[NEWS OF THE DAY]

India to deploy 2^nd S-400 squadron at China front as PLA jets buzz near LAC

India’s capability to detect and destroy hostile fighters, strategic bombers, missiles, and drones at long ranges will get another major boost when a new squadron of the S-400 Triumf surface-to-air missile systems becomes operational along the northern borders with China in the next 2-3 months. TOI (Sources) deliveries of the second operational S-400 squadron through ships and aircraft are now underway from Russia. The new S-400 deliveries come at a time when China has cranked up its air activity across eastern Ladakh, with Chinese fighters often flying close to the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in violation of the 10-km no-fly zone confidence-building measure between the two sides. The first S-400 squadron, which was delivered through thousands of containers last Dec, is already deployed in northwest India to cater to aerial threats from both Pakistan and China. The IAF also got simulators and other equipment for an ‘S-400 training squadron’ in Apr-May this year. The second operational S-400 squadron, in turn, will be positioned for air defense specifically on the China front. China has systematically upgraded all its major air bases facing India like Hotan, Kashgar, Gargunsa, and Shigatse, with extended runways, hardened shelters, and fuel storage facilities for additional fighters, bombers, and reconnaissance aircraft, over the last two years. (here)

Army eyeing 350 light tanks for Ladakh and Sikkim

The purchase of 350 light tanks, for use in the Himalayas and also in other areas, is under active discussion in the defense ministry. These tanks, likely to be about 25 tonnes are likely to be deployed, when ready, in Ladakh and parts of Sikkim, which are cold and barren plateaus and therefore, good tank country. In both areas, India is face to face with the Chinese People’s Liberation Army. Currently, the Army uses T-72 tanks in these areas— they weigh about 42 tonnes. The Army has already issued a Request for Information and has made it clear that these tanks should be usable in areas where the temperature is low and also in Rajasthan and in areas where there is a lot of water. The light tanks will have a crew of 2-3 soldiers and, keeping in mind future warfare, will be able to use smart munitions. Importantly, they are expected to have the ability to fire at high angles— necessary for the mountains. (here)

Third-party involvement in “so-called CPEC” projects to be treated accordingly by India: MEA

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Tue said that the govt has seen reports about third countries participating in projects of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Projects, and any such activity by any party directly infringed on India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. MEA said India firmly and consistently opposes projects in the “so-called CPEC, which are in Indian territory that has been illegally occupied by Pakistan“. “Such activities are inherently illegal, illegitimate, and unacceptable, and will be treated accordingly by India,” it added. Responding to media queries regarding the participation of third countries in CPEC Projects, the MEA said: “We have seen reports on encouraging a proposed participation of third countries in so-called CPEC projects.” “Any such actions by any party directly infringe on India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” he said. (here) [see Mon’s newsletter for details; the 3^rd country is Afaganistan]

In a new record, 19 Rajya Sabha MPs suspended amid opposition protests

19 MPs were suspended from Rajya Sabha on Tue, a day after the action was taken by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Prakash Birla against 4 Congress MPs. The 19 Rajya Sabha MPs have been barred for a week to attend the monsoon session of Parliament amid protests by opposition against the govt over inflation. Tue’s Rajya Sabha suspensions set a new record with the highest number of parliamentarians suspended in a single batch. 7 MPs from the Trinamool Congress are among those against whom action has been taken on Tue. The suspended parliamentarians have been accused of unruly behavior. This is the first time in several years that action has been taken against so many parliamentarians. In Jan 2019, the then Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan suspended 45 Members of the TDP and AIADMK for disrupting proceedings for days. Ever since the monsoon session started last week, opposition protests have been going on over various issues – primarily inflation and a rise in the price of essential commodities. (here)

[NATIONAL]

India, Bangladesh prepare for trial runs to use Chattogram, Mongla ports

India and Bangladesh are preparing for a comprehensive trial run for the transshipment of cargo to the northeastern states using Chattogram and Mongla ports as part of efforts to further boost connectivity between the two sides. The move comes more than 3 years after the 2 sides signed an agreement in Oct 2018 for using Chattogram and Mongla ports for the movement of goods to and from India via Bangladeshi territory. The trial runs were initially slated for Jul though dates are yet to be finalized. India carried out a trial trans-shipment of goods from Kolkata to Tripura via Chattogram port in southeastern B’desh in Jul 2020. A shipment of iron rods and pulses was shipped from Haldia port to Chattogram port and then transported via land to Tripura, marking the revival of a route that had not been used for decades. The two sides are now preparing for at least 4 trial runs to the 2 ports in B’desh to iron out any rough spots and to align the immigration and customs set-ups in the two countries. (here)

