1. Election 2024: 93 Seats in 12 States, UTs to Vote in Phase 3 Today (Tue):
2. Poonch IAF convoy attack: Security forces release sketches of 2 Pakistani terrorists, announce ₹20 lakh reward
3. Initial findings of Canada foreign Interference Commission, regarding India
4. ‘We will not let China dictate the play…’: Jaishankar on changes in foreign policy in Modi era
5. ‘Unilateral, untenable’, says Jaishankar on Nepal’s new currency featuring disputed Indian territories:

What Else

• New US-Backed Defense ‘Squad’ [QUAD minus India] to Counter China in Indo-Pacific
• Indian Coast Guard detains Iranian boat off Kerala, six Indian fishermen rescued
• Uttarakhand: 3 people from Bihar arrested in Chamoli for promoting forest fires
• Delhi Police bust fake spices factories, 15 tonnes of spurious spices seized
• Philippine defense secretary slams China’s claim of ‘new model’ pact for Ayungin Shoal
• Pakistan: Dar met with Vice Chairman of the CCP Zheng on the sidelines of the 15th OIC
• Saudi Crown Prince likely to visit Pakistan this month

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Election 2024: 93 Seats in 12 States, UTs to Vote in Phase 3 Today (Tue):

• Election on 93 constituencies across 10 states and 2 UTs is going on Tue as the 3^rd of the mammoth 7-phase election rolled around.
• Election on the Anantnag-Rajouri constituency in J&K has been postponed to May 25.
• The election brings to an end polling on more than half of the 543 parliamentary seats and could mean that the country has already delivered a verdict.
• The BJP has won the Surat seat unopposed as the EC rejected the nomination of the Congress candidate and the other contenders stepped down.
• The Phase 3 election is in areas that were BJP strongholds in 2019, the party won 72 of the 93 seats going to polls today, 26 of them in Gujarat alone.
• The other state Karnataka, could be a dark horse given the massive sex scandal that has hit BJP ally Janata Dal Secular.
• Maharashtra, where 11 of 48 seats are going to polls, has proved harder to read given the seismic political shifts the state has seen over the last few years.
• The states going to polls in phase 3, include Assam (4), Bihar (5), Chhattisgarh (7), Goa (2), Gujarat (26), Karnataka (14), MP (8), Maharashtra (11), UP (10), WB (4), Dadra (2).
• Polling will also take place in Betul, MP, where the election due in Phase 2 was postponed following the death of a candidate from BSP.
• The next phase of the election is due on May 13. (here)
• Trouble mounts for Kejriwal as Delhi LG calls for anti-terror probe against him: Delhi Lt Guv VK Saxena on Mon has called for an anti-terror investigation into allegations CM Arvind Kejriwal received funding from the banned SFJ group, which was founded by wanted terrorist Pannun [CIA, as per claim by an Indian journalist].
• AAP supremo was arrested on Mar 21 by the ED in a case about alleged corruption and money laundering in formulating and executing the Delhi govt’s excise policy.
• The LG called for a probe after he had received a complaint that Kejriwal-led AAP had received huge funds, said to be $16 million, from the extremist Khalistani groups.
• As per the claim, [who’s?] the money was for facilitating the release of Devendra Bhullar, who was a former prof, convicted in the 1993 Delhi bomb blasts case. (here)
• PM Says World’s Democracies To Learn From India’s Election Process: After casting his vote in Ahmedabad, PM Modi said India’s election process and management “is an example for the world’s democracies to learn from”.
• “The world’s biggest universities should do a case study. There are elections in around 64 countries and there should be a comparison of all of them. This year is like a celebration of democracy,” he added. (here)
• SAD’s Chandigarh candidate withdraws from LS race citing party indifference — ‘cannot go on’: 3-time councilor Hardeep S Buterla was up against Congress-AAP candidate Manish Tewari and BJP’s Sanjay Tandon.
• Someone else pulling his strings, says SAD.
• “Not only the SAD but the entire country knows which forces are busy in a vulgar exercise to destroy democracy in the country,” SAD’s chief spox, stated. (here)
• Election campaign rallies sweep Kashmir’s former No-Go Zones: The Valley is seeing, for the 1^st time in the last 3 decades, election campaign rallies being held in areas that were once considered volatile and no-go zones.
• A regional political party held an election campaign at Srinagar’s Jamia Masjid in the Nowhatta area of Downtown- once famous for stone pelting and election boycotts.
• From Jamia Masjid to Lal Chowk’s Ghanta Ghar, election campaign rallies are being held in every nook and corner of the region.
• With no election rallies around these areas, they also had minimal voter turnout, but this time around, the situation seems to have taken a 180-degree turn.
• It seems that all previous voter turnout records would be broken by looking at the people’s participation in the election rallies.
• Meanwhile, Islamabad unaligned with the fact, claiming differences in OIC: Dy PM and FM of Pakistan, Mohd Ishaq Dar, led the Pakistan delegation to the meeting at the OIC Contact Group on J&K, held in Banjul, The Gambia.
• Dar briefed the meeting on the dismal human rights situation in IIOJK and the prevailing political and security environment in the occupied territory.
• He urged India to respect the rights and freedoms of the Kashmiri people and grant them their inalienable right to self-determination by the relevant UNSC resolutions
• Highlighted Indian atrocities in IIOJK, especially after India’s illegal and unilateral actions of  Aug 5, 2019, and urged OIC to implement its Action Plan on J&K [not IOJK]
• Appreciated the OIC for its “principled support” for the Kashmir cause and requested the OIC members to use their influence for urgent resolution of the J&K Dispute.
• Deplored the rising trend of Islamophobia and discrimination against Muslims in various parts of the world, and urged the OIC to formulate a joint strategy to work with global social media platforms to harmonize their application of content regulation policies for blasphemous, anti-Islamic, and Islamophobic content
• Dar also condemned the surge in anti-Pakistan rhetoric and Islamophobic narratives by India’s political leaders during the ongoing elections which threatens regional stability, as per Pakistan FO.

