[NEWS OF THE DAY]

EAM meets UAE Minister in Abu Dhabi, appreciates ‘strong support’ for Indian community

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence in the United Arab of Emirates, and appreciated his strong support for the Indian community, yoga activities, cricket, and cultural cooperation. Jaishankar arrived in Abu Dhabi on Wed for a 3-day visit to co-chair the 14^th India-UAE Joint Commission Meeting (JCM) and the 3^rd India-UAE Strategic Dialogue with Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, these meetings will provide an opportunity for both the Ministers to review the entire spectrum of comprehensive strategic partnership between India and UAE and regional and global developments. Both India and UAE are committed to moving forward in their partnership in diverse areas, including trade, investment, conventional and renewable energy, food security, health, skill development, education, culture, defense, space, consular issues, and people-to-people ties. (here)

Union Minister Pradhan participates in G20 4^th Education Working Group Meeting in Bali

Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan participated in the G20 4^th education working group meeting in Bali and said this meeting is an important forum to reaffirm the role of education in building a more equitable, inclusive, and sustainable future for all. During the meeting, Pradhan met Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, 2^nd Minister for Education & Foreign Affairs, Singapore, and his UAE counterpart Ahmed Belhoul Al Falasi. While meeting with Falasi, Pradhan said he raised the issue faced by Indian students and professionals concerning the recognition of degrees by Indian Higher Education Institutions in the UAE. Pradhan also said that Bilhoul has assured to look into this matter. Appreciate his commitment to making the UAE an active partner in India’s growth story. Before the 4^th education working group meeting, Pradhan held a bilateral meeting in Bali with Dr. Bonginkosi Emmanuel “Blade” NZIMANDE, South Africa’s Minister of Higher Education, Science Innovation. (here)

India joins Russia’s Vostok 2022 along with China, US concerned over the drill

Russia said on Monday that the Vostok 2022 military exercises will be held from September 1 to 7 in different locations in the Far East and the Sea of Japan and involve more than 50,000 troops from China, India, and several other countries. The drills will be held from Sept 1-7 and “practice defensive and offensive operations” at 7 training grounds of the Eastern Military District and in maritime and coastal areas of the Sea of Okhotsk and the Sea of Japan, the ministry said. Russia’s military contingent in the drills will involve military command centers and troops of the Eastern Military District, Airborne Force units, and long-range and military transport planes, the Russian defense ministry said. The maneuvers will also check the preparedness of military command centers in planning operations in maritime areas, ensuring all-embracing logistics support, command, and control of battlegroups in warfare. The drills are unrelated to the current international and regional situation, it said, apparently referring to the Ukraine war as well as the Ladakh standoff. So far, the two sides held 16 rounds of Corps Commander Level talks to resolve the prolonged standoff. India participates in Vostok exercises in Russia. China and other countries are also present.

India’s GDP jumped 13.5% in the June quarter on the pandemic rebound: Official figures

The National Statistical Office (NSO) on Wed revealed data showing that India’s GDP expanded at its quickest rate in a year during the Apr-Jun quarter. During the 3 months that ended on June 30, 2022, India’s GDP increased by 13.5%. On the other hand, this is less than the Reserve Bank of India’s predicted 16.2% GDP growth for Q1FY23. Q1FY22 saw a 20.1% increase in India’s GDP. The GDP increased 4.1% from Jan to Mar compared to the same period last year. From Apr through June of 2021, when it was 20.1% higher than the pandemic-depressed level of the previous year, India’s GDP had its last greater annual growth. (here)

India’s GST collections rise 28% year-on-year to Rs 1.43 lakh crore in August

India’s Goods and Services Tax collection for Aug was recorded at Rs 143,612 crore, which is 28% higher as compared to the same month last year but lower than Rs 148,995 crore collected in July. Monthly GST revenue collections have been more than Rs 1.4 lakh crore for 6 months in a row now, said the Union finance ministry in a statement on Thu. Of the total collected GST in Aug, Rs 24,710 crore was part of CGST, Rs 30,951 crore SGST, Rs 77,782 crore IGST (including Rs 42,067 crore collected on import of goods), and cess of Rs 10,168 crore, data showed. “The growth in GST revenue till Aug 2022 over the same period last year is 33%, continuing to display very high buoyancy,” a govt statement said on Thu. This, the statement said, is a clear impact of various measures taken by the GST Council in the past to ensure better compliance. It is pertinent to note that the GST revenue collections crossed the Rs 1.5 lakh crore mark for the first time in April at Rs 1.68 lakh crore. The GST regime in India completed its five years recently. (here)

