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Suspected Chinese hackers collect intelligence from India’s power grid

BLOOMBERG- Recorded Future Inc claimed on Wed that suspected state-sponsored Chinese hackers have targeted the power sector in India in recent months as part of an apparent cyber-espionage campaign. The hackers focused on at least 7 “load dispatch” centers in northern India that are responsible for real-time operations for grid control and electricity dispersal, near the disputed India-China border in Ladakh. In addition, the hackers compromised an Indian national emergency response system and a subsidiary of a multinational logistics company, according to the report. Recorded Future- The hacking group, dubbed TAG-38, has used a kind of malicious software called ShadowPad, which was previously associated with China’s Army. The report said the method the attackers, launch the intrusions were based in South Korea and Taiwan, used to make the intrusions — using compromised internet of things devices and cameras — was unusual. Neither Beijing nor Delhi commented on the issue.

India, the Netherlands sign four agreements during President’s state visit

India and Netherlands signed 4 agreements on the sidelines of President Ram Nath Kovind’s state visit to the Netherlands, Minister of External Affairs (MEA) Secy (West) informed on Wed. Addressing a special briefing here, Verma said the India-Netherland partnership is significant, not just in content but also in terms of the pace and momentum generated by periodic meetings between the leadership of the two countries.

• Extension of MoU on bilateral cooperation in the field of Ports, Maritime Transport, and Logistics.
• Extension of MoU with State Archives Department, Kerala, and National Archives of Netherlands on the execution of Shared Cultural Heritage;
• MoU for Cosmos Malabaricus Project between Leiden University and Kerala Council of Historical Research and National Archives of Netherlands.
• Extension of the Program of Cooperation between the Department of Biotech, GoI and the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Agriculture and Innovation, Govt of Netherlands.

Piyush Goyal invites the University of New South Wales to expand its footprints in India

To further deepen the educational partnership between India and Australia, Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal on Thu invited the University of New South Wales to expand its footprints in India to enable students on both sides to compete in the global ecosystem. Goyal is on a 3-day visit to Australia and today he visited New South Wales University and interacted with students.

Rajnath Singh to release 3^rd list of positive indigenization list of defense equipment

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thu releases the 3^rd positive indigenization list of defense equipment. This list builds on the first list of 101 items and the second list of 108 items, promulgated earlier in 2020 and 2021.

US envoy to India ‘incredibly important’ diplomatic position: White House

When asked how does a lack of an ambassador in New Delhi affect US’ ability to pressure India not to work with Russia, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said the preference is always to have a confirmed ambassador on the ground. Psaki said the US envoy to India is “an incredibly important diplomatic position.” The US reiterated its objection to New Delhi continuing business as usual with Russia and said that it has conveyed to India that the US does not think India should accelerate imports of Russian energy and other commodities even as they are only importing about 1-2% of their oil. The US stands ready to support India in any efforts to diversify its imports, the WH said.

PM Modi lauds Ukraine situation debate in LS, says bipartisanship on foreign policy augurs well for India on the world stage

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wed lauded the “rich level of debate” in Lok Sabha on the Ukraine situation and evacuation of Indian citizens through Operation Ganga and said there is bipartisanship on matters of foreign policy which augurs well for India on the world stage. The PM, who made a series of tweets, said the govt will leave no stone unturned to ensure people do not face any troubles in adverse situations.

Israeli delegation meets Karnataka Minister, discusses IT, biotechnology

The delegation of Israel’s National Defense College met Karnataka Minister for Higher Education CN Ashwath Narayan on Wed and discussed the information technology, biotechnology, and Startup ecosystem. During this meeting at Vikasa Soudha, Narayan apprised the members of the delegation concerning IT/Biotechnology, startup, defense research, and technology ecosystem among other things. He also recalled the address made by the Prime Minister of Israel at the Bengaluru Tech Summit held in a hybrid model last Nov.

Evidence doesn’t suggest the presence of XE COVID variant in India, says Health Ministry

The Union Health Ministry on Wednesday said that the present evidence does not suggest the presence of the XE variant of COVID denying media reports that claimed that a case of the new mutant was reported in Mumbai. “Hours after report of detection of XE variant of Coronavirus in Mumbai.

NIA raids several locations in the Baramulla region in Jammu and Kashmir

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) officials raided several locations in the Baramulla area in Jammu and Kashmir on Thu in connection with the terror funding case being probed by the agency. The raids were carried out in Mustafabad Zainakote, Nowgam, and Chanapora.

