Flip Through Fridays

[NEWS OF THE DAY]

The BJP-led NDA’s nominee Droupadi Murmu on Thu became India’s 15th President.

Droupadi Murmu succeeded Ram Nath Kovind and also became the first tribal leader to hold the top constitutional post in the country. Murmu was pitted against the Opposition’s candidate pick Yashwant Sinha, who has now congratulated her on the victory. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thu congratulated Droupadi Murmu on her election as new President of the country and said she has emerged as a ray of hope for citizens, especially the poor, marginalized, and the downtrodden. President Ram Nath Kovind also extended his best wishes to Draupadi Murmu who will succeed him in the highest office of the country. Cross-voting for Murmu bares cracks in Opposition unity -The ruling BJP claimed that 17 MPs from the two Houses of Parliament and 126 MLAs from states defied respective party lines and voted for Murmu. Many regional parties, despite their political reservations against the BJP, had indicated their willingness to see Murmu in Rashtrapati Bhavan. As the counting of votes in the Presidential election concluded Thu, it became clear that NDA candidate Droupadi Murmu’s spectacular win had also been helped by some cross-voting. It was also proof of the division and confusion in Opposition ranks over thwarting the first tribal woman’s bid to occupy the highest office in the country.”Up to this round, the cumulative total is – total valid votes is 3219 with a total value of 8,38,839 of which Droupadi Murmu gets 2161 votes of the value of 5,77,777. Yashwant Sinha gets 1058 votes of the value of 2,61,062,” the Election commission said. (here)

India concerned about the growth of the pro-Khalistan movement in Canada: Officials

India is watching warily the growth of the pro-Khalistan movement in Canada particularly as it appears to have entered a new phase. The most concern is about the enhanced linkage with organized criminal gangs that operate in Canada and India. Hindustan Times citing Indian officials reported that there were at least 8 such prominent gang leaders present in Canada at this time and they appear to direct activities from here. This nexus between some Canada-based radicals and gangsters provides the former with “foot soldiers” in India, a luxury they did not enjoy earlier, an official said. While they did not specify the names of these gangsters, they said they have been discussed in detail during ongoing conversations between India’s National Investigation Agency and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. More worrying for them is the emerging reality of gangsters in Canada securing ties with Khalistani groups. Many of them, they said, met while in jails in India and combined forces. They are then able to direct hits on targets in India, and even Canada, because of the large presence of Indo-Canadian gangs in the country. (here)

India, China foreign ministers likely to meet next week in Tashkent

External affairs minister S Jaishankar and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi are likely to meet for the second time this month on the margins of a Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meet in Uzbekistan, though there is little optimism in New Delhi for any forward movement on the standoff in Ladakh. Both FMs, who held talks on the sidelines of a G20 FM’ meeting in Indonesia on Jul 7, are set to attend the SCO FMs meet in Tashkent during Jul 28-29. There has been no official announcement from either side though people familiar with the matter said a bilateral meeting between the two ministers isn’t being ruled out. At the same time, the people said the prospect of any breakthrough or forward movement on the two-year-old military standoff on the Line of Actual Control does not appear bright, given the positions adopted by both sides. The SCO FM’s gathering is part of preparatory meetings for the summit of the 8-member grouping to be held in Samarkand in mid-Sept. Def. minister Rajnath Singh is expected to attend a meeting of SCO defense ministers in Uzbekistan next month, setting up the possibility of a bilateral meeting with his Chinese counterpart Wei Fenghe. (here)

Keep eye on all developments: Govt on Doklam village report

Amid reports claiming that a “fully inhabited” Chinese village has come up at Doklam, the govt said Thu it closely monitors all developments related to India’s security and acts accordingly. The foreign ministry added India’s looking forward to having more talks with China to complete the process of disengagement in eastern Ladakh. (here)

[NATIONAL]

India, UK NSAs discuss regional security, cooperation in the defense sector

National Security Adviser Ajit Doval met his UK counterpart Stephen Lovegrove here on Thu and discussed a wide range of subjects of bilateral and global significance, Business Standard reported citing sources. They said the key points discussed included cooperation in cyber security, maritime and Indo-Pacific, regional security, and dealing with violent extremism. The focus was on specific and substantial outcomes to take the partnership forward in line with the vision of the India-UK Roadmap 2030. British High Commission said in a tweet the two NSAs discussed regional security and reiterated their commitment to transforming defense and security cooperation. UK National Security Adviser also met with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. “… They held further discussions about the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the UK and India,” the British High Commission said. (here)

