Manipur Violence: State Govt asks Assam Rifles to push back over 700 refugees from Myanmar
Mizoram chief minister Zoramthanga rules out immediate withdrawal from NDA
Opposition alliance I.N.D.I.A. to move no-confidence motion against govt on July 26
PM Modi to hold meetings with NDA MPs from Jul 31, alliance to strive for greater synergy in LS polls
At BRICS NSA meet, NSA Doval calls terrorism one of key threats to national peace

What Else

Parl panel suggests undertakings to curb return of awards
IMF predicts Indian economy to grow at 6.1 pc in 2023
China replaces Qin Gang with Wang Yi, but big political questions linger
China investigating reports of hundreds of suspicious parcels sent to South Korea
Pakistan: FM Bilawal, Blinken discuss Pakistan’s economic recovery, Afghanistan
Pakistan: ‘Putting last nail in coffin’: Ruling allies oppose amendment to election laws for empowering caretaker setup
Pakistan: Policeman martyred in suicide blast in KP’s Khyber district: official
Pakistan: Ahmadi place of worship vandalized in Karachi
Nepal: China pledges Rs145 million aid for Nepal’s seven provinces

Manipur Violence: State Govt asks Assam Rifles to push back over 700 refugees from Myanmar

[Home Minister appeal to opposition to cooprtae in discussion; Internet ban lifted partially; DCW chairperson, MUSU representatives call on Governor; Police arrested 7^th accused; 9 kg heroin seized in Imphal West; Day curfew relaxation in Imphal East, Imphal West]

The govt has sought a report from the AR on how over 718 Myanmar nationals “were allowed to enter India” without “proper travel documents” in just 2 days (Jul 22-23).
Manipur ordered AR to “push back” the Myanmar nationals who reportedly entered the state due to the ongoing unrest in the neighboring country.
On Jul 23^rd, 28 Sector Assam Rifles wrote to the dy commissioner of Chandel district reporting a “fresh illegal influx” of Myanmar along the Indo-Myanmar border.
Of these, 301 are children, 208 are women and 209 are men. (here)
The state govt ordered an earlier suspension of broadband internet service be “lifted conditionally in a liberalized manner”.
Manipur police on arrest of 7^th accused: “7 accused persons including 1 Juvenile Arrested/Apprehended in the Viral Video Case.
Shah Writes to Opposition Leaders on Manipur; INDIA MPs Press for PM’s Statement
Union home minister Amit Shah told parliament on Tue, that he has written a letter to the leaders of opposition in both houses urging them to “cooperate” a discussion on Manipur, as opposition parties continue to demand a statement from PM Modi.
This comes as reports suggest that opposition parties may move a no-confidence motion in parliament on Wed.
Shah has urged both Mallikarjun Kharge, LoP in the Rajya Sabha, and Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, leader of the Congress in the Lok Sabha (here)
Thousands of people demonstrate across Mizoram, CM also joins: Thousands of people demonstrated across Mizoram on Tue to express solidarity with the Zo people.
NGO Coordination Committee, a conglomerate of 5 major civil society organizations including the CYMA and MZP, organized the rallies in various parts, including Aizawl
Chief Minister Zoramthanga, Deputy CM Tawnluia, ministers, and MLAs of the state cutting across party lines took part in the massive protest rally in Aizawl. (here)
NIA raids Congress Manipur MLA’s residence, arms recovered: Premier investigation agency, NIA sleuths on Tue raided the residence of Manipur Congress MLA Yamthong Haokip in Imphal’s Mantri Pukhuri area and recovered 5 pistols.
One of the pistols is the missing weapon stolen from DG pool kote within the premises of 2^nd Manipur Rifles, which had gone missing between Sept 2016 and early 2017.
NIA has been looking into cases about the missing 56 pistols and 58 magazines from the DG pool kote located within the premises of the 2^nd Manipur Rifles Battalion. (here)
Two RAF buses set ablaze along NH-2: Protesters along NH-2 (Imphal-Dimapur) set ablaze two buses of Rapid Action Force at Sapermeina in Kangpokpi on Tue.
At least 64 buses including 34 of CRPF were travelling towards Imphal from Dimapur. It is reported that a group of protestors at Sapermeina in Kangpokpi stopped the vehicles of central forces around 6.30 pm to check out if there were Meitei in the buses. (here)

Mizoram chief minister Zoramthanga rules out immediate withdrawal from NDA

Ruling out immediate withdrawal from NDA, Mizoram CM Zoramthanga said that it will depend upon political necessity and the party has not decided yet.
CM and chief of the ruling Mizo National Front Zoramthanga on Mon said that the state govt and the MNF party are not afraid of the NDA govt at the center.
While addressing party workers in Aizawl on Mon, he said, “Though we are with the NDA we do not subscribe to the policies and objects of the NDA.”
The CM stated that no other party has stoutly opposed the proposed UCC in the NDA meetings than the MNF as most of them were only to get on good terms with PM Modi.
Mizoram will go to assembly polls by the end of this year. (here)

