[NEWS OF THE DAY]

China criticizes US general’s comment on Sino-India border situation

China on Thu said top US US Army’s Pacific Commanding General Charles A Flynn while referring to the ongoing military tension between India and China in eastern Ladakh commented on Wed in New Delhi that he was “alarmed” by the Chinese build-up along the border with India was a “despicable act” and an effort to “add fuel to fire” to the dispute between the two Himalayan neighbors. Beijing and New Delhi have the will and capability to properly resolve their differences over the boundary through talks and consultations, the Chinese foreign ministry said while lashing out at Flynn for commenting on the tension. Zhao said the situation in eastern Ladakh where the two sides are locked in an ongoing standoff for more than two years is “stabilizing”. [he may be wanted to say that situation is at equilibrium, which is also untrue]. Flynn said: “The [Chinese] activity level is eye-opening. Some of the infrastructure being created in the PLA’s Western Theatre Command is alarming. One has to ask the question ‘why’, and get a response as to what are their intentions.” “I think it is worthy of us working together as a counterweight to some of those corrosive and corruptive behaviors that the Chinese do,” he said. (here)MEA says India carefully monitors China’s infrastructure build-up: The Ministry of External Affairs on Thu said that India is carefully monitoring developments along with border areas including the construction of infrastructure by the Chinese side in the western sector, said the govt takes all adequate, appropriate measures to safeguard territorial integrity and sovereignty. (here) [The military standoffs over China’s stealth land grabs in Ladakh aren’t over, as India remains mired in petty domestic politics.]

Taliban to act against Pak LeT/JeM terrorists in Afghanistan on specific intel

During the bilateral meeting in Kabul last week, the Taliban top leadership assured India that it will not allow terrorism against the third country from its soil but also act against terrorists of Pak-based groups on basis of pin-pointed intelligence. It is learnt that India’s delegation met Defence Minister and Interior apart from Foreign Minister at Kabul on invitation from the Taliban govt. The meeting came after National Security Advisor at a Regional Security Summit in Dushanbe asked fellow NSAs of Russia, China, Iran, and Central Asian Republics to enhance the capability of Afghanistan to counter-terrorism and terrorists who pose a threat to regional peace and security. HT reported that Kabul not only promised action against India-specific groups based in Pakistan like Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Toiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen but also terrorists from Al Qaeda in the Sub-Continent (AQIS) provided specific information was provided. Intelligence inputs indicate that AQIS and the so-called Islamic State of Khorasan Province (ISKP) are also branded products of terror factories based in Pakistan with the involvement of its deep state. India has already informed stakeholders in the region and the west that any terror attack in the Indian hinterland would be met with strong retaliation. The direct dialogue with the Taliban will not only take care of India’s strategic interests in the region but also keep Pakistan and its allies like Turkey on tenterhooks and also act as a deterrent to any mischief against New Delhi. (here)

Rajya Sabha contest, 2 union ministers among 10 key candidates

The elections for 16 seats across four states are witnessing a tight contest between the BJP and the opposition parties. The voting for Rajya Sabha elections to 16 seats across four states of Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Haryana concluded. The elections are being held due to the number of candidates exceeding the seats in these states. The elections are crucial to the ruling National Democratic Alliance. Last week, 41 candidates had been elected to the upper house unopposed in 11 states. The Rajya Sabha polls feature prominent figures vying for a seat in the upper house across four states. Here’s a look at a few of them. Nirmala Sitharaman (Union finance minister). Piyush Goyal (Union minister), Jaggesh (BJP), Sanjay Raut (Shiv Sena), Praful Patel (NCP); Imran Pratapgarhi, Randeep Surjewala Ajay Maken (Congress), Subhash Chandra, and Kartikeya Sharma (Independent backed by BJP). (here)

WHO: Covid-19 origins unclear but lab leak theory needs study

An expert group drafted by the WHO to help investigate the origins of the coronavirus pandemic says further research is needed to determine how COVID-19 first began, including a more detailed analysis of the possibility it was a laboratory accident. That stance marks a sharp reversal of the U.N. health agency’s initial assessment of the pandemic’s origins when it concluded last year that it was “extremely unlikely” that COVID-19 might have spilled into humans from a lab. [it’s really hard to believe that WHO can investigate the matter when everything would have been managed in this duarion] (here)