India, UK sign MoU on Mutual Recognition of Educational Qualifications

India and the UK on Thu signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Mutual Recognition of Educational Qualifications including maritime education and a Framework agreement on the health care workforce. The MoU was signed by the Indian Commerce Secretary, BVR Subrahmanyam, and the Permanent Secretary of the Department of International Trade in the UK, James Bowler. These agreements aim to facilitate closer alignment on education between India and UK as well as enhance short-term bilateral mobility and ensure mutual recognition of qualifications. On 4th May 2021, the two countries committed to unleashing the trade potential of the partnership by doubling trade by 2030 and reducing market barriers to trade in key sectors. The two countries also agreed upon a new Enhanced Trade Partnership’ (ETP). On Jan 13, 2022, the two sides launched negotiations for FTA. Subrahmanyam says India UK “trade talks are on track” and negotiations would be concluded by Aug 31st. (here)

CEO resignation, spying allegation — why India’s in the middle of a raging controversy in Mauritius

A major political controversy has been raging in the Indian Ocean island nation of Mauritius since June, which has dragged India right into the eye of the storm. While the Indian government has chosen to side with Mauritian Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth, the imbroglio is deepening by the day. It all started with the June resignation of former Mauritius Telecom (MT) CEO Sherry Singh. While stepping down, Singh, regarded as a key govt insider and close confidant of Jugnauth, made a cryptic statement to his employees that said: “I am unable to continue without compromising my values and that is not an option for me.” In interviews with the media, Singh subsequently made allegations about the Mauritian PM, hinting at India’s hand in a controversy surrounding the SAFE (South Africa Far East) cable, a 13500-km submarine fiber optic cable connecting South Africa, Mauritius, La Réunion in France, India, and Malaysia. In two interviews given to the Le Défi Media Group and LaSentinelle, which were broadcast live, Singh alleged that PM Jugnauth had forced him to allow an “Indian team” to access a SAFE cable landing station at Baie-du-Jacotet, a prohibited area. The former Mauritius Telecom CEO, who reportedly also has an interest in joining politics and is negotiating with opposition parties there, told the Le Défi Media Group: “With or without me, there will be a political tsunami.” (here)

SBI becomes India’s most valuable listed PSU

State Bank of India (SBI), India’s largest bank, has become the most valuable listed public sector undertaking (PSU) after surpassing Life Insurance Corporation of India’s (LIC) market capitalization (market cap). SBI shares jumped almost 7%. This took the market capitalization of the bank to Rs 4,53,727.26 crore at 2:10 pm on Wed. At the same time, LIC’s market cap was at Rs 4,35,570.97 crore. The state-owned PSU bank has become the seventh largest company in the overall market-cap ranking of listed companies on the BSE. LIC slipped to number eight in the list with a market cap of Rs 4.38 trillion, the BSE data showed. In the past month, SBI stock has rallied by more than 17%. During the same period, LIC’s stock gained 4%. BSE Sensex has been up by 7.6% during the same period. In fact, in the last week, SBI has gained almost 5%. There was a decline of 4% in LIC’s share price. (here)

SC permits abortion at 24 weeks; cannot bar an unmarried woman from having one

The Supreme Court on Thu allowed an unmarried woman whose relationship status changed during the pregnancy to abort her 24-week baby, highlighting the fact that a legal disparity between a married and an unmarried woman should not influence the ability to do so. The bench said, “We are of the view that allowing the petitioner to suffer an unwanted pregnancy will go against the parliamentary intent, and the benefits under the Act cannot be denied to her only based on her being unmarried. The distinction between a married and an unmarried woman has no nexus to the object sought to be achieved by the Parliament.” (here)

RBI has zero tolerance for volatile, bumpy moves in rupee: Governor Das

The central bank has zero tolerance for volatile and bumpy movements in the rupee and will continue to engage with the foreign exchange market to ensure the rupee finds its level, its chief Shaktikanta Das said on Fri. The rupee has been hitting a series of record lows in recent weeks and has broken past the psychological 80 per dollar mark earlier this week. (here)

Rajya Sabha defers passage of the bill for banning funding of weapons of mass destruction

