1. Haryana CM appeals for peace, says not possible to protect each individual; 3 UP districts on alert, security up in Delhi
2. Manipur Violence: 14,763 schoolkids displaced, 93.5% readmitted to ‘nearest feasible school’,
3. Bill on mining reforms passed in RS, provides 50-year production lease for offshore minerals
4. Govt introduces Ayush visa for foreigners for treatment under Indian systems of medicine
5. Indian FM Jaishankar to visit Nepal for 7th Joint Commission meeting

What Else

6. Venezuela’s Executive Vice President arrives in India to participate in CII India-LAC Conclave
7. Indian navy ships dock in Papua New Guinea as interest in Pacific sharpens
8. Pakistan: Civilians’ military trial: Supreme Court rejects constitution of full court
9. Pakistan: PTI may be deprived of election symbol: ECP
10. Pakistan: Iran FM Hossein Abdollahian arrives in Islamabad on 2-day visit
11. Pakistan: PM Shehbaz again invites Turkiye to join CPEC
12. Pakistan: Jagdish kidnapped more than a month ago is being tortured by dacoits
13. China’s aircraft carrier forces strengthened as navy shifts assets, US report says
14. Taiwan detains lieutenant colonel suspected of spying for Beijing
15. US lawmakers open probe into suspected Chinese hacking of Commerce and State dept emails
16. Sri Lanka: President to press ahead with 13th Amendment for reconciliation with Tamils

Haryana CM appeals for peace, says not possible to protect each individual; 3 UP districts on alert, security up in Delhi

• Chief Minister ML Khattar on Wed appealed for peace in the violence-hit state and asserted that those found responsible for the clashes in Nuh will not be spared.
• The VHP carried out a demonstration in Noida and several parts of Delhi on Wed against the violence and demanded financial aid to the kin of 2 youths
• Also, the top Court has directed the authorities to enhance the security in ‘sensitive’ areas of Delhi-NCR but refused to stop the proposed rallies by VHP
• 6 people, including 2 home guards and a cleric, have died in the clashes in an attempt to stop a VHP procession that spread to Gurugram over the past 2 days.
• The Supreme Court on Wed directed the Centre and state govts of Haryana, UP, and Delhi to ensure that no hate speech or violence takes place during the marches of VHP
• CM assured of strict action against those found guilty in the clashes and said that the govt will uncover the plot.
• Khattar added that 116 people have been arrested and 90 detained since clashes in Nuh.
• 20 companies of central forces are already deployed, 14 of them in Nuh, 3 in Palwal, 2 in Gurugram, and 1 in Faridabad while 4 more are been asked.
• Internet suspension Mobile internet services, which were snapped in the wake of the violence, will remain prohibited in Nuh, Faridabad, and Palwal till Aug 5. (here)
• ‘Compensation for public or private properties will be collected from those who are liable for it’
• Nearly 5-yrs after the Centre approved a new battalion of the CRPF’s anti-riot unit RAF to be based in Nuh, the state govt finally sanctioned land for it sources said on Wed
• 4 arrested over midnight attack on Gurugram mosque & murder of imam, more raids underway (here)
• 3 incidents of vandalism reported from Sohna and Pataudi: 3 minor incidents of arson and vandalism have been reported from Sohna and Pataudi-Basai, but the police handled them quickly.
• Home Minister Anil Vij on Wed said that social media has played a significant role in fueling the violence in Nuh.
• In response to this concern, the state govt has formed a 3-member committee tasked with monitoring social media activities from Jul 21 onwards. (here)
• ‘Who gave weapons to the religious yatris at Nuh?’ asks Union MoS Rao Inderjit Singh
• While stating that there was provocation from both sides resulting in the violence, Gurgaon MP and Union MoS (I/C) Rao Inderjit Singh said it was not right for participants in a religious yatra to be carrying swords and sticks.
• He also attributed a small fight between children, “who started pelting stones at each other”, as “the spark” that lit the fire. (here)

Manipur Violence: 14,763 schoolkids displaced, 93.5% readmitted to ‘nearest feasible school’,

• A total of 14,763 schoolchildren have been displaced since ethnic clashes first erupted in Manipur on 3 May, the central govt said Wed in Rajya Sabha (upper house).
• “A nodal officer has been appointed for each relief camp to facilitate the admission process of the displaced students,” the minister of state, education said in her response.
• Ethnic clashes erupted between Manipur’s tribal Kuki and non-tribal Meitei communities on May 3, following a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ [by Kuki]
• Since the violence began 3 months ago, more than 150 people have been killed and over 50,000 displaced. (here)
• Opposition members walk out of Rajya Sabha demanding discussion on violence: Members of the opposition I.N.D.I.A. bloc parties walked out for the 2^nd time on Wed
• Union Minister for Coal and Mines Pralhad Joshi moved The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2023, for consideration and passage.
• Curfew relaxation period increased by one hour in twin Imphal districts
• The state govt has extended the curfew relaxation period by an hour in Imphal East and West districts given the improvement in the law and order situation. (here)
• 35 people killed in Manipur violence will be buried on Aug 3 at Tuibuong: A total of 35 people, who were killed in the violence in Manipur, will be buried at a peace ground in Tuibuong in the Churachandpur on Aug 3, said sources. (here)

