[NEWS OF THE DAY]

UNGA: ‘Not good for UNSC’: Jaishankar on India not being a permanent member

India not sitting as a permanent member of the UNSC is “not good for us” only but also not good for the global body and its transformation is “overdue”, external affairs minister S Jaishankar said here on Wed. “I was serious when I said I’m working on it,” Jaishankar said. He was responding to a question on how long it will take for India to become a permanent member of the UNSC. Jaishankar was in a conversation with Columbia University Professor and Former Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog Arvind Panagariya at the Raj Centre at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs. He said within a few years, India will be the 3^rd largest economy, and it will be the most populous society in the world. (here)

UNGA: Biden backs India as permanent member of UNSC: White House official

A senior official of US President Joe Biden’s administration has said that he supports Germany, Japan, and India as permanent members of a reformed UNSC. PTI reported citing an anonymous official that a lot of work needs to be done in this matter. Earlier on Wed, Biden in his address at the UNGA reiterated his commitment to reforming the UNSC. (here) “We are fortifying our deep security alliances in Europe and beyond through NATO and the Joint Expeditionary Force. We are deepening our links with fellow democracies like India, Israel, Indonesia, and South Africa,” said UK PM Liz Truss at UNGA. “We have involved the countries holding the Chairmanship of the African Union and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States in our discussions as the G7, as well as India and South Africa“, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz at UNGA.

Jaishankar interacts with counterparts of four countries on Day 3 in New York

External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar’s interactions on the 3^rd day were, with Ukraine Prime Minister, Denys Shmyhal. He attended a trilateral including Brazil and South Africa; and 5 bilaterals, with James Cleverly, Foreign Secretary UK, and FMs of Bolivia, Rogelio Mayta, Norway, Anniken Huitfeldt, Estonia, Urmas Reinsalu, and the Dominican Republic, Roberto Alvarez. With Estonia, he discussed the deepening of bilateral cooperation following the opening of our Embassy and developments in Ukraine. With Norway, Jaishankar discussed nordic partnership, Afghanistan, Ukraine, and climate action. With Bolivia, he spoke about the development partnership and expanding our economic engagement, also on global developments. With the UK, Jaishankar discussed taking the roadmap 2030 forward and also appreciates Cleverly’s commitment to deepening the partnership between the two countries. He Shared concern about the security and welfare of the Indian community in the UK. With Ukraine, he discussed the Ukraine conflict, its impact on food security, energy security, the safety of nuclear facilities humanitarian assistance from India. The highlights of Jaishankar’s meetings particularly with developing countries from Asia, Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, and Small Islands are sharply focused on the reform of the UNSC. Jaishankar will address world leaders at the UNGA on Sat, after which he will leave for Washington and a meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

Amit Shah chairs meeting with NSA, top officials amid NIA raids on PFI terror links

Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired a meeting with NSA Ajit Doval and other top officials as National Investigation Agency (NIA) carried out multiple raids on PFI terror links today. Nearly 100 [106] activists of PFI were detained or arrested in early morning raids on Thu by multiple agencies led by the NIA in around 11 states for allegedly supporting terror activities in the country. A total of 106 PFI members arrested so far in multiple raids across 11 states including Andhra Pradesh (5), Assam (9), Delhi (3), Karnataka (20), Kerala (22), MP (4), Maharashtra (20), Puducherry (3), Rajasthan (2), TN (10) & UP (8). PFI Chairman OMA Salam and Delhi PFI chief Parvez Ahmed were also arrested by the probe agency. These searches were being conducted in the residential and official premises of persons involved in funding terrorism, organizing training camps, and radicalizing people to join proscribed organizations. The massive crackdown on PFI was carried out in a secretive manner after the MHA held a meeting with officials of ED, NIA, and the Intelligence Agencies 3 days ago. The operation started after midnight and for this operation, 6 control rooms were made. The operation was carried out at night so that the people associated could not create a ruckus. Most of the NIA teams have returned to different branches after carrying out Operation Midnight. Around 200 NIA personnel, including 4 IGs, ADG, and 16 SPs carried out the raids. All dossiers of more than 200 PFI suspects have been handed over to the concerned team. More than 150 mobile phones, over 50 laptops, and incriminating material which includes documents, vision documents, and enrollment forms were also seized. (here)