[NATIONAL]

Dalai Lama receives warm welcome in Dharamshala after concluding Ladakh, Delhi visit

Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama received a warm welcome in Dharamshala on Wed after concluding his visit to Ladakh and Delhi. Dalai Lama visited Ladakh and Delhi after a gap of over 3 years. He landed in the national capital on Aug 26 after a month-long sojourn in Ladakh. Before that, Dalai Lama said Tibetans are seeking genuine autonomy rather than complete independence. “Times are changing, and that a time would come when Ladakhis would be able to visit Lhasa again,” the Tibetan spiritual leader said while addressing the audience as he inaugurated a new center of learning at Thupstanling Gonpa, Diskit Tsal in Leh. While addressing the meeting, Dalai Lama said before he retired from political responsibility, Tibetans adopted the middle-way approach for a mutually acceptable solution to the issue of Tibet. Amid the Dalai Lama’s visit, China will be keeping a close eye on the leader, which sees him as a separatist, who they claim is working to split Tibet. The Dalai Lama relinquished his role as the spiritual leader of more than 7 million Tibetan Buddhists because of the Chinese aggression and has lived in exile for 60 years. (here)

India at UN urges global community to call out Pakistan for supporting terror outfits

India on Wed (local time) urged global communities to call out Pakistan for supporting terror outfits operating from the territories under their control. Speaking at the UNSC Arria-formula meeting on “Transnational Terrorist Threats” Indian diplomat, Rajesh Parihar said, “It is high time that the international community calls out such states – Pakistan, and seek effective, credible, verifiable, and irreversible actions from them against terror outfits operating from the territories under their control, without further delay.” Hitting out hard at terror groups, such as Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) and Hizb-ulMujahideen (HuM) in Pakistan, he said, “UN-designated terror groups, such as LeT, HUM, JeM continue to operate from across the border targeting civilians, security forces, places of worship and critical infrastructure in India.” The threats posed by these groups to India have also recently been highlighted in the 13^th report of “Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team” to the 1988 Committee. Parihar also highlighted the expansion of new and emerging technologies by the terrorist group to achieve their vicious goals. India has been at the receiving end of state-sponsored cross-border terrorism for the past several decades. There have been a notable increase and the use of drones for trafficking arms and drugs, as well as, launching terror attacks. (here)

CCS clears indigenous LCA Mark 2 fighter aircraft project

In a major boost to indigenous fighter aircraft development initiatives, the Cabinet Committee on Security on Wed cleared the development of LCA Mark 2 fighter aircraft which would be a replacement for the Mirage 2000, Jaguar, and MiG-29 combat aircraft in the Indian Air Force. In a telephonic conversation from Bengaluru, to ANI, Aeronautical Development Agency chief Girish Deodhare said the project would benefit from the progress made in the LCA Mark 1A program and would help in the development of the 5^th generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft project. He said the govt has cleared the development of prototypes of which, the first is likely to roll out in a year and the project is scheduled to be completed by the year 2027 after extensive flying trials and other related work. The DRDO feels that the aircraft would be in the category of the Rafale class aircraft in terms of avionics and capabilities but lighter in weight. The govt has also cleared that the engines to be used should be Made in India after the initial development phase. The DRDO would be developing the aircraft with a GE-414 engine which is the advanced version of the GE-404s that power the existing LCAs in service and the 83 LCA Mark 1As which would start getting inducted into IAF in the next couple of years. Presently, 30 LCAs are in service with the IAF, and two are being used by the HAL to develop the Mark 1As. The AMCA development proposal is also with the govt and is expected to be approved in near future but with a lot of Indigenisation inputs from the govt. (here)

NIA announces cash reward of Rs 25 lakh on Dawood Ibrahim, 20 lakh on aide Chhota Shakeel

