1. G20 Delhi: G21 [?] will be under Brazil’s Presidency; Pact Unveiled, “100% Consensus”, including Ukraine
2. G20 Delhi: India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor: An answer to China’s BRI
3. G20: Miscellaneous headlines
4. TDP chief Naidu sent to 14-day judicial custody in connection with skill development scam
5. “Ask Modi to get us freed from Pakistan”: PoK residents appeal for India’s help

What Else

6. No discussion on seat sharing with BJP so far, Yediyurappa’s remarks his “personal reaction”: JD(S) leader Kumaraswamy
7. India’s Sun mission Aditya-L1 successfully performs 3rd Earth-bound maneuver: ISRO
8. Abu Qasim Kashmiri who was killed in Rawalakot: ‘A man wearing a helmet opened fire’
9. Crackdown on illegal Afghan citizens intensified, 123 nabbed in a day
10. Pakistan unveils new visa policy to attract foreign investors
11. Pakistan: 7 terrorists killed, 6 critically injured by security forces in Chitral: ISPR
12. Pakistan: No headway in talks on Torkham issue
13. New US intelligence suggests al Qaeda unlikely to revive in Afghanistan, but officials warn ISIS threat remains
14. Chinese Plane Makes Emergency Landing In Singapore As Engine Catches Fire
15. Revealed: China spy suspect is parliamentary aide Chris Cash

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G20 Delhi: G21 will be under Brazil’s Presidency; Pact Unveiled, “100% Consensus”, including Ukraine

The African Union became a full member of the G-20 here on Sat. Welcoming the AU’s Chair Azaly Assoumani to the table of the G-20 leaders, PM Modi said the inclusion of the African bloc will enhance the effectiveness of the G-20. After the EU, the AU is the 2^nd region. (here)

As Brazil takes over the rotational presidency of G20 in Dec, President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has assured that his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, will not be arrested if he attends the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro next year. (here)

The Brazil President said includes social inclusion and the fight against hunger, energy transition sustainable development, and reform of global governance institutions. (here)

PM Modi holds more than 15 bilateral meetings with world leaders: raised the issue of rising Khalistani activities during bilaterals with the UK, Canada,

The G20 meeting has adopted the “New Delhi Declaration” as reaching a consensus has been difficult of late owing to the war in Ukraine and divisions over tackling climate change.

• G20 will work to accelerate “strong, sustainable, balanced and inclusive growth” and work towards implementing the 2030 agenda for sustainable development.
• “We will ensure that no one is left behind. We commend the efforts of the Indian Presidency to accelerate the implementation of the 2030 agenda”.
• G20 reaffirmed a rules-based, non-discriminatory, fair, open, inclusive, equitable, sustainable, and transparent multilateral trading system.
• G20 will work with the private sector to create inclusive, sustainable, and resilient global value chains, and support developing countries to move up the value chain.
• G20 resolved to accelerate actions to address environmental crises and challenges including climate change.
• G20 will help developing nations access low-cost financing for existing and emerging clean and sustainable energy technologies and support the energy transitions.
• The participants reiterated national positions and the contents of the UN Charter. Russia was not mentioned, but the leaders slammed the “use of force for territorial gain”
• G20 is committed to enhancing global food security and nutrition for all in line with the Deccan High-Level Principles on Food Security and Nutrition. (here)

G20 Delhi: India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor: An answer to China’s BRI

• PM Modi hailed it as “a testament to human endeavor and unity across continents,” while US President Joe Biden deemed it “a real big deal.”
• Leaders from India, the US, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, France, Germany, Italy, and the EU have jointly unveiled a MoU, which seeks to establish trade and infrastructure networks in Asia, Europe, and Africa.
• Some see the MoU as a direct challenge to China’s expansive BRI, which marks its 10^th anniversary, many view it as a tool to exert influence over developing nations.
• For Chinese President Xi, the announcement of the new Corridor, which also involves Israel and Jordan, comes at an inopportune moment.
• Data reveals that the value of new foreign contracted projects under the BRI has stagnated since its peak in 2019, coinciding with China’s domestic real estate debt crisis.
• A noteworthy shift in the global order was evident at the G20, with Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni’s participation, signaling Italy’s inclination to abandon the BRI.
• Further details on transit routes, coordination bodies, and technical aspects will be discussed by the signatories over the next 60 days as they develop an action plan. (here)
• Italy PM Meloni signals exit from Belt and Road Initiative to China: Giorgia Meloni privately signaled to Chinese Premier Li Qiang that Italy is planning to exit from an investment pact that has become a test of her nation’s relations with the US. (here)

