[NEWS OF THE DAY]

US seeks to add India for NATO plus: lawmaker Ro Khanna

Adding India as the sixth country to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) plus would move New Delhi towards a Defense Security alignment with the United States,” said American Congressman Ro Khanna in an interview with ANI. He added that NATO Allies get quick approval on defense agreements and further said that the US has the same agreement with Australia, Japan New Zealand, Israel, and South Korea. “…I introduced that two years ago. I’m going to continue to work on it. Hopefully, we can get that amendment passed in subsequent congresses,” he said. This comes after the US House of Representatives on July 14, approved an amendment with an overwhelming majority to the National Defence Authorization Act (NDAA) that proposes the deepening of India-US defense ties. This amendment was offered by Khanna. The NDAA amendment needs to clear the Senate and be signed by President Joe Biden, only then India will avoid US sanctions for its weapons systems relationship with Russia which he said that Congress has given a “very clear and resounding message” to the President. (here)

“Deeply Concerned By Developments In Jerusalem”: India At UN Security Council

India has expressed deep concern over developments in the West Bank, Jerusalem, and Gaza, underscoring the importance of the international community and the UN Security Council sending a “strong signal” against any step that would prevent the possibility of durable peace between Israel and Palestine. Speaking at the UNSC meeting on ‘Question of Palestine’, India’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador R Ravindra said India is also following the developments in Masafer Yatta with concern, noting that tensions have risen over the potential legal eviction of the Palestinian families. “We remain deeply concerned by developments in the West Bank, Jerusalem, and Gaza. Violent attacks and the killing of civilians have taken many Palestinian and Israeli lives,” he said on Mon. At the meeting of the Ad hoc Committee of the General Assembly for the announcement of the voluntary contribution to UNRWA, India reiterated its commitment to support the Agency through its annual financial contributions. India has already contributed $20 million over the last 4 years and has also pledged $5 million for UNRWA’s program budget for the year 2022. (here)

After China rolls out 5G at LAC, the Indian Army seeks a high-speed network for mountainous terrain

After China rolled out a 5G network on its side of the Line of Actual Control (LAC) to improve its communication and data networks, the Indian Army is going in for a 4G- and 5G-based mobile cellular network of its own to be used in mountainous terrain, at altitudes of up to 18,000 feet. The Army has issued an open request for information (RFI) for this, seeking bids from companies to provide the technology within 12 months of a contract being signed. It’s envisaged that the network will provide reliable and secure voice, messaging and data services in the intended area of coverage, to support the operational requirements of the field formations. One of the first construction activities the Chinese carried out, soon after tensions broke out between India and China in eastern Ladakh in 2020, was laying down fiber-optic cables on their side to ensure smooth communication links. Since then, China has also rolled out a 5G network. The Army has been facing mobile communication issues at forwarding locations in high-altitude areas. India is likely to get 5G services by Mar 2023 Tue also marks the first major phase of the 5G rollout process in India. (here)

Karnataka: Tension grips DK District as Protests erupt after BJP Youth Leader’s Murder; Bandh Held, Sec 144 in Puttur

Unknown bike-borne assailants hacked a local BJP youth functionary to death in Karnataka’s Dakshin Kannada district, triggering tensions in the town with the VHP calling for a bandh in some of the taluks to condemn the killing. 10 people have been detained in connection with the murder. Section 144 has been imposed in Bellary town of Sullia and Puttur. All shops have been closed, and there would not be any vehicle movements in these areas. Residents immediately informed the police. Home Minister Arga Jnanendra said, the area where the incident took place is close to the Kerala border and police are making special efforts to nab the culprits by establishing contact with senior officials of Kerala Police. Police are probing various angles, including the assailants coming from neighboring Kerala. Protest Erupted-Shop owners in the district downed shutters on Wed in response to a bandh call given by the VHP to protest the killing of the BJP youth wing leader. Incidents of stone-pelting at govt buses were reported from some places. Hundreds of young activists belonging to various Hindu organizations have gathered at the spot. Security has been beefed up across the communally sensitive district following the murder. (here) The involvement of the extremist Popular Front of India (PFI), its political arm Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI), and other outfits involved in the recent hijab protests in Karnataka has been alleged in the murder of BJP Yuva Morcha member. (here) [Ironically, the BJP is in power in the state]

