[ NATIONAL ]

Indian Navy test-fires BrahMos supersonic cruise missile

ANI – Indian Navy’s warship INS Visakhapatnam carried out the test-firing of BrahMos supersonic cruise missile off the western seaboard on Fri. The warship has now reached Visakhapatnam to take part in President’s Fleet Review on Feb 21 (sources). The missile was tested from INS Visakhapatnam which is the latest warship of the Indian Navy inducted recently. BrahMos is the main weapon system of the Indian Navy warships and has been deployed on almost all of its surface platforms. An underwater version is also being developed which will not only be used by the submarines of India but will also be offered for export to friendly foreign nations.

Timer device with Ammonium Nitrate, RDX used in IED recovered from Delhi’s Seemapuri

A timer device with Ammonium Nitrate and RDX was used in an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) recovered from a house in northeast Delhi’s Old Seemapuri on Thu, said National Security Guard (NSG). The elite NSG wing told ANI that the IED was recovered from the second floor of a house and its weight was approximate 3 kg. Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS) of the NSG diffused the IED soon after it arrived at the spot around 2.45 pm following information regarding the explosive received from the Delhi Police. An IED was recovered in Ghazipur on Jan 17, a similar IED was recovered yesterday. As per probe, these IEDs were prepared to blast in public places… such activities are not possible without local support: Delhi Police Commissioner. Special cell & investigative teams are on it; we’re probing forward & backward linkages. We’re trying to pre-empt every such incident in Delhi & expose any local/foreign network. The recovery of the IED left security agencies in a tizzy as a similar kind of explosive was recovered from east Delhi’s Ghazipur Flower Market on Jan 14. It was a major security threat just 2 weeks ahead of R-Day celebrations then. NSG on spot, area cordoned off. Room in which suspected, Delhi is taken on rent by 3-4 boys who are missing at the moment. Seemapuri is the hub of illegal Bangladeshi migrants in Delhi.

Northern Army Commander reviews situation along LOC in Kashmir valley

ANI – Northern Army Commander Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi concluded his 3-day visit to the Kashmir valley where he reviewed the situation along the border, said Indian Army officials. Lt Gen Dwivedi was on his maiden visit to the Kashmir valley after taking over as Northern Army Commander where he was briefed on the operational situation. The Northern Army Commander Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi was on 3 days visits to Kashmir from Feb 14 to 16.

BSF seizes 7 more Pakistan fishing boats from Gujarat’s Bhuj

The Border Security Force (BSF) on Thu seized 7 more Pakistani fishing boats in the general area of Harami Nalla in the Creek area in Gujarat’s Bhuj. These boats were seized at about noon, said BSF’s Public Relation Officer Gujarat Frontier. The operation was carried out by BSF’s Creek Crocodile Commando Teams. On Feb 9, the BSF had also seized 11 Pakistani fishing boats and apprehended 6 Pakistani fishermen in the general area of Harami Nalla. In this operation conducted in extremely inhospitable terrain, the BSF had the said ita troops with the help of Army troops supported by Indian Air Force succeeded in seizing 11 Pakistani fishing boats and apprehended 6 Pakistani nationals then.

Nepal to become the first country to deploy India’s UPI platform

This collaboration will enable the last-mile consumers in Nepal to reap the benefits of an open interoperable payments system driving immediate payment transfers between bank accounts and merchant payments in real-time. Nepal will be the first country to adopt India’s UPI system, which will play a pivotal role in transforming the digital economy of the neighboring country, the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) said on Thu.

European Parliament adopts security policies with Taiwan provisions

The European Parliament has adopted two security policies which include provisions that back Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international organizations. These policies, which were adopted on Thu, also call for peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. The European Parliament (EP) approved the Common Foreign and Security Policy in a 474-113 vote with 102 abstentions, the Taiwan Focus reported. Meanwhile, the Common Security and Defense Policy was passed 369-197 with 123 abstentions. According to the CSFP report, the EP “strongly advocates for Taiwan’s meaningful participation as an observer in meetings, mechanisms, and activities of international organizations and deeper EU-Taiwan cooperation, including a bilateral investment agreement.” According to the report, the EU member states will take a proactive role in working with like-minded international partners to pursue peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. Furthermore, the CSDP report states that unilateral action that could undermine the status quo in the Taiwan Strait and any change to cross-strait relations, must not be made against the will of Taiwan’s citizens.

