[NATIONAL]

France to work closely with India on Make in India initiatives in space, defense

India and France agreed to work closely in line with the Make in India initiatives to address challenges related to space issues, besides having deeper ties in climate change and defense-related matters. Building on a great tradition of over 60 years of technical and scientific space cooperation, and to address the contemporary challenges that have arisen in space, in particular maintaining secure access to space for all, India and France have agreed on setting up a bilateral strategic dialogue on space issues during Indian PM’s recent visit to France. Joint exercises illustrate efforts towards better integration and interoperability wherever possible. Meanwhile, maritime cooperation between India and France has reached new levels of trust and will continue through exercises, exchanges, and joint endeavors throughout the Indian Ocean. Also, underscores working towards reform of the UN, including of the UNSC, to make it more effective, transparent and accountable, and the reform of the WTO, The Nordic Countries reiterated their support for India’s Permanent Membership in a reformed and expanded UNSC. (here)

State Visit of President of India to Jamaica and St. Vincent & Grenadines from May 15 to 21

In the first-ever visit of the head of state, the President of India, Ram Nath Kovind, will pay a State visit to Jamaica and St. Vincent and Grenadines (SVG) from 15 – 21 May. President will be in Jamaica from May 15 – 18. During the visit, he will hold delegation-level talks with his counterpart, the Governor-General of Jamaica. He will also meet the PM and other dignitaries. He will address the Joint Sitting of the two Houses of the Jamaican Parliament. Jamaica is also one of the Girmitya countries with a 70k Indian diaspora, which acts as a living bridge with India. The visit comes at a significant milestone as 2022 is the 60^th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Jamaica. ​President will also pay a state visit to SVG from 18-21 May 2022. During the visit, he will hold discussions with his counterpart Governor-General Ms. Susan Dougan. ​SVG is an important partner of India. (here)

MoS Muraleedharan interacts with the Indian community in Qatar

Union Minister of State for External Affairs, V Muraleedharan, on Mon, interacted with the Indian community in Qatar during his 3-day official visit to the country. Muraleedharan also interacted with representatives of the Indian Cultural Centre and Indian Community Benevolent Forum and other organizations. India-Qatar shares excellent bilateral relations ranging across political, economic, defense, cultural and educational fields, which have further strengthened in the past few years. The leadership of both countries has maintained close contact during the Covid-19, as the Ministry of External Affairs. Qatar is home to over 7 lacs Indians. The bilateral trade crossed US$ 15 bn in FY 2021-22 and Qatar’s investments in India have increased 5 folds over the past 2 years. Both countries will be celebrating the golden jubilee of the establishment of full diplomatic relations in 2023. (here)

India, Italy Express Concern On Ongoing Humanitarian Crisis In Ukraine

India and Italy on Fri called for an immediate cessation of hostilities in Ukraine and expressed concerns over the ongoing “humanitarian crisis” in that country even as they vowed to work closely in countering common challenges of terrorism, violent extremism, and cybercrime. The Ukraine crisis, along with the situation in Afghanistan, developments in the Indo-Pacific, and pressing global challenges, figured prominently in the talks between External Affairs Minister and his visiting Italian counterpart on Fri. In the discussions, the ministers agreed to explore partnerships in areas such as gas transportation, green hydrogen, biofuels, and energy storage. (here)

Rajnath asks BRO to match Chinese proficiency in construction

With China increasing its proficiency in construction in mountainous areas to reach different places quickly, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has asked the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) to enhance its capability with the latest technology for faster development of infrastructure in border areas while addressing an event of the 63^rd Raising Day on Sat. Singh also said the Central govt is making all efforts to provide the required support to the BRO in this direction. Further, he mentioned the recent announcement of an increase in the capital budget of BRO by 40% to Rs 3,500 crore in the current Financial Year, reiterating the Govt’s commitment to the country’s security and development of border areas. (here)

Amid the Ukraine-Russia war, IAF’s Rs 35,000 cr plan to upgrade the Su-30 fighter fleet was put on the backburner

