficult decisions because of which the country is headed towards betterment.” In response to a question about the IMF, Sanaullah said the government had even accepted terms “which we were not in favor of”. He then urged the international lender to release the tranche without delay so the country could get out of the “difficult situation” it is in. (here)

In a phone call with Iran’s Raisi, PM Shehbaz appreciates support on Kashmir

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a telephone call with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi on Sun and appreciated Tehran and the supreme leader’s “steadfast support” to Pakistan on the Kashmir issue. For his part, PM Shehbaz underscored the significance of “historic ties” between Pakistan and Iran, which he said were defined by “geographic proximity, shared history, and mutual understanding“. In return, President Raisi thanked PM Shehbaz for his Eid felicitations and assured him of Iranian cooperation for further “intensifying bilateral trade”, particularly concerning the provision of electricity to Balochistan’s Makran division. (here)

3 Ahmadis arrested in Faisalabad for sacrificing animals on Eid

A first information report (FIR) was registered in Faisalabad on Sun against members of the Ahmadi community for “hurting Muslim sentiments” by sacrificing animals on Eidul Azha. 3 members of the community have been arrested over the matter, Dawn reported citing Jamaat-i-Ahmadiyya Pakistan spokesperson Saleemuddin. The FIR states that the complainants were present in a mosque after Eidul Azha prayers when they came to know through “verified sources” that residents of the Ahmadi community were sacrificing animals inside their homes. (here)

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