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has announced a cash reward of Rs 25 lakh on the underworld don Dawood Ibrahim and Rs 20 lakh for Chhota Shakeel. Besides, the probe agency has also announced a cash reward of Rs 15 lakh on other D-Company members such as Tiger Memon, Anees Ibrahim, and Javed Chikna. According to NIA, Dawood Ibrahim, a fugitive wanted in India for terror activities, is establishing a special unit in India to smuggle explosives, arms, fake currency notes, and drugs. The US-designated global terrorist is reportedly working on plans to carry out terror attacks in India along with Pakistan’s intelligence agency Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). The special unit of D Gang also plans to carry out targeted attacks on certain political figures and businessmen and support sleeper cells of Jaish e Mohammed (JeM), Al Qaeda, and Lashkar e Taiba (LeT) to carry out attacks in Indian cities. “Dawood who has been designated as a global terrorist by the UN under UN Security Resolution 1257 and also listed under the 4^th schedule of UAPA Act 1967 runs an international terrorist network named D-Company,” the NIA said in a statement on Thu. (here)

UP govt to survey unrecognized madrassas to gather details about the number of teachers, curriculum

The Uttar Pradesh govt has decided to conduct a survey of unrecognized madrassas in the state to ascertain information such as the number of teachers and students, curriculum, and its affiliation with any non-government organization. The survey will be carried out as per the requirement of the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights in connection with the availability of basic facilities to the students in madrassas, Minister of State for Minority Affairs Danish Azad Ansari said. The minister said that the survey will help gather details such as the name of the madrassa and the institution operating it, whether it is running in a private or rented building, and information regarding basic facilities of drinking water, furniture, electricity supply, and toilet, PTI reported. Also, information regarding the number of teachers and students in the madrassa, its curriculum, source of income, and its affiliation with any non-govt organization will be gathered, he said. Presently, there are a total of 16,461 madrassas in UP out of that 560 are accorded govt grants while new madrassas have not been included in the grant list for the last 6 years in the state. (here)

Jaishankar, Piyush Goyal to visit the US in September

External affairs minister S Jaishankar and commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal are scheduled to visit the United States this month for various multilateral and bilateral meetings as New Delhi accelerates its engagement with the world post-Ukraine war. Jaishankar would primarily travel to New York to attend and address the annual General Assembly session of the United Nations. The focus of India’s engagement this year at the UN would be the reform of the UNSC, counter-terrorism, peacekeeping, climate change, and issues of food security and supply chain which have become critical in the wake of the Ukrainian war. From New York, Jaishankar is scheduled to travel to Washington DC for a meeting with his American counterpart, Antony Blinken, along with other top officials of the Biden administration at the White House and other major wings of the govt. In addition to having meetings with US lawmakers and think tanks, Jaishankar is also planning to meet a host of eminent Indian-American diaspora leaders. Jaishankar is scheduled to travel to the US later this month, but the high-level visits would kick off with that of Goyal, who is traveling to Los Angeles to attend the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity Ministerial on Sept 8-9. (here)

[NEIGHBORHOOD]

Much awaited UN report on China says possible crimes against humanity in Xinjiang

United Nations on Wed (local time) accused China of actions that “may constitute international crimes, in particular, crimes against humanity” in its Xinjiang region for mass detention of Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities. A long-awaited report was released on Aug 31 in Geneva, minutes before Michelle Bachelet, the UN high commissioner for human rights, was set to leave office. She was come under fire for repeatedly postponing the report’s release with little explanation — baffling diplomats, and human rights advocates. In Dec, Bachelet’s spokesperson announced plans to publish the report within weeks, but it failed to appear, reinforcing perceptions of a UN leadership reluctant to stand up to China. A 49 pages, much sophisticatedly crafted Report stated- (here)

• Serious human rights (HR) violations have been committed in Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR) in the context of the Govt’s application of counter-terrorism and counter-“extremism” strategies.
• These HR violations, as documented in this assessment, flow from a domestic “anti-terrorism law system” that is deeply problematic from the perspective of international HR norms and standards.
• The treatment of persons held in the system of so-called “Vocational Education and Training Centres” (VETC) facilities is of equal concern.
• The systems of arbitrary detention and related patterns of abuse in VETC and other detention facilities come against the backdrop of broader discrimination against members of Uyghur and other predominantly Muslim minorities based on perceived security threats emanating from individual members of these groups.
• The information currently available to OHCHR on the implementation of the Govt’s stated drive against terrorism and “extremism” in XUAR in the period 2017-19 and potentially thereafter, also raises concerns from the perspective of international criminal law.