Will prefer to die in free democracy of India, rather than among “artificial” Chinese officials: Dalai Lama

Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama on Thu said that he would prefer to breathe his last surrounded by the genuine and loving people of India, a free and open democracy, rather than among “artificial” Chinese officials. He made these remarks during a two-day dialogue with youth leaders at his residence in Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh at an interaction organized by the US Institute of Peace (USIP). “At the time when I die, I prefer dying in India. India is surrounded by people who show love, not artificial something. If I die surrounded by Chinese officials…too much artificial. I prefer dying in this country with free democracy,” Dalai Lama said, adding in a video posted on Fb. In the 1950s, when China illegally occupied Tibet, the Tibetan Spiritual leader had to take shelter in India. The Dalai Lama tried to advocate for a mid-way negotiation with China to peacefully resolve the issue of Tibet. The Indian govt’s position on Dalai Lama has been clear and consistent. He is a revered religious leader and is deeply respected by the people of India. He is accorded all freedom to carry out his religious activities in India. (here)

[NATIONAL]

SC reserves order on petitions challenging Karnataka HC upholding ban on Hijab

The Supreme Court on Thu reserved its order on various petitions challenging Karnataka High Court upholding a ban on Hijab in educational institutes. A bench of justices Hemant Gupta and Sudhanshu Dhulia reserved its judgment after the parties appearing from both sides concluded their arguments. The arguments in the matter, which continued for 10 days, involved 21 lawyers from the petitioner’s side, and Solicitor General, Additional Solicitor General, and Karnataka Advocate General argued for the respondents. The court was hearing several pleas against the Karnataka HC’s judgment upholding the state govt’s decision to direct educational institutes to prescribe uniforms in educational institutes. Addressing the court, the Advocate in his rejoinder submission said that the Karnataka Govt Circular which enforced a dress code has no reference to the Popular Front of India. Countering the submission of the respondent, the petitioner’s lawyer said that the respondent’s arguments mentioned the examples of France and Turkey. He further said that anything that expresses religious belief is not allowed to be displayed in public including a cross. Various petitioners have approached the apex court challenging the Karnataka HC order upholding the Karnataka govt’s order which directs strict enforcement of schools and colleges’ uniform rules. (here)

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, chief imam meet, discuss ways to promote communal unity

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat met Imam Umer Ahmed Ilyasi, chief Imam of All India Imam Organisation on Thu. The meeting is part of the RSS’s ongoing outreach toward representatives of other communities and faiths. According to an RSS functionary, the meeting that was held at a mosque in the national Capital is part of the Sangh’s efforts to connect with people from a cross-section of society. Five eminent Muslims, including the former LG of Delhi, Najeeb Jung, And former election commissioner SY Quraishi met Bhagwat with the proposal to work on a strategy to work for amity and communal harmony. A meeting with representatives of other faiths has been proposed and the two sides have agreed to find areas of disagreement that need attention. A person privy to the meeting that was held 3 weeks ago said while the 5 representatives side objected to Muslims being called Pakistani and terrorists, RSS leaders pointed out that Hindus find it objectionable to be referred to as Kafir or non-believers. One of the members present at the meeting told HT that a strategy to end conflict and resolve issues that have been simmering for years is being planned. (here)

Defence partnership with Egypt opens new window for India in wider West Asian region