• “Situation has reached critical point…”: I.N.D.I.A. leaders meet President Murmu: Floor leaders from the Opposition bloc — I.N.D.I.A — on Wed submitted a memorandum to President Droupadi Murmu on the Manipur, seeking her intervention
• A total of 31 members of the I.N.D.I.A, including the 21-member delegation of Opposition MPs, which visited Manipur over 2 days, met President (here)

Bill on mining reforms passed in RS, provides 50-year production lease for offshore minerals

• Rajya Sabha on Wed passed a Bill for increasing exploration and mining of critical minerals which are essential for economic development and national security.
• The Bill provides for a 50-year production lease for offshore minerals.
• The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2023 was passed with a voice vote in the absence of opposition.
• Opposition members staged a walkout minutes after the debate started on the Bill.
• 11 members participated in the debate on the Bill that seeks amendment to the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957.
• The Lok Sabha passed the bill on Jul 28.
• The exploration license will be issued for 29 minerals specified in the 7^th Schedule. These include gold, silver, copper, cobalt, nickel, lead, potash, and rock phosphate.
• These also include 6 minerals classified as atomic minerals under the Act such as beryl and beryllium; lithium; niobium; titanium; tantallium, and zirconium. (here)

Govt introduces Ayush visa for foreigners for treatment under Indian systems of medicine

• Union Home Ministry has notified the creation of a new category of Ayush (AY) visa for foreign nationals for treatment under Ayush and other Indian systems of medicine.
• The visa fulfills the proposal for the introduction of a special visa scheme for foreigners for treatment under Indian systems like therapeutic care, wellness, and Yoga.
• A new chapter (11A – Ayush Visa) – has been incorporated after the medical visa of the visa Manual, which deals with treatment under the Indian systems of medicine
• Union Minister of Ayush Sarbananda Sonowal said the creation of a new category of Ayush visa for foreign nationals is a significant step. (here)

Indian FM Jaishankar to visit Nepal for 7^th Joint Commission meeting

• External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will visit Nepal to hold a ministerial-level JC meeting to review bilateral relations and implement positive measures for the future
• It is predominantly a bilateral mechanism at the level of the foreign ministers “with a mandate of reviewing the entire spectrum of Nepal-India bilateral relations“.
• Jaishankar is likely to visit Kathmandu in Oct, however, no official announcement has been made yet.
• Both countries are expected to discuss connectivity, economy and trade, energy cooperation, and water resources. (here)

Venezuela’s Executive Vice President arrives in India to participate in CII India-LAC Conclave

• Executive Vice President of Venezuela Delcy Rodríguez arrived in India to participate in the 9^th CII India-LAC Conclave, scheduled to be held in New Delhi on Aug 3-4.
• Ministry of External Affairs extended a warm welcome to Rodríguez.
• Moreover, Delcy Rodríguez took to her Twitter and said that the conclave will be held between India, Latin America, and the Caribbean.
• According to the Ministry of External Affairs, India and Venezuela have maintained cordial relations, since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 2009. (here)

Indian navy ships dock in Papua New Guinea as interest in Pacific sharpens

• 2 Indian navy ships docked in Papua New Guinea on Wed, underlining the strategic importance of the country to global superpowers the US and China, and their allies.
• The INS Kolkata guided missile destroyer and INS Sahyadri frigate will stay in PNG’s capital Port Moresby for 2 days, an Indian embassy official said.
• The visit will “enhance maritime cooperation and security in the region”, an embassy statement added. India currently holds the rotating presidency of the G20.
• The ships will then join naval Malabar exercises in Australia as part of the Quad, a group that also includes Japan and the US.
• The US and its allies are seeking to deter Pacific island nations from forming security ties with China, a rising concern amid tension over Taiwan.
• PNG struck a defense agreement with Washington in May. (here)

[NEIGHBORHOOD]

Pakistan: Civilians’ military trial: Supreme Court rejects constitution of full court

• The SC Wed rejected a petition seeking the formation of a full court to petitions filed against trying civilians — arrested in link with the May 9 riots — in military court
• “Full court is not available till Sept,” Chief Justice of Pakistan Umar Ata Bandial said while announcing a reserved verdict on Karamat Ali’s fresh plea filed on Mon.
• A six-member bench, headed by CJP resumed the hearing on Wed.
• The trials of civilians have not been started yet, Attorney General for Pakistan informed the court at an earlier hearing.
• The CJP also expressed hope that the civilians would not be tried till the conclusion of the ongoing case. (here)