G20: Miscellaneous headlines

• Canada’s PM Justin Trudeau and his delegation grounded in India due to a ‘technical issue’ with CFC001 that can’t be resolved overnight.
• Following the conclusion of G20 on Sun, EC President Ursula von der Leyen wrote on X, “A strong partnership with India is paramount for Europe.”
•  Excluding Russia from grain deal talks will not be sustainable, Erdogan says
• Actions of few do not represent Canada, says Canadian PM Trudeau. ‘Strongly worded’ statements highlighted that the PM conveyed our strong concerns about continuing anti-India activities of extremist elements in Canada. .. It is essential for the two countries to cooperate in dealing with such threats. Canada’s release has no such mention of Indian concerns. It says,’ PM Trudeau raised the importance of respecting the rule of law, democratic principles, and national sovereignty’
• UK PM announces record climate aid commitment as G20 in India concludes: UK will provide $2bn to the Green Climate Fund – the biggest single funding commitment the UK has made to help the world tackle climate change.
• Stating that Washington’s aim is not to ‘contain’ Beijing, US President Biden on Sat said that it wants China to grow economically while ensuring it follows established international rules. (here)
• Taking to X, US President said, “At a moment when the global economy is suffering from the overlapping shocks of the climate crisis, fragility, and conflict, this year’s Summit proved that the G20 can still drive solutions to our most pressing issues” (here)
• “World bigger and larger than five”: Turkish President Erdogan endorses India’s bid for a permanent seat at UNSC (here)
• India is a superpower, ahead of China now: African Union chairperson Assoumani (here)
• PM Modi, Macron called for early finalization of Defence Industrial Roadmap: PM Modi and French President Macron reiterated their commitment to strengthen defense cooperation through partnership in the design and expansion of production in India and called for early finalization of the Defence Industrial Roadmap. (here)
• “We do not mind negotiations, need to consider realities on the ground”: Russian FM on the possibility of ceasefire with Ukraine (here) He added “Global South no longer willing to be lectured…” (here)
• “India has honored us“: FM Momen on B’desh invited as guest country at G20 (here) ‘He was so excited’: Momen on President Biden taking selfie with Sheikh Hasina (here)

TDP chief Naidu sent to 14-day judicial custody in connection with skill development scam

• Telugu Desam Party chief N Chandrababu Naidu on Sun sent to 14 days of judicial custody in connection with an alleged Skill Development Corporation scam.
• The former CM was produced before the court within 24 hours of his arrest.
• On Sat, Naidu was arrested by the Andhra Pradesh Criminal Investigation Department in connection to an alleged corruption case.
• The case pertains to the establishment of clusters of Centers of Excellence (CoEs) in the state of Andhra Pradesh, with a total estimated project value of Rs 3300 crore. (here)

“Ask Modi to get us freed from Pakistan”: PoK residents appeal for India’s help

• Massive anti-Pakistan protests are raging across Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, and people across cities, towns, and villages have taken to the streets against the rise of steep inflation, shortage of food, and imposition of excessive taxes.
• A Kashmiri activist, Shabir Choudhry voicing the concerns of the general public blamed Pakistan for the massive protests that have swept through the region.
• In the latest video he posted on social media, Choudhry disclosed that the people in PoK are grappling with high inflation, load shedding, food insecurity, and unreasonable tax imposition among several other concerns.
• He also admitted that the people in PoK are seeking help from PM Modi to free them from the illegal occupation of Pakistan.
• He said, “….but the most astonishing thing I got to hear, the people residing near the Line of Control (LoC) in PoK raised slogans, ‘Ask Modi to get us freedom from Pakistan’s illegal occupation!’”.
• He lambasted Pakistan for systematically exploiting their resources, corruption, and wrong policies of the establishment. (here)

