[NEWS OF THE DAY]

China upgraded firepower on LAC: the official source

The Hindu-Vastly expanded troop accommodation within 100 km from the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the western sector, long-range artillery and rocket systems, upgraded air defense systems, expanded runways, and hardened blast pens to house fighter aircraft — these are some of the major upgrades undertaken by the Chinese People’s Liberation Army on its side in the last two years since the stand-off in eastern Ladakh began, according to intelligence inputs. In the western sector across the LAC, the accommodation capacity was for 20,000 troops (in 2020), which expanded to 1.2 lakh billets — infrastructure and accommodation-wise. They have also set up captive solar energy and small hydel power projects all along the LAC, within 100 km on the Chinese side from the LAC. In terms of technology up-gradation, the fire control systems of the tanks have also been upgraded. Similarly, two mechanized brigades which operate wheeled armored personnel carriers (APCs) have upgraded from the ZBL-08 to the latest ZTL-11 APCs. The 11^th Division remains a medium CAB. Similarly, air defense and airbases closer to the LAC have been upgraded, including blast pens and extended runways. They have significantly upgraded their airbases all across. The PLA has developed heliports at Shigatse and Rudok and airbases have been upgraded with extended runways and blast pens at Gargunsh, Lhasa, and Guangzhou. China has also significantly expanded its Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) network and usage in areas close to the LAC with their employment for a variety of tasks from intelligence, surveillance, and target acquisition and reconnaissance capabilities and logistics support. (here)

PM Modi in Germany: PM to meet world leaders on sidelines of G7

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has a diplomatically packed second day in Germany on Mon. PM Modi, who landed in Munich on Sun, will receive a grand welcome in a ceremony at noon local time by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz at Schloss Elmau. He will attend a plenary session at 12.30 pm on the topic – “Investing in a Better Future: Climate, Energy, Health.” Later during the day, PM will be holding 5 marathon meetings with President of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa, Chancellor of Germany Olaf Scholz, and President of Indonesia Joko Widodo. PM of Canada. Later in the evening, PM Modi will also meet the President of the EU Commission Ursula von der Leyen. After the G-7 summit, PM Modi will be traveling to the UAE. He will pay his condolences on the passing away of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the former UAE President, and Abu Dhabi Ruler. Besides, participation in 2 key sessions of G7– Health, climate and energy and food security, and gender inequality. (here) PM Modi interacts with US President Joe Biden, and French President Macron at Schloss Elmau, on the sidelines of G7. G7 announces ban on import of Russian gold amid war with Ukraine Worth $15.5 billion to the Russian economy in 2021, gold is also a refuge commodity in times of turmoil. Russian oligarchs are believed to have rushed to hide their assets from Western sanctions enforcers by converting to the precious metal. Gold prices today rise in India after some countries ban Russian imports

Biden unveils US$600 billion global infrastructure plan at G7 summit to counter China’s BRI

Biden revealed the plan in a speech on Sun as he attended the first of a 3-day G7 meeting in Elmau, Germany, alongside his 6 counterparts from the world’s most developed economies. “Together with G7 partners, we aim to mobilize US$600 billion by 2027 in global infrastructure investments,” the WH said on Sun following Biden’s announcement. The official launch of the G7 initiative – the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGII) – amounts to a revamping of the Build Back Better World initiative introduced at last year’s annual meeting. The PGII seeks to offer an alternative to infrastructure models that sell “debt traps,” a US official said. The US would mobilize $200 billion for the initiative over the next five years “through grants, federal financing, and leveraging private sector investments”, the WH said, noting these projects would focus on clean energy, secure communications technology, health systems, and other areas. (here) Comes after Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF).

