1. Army officer, 4 others killed in Doda, Jaish-linked outfit behind attack
2. Jaishankar’s veiled jibe at Pakistan: ‘Perpetrators, facilitators, financers and sponsors of terrorism…’
3. India releases first tranche of $2.5 mn to UN for Palestinian refugees
4. Only 8 people have applied under CAA before 1971: Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma
5. Bangladesh prefers India over China in $1 billion river project

What Else

1. Beijing promises joint facility, but builds full army base in Tajikistan
2. India and Russia have doubled rupee-rouble payments in 2024, says largest Russian bank
3. In Pacific outreach, India to help Marshall Islands with infra projects
4. Indian High Commissioner pays courtesy call to Pres Dr. Muizzu
5. In Pacific outreach, India to help Marshall Islands with infra projects
6. Apple’s India sales surge 33% to record in shift from China
7. Pakistan Government decides to ‘ban’ PTI
8. Pakistan: 3 killed in car bomb-and-gun attack in military compound
9. US-China high-level military dialogues gather pace; new crisis meeting on horizon
10. China-Russia sea drill starts after flotilla sails past Japan, South Korea and Philippines
11. China poses ‘deadly’ threat to UK, says former Nato boss

—————-

Army officer, 4 others killed in Doda, Jaish-linked outfit behind attack

• 4 Army personnel, including an officer, and a cop were killed during an encounter with heavily armed terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda of J&K on Mon.
• The attack was claimed by ‘Kashmir Tigers’, a shadow group of Pakistan-backed terrorist group Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM).
• The encounter took place when the troops of RR and SOG of the J&K Police launched a joint cordon and search operation at Dhari Gote Urarbagi in Desa forest belt, some 55 km from Doda town, late Mon evening.
• After a brief exchange of fire, the officials said the terrorists attempted to escape but were chased by the troops led by an officer, despite challenging terrain and thick foliage, leading to another firefight in the woods at nearly 9 pm.
• 5 soldiers were critically injured in the encounter and four of them, including the officer, later succumbed to injuries, the officials confirmed.
• JeM is the same group which earlier claimed responsibility for the attack on an Army convoy in Kathua on Jul 9.
• On Tue, a video shared by ANI showed morning visuals from the Doda area of J&K, where the gunfight erupted.
• “Initial reports suggest injuries to our bravehearts,” White Knight Corps posted. (here)

Jaishankar’s veiled jibe at Pakistan: ‘Perpetrators, facilitators, financers and sponsors of terrorism…’

• External affairs minister S Jaishankar on Mon took a veiled jibe at Pakistan, saying that the perpetrators, facilitators, financiers and sponsors of terrorism needed to be identified and punished.
• “The fight against the three evils — terrorism, separatism and extremism — is a priority in SCO,” the minister said during an interview with Astana-based Kazinform News.
• Jaishankar had led the Indian delegation to the 24^th meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of State in Kazakhstan’s capital Astana.
• The SCO was founded at a summit in Shanghai in 2001 by the presidents of Russia, China, the Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.
• India and Pakistan have been its permanent members since 2017.
• “There is no doubt that the major challenge faced by the world today is terrorism. It has become a threat to regional and global peace, and it demands urgent action from all of us,” he said.
• Astana Declaration “The Member States are unanimous in recognizing the need to improve SCO mechanisms to counter security challenges and threats and expand specialized cooperation in the fight against terrorism, separatism and extremism, as well as .. transnational organized crime.” (here)
• EAM Dr S Jaishankar to travel to Mauritius from Jul 16-17^th: MEA announcement

India releases first tranche of $2.5 mn to UN for Palestinian refugees

• New Delhi has released the first tranche of $2.5 million to the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) for Palestinian Refugees in the Near East as part of its annual contribution of $5 mn for the year 2024-25, the Rep Office of India here said on Mon
• The UNRWA, which has carried out direct relief and works programs for registered Palestinian refugees since 1950, is making efforts to keep up its functioning in the middle of the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.
• Over the years, in its endeavor to support the Palestinian refugees and their welfare, India has provided financial support to the tune of $35 million till 2023-24 for the UN agency’s core programs. (here)

Only 8 people have applied under CAA before 1971: Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma

• Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Jul 15 that 8 people applied under the CAA in Assam before 1971, and only 2 of them appeared for the interview.
• Addressing to pressers Sarma said, “So far, eight people in Assam have applied under CAA prior to 1971, and only two have appeared for the interview.”
• He further stated that anyone who came to India before 2015 has the first right to apply for citizenship, and if they do not apply, a case will be lodged against them.
• Regarding applicants who have ‘Foreigners Tribunals’ cases registered against them in Assam, if the cases were before 2015, they would be given a chance to apply under CAA
• He also urged the Hindu Bengalis in Assam to apply, but they said they were Indians and would rather fight the case than apply under CAA. (here)
• Assam Police to stop sending cases of non-Muslims to foreign tribunals: Non-Muslims who entered India before 2015 are eligible for citizenship under the Citizenship Amendment Act, the state govt told its border police unit. (here)

Bangladesh prefers India over China in $1 billion river project

• Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina said her govt would prefer neighboring India execute a $1 bn river development project, a move that would calm Delhi’s security concerns.
• “China is ready but I want India to do the project,” Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina told reporters at a press conference in Dhaka on Sun.
• China and India both want to execute the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration — a Dhaka-led initiative to better manage the river’s waters — as the two nation vie for influence in neighboring Bangladesh.
• The project to develop the river basin of 414 km long Teesta river that flows from India into B’desh figured prominently in talks during Hasina’s visit to New Delhi in Jun.
• An agreement on sharing the river’s water was reached in 2011 but could not be sealed after the eastern Indian state of West Bengal, through which the river flows before it enters Bangladesh, objected to the deal. (here)

Beijing promises joint facility, but builds full army base in Tajikistan

• China may have duped Tajikistan by establishing a full-scale military base instead of a joint CT facility in collaboration with the host’s interior ministry as originally planned.
• As reports emerged alleging that China has created a full-scale military base in the Central Asian country bordering Afghanistan, both China and Tajikistan recently denied the existence of a secret military base near the Tajik-Afghan border.
• The Chinese military base, located in a remote mountainous area at an altitude of 13,000 feet, includes observation towers and hosts troops from China.
• The purported counter-terror base was built following developments in Afghanistan and the agreement for the same may have been signed in 2021, sources said.
• Both Russia and India have big stakes in Tajikistan.
• Any Chinese military facility in Central Asia, particularly in Tajikistan close to the Afghan border and PoK, is a matter of concern for India as well as Russia.
• While Russia has retained a military base in Tajikistan, India has worked closely with the country in the past to address terror threats in the region.
• India operated out of Ayni air base in Tajikistan (near capital Dushanbe) and even deployed Sukhois, but later this facility was wound up.
• Between 2002-10, India spent nearly $70 mn to renovate the air base, extending the runway to 3200m and installing hi-tech navigational and air defense systems (here)

India and Russia have doubled rupee-rouble payments in 2024, says largest Russian bank

• India and Russia have doubled their payments in national currencies (rupee-rouble) since last year despite sanctions by the U.S. and EU, said Russia’s largest, state-controlled bank Sberbank – handles a majority of payments for Indian exports to Russia.
• This may rise further after PM Modi’s visit, economists and Indian businessmen working in Russia hope, warning that in the absence of the rupee, the yuan would continue to benefit from the “vacuum” created by the exit of Western companies.
• Sberbank spox said the rupee is now “easily convertible” in Russia, and that Sberbank hopes to serve as a “Sherpa” for more businesses given the $100 billion trade target by 2030 set by Mr. Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin during talks.
• The trade target is likely to be reached sooner than 2030 as bilateral trade in 2023-24 was already around $65 bn, with $60 bn just Russian exports to India, mainly in energy. (here)

In Pacific outreach, India to help Marshall Islands with infra projects

• In a Pacific outreach, India has announced that it will develop community infra projects in the Marshall Islands.
• The initiative includes the construction of a community sports center, airport terminal, and two community centers, and a MoU was signed on Mon regarding this as part of India’s annual grant-in-aid.
• New Delhi is also working on providing desalination and dialysis units to address healthcare needs in the Pacific nation.
• At the signing ceremony of the MoU, EAM Dr S Jaishankar said, “They will provide better infrastructure for the people of the Marshall Islands. India recognizes the priorities and needs of the Pacific island nations..” (here)

