1. In assassination bid “Bullet pierced upper part of my ear” of Trump at Pennsylvania; PM Modi expressed his deep concerns along with world leaders
2. At 100 Million, PM Modi is Most-Followed World Leader On X today
3. CRPF jawan killed in militant attack in Manipur; Guv, CM condemn act
4. Home Ministry amends Jammu & Kashmir Reorganisation Act, boosting LG’s powers
5. Indian NSA speaks to US counterpart amid unease in New Delhi-Washington relations

What Else

1. J-K: 3 terrorists killed in anti-infiltration operation in Kupwara
2. India reaffirms support for two-state solution to resolve Israel-Palestine issue at UN
3. Security agencies seize Pak-bound banned chemicals from China at TN port
4. India and Taiwan eyes China’s MSCI emerging market index top spot: Report
5. India to mark Emergency Day. Jun 25th to be observed as ‘Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas’
6. India offers 1000 scholarships Afghan students for 2024-25.
7. Diljit Dosanjh receives surprise visit from Justin Trudeau at Canada concert
8. Nepal: President appoints KP Oli as next Prime Minister; to be sworn in today (Mon)
9. Biden signs into law bill enhancing U.S. support for Tibet
10. A contaminated cooking oil scandal in China has provoked outrage and raised fears over safety
11. US sanctions more Chinese officials for ‘genocide and crimes against humanity’ in Xinjiang
12. Philippines will ‘stand our ground’ in dispute with China, official says
13. Pakistan secures $7 billion EFF deal
14. Pakistan: Eight-day remand of Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi approved

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In assassination bid “Bullet pierced upper part of my ear” of Trump in Pennsylvania; PM Modi expressed his deep concerns along with world leaders

• Former US President Trump, in his first account of being shot at during a rally has said that the bullet fired at him “pierced” the upper part of his right ear.
• One rally attendee was killed and another was injured
• Trump said that he immediately knew something was wrong.
• The Secret Service agents surrounded the Republican candidate and escorted him off the stage, with blood visible across his face.
• He also thanked the US Secret Service and law enforcement for their rapid response to the shooting that just took place in Pennsylvania’s Butler.
• He also offered condolences to the family of a person who was killed at the rally and the person who was injured. (here)
• “Deeply concerned”: PM Modi reacts to attack on Donald Trump at Pennsylvania rally: Following the incident, PM Modi ‘strongly condemned’ the incident, and said that there is ‘no place for violence in politics’ PM Modi said that he was “deeply concerned by the attack on my friend, former President Donald Trump.” (here)
• ‘Political violence is never acceptable’: World leaders condemn shooting: Several world leaders have condemned the shooting.
• Australian PM Albanese called the incident as “concerning and confronting.”
• Israeli PM Netanyahu said that he and his wife were shocked by the apparent attack on Trump and prayed for his speedy recovery.
• UK PM Keir Starmer said that he is “appalled” by the shocking scenes at Trump’s rally and asserted that political violence in any form has no place in society.
• Canadian PM Trudeau said that he is “sickened” by the shooting at Trump’s rally and emphasized that political violence is never acceptable.
• Offering support to Trump, Hungarian PM Viktor Orban stated, “My thoughts and prayers are with President @realDonaldTrump in these dark hours.” (here)
• Russia’s MFA issued a statement “Those who vote in the United States for the supply of weapons to Ukraine, maybe it is better to use this money to finance the American police and other services that are supposed to ensure law and order within the United States?”
• [An unprecedented deception and motivated ignorance by US media is certainly a matter of concern, for the US and the world at large.]

At 100 Million, PM Modi is Most-Followed World Leader On X today

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi has 100 million followers on social media platforms, X, making him the 2^nd most-followed world politician after former US President Obama and the most-followed global leader currently holding office.
• In India, he is way ahead of his political rivals – followers of Rahul Gandhi (26.4 million), Arvind Kejriwal (27.5 million), Akhilesh Yadav (19.9 million), Mamata Banerjee (7.4 million), Lalu Yadav (6.3 million), Tejashwi Yadav (5.2 million), and Sharad Pawar (2.9 million) add up to less than 100 million.
• The Prime Minister has more followers than Virat Kohli (64.1 million), Neymar Jr (63.6 million), and LeBron James (52.9 million), and is ahead of celebrities like Taylor Swift (95.3 million), Lady Gaga (83.1 million), and Kim Kardashian (75.2 million). (here)