No discussion on seat sharing with BJP so far, Yediyurappa’s remarks his “personal reaction”: JD(S) leader Kumaraswamy

• Ex-Karnataka CM HD Kumaraswamy has termed as “personal reaction” remarks of BS Yediyurappa about JD (S) fighting about 4 seats in the LS elections next year in alliance with BJP and said there has been no discussion so far
• However, he said there have been alliance talks between the two parties and that “people need it because Congress is looting the state”. (here)

India’s Sun mission Aditya-L1 successfully performs 3^rd Earth-bound maneuver: ISRO

• India’s Sun mission Aditya-L1 has successfully performed the 3^rd Earth-bound maneuver, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) said on Sun
• ISRO ground stations at Mauritius, Bengaluru, SDSC-SHAR, and Port Blair tracked the satellite during this operation.
• “The new orbit attained is 296 km x71767 km. The next maneuver (EBN#4) is scheduled for Sept 15, 2023, around 02:00 Hrs. IST,” ISRO said in the post. (here)

[NEIGHBORHOOD]

Abu Qasim Kashmiri who was killed in Rawalakot: ‘A man wearing a helmet opened fire’

• 2 eyewitnesses said that a man dressed in a pant shirt put on a helmet after the prayer and then opened fire on Muhammad Riaz alias Abu Qasim Kashmiri with a pistol
• Muhammad Riaz from Poonch district of Indian-administered Kashmir was targeted for a targeted killing during Fajr prayers on Fri, according to police.
• Muhammad Riaz was a former Kashmiri militant whose father and brother had also been killed in the past, according to a Reuters report.
• According to Majid Nizami, a journalist who monitors Kashmir affairs, he was wanted by India in various cases.
• It should be noted that the authorities in Pakistan and India are keeping silent on this.
• The head of the militant group Hizbul Mujahideen, Syed Salahuddin, has condemned the killing of Muhammad Riaz in a statement.
• Syed Salahuddin is the head of Hizbul Mujahideen, the largest Kashmiri militant organization active in Indian-administered Kashmir
• ‘Muhammad Riaz migrated at the age of 17’
• According to a close relative, Riaz was forced to leave Indian-administered Kashmir under ‘extremely difficult and painful conditions.’
• Even after being released from custody, our house was raided several times and the situation became so difficult that first Muhammad Riaz and then all his siblings left Indian-administered Kashmir one by one and reached Pakistan-administered Kashmir.
• ‘India wanted’ Abu Qasim Kashmiri” According to a journalist who monitors Kashmir issues, various cases are pending against Muhammad Riaz in India.
• Some are old but most of the cases are related to various attacks in Indian-administered Kashmir this year.
• According to our information so far, Mohammad Riaz was wanted by India. (here)

Crackdown on illegal Afghan citizens intensified, 123 nabbed in a day

• The higher authorities intensified crackdowns on illegal Afghan citizens and arrested 123 suspects during the past 24 hours in Karachi, on Sun.
• During the raids, 45 were arrested from different areas of Korangi, 18 from East District, 34 from West District, 9 by City police, 14 from Malir District, and 2 by Defence police.
• In another development, Balochistan Caretaker Info Min said 60 Afghan citizens were arrested to stop drugs, whereas, a drive is still underway to stop currency smuggling.
• Earlier in the month, the Civil Aviation Authority issued new guidelines for flights originating from Afghanistan and entering Pakistan’s airspace. (here)

Pakistan unveils new visa policy to attract foreign investors

• Pakistan, in a bid to revive its economy, has introduced a new visa policy to attract business communities from across the world to invest in the cash-strapped country.
• The decision was taken in the 2-day consultation meeting held under the SIFC, a civil-military hybrid body set up by the previous Shehbaz Sharif govt.
• Caretaker PM Kakar, who chaired the 5^th meeting of SIFC, announced that a new easy visa regime has been approved for foreign businessmen desiring to visit Pakistan.
• Foreign businessmen who want to visit Pakistan would be issued easy visas based on a single document from their country or international business organizations.
• “If Pakistan’s chambers of business or business organizations issue a document to a foreign businessman, easy visas will also be issued to them,” the statement quoted.
• The SIFC was briefed on Pakistan’s relations with China, the US, and other Middle East countries.
• FM said the Gulf Cooperation Council countries – Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE – had shown interest in the investment council.
• Meanwhile, the Law Minister said that in contrast to the CPEC, which has garnered significant funds, Western countries haven’t made definitive commitments yet. (here)