[NATIONAL]

Rajnath Singh reviews defense relationship with Malaysian counterpart

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held talks with his Malaysian counterpart Hishamuddin bin Hussein via video conference on Mon where they reaffirmed the strong defense relationship between New Delhi and Kuala Lumpur and discussed opportunities to deepen their defense cooperation. Earlier, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held bilateral talks with his Malaysian counterpart, Saifuddin Abdullah, on the sidelines of the ASEAN-India summit where they exchanged an agreement to mutually recognize the COVID-19 vaccination certificates and discussed bilateral relations, cooperation in key sectors, and people-to-people ties. The meeting between Jaishankar and Abdullah coincided with the Delhi Dialogue and Special India ASEAN FMs Meeting that took place in New Delhi on Jun 16-17. Abdullah had previously said the unique features of India combined with ASEAN countries can help strengthen the partnership between the two regions. Both countries enjoy robust trade relations with bilateral trade at USD 14.45 billion for the year 2020-21. Cooperation in defense and security has become an important pillar of India-Malaysia bilateral cooperation. (here)

No rehab for rare species, oil spill checks — govt panel flags gaps in Great Nicobar vision plan

The central govt-appointed expert appraisal committee (EAC), tasked with vetting projects before granting them environmental clearance, has identified several gaps in the NITI Aayog’s plan to develop the remote Great Nicobar Island. The panel has sought more details, so it can take an “informed decision” on the matter. The NITI Aayog has proposed creating a Rs 72,000 crore International Container Transshipment Terminal, airport, thermal power plant, and township [a significant project with a deeply strategic and security vision] on the largely uninhabited island, which is rich in biodiversity. In line with environmental clearance norms, an environmental impact assessment report on the project was submitted to the committee earlier this year. In a meeting held over two days, 24 and 25 May, the committee observed that the EIA report excluded assessment plans it had specifically sought earlier, such as a risk assessment for oil spills and rehabilitation and mitigation plans for several species impacted by the project. The Great Nicobar is known to have over 1,700 species of animals, and is 1 of the most biodiverse parts of the country, with large swathes of natural, dense forest. (here)

India offers to set up production facilities for light combat aircraft, copters in Egypt

India has offered to set up production facilities for the manufacturing of light combat aircraft (LCA) as well as helicopters in Egypt as it pursues export opportunities in the Middle East and North Africa region. A series of high-level engagements have taken place with the nation and the Egyptian Air Force chief is expected to visit India in a few days, during which expertise in manufacturing, as well as maintenance of aircraft fleet, will be showcased. Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari visited Egypt in Nov last year and attended the Air Power Symposium and Defence Exposition in Cairo. At present, a 57-member Indian Air Force delegation is in Egypt to take part in a tactical leadership program at the Air Force school in Cairo. The delegation includes three Su30 MKI and two C17 aircraft. (here)

India can constructively engage the Taliban, says Afghan envoy to India Mamundzay

With India re-opening its Embassy in Kabul last week and the Taliban welcoming the move, Afghanistan’s ambassador to India has said that New Delhi should now “engage” the Taliban in a “constructive way” and “encourage” them to accept the rule of law and political inclusivity. In a freewheeling conversation with ThePrint, Farid Mamundzay, who was appointed as Afghanistan’s Ambassador to India by the former Ashraf Ghani govt, said the Afghan people felt “they were left alone” when New Delhi shut its embassy in Kabul in the aftermath of the Taliban takeover on 15 Aug 2021. (here)

Raj issues a letter of intent to PSU for uranium mining in Sikar

TOI-The state mines department has issued a letter of intent to Uranium Corporation of India for mining uranium in the Khandela Tehsil of Sikar. This would be the maiden venture of the state for mining the rare earth used as a fuel by nuclear plants for fission. ACS (mines and petroleum) claimed that after Jharkhand and Andhra Pradesh, uranium is found in large quantities in Rajasthan. Its exploration and mining will bring in investments, and royalty and create jobs. ACS said large reserves of uranium found in the tehsil spread over 1,086 hectares. Uranium Corporation of India will mine uranium and associated minerals as well. “As per the preliminary reports, the reserves are estimated at 12 million tonnes. An investment of Rs 3,000 crore would be required for the mining of the uranium reserves,” added ACS. (here)

Egypt, one of the world’s biggest wheat importers, to buy 180K

Egypt has contracted to buy 180,000 tonnes of wheat from India, less than previously agreed, but is looking at ways to extract more flour from grain and even use potatoes in bread making as it tries to trim imports, the supply minister said on Sun. As Egypt sought to diversify import origins, Supply Minister Aly Moselhy said in May that it had agreed to buy 500,000 tonnes of wheat from India. The conflict has also further raised wheat import costs. Egypt relies mainly on imported wheat to make heavily subsidized bread available to more than 70 million of its 103 million population. As Egypt sought to diversify import origins, Aly Moselhy said in May that it had agreed to buy 500,000 tonnes of wheat from India. India banned wheat exports the same month but made allowances for countries like Egypt with food security needs. (here)