[NATIONAL]

2,399 Bangladeshis found using fraudulently obtained Indian documents from 2017 to 2022: MHA to LS

A total of 2,399 Bangladeshi nationals were intercepted and found using fraudulently obtained Indian documents at Bureau of Immigration-controlled ICPs (Integrated Check-Posts) from 2017 to 2022, the Minister of State for Home, Nityanand Rai told the Lok Sabha on Tue, in reply to BJP MP Ranjan Ben Dhananjay Bhatt. Asked whether the Govt is aware that the work of preparing fake documents for Bangladeshis is going on at a fast pace in different parts of the country, the Minister said the Central govt has issued instructions to states and UTs for taking appropriate prompt steps for identification, restriction to specified locations, capturing their biographic and biometric particulars, cancellation of fake Indian documents, and legal proceedings including initiation of deportation proceedings as per provisions of law. (here)

Soldier honey-trapped by 2 Pak agents arrested for espionage: Rajasthan Police

A young Indian Army soldier posted in Rajasthan has been arrested on charges that he shared classified information relating to his regiment with two women who had honey-trapped him, a Rajasthan police chief (Intelligence) said on Wed. Police said the 24-year-old soldier, Shantimoy Rana of West Bengal, was in touch with 2 women, over social media and WhatsApp. One of them had identified herself as Gurnur Kaur alias Ankita from Uttar Pradesh’s Shahjahanpur and claimed to be working with the Military Engineering Service. The second woman, who called herself Nisha, told Rana that she was with the Military Nursing Service. Police said both of them were operatives of Pakistan’s intelligence agencies. Police said the soldier also received money for information of strategic importance including photographs and videos of war exercises that he passed on to the women. (here)

Tata Group delivers indigenously developed Quick Reaction Fighting Vehicle to Indian Army

According to the company, the vehicle will enhance the operational capabilities of the Indian Army in future conflicts and war-like situations. ​TASL took to Twitter to share the achievement. The company tweeted, “TASL has successfully delivered the QRFV to the Indian Army.” According to the company, the vehicle will enhance the operational capabilities of the Indian Army in future conflicts and war-like situations. TASL took to Twitter to share the achievement. The company tweeted, “TASL has successfully delivered the QRFV to the Indian Army.” (here)

Terror funding case: Pakistan-based JeM commander among 5 charge-sheeted in Jammu

The State Investigation Agency Tuesday filed a charge sheet against five persons including a Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad commander in a terror funding case registered last year after the recovery of Rs 43 lakh from a Kashmir-bound vehicle. The charge sheet was filed before the NIA special court in Jammu under various sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, Arms Act, and Indian Penal Code, an official of the SIA said. Those accused in the case include JeM commander Ashiq Nengroo alias Ashiq Molvi, a resident of Hanjan Bala village of Rajpora in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district, who is presently operating from across the border, the official said. Another charge-sheeted is Muzammil Ahmad Malik of Pulwama and Ravi Kumar alias Nona, Jaideep Dhawan alias Deep, and Amarbir Singh alias Gopi Mahal – all residents of Punjab. (here)

BJP’s view on Uniform Civil Code should be taken as govt’s stand: Rijiju

Union law minister Kiren Rijiju on Tue said the BJP’s view on the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) is clear and that should be considered as the view of the govt as well. The law minister’s comment came in the Lok Sabha as the debate on Family Courts Amendment Bill was going on. As his comment drew protest from opposition benches that a party’s stand can’t be that of the govt, Rijiju said, “It’s only a party that forms a govt.” In a written reply to the Lok Sabha last week, the law minister had said there was no decision on the implementation of the UCC as the matter is sub-judice. On Tue he said, “About UCC, you know what our govt’s thinking is on it. We want that what is our party’s ideology should be taken as the country’s ideology.”