Indian High Commissioner pays courtesy call to Pres Dr. Muizzu

• Indian High Commissioner to the Maldives, Munu Mahawar, paid a courtesy call on President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu on Sun afternoon.
• According to the President’s Office, the President and the High Commissioner discussed avenues to further bolster ties between the two nations.
• Additionally, they spoke on various projects undertaken by India in the Maldives.
• During the meeting, the HC expressed gratitude to the President for accepting the invitation and attending the swearing-in ceremony of PM Modi for a new term.
• He stressed numerous productive avenues of ongoing cooperation and India’s commitment to assist in the progress and development of the Maldives and its people.
• The President expressed gratitude for India’s commitment to assisting the Maldives in its development and addressing the needs of Maldivians.
• The President and HC reiterated their unwavering commitment to fostering continued close relations and enhancing bilateral cooperation between the Maldives and India.
• They also agreed to continue to work together toward the common goal of maintaining peace and stability in the Indian Ocean. (here)

In Pacific outreach, India to help Marshall Islands with infra projects

• In a Pacific outreach, India has announced that it will develop community infrastructure projects in the Marshall Islands.
• This includes the construction of a community sports center, 2 community centers, and airport terminal, and a MoU was signed on Mon as part of India’s annual grant-in-aid.
• New Delhi is also working on providing desalination and dialysis units to address healthcare needs in the Pacific nation.
• At the signing ceremony of the MoU, EAM S Jaishankar said, “They will provide better infrastructure for the people of the Marshall Islands. India recognizes the priorities and needs of the Pacific island nations..”.
• India’s increasing support to the Pacific comes at a time when China is trying to expand its influence in the region.
• Beijing has been actively engaging with Pacific nations through loans, grants, and investments even as it tries to woo them for its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
• It has also pursued military engagement, including security agreements with countries like the Solomon Islands. (here)

Apple’s India sales surge 33% to record in shift from China

• Apple Inc.’s annual sales in India hit a record of almost $8 billion, underscoring a rapidly growing market where the iPhone maker now assembles more of its devices and operates two flagship stores.
• The India revenue jumped about 33% in the 12 months through March from $6 billion a year earlier, according to a person familiar with the matter.
• Apple’s pricey iPhones accounted for more than half of the sales, said the person, who asked not to be named as the information isn’t public.
• The increase signals steady progress in Apple’s effort to win users in India, whose consumers are gradually gaining more purchasing power as the economy expands.
• The company is targeting India as a way to diversify its manufacturing and revenue sources beyond the much larger market of China, which has become riskier (here)
•  

[Neighborhood]

Pakistan Government decides to ‘ban’ PTI

• Just days after the Supreme Court resurrected PTI, the PML-N-led ruling coalition decided on Mon that a reference will be sent to the top court seeking a ban on PTI.
• Also, govt will initiate Article 6 (high treason) measures against ex-PM Imran Khan, ex-President Arif Alvi, and ex-dy speaker Qasim Suri for dissolving the NA in Apr 2022.
• In a presser, I&B Minister Ataullah Tarar announced that the ruling alliance has also decided to challenge the recent decision of the SC through which it declared that the PTI is entitled to have reserved seats in the assembly.
• The Min stated that the alliance has decided to take strict legal action against folks and lobbyists campaigning from abroad aiming at Pakistan.
• Moreover, the Spox said that the federal govt will also swing in action against all those who were involved in pushing the country on the brink of default by allegedly sabotaging an IMF deal, further promising legal action for using cipher – a diplomatic cable – for personal and political interests by the then PTI leadership. (here)
• Sheikh Rashid seeks ‘general amnesty’ from establishment: Awami Muslim League leader and former interior minister, Sheikh Rashid, has raised serious concerns about the worsening state of the country and its economy.
• Speaking to the media outside Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail, Rashid emphasized the gravity of the situation, noting that during his 5-year tenure as a minister, he had shown leniency and now appeals to the establishment for a general amnesty.
• The former min while highlighting the recent rearrest of PTI’s Sanam Javed from a lawyer’s chamber, condemned the police for disrespecting several individuals. (here)
• Non-bailable warrants issued for top PTI leader: An Islamabad court on Mon issued non-bailable arrest warrants for Sher Afzal Marwat.
• The Judicial Magistrate of Islamabad took the action in connection with a case registered at Naseerabad police station.
• The court has ordered the arrest of Marwat, and that he will be presented on Jul 30.
• The case involves allegations against Marwat for constructing a plot near the Thalian Motorway Interchange without the necessary approvals. (here)