Mr. Justin Trudeau, you are wrong about the Swastika: Here are the facts

After failing to distinguish between the Swastika and Adolf Hitler’s ‘Hakenkreuz,’ or hooked cross, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Indian-origin lawmaker Jagmeet Singh created a new dispute. A prominent Hindu organization in the US has advised Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Indian-origin lawmaker Jagmeet Singh not to mix the “Swastika,” an old and auspicious symbol for Hindus, with the “Hakenkreuz,” a Nazi symbol of hatred from the 20^th century. “Swastikas and Confederate flags have no place in Canada,” New Democratic Party (NDP) leader Jagmeet Singh tweeted amid major protests by hundreds of truck drivers over Canada’s COVID-19 regulations.

India-Armenia Foreign Office Consultations

The 9^th round of Foreign Office Consultations (FoC) between India and Armenia was held in virtual format on Feb 18, 2022. The Indian side was led by Smt. Reenat Sandhu, Secretary (West) and the Armenian side was led by Mnatsakan Safaryan, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia. During the consultations, both sides had comprehensive discussions on bilateral cooperation in diverse areas including political, economic, commercial, defense, development partnership, capacity building, consular matters, and cultural cooperation. They also reviewed the implementation of decisions taken during the first-ever visit of the External Affairs Minister to Armenia in Oct 2021.

India protests against PM Lee’s comments on lawmakers

Straits Times (official)- India issued a diplomatic protest with Singapore over Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s remarks about the number of Indian lawmakers facing criminal charges. New Delhi raised the issue with the city state’s high commissioner on Thu (Feb 17). The official said PM Lee’s remarks were ‘uncalled for’. In Singapore, the PM’s Office declined to comment. Addressing Singapore’s Parliament earlier this week about a lying scandal involving a former lawmaker, PM Lee said: “Nehru’s India has become one where, according to media reports, almost half the MPs in the Lok Sabha have criminal charges pending against them, including charges of rape and murder.”

Special court orders death for 38 for deadly 2008 serial bomb blasts

An Indian court on Fri (Feb 18) sentenced 38 Muslim men to death and ordered life in prison for 11 others for a series of bomb blasts in 2008 in the city of Ahmedabad that killed more than 50 people, lawyers said. The explosions had badly shaken the western state of Gujarat, where Hindu-Muslim riots in 2002 are believed to have killed thousands. A group called the “Indian Mujahideen” had claimed responsibility for the blasts on Jul 26, 2008. A defense lawyer said they would appeal the verdict in a higher court. (Reuters)

Railway Protection Force rescued 1045 children from trafficking this January

ANI-The Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel in January this year saved a total of 1045 children, including 344 girls, who were vulnerable to being exploited and trafficked, if not secured in time, the Railways said on Thu. This was part of ‘Operation Nanhe Fariste’ carried out by RPF. Presently Child Help Desks are functional at 132 railway stations across the Indian Railways. According to the official release, RPF under ‘Mission Jeewan Raksha’, saved 42 persons, including 20 males and 22 women, under this mission during Jan 2022. Taking other preventive measures RPF arrested 5 persons in cases of molestation and eve-teasing and arrested 2,185 persons found traveling in ladies coaches.

[ NEIGHBORHOOD ]

Israeli navy joins US-led exercise with Saudi Arabia, Pakistan

The Israeli navy confirmed on Thu that it has participated in a US-led exercise with Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and some other countries that do not have diplomatic ties with the Jewish state.