The partnership between India and Egypt in the defense manufacturing sector opens a new window for India in the wider West Asian region. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and Defence Minister Mohamed Zaki held a discussion on military and security matters with Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. Zaki and Singh signed an MoU in military cooperation. The talks between the defense ministers of the two countries focused on joint manufacturing, transfer, and localization of technology. Zaki and Singh looked at the transfer of technology and localizing the technology. Many developing countries like Egypt and India are looking beyond their respective regions in matters of defense and security. India had signed an agreement with the Philippines to sell its Brahmo missiles for $375 million. India is looking to new markets for its arms exports. (here)

Last nail in coffin of terrorism drawn; J-K rejects separatism, Pak agenda

Security Forces have almost drawn the last nail in the coffin of Pakistan-sponsored terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir leaving the terror bosses sitting across the Line of Control (LoC) exasperated. Recently, J-K Police arrested 3 hybrid terrorists, Waseem, Yawar, and Muzammil for their involvement in the killing of Mohammad Amrez, a laborer hailing from Bihar. He was shot dead by the terrorists in Aug this year in North Kashmir’s Bandipora district. The arrested trio after questioning revealed that they had kept a watch on outside laborers and wanted to strike fear among them by such killings. They were in touch with a Pakistan handler code-named Babar and Amreez’s killing was carried out at his direction. The arrested terrorists have revealed that their bosses sitting across the Line of Control have given them clear-cut instructions to kill people for conflict to remain alive. The attacks on the members of minority communities and non-locals were carried out under a well-devised conspiracy to push them out of Kashmir so that 1990 like the situation is recreated but the minorities and non-locals have held their ground. They haven’t left Kashmir, nor have they got intimidated by the pressure exerted by the terrorists. (here)

Between China, climate change & development, Ladakhi nomads are losing grip on their land

As one drives along the stunning Pangong lake, the number of homestays and guesthouses that dot the route begins to thin past the village of Maan. By the time one reaches Chushul — a town in eastern Ladakh — the lake is hidden from view by hills, replaced by open fields. In Ladakh’s arid, biting cold climate, these patches of green are vital for the survival of the Changpas, a high-altitude nomadic tribe indigenous to the Changthang region. Chushul is only a few km away from the Line of Actual Control (LAC) — the de facto border between India and China. This area has seen a lot of strategic action over the past few weeks, the latest being the disengagement of Indian and Chinese troops at Patrolling Point (PP) 15 in the Gogra-Hot Springs area, which has been a point of deadlock between both countries since the 2020 standoff. Konchok Stanzin, councilor of Chushul and a member of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, however, told ThePrint the disengagement agreement didn’t sit well with members of his constituency, for whom it could have life-altering consequences. Konchok held a press conference Mon to raise this issue. It was attended by people from the villages of Phograng and Maan. (here)

Govt proposes law to intercept encrypted messages on WhatsApp, Signal

The govt has proposed a law to bring under a legal framework the interception of over-the-top communication services (OTT), such as WhatsApp and Signal which are encrypted, according to the new draft telecommunications bill uploaded late on Wed. According to definitions in the bill, telecommunication services means, a service of any description (including broadcasting services, electronic mail, voice mail, voice, video, and data communication services, audiotex services, videotex services, fixed and mobile services, internet and broadband services, satellite-based communication services. It also includes internet-based communication services, in-flight and maritime connectivity services, interpersonal communications services, machine-to-machine communication services, and over-the-top communication services, which are made available to users by Telecomm. The govt can add any other service that the central govt may notify to be telecommunication services. It has sought public feedback on the draft. The interception will also cover voice and video calls made over such applications, as the govt defines messages to include “data stream or intelligence or information intended for telecommunication”. (here)

Congress presidential elections to be held on Oct 17

According to the notification, the process for filing nominations for the election will be held from Sept 24 to 30. The election, if there is more than one candidate, will take place on Oct 17. The counting of votes and the declaration of results would be on Oct 19. (here)

