[NEWS OF THE DAY]

President Murmu assumes office; PM Modi calls it a ‘watershed moment for India’

CJI NV Ramana administers the oath of office, President-elect Droupadi Murmu becomes the 15^th President of India. She is the second woman President of the country, the first-ever tribal woman to hold the highest Constitutional post and the first President to be born in independent India. “I am the first President of the country who was born in independent India. We will have to speed up our efforts to meet the expectations that our freedom fighters had with the citizens of independent India,” said President. President mentions India’s presidency of G20 during her maiden speech in the Parliament. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar did not attend the swearing-in ceremony of the President-elect today in the national capital. This is not the first time Nitish Kumar has skipped such an important event. Earlier also he has missed several events organized by the BJP by giving excuses, showing that there is a rift between Bihar CM and the BJP. President greets PM Narendra Modi, Union Ministers, Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi and other dignitaries who attended her swearing-in ceremony at the Central Hall of the Parliament. After minutes of the new President’s swearing-in, Mehbooba Mufti put out a controversial tweet, ‘The outgoing President leaves behind a legacy where the Indian constitution was trampled upon umpteenth times.’ Chinese President Xi Jinping, Sri Lankan President, Ranil Wickremesinghe, and Russian President Vladimir Putin send congratulations on taking charge. While on national days, regular letters as part of the protocol have been written by both Chinese and Indian leadership, it’s for the first time in years a public acknowledgment has come by the Chinese side.

Chinese fighter jets continue attempts to provoke India on LAC in Eastern Ladakh

Even after the Corps Commander-level talks, Chinese fighter jets are continuing attempts to provoke Indian forces deployed in Eastern Ladakh as they have been flying close to the Line of Actual Control (LAC) on multiple occasions. The Chinese aircraft have been regularly flying close to the LAC in the last 3-4 weeks which is seen as an attempt to probe the Indian defense mechanism in the area. The Indian Air Force (IAF) is responding to the situation very responsibly and taking no chances to tackle the threat as well as not letting the matter escalate in any way. The IAF has taken strong measures to respond to these provocations as it has moved forward its most potent fighters including the MiG-29 and Mirage 2000 to advanced bases from where they can respond to the Chinese activities within minutes, ANI reported citing sources. The IAF has been scrambling its fighter jets to tackle the threat from Chinese aircraft but it seems the Chinese Army is tense about the upgrade of IAF infrastructure in the Ladakh sector through which they can monitor Chinese activities deep within areas controlled by them. The IAF has been responding to these actions in a calibrated manner and also keeping a very close watch on the Chinese flying pattern in the area where they are flying at both low and high altitudes. (here)

China’s pressure tactics along LAC continue, aim to ‘keep the pot simmering’

From Chinese fighter jets repeatedly violating agreements along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) — forcing the Indian Air Force (IAF) to scramble its own — to build a new highway that will connect all the current friction points and speed up the deployment of new military equipment close to the borders, China is keeping up the pressure in the over two-year-long standoff with India. Citing sources, ThePrint reported that the Chinese intent is to “keep the pot simmering” and not go in for any actual de-escalation as wanted by India. The ongoing provocation by the Chinese is being done through an air exercise under which their fighters and even drones are repeatedly violating the 10-km Confidence Building Measure agreement between the two sides. However, the provocation has continued. the violation was raised by the Indian side during the last Corps Commander level talks held on 17 July. They said the Chinese jets have flown within the agreed radius even after the talks. (here), While China says progress is being made in India border talks, but New Delhi warns of stalemate-China and India are making progress in their border talks and are discussing ways to calm tensions, according to Chinese state media. At least one side put forward proposals that were discussed during the latest round of military talks last Sun, a social media account affiliated with state broadcaster CCTV reported on Thu, citing an anonymous source. But Indian media reports have said there is a stalemate between the two sides and that New Delhi was frustrated by China’s refusal to discuss a broader disengagement rather than specific flashpoints. (here)

India to attend SCO FMs meet, Bilawal, Wang Yi and Jaishankar to meet face to face this week