The sleuths of the NIA along with local police and the CRPF carried out raids. Earlier, NIA had conducted searches at Sonwar Bagh, Srinagar in the case of collection and transfer of funds by certain NGOs, trusts, societies, and organizations on behalf of separatists/terrorist organizations to sustain secessionist and terror activities in the Valley. The search was conducted at the premises of a suspicious person led to the recovery of documents related to financial transactions.

ED questions Omar Abdullah in connection with J-K Bank scam

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has been questioning former J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah here in the national capital in connection with J&K Bank scam case, officials said. Abdullah appeared before the ED around 11 am at ED’s headquarters. He was earlier summoned by the ED and was asked to visit its office on Thu here. The ED officials are taking the statement of Abdullah who is accused of opening several accounts in the J&K Bank with the help of his close aides including Ahsan Mirza, who was authorized to sign cheques.

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Beijing warns of ‘forceful measures’ if Nancy Pelosi visits Taiwan

Reports of a trip to Taiwan by US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi this weekend have prompted a diplomatic protest from Beijing, which says it will take “resolute and forceful measures” if the visit goes ahead.

Lankan Crisis: Lankan President Rajapaksa appoints new financial team for debt sustainability

Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Wed night appointed a new financial and economic team for multilateral affairs and debt sustainability. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has appointed a prestigious team in financial and economic expertise as members of the Presidential Advisory Team on multilateral affairs and debt sustainability, the president’s media division said. The members include Indrajit Coomaraswamy, former Governor of Central Bank of Lanka and former Director of Economic Affairs Department, Shanta Devarajan, Professor of Development Scheme at Georgetown University and former Chief Economist of World Bank, and Sharmini Coorey, former Director of Corporate Capacity Development and former Dy Director of African Department of International Monetary Fund.

Dollar breaches Rs189 as IMF facility stalled, political turmoil persists

The US dollar continued its surge against the rupee on Thu, breaching the Rs189 barrier in the interbank trade, a trend that is largely attributed to the stalling of an International Monetary Fund (IMF) loan facility as well as rising imports. According to the Forex Association of Pakistan, the greenback appreciated by Rs3 over Wed’s close of Rs 186.13 to reach a new high of Rs189.25 in the interbank market today. Earlier on Wed, the dollar had closed 90 paise up from Tue’s Rs185.23. The dollar was being quoted at Rs 189.02 in the interbank at 1:18 pm.

Ready to hold elections in Oct 2022: Pakistan SC to Election Commission

Responding to a letter by President Arif Alvi in this regard, Pakistan’s Election Commission said that the body is ready to hold elections in Oct 2022. The body went on to add that as per the country’s Constitution and laws, the Election Commission will need four more months to complete the process of delimitation. Pakistan’s Election Commission has further sought a meeting with President Alvi to hold consultations on the dates of the general election.

SC to announce verdict on deputy speaker’s ruling, NA dissolution at 7:30 pm Thu

Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Ata Bandial on Thu said that it was clear that the Apr 3 ruling of National Assembly Deputy Speaker Qasim Khan Suri, dismissed the no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Imran Khan, was erroneous. “The real question at hand is what happens next,” he said, adding that now the PML-N counsel and the Attorney General of Pakistan (AGP) would guide the court on how to proceed. What is happening in Pakistan is seems well-scripted drama, than anything else. While a simple question is to be answered whether the act of Dy Speaker on Sun was right or not, despite it seems that both lawyers and judges are learning the constitution once again. Many experts believe that taking suo moto action by the Supreme court, was also a part of legitimizing the political action.

Pakistan issues s notification for the launch and testing of a ballistic missile over the Arabian Sea, with a Launch Window, less than 3000 km from Somiani Flight TestRange from 09-10 Apr 2022

The gas crisis has become very critical in the entire Sindh

The gas crisis has become very critical in the entire Sindh and especially the most populated city Karachi. To provide gas to the residential areas all CNG stations will be closed for three days. According to the notification for 72 hours from Friday 8^th from 8 am to Mon 11^th Apr 8 am all CNG stations will remain closed. Load shedding of gas for 3 to 4 hours in many areas of the city is restarted. Consumers are facing great difficulties with load shedding and low gas pressure. (Ausaf Daily)

The uncertain political situation has affected the CPEC project and the investments for the second phase of the project have been stopped.