Census 2021 deferred till further orders: Centre

India’s already delayed 2021 decadal census has been postponed “until further orders” due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Union ministry of home affairs informed Parliament on Tue. This is not the first time the govt has delayed the census citing the pandemic’s constraints even though almost all pandemic-related restrictions on mobility have been removed and many govt surveys and contact-intensive exercises such as elections are being conducted. While the govt tried to underplay the gravity of the delayed census by saying that “population projections for India and states/Union territories for 2011-2036, based on Census data, are available in the report of the technical group on population projections published by National Commission on Population (ministry of health and family welfare)”, independent experts have expressed grave concerns on the census getting further delayed. (here)

Class 11 girl dies by suicide in Tamil Nadu’s Sivakasi, the 4^th case in 2 weeks and 5^th in month

A class 11 girl died by suicide at home in Virudhunagar district’s Sivakasi in southern Tamil Nadu on Tue, the 4^th such case in the state in two weeks. A class 12 student was also found dead at home in Cuddalore district about 400km from Sivakasi. On Mon, another class 12 girl also died by suicide in Tiruvallur district in her hostel room attached to a govt-aided school. A suicide by a class 12 student in the hostel of a private school in Kallakurichi on Jul 13 spotlighted the pressure on school children after her family suspected foul play in the 17-year-old girl’s death, leading to protests outside the school which erupted into a riot-like situation on Jul 17. The CB-CID is investigating the death and the state govt formed a special team to probe the case on the high court’s direction. The high court had also ordered that every suicide of a student inside an educational institution must be handed over to the CB-CID. (here)

Supreme Court upholds the power of ED to arrest under PMLA

The union govt on Wed received a shot in the arm with the Supreme Court affirming the constitutional validity of the stringent provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). A 3 judges bench, headed by Justice AM Khanwilkar, rejected a slew of challenges to the spectrum of issues of the rigorous provisions enunciated under PMLA and the wide powers accorded to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) under the statute. The bench held that the power given to ED for making arrests, conducting search and seizures, and attaching proceeds of crime are constitutionally valid and do not suffer from the vice of arbitrariness. Ruling that the definition of the proceeds of crime under the law must be given an expansive approach, the court underlined that every process of activity involved in money laundering, generation, possession, and concealment of tainted money, shall be treated as an offense under the PMLA and that it is not required of ED to compulsorily demonstrate an endeavor to legitimize the proceeds of crime. (here)

[NEIGHBORHOOD]

China’s PLA may have “complete capability” to attack Taiwan by 2025: Defence Minister

Taiwan’s Defence Minister Chiu Kuo-chang expressed concern that China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) would have the ‘complete capability’ to attack Taiwan by 2025. The Minister expressed concern while also highlighting sanctions as the means to deter aggression during a virtual seminar titled “Taiwan: is it key to the continuing world order?” organized by The Democracy Forum (TDF), a non-profit organization, against the backdrop of rising tension and intimidation in the Taiwan Strait. Moderator Humphrey Hawksley, a former BBC Asia Correspondent, called the future of Taiwan ‘perhaps the most pivotal international issue of our time’, before opening the floor to TDF President Lord Bruce. Taiwan Defence Minister said Taiwan’s global significance in terms of trade, technological innovation, and democratic values, its complex relationship with China, and the fallout, both regional and global, of a potential Chinese invasion, were among points for discussion. Taiwan’s defense minister Chiu Kuo-chang, who was also part of the seminar, had expressed the belief of his govt that the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) would have the ‘complete capability’ to attack Taiwan by 2025, making the current situation ‘the most dangerous’ the minister had seen in more than 40 years in the military. (here)

Beijing says it seeks peaceful reunification with Taiwan, but warns the island over separatist forces