CRPF jawan killed in militant attack in Manipur; Guv, CM condemn act

• A Central Police Force (CRPF) jawan was killed in a gun attack by suspected militants at Mongbung village in Manipur’s Jiribam district on Sun morning, police said.
• A policeman also suffered injuries and he has been admitted to a hospital, they said.
• The deceased has been identified as Ajay Kumar Jha, 43, a resident of Bihar.
• The injured policeman is undergoing treatment, but he is out of danger, police said.
• Governor Uikey honors the soldier’s courage and dedication to duty and prays for his soul to rest in peace.
• She also strongly condemns this heinous act of violence and asserts that such actions will not be tolerated in Manipur, it said.
• Chief Minister N Biren Singh, too, denounced the attack and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.
• Gunshots were reportedly heard in the village on Saturday night, too, the officer said.
• Additional security forces have been deployed at Mongbung from adjacent hill areas following Sunday’s attack, another official said. (here)

Home Ministry amends Jammu & Kashmir Reorganisation Act, boosting LG’s powers

• The Ministry of Home Affairs has amended the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization Act, 2019 enhancing some powers of the Lieutenant Governor of the erstwhile state.
• President Murmu accorded her approval in the rule exercising the powers conferred by section 55 of the J&K Reorganisation Act, 2019, (34 of 2019) read with the Proclamation dated 31^st Oct 2019 issued under section 73 of the Act.
• The President made the rules further to amend the Transaction of Business of the Govt of UT of J&K Rules, 2019.
• The amendments shall come into force on Jul 12, the date of the publication in the Official Gazette– a move in anticipation of the speculated assembly elections in UT.
• Only the transaction of Business Rules has been amended and nothing new has been provided in these rules.
• The current amendment to rules is just a clarificatory flowing from the existing provisions of SRA 2019 (here)

Indian NSA speaks to US counterpart amid unease in New Delhi-Washington relations

• National Security Adviser Ajit Doval spoke to his American counterpart Jake Sullivan on Fri and discussed India-US ties, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated.
• The telephonic conversation took place amid an indication of some unease in India-US ties following PM Modi’s visit to Russia, where he met President Putin as the NATO Summit was underway in Washington.
• They agreed to work closely to deepen India-US relations, built on shared values, and common strategic and security interests.
• Garcetti’s statement: The call came a day after US Diplomat to India Garcetti lectured New Delhi, by stating that there is no such thing as strategic autonomy in times of conflict – pointing towards PM Modi’s Russia visit.  (here)
• [Being the most reliable of President Biden, he has to secure his interest in Ukrain]

J-K: 3 terrorists killed in anti-infiltration operation in Kupwara

• 3 terrorists were killed by the Indian Army during the anti-infiltration operation at the Line of Control in J&K’s Kupwara on Sun.
• The operation at the Keran Sector in Kupwara is still underway, the Army said.
• Several weapons and other war-like stores have also been recovered.
• Notably, J&K has seen a rise in terror attacks lately.
• These terror attacks have come during the ongoing Amarnath Yatra in S Kashmir (here)

India reaffirms support for two-state solution to resolve Israel-Palestine issue at UN

• India has reaffirmed its historic and firm commitment to the peaceful resolution of the vexed Palestine question, supporting a negotiated “two-state solution” leading to the establishment of a “sovereign, independent and viable state” of Palestine at peace with Israel.
• Charge d’Affaires and Dy mission of India to the UN Ambassador R Ravindra made the statement on Fri at a conference of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees.
• Delivering India’s statement at the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees pledging conference, he reaffirmed New Delhi’s historic and unwavering commitment.
• He said that India had taken a principled position on the ongoing conflict in Gaza and strongly condemned the death of civilians, especially women and children.
• The terrorist attack on Oct 7^th last year “deserves our unequivocal condemnation, and we demand (the) unconditional release of all hostages,” he said, referring to the deadly attack by Gaza-based Hamas militants.  (here)

Security agencies seize Pak-bound banned chemicals from China at TN port

• Agencies have seized another Pak-bound consignment, consisting of internationally banned chemicals used for tear gas and riot control agents, from China at a port in TN
• Pakistan is allegedly working on an offensive chemical and biological warfare program with the help of its ‘all-weather friend’ China.
• The Chinese firm, Chengdu Shichen, had shipped a consignment of “Ortho-Chloro Benzylidene Malononitrile” to Rohail Ent, a Rawalpindi-based Defence supplier.
• The consignment (2560 kg), was stored in 103 drums of 25 kgs each and loaded into a carrier vessel Hyundai Shanghai, on April 18, 2024, at Shanghai Port, China, they said.
• The Karachi-bound vessel reached Kattupalli Port (Tamil Nadu) on May 08, 2024 (here)