Coming week (Jul 28^th-29^th) in Uzbekistan, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will be sharing the table with his Pakistani counterpart Bilawal Bhutto at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Foreign Ministers meeting. This is the first time, Bhutto will be meeting EAM Jaishankar face to face after the formation of the new coalition govt of Pakistan. India will be attending 2 key meetings in Uzbekistan – SCO FMs meet and an international conference on Afghanistan in Uzbekistan (Jul 25^th-26^th). Bilawal after assuming office had said that he desires re-engagement with India but there is no indication of a bilateral meeting of SCO yet, New Delhi has consistently said that terror and talks cannot go together. Meanwhile, Jaishankar’s participation in the SCO is yet to be announced officially. Chinese FM Wang Yi will also be attending the meeting and a bilateral meeting with Jaishankar to review the outcome of the recently held 16^th round of negotiations between the military commanders of India and China to resolve the stand-off along the LAC in Eastern Ladakh. If this bilateral talk happens, may also pave the way for the possible meeting between Chinese President Xi and PM Modi. Both are expected to attend the SCO summit on Sept 15-16 at Samarkand, Uzbekistan. (here)

Explained: Monkeypox declared ‘public health emergency’ by WHO

The WHO on Sat declared a ‘public health emergency’ over monkeypox, weeks after debating over sounding the alarm. WHO chief said that he had to act as a tie-breaker to resolve a disagreement on whether the outbreak had reached the level of a global health emergency. The virus emerged in West and Central Africa and has been present for decades. However, recently it has rapidly spread across continents, registering spread in the US, Canada, and even India. Europe is among the worst-hit regions. The decision behind declaring monkeypox as a public health emergency of international concern involves its rapid spread across continents, even as the disease has been around – in a localized manner – for decades. India reports the 4^th monkeypox case, the first in the national capital Delhi, having no record of travel abroad. (here) [Two tenures of a non-medico WHO chief, two public health emergencies]

[NATIONAL]

Long-term investments in Sri Lanka are India’s plan to fix the economic crisis, envoy Baglay says

After helping Sri Lanka with unprecedented assistance of around $4 billion since Jan as the country plunged into a deep economic crisis, India is now planning to invest heavily in newer sectors through both private and public firms there, Gopal Baglay, high commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, told ThePrint. The sectors India will focus on including renewable energy, hydrocarbons, ports and infrastructure, and IT among others. Both countries are also looking at signing the long pending Economic and Technology Co-operation Agreement. The top Indian diplomat in Colombo said New Delhi will now work with the new govt there, both at the functional as well as political levels, to facilitate talks for a bailout package by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for Sri Lanka, which got stuck earlier as the situation there worsened. The island nation has been reeling under a massive crisis following over 100 days of protests by its people, witnessing a change of regime with the ousting of former president Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who eventually fled the country. Subsequently, Ranil Wickremesinghe was elected as president and Dinesh Gunawardena as prime minister. (here)

India, Japan conduct a maritime partnership exercise in the Andaman Sea

A Maritime Partnership Exercise (MPX) was conducted between Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and the Indian Navy in the Andaman Sea on Sat. According to the Ministry of Defence, INS Sukanya, an offshore patrol vessel, and JS Samidare, a Murasame class destroyer, undertook various exercises including seamanship activities, aircraft operations, and tactical maneuvers as part of the operational interaction. The two countries have been carrying out regular exercises in Indian Ocean Region (IOR) towards reinforcing maritime association. The exercise was aimed at enhancing interoperability and streamlining seamanship and communication procedures. This exercise is part of the ongoing efforts between the two navies toward ensuring safe and secure international shipping and trade in the IOR, said the Defence Ministry. (here)

Self-reliant India is well-equipped to give a befitting reply to anyone who casts an evil eye, says Rajnath Singh

Highlighting the Centre’s effort to build a self-reliant defense ecosystem, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sun said that self-reliant India is well-equipped to give a befitting reply to anyone who casts an evil eye. Speaking at an event here to commemorate Kargil Vijay Diwas, Singh said, “The Kargil war underlined the dire need to achieve jointness and self-reliance in the defense sector. It has been India’s endeavor to achieve these qualities to remain prepared for future challenges.” He emphasized that setting up of Joint Theatre Commands and reforms to achieve self-reliance in defense are the steps taken in that direction. Singh stated that it was the spirit of national pride at the core of their values that protected the unity and integrity of India. He asserted that the sole aim of the govt is to safeguard the interests of the nation and it has taken a series of steps to develop a self-reliant defense ecosystem that provides indigenous state-of-the-art weapons/equipment to the Armed Forces to fight all kinds of future wars. On PoK and Gilgit-Baltistan, he stated that these areas are illegally occupied by Pakistan and a unanimous resolution to free them has been passed in the Parliament of India. (here)

The US to host a virtual Indo-Pacific trade meeting tomorrow (Tue)