Opposition alliance I.N.D.I.A. to move no-confidence motion against govt on July 26

The newly formed alliance of 26 opposition parties, I.N.D.I.A. will be bringing a no-confidence motion in Lok Sabha against the govt on Wed, Congress Leader told.
As the Manipur issue continues to remain a hot topic in national politics, the alliance has formed a notice draft.
The notice needs to be supported by the signatures of at least 50 MPs.
For the House speaker to read the notice, the front needs to submit the same before 10 am on Wed.
In addition, Congress has also issued a whip in Lok Sabha for the MPs to be present in its parliamentary office “to discuss some important issues” by 10:30 am. (here)
When the Opposition leaders met on Tue at 10am at his office, Kharge announced the proposal and sought the opinion of all leaders.
The notice for the no-confidence motion will be submitted to the Lok Sabha secretariat on Thu before 10am.
The I.N.D.I.A. parties will meet again on Wed to collect signatures of the MPs.
“We know the result would be a foregone conclusion. But we will force the PM to speak on issues if we move a no-confidence motion,” said a leader. (here)
The key decision was taken during a meeting of INDIA MPs on Tue: One of the alliance leaders said the meeting was held to force the govt to discuss the Manipur issue.
Its strategy is also to continue building pressure on the govt in the Rajya Sabha. (here)
Cabinet approves bill to replace Delhi services ordinance: Sources

The Cabinet reportedly approved a bill on Tue to replace the ordinance for establishing an authority to manage transfers and postings of Group-A officers in Delhi.
The legislation received the green light during a meeting of the Union Cabinet led by PM Modi this evening.
The bill is likely to be presented in the ongoing Monsoon session as a substitute for the existing ordinance.
An ordinance is promulgated by the President based on the Union Cabinet’s recommendation when Parliament is not in session. (here)
LS passes multi-state cooperative societies amendment Bill; Amit Shah replies to debate amid opposition sloganeering: Lok Sabha on Tue passed the Multi-State Cooperative Societies (Amendment) Bill with Home Minister Amit Shah stating that the Modi govt has taken several steps to revive the Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies to make them viable and multi-dimensional.
The bill was passed after a brief debate amid sloganeering by opposition MPs over their demands for a detailed discussion on the Manipur situation and a statement from the PM. (here)

PM Modi to hold meetings with NDA MPs from Jul 31, alliance to strive for greater synergy in LS polls

PM Modi is likely to hold meetings with groups of NDA MPs between Jul 31 and Aug 10 as the alliance gears up its preparations for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
BJP leaders held a meeting on Tue in New Delhi and 10 groups of NDA MPs have been formed to deliberate programs for the 2024 general election.
The groups have been formed as part of efforts to bring more synergy to poll efforts of NDA constituents.
Meetings on the first day will have MPs from UP, WB, JH, and Odisha.
The BJP will also celebrate the 25^th anniversary of the NDA with the ruling alliance also seeking to set the narrative for the 2024 poll battle.
Union ministers Nitin Gadkari, Amit Shah, and Rajnath Singh, along with BJP chief JP Nadda have been given the responsibility of coordination with NDA leaders. (here)

At BRICS NSA meet, NSA Doval calls terrorism one of key threats to national peace

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on Tue participated in the 13^th BRICS NSAs meeting in Johannesburg.
He said that terrorism remains one of the key threats to peace and security and stressed that terror organizations in the Afghan-Pak region continue to operate with impunity.
He said that listing terrorists and their proxies under the UN counter-terrorism sanctions regime is an area on which BRICS can work together.
The decision-making of the UNSC sanctions committee must be free from politicization and double standards.
He also appreciated the cooperation extended by S Africa for India’s G20 Presidency and assured India’s continued support for S Africa’s BRICS chairship this year. (here)

Parl panel suggests undertakings to curb return of awards

The Parliamentary Standing Committee, Tourism, and Culture has recommended that the Sahitya Akademi take an undertaking from proposed awardees that they will accept the honour and not “dishonour” it in the future
It is in an attempt to prevent people from returning awards.
The committee stated that the return of such awards is disgraceful to the country and undermines the achievements of other awardees. (here)

IMF predicts Indian economy to grow at 6.1 pc in 2023

The IMF has predicted that India’s economy will grow at 6.1% in 2023, a 0.2% point upward revision compared with the April projection
This is reflecting momentum from stronger-than-expected growth in the Q4 of 2022 as a result of stronger domestic investment.
IMF said that growth in emerging and developing Asia is on track to rise to 5.3% in 2023, then to 5.0% in 2024, showcasing a 0.1% point downward revision for 2024.
It said the forecast for China remains unchanged at 5.2% for 2023 and 4.5% for 2024.
However, consumption growth has evolved broadly in line with Apr 2023 WEO projections. (here)