India and Taiwan eyes China’s MSCI emerging market index top spot: Report

• The race to replace China’s top spot in emerging market equity portfolios is heating up, with Taiwan and India running neck to neck as formidable rivals.
• Taiwan and India now command more than 19% weightings each in the MSCI EM Index, which compares to China’s 22.8%, whose standing has steadily shrunk over the past few years, Bloomberg-compiled data show.
• The rise of Taiwan and India is allowing investors to better diversify by betting on AI chipmakers and the infrastructure boom coming from modernizing the country.
• As the US rate cycle peaks out, having attractive options in emerging markets is fundamental to any pivoting of capital flows. (here)

India to mark Emergency Day. Jun 25^th to be observed as ‘Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas’

• Home Minister Amit Shah on Fri announced that the govt will mark the Emergency Day, i.e., Jun 25 as ‘Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas’, which means ‘Constitution killing day’.
• On Jun 25, 1975, then PM Indira Gandhi, in a brazen display of a dictatorial mindset, strangled the soul of our democracy by imposing the Emergency on the nation.
• Emergency: PM Gandhi on Jun 25, 1975, imposed an Emergency which marked a period of censorship, arrests without warrants, and curbing democratic freedoms.
• The PM had cited internal disturbances as the reason behind such extreme steps. However, it was seen as a brazen attempt by Gandhi to maintain power. (here)

India offers 1000 scholarships Afghan students for 2024-25.

• The Indian Council for Cultural Relations, under the Govt of India’s initiative, reaffirms its commitment to Afghan students by announcing 1000 scholarships for the academic year 2024-2025.
• According to the report, these scholarships are designed for online undergraduate and postgraduate programs through the e-Vidya Bharati Network Project.
• The “Special Scholarship Scheme for Afghan Nationals” covers various disciplines, including Business Admin, Commerce, Computer, Arts, and more.
• This initiative aims to support Afghan students pursuing higher education opportunities at prestigious Indian Central & State Universities/Institutes.
• Eligibility: To be eligible for this scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria: Be Afghan nationals;
• Have an age between 18 and 35 years as of July 1, 2024;
• Possess adequate English language proficiency;
• Candidates must meet the academic prerequisites set by the respective Indian universities/institutes for the desired program. (here)

Diljit Dosanjh receives surprise visit from Justin Trudeau at Canada concert

• Punjabi actor-singer Diljit Dosanjh is currently busy enthralling his fans with tours across the globe.
• Ahead of his performance at Rogers Centre, Ontario,  he welcomed a special visitor on stage: Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau.
• His music has reached every corner, and even the Canadian PM couldn’t miss meeting him before the performance.
• He is currently receiving praise for his recent release, ‘Jatt and Juliet 3,’ co-starring Neeru Bajwa is also a part of the film. (here)

 [Neighborhood]

Nepal: President appoints KP Oli as next Prime Minister; to be sworn in today (Mon)

• With the expiration of the deadline to stake the claim for the PM, Nepal President Ram Chandra Paudel has appointed KP Sharma Oli (72) as the next Prime Minister.
• Oli is the only leader who staked his claim in support of the Nepali Congress.
• Nepal President Paudel called the political parties in the Nepali parliament on Fri evening to stake a claim for the Pm after Dahal lost a confidence motion.
• Oli and Congress President Deuba jointly signed an application to appoint the UML chief as the new PM on Fri, right after the results of the vote of confidence.
• Oli, with the backing of the Nepali Congress and smaller parties, had submitted the signatures of 165 lawmakers, claiming majority support in the parliament.
• The Constitution of Nepal mandates a PM to cross a majority of 138 in the 275-strong House of Representatives to take over as PM. (here)