Even in the face of mounting evidence, China refuses to deny all evidence and terms the claims as western propaganda. (here) Ironically, No reaction from the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) or its members. On expected line, China on Thu said the report into alleged human rights abuses was a “political tool” against Beijing. “The so-called critical report you mentioned is planned and manufactured firsthand by the US and some Western forces, it is wholly illegal and invalid,” the foreign ministry to pressers. “Frankly to issue the report as she’s walking out the door minimizes the report,” Kenneth Roth at Human Rights Watch told Reuters before it was released. “By issuing and running she is giving up, she’s not doing anything with it, (she is) just kind of dropping it into the bin and leaving the office.” China released a 122-page report titled “Fight Against Terrorism and Extremism in Xinjiang: Truth and Facts” that defended its record and was distributed by the UN with its assessment.

Taiwan shoots down ‘civilian drone’ off the Chinese coast

Taiwan military on Thu said it shot down an unidentified civilian drone, which had entered its airspace over the restricted waters of Shiyu Island, just off the Chinese coast in the early hours today. “The Ministry of Defense will continue to search, monitor, and monitor closely to maintain the security of the defense area,” the statement of the Ministry of Defense reads. A similar incident was reported on Tue where the Taiwanese military fired at a Chinese military drone after it entered the “restricted” air space over a Taiwanese-controlled island. Since mid-Aug, several civilian drones have been spotted flying over the outlying island of Kinmen, 180 km from Taiwan’s main island but less than 10 km from China. On one occasion, on Aug 16, two Taiwanese soldiers wearing masks reportedly threw rocks at a Chinese drone when it flew above their military post. (here)

Taiwan tycoon to train three million ‘civilian warriors’

A colorful Taiwanese tycoon unveiled plans on Thu to train more than 3 million “civilian warriors” to help defend the democratic island in the event of a Chinese invasion, donating TW$1 billion ($33 million) of his own money. Robert Tsao, 75, is one of Taiwan’s most successful businessmen and founded major microchip maker United Microelectronics Corp (UMC). (here)

Xinjiang exports to US hit a two-year high despite Uygur Forced Labour Prevention Act taking effect

Xinjiang’s clothing exports to the US surged to their highest point in nearly two years in July, the first full month after the US began enforcing a law to block goods from the far-west region of China due to forced labor concerns there, according to Beijing’s most recent customs data. The Chinese govt’s figures show Xinjiang continued to send tens of thousands of shirts, pants, jackets, and dresses as well as millions of pairs of socks to the US, among other clothing items, even as American customs authorities had started implementing the long-anticipated Uygur Forced Labour Prevention Act. US Customs and Border Protection declined to comment on the official export numbers, whose volume surprised industry observers in the US and China alike. But the agency said it had already begun “as we anticipated”. Industry experts said the leap in shipments likely came from orders placed months ago, such as for the coming holiday shopping season. It was unclear how many of the goods if any, would ultimately reach US territory now that the law is in effect. (here)

Undersea internet cables a major vulnerability in any potential Taiwan attack, report finds

A report this week that draws on a Chinese database of thousands of potential economic and military targets provides insights into how China might mount any attack against Taiwan, with a focus on submarine internet cables vital to Taipei’s globally important semiconductor industry. The report by George Mason University’s Mercatus Centre concludes that any attack on Taiwan would have enormous US and global economic costs, particularly from disrupted container shipping and severed undersea data cables that carry up to 99% of all global internet traffic between continents. “Over the last couple of years, I’ve settled in on the view that a crisis in the Taiwan Strait is highly likely rather than possible,” said Bruce Jones, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution who was a consultant on the study. (here)