Poonch IAF convoy attack: Security forces release sketches of 2 Pakistani terrorists, announce ₹20 lakh reward

• Two days after an Indian Air Force soldier was killed and 4 others injured in a terrorist attack in J&K’s Poonch, security forces have identified the 2 terrorists and released their sketches.
• The forces have announced a ₹20 lakh reward for any information leading to the arrest of the two terrorists.
• On Sun, a convoy of the IAF faced heavy firing while en route to Sanai Top in the Poonch Surankote area.
• Pakistan-based terrorists targeted the convoy’s last vehicle, prompting a swift response from the IAF soldiers. In the ensuing crossfire, five soldiers sustained injuries.
• The injured IAF soldiers were airlifted to the command hospital in Udhampur.
• However, Corporal Vikky Pahade succumbed to his injuries.
• Following the attack, the local unit of the Army’s Rashtriya Rifles cordoned off the area and started a search operation to locate the terrorists. (here)

Initial findings of Canada foreign Interference Commission, regarding India

• Canada has just released the initial findings of its public inquiry into Foreign Interference in its election process.
• Blames China, Russia, India, Pakistan, Iran.
• The 194-page document mentions India 43 times.
• Indian officials, including Canada-based proxies, influence Canadian politics covertly
• India views Khalistani sentiment in Canada as a national threat, and
• Indian proxies allegedly gave financial support.
• India Canada: Last 15 days: Canada’s PM and opposition leader attend an event, with Khalistan chants; India summons Canada’s deputy envoy.
• EAM, S Jaishanker slams Canada over Khalistan vote bank politics: Canada announces arrest in Nijjar case, No Indian govt link: “…But several people with organized links from Punjab have been made welcome in Canada. We have been telling Canada, these are wanted criminals, you gave them visa...”
• “It’s not a one-way street, a pushback will come,” he added
• Pro Khalistan rally in Ontario: A rally was taken out in Ontario by Khalistanis on Sun
• Making anti-India inflammatory slogans, the video showed threats to Indian Political leaders and calls for a referendum.  (here)
• India linked wanted gangsters in Canada: Sandeep Singh Sidhu, Brookdale Court, Abbotsford, BC; Arsh Dalla, Street No. 177, Surrey; Baba Dalla, BC, Rinku Bihla, Surrey, Raman Judge, Surrey, Sukha Duneke, Ontario, Canada; Goldy Brar, Lakhbir Singh, (@Sidhant -NIA)

‘We will not let China dictate the play…’: Jaishankar on changes in foreign policy in Modi era

• “Today, we are focused on what is good for India. ….We are nationalistic,” said External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar about what has changed in India’s policy in the last decads
• The EAM was speaking about alterations in foreign policy under the Modi admin and addressing the China challenge. “We are also not vote-bank driven,” he added.
• Speaking about India’s foreign policy outlook, he said that it is wrong to assume that govts change but foreign policies don’t.
• Jaishankar also shed light on the increased focus on the connection between the economic requirements of the country and foreign policy.
• Outlook towards China: Jaishankar also diced the ‘philosophical’ viewpoint of the previous govts about ties with China.
• “I can tell you how strong that sense of resentment is today about the dumping of goods from China. We will do what it takes,” he said. (here)