Pakistan: 7 terrorists killed, 6 critically injured by security forces in Chitral: ISPR

• 7 terrorists were killed and 6 critically injured by security forces in an exchange of fire in KP’s Chitral, as per a release from the military’s media wing, ISPR on Sun.
• The ISPR press release said the skirmish took place on Sat in the district’s general area of Ursoon when “troops effectively engaged terrorists’ location”.
• It added that the area was being sanitized to clear it of any terrorists in the vicinity.
• “Locals of the area appreciated the operation by the security forces and expressed their full support to eliminate the menace of terrorism from the country,” the ISPR said.
• The operation had come in the wake of Wednesday’s terrorist attack on two military posts in the Lower Chitral district.
• At least 4 security men had embraced martyrdom while more than 16 fighters were killed as militants’ attempts to enter Pakistan from Afghanistan were foiled
• The outlawed Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan had reportedly claimed responsibility for the attack through its spokesperson, Mohammad Khorasani.
• The first half of the current year witnessed a steady and alarming rise in terror and suicide attacks, claiming the lives of 389 people across the country. (here)

Pakistan: No headway in talks on Torkham issue

• The main crossing between Pakistan and Afghanistan remained closed on Sun for the 5^th day as talks between the two countries remained inconclusive.
• The Torkham border crossing was shut on Sept 6 after an exchange of fire between the Pakistan and Afghan border security forces.
• The clashes were triggered by the construction of a new post along the border by the Afghan Taliban, while Pakistan deems this construction as a violation of understanding
• The Afghan Taliban said at least 2 of their border guards were killed in the exchange of fire and since then the border has remained shut.
• The two sides held talks to reopen the border on Sunday but these talks ended without any agreement.
• Sources said the Pakistani side informed the Taliban officials that a decision to reopen the border would be taken by the federal government.
• There is no official word yet from the govt over the impasse. (here)

New US intelligence suggests al Qaeda unlikely to revive in Afghanistan, but officials warn ISIS threat remains

• New US intel calculations suggest that is “unlikely” al Qaeda will revive in Afghanistan and Pakistan and that counterterrorism operations by the Taliban in Afghanistan have degraded the IS presence there, two senior US officials said on Fri.
• The assessments described an optimistic picture of the overall terrorist presence in Afghanistan, suggesting it has been waning despite the US withdrawal
• Since the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan – and as the US has shifted intelligence resources away from CT priorities to focus on China and Russia – the WH has been at pains to emphasize that it retains “over the horizon” capabilities to track terrorism threats emanating from South Asia.
• Still, some US officials have privately raised concerns that as the US has transitioned intelligence assets away from the Middle East and South Asia, the Biden administration may struggle to track the threat posed by ISIS. (here)

Chinese Plane Makes Emergency Landing In Singapore As Engine Catches Fire

• An Air China flight made an emergency landing in Singapore on Sun after its left engine caught fire, leaving 9 of the 155 people on board with minor injuries, authorities said.
• Flight CA403 from Chengdu “encountered smoke in the forward cargo hold and lavatory” while on its way to the city-state, Changi said in a statement on Facebook.
• The plane landed at around 4:15 pm (0815 GMT) and “all passengers and crew have evacuated safely”, the statement said.
• The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) said there were 146 passengers and nine crew on board. (here)

Revealed: China spy suspect is parliamentary aide Chris Cash

• A Tory parliamentary researcher arrested on suspicion of spying for China was the director of an influential policy group in Beijing co-founded by the security minister.
• Chris Cash, 28, was closely linked with Tom Tugendhat and was employed as a researcher by Alicia Kearns, chairwoman of the Commons foreign affairs committee.
• The suspect is the son of a GP and grew up in a wealthy suburb of Edinburgh.
• He went to the fee-paying George Watson’s College, where he was a head of house, and later studied history at the University of St Andrews.
• He became active on Westminster’s social scene and used a dating website, making several attempts last year to arrange a date with a political journalist. (here)