The United States will host a virtual meeting on Tue of officials representing the 14 countries that have joined the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, as Washington seeks to expand its engagement with Asia. The ministerial meeting will be hosted by U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai and Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, their offices stated on Sun. President Joe Biden, who launched the IPEF in May on a trip to Tokyo, wants to use it as a way to raise environmental, labor, and other standards across Asia. Washington has lacked an economic pillar for its Indo-Pacific engagement since former President Donald Trump quit a multinational trans-Pacific trade agreement, leaving the field open to China to expand its influence. In addition to the IS, the IPEF members comprise Australia, Brunei, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. Topics for discussion at Tuesday’s meeting include trade, supply chains, clean energy, infrastructure, taxes, and combating corruption, the statement said. (here)

Uzbek Deputy PM Khodjaev to visit India this week

Uzbekistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Jamshid Khodjaev will visit India this week and will hold a regular session of the Intergovernmental Commission meeting with Trade Minister Piyush Goyal. Both Minister Goyal and his counterpart Khodjaev are the co-chairs of the joint commission meeting. Uzbekistan’s key focus will be on agriculture, innovation, connectivity, science and technology, textiles, and leather. The visit of Khodjaev is the 2^nd high-level visit from Uzbekistan this month. Earlier Uzbekistan’s deputy foreign minister Furkat Sidikov visited India and held talks with the minister of state in the Ministry of external affairs Meenakshi Lekhi. The key focus of Sidikov’s visit was to brief the Indian side on the constitutional reforms announced in the country. The reforms had led to a backlash in the Karakalpakstan region over fears of autonomy being taken away, a plan that has been shelved now. Earlier Uzbek DPM Sardor Umurzakov was expected to visit India and hold a joint commission meeting but he was shifted last week to become the Head of the Presidential Administration. (here)

India condemns killings in Iraq’s Kurdistan region

India strongly condemns the recent killings in the Zakho district of Dohuk Governatorate, Kurdistan Region of Iraq, which is a clear violation of the country’s sovereignty and a blatant disregard for international humanitarian law” read the statement of the Ministry of External Affairs. Iraq accuses Turkey of an attack that killed nine in Kurdistan-Most of the victims were Iraqi tourists and children were among the dead. At least 23 people were wounded. Local officials blamed Turkish forces and Iraq is recalling its charge d’affaires from Ankara. Turkey is suggesting that forces belonging to the Kurdistan Workers’ Party carried out the strike.

CoWIN platform ‘know-how’ now available free of cost to any country

Any country interested can avail CoWIN platform, the platform will be provided free of cost, said the CEO of the National Health Authority, said on Sat, July 23. The National Health Authority’s offer comes after India crossed a milestone of administering 2 billion vaccine doses a week ago. On Jul 5, 2021, the Central Govt organized the Co-WIN Global Conclave in the endeavor to share experiences and expertise on the CoWIN platform with the global community. Over 140 countries participated in the event and nearly a dozen expressed an interest in learning from the platform and evaluating adopting it. MoU signed with Guyana for the implementation of Indian COWIN vaccination software. (here)

Former Huawei smartphone sub-brand Honor said to withdraw the team from India amid geopolitical tensions

Chinese smartphone brand Honor, formerly under Huawei Technologies Co, has pulled its team out of India, chief executive Zhao Ming said, as New Delhi continues to tighten its scrutiny of Chinese companies. Honor formed the team a few years ago, but chose to leave for “obvious reasons”, Zhao was quoted as saying during the company’s smartphone launch event on Thu, in a report by state-run newspaper Securities Times. The Shenzhen-based company’s Indian business will remain in operation, managed by local partners, Zhao reportedly said, but the brand will adopt a “very safe approach”. Honor did not immediately respond to a request for further information on Sun. Earlier this month, India’s financial crime-fighting agency raided Vivo’s local offices and froze the company’s bank accounts on suspicion of money laundering. Days later, the Indian finance ministry searched the office premises of Vivo’s sister brand Oppo, accusing it of evading US$550 million in customs duty. (here)

Six killed as house collapses due to blast in Bihar’s Chhapra

Six people were killed when a house collapsed due to a ‘blast’ at Chhapra in Bihar on Sun, said Saran Police. Efforts are being made to rescue people trapped under the debris, added the SP. The forensic team and bomb disposal squad are on the spot. The explosion that took place is due to firecrackers in large quantities being kept in the Mian’s house. Riyaz Mian is a firecracker trader, who allegedly sold crackers illegally during marriages. It is alleged that the house was an illegal manufacturing unit for firecrackers. The intensity of the explosion not only destroyed the house but also damaged the six adjoining houses. Cracks have appeared in more than six adjoining houses. (here)