Rajya Sabha on Thu deferred till July 25 the passage of a bill that seeks to ban funding of weapons of mass destruction so that opposition members can participate in the discussion on the draft law. Bhubaneswar Kalita, who was in the Chair, accepted the request of Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs V Muraleedharan for deferring the passage of The Weapons of Mass Destruction and their Delivery Systems (Prohibition of Unlawful Activities) Amendment Bill, 2022. When the House resumed in the afternoon, the opposition members demanded a discussion on the issue of price rise under Rule 267. When the Chair did not accept their demand, a large number of the opposition members walked out. (here)

[NEIGHBORHOOD]

Sri Lankan forces raid anti-government protest camp as new president takes office

Reuters – Sri Lankan security forces raided a protest camp occupying govt grounds in the main city of Colombo early on Friday and cleared out a section of it, a sign that the country’s new president was cracking down a day after his swearing-in. Media footage showed soldiers in riot gear and armed with assault rifles tearing down the camp, set up in Apr by protesters enraged with the country’s economic collapse that has caused severe shortages of fuel, food, and medicines. “9 people, including two injured, have been arrested.” (here) US Ambassador to Colombo Julie Chun on Fri expressed deep concerns about the actions taken by Sri Lankan authorities against protestors at Galle Face in the middle of the night. Taking to Twitter, Chun asked for restraint by authorities and immediate access to medical attention for those injured. Crisis-hit Sri Lanka swears in new prime minister-Senior Sri Lankan lawmaker Dinesh Gunawardena was sworn in on Fri as the new prime minister, his office said, a day after the swearing-in of a new president as the Indian Ocean nation grapples with its worst economic crisis in decades.

India will continue to stand by people of Sri Lanka: MEA

Indian External affairs minister Dr. Jaishankar stated on Sri Lanka in the Parliament, “govt of India has extended 8 Lines of Credit (LOCs) to Sri Lanka amounting to USD 1850.64 million”. The Ministry of External Affairs on Thu reiterated its stance to stand by the people of Sri Lanka at the time of crisis, saying that India has been at forefront of extending economic assistance to Sri Lanka and will continue to do so. Responding to a media query about India’s view on Sri Lanka restoring political stability under the new president, MEA said, “About the election of the new president, the High Commission had put out the statement that this was a parliament process they did. I don’t have much to add except to emphasize that this transition happened through a constitutional framework and is a clear and positive indicator in that way. Indian High Commissioner appreciated Parliament’s role in upholding democracy and the Constitutional framework, especially at this crucial juncture. In pursuance of the central place that Sri Lanka occupies in our Neighbourhood First policy, India has extended this year unprecedented support of over USD 3.8 billion for ameliorating the serious economic situation in Sri Lanka. (here)

Top UN official in Sri Lanka calls for inclusive consultations to resolve the crisis

“The situation in the country continues to deteriorate, with over 70% of households either losing their source of income or having their income reduced. In June, the Food inflation stood at 80%,” dy spokesperson for UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres, Farhan Haq said. (here)

China is exploiting Tibet’s natural wealth: Report

China is only interested in exploiting the natural wealth of Tibet and is changing its demography in an attempt to bring the roof of the world under its influence, according to rights groups. These groups say that China has imposed heavy-handed control in Tibet and has systemically repressed fundamental rights, and tightened control over civil society. An over 40-page white paper published by China in 2021 titled ‘Tibet since 1951: Liberation, Development highlights the neglect by China of environmental factors. The focus of the paper includes development, building more dams, and several infrastructural initiatives, however, it does not consider the environmental destruction, Policy Research Group (poreg) reported. Despite talking about the development plans that are being carried out in Tibet, the paper does not highlight the damage it has inflicted on its ecology. The energy is instead transmitted to the lighthouses in China and is used to run the machines in the country. The 3-step plan of China’s President Xi Jinping calls for crushing dissent, sinicization of Tibet, and fortification of Tibet, the article read. The destruction in Tibet might lead to the destruction of the whole world. (here)

China criticizes Japan’s defense white paper for making “accusations”