An English journal ‘Business Recorder’ has reported that China has stopped investment for the 2^nd phase of CPEC due to the uncertain political situation in Pakistan. According to CPEC Authority sources 19 Chinese companies were interested in investing billions of dollars in different sectors. The top office bearers of these companies had a meeting with PM Imran Khan in Feb 2022 when he was on a visit to China. The 19 companies were ready to invest but now they have postponed their program till the political situation stabilizes. (Ausaf Daily)

India to face significant cost if aligned with Russia: US

The US on Wed acknowledged that the US envoy to India is an ‘incredibly important’ position, which the White House is looking to fill amid the growing uncertainty about the fate of President Biden’s nominee Eric Garcetti.

• The US has told India that the consequences of a “more explicit strategic alignment” with Moscow would be “significant and long-term,” he said.
• President Joe Biden’s top economic adviser said the administration has warned India against aligning itself with Russia,
• US officials have been “disappointed” with some of New Delhi’s reactions to the Ukraine invasion.

“There are certainly areas where we have been disappointed by both China and India’s decisions, in the context of the invasion,” the director of the White House National Economic Council, Brian Deese, told reporters. 

Deese’s comments come after Dy National Security Advisor Daleep Singh traveled to India last week for meetings with officials.

“What Daleep did make clear to his counterparts was that we don’t believe it’s in India’s interest to accelerate or increase imports of Russian energy and other commodities,” Press Secretary Jen Psaki quoted Singh’s words which was considered ‘quite undiplomatic’ by many experts. 

• India’s Ministry of External Affairs didn’t respond to a message seeking comment sent after normal business hours.
• The US and the rest of the Group of 7 nations will continue to collaborate with India and hope that they can align efforts to the greatest extent possible, a US official said.
• India and the US collaborate extensively on food security and global energy, the official said. 
• The official asked not to be identified as a condition of the briefing.
• In addition to seeking Russian oil, India is the world’s largest buyer of Russian weapons.
• Indian Prime Minister has resisted entreaties from the US and Australia to scale back the relationship, insisting that India needs Russian weapons to counter border aggression.
• The US says ready to become India’s reliable supplier, to counter Russia’s dependence
• Sending deputy NSA is an example of the fact that the US has many channels to engage with India in the absence of a confirmed ambassador, the WH said.
• The statements come as the US has slapped new sanctions on Russian President Vladimir Putin’s two daughters.
• The United States at present does not have a confirmed ambassador in India as Eric Garcetti who is supposed to be the next ambassador does not have enough votes yet.
• According to reports, Biden may replace Garcetti’s nomination. 
• The US has been repeating its displeasure with India’s continuous engagement with Russia in sectors like oil and defense.
• In his recent visit to New Delhi, Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov said Russia is also ready to discuss if India wants to buy anything from Moscow amid the difficult global situation caused by Russia’s aggression on Ukraine.
• US defense secretary Lloyd Austin on Tue said going forward, the US will want India to downscale its defense dependence on Russia.
• US is ready to take the place of Russia.

While external affairs minister S Jaishankar, finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman have defended India’s purchase of discounted oil from Russia, Jaishankar in Parliament made it clear that India is strongly against the Russia-Ukraine conflict and if New Delhi has chosen a side, it is the side of peace and an immediate end to violence.

India to boost arms output, fearing shortfall from Russia

India on Thu said it would ramp up its production of military equipment, including helicopters, tank engines, missiles, and airborne early warning systems, to offset any potential shortfall from its main supplier Russia. India depends on Russia for nearly 60% of its defense equipment, and the war in Ukraine has added to doubts about future supplies.

Comment: Despite multiple threats to India from the US, India is not paying much heed to it. While India has distended itself from the Russia-Ukrain crisis but keeps business going as usual with Russia, which is mainly because of low cost, affordable equipment, as well as Russia is ready to manufacture and technology transfer to India, contrary to the US. Nevertheless, since India is a major station for the West in securing an open Indo-Pacific, the US cannot undermine it.

Civilian killings in Ukraine’s Bucha deeply disturbing, need independent probe: India at UNSC

At the UN Security Council meeting on Ukraine’s Crisis, India condemned the recent reports of civilian killings in Bucha and supported calls for an independent investigation into the matter, said TS Trimurti Indian permanent envoy to UNSC on Wed.

• Images and videos of people lying dead on the streets of Bucha, some with their hands tied behind them, have emerged after the Russian pullout from the outskirts of Kyiv.
• The grisly images of battered bodies left out in the open or hastily buried drew global condemnation and calls for investigation and tougher actions against Russia.