Agenda-driven media running kangaroo courts, says Chief Justice Ramana

Ill-informed and agenda-driven kangaroo courts on television debates and social media on issues involving justice delivery are proving to be detrimental to the health of democracy, Chief Justice of India NV Ramana said on Sat while delivering the Justice SB Sinha Memorial Inaugural Lecture in Ranchi. On the issue of the rising number of media trials, CJI Ramana said, “It cannot be a guiding factor in deciding cases“. He said, “New media tools have the enormous amplifying ability but appear to be incapable of distinguishing between the right and the wrong, the good and the bad and the real and the fake.” Chief Justice Ramana also cautioned that the judges may not react immediately and this should not be mistaken for weakness or helplessness. “Print media still has a certain degree of accountability.. Still, worse is social media,” he said. The CJI also commented on the long-standing matter of contention of the judicial review of legislative and executive actions. (here)

Delhi Police bust prostitution, trafficking racket involving foreigners

A team of the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit (AHTU) and the Crime Branch of Delhi Police has busted a gang of human traffickers in South Delhi’s Malviya Nagar area, who used to lure foreign women to work as sex workers and brought them from various regions of Uzbekistan to India and got them involved in prostitution, officials said on Sat. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) said that 5 people have been arrested so far in the matter including Turkmenistan nationals. The agents asked the decoy customer to choose from the 10 foreign women in front of him. All the foreigners were asked to produce their valid visas and passport for their stay in India, but they failed to produce any legal documents. On sustained interrogation, it was revealed that Jumayeva Aziza and her husband namely Meredob Ahmed are kingpins of this racket. A case under Sections 370 and 34 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and 3, 4, and 5 of the Immoral Traffic Prevention Act has been registered at Crime Branch Police Station and an investigation has been taken up. (here)

CBI busts racket offering Rajya Sabha seats for ₹100 crore

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has busted a racket of imposters and arrested 4 people for allegedly attempting to cheat certain people by assuring them of Rajya Sabha births for ₹100 crores, people familiar with the development said. Besides Rajya Sabha seats, the accused persons also promised to arrange governorship and chairmanship of different govt organizations instead of bribes, they said. The FIR alleged that Bandgar posed as a senior CBI officer and flaunted his connections with highly placed officials. (here)

4 Congress MPs suspended for the entire Monsoon session over ‘unruly behavior’

Four Congress MPs including Manickam Tagore, Ramya Haridas, Jothimani, and TN Prathapan have been suspended from the Lok Sabha for the entire Monsoon session for their ‘unruly behavior and disrupting proceedings.’ The MPs were suspended according to Rule 374 on ‘unruly and disrespectful behavior towards the Chair.’ The proceeding in Lok Sabha was adjourned till 3 p.m. today amid ruckus and sloganeering by Opposition members over various issues. Lok Sabha today passed the Indian Antarctic Bill, 2022 which aims to provide a regulatory framework for India’s research activities in the Antarctic and protect the Antarctic ecosystem. The Bill is intended to have India’s national measures for protecting the Antarctic environment as also the dependent and associated ecosystem. Earlier on Fri, the proceeding in Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha were adjourned several times amid a ruckus by Opposition members over issues of inflation, price rise, and GST hike on daily essentials. Both the Houses are witnessing continuous adjournments since the session has begun. (here)

[NEIGHBORHOOD]

Pakistan, China welcome ‘interested’ third countries joining CPEC

All-weather allies Pakistan and China have decided to welcome “interested” third countries joining the multi-billion dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), saying it was “an open and inclusive platform” for mutually beneficial cooperation. Launched in 2013, the CPEC is a corridor linking Pakistan’s Gwadar port on the Arabian Sea with Kashgar in northwest China’s Xinjiang, which highlights energy, transport, and industrial cooperation. The 3^rd meeting of the CPEC Joint Working Group (JWG) on International Cooperation and Coordination was held in virtual mode on Fri. During the meeting, co-chaired by Pak’s Foreign Secy and China’s Assistant Foreign Minister Wu Jianghao, both sides reviewed the continued implementation of the CPEC and its expansion to the jointly agreed priority areas, a statement by the Pak FO read. It was noted that as a flagship of the Belt and Road Initiative, the CPEC had broken new ground in strengthening international and regional connectivity, especially in the context of its extension to Afghanistan. (here)

