[NEWS OF THE DAY]

16^th round of India-China talks yield ‘no immediate outcome’, parleys to continue

The 16^th round of military talks between India and China was held on Sun to discuss disengagement at the remaining friction points along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh—particularly Patrolling Point 15 (PP15), the Hot Springs area—hit a stalemate once again. 14 corps commander Lt Gen Anindya Sengupta met his Chinese counterpart Major General Yang Lin, the People’s Liberation Army commander of the South Xinjiang military district. The talks began around 9.30 am on Sun on the Indian side at Chushul and concluded around 10 pm. Points of Discussion: News18 citing sources reported that the prime focus of the discussions was a full disengagement in the Hot Springs area. In the interim, the two sides agreed to maintain the security and stability on the ground in the Western Sector. The two sides agreed to stay in close contact and maintain dialogue through military and diplomatic channels and work out a mutually acceptable resolution of the remaining issues at the earliest, the statement added. [A total of 179 words of the joint statement released yesterday night didn’t include what was not in previous statements.]

China’s military puts advanced rocket launch system to the test at high altitude

China’s military has put the precision strike capability of its new rocket launch system to the test at high altitudes, according to state broadcaster CCTV. The People’s Liberation Army used the PCL191 multiple launch rocket system – which is mounted on a truck – to hit a target several km away at a desert shooting range in the west of China during a recent test, Sun’s report said. It was reported on state television as the PLA and Indian Army began the 16^th round of talks to resolve a protracted border stand-off in the Ladakh region. Military analysts said the recent test aimed to show the PLA’s firepower and combat readiness for any border contingencies. According to the Chinese military magazine Modern Ships, it can carry 8, 370 mm rockets – each with a range of 350 km– or two 750mm Fire Dragon 480 tactical ballistic missiles – each capable of flying up to 500km. The system was being used by an artillery brigade in the Western Theatre Command’s Xinjiang military district in April last year, according to the official PLA Daily. The brigade was deployed to an area 5,200 m above sea level in the Himalayas, near the border with India. (here)

Arunachal: One Labourer Dead, 18 Missing From Construction Site near India-China Border

A laborer was recovered dead while 18 others are still missing near the India-China border in the Kurung Kumey district of Arunachal Pradesh. The workers have been reported missing since Jul 5^th (14 days), working on a road construction project in the district. According to the deputy commissioner of Kurung Kumey district, “Yesterday, the body of one laborer was recovered from a nearby river and was discovered in a little river known as Furak river under Damin circle.” The workers were engaged in road construction work in the Huri area under Damin circle, located along the India-China border, according to DC, who also reported that a police squad and the CO of Damin had moved towards the scene this morning. (here)

India under constant attack through disinformation, false propaganda: PM Modi

Highlighting the challenges of national security and new forms of warfare, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Mon said as India is establishing itself on the global stage, there are constant attacks through misinformation, disinformation, and false propaganda. Addressing the gathering at a Seminar ‘Swavlamban’, Modi said, “Now the threats to national security have also become widespread, … Now the circle is moving towards space, moving towards cyberspace, moving towards economic, social space.” In such a scenario, the country has to move to anticipate future challenges and bring changes accordingly. He said self-reliance will help the country a great deal in this regard. Warning against the emerging dangers, PM said, “We also have to intensify our war against forces challenging India’s self-confidence, our self-reliance. As India is establishing itself on the global stage, there are constant attacks through misinformation, disinformation, and false propaganda. Keeping the faith, the forces that are harming India’s interests, whether in the country or abroad, have to be thwarted in their every effort.” (here)

The Number of Indians who Relinquished Indian Citizenship 

1,63,370 Indians relinquished Indian citizenship in 2021 as compared to 8,52,56 in 2020 and 1,44,017 in 2019. 41 Indians relinquished Indian citizenship to take up Pakistani citizenship in 2021, while in 2020, 2019 no Indian gave up citizenship to take up Pakistani citizenship, stated MoS Home ministry, in Parliament’s lower house. Most Indians who relinquished Indian citizenship in 2021 went to Australia (around 23533), Canada (21597), the UK(14637), US (78284) while many opted for Italy (5986), Germany (2381), Netherlands (2187), New Zealand (2643), Singapore (2516), Sweden (1841), Spain (1595).