Bypoll Results Highlights: BJP Wins Samajwadi Party Strongholds, AAP Loses In Punjab

The by-poll results of 3 Lok Sabha and 7 assembly seats across 5 states and Delhi, were announced on Sun. In Uttar Pradesh’s Rampur, BJP candidate Ghanshyam Lodhi won with a margin of over 40,000 votes, while party nominee Dinesh Lal Yadav ‘Nirahua’ won in Azamgarh. In Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann’s stronghold Sangrur, Simranjit Singh Mann of the Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar) won with a margin of over 7,000 votes. Mann credited the win as “It’s a victory of party workers, teachings of Bhindranwale”. He also said that he will raise the issues of the “Indian Army committing atrocities in Kashmir,” “killing of tribal people in Bihar and Chhattisgarh calling them Naxalites.” [Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale was a religious leader and political revolutionary. He was responsible for Khalistan Movements in the 80s, and in a current circumstance, like raising Khalistan Flag at Lal Qila, is alarming for security agencies for Khalistan 2. On May 5^th he twitted “Appeal to Nordic countries-SSM Nordic Countries should not recommend the Hindu Indian state to become a permanent member of the UNSC as it has not honored 1948 Resolution of UNSC for plebiscite in Kashmir. It has committed genocide the Sikh peoples with impunity.”]

Maharashtra Political Crisis: SC extends the time for rebel Shiv Sena MLAs to respond to disqualification notices, the next hearing on July 11

The Supreme Court on Mon granted interim relief to rebel Shiv Seva leader Eknath Shinde and other MLAs to file their reply to disqualification notices issued to them by the Dy Speaker of Maharashtra Assembly by July 12, 5.30 pm. Earlier, the Dy Speaker had granted them time to file a reply by today, 5.30 pm. The apex court was hearing the petitions filed by the Shinde group challenging the disqualification notices issued by the Dy Speaker to 16 rebel MLAs as well as the appointment of Ajay Choudhary as Shiv Sena Legislature Party leader. (here)

Activist Teesta Setalvad Arrested By Ahmedabad Police day After Detention

The Ahmedabad crime branch on Sun arrested activist Teesta Setalvad, a day after she was detained in Mumbai and shifted to Gujarat, in connection with a fresh case of forgery, criminal conspiracy, and insulting criminal proceedings to cause injury registered against her, officials said. A day earlier, the crime branch had arrested former Gujarat DGP Sreekumar and is in the process of getting a transfer warrant for ex-IPS officer Sanjiv Bhatt’s custody in connection with the FIR lodged against them, said DCP (crime), Chaitanya Mandlik. He said the crime branch will collect documents submitted by Setalvad, Sreekumar, and Bhatt to the Commission of Inquiry, the Special Investigation Team, and courts regarding the 2002 communal riots cases as part of the investigation. The FIR was lodged against 3 after the SC dismissed a petition challenging the clean chit given by the SIT to then CM Modi and others in the 2002 post-Godhra riots cases. (here)

[NEIGHBORHOOD]

Fault lines in the Pakistan-Taliban relationship emerge over Durand Line

The refusal to accept the status of the border between Pakistan and Afghanistan (Durand Line) by the Taliban regime has clearly shown the cracks in their relationship. Pakistan is considered to be the mentor of the Taliban, however, the student (Taliban) is not behaving as per the wishes of his master (Pakistan). Georgia Leatherdale-Gilholy, an associate writer for Foundation for Uyghur Freedom and a Young Voices contributor, writing in The National Interest said that the Durand Line remains a thorn in Pakistan’s side. Gilholy is also of the view that the tensions between the Taliban-led Afghan state and Pakistan are potentially set to spiral over the coming weeks and months. (here)