Opposition tastes defeat as Senate passes Ogra bills

The opposition in the Senate on Thu snatched defeat from the jaws of victory when the government managed to get three bills passed from the upper house of parliament, despite opposition protests. Before the two controversial Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) bills, cleared by the concerned Senate standing committee, could be taken up for consideration, the opposition raised technical objections and sought deferment of the bills to allow members to introduce amendments. However, Leader of the Opposition in the Senate Yousaf Raza Gilani agreed to cooperate after assurances from Minister Shibli Faraz, that amendments to be moved by the opposition would be entertained.

Samaa TV journalist shot dead during ‘robbery bid’ in Karachi

A journalist associated with Samaa TV was shot dead by armed robbers during an alleged snatching bid in Karachi’s North Nazimabad area on Friday morning, police said.

Anti-govt protests in Pakistan’s Quetta over non-payment of government employees’ salaries

ANI – Anti-government protest rallies were held in Pakistan’s Quetta by employees of Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA), Quetta Metropolitan Corporation (MCQ) and other Balochistan Municipal Committees over the non-payment of salaries and pensions. The protestors slammed the government for unnecessary delay in fund approvals and also chanted slogans demanding the government to fulfill their demands, reported The Express Tribune.

China backs Myanmar’s military regime, sidelines democratic National Unity Government: Report

Nikkei Asia – China has backed Myanmar’s military regime while also keeping in touch with the National Unity Government, a pro-democracy group set up by previously elected and now-ousted lawmakers, said a media report. China is doubling down on its backing of Myanmar’s military regime one year after the military takeover, despite widespread and sustained opposition to the generals in the country. For months, China has recognized the authority of the military-established State Administration Council while sidelining the NUG. China has kept its options open by backing calls for dialogue between the military and the ousted National League for Democracy, led by Aung San Suu Kyi, who is under arrest. China has also maintained its long-standing ties with some of the ethnic armed organizations historically opposed to the military. The NUG was set up by elected legislators who were barred from taking their seats when the military seized power and detained civilian leaders.

China changing tune as birth rate drops to a record low, faces the challenge of the aging population

ANI – China’s birth rate has dropped to a record low, with experts questioning Beijing’s “one-child” policy, enforced with an iron hand, which is being blamed for the population conundrum visible in a rapidly aging population and a shrinking workforce. China’s working-age population is fast declining. The number of people too old to work, comparatively, is rising. In 2021, 267 million people were aged 60 and above in China as compared to 264 million in 2020. As per the National Bureau of Statistics data, the birth rate in China dropped to a record low of 7.52 per 1,000 people in 2021 and 8.52 per 1000 people in 2020. In 2021, the number of births was just about enough to outnumber the 10.1 million deaths. Compared with 12 million in 2020, only 10.62 million births were reported in 2021. The population grew by a meager 480,000 to rise to 1.4 billion. The natural growth rate fell to 0.034%.

Top US General warns of ISIS presence in Afghanistan

In an interview shared on Facebook by the US Central Command – Dari/Pashto, Gen Kenneth McKenzie said that America is still “sorting out what is going to happen” since the Taliban came into power, reported Tolo News. The Secretary-General of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), Stanislav Zas, warned that the re-emergence of foreign terrorist groups including Al-Qaeda and ISIS are not only a threat to Afghanistan but the whole region, reported Tolo News. Meanwhile, the Taliban Defense Ministry denied reports over the presence of foreign troops in Afghanistan. Based on the Doha agreement signed between the Taliban and Washington on Feb 29^th, 2020, the Islamic Emirate is committed to cutting ties with all terrorist groups in the region. 

Russia-Ukraine crisis: India at UNSC emphasizes quiet, constructive diplomacy, backs Minsk Agreements

ANI – Amid the tensions between Russia and Ukraine, India on Thu said that quiet and constructive diplomacy is the need of the hour, and any steps that increase tension may best be avoided by all sides in the larger interest of securing international peace and security.

• Delivering India’s Statement at UNSC on Minsk-II Agreements, Permanent Representative to the UNSC, TS Tirumurti said the issue can only be resolved through diplomatic dialogue.
• India welcomes the efforts underway for the implementation of the ‘Minsk Agreements’ including through the Trilateral Contact Group and under the Normandy format.