Pakistan: 3 killed in car bomb-and-gun attack in military compound

• Authorities in NW Pakistan said Mon that a suicide bomber drove an explosive-laden vehicle into a military compound, followed by several armed insurgents storming it, resulting in the death of at least 3 soldiers and injuries to 12 others.
• The pre-dawn raid occurred in the garrison city of Bannu, KP, which borders Afghanistan.
• Local police and witnesses reported that the intensity of the blast had also shattered nearby civilian homes, injuring at least 6 people.
• (sources)- Pakistani soldiers quickly “cornered” the assailants in a part of the building, killing 4 of them in the ensuing heavy gunfight.
• They said that army commandos were conducting a “clearance operation” to neutralize the threat and secure the compound completely.
• A spox of the military’s media wing, the ISPR said they are waiting for further details.
• Militants linked to the globally designated terrorist group, TTP, took responsibility for staging Mon’s assault.  (here)
• Dawn-Security forces foiled a terrorist attack in the Bannu cantonment area on Mon, Radio Pakistan reported.
• Per the report, terrorists attempted to enter the cantonment area by detonating an explosive-laden vehicle on the road linking the outer wall with the supply depot (here).

US-China high-level military dialogues gather pace; new crisis meeting on horizon

• The resumption of high-level military dialogues between the US and China has gathered pace, with a crisis-communications meeting possibly taking place before the end of this year, the Pentagon has confirmed.
• US President Biden first disclosed the restoration of talks – which had been suspended by Beijing almost 2 years ago to retaliate for a visit by then during a news conference at the end of the Nato summit on Thu.
• Biden also said that following his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in California in Nov, the two sides had agreed to put the “spy balloon” incident from early 2023 that had soured relations behind them and re-establish direct communication channels.
• “We set up a new mechanism. There’s a direct line between Xi and me, and our military has direct access to one another, and they contact one another when we have problems,” Biden said at the briefing at the White House. (here)

China-Russia sea drill starts after flotilla sails past Japan, South Korea and Philippines

• China and Russia have started a joint drill in the South China Sea following an exercise that simulated the search and arrest of “suspicious vessels”.
• Navies from the two countries began the “Joint Sea-2024” exercise on Sun at an unidentified military port in Zhanjiang in southern China’s Guangdong province.
• It said after the opening ceremony on Sun, that the two navies intended to carry out “on-map military simulation and tactical coordination” and discussion – something not mentioned in previous years.
• The statement did not specify the scale of the drill or how long it would last but said it would include weapons training, search and rescue operations, and defensive activities.
• Another report by Xinhua said the maritime drills began on Monday.
• The two countries have just wrapped up a separate exercise in which a flotilla practiced shipborne helicopter landings on each other’s vessels and “search and arrest” operations, according to a WeChat post by the PLA. (here)

China poses ‘deadly’ threat to UK, says former Nato boss

• China is among the countries that pose a “deadly” threat to Britain, the peer leading the UK govt’s strategic defense review has declared.
• Lord George Robertson, former Secy-Gen of Nato and ex-Labour defense secretary, said that the new review would bring “fresh eyes” to the threats and challenges facing the UK in the coming years.
• “We’re confronted by a deadly quartet of nations increasingly working together,” he said, in a reference to China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea.
• His language marked a stark pivot from rhetoric about Beijing deployed by the previous Conservative govt, which described China as an “epoch-defining challenge” and only used the term “threat” in an economic context.
• Asked about this shift, Robertson said: “The Nato summit last week in Washington made it perfectly clear that the challenge of China was something that had to be taken very, very seriously indeed.”
• He said developments in the “Asia-Pacific” region could be repeated, “in the Euro-Atlantic area very quickly afterward”. (here)