Pakistan confirms BRICS member blocked invite to development dialogue in China

Without naming the country, Pakistan confirmed Mon that its invitation to a development dialogue held in China on June 24 was blocked by a BRICS member. In response to media queries about the “High-level Dialogue on Global Development”, held virtually on the sidelines of the BRICS meetings, the Foreign Office spokesperson said that Pakistan — with the cooperation of China — is fully committed to taking bilateral and multilateral cooperation to new heights. As the host country, China was engaged with Pakistan before the BRICS, where decisions are made after consultations with all BRICS members, including invitations to non-members, the statement read.  Geo TV reported citing a source that India blocked Pakistan from participating in the BRICS. (here)

Pakistan reached IMF accord after US helped: sources

As Pakistan made major progress on the discussions held with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) regarding the federal budget for the next fiscal year 2022-23, it was noted that Islamabad’s request to the US “helped” the country. Speaking on Geo News program Naya Pakistan, anchor Shahzad Iqbal said that according to his information Islamabad did get the benefit from reaching out to the US because IMF’s attitude earlier was very rigid and the Fund was putting harsh conditions and probably would have refused to close a deal with the country. However, the anchorperson added, this was due to the pressure from the US pressure which made it possible for Pakistan but there were still no concessions in conditions. According to reports, Fin Minister Miftah Ismail and State Minister for Finance Aisha Ghous Pasha had met US Ambassador to Pakistan Donald Blome earlier this month seeking US assistance. (here)

Saudi Arabia confers Pakistan Army chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa with King Abdulaziz Medal

Pakistan Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa was conferred with the prestigious King Abdulaziz Medal on Sun for his contributions to defense cooperation between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. During his official visit to the kingdom, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman conferred General Bajwa with the King Abdulaziz Medal of Excellent Class for his “distinguished efforts in consolidating and strengthening bonds of friendship and cooperation and developing Saudi-Pakistani relations”. Saudi Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Chief of General Staff Lt-Gen Fayyad Al-Ruwaili, and several senior officials from both sides were present on the occasion. Gen Bajwa also called on the Crown Prince and discussed matters of mutual interest, bilateral defense and security cooperation, and regional peace and stability, according to a statement issued by the Pakistan Army here. (here)

China to relocate 17,000 Tibetan people, claims to ‘improve living conditions and protect the environment’

Around 17,555 Tibetan people will be relocated away from high-altitude places in Nagqu City, southwest China’s Tibet Autonomous Region under a relocation plan that aims to improve the living conditions of the people and protect the region’s fragile ecosystem. In the next one and half months, the people will move from places with an average altitude of over 4,500 m above sea level to more hospitable areas of about 3,600 m in Shannan City, Xinhua reported. More than 130,000 people in around 100 Tibet towns will be covered under the relocation plan in 8 years, the media added. The nature-bound systems of Tibet are now being shattered and destroyed by Beijing for their benefit, not even giving an iota of thought to the inhabitants. Since the 1959 Uprising, Beijing has been steadily tightening its grip on Tibet. In Tibet, there is no freedom of speech, religion, or press and arbitrary detainments continue. Forced abortion, sterilization of Tibetan women, and the transfer of low-income Chinese citizens threaten the survival of Tibetan culture. Over 1.5 billion people across the continent of Asia rely on Tibet for their source of water since the largest rivers in Asia such as the Brahmaputra, the Ganges, the Mekong, and the Yangtze all flow from Tibet. The melting glaciers of Tibet are worrying and troublesome for all the regions that depend on it as their ultimate source of water. (here)

China to extend yuan trading hours in a bid to boost global use of its currency

China plans to extend the yuan’s trading hours as it seeks to increase global investor participation in onshore currency trading as part of its internationalization push. Regulators led by the People’s Bank of China (PBOC) have told some banks to prepare for an extension of onshore yuan trading hours, according to people familiar with the matter, who asked not to be identified as discussing private information. The trading will close at 3 am the next day, instead of the 11:30 pm local time, the people said. It’s not known when the change would be effective. The PBOC had pledged to extend currency trading hours and vowed to further open up the financial market in May after the IMF lifted the yuan’s weighting in the Special Drawing Rights currency basket. The further extension of yuan trading into New York hours could boost China’s foreign exchange trading volume, which dwindled in May due to coronavirus lockdowns in Beijing and Shanghai. (here)