‘China can learn from Indian democracy’, Tibetan leader on Presidential mandate

Heaping praise on the successful running of Indian democracy, Penpa Tsering, President of the Tibetan govt-in-exile on Tue lauded the elevation of Droupadi Murmu for becoming the first tribal woman President of India. “… Droupadi Murmu becoming the first tribal woman to be India’s President is a forward step for Indian democracy,” said Tsering. They are like our own President and Prime Minister. I have a lot of regard for the election of Droupadi Murmu as the new President of India. Having come from an ordinary background and served Indian people in various capacities under difficult circumstances for her own family, he said. The Tibetan exiled leader further hailed Indian democracy and said that a tribal lady assuming the post of President is real development, a forward step for Indian democracy. Talking about China, Tsering underscored that there are a lot of things that China can learn from India. (here)

Apple Watch dubbed a ‘high severity’ security risk by the Indian government

India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (Meity) and its nodal security agency Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-IN) have issued a warning to Apple watch users, citing the device as a ‘high severity’ security risk. According to the warning issued, anyone running watch OS 8.7 or older is expected to be affected. The govt agency revealed that Apple Watch carried multiple vulnerabilities which make it an ideal target for hackers. The warning mentions that remote hackers may be able to get hold of the wearer’s device and using the vulnerabilities, execute arbitrary codes and bypass security restrictions on the device. If the hackers do manage to break into the watch remotely, they will be able to access the private information of the user. With more and more users using watches to communicate sensitive data such as their bank details, the hacking could prove catastrophic. (here)

Zero probability of recession in India while the US has a 40% chance: Study

Amid a global pandemic, a war between two nations, and a breakdown in the supply chain system resulting in sky-high inflation rates, most countries, and their economies are in the doldrums. Industry experts have been fuelling aspersions that a global recession is just around the corner. Now, a Bloomberg survey has attempted to gauge the percentage probabilities of various countries slipping into recession. While the survey results may be cheerful for a country like India, it is not so much for Sri Lanka, the US, or even the whole of Europe. According to the survey, the island nation of Sri Lanka is at the precipice of recession. There is an 85% probability that Sri Lanka slips into recession, as early as next year. The sharp tumble in fortunes is a marked departure from the 33% chance recorded last year. Contrary to Sri Lanka, its neighboring country of India has a zero probability of facing a severe economic slump, according to the economists involved in the research. Despite the Indian rupee touching a historical low against the US dollar, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has been able to keep the economy in good shape by increasing lending rates or repo rates by 90 basis points cumulatively in the various monetary meetings. (here)

Is there a way to curb promising of “irrational freebies” to influence voters: SC asks the Centre

The Supreme Court on Jul 26 orally asked the Centre to find out from the Finance Commission whether there is a way to curb State govts and political parties from promising and distributing “irrational freebies” to influence voters. A Bench led by Chief Justice of India N. V. Ramana flagged the issue as “serious” and asked for means to control the promise of “freebies” to entice voters. The court did not receive a clear-cut answer from Additional Solicitor General K. M. Nataraj on the Centre’s position on freebies. “You take a stand whether freebies should continue or not,” Chief Justice Ramana addressee Mr. Nataraj. The Election Commission of India on the other hand, chose a hands-off approach, as was evident from their affidavit. (here)

Only 375 of 6,000 vacancies filled in central universities: Centre

Only 375 faculty positions in central universities have been filled out of some 6,000 vacancies, according to data submitted by the education ministry in Parliament on Mon, despite a directive in Sept last year to rectify the situation speedily. All the central universities must fill the 6,000 plus vacant teaching posts within a year, education minister Dharmendra Pradhan had ordered in Sept 2021. Of these, 375 recruitments took place in central universities, 355 in Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), 71 in National Institutes of Technology (NITs), 84 in Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs), 27 in Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research, and 4 in Schools of Planning & Architecture, the data showed. (here)

On Margaret Alva’s phone tapping charge, Union minister Teni says this

Union minister of state Ajay Mishra Teni on Tue called allegations of phone tapping leveled by Margaret Alva, the Opposition’s vice presidential candidate, as a statement of a dejected person. When asked about Alva’s charge that she was not being able to make or receive calls on her mobile, Teni, a junior minister in the home department, said what was the use of snooping into her calls, adding, that people talked that way when they saw no chances of victory in their contest. A day ago, Alva urged got-owned telecom operator MTNL to restore her phone while promising not to make any call to any MP from the BJP, TMC, or BJD. MTNL has registered a case based on her complaint. (here) [Based on calculations of the Electoral college, her chances of being elected are faint, after TMC announced to boycott the election.]