[NATIONAL]

India will play its due role in advancing global food security

India will play its due role in advancing global food security, upholding equity, displaying compassion, and promoting social justice, said First Secretary at the UN Security Council high-level special event on global food security crisis on Mon (local time). Envoy said that New Delhi is running the world’s largest food-based safety net program, which has seen a paradigm shift from welfare to a rights-based approach. India’s mid-day meal program continues to tackle undernourishment in school children by ensuring the provision of healthy meals. Given the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Afghanistan, India is donating 50,000 Metric tonnes of wheat to the people of Afghanistan. India has exported more than 250,000 tons of wheat to Yemen, in the last 3 months. She also said that India remained strongly committed to the cause of global food security and also has contributed to the UN’s Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) and the UNOCHA in response to various humanitarian crises over the years. (here) “Hoarding and speculation are at work. We cannot allow this to pass unchallenged“, said the envoy. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Mon called for bold and coordinated responses to solve the ongoing global food crisis.

India, Madagascar join hands to amp up bilateral ties

India’s Ambassador to Madagascar and Comoros, Abhay Kumar, has called on the Prime Minister of Madagascar Christian Ntsay and took note of the progress made in the bilateral relations between both countries during the past 3 years. Both of them agreed to further strengthen the ties between India and Madagascar. India’s policy towards Madagascar is guided by the collaborative maritime vision of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region). Last month, India announced the donation of 5,000 tonnes of rice to the island nation as humanitarian aid. India donated 1000 MT of rice in Mar 2021 and 600 tonnes of rice in Mar 2020. India also announced the donation of 15,000 bicycles to Madagascar on Jun 3, 2022, on the occasion of World Bicycle Day. Madagascar had earlier supported India in joining the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC) as an observer in Mar 2020 and the Djibouti Code of Conduct in Aug 2020. Minister of Defence of Madagascar, Lt. Gen Rakotonirina Leon Jean Richard led a 4-member delegation to participate in Aero India 2021 and Indian Ocean Region (IOR) Defence Ministers’ Conclave in Bengaluru from Feb 3-5, 2021. (here)

Army Chief General Manoj Pande calls on Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina in Dhaka

Army Chief Gen Manoj Pande called on Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her official residence Ganabhaban in Dhaka today. He also delivered a lecture on ‘India’s Security Perspective’ at Defence Services Command and Staff College, Mirpur for students of the Armed Forces war course and officers. He also visited and interacted with the members of the Bangladesh Institute of Peace Support and Operation Training (BIPSOT) which is a premier institute of Bangladesh training peacekeepers for various UN Peace Operations. Chief of Army Staff is on a 4-day official visit to Bangladesh.

India, Fiji discuss ways to boost ties in 5^th Foreign Office Consultations

India and Fiji held the fifth round of Foreign Office Consultations (FoC) on Mon in Suva where both sides reviewed the entire gamut of bilateral relations and discussed ways to further strengthen the close ties. During the FoC, both sides reviewed the entire gamut of bilateral relations covering political, economic, defense, cultural and consular matters and discussed ways to further strengthen the close bilateral ties between India and Fiji. The two sides also exchanged views on regional and global issues of interest and agreed to enhance their cooperation in the multilateral fora. During the visit, Secy (East) also called on the Prime Minister of Fiji Rear Admiral (Ret’d) Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama. According to the MEA annual report, Pacific Island Countries are part of India’s engagement with the East. Under Act East Policy, the GoI has stepped up its efforts to engage with countries in this region. The landmark initiative, the Forum for India-Pacific Cooperation, was launched under the rubric of the Act East Policy, by the Prime Minister at the first FIPIC summit that was held in Suva, Fiji in Nov 2014. The 2^nd edition was held in Jaipur in Aug 2015. (here)