A top Chinese leader in charge of Taiwan affairs said Beijing was still seeking peaceful reunification with Taiwan but warned people on the island against relying on foreign powers to seek independence. The remarks by Wang Yang, who is ranked No 4 in the Communist Party hierarchy, came as concerns about a military conflict between China and the United States run high over a possible trip by US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to the self-ruled island. Wang told a seminar in Beijing on Tue that Beijing was willing to engage in dialogue with different parties in Taiwan under the condition of recognizing the 1992 consensus to seek peaceful reunification while warning that Taiwan’s independence was a serious danger to national rejuvenation. The 1992 consensus is an understanding between the two sides that there is one China, but that each can have their understanding of what that means. Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen, of the pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party, has rejected that consensus since 1996, leading Beijing to suspend official exchanges and step up military and diplomatic pressure on the self-ruled island. (here)

Taiwan visit by Nancy Pelosi risks sparking US-PLA conflict, army watchers warn

Pelosi may lead to an unprecedented risk of conflict between Beijing’s People’s Liberation Army and American forces, Chinese defense analysts warned. The military experts said Beijing – which has threatened to “take resolute and forceful measures” if Pelosi insists on going ahead with her Taiwan trip – would go all out to stop her landing on the island, deploying diplomatic, economic, and even military means. Mentioning the issue for the first time, the Chinese defense ministry said the PLA sees Pelosi’s planned visit as a move to “support Taiwan independence” and would not “turn a blind eye” to it. (here)

Don’t cave to China over potential Taiwan stop, peers tell Pelosi

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is getting bipartisan support for a possible trip to Taiwan, with some lawmakers from both parties arguing that it is important that the top leader in the United States Congress show no sign of giving in to pressure from China’s govt. “If we can allow the Chinese to dictate who can visit Taiwan and who cannot, then we have already ceded Taiwan to the Chinese,” said Senate foreign relations chair Bob Menendez, a New Jersey Democrat who made his trip to Taiwan in April. “If they can veto everyone in the world who wants to come to Taiwan, then Taiwan will be isolated. So, I think she has an absolute right to visit and I think the support of Taiwan is important,” he added. (here) China says the US will ‘bear all consequences’ if Pelosi visits Taiwan-China warned Wed that Washington would “bear the consequences” if Pelosi visits Taiwan, as tensions soared between the two countries. “If the US pushes ahead and challenges China’s bottom line… the US side will bear all the consequences arising therefrom,” the Chinese Foreign Ministry said at a regular press conference. (here)

Bangladesh traders forced to export leather to China at low prices

Bangladesh is lagging in the world market even though the quality of the leather is good as the traders are forced to export leather to China at low prices. As per the guidelines, those who sell leather must have a Leather Working Group (LWG) certificate, the only institution in the country that has that full certificate. Using this opportunity, Chinese companies are buying leather at a low price. China does not attach much importance to this certificate, reported Livenews. Although unable to provide specific information, Bangladesh Tanners Association (BTA) says that about half of the total 70% of leather and leather products are exported from the country, which goes to China. According to the data of BTA, among the exportable leather, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, and 3 European countries. Besides, some skins are sold in some countries of America. In this regard, BTA General Secretary told Jago News that Bangladesh traders are forced to stay in China’s syndicate market just because the compliance issue is not right. Most exporters cannot take advantage of the increase in the price in the international market Because there is no export due to a lack of LWG certificate. (here)

Bangladesh seeks $4.5bn IMF loan as forex reserves shrink: Report

Bangladesh has sought a $4.5bn loan from the International Monetary Fund, the country’s leading newspaper reports, joining South Asian neighbors Pakistan and Sri Lanka in seeking help to cope with mounting pressure on their economies. Known for its big garment-exporting industry, Bangladesh has sought the funds for its balance of payment and budgetary needs, as well as for efforts to deal with climate change, the Daily Star reported on Tue, citing documents it had seen. It said Finance Minister AHM Mustafa Kamal wrote to IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva on Sun. The Bangladesh Bank recently announced a policy to preserve dollars by discouraging imports of luxury goods, fruits, non-cereal foods, and canned and processed foods. The bank’s foreign exchange reserves fell to $39.67bn as of July 20 – sufficient for imports for more than 5 months – from $45.5 bn a year earlier. Bangladesh’s July to May current account deficit was $17.2bn, compared with a deficit of $2.78bn in the year-earlier period, according to central bank data. In the first 11 months of the fiscal year that ended on Jun 30, imports jumped 39% but exports grew only 34%. Remittances from overseas Bangladeshis fell 5% in June to $1.84bn, the central bank said, as many migrant workers lost their jobs because of COVID-19. (here)