No criminality in 5,800 intercepted calls in Radia tapes: CBI to SC

Centre Wed told the Supreme Court that the CBI inquiry into the ‘Radia tapes’ conversations revealed no criminality. This amounted to giving a clean chit to corporate lobbyist Niira Radia, whose intercepted telephonic conversations had purportedly ranged from fixing individual problems to the appointment of ministers in the Cabinet to dictating to journalists what is to be written. (here)

Don’t be ‘mute witness’ to hate speech, SC tells govt

Observing that hate speech is like a poison that is damaging the social fabric of India and political parties are making capital out of it at the cost of social harmony, the SC on Wed said strict action must be taken against the guilty. It asked the Centre whether it is contemplating framing a law to tackle the menace as recommended by the Law Commission. (here)

India’s rice production may fall 6% to 104.99 million tonnes in kharif season

The agriculture ministry has released the first advance estimates for kharif season of 2022-23 crop year (July-June). Rice production stood at 111.76 million tonnes in kharif season of 2021-22 crop year. (here)

[NEIGHBORHOOD]

Britain and China agree to keep talking as Foreign Minister Wang Yi meets new British counterpart James Cleverly

China and Britain agreed to “keep the dialogue open” as Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met his new British counterpart James Cleverly on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Wang emphasized that China and the UK should avoid conflict and confrontation and focus on mutually beneficial cooperation. “A sound China-Britain relationship is based upon mutual respect, with objective understanding as the prerequisite, and proper handling of differences as the key,” Wang said, state news agency Xinhua reported. Wang urged the UK to adhere to the “one-China” policy and voice clear opposition to Taiwanese independence, while Cleverly said Britain’s position on the island remains unchanged. Cleverly also expressed concern over the current tensions in the Taiwan Strait in the statement issued by Britain. This line was not included in the Chinese readout. Wang and Cleverly’s meeting on Tue came as Britain’s new Prime Minister Liz Truss condemned China’s “provocations” over Taiwan in a meeting with Japanese PM Fumio Kishida the same day. Truss, who took a tough rhetorical stance towards China as foreign secy, also raised concerns about the country’s “growing assertiveness” when meeting US President Joe Biden on Wed. (here)

Chinese envoys help plan likely visits to Beijing by French and German leaders

Chinese envoys have embarked on a diplomatic flurry to lay the groundwork for likely visits to Beijing by leaders of Germany and France later this year. China’s former ambassador to Germany, Shi Mingde, was in Berlin last week to work out the details of Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s first visit to Beijing as chancellor in Nov, where he will meet President Xi Jinping, SCMP reported citing a source. And amid speculation that French President Emmanuel Macron will make a separate trip to visit Xi – also in Nov – French and Chinese diplomats have engaged in a series of meetings online and in person. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met his French counterpart, Catherine Colonna, at the UN in New York on Mon, having already spoken with Macron’s diplomatic adviser Emmanuel Bonne last week. (here)

Taiwan denounces China’s peaceful ‘reunification’ pledge

Taiwan will never allow China to “meddle” in its future, the govt said on Wed, after a Chinese govt spokesperson said Beijing was willing to make the utmost effort to strive for a peaceful “reunification” with the island. China claims democratically-governed Taiwan as its own territory. Taiwan’s govt rejects China’s sovereignty claims. (here)

EU Commission chief pledges more humanitarian aid in ‘coming weeks’ for flood-hit Pakistan

EU Commission President Ursala von der Leyen held a meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz on the sidelines of the 77^th session of the UNGA in New York as she expressed grief over the loss of lives in ravaging floods in the country and pledged “new humanitarian aid in the coming weeks”. During the meeting, the premier highlighted the damage wrought by floods, causing widespread damage. The climate-induced floods have left behind a trail of destruction, killing 1,576 people since June 14 and displacing 33 million, sweeping away homes, crops, bridges, roads, and livestock and causing an estimated $30 billion of damage. According to an official daily situation report, 7 more people lost their lives in the previous 24 hours. The UN and the Pakistani govt had also issued a flash appeal on Tue for $160 million to help the country cope with catastrophic floods. (here) Biden urges world to help ‘underwater’ Pakistan: Unveils $2.9bn global fund to support humanitarian, and food security assistance; calls for negotiating debts of vulnerable nations.