‘Unilateral, untenable’, says Jaishankar on Nepal’s new currency featuring disputed Indian territories:

• EAM Jaishankar has termed Nepal’s introduction of a new ₹100 currency note featuring a map including Indian territories as “unilateral” and “untenable”
• Jaishankar said this move “would not change the situation on the ground“, it added.
• Nepal’s New ₹100 Note: On May 3, Kathmandu said it would print the new currency note displaying areas such as Lipulekh, Limpiyadhura, and Kalapani, which India has previously criticized as an “artificial enlargement” of Nepal’s territory.
• Kathmandu said the decision to incorporate the disputed territories into the currency note’s design was made during a meeting chaired by Nepal’s PM.
• “The meeting of the council of ministers chaired by Prime Minister Pushpakamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ took a decision to print the new map of Nepal, which includes the Lipulekh, Limpiyadhura and Kalapani in the ₹100 denomination bank notes”. (here)

New US-Backed Defense ‘Squad’ [QUAD minus India] to Counter China in Indo-Pacific

• Secy of Defense Lloyd Austin met Thu with his counterparts from Australia, Japan, and the Philippines as the US deepens ties with an emerging group that Pentagon officials have privately nicknamed, the “Squad.”
• The quadrilateral grouping is one of several regional partnerships that Washington has used to push back against China’s assertiveness in Asia.
• There is also the “QUAD” comprised of the US, Australia, India, and Japan, and “AUKUS,” comprises Australia, US, and UK.
• “We’ve gathered here because we share a vision for peace, stability, and deterrence in the Indo-Pacific,” Austin said during a joint presser in Hawaii with his 3 counterparts.
• “We’ve chartered an ambitious course to advance that vision together.”
• In Apr, the 4 nations conducted joint maritime patrols within the Philippines’ EEZ against the backdrop of ongoing tensions between Manila and Beijing over territorial claims in the South China Sea. (here)
• ‘Utterly committed’: New ‘quad’ emerges to push back on China: Australia, the US, Japan, and the Philippines have made a show of strength against China’s growing assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific, announcing a plan to increase joint military exercises and boost 4-way defense co-operation.
• Defence Minister Richard Marles and his US, Japanese, and Philippine counterparts gathered in Hawaii on Fri for their 2^nd joint meeting, declaring they were committed to defending international law and national sovereignty in the region.
• “We see that in Ukraine with the appalling invasion by Russia .., but we see the global rules-based order under pressure in the Indo-Pacific as well,” Marles said. (here)

Indian Coast Guard detains Iranian boat off Kerala, six Indian fishermen rescued

• The Indian Coast Guard on Mon ‘intercepted and detained’ an Iranian vessel off the coast of Kerala with 6 Indian nationals on board.
• The detainees were employed on a contract by an Iranian sponsor, Syed Saud Ansari.
• The ICG in a post on X said all the men accused their Iranian bosses of maltreatment and not providing them with basic, essential living conditions.
• The vessel has now been brought to Kochi and an investigation has been launched.
• All fishermen are believed to be from Kanyakumari in the southern state of Tamil Nadu
• They alleged that their passports had also been confiscated.
• Some reports said they were not even being paid their salaries.
• As per reports, their boat ran out of fuel midway and became stuck off Kerala (here)

Uttarakhand: 3 people from Bihar arrested in Chamoli for promoting forest fires

• The Uttarakhand Police on Sat arrested 3 people from Bihar for allegedly promoting forest fires in the state, officials said.
• Police- a video came to light wherein the 3 youths were promoting forest fires. In the purported video, a youth can be heard saying, “Nobody challenges those who play with fire…and Biharis are never challenged.”
• The incident took place in the Chamoli district’s Gairsain area, the police chief said
• He further appealed people to not to indulge in setting fire in the forests or promote it as it is a punishable crime.
• The Police and Forest Dept will identify the areas impacted by forest fires and look into the flames started accidentally or on purpose (here)