Meanwhile, the Russian Embassy in India stated on Thu on the massacre in Bucha

Russia firmly stands for bringing to justice those involved in this outrageous war crime act. The main challenge is to ensure a genuinely independent and unbiased investigation.

• Regrettably, there have been so far widespread hollow allegations against Moscow while there’s evidence that it was a cynical false flag operation, perpetrated by Kyiv itself.
• It is vitally important to take this evidence into account as we seek justice.

No doubt there was only one way of reporting in international media. More significantly, the actions of ‘Apex bodies’ are appearing unilateral, without listening to another side. What one can see from very outside is that there was a video, which didn’t support by any investigation and the UN acted on it.

Rajnath Singh to release 3rd list of positive indigenization list of defense equipment today

• Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thu releases the 3^rd positive indigenization list of defense equipment.
• This list builds on the first list of 101 items and the second list of 108 items, promulgated earlier in 2020 and 2021.

The major items in the 1^st list include 155mm/39 Cal Ultra-Light Howitzer, Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk-IA – Enhanced Indigenised Content, conventional submarines, and communication satellites GSAT-7C.

The major items in the 2^nd list include the next-generation Corvette, Land-Based MRSAM Weapon System, Smart Anti-Field Weapon System (SAAW) Mk-I and Onboard Oxygen Generation System (OBOGS) based integrated life support system for fighter aircraft and 1000HP Engine for Tank (T-72).

• The third list will consist of over 100 items, including complex equipment and systems which are being developed and likely to translate into firm orders over the next 5 years.
• Orders worth more than Rs 2,10,000 crore are likely to be placed in the Industry in the next 5 years as part of the items covered in the third list.
• With the notification, over 300 sophisticated items will be covered, ranging from complex weapon systems to critical platforms such as Armoured vehicles, combat aircraft, submarines, etc.
• Since the notification of the first and second lists, contracts for 31 projects worth Rs 53,839 crore have been signed by the Armed Forces.
• Acceptance of Necessity (AoNs) for 83 projects worth Rs 1,77,258 crore have been accorded.
• In addition, cases worth Rs 2,93,741 crore will be progressed in the next 5-7 years.
• The notification of the third list will supply equipment of international standards to meet the demand of the Armed Forces.
• The Defence Ministry is coming out with the third positive indigenization list today.

This third list builds on the first list of 101 items and the second list of 108 items, promulgated earlier in 2020 and 2021. The third Positive Indigenization List includes Sensors, Weapons, and ammunition, Rocket, Naval Utility Helicopters, Patrol vessels, Anti-ship Missile, Anti-Radiation Missile,

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Beijing warns of ‘forceful measures’ if Nancy Pelosi visits Taiwan

Reports of a trip to Taiwan by US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi this weekend have prompted a diplomatic protest from Beijing, which says it will take “resolute and forceful measures” if the visit goes ahead.

• Pelosi, a long-time supporter of Taiwan, is expected to arrive in Taipei on Sun after visiting Japan, according to media reports on Thu, including on Fuji News Network, citing sources.
• Neither Taiwan’s foreign ministry nor Pelosi’s office has confirmed the reports.
• But Beijing analysts see the visit as “very likely” given American bipartisan support for Taiwan and Washington’s hardening line on China amid the Ukraine crisis.
• Chinese foreign ministry on Thu urged Washington to stick to its one-China policy and said Beijing firmly opposed any form of official exchange between the US and Taiwan.
• FM said if Pelosi visits Taiwan it will “seriously undermine the political foundation of Sino-US relations, and send a wrong message to separatist forces promoting Taiwan independence”.
• FM said China had “lodged solemn representations” with the US and urged Washington to “immediately cancel” the trip.

“If the US goes its way, China will take resolute and forceful measures to firmly defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and the US must be fully responsible for all the consequences,” Zhao told reporters.

Asked about US Treasury Secy’s comment on Wed that Washington was ready to use all its sanctions tools against China if Beijing moved aggressively towards Taiwan, Zhao said it was an “internal affair and no other countries have the right to interfere”.

• Taiwanese foreign ministry spokeswoman Joanne Ou declined to confirm or deny Pelosi’s trip but said Taipei would continue to invite US officials to visit the island.
• “It is a … deeply disruptive move that will drive a negative wedge into US-China relations,” said one expert.
• Chinese President Xi Jinping told his US counterpart, Joe Biden, last month that “mishandling of the Taiwan question will have a disruptive impact on bilateral ties”.