Pakistan’s current account deficit shrinks 42pc to $0.7bn in August

Pakistan’s current account deficit (CAD) fell to $0.7 billion in Aug, compared to $1.2bn in the previous month, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) said late on Wednesday night. This equates to a decline of 41.67% month-on-month. For the first two months of the current fiscal year, the current account deficit narrowed by $0.5bn to $1.9bn compared to the corresponding period in FY22, the central bank tweeted. This was primarily due to exports increasing by $0.5bn and imports declining by $0.2bn, it added. SBP data showed the balance of trade in goods and services also declined by 0.54% month-on-month to $3.98bn. During Aug, imports of goods stood at $5.75bn, compared to $5.35bn in the preceding month. On the other hand, exports increased significantly to $2.81bn, jumping 23.38% from $2.28bn in July. Workers’ remittances clocked in at $2.72bn compared to $2.52bn in the previous month. Pakistan posted a massive current account deficit of $17.3bn in the previous fiscal year or a monthly average of $1.44bn. (here)

At HRC, Baloch group requests UN intervention over rights abuses in Pakistan

A Baloch rights group has requested UN intervention in the southwestern province of Pakistan to save people suffering from the most severe form of rights violations. Addressing the 51^st Session of the UNHRC, a representative of the Baloch Human Rights Council said the Balochs in Pakistan are being dehumanized in the face of aggressive exploitation of their resources while being deprived of education, health, and other social amenities. “We request the council’s urgent and direct intervention to save the Baloch people suffering from human rights violations resulting in extreme poverty,” said Kamal Khan, Information Secretary of the Baloch Human Rights Council. The activist also drew attention to some aspects of human rights violations regarding the exploitation of natural resources of Balochistan by Pakistan resulting in the extreme poverty of the Baloch people. Kamal Khan highlighted that only 2% of the population in Balochistan is getting the facility running water. Only 40% have a sewerage system in their settlements. (here)

Nepal: President’s message aired at China’s GSI event despite government’s reservations

President Bidya Devi Bhandari’s statement was aired at the Global Security Initiative (GSI) event organized by the Chinese Communist Party, amid reservations from various quarters. According to the President’s Office, the recorded statement of President Bhandari was sent to the organizers in advance and was broadcast on Wed. “As per the communication we received from the Chinese side via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a pre-recorded statement of President Bhandari was sent to the organizer through an ‘appropriate’ channel,” said Tika Dhakal, Info and Comm expert to President. The statement was recorded by a team of Nepal TV some 3 days ago after receiving consent from the highest levels of govt, he added. But there were reservations from some sections of the government including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and others regarding the President’s participation in the event, because the theme of the function was related to security and its blueprint is not out yet. (here)

Myanmar spiraling ‘from bad to worse, to horrific’, says rights expert

Since the Myanmar military launched its “disastrous” coup last year, conditions have worsened, said UN-appointed independent human rights expert Tom Andrews on Wed. At the UNHRC, Geneva, Andrews presented a grim assessment of 1.3 million displaced people. He said that 28,000 destroyed homes. “…villages burned to the ground; more than 13,000 children were killed as the death toll for innocent people rises significantly; a looming food crisis; and 130,000 Rohingya in de facto internment camps while others suffer deprivation and discrimination rooted in their lack of citizenship.” “With each report, I have warned that unless UN Member States change course in the way they collectively respond to this crisis, the people of Myanmar will suffer even further,” he said while adding that conditions have “gone from bad to worse to horrific.” He said the people of Myanmar are deeply disappointed by the response of the international community to this crisis. (here)