At IAEA, India this week abstained on a resolution critical of the Iranian nuclear program overwhelmingly supported by 30 countries led by the West. Russia and China voted against it, while India, Pakistan, and Libya abstained. The development even as Iran’s Foreign Minister is in India for a 4 day-long visit

[NATIONAL]

India, Vietnam deepen defense ties as Delhi seeks to boost maritime presence in Indo-Pacific

India handed over 12 high-speed patrol boats to Vietnam on Thu, a day after inking a mutual logistics agreement allowing the use of each others’ military bases in a significant expansion of defense and security ties – all with an eye on China. The two countries also signed a vision statement on defense ties till 2030. The agreements come as India steps up its maritime presence in the Indo-Pacific and increases defense linkages with Southeast Asia. The patrol boats were built under a US$100 million defense line of credit that India extended to Vietnam in 2014. 5 boats were manufactured in India and seven at Hong Ha Shipyard in Vietnam. On Wed, the two countries signed a mutual logistical agreement – a first for Vietnam – that allows their militaries to use each other’s bases for repair and replenishment of supplies. (here)

India-Bangladesh bus service resumes after two years

The cross-border bus service between Bangladesh and India resumed on Fri, two years after its suspension due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Bus services between India- Bangladesh via ICP Agartala-Akhaura and ICP Haridaspur-Benapole resumed with the Dhaka-Kolkata-Dhaka bus being flagged off from Dhaka ..” tweeted the High Commission of India in Bangladesh. The development comes after the rail service between the two countries resumed on May 29.. Before the suspension of service, buses were operated on five cross-border routes: Dhaka-Kolkata-Dhaka, Dhaka-Agartala-Dhaka, Dhaka-Sylhet-Shillong-Guwahati-Dhaka, Agartala-Dhaka-Kolkata-Agartala, and Dhaka-Khulna -Kolkata-Dhaka. The discussion over the operation of the 5^th route is also going on. (here)

Indian Navy deal ‘top priority’, F/A-18 Super Hornets ‘clear pick for ops anywhere’, says Boeing

Pitching its F/A-18 Super Hornets as the premier carrier aircraft in the world, US aviation major Boeing has said that their fighter offers more to the Indian Navy than competitor Rafale M by French firm Dassault Aviation. Underlining that the Super Hornets are the US Navy’s clear choice for operations anywhere in the world, Torbjorn Sjogren, vice-president of international government and defense at Boeing, told ThePrint in an exclusive interview that the company has the right aircraft for both the Indian Navy and the Indian Air Force (IAF). While the Rafale M already demonstrated its operational capability to the Indian Navy earlier this year, two Super Hornets are in the country currently for similar demonstrations. Boeing, too, has established a strong footprint in India, delivering 11 C-17 transport aircraft, 22 Apache attack helicopters, 12 P-8Is long-range maritime surveillance, and anti-submarine warfare aircraft, besides 15 Chinook heavy-lift choppers. (here)

Tensions flare in Jammu’s Baderwah town over social media posts; curfew imposed, Internet suspended

Curfew has been imposed in Baderwah town of Doda district in Jammu and Internet services were suspended on Fri following tensions over some social media posts. The tensions flared up on Thu after a purported video went viral in which instigating announcement was being made from a mosque in Baderwah, Jammu. Following this, a case was registered at Bhaderwah Police Station. Two separate FIRs have been registered. According to officials, the situation is under control. As a precautionary measure, a curfew has been imposed and internet services suspended in Kishtwar and Ramban districts. (here)

Prophet Remark Row: Pan India Fri protests against ‘Nupur Sharma’ as the clamor for her arrest grows

The members of the Muslim community staged a protest after Fri prayers across the country over inflammatory remarks by suspended BJP leader Nupur Sharma and expelled leader Naveen Jindal against Prophet Muhammad. The protests broke out after Fri prayers [No, it started in the early morning]. In Delhi, people gathered in large numbers outside Jama Masjid and demanded the arrest of Sharma. Meanwhile, Shahi Imam of Jama Masjid has said that the mosque has not given any call for protest. Call for Behead, Hang, and Burn were made. The Delhi Police identified the miscreants behind the Jama Masjid protest. As per police reports, the miscreants appear to be some local leaders from AIMIM so far. An FIR will be registered against the ones behind the protest. (here) [Despite 50+ FIR in the matter and official condemnation from govt and party, they are just looking for an excuse to create Law and Order situation. Now if such Fri gatherings are suspended for a limited period, the precautionary security measures will become an “attack on religious freedom”. Whatever, but the protest was not organic and self-motivated as if it would be it could happen much early, as the comment made on May 26^th]