Biden signs into law bill enhancing U.S. support for Tibet

• President Joe Biden has signed into law a bill, which enhances U.S. support for Tibet and promotes dialogue between China and the Dalai Lama toward a peaceful resolution of the dispute over the status and governance of the remote Himalayan region.
• China had opposed the Resolve Tibet Act and described it as a ‘destabilizing Act’.
• The Act was passed by the House of Reps last Feb and it cleared the Senate in May.
• “My Administration will continue to call on the People’s Republic of China to resume direct dialogue, without preconditions, with the Dalai Lama, or his representatives, to seek a settlement that resolves differences and leads to a negotiated agreement on Tibet,” Biden said.
• The 14^th Dalai Lama fled Tibet in 1959 and came to India where he set up the govt-in-exile at Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh. (here)
• Responding to a question Chinese FM said “The so-called “Promoting a Resolution to the Tibet-China Dispute Act” violates the US govt’s long-held position and commitments and the basic norms governing international relations, grossly interferes in China’s domestic affairs, undermines China’s interests, and sends a severely wrong signal to the “Tibet independence” forces. China firmly opposes it and has protested to the US side. (here)

A contaminated cooking oil scandal in China has provoked outrage and raised fears over safety

• The Dept of Agriculture has confirmed a company alleged to have cross-contaminated cooking oil with petrol and other chemicals has been exporting to Australia.
• It’s understood the company’s tankers were doing double duty as a cost-cutting measure, and that the trucks weren’t cleaned between deliveries.
• The Chinese govt has acknowledged the allegations and is investigating, as experts warn the potential impacts on public health and the economy remain unclear. (here)

US sanctions more Chinese officials for ‘genocide and crimes against humanity’ in Xinjiang

• US President Joe Biden on Fri said it would impose sanctions on more Chinese officials for an “ongoing genocide and crimes against humanity”, capping off a week of sharp rebukes over Beijing’s human-rights abuses and support for Russia.
• The US State Dept stated it was “taking steps to impose visa restrictions on PRC officials for their involvement in repression of marginalized religious and ethnic communities”.
• In Mar, the State Dept criticized HK for its passage of a new domestic national security law, claiming vague language in its provisions created uncertainty for some residents.
• At the time, the State Department said it was “analyzing” the law to understand what risks were involved for American citizens. (here)

Philippines will ‘stand our ground’ in dispute with China, official says

• The Philippines will “stand our ground” in its dispute with China in the South China Sea, a top security official has said.
• Manila and Beijing have been engaged in a series of escalating confrontations over the strategic waterway, with ships carrying out dangerous maneuvers near the contested Second Thomas Shoal.
• “We will continue to stand our ground and push back against coercion, interference, malign influence, and other tactics that seek to jeopardize our security and stability,” Philippino NSA Eduardo Ano said on Fri on the dispute that sided against China.
• Ano said Manila rejects any use of force that seeks “to coerce and subordinate the national interests of the Philippines” but is “committed to the cause of peace”.
• China claims more than 90% of the SCS, including waters that fall within the exclusive economic zones of the Philippines and four other Southeast Asian countries. (here)

Pakistan secures $7 billion EFF deal

• Pakistan and the IMF have reached a staff-level agreement for a $7 billion Extended Fund Facility program -in a deal that in the short term inflicts a heavy burden on the nation but also ends decades-old protections to agriculturists and exporters.
• The IMF announced the 3-year 24^th program deal only after Pakistan agreed to bring transparency to the affairs of the Pakistan Sovereign Wealth Fund and stop giving any preferential treatment to the projects labored by the SIFC.
• Federal and provincial govts would also sign a new National Fiscal Pact to align their spending in line with the 18^th Constitutional Amendment.
• For the 24^th program, the govt has imposed heavy new taxes of over Rs1.7 trillion, mainly on the poorer and middle-income groups, and increased electricity by Rs 7.12/unit to collect an additional Rs580 bn from residential and commercial consumers.
• Pakistan had sought an $8.2 billion loan package but the global lender agreed to a nearly $7 billion loan and its disbursements would be spread over 37 months. (here)

Pakistan: Eight-day remand of Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi approved

• An accountability court on Sun approved an 8-day physical remand for PTI founder Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, in a new Toshakhana reference filed by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), ordering their reappearance on July 22.
• On Sat, Imran Khan and his wife were acquitted in the Iddat case by a sessions court, the verdict came out less than 24 hours after the top court ruled in favor of PTI
• The court’s short order stated to release Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi immediately unless they were wanted in other cases.
• Khan was technically being termed as a free man, however, PTI’s relief was short-lived as the accountability watchdog arrested him in a new Toshakhana reference.
• Bushra Bibi was also rearrested in this case when she was being released from Gate No. 3 of Adiala Jail. (here)