‘Minsk Agreements’- The Minsk Protocol is an agreement, which sought to end the war in the Donbas region of Ukraine. It was written in 2014 by the Trilateral Contact Group on Ukraine, consisting of Ukraine, the Russian Federation, and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), with mediation by the leaders of France and Germany in the so-called Normandy Format. However, the agreement has so far not been observed and sporadic clashes continue.

Normandy format -Talks involve 4 countries, Germany, Russia, Ukraine, and France, whose representatives met informally during the 2014 D-Day celebration in Normandy, France, to resolve the war in Donbas.).

He said India has been in touch with all parties concerned and New Delhi’s interest is in finding a solution that can provide for immediate de-escalation of tensions taking into account the legitimate security interests of all countries and aimed towards securing long-term peace and stability in the region and beyond.

• He said more than 20,000 Indian students and nationals live and study in different parts of Ukraine, including in its border areas.
• Tirumurti said India believes ‘Minsk Agreements’ provide a basis for a negotiated and peaceful settlement of the situation in Eastern Ukraine.
• We urge all parties to continue to engage through all possible diplomatic channels and keep working towards the full implementation of the ‘Minsk Agreements’.
• He said India also believes that meetings under the Normandy Format will further facilitate the implementation of the provisions of the ‘Minsk Agreements’, including its key security and political aspects.
• Any steps that increase tension may best be avoided by all sides in the larger interest of securing international peace and security.
• Quiet and constructive diplomacy is the need of the hour,” he said.
• Earlier, India called for immediate de-escalation of Russia-Ukraine border tensions.
• Tensions over Ukraine have increased in recent months, with Russia and NATO accusing each other of amassing troops on the Russian-Ukrainian border.
• The US and Ukraine accuse Russia of preparing to invade.
• Meanwhile, Moscow denies the claims and maintains that it has no intention of attacking any country.
• The conflict in Donbas between Ukraine’s govt and the breakaway of Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics has been going on since 2014.

PM Modi to hold India-UAE summit with Abu Dhabi Crown Prince today (Fri)

ANI – Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, and Deputy Supreme Commander of UAE Armed Forces, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed al Nahyan, will hold a virtual summit on Fri where the two leaders will discuss bilateral cooperation and international issues of mutual interest.

• This is a time when India is celebrating 75 years of its Independence as Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav and the UAE is commemorating the 50^th anniversary of its foundation.
• In recent years, bilateral relations between India and the UAE have strengthened in all areas, and both sides have embarked upon a comprehensive strategic partnership.
• PM visited UAE in 2015, 2018, and 2019 while the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi visited India in 2016 and 2017.
• Ministerial visits between the two sides have also continued, (3 visits of the External Affairs Minister and a visit of the Commerce and Industry Minister), to UAE in 2021.
• Both sides have collaborated closely during the Covid-19 pandemic in critical areas of healthcare and food security.
• Bilateral trade, investment, and energy relations have remained robust. The two sides are also strengthening their cooperation in new areas of renewable energy, startups, fintech, etc.
• India is participating with one of the largest pavilions in the Dubai Expo 2020.
• A major initiative in bilateral relations is the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
• Negotiations for CEPA were launched in September 2021 and have been completed, the MEA said.
• The Agreement will take India-UAE’s economic and commercial engagement to the next level.
• UAE is India’s 3^rd-largest trade partner, and bilateral trade and investment ties are expected to see significant enhancements.
• UAE hosts a large Indian community which numbers close to 3.5 million.
• PM has expressed India’s appreciation to the leadership of the UAE for supporting the Indian community during the pandemic.
• UAE leadership has also been appreciative of the contribution of the Indian community in its development.
• Both sides had agreed on an “Air Bubble Arrangement” in 2020 during the pandemic which has enabled the movement of people between the 2 countries.

Gems & Jewellery sector is expected to achieve the export target of $40 billion this year: Shri Piyush Goyal

• “The sector is expected to register a growth of 6.5% over the pre-Covid levels”: Shri Goyal
• India wants to make its G&J sector Aatmanirbhar, says Shri Piyush Goyal
• The govt has declared the G&J sector as a focus area for export promotion: Shri Goyal
• Goyal addresses the Inaugural Ceremony of India International Jewellery Show (IIJS) Signature 2022.