Bomb explosion near Kabul Gurudwara month after IS attack

A bomb exploded near Karte Parwan Gurudwara in Kabul on Wed, a month after the holy place was attacked by members of the Islamic State. “Members of the Sikh and Hindu communities are reported to be safe. Further details are awaited,” said Puneet Singh Chandhok, President of the Indian World Forum. Last month, Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) attacked the Gurudwara, which claimed the lives of dozens of Sikhs and Taliban members. Religious minorities in Afghanistan, including the Sikh community, have been targets of violence in Afghanistan. The Taliban, which rose to power in Aug 2021, claims to have secured the country but repeated terrorist attacks not only contradict those claims but also give weight to the international community’s concerns of a potential risk of militancy resurgence. (here)

Persecution of minorities under blasphemy continues in Pakistan

The targeting of religious minorities has been continuing in Pakistan under blasphemy as a large number of innocent persons who have lost their lives, homes, and their terrorized families dispersed, according to media reports. According to A Canada-based thinktank, International Forum for Rights and Security (IFFRAS), the mixing of state and religion in Pakistan has provided a dangerous cocktail for Pakistan’s population and the blasphemy laws are taking their toll on the people of the country. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has said that Muslims constitute the majority of people booked under the blasphemy laws, followed by the Ahmadi community. According to data by the National Commission for Justice and Peace, 776 Muslims, 505 Ahmadis, 229 Christians, and 30 Hindus have been booked under the blasphemy law from 1987 to 2018. (ANI) (here)

China unable to supply spare parts for missiles it sold to Pakistan

China is failing to meet the needs of Pakistan’s air defense and this is highly evident by the crippling state of Islamabad’s surface-to-air missile systems supplied by Beijing 5 years ago. Weapon systems need a sufficient amount of spare parts to be fully operational however, China is unable to supply the same which is raising severe questions about the logistical shortcomings of Beijing, reported Difesa Online, a website that covers geopolitical news. If this continues, it will pose a serious risk for Pakistan which will find itself in trouble to protect its national skies. Notably, in 2017, the HQ-16 (LY-80) medium-range surface-to-air missiles were acquired by Pakistan. This is a key defense system for Pakistan. Looking at the configuration, the HQ-16 is equipped with a vertical launch system. This gives it 360° coverage and the ability to operate in a complicated geographic environment. However, as per the media portal, as many as 477 defects have emerged in the system. (here)

Rana Sanaullah warns of governor’s rule in Punjab if entry to the province restricted

Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah on Wed warned of imposing the governor’s rule in Punjab if he was restricted from entering the province. Addressing a press conference in Islamabad, he said he had already begun drafting a summary for the imposition of governor’s rule, which is moved by the interior ministry, because of the kind of statements opposition political leaders had been making. “If my entry is restricted, it will be grounds for governor’s rule,” he asserted. The interior minister’s presser comes hours after PML-Q’s Chaudhry Parvez Elahi was sworn in as the Punjab chief minister following the Supreme Court verdict which declared Hamza Shehbaz’s victory in the July 22 run-off election as void. President Dr. Arif Alvi administered the oath to Elahi at Aiwan-i-Sadr in Islamabad. Elahi had to rush from Lahore to the federal capital after Punjab Governor Balighur Rehman refused to carry out the job. (here)

Pakistan FO rejects ‘preposterous’ remarks by India on CPEC

Pakistan on Tuesday categorically rejected as baseless and misguided the remarks made by the official spokesperson of the Indian Ministry of External Affairs on the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), calling it an effort to politicize the project. In a statement, the Foreign Office spokesperson said CPEC was a transformational project and a harbinger of stability, cooperation, and shared development for the region. As a flagship of the Belt and Road Initiative and hallmark of the Pakistan-China All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership, CPEC provides a vehicle for the people of the region to break from zero-sum approaches, he remarked. (here)