Amid the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, the Indian Air Force’s plans to upgrade the fleet of its Su-30 MKI fighter aircraft has been put on the backburner for now. The deal for the 12 most advanced Su-30MKI aircraft worth over Rs 20,000 crore would also be delayed slightly as the stakeholders will now have to add more Made-in-India content in the planes as per the current policy of the govt to promote Indian defense products over imports, ANI reported citing govt sources told. The Indian Air Force was planning to upgrade 85 of their planes up to the latest standards in collaboration with the Russians and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. The plan has been put on the backburner for now given the present situation, the sources said. However, it is expected that the supply of these spares and other equipment may become an issue after a year or so and that is why the force has gone on an indigo ration spree of its imported equipment. (here)

Indian Navy ships reach Saudi Arabia for overseas deployment

ANI-Four ships of the Indian Navy’s First Training Squadron reached the port city of Jeddah in Saudi Arabia for overseas deployment. The Navy vessels arrived in Saudi Arabia as part of a 5-nation overseas deployment and will stay in the country for 4 days, the Indian Navy informed in a statement. During this visit, Captain, senior officer, First Training Squadron along with commanding officers of the accompanying Indian ships called on Rear Admiral, Western Fleet Commander of the Royal Saudi Naval Forces. Jeddah is a port city situated on the coast of the Red Sea, located between the Suez Canal and the Gulf of Aden. Notably, the Indian Navy routinely conducts anti-piracy operations in the region, with the Navy’s INS Kolkata recently visiting Djibouti from May 4-7 as part of an anti-piracy patrol in the Gulf of Aden since Oct 2008 for an anti-piracy patrol. (here)

India’s defense and business delegation to visit Brazil, explore opportunities in the defense sector

Later this month, a large official and business delegation is heading to Brazil to explore the possibilities of joint production and joint development of various defense weapons and platforms. “There will be around 10-12 companies including public and private sector as well as start-ups from the defense sector,” confirmed a senior official from the industry body FICCI. The delegation is heading to Rio de Janeiro, Brasilia, and Sao Paulo, according to sources, will be meeting with the top leadership of the Brazilian forces and other senior officials, and presentations will be made by the Indian companies before traveling to other locations. (here)

CM orders probe after ‘Khalistan’ flags found on Himachal Assembly gate

ANI-‘Khalistan’ flags were found tied on the main gate and boundary wall of the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly in Dharamshala on Sun morning. Chief Minister Jairam Thakur said that an immediate investigation into the matter would be carried out and strict action would be taken against the culprits. Soon after the incident came to light, a police official informed that the flags were removed from the gates and walls. District Police suspected the hand of “some tourists from Punjab” behind the incident. Sub-Divisional Magistrate Dharamshala raised concerns over the incident and said that it is a wake-up call for the administration to be more alert.

Crackdown on D Company: NIA raids locations linked to Dawood in Mumbai; detains Salim

The National Investigation Agency on Sun conducted raids at 20 different locations in Mumbai against Pakistan-based gangster Dawood Ibrahim’s associates and a few other hawala operatives. Notably, NIA had lodged an FIR against D company in Feb 2022 under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act alleging that the members of the group are involved in actions intended to spread fear amongst people in Mumbai. The NIA began the raid at several locations on the premises of Dawood’s associates across different parts of Mumbai. However, this has been a continuous crackdown since the arrest of Nawab Malik by the Enforcement Directorate and his alleged links to the D company, in case he reportedly bought a plot in Kurla from the associates of Dawood. After the arrest of a person from Dharavi who was said to be a ‘sleeper cell’ of the D company, it had been suspected that many such members of the group are operational in different parts of Mumbai, funded by international agencies. (here)

Centre submitted 2^nd affidavit to SC and said ready to reexamine the sedition in the first one it said requires no reconsideration