He said a trip by Pelosi was “not surprising” at a time when Washington was framing the US-China rivalry as a “battle between democracy and autocracy” – including in light of Moscow’s actions in Ukraine, which Beijing has refused to condemn.

• Another expert said it was a challenge to Beijing’s “red line” on Taiwan.
• Washington has moved closer to Taiwan in recent years angering Beijing which has stepped up diplomatic and military pressure on the island.
• Beijing was also furious when Taiwan was invited to US President Joe Biden’s democracy summit in Dec, but representatives from mainland China were excluded.
• “China will have to take resolute and harsh measures to hit hard at both the US and Taiwan,” the expert said.
• Adding that Beijing had made “contingency plans” to respond to what he called provocations from Washington and Taipei, without elaborating.
• Beijing should “show restraint” to avoid worsening its relationship with Washington and the West.
• Another expert said a visit by Pelosi would be highly significant given the US Indo-Pacific strategy and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Clear that the deputy speaker’s ruling is erroneous: CJP Bandial

“The real question at hand is what happens next,” he said, adding that now the PML-N counsel and the Attorney General of Pakistan (AGP) Khalid Jawed Khan would guide the court on how to proceed.

• “We have to look at national interest,” he said, adding that the court would issue a verdict today.
• He made the remarks as a 5-member bench, headed by CJP Bandial resumed hearing the suo motu case concerning the legality of the deputy speaker’s ruling and the subsequent dissolution of the NA by the president on the PMs advice.

The AGP — who was the last to give his arguments — began by informing the court that he would not be able to give details of the recent meeting of the National Security Committee in an open courtroom.

• He asserted that the court could issue an order without questioning anyone’s loyalty.
• He argued that PM was the “biggest stakeholder” and, therefore, had the power to dissolve the NA.
• He also pointed out that the assembly would stand dissolved if the president did not decide on the prime minister’s advice within 48 hours.
• He argued that voting on the no-confidence motion was not the fundamental right of a lawmaker.
• “The right to vote is subject to the Constitution and assembly rules,” Khan said.
• He also pointed out that if the NA speaker suspends a member, they cannot approach a court against it.

“Are you trying to say that voting on the no-confidence motion is subject to the rules,” the CJP asked, to which the AGP replied that all proceedings, including the no-confidence motion, were carried out following the rules.

• The AGP said that there was no “firewall” that gave complete immunity to parliamentary proceedings.
• The AGP pointed out that the court could intervene if the speaker declared a person with the minority number of votes to be the prime minister.
• At this, Justice Akhtar remarked that the speaker was the caretaker of the house.
• The AGP replied by saying that political parties play an important role in a parliamentary system of government.
• However, he pointed out that the assembly had a term limit, not the members.
• “One individual has the power to dissolve the assembly.”
• The AGP claimed that the no-confidence motion against Imran Khan was “dismissed” on March 28.

Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhel on Thu said that even though National Assembly Deputy Speaker Qasim Suri announced the April 3 ruling which dismissed the no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Imran Khan, it was signed by Speaker Asad Qaiser.

‘Where is a constitutional crisis?’

During today’s hearing, Senator Ali Zafar, the president’s counsel, was asked by Justice Miankhel if the prime minister was the people’s representative. The lawyer replied in the affirmative.

Justice Miankhel then inquired if the premier would be protected if the Constitution was violated in parliament. “Is Parliament not the guardian of the Constitution?” he asked.

He also questioned how justice would be awarded in case someone is affected due to parliamentary proceedings.

‘NA proceedings beyond judiciary’s jurisdiction-The lawyer for interim Prime Minister Imran Khan, Imtiaz Siddiqui, began by pointing out that the judiciary had not interfered in parliamentary proceedings in the past.

‘No-trust resolution had constitutional backing’-During Wed’s hearing, PTI’s lawyer Babar Awan as well as Senator Ali Zafar, representing President had argued before the Supreme Court. Today, the court is expected to hear the arguments of Attorney General for Pakistan (AGP) Khalid Jawed Khan and Naeem Bukhari — the counsel for NA Speaker Asad Qaiser.

CJP on Wed observed that even though Article 69 of the Constitution bars interference in parliamentary proceedings, what happened on April 3 was unprecedented.

“Where is the malice if this development is not anti-democratic,” the CJP wondered, but then said there was an element of trickery and if the members had any grouse then why were they afraid of fresh elections?