US Navy stepping up activities in the South China Sea, says Chinese think tank

US Navy warships and airplanes have stepped up activities in the disputed South China Sea, with a guided missile destroyer entering waters claimed by China 3 times a week, according to the head of a Beijing-based think tank. The USS Benfold transited the Taiwan Strait on Tue, after sailing near the disputed Spratly Islands on Jul 16 and the Paracel Islands on Jul 13 during what the US calls freedom of navigation operations. Tensions in the Taiwan Strait have been intensifying recently, with a planned visit to Taipei by US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi prompting an outraged response from Beijing. US President Joe Biden has said the Pentagon thinks the trip is “not a good idea right now”. Describing Benfold’s movements as provocative, Hu Bo, director of the Beijing-based SCS Strategic Situation Probing Initiative, said it was rare to see a single US warship challenge China’s claimed territorial waters three times in such a short period. The USS Ronald Reagan carrier strike began operating in the SCS for the first time this year on Jul 13, with the US Navy’s 7^th Fleet saying it was conducting maritime security operations as part of routine operations in the Indo-Pacific. (here)

Chinese-made Huawei tower could breach US nuclear arsenal, hints FBI probe

CNN- The Federal Bureau of Investigation has uncovered Chinese-made Huawei equipment on cell towers near the US military bases in Midwest. The FBI has said that the equipment was capable of capturing and disrupting highly restricted US defense department communications which include those used by the US Strategic Command which oversees the nuke weapons. It is believed that the origin of this Huawei equipment dates back to the Obama administration. It is unclear if the intelligence officials determined if any sensitive data was intercepted and sent back to Beijing from these Huawei towers. It is technically difficult to prove that a given package of data was stolen and sent overseas. The Chinese govt has denied charges of espionage on American soil. Huawei also denied that the tower is capable of operating in any spectrum allocated to the US defense department. A former FBI official said that the towers may impact the US capability to command and control the nuclear triad. The FBI probe was so secret that some senior policymakers in the WH and govt were not briefed till 2019. In 2020, the US Congress approved $1.9 billion to remove Chinese-based Huawei and ZTE cell technology across rural parts of the country. But the equipment is yet to be removed. (here)

Taliban say ready to engage with int’l community, but have a condition

The Taliban have expressed their willingness to engage with the international community and accept aid only if they are “not against Islam”. A statement in this regard was made by Khalid Hanafi, acting minister of vice and virtue, during his visit to Ghazni, Afghanistan. “We just follow Allah, Prophet Mohammad, the Caliph of Rashidun, and Companions in implementation of our law. We don’t accept anything from anyone which is against Islam,” the minister said as he decried sanctions on the Taliban by the international community. Hanafi also reportedly called on govt employees to adjust their appearance based on Sharia. Meanwhile, the EU Ambassador to Afghanistan, while discussing the situation in Afghanistan and the increasing hunger crisis in the country, on Sun said that there was a consensus on the non-recognition of the Taliban govt in the Western world. A UN report has revealed a “disturbing and consistent pattern of human rights violations” by the Taliban in the country. The report — released by the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan — outlined the human rights situation prevailing in Afghanistan over the 10 months since the Taliban takeover, reported ANI. (here)

Sri Lanka president’s office to reopen after a crackdown on anti-govt protesters

Sri Lanka’s besieged presidential office will reopen on Mon, police said, days after anti-govt demonstrators were flushed out in a military crackdown that triggered international condemnation. Widespread public anger over the island’s unprecedented economic crisis saw protesters storm and occupy the colonial-era building earlier this month. Soldiers were forced to rescue the then-president from his nearby residence on the same day, with the leader fleeing to Singapore and resigning days later. Troops armed with batons and automatic weapons cleared the 92-year-old presidential secretariat in a pre-dawn raid Fri on the orders of President, Ranil Wickremesinghe. At least 48 people were wounded and nine arrested in the operation, during which security forces tore down tents set up by protesters outside the complex in April. (here)

Myanmar junta executes democracy activists as it sinks into an economic mess

Myanmar’s military junta announced early morning (Mon) that it executed two democracy activists. Ko Jimmy (53), Ko Phyo Zeya Thaw (41), and two others were executed during the weekend by the military regime. Thaw was an ally of ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi and had lost appeals against the death penalty in June. All 4 activists were sentenced to death in Jan by a military tribunal of the junta for allegedly masterminding and being involved in anti-regime armed struggle. The execution of the activists by the Myanmarese generals is likely to invite more sanctions from the West and force Naypyidaw to seek shelter under China. (here)