[NEIGHBORHOOD]

Pelosi likely to visit Taiwan; China getting ‘seriously prepared’ 

China said it was getting “seriously prepared” for the possibility that Nancy Pelosi visits Taiwan in the coming weeks, underscoring the risk of a showdown between Washington and Beijing over a trip by the US House speaker. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian commented in response to a Financial Times report that Beijing had privately issued warnings about the planned trip that was “significantly stronger” than past threats. Zhao didn’t elaborate on China’s preparations for the trip, which would be the first delegation by someone in that role in 25 years. “The Chinese side has repeatedly made clear to the US side our serious concern over Speaker Pelosi’s potential visit to Taiwan and our firm opposition to the visit,” Zhao told reporters Mon at a regular news briefing in Beijing. “We are getting seriously prepared.” Pressed whether China had issued stronger-than-usual warnings against any trip, Zhao replied: “I think your understanding may be correct.” While the House speaker has declined to discuss her travel plans, citing security concerns, she has said “it is important for us to show support for Taiwan.” (here) Commenting on this trip, US President Joe Biden has said the Pentagon thinks the trip is “not a good idea right now”.

Sri Lanka’s ex-president Gotabaya Rajapaksa likely to return after fleeing protests

Former Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa is expected to return home from Singapore where he has been staying for nearly 2 weeks after fleeing violent protests in the South Asian country where citizens called for his ouster. Rajapaksa has been the focus of protesters who blame him for a series of missteps that led to an economic meltdown with dwindling foreign-exchange reserves and soaring inflation. He resigned on July 15 after arriving in Singapore. The former president was allowed into Singapore as a private citizen on July 14. (here)

Sri Lanka’s Parliament to meet for 1^st session under Prez Wickremesinghe tomorrow

Sri Lanka’s Parliament is set to convene on Wed for the first session under new President Ranil Wickremesinghe and will approve the state of emergency imposed over a week ago to quell social unrest, an official announcement said on Tue. The emergency regulations empower police and the military to arrest and detain individuals and carry out searches at private properties. (here) A rights group documenting alleged abuses in Sri Lanka has filed a criminal complaint with Singapore’s Attorney-General, seeking the arrest of former president Gotabaya Rajapaksa for his role in the South Asian nation’s decades-long civil war. The International Truth and Justice Project (ITJP) said Rajapaksa committed grave breaches of the Geneva Conventions during the civil war in 2009 when he was the country’s defense chief, according to a copy of the complaint seen by Reuters.

Indian High Commissioner pays courtesy call to Sri Lanka PM

Indian High Commissioner in Sri Lanka Gopal Baglay paid a courtesy call to the newly-elected Prime Minister of Sri Lanka Dinesh Gunawardena on Tue to strengthen the longstanding ties between both nations. Indian PM Modi sends a congratulatory letter to Sri Lanka President on his elections; Assuring India’s continued support for the stability and economic recovery of Sri Lanka. The High Commissioner also thanked the PM for his guidance in various capacities to strengthen the close ties between India and Sri Lanka in all areas of engagement. Baglay hands over humanitarian supplies worth Sri Lankan RS 3.4 bn sent by the Tamil Nadu govt. Lankan Finance Minister Ali Sabry was also present on the occasion. (here) Surgery equipment, and life-saving drugs in Sri Lanka’s hospitals are nearly exhausted-There is also not enough fuel to get patients and medical staff to the hospital.