Rupee hits all-time low of 80 against US dollar, subdues Indian stock indices

After 2 consecutive days of gains, Indian stock indices declined marginally in early trade on Tue, weighed down by a consistent depreciation of the rupee. On Tue, the Re hit yet another historical low and touched the key psychological level of 80/US$. At 9.40 a.m., Sensex was at 54,389.79 points, down 131.36 points or 0.24%, whereas Nifty was at 16,252.95 points, down 25.55 points or 0.16%. Among the Nifty 50 stocks, 29 were in the green and the rest in the red, National Stock Exchange data showed. Consistent depreciation in the value of the rupee has been weighing on the domestic stocks. A depreciation in the Re is typically negative for foreign investors. (here)

Highways within 100 km of LoC, borders will not need green nod: Government

In an attempt to change the environmental impact assessment policy in place since 2006, the Centre in a notified amendment has sought to exempt highway projects related to defense and strategic importance within 100 km of the Line of Control or the border from the requirement of environmental clearance. “All highway projects are exempted up to 100 km from the LOC or the border,” read the green ministry readout. The Ministry readout also exempts projects about the expansion of terminal buildings at airports (without an increase in the existing area of the airport) from seeking a green nod. A high-powered committee that looked into the Char Dham project, in its final report submitted in Jul 2020 unanimously suggested that an environmental impact assessment be conducted before road widening in the Bhagirathi eco-sensitive zone stretch was taken up.​​ (here)

India’s Govt Wants Big Tech to Pay for News

The Indian government intends to make Big Tech companies, including Facebook parent Meta, Google, Apple, and Microsoft pay publications – digital portals and newspapers – for featuring news content on their platforms. “The news publishers have no negotiating leverage at all, and this needs to be tackled legislatively,” the minister of state for IT and electronics Rajeev Chandrasekhar told TOI. This decision to seriously examine this issue “in the context of new legislation and rules” appears to be fairly recent. In the winter session of 2021, the Ministry (MeitY) told the Parliament there was no proposal to bring in such legislation yet. Australia was the first country to pass a law to force Big Tech to pay for the news they use on their platforms; there is a lot that can be learned from its journey. (here)

EU’s lending arm joins India-led Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure

The European Investment Bank (EIB), the lending arm of the EU, has joined the India-led Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) as part of efforts to limit the damage caused by climate change. EIB will work with national govts, UN agencies, multilateral development banks, and the private sector that are part of CDRI to promote the rapid development of infrastructure resilient to climate change and natural disasters around the world. EIB has also announced plans to double its annual investments in India from the current level of about €500 million in the next 2 years. (here)

Aircraft Snags: DGCA conducts spot checks, finds insufficient engineering staff certifying Planes

With airlines reporting multiple technical malfunction incidents, aviation regulator DGCA on Mon said it conducted spot checks and found that there is an insufficient number of engineering personnel certifying planes of different carriers before their departure. Before each departure, an aircraft is checked and certified by an aircraft maintenance engineer (AME). The DGCA has now issued guidelines for airlines on the deployment of AME personnel and directed them to comply by Jul 28. The spot checks also found that the AME teams of airlines are improperly identifying the “cause of a reported defect”, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)’s order noted. They also found that there has been an “increasing trend of MEL (minimum equipment list) releases” of aircraft, it said. There have been multiple technical malfunction incidents in Indian planes during the last month. On Sun, IndiGo’s Sharjah-Hyderabad flight was diverted to Karachi as a precautionary measure after pilots observed a defect in one of the engines. (here)

Top Lashkar Terrorist Among 4 Arrested in J&K’s Rajouri

Four persons were arrested and a huge cache of arms and ammunition was recovered after the Jammu and Kashmir Police mopped up a Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) network in Rajouri district, officials said. Police said that in a breakthrough Talib Hussain Shah alias Abu Ahmad, resident of Draj in Rajouri and LeT commander for the area, was arrested along with his associates. Shah remained instrumental in almost all the major terrorist activities in the Pir Panjal area over the last 3 years. Police said Shah and his associates were involved in 5 criminal and terrorism-related cases. Arms and ammunition were recovered, including Under Barrel Grenade Launcher grenades, 2 AK 47 rifles, 3 AK-47 magazines, 2 pistols, pistol magazine, and a 5 Kg IED were recovered. (here) Police say it has reports of the presence of some terrorists in the upper reaches of Rajouri and Poonch sectors following which an operation in the area was going on.