Pan India protests have been reported. In J&K: Parts of Kashmir observed a shutdown. protest in Srinagar’s Batmaloo 1 CRPF trooper was hurt. In UP: Massive protest erupted in Moradabad, and Clash erupted in Prayagaraj and Sharanpur. The CM has directed the state police to ensure strict checks at sensitive places amid state-wide protests. West Bengal: Protests break out in Kolkata, the national highway in Howrah. CM Mamata Banerjee has demanded the arrest of Sharma. A woman passer-by was killed when an on-duty policeman opened fire using his service rifle near Bangladesh’s Deputy High Commission at upscale Park Circus in Kolkata before killing himself, eyewitnesses said. Telangana: Protests take place in Hyderabad. In Maharashtra: Solapur, Ahamadnaghar, and Aurangabad. In Jharkhand: Protest turned violent in Ranchi tone pelting injured Police personnel was in Ranchi. (multiple sources)

Security forces foil terrorists’ plan to attack civilians, nab two in J-K’s Sopore

The security forces in Jammu and Kashmir’s Sopore on Thu foiled another attack on the civilians including the outside laborers after they arrested 2-hybrid terrorists associated with Lashkar-e-Taiba and The Resistance Front in the area. Arms and ammunition were also recovered from the terrorists including 2 pistols and magazines each and 5 pistol rounds. The two terrorists were identified as Faizan Ahmad Paul and Muzamil Rashid Mir hailing from Shopian and Pulwama respectively. (here)

India announces donation of 5,000 tonnes of rice to Madagascar as humanitarian aid

India’s Ambassador to Madagascar and Comoros called on the Prime Minister of Madagascar Christian Ntsay and announced the donation of 5,000 tonnes of rice to the island nation as humanitarian aid. The rice shipment from India to Madagascar is likely to reach the Malagasy port of Tomasina in July 2022. The Indian envoy met the PM on Thu where they reviewed the progress made in bilateral ties between both the countries. Recently, India also announced the donation of 15,000 bicycles to Madagascar on Jun 3, 2022, on the occasion of World Bicycle Day. India’s policy towards Madagascar is guided by the collaborative maritime vision of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region). Madagascar joined the India-led Coalition of Disaster Resilient Infrastructure in Apr 2022 and had earlier supported India joining the Indian Ocean Commission as an observer in Mar 2020 and the Djibouti Code of Conduct in Aug 2020. Minister of National Defence of Madagascar, Lt. Gen Rakotonirina Leon Jean Richard led a 4-member delegation to participate in Aero India 2021 and Indian Ocean Region Defence Ministers’ Conclave in Bengaluru from Feb 3-5, 2021. (here)

Amit Shah to attend the Western Zonal council meeting in Diu tomorrow

Union Home Minister Amit Shah is scheduled to attend the Western Zonal council meeting in Diu on Sat. Besides, Shah will launch various development projects and inaugurate ex- INS Khukri as a museum during his day-long visit to Diu. Around 11 AM tomorrow, Shah will be chairing the meeting of the Western Zonal Council comprising Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Dadra, Nagar Haveli, and Daman and Diu, to be held in Diu. (here)

Indian crude oil basket touches 10-year high, petrol price unchanged

The Indian basket of crude oil on June 9 touched $121.28, matching levels seen in Feb-Mar 2012 according to data available from the oil ministry’s Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell. The basket of crude oil that India buys has hit a decade high of $121 per barrel, but retail selling prices of petrol and diesel continue to remain frozen. As per the PPAC, the Indian basket of crude oil averaged $111.86 per barrel between February 25 and March 29 — the immediate period after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine sent oil on the fire. It averaged $103.44 a barrel between March 30 and April 27. The 13-week high for international prices-International oil prices held near a 13-week high on Thu, underpinned by robust demand from key buyers like the US. They, however, pared some gains on Fri, with Brent crude futures for Aug losing 81 cents to trade at $122.26 per barrel. US West Texas Intermediate crude for July was at $120.72 a barrel, down 79 cents. (here)

[NEIGHBORHOOD]