Delhi Police bust fake spices factories, 15 tonnes of spurious spices seized

• Delhi police have busted manufacturing units in the NE part of the city producing spurious spices, including coriander powder and turmeric powder.
• A whopping 15 tonnes of ‘fake masala’ was seized from at least 2 factories in the Karawal Nagar area and 3 people have also been arrested in this case.
• The Delhi Crime Branch earlier received inputs about these manufacturing facilities that were producing and selling adulterated and duplicate spices of popular brands.
• Based on the interrogation, police raided another facility on Kali Ghata in the same area, from where a 3^rd person, Sarfaraz was arrested, while caught red-handed
• The recoveries included rotten leaves and rice, spoiled millet, wood dust, chili heads, acids, and oils used in producing counterfeit products
• Police said some shopkeepers in the area are also suspected to be a part of this network.
• This development comes amidst increased international scrutiny of popular Indian spice brands.
• Hong Kong and Singapore even banned some Indian brands after allegedly detecting carcinogenic ingredients [ethylene oxide] in them. (here)

 [neighborhood]

Macron puts trade and Ukraine as top priorities as China’s Xi opens European visit in France

• China’s President Xi Jinping met Mon with French President Emmanuel Macron and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at the presidential palace.
• Xi Jinping arrived in France Sun for a 2-day state visit that is expected to focus both on trade disputes and wars in Ukraine and the Middle East.
• President Macron held talks with Xi on Mon that focused on trade disputes — including lifting immediate tariff threats on Cognac exports — and Ukraine-related issues.
• Xi was in France for a two-day state visit to open his European tour.
• Speaking alongside Xi after their meeting Macron said that France hopes China’s influence on Moscow would help to move Russia toward ending the war in Ukraine.
• China claims neutrality in the war: “History has repeatedly proven that any conflict can ultimately be resolved only through negotiation,” Xi said.
• “We call on all parties to restart contact and dialogue.”
• Russian President Vladimir Putin recently announced plans to visit China this month.
• Last year, Macron appealed to Xi to “bring Russia to its senses,” but the call wasn’t apparent by Beijing. (here)

Philippine defense secretary slams China’s claim of ‘new model’ pact for Ayungin Shoal

• Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on Sun refuted China’s claim of a “new model” for the Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal in the West Philippine Sea.
• An unidentified Chinese embassy spox on Sat said a “new model” to manage the tensions in the shoal where a Philippino navy outpost is located was allegedly approved by officials in the Dept of National Defence and the NSA.
• “This charade must stop,” Teodoro said in a statement.
• China revelation’s ‘curious’ timing: Teodoro called this claim a “devious machination” of China, also noting its “curious” timing as it came on the heels of the quadrilateral meeting of the Philippines, US, Australia, and Japan. (here)

Pakistan: Dar met with Vice Chairman of the CCP Zheng on the sidelines of the 15^th OIC

• Dy PM, FM, Mohd Dar has met with the Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of China Zheng Jianbang on the sidelines of the 15^th OIC Islamic Summit Conference in Banjul, The Gambia. They
• Underscored the importance of enhanced mutually productive ties through close economic cooperation;
• Reaffirmed the All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership between Pakistan and China and exchanged views on deepening parliamentary exchanges;
• Expressed determination to further enhance and upgrade cooperation on CPEC projects.
• Discussed China’s growing relationship with OIC and underlined the importance of dialogue and understanding for mutual peace and prosperity. (FO)

Saudi crown prince likely to visit Pakistan this month

• Saudi Crown Prince Mohd bin Salman is expected to travel to Pakistan this month on a visit that Islamabad hopes will pave the way for much-needed investment from Riyadh.
• The visit of the de facto ruler of Saudia is long overdue, as the last time he traveled in Feb 2019.
• In late 2022, the prince was scheduled to visit Islamabad, but the visit had to be canceled since the dates were close to the change of army command.
• The new schedule could not be finalized because of unfolding political uncertainty and the general elections in Pakistan.
• However, the prince has now agreed to travel to Islamabad at the invitation of PM Shehbaz Sharif, who visited Riyadh twice in a short period.
• Islamabad feels that Saudi investment, along with investment from other Gulf countries, could address the balance of payment crisis, something that would not only shore up foreign reserves but also spur industrial and economic growth. (here)
• KSA eyes Pakistan as high-priority economic, investment opportunity: Saudi minister
• Deputy Investment Minister of Saudi Arabia Ibrahim Almubarak said on Mon that the Saudi govt and companies eye Pakistan as a high-priority economic, business, and investment opportunity.
• Addressing the 2-day Pakistan-Saudi Arabia Investment Conference in Islamabad, the minister expressed confidence in Pakistan’s economic potential and highlighted its demography, location, and natural resources.
• Almubarak said Pakistan is a major strategic partner for the kingdom and referred to the fraternal ties rooted deep in common faith, culture, and shared values.
• He expressed KSA’s desire to see Pakistan as one of leading international partners (here)