China’s economic footprint steadily expanding across Afghanistan

China is focusing firmly on business and cultural diplomacy to expand its economic footprint across Afghanistan. It is also sparing no effort to promote and support the Taliban, which finds itself in near diplomatic isolation. Latest media reports from Kabul and Beijing indicate ‘good’ progress on Chinese investments and reconstruction projects, reported Policy Research Group – Poreg. Chinese businessmen like Yu Minghui, who have stayed put after the US-led Nato’s withdrawal, have reaped benefits. He has 4 steel processing lines. The China Town, a 10-story building is the hub of Chinese business activity. An industrial estate is coming up in Kabul suburbs as the first Sino-Afghan joint venture for US$ 216 million. There is talk of extending China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) into Afghanistan and beyond. China has exempted 98% of its Afghan buys from import duties. China Metallurgical Group will soon start exploration and extraction at the biggest Aynak copper mine. China has also stepped up its efforts to promote and support the Taliban which captured Kabul a year ago. According to Peshawar daily, Chinese archaeologists have given a fresh lease to the monuments/relics found in the copper mine belt “after scientific research” with a team of Afghan experts. Maulvi Atiqullah Azizi, Deputy Minister of Culture was impressed by their work. A team of Afghan archaeologists will now travel to China ‘to gain scientific and professional experience’. (here)

IMF provisionally agrees on $2.9 billion loan for crisis-hit Sri Lanka

Crisis-hit Sri Lanka has reached a preliminary agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a loan of about $2.9 billion, the international lender said in a statement on Thu. “The objectives of Sri Lanka’s new Fund-supported program are to restore macroeconomic stability and debt sustainability,” the statement said, outlining the 48-month long arrangement under the IMF’s Extended Fund Facility. The agreement is subject to approval by management and its executive board and is contingent on Sri Lankan authorities following through with previously agreed measures. The IMF also requires receiving financing assurances from Lanka’s official creditors, besides ensuring efforts are made to reach a collaborative agreement with private creditors. “Debt relief from Sri Lanka’s creditors and additional financing from multilateral partners will be required to help ensure debt sustainability and close financing gaps,” the statement added. The IMF will aim to raise govt revenue to support fiscal consolidation, introduce new pricing for fuel and electricity, hike social spending, bolster central bank autonomy and rebuild the country’s depleted foreign reserves. (here)

Relief efforts are underway as parts of Dadu inundated with ‘8-foot-high’ floods

Abnormal heavy monsoon rains and melting glaciers triggered floods that have submerged a third of the country and killed at least 1,191 people, including 399 children since June 14, National Disaster Management Authority’s daily update showed. 27 more people died in the previous 24 hours. Key developments

• Nearly 1,200 killed since June 14, says NDMA; 21 deaths reported in last 24 hours
• Rescue and relief activities are under way in Dadu, with water up to “8-9’ ” in some places
• Johi cut off from Dadu city
• Authorities say over 4,000 tourists are stranded in Kalam, and other areas of KP
• COAS expected in flood-hit areas of KP and Punjab today
• Met Office predicts more but less intense rain this month
• UAE starts delivery of the first tranche of aid
• Electricity supply disrupted as 13 transmission towers washed away, says Qesco official
• Over 3m children are at increased risk of waterborne diseases, malnutrition, and drowning, says Unicef; UN agency appeals for $37m

In Sindh’s Dadu district, parts of which have been inundated due to waters coming in from the north, Khairpur Nathan Shah has been the hardest hit so far.

More aid pours in: Given the scale of destruction and following appeals for assistance by the govt, several nations have pledged support for Pakistan and the UN has launched a $160m flash appeal to help the country cope with floods. On Wed, the Asian Development Bank approved a grant of $3m and more international aid came in the form of food and equipment, particularly from Turkiye and China, and the UAE arrived in the flood-hit country. (here)

A delegation of the National Action Task Force is visiting Pakistan

A 13-member delegation of the National Action Task Force is visiting Pakistan from Aug 29^th to 2^nd Sept. This delegation of FATF will review effective legislation, SECP, FIA, police reforms, and implementation of the FATF Action Plan during their 5-day stay in Pakistan. The purpose of the visit is on-site verification of measures against money laundering, and terror financing. In the ECC meeting chaired by Federal Finance Minister Miftah Ismail, a technical supplementary grant of 70 lakhs has been approved for the FATF delegation. (Nawaiwaqt, Ummat, Daily Jinnah)