China-Central Asia meeting discusses the situation in Afghanistan

In addition to exchanging views on the regional issues of Central Asia, the participants at the China Plus Central Asian Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on Thu also discussed the situation in Afghanistan post the Taliban takeover. The meeting was chaired by Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister and was attended by the Turkmen Deputy PM and Foreign Minister, Kyrgyz FM, Tajik Transport Minister, and Uzbek acting FM reported Tolo News. “We should continue to make good use of the FM’s Meeting on the Afghan Issue Among the Neighboring Countries of Afghanistan, the SCO-Afghanistan Contact Group, and other mechanisms,” said a statement released by the Chinese Foreign Ministry. This comes as no Central Asian country has yet recognized the Taliban. However, China and Turkmenistan have allowed the active presence of the current govt’s diplomats. Meanwhile, the FM of Iran and India called for the formation of an inclusive govt in Afghanistan. (here)

China, US defense chiefs hold first face-to-face talks

Chinese Defence Minister General Wei Fenghe and his US counterpart Lloyd Austin held their first face-to-face meeting on Fri afternoon for the 1^st time. Details have not been released, but the meeting ran for 30 minutes longer than scheduled, according to Yuyuan Tantian, a social media account affiliated with state broadcaster CCTV. It did not give further details. The meeting, on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, comes as Beijing and Washington are at odds over everything from military activities in the disputed South China Sea to Taiwan and the war in Ukraine. The United States is seeking to use the security conference to push back against growing Chinese influence in the region, as it tries to boost ties with Asian allies as part of its Indo-Pacific strategy. Talks between the two ministers have been limited since Austin took office, reportedly because he wanted to talk to Xu Qiliang, a vice-chairman of China’s top military body the Central Military Commission. (here)

PTI marchers proceeded toward D-Chowk on ‘directions of highest command’, Islamabad IG tells SC

Islamabad Inspector General of Police Dr. Akbar Nasir Khan on Fri submitted a report to the Supreme Court, detailing the events leading to PTI workers’ arrival at D-Chowk during the party’s ‘Azadi March’ which ended on May 26. In the report, the police chief said the crowd was “organized to enter D-Chowk under the PTI leadership who had reached Express Chowk with the intent to proceed further toward D-Chowk as per the directions of the party’s highest command”. PTI’s Azadi March on May 25 was preceded by the authorities invoking Section 144 — a measure used to curb gatherings. Shipping containers were put in place on major thoroughfares to block their path. (here)

New coalition govt unveils ‘toughest’ budget with Rs9.5tr outlay

Cabinet gives nod to 15% increase in salaries of govt employees. Coalition govt leaders show confidence in PM Shehbaz ahead of budget 2022-23. The new coalition govt is eyeing the revival of the IMF program and the upcoming budget will likely have measures that promote fiscal austerity and stabilization as per the directions of the Fund. Since the govt increased the price of petrol by a whopping Rs 60/liter and jacked up electricity and gas prices, it is expected that the prices of all essential goods and services will go up. The govt, especially PM Shehbaz Sharif, has been time and again urging the rich to sacrifice for the lower-income groups. While the middle- and lower-middle class is bearing the brunt of the price hike, it is the rich who have not been affected as such. However, with an increase in taxes and the imposition of targeted subsidies, the govt may withdraw perks and subsidies for the rich. According to Topline Securities, the govt is likely to set a tax revenue collection target of Rs7.25 trillion for the fiscal year 2022-23 (9.2% of GDP), which is up 19% from the revised target of Rs 6.1 trillion (9% of GDP) for FY22. With a likely slowdown in economic activity, the govt is expected to bring reforms and take measures that help businesses flourish. Businesses in Pakistan are already reeling from the effects of the petrol price hike and tough decisions taken by the govt like the imposition of a ban on luxury and non-essential items and an increase in regulatory duties on import items. (here)

Total public debt crossed Rs44 trillion by end of the PTI term

Total public debt stood at Rs 44,366 billion at the end of March 2022, having ballooned by Rs 4,500 bn over the first nine months of the outgoing fiscal year, according to the Pakistan Economic Survey 2021-22, released on Thu. Of the net Rs 4,500 bn increase, financing of the federal primary deficit accounted for Rs 1,047 bn; interest payments consumed Rs 2,118 bn; currency depreciation accounted for Rs1,744bn; while a Rs 409 bn decrease in the govt’s cash balance accounted for the remaining. The survey revealed that total external debt had touched $88.8bn (Rs16.29 trillion) by the end of March 2022, having increased by around $2.3bn over the first nine months of the outgoing fiscal year. (here)