Maharashtra: 12 Sena MPs back CM Eknath Shinde, set to form a separate group

A leader from the Shinde faction said BJP is likely to allot two ministerial berths at the Centre to Sena MPs who join the group. MLA Deepak Kesarkar, a spokesperson for the Shinde camp, said “all” Sena MPs were with the Shinde is likely to meet the BJP top brass in New Delhi on Tuesday to discuss Sena’s position in LS and expansion of the state cabinet. (here)

[NEIGHBORHOOD]

SL President poll: Premadasa to be appointed as PM if Allahaperuma voted President, says SJB

Sri Lanka’s main opposition party Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) has said that the party’s leader Sajith Premadasa will be appointed as the Prime Minister if SLPP MP Dullas Allahaperuma is elected to the post of President. SJB General-Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara said that an agreement had been stuck with SLPP MP Allahaperuma on the same. Bandara claimed that Alahapperuma had sufficient support to be elected as the new President in the 225-member Parliament. There is a possibility of the formation of a multi-party government if Alahaperuma is elected as the President. SLPP Chairman G L Peiris also extended his support for Premadasa for the PM post. Addressing media at the Parliament complex, Peiris said that it was the wish of the people that the two main parties solve the current political crisis. Peiris also noted that most of the SLPP MPs were ready to support Alahapperuma. Responding to SLPP Gen Secy earlier statement that SLPP had decided to support Ranil Wickremesinghe, Peiris said that Gen Secy is yet to make things clear. Acting Sri Lanka President Ranil Wickremesinghe is among the top 3 candidates for the Presidential election scheduled to be held in the crisis-marred island nation on July 20. (here)

The Sri Lankan dissident who helped oust a president

Activist Premakumar Gunaratnam alleges he was marked for death by Sri Lanka’s security boss a decade ago. The architect of his abduction went on to become president, but now the dissident has played a key role in the leader’s downfall. Now 56, Gunaratnam was snatched by gunmen from his home near Colombo, bundled into a white van, and driven away to a secret location where he was restrained, stripped, and tortured. Plainclothes men operating in unmarked vehicles seized dozens of other dissidents, journalists, and opposition politicians in 2012. Many were never seen again. Gunaratnam, a radical leftist who was about to launch a new political party, was one of the lucky ones: International pressure secured his unexpected release four days later. Sri Lanka’s security forces were controlled at the time by Gotabaya Rajapaksa. Local media describe the activist as a “key mover” in building an ostensibly leaderless months-long protest movement that channeled frustrations over the economic crisis into a political revolution. (here)

US House Speaker Pelosi reported to visit Taiwan in Aug after Covid postponed Apr trip

US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi will visit Taiwan next month, a move that will trigger furious reactions from Beijing, the Financial Times reported. Citing 6 people familiar with the matter, the report said Pelosi would take a delegation to Taiwan in Aug. It would be the first visit by a US speaker of the house to the self-ruled island in 25 years. Pelosi would be the most senior US lawmaker to visit the island since one of her predecessors as a speaker, Republican Newt Gingrich, traveled there in 1997. The lawmaker and her delegation will visit Japan, S’pore, Indonesia, and Malaysia. Pelosi will also spend time in Hawaii at the HQ of the US Indo-Pacific command. But the report said it was still possible the trip could be called off. (here)EU lawmaker opens Taiwan visit with a vow to ‘stand firm’ with Taipei: A senior EU lawmaker arrived in Taiwan on Tue with a message that Europe must support the island’s democracy, citing both Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and Beijing’s crackdown in Hong Kong. Nicola Beer, one of the European Parliament’s vice-presidents, is making what the Taiwanese foreign ministry described as “the first official visit” by an MEP of her rank. (here)