ANI –Previously, the Central govt has told the Supreme Court that the 1962 verdict of the 5-judge Constitution bench case which upheld the validity of the offense of sedition under Section 124A of the Indian Penal Code, is binding and continues to be a “good law and needs no reconsideration“. Solicitor General, representing the Centre, in the written submissions, said that in 1962, a 5-judge bench judgment of the top court in Kedar Nath Singh v/s State of Bihar case which upheld the validity of Section 124A of IPC has stood the test of time and applied till date in tune with modern constitutional principles. The Centre further submitted that a 3-judge bench cannot hear a legal challenge to the Constitutionality of Section 124A. Only a bench of co-equal strength of 1962 bench can pose any doubts on the verdict, the Centre stated while adding that thus, for reconsideration of the judgment, the matter will have to be referred to a bench of five judges or more. (here)

800 Pakistani Hindus left India after failing to get citizenship, says advocacy group

Seemant Lok Sangathan says they returned to Pakistan in 2021 as there was no progress in their citizenship application; Home Ministry examined the online system. Around 800 Pakistani Hindus in Rajasthan, who came to India seeking citizenship based on religious persecution, returned to the neighboring country in 2021, according to Seemant Lok Sangathan, a group that advocates for the rights of Pakistani minority migrants in India. Many of them returned to Pakistan after they found that there had been no progress in their application. The Ministry of Home Affairs initiated an online citizenship application process in 2018. It also made 16 Collectors in 7 States accept online applications to grant citizenship to Hindus, Christians, Sikhs, Parsis, Jain, and Buddhists from Pak, Afghan, and B’desh. In May 2021, the MHA empowered 13 more District Collectors in 5 States to grant citizenship certificates to applicants belonging to the six communities under Section 5 (registration) and Section 6 (naturalization) of the Citizenship Act, 1955. (here)

BJP gears up for presidential election, Dharmendra Pradhan meets Nitish Kumar

ANI -The BJP is gearing up for the presidential election and has begun reaching out to its allies amid indications that the opposition will field a joint candidate for the post. Union Minister of Education Dharmendra Pradhan had a 2-hour meeting with Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Thu and the 2 leaders discussed various issues including the presidential and vice-presidential elections, sources said. They said that the BJP has stepped up preparations for the presidential election to be held before the last week of July. The party is also gearing up for the vice-presidential election. The meeting gains significance as the Janata Dal-United leader has in the past supported presidential nominees of rival parties. Pradhan is likely to visit other states including Andhra Pradesh and Odisha. (here)

Rupee falls to record as dollar strength dents risk mood

The moves may exacerbate worries about outflows after foreign funds pulled a record $17.7 bn from Indian equities this year with surging inflation and the prospect of aggressive monetary tightening roiling global markets. A surprise rate hike by India’s central bank hasn’t been able to stem the rupee’s decline as a widening current-account deficit amplifies concerns. (here)

[NEIGHBORHOOD]

Antony Blinken’s call to Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari hints at US-Pak ties reset

After a period of diplomatic chill in bilateral ties under the Khan govt, the US renewed its high-level political engagement with Pakistan on Fri, with the secy of state Antony Blinken reaching out to Pakistan’s new foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari with the desire to strengthen the bilateral relationship. “The Secretary underscored the resolute US-Pakistan commitment to Afghan stability and combating terrorism,” the US state department said in a statement after the call. Highlighting that this year marks the 75^th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries, the state department said it was looking forward to “strengthening our cooperation”. A Pak FO statement said Blinken had invited Pak for both the 2^nd Covid Global Summit to be held virtually later this month and a ministerial meeting on Global Food Security to be held in New York on May 18. (here)

Chinese confidence in Pakistan’s security ‘shaken’

There may have been no exodus of Chinese workers from Pakistan after the Karachi University attack, but they look less confident about the country’s ability to protect them. “The Chinese confidence in Pakistan’s security system’s ability to protect their citizens and their projects is seriously shaken,” said Senator Mushahid Hussain, chairman of the Senate Defence Committee. Senator, who led a Senate delegation to the Chinese embassy last week to express his condolences over the loss of 3 Chinese lives in a suicide attack on their van, was sharing the mood on the Chinese side in a Dawn reported on Fri, quoting him. The Karachi University attack was the third terrorist attack on Chinese citizens on Pakistani soil in a year. (here)