Goyal said the Budget 2022 has paved the road for the sector to grow and expand India’s footprint in Global G&J trade:

• Reduction in import duty on cut and polished diamonds from 7% to 5%
• Extension of Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme for MSMEs up to March 2023. (Over 90% of units in the G&J sector are MSMEs)
• Acceptance of personal surety bonds in place of bank guarantee for import of gold
• Replacement of SEZ Act with a new SEZ regime
• A simplified regulatory framework for e-commerce in the next few months will facilitate G&J exports through e-commerce, ensuring that small retailers can ship their products overseas

[ NEIGHBORHOOD ]

Israeli navy joins US-led exercise with Saudi Arabia, Pakistan

Dawn-The US Navy said in a statement that more than 9,000 people from 60 militaries took part in the International Maritime Exercise (IMX), which kicked off on Jan 31.

• The participants included Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Comoros, Djibouti, Somalia, and Yemen who do not have diplomatic ties with Israel.
• Several countries with which Israel recently normalized relations — such as the UAE and Bahrain — also participated.
• Bahrain is a close US ally and hosts the 5^th Fleet of the US Navy.
• The biennial drill was launched in 2012 and has become “the largest multinational naval exercise in the Middle East,” the US Navy said.
• The Israeli media reported that this was Israel’s first participation in a military exercise with countries that do not have diplomatic ties with the state.

Israeli Navy chief David Salama said in a statement that their participation in the American exercise “demonstrates the strengthening connection between our fleets, based on power, mutual learning, and strategic partnership”.

In Nov, the Israeli Navy participated in a 5^th Fleet-led exercise in the Red Sea, alongside the UAE and Bahrain in what Israeli officials said was “meant to serve as a response to recent attacks by Iran against Israeli naval assets,” the Israeli media reported.

Pakistan’s struggle to secure the western frontier

Dawn-Pakistan’s military has stepped up operations along the Afghan border in recent weeks after a spate of militant attacks has dented hopes the frontier might see more peace and stability after the end of the war in Afghanistan.

• Militant groups have killed at least 14 Pakistani soldiers in attacks over the past month, 3 of them carried out by fighters entering from Afghanistan, the Pakistani military said.
• Afghanistan’s new Taliban rulers have denied that Afghan territory was used in any of the attacks.
• But despite such assurances, disputes linked to the border, which has been a bone of contention between the neighbors for decades, could undermine their relations.
• The Pakistani military said 6 insurgents were killed in the latest clash in Balochistan on Wed.
• Reuters (official): “We have stepped up intelligence-based operations to ensure that we deny entry to militants.”

Large areas on the Pakistani side of the border were out of the control of the govt for decades, ruled by fiercely independent Pashtun tribes, whose communities often straddle both sides of the unmarked border.

But Pakistan is determined to end all that, aiming to bring the rugged lands under the central rule, demarcate the border with a fence, and control who comes and goes with a tight border-control system, another official said.

“We’re targeting anyone, whether insurgent or militant, who is a threat,” said the second official, who also declined to be identified.

‘Friends’- Pakistan has enjoyed good relations with the Afghan Taliban for years even though Pakistan was officially an ally of the US during its 20-year occupation of Afghanistan.

• But as Pakistan grapples with violence by militants, its appeals to the Taliban to control their side of the border have not brought the action it hopes to see.
• Pakistani officials have been pressing the Taliban to deny space and resources to the militants, an appeal repeated by National Security Adviser Moeed Yusuf during his visit to Kabul.
• Yusuf’s office did not respond to a Reuters request for comment.
• The Pakistani military’s information office did not respond to a request for comment.
• In Kabul, the Taliban reject suggestions Afghan territory is used for attacks into Pakistan and hope talks can solve the problem.
• The Taliban tried late last year to facilitate talks between Pakistan and the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan, but the talks fell apart after a few weeks.