[NEIGHBORHOOD]

China replaces Qin Gang with Wang Yi, but big political questions linger

China has replaced its foreign minister Qin Gang with his predecessor Wang Yi in an exceptional move that leaves more questions than answers, in recent years.
Citing a decision by the nation’s top legislation body, state media said simply on Tue that Qin, who disappeared from the public view in Jun, was removed from his position.
The reports did not elaborate or say what will happen to the former senior diplomat or his other responsibilities.
Qin, who was promoted by Chinese President Xi Jinping just 7 months ago, is also a state councilor and a member of the ruling Communist Party’s Central Committee.
While he is now most likely to lose his positions as well, there was no mention of them in a terse statement, leaving the public guessing as to the cause of this abrupt change.
Instead of promoting another one, the leadership passed the position to Wang, who was promoted to the Politburo just months ago and was a rank higher than Qin. (here)

China investigating reports of hundreds of suspicious parcels sent to South Korea

Beijing is investigating South Korean reports of international parcels being sent randomly from China, some of which may have unknown hazardous materials.
Seoul said on Tue that police had received a total of 2,793 reports from across the country of suspicious international parcels.
Investigations into 679 cases showed no connections to terrorism, and no toxic or hazardous substances had been discovered.
Authorities received the first report of a suspicious parcel on Thu from a care center for the disabled in the southeastern city of Ulsan.
Three workers at the facility were hospitalized with dizziness and breathing difficulties after opening a package. (here)

Pakistan: FM Bilawal, Blinken discuss Pakistan’s economic recovery, Afghanistan

US State Secy Antony Blinken discussed the US’ support for Pakistan’s economic recovery and “shared regional concerns including Afghanistan” in a telecall with FM.
In a tweet late on Mon night, Blinken said, “The US supports a productive, democratic, and prosperous partnership with Pakistan.”
The FO said on Tue that both noted the “positive momentum” in Pak-US relations and agreed to remain “constructively engaged to promote peace, security and development”
Bilawal also underscored that Pakistan valued its longstanding and broad-based relationship with the US and wished to further deepen the partnership.
Separately, US State Department Spox said in a statement that Blinken spoke on the phone with Bilawal to “reaffirm a productive US-Pakistan partnership”. (here)

Pakistan: ‘Putting last nail in coffin’: Ruling allies oppose amendment to election laws for empowering caretaker setup

Senators from the ruling coalition and the opposition PTI on Tue opposed a proposed amendment to Section 230 of the Election Act 2017, which relates to the functions of a caretaker govt
The PML-N on Sun announced that an amendment was being introduced to empower the interim setup to have powers similar to that of an elected government.
These powers would allow the caretakers to take important decisions.
The amendment is among several others being proposed to the elections laws ahead of polls scheduled to take place later this year.
The amendments were debated in a joint Parliament session on Tue. (here)

Pakistan: Policeman martyred in suicide blast in KP’s Khyber district: official

An official was martyred in a “suicide blast” inside a mosque in the Jamrud area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Khyber district on Tue, police said.
Peshawar Police told that additional station house Officer Adnan Afridi was part of the police party that was chasing the alleged suicide bomber and was martyred in the blast.
He said the police party had reached the area after receiving information about the presence of suspicious people there.
The suspects, he said, ran upon seeing police.
The official further that the “mosque was not the target of attack and an investigation was under way to determine the target”.
Separately, local police official Gul Wali told Dawn.com that the area’s residents had alerted police about the presence of suspicious people there. (here)

Pakistan: Ahmadi place of worship vandalized in Karachi

An Ahmadi place of worship was vandalized in Karachi’s Drigh Road area within the limits of Shah Faisal Colony, police and a spokesperson for the community said on Tue.
Police told that around 4 persons damaged the minarets on Mon.
He said that the police had taken cognizance of the matter and asked a member of the community to lodge an FIR.
He said that police had received an application regarding the vandalism, adding that the complainant stated that an FIR would be registered after consulting with the Ahmadi community.
Anti-Ahmadi drive invites UN bodies’ ire: The drive against the Ahmadi community, which has become a regular feature in Punjab, is not only bringing a bad name to the country but also inviting the ire of UN bodies. (here)

Nepal: China pledges Rs145 million aid for Nepal’s seven provinces

The Chinese delegation led by Yuan Jiajun, a politburo member of the CPC, has pledged 8 million yuan to carry out various agriculture-related projects in all 7 provinces.
The projects will be funded through the China-South Asian Countries Poverty Alleviation and Cooperative Development Centre, hq in Chongqing, China.
Yuan, who is tipped as a future leader of China, however, did not discuss BRI projects in Nepal during his meeting with party leaders.
The Rs145 million aid was announced through a statement issued after Yuan met with Speaker Devraj Ghimire on Mon.
The Chinese delegation landed in Nepal on a 3-day visit on Sun. (here)

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