Pakistan: PTI may be deprived of election symbol: ECP

• The Election Commission summoned PTI Chairman Imran Khan on Fri and warned the party that it could be deprived of the symbol for failing to hold intra-party polls
• Referring to its earlier notices, the ECP said the PTI’s intra-party elections were due on Jun 13 in 2021 under the party’s constitution.
• The ECP also said it issued final notice to the PTI in May last year for ensuring the conduct of intra-party elections “on or before 13.06.2022 (here)

Pakistan: Iran FM Hossein Abdollahian arrives in Islamabad on 2-day visit

• Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian arrived in Islamabad on Wed for a 2-day visit at Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari’s invitation.
• It is the Iranian foreign minister’s first bilateral visit to Pakistan, the FO stated
• Before his arrival, he would hold talks with Bilawal on a wide-ranging agenda, on bilateral relations and the emerging regional situation, during the visit.
• PM Shehbaz Sharif would also meet the Abdollahian and exchange views on the consensus between the leadership of the two countries. (here)

Pakistan: PM Shehbaz again invites Turkiye to join CPEC

• PM Shehbaz Sharif on Wed renewed his invitation to Turkiye for joining CPEC, citing the latter as a “natural partner”.
• While addressing the launch of the 4^th Milgem class corvette at the Karachi Shipyard, where Turkiye Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz was also present.
• In Nov last year, the premier invited Turkiye to join CPEC to bring about regional prosperity, alleviate poverty and empower people through better education and health.
• Months earlier, he had proposed turning CPEC into a “trilateral arrangement” between China, Pakistan, and Turkey so that all 3 nations could benefit from its potential. (here)

Pakistan: Jagdish kidnapped more than a month ago is being tortured by dacoits

• Mukhi Jagdish Kumar, resident of Badani, Sindh, kidnapped more than a month ago is being tortured by dacoits.
• Pictures on social media show him making appeals that a ransom amount of Rs.5 crores to be paid to kidnappers to get him freed from them.
• The video is going viral on social media and has triggered a panic button in his family and also in other Hindus.
• Mukhi Jagdish Kumar and one child Jaideep Kumar were kidnapped a month and a half ago and now dacoits have released a video on social media showing Jagdish in chains. (Pahenji Akhbar)

China’s aircraft carrier forces strengthened as navy shifts assets, US report says

• China’s navy has completed the transfer of most of its aviation units to the air force, a move that US Air Force experts said will allow the navy to focus on its aircraft carriers.
• CASI, a professional military university system under the US Air Force, the PLA began transferring its navy’s aviation units to the air force early this year.
• So far, at least 3 fighter brigades, 2 bomber regiments, 3 radar brigades, 3 air defense brigades, and an airfield that had operated under the PLAN are now under the air force.
• The goal is to strengthen China’s aircraft carrier forces. (here)

Taiwan detains lieutenant colonel suspected of spying for Beijing

• Taipei has vowed to step up anti-espionage efforts as authorities detained a Lt Colonel suspected of spying for Beijing.
• Taiwan’s defense ministry said in a statement on Tue that the military would strengthen education on counter-intelligence and increase vigilance.
• It said the ministry and national security units had conducted a joint investigation after receiving tip-offs, and evidence had been given to prosecutors for further proceedings.
• Lt Col Hsieh was detained on suspicion of leaking defense intel to Beijing via a broker, according to the official Central News Agency.
• It said he was based in the 601^st Brigade of the Army’s Aviation and Special Forces Command in Taoyuan.
• Hsieh is also accused of meeting serving and retired military personnel to develop a spy network to collect intelligence, according to the report. (here)

US lawmakers open probe into suspected Chinese hacking of Commerce and State dept emails

• The US House of Reps Oversight Committee said on Wed it is opening an investigation into China’s suspected involvement in recent breaches of email systems.
• Congressman James Comer chaired the committee, and the heads of two subcommittees asked Commerce Secy Gina Raimondo and Secy of State Antony Blinken for staff briefings by Aug 9.
• Raimondo was among a group of senior US officials whose emails were hacked earlier this year by a group Microsoft said was based in China.
• The State and Commerce departments did not immediately return messages seeking comment. (here)

Sri Lanka: President to press ahead with 13^th Amendment for reconciliation with Tamils

• President Ranil Wickremesinghe plans to press for the full implementation of the 13^th Amendment as part of his reconciliation efforts with the country’s minority Tamilians.
• The minority Tamil community in Sri Lanka has been demanding the implementation of the 13^th Amendment that provides for devolution of power to it.
• The 13^th Amendment (13A) created 9 provinces as devolved units with a temporary merger of the Northern and Eastern provinces.
• Presidential officials on Wed said Wickremesinghe would deliver a speech in parliament next week when it is reconvened for its regular session. (here)