China demands the U.S. cancel potential arms sale to Taiwan

Reuters – China has demanded that the United States immediately cancel its latest arms sale to Taiwan, the Chinese state broadcaster reported on Mon, citing the country’s Ministry of National Defence. The Pentagon said on Fri that the U.S. State Department had approved the potential sale of military-technical assistance to Taiwan worth an estimated $108 mn. (here)

Manila wants to revisit Chinese loans for 3 rail projects as analysts warn of ‘risks’

As Manila says it will return to the negotiating table for Chinese loans to fund 3 rail projects, analysts are warning of the risks of such loans under Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative at a time of global economic uncertainty. Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jnr told the transport department to secure the loans after China Exim Bank did not act on a loan agreement struck under his predecessor, undersecretary for railways Cesar Chavez said in a statement on Saturday. Marcos Jnr – who is expected to continue former president Rodrigo Duterte’s policy of having close ties with both Beijing and Washington – has said he will seek to attract more investors through public-private partnerships. The Duterte govt largely avoided such partnerships, saying they prolonged projects and added to costs. On Mon, the Chinese foreign ministry said China “welcomes President Marcos’ instruction to the responsible department of the Philippines to discuss project cooperation with China and will connect fully with the new Philippine govt on this”. (here)

Dahal receives a warm welcome in Delhi as Nepal’s envoy is kept cooling his heels

On Mar 25, President Bidya Devi Bhandari administered the oath of office and secrecy to Shankar Sharma as Nepal’s ambassador to India. He assumed office a week later. Nearly one and a half months after taking charge as Nepal’s envoy to India, Sharma on May 11 presented his credentials to Indian President Ram Nath Kovind. Formal diplomatic engagement starts after the submission of the credentials. To set the activity in motion, the embassy wrote to the Ministry of External Affairs, India requesting to arrange a time for a courtesy meeting with Foreign Minister S Jaishankar and Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra, within a few days after Sharma presented his credentials to the Indian president. The embassy had also approached other Indian ministers for the courtesy meeting but to no avail, according to officials at the ministry. So far, there has been no intimation as to when Sharma would get to meet them. New Delhi’s newly-appointed envoy to Kathmandu, Naveen Srivastava, landed in Kathmandu on June 25, exactly 3 months after Sharma got his appointment. 5 days after he arrived in Kathmandu, Srivastava presented his credentials to President. In less than a month, he has met with everyone he desired, from the President to PM Sher Bahadur Deuba to cross-party top leaders, ministers, and heads of govt agencies. (here)

Chinese Embassy objects to Thompson’s China ‘disinformation campaign’ statement

China has reacted to a recent remark by Washington’s ambassador nominee for Nepal that the Millennium Challenge Corporation compact was ratified despite a “disinformation campaign” by China. Stating on Fri, the Chinese embassy in Kathmandu said that the US remarks were baseless. “They have not only slandered China but also offended Nepal and its people. It is a true ‘disinformation.’ China firmly rejects it,” reads the statement. In his opening statement before the Foreign Relations Committee of the US Senate on Wed, Dean R Thompson said: “In Feb, Nepal’s parliament ratified the $500 million Millennium Challenge Corporation compact in the face of a torrid PRC [People’s Republic of China] disinformation campaign.” (here)

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is likely to visit Pakistan soon.

According to reports, the dates of the visit are being decided at the diplomatic level. Blinken will visit at the invitation of Bilawal Zardari. According to sources, the American Foreign Minister will hold important meetings with Pakistani political and military leadership during his visit. In the meetings, cooperation in various fields including bilateral trade, investment, energy, health, and education will be discussed. (Jasarat)