Pak PM Shehbaz Sharif warns Imran Khan of legal action for instigating a civil war in Pakistan

ANI – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sun warned Imran Khan of legal action for attempting to instigate a civil war in the country. Shehbaz termed Imran Khan’s Abbottabad speech “a conspiracy against Pakistan,” reported Geo News. Shehbaz said those concocting a narrative against national institutions were the real Mir Jafar and Mir Sadiq. He equated Khan with Mir Jafar and Mir Sadiq of today who wants to make Pakistan like Libya and Iraq. Referring to Imran Khan’s speech during a rally in Abbottabad, Shehbaz said that the state of Pakistan, the Constitution, and national institutions were challenged today, therefore, legal action will be taken against the PTI chairman. The govt will crush Imran Niazi’s conspiracy to cause a civil war in the country. (here)

Sri Lanka imposes curfew as clashes break out in Galle Face area

After clashes broke out in the Galle Face area, Lanka has imposed a police curfew within the Western Province of Colombo with immediate effect until further notice. Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa and a group of Samagi Jana Balawegaya MPs who arrived at Galle Face were attacked by a group of protesters. Given the debilitating law and order situation, they were escorted out immediately. (here)

Sri Lankan Crisis: Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa likely to resign: Report

Sri Lankan PM Mahinda Rajapaksa is learned to have responded positively to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s request to him to quit in the face of the deepening economic crisis along with the imposition of the state of emergency in the island nation. The Sri Lankan Cabinet had been informed that owing to the failure of the PM to cope with the country’s ongoing economic crisis, Colombo Page reported. (here) The International Monetary Fund would begin the next round of technical discussions with Sri Lanka from May 9 to May 23, IMF’s mission chief for Sri Lanka Masahiro Nozaki has said. The two sides held the first round of discussions at the IMF headquarters last month. Sri Lanka’s foreign reserves dip below $50 million, minister waves a red flag. Sri Lanka hopes for a Rapid Finance Instrument facility as well as a larger Extended Fund Facility from the IMF to overcome its foreign currency shortage issues that had led to an economic crisis. (here) The opposition party Samagi Jana Balawegaya confirmed that its leader Sajith Premadasa will not accept the PM’s post in an interim govt. (here) Bangladesh has extended the term of the USD 200 million loans to Lanka under a currency swap deal by 1 more year. The decision was taken by the Bangladesh Bank directors in a meeting on Sun. The spokesman of the central bank said that the extension was granted by keeping the conditions for the loan unchanged, reported Daily Mirror. (here)

Taiwan invited to Biden’s second virtual Global Covid-19 Summit

Taiwan has been invited to take part in the second Global Covid-19 Summit, a virtual meeting to be co-hosted by US President Joe Biden later this week, the Taiwanese foreign minister said. It is not known if Beijing is invited to the event the White House says will be a forum to discuss efforts to end the pandemic and prepare for future health threats. Taiwan confirms the invitation to the virtual summit but says the name of its delegate will only be confirmed after the event, in keeping with the organizers’ request. (here)

Seize the ‘Asian moment’, China tells Cambodia ahead of the US-Asean summit

Asian countries should be cautious and resist any attempts to provoke confrontation in the region, China’s foreign minister told his Cambodian counterpart in the countdown to a Southeast Asian leaders summit in Washington this week. Speaking with Cambodian FM via video link on Sun, Wang Yi also urged the region to seize the “Asian moment” and take the initiative in global governance as it prepares to host several high-profile multilateral meetings. The meetings include the BRICS summit in China, the East Asia Summit meetings in Cambodia, and the G20 summit in Indonesia. Thailand is also hosting this year’s Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meetings. China supports Cambodia’s rotating chairmanship of Asean this year, he says.