Reuters- China said on Fri it firmly opposed Japan’s new defense white paper and had sent stern representations to Tokyo. Ukraine war could deepen China-Russia military ties: Japan defense report-Japan warned in the annual paper earlier on Fri of escalating national security threats, including repercussions from Russia’s war with Ukraine, China’s intimidation of Taiwan, and vulnerable technology supply chains. The report sets out the govt’s security concerns as it prepares the ministry budget request due next month, aiming to build public support for an unprecedented hike in military funding that the ruling party aims to double over the next decade or so. “Japan’s new defense white paper makes accusations and smears China’s defense policy, market economic development, and legitimate maritime activities,” the Chinese foreign ministry told a daily news briefing. (here)

To avoid China-Taiwan military conflict, send Xi a clear message on consequences: British spy chief

A military conflict with China over Taiwan is “not inevitable” if the West sends a clear message to Xi Jinping about the dire consequences of a “misjudged invasion”, the head of Britain’s secret intelligence service said in his first public interview outside the UK. Richard Moore, chief of the Secret Intelligence Service known as MI6, also emphasized the lessons to be gleaned from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the significance of a possible defeat for Moscow in that conflict deterring Beijing from forcefully reuniting with Taiwan. Speaking at the Aspen Security Forum in Colorado, Moore said he believed a military conflict with China over Taiwan, a self-governing island Beijing considers a renegade province, was “not inevitable at all”. “It’s important that President Xi, as he calculates what he may or may not do with Taiwan, looks at what can go wrong with a misjudged invasion,” Moore added. “It’s important that we remind him of those risks.” (here)

Police in PoK’s Poonch open fire on peaceful protesters, and many injured

Several protestors sustained injuries in the Poonch area of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) after security forces fired indiscriminately at them. The incident took place on Thu in which at least 65 locals have been arrested so far and some 30 of them have been booked under terror law, ANI reported citing sources. Massive protests have been taking place across PoK over high inflation and denial of basic human rights by the Pakistani authorities. In the PaaGali area of Poonch, the locals were holding protests on Thu on the main highway when the Pakistani security forces and local police started firing indiscriminately to disperse them. Many of them have been seriously injured and the number of dead has not been disclosed yet by the authorities. The residents of the PaaGali area have decided to continue the agitation against state atrocities. (here) JUI Leaders Qazi Mehmood ul Hasan and Peer Mazhar Saeed Shah said that the Federal Government is unelected and has no authority to take any decision about Kashmir. It was said that the 15th Constitutional Amendment is a conspiracy to change the special status of AJK and is against the resolution of the UN on Kashmir. JUI demanded that all the political parties should come forward together for an effective movement to ensure the unity of the entire Kashmir as one entity. (Siasat)

Several protesters and two police officers were injured in the clash in Quetta.

Several protesters and two female police officers were injured in the clash between the participants of the protest rally of the families of the missing persons and the police in Quetta. According to the details, on Thu, the relatives of the missing persons were protesting against the operation of the security forces in Ziarat in which 9 alleged terrorists were killed. The participants of the rally were walking from the press club to the Chief Minister’s House, but the police stopped them from going to the red zone, meanwhile, police and protesters clashed. According to SP City Police, the protestors were stopped for violating the ban on protests in the red zone. On which they started to forcibly remove obstacles, and started throwing stones at the police. He said that two women police personnel were injured due to stone pelting by the protesters. On the other hand, the protestors are demanding that the people killed in the Ziarat operation were innocent, so a judicial commission should be formed and a transparent investigation should be conducted into the incident. (Jasarat)

Doubtful of the alliance, ruling partners seek ‘package deal’ despite Congress’ poll pledge

That the Nepali Congress has decided to go to polls under an alliance and the coalition partners have reciprocated accordingly, even as some of them are exploring a sub-alliance, seat-sharing can be a complex issue. There are 165 seats in the House of Representatives and 330 seats in 7 provincial assemblies up for grabs under the direct election system. With Congress in a bid to keep 100 constituencies for itself and leave the remaining 65 for the coalition partners to divide, leaders are now trying to reach a “package deal”. The coalition partners are making a hard bargain for at least 85 seats for them, which will mean Congress has to cede 20 seats, something, according to insiders, it cannot afford to do. On Tuesday, CPN (Maoist Centre) chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal held a meeting with CPN (Unified Socialist) chair Madhav Nepal and its senior leader Jhala Nath Khanal as well as a senior communist leader Bamdev Gautam, who has launched a campaign to bring leftist forces together. Senior Maoist leader Narayan Kaji Shrestha was also present. (here)

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