Nepal: 35 including a Chinese national arrested for running a fake call center

As many as 35 people, including a Chinese national, were arrested on Mon from a call center in Tinkune, Kathmandu on suspicion of illegal activities and transactions. Nepal Police arrested them during a raid at the Sky World call center and seized the laptop, computer, and other documents from the call center, local media reported. The District Police Office Kathmandu said, “The arrests were made on the suspicion of illegal activities and transactions. It is estimated by the police that there is Chinese investment in the call center. 2,000 youths have been working in this call center which has been operating for two years.” During the investigation, it was revealed that an organization named Vaidya Organization is operating a call center on leased premises. It added that the Chinese investors now target Indians to run their companies after several Chinese people were arrested from call centers here. According to the employees working in the call center, only those who are proficient in the Hindi language are employed there. (here)

A cautious Congress keeps a close eye on communists given Dahal’s wiles

CPN (Maoist Centre) chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal knows how to keep others on tenterhooks. Despite the commitment of the Nepali Congress, the leader of the ruling coalition of which the Maoist Centre is a key partner, Dahal has made it keep a close eye on his recent maneuvers. “Of course, we are cautious and keeping tabs on recent developments after Dahal’s active initiatives to create a left alliance in the name of the socialist center,” said a Congress leader. “Socialist center” is an idea initially floated by Baburam Bhattarai, Dahal’s former deputy in the Maoist Centre. Until Dahal was in a comfortable position, he ignored Bhattarai, but now, after he fell out with CPN-UML chair KP Sharma Oli to play second fiddle to Congress, he is pushing for a socialist center. “Since the Nepali Congress has decided to aim for a majority from the next elections, Dahal’s desperation has increased and he is now working to create a new front.” Dahal’s left-front idea as of now is minus the UML. Many understand this as his tactic to keep both Congress and UML in check. A Congress central member said until Dahal wants to rope in Bhattarai, CPN (Unified Socialist), a party formed after splitting from the UML, and JSP, by keeping the UML out, the Congress need not worry. (here)

Ever swelling agricultural imports set off alarm bells

Nepal’s ever-swelling agricultural imports hit the Rs400 billion mark in the last fiscal year ended July 16, prompting experts to warn that a farming country becoming so dependent on imported food indicates a full-blown emergency. In 2001, the value of imports of food and farm products from India barely amounted to $11.84 million. As of the last fiscal, 20 years since then, the figure had bloated to $3.2 billion. According to the statistics released on Mon, agricultural imports accounted for 1/5^th of the country’s total annual imports worth Rs 1.92 trillion. In the last fiscal year, Nepal saw a 23% year-on-year jump in agricultural imports. Imports of agricultural goods in fiscal 2019-20 were valued at a little over Rs 250 billion. The import bill soared mainly due to increased purchases of edible oil, particularly soybean oil, cereals, animal fodder, and oil seeds. In just one year, imports of edible oil swelled from Rs 82.90 billion to Rs 120.46 billion, with crude palm and soybean oil imports rising to nearly Rs100 billion. India has been raising concerns about Nepal’s trade policy which allows import and export under a duty-free quota system. Nepal imported crude soybean oil worth Rs56.18 billion. The country produces very little crude soybean of its own—in fact, just 31,567 tonnes annually, which is not enough to meet the need of even a fraction of its population. (here)

Pakistan: Coalition govt boycotts SC’s proceedings on a plea seeking formation of the full bench for Punjab CM’s election case

Pakistan’s ruling coalition on Mon announced a boycott of the proceedings of the apex court of the country after it rejected the petition seeking the formation of a full bench for hearing the case of the Punjab chief minister’s election. Leaders of the ruling parties in the coalition govt termed the SC decision “unacceptable”, and gathered at a late-night press conference held at the PM Office, chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, to plan their future line of action, the Dawn reported. The top leadership said that they won’t acknowledge any decision announced by the 3-member bench, alleging that it was inclined towards the opposition Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf and ‘favouring’ the party, but were ready to accept the decision of a full court. Earlier in the day, the SC had reserved the verdict on the petitions filed by CM Hamza Shahbaz and other bar associations — seeking the formation of a full court for the hearing of the case — after it heard arguments from party lawyers, reported Geo News. (here)

‘Not such a bad idea’ to appoint the next army chief beforehand: President Arif Alvi

President Arif Alvi on Tuesday said that it is not a bad idea to appoint the next chief of army staff before the time fixed for the appointment — Nov. The statement came during an interaction with journalists in response to a question. The president was asked what he thinks of the suggestion that the new army chief be appointed in advance due to the ongoing political crisis in the country. “It’s not such a bad idea,” he said in response. President Alvi said that it is suggested he “play his part” after meeting the army, naval, or air chiefs, which he “cannot do”. He said that a dialogue is possible only when all the stakeholders agree. “The President House can play its role only in this case.”Elaborating further, he said that as the president of Pakistan, he does not have the constitutional authority to ask parties to have a dialogue. (here)