[NEWS OF THE DAY]

Malware found in phones not necessarily Pegasus, says SC panel in snooping case

A panel appointed by the Supreme Court to probe the Pegasus snooping case told a CJI-led bench on Thu that it found no conclusive proof that the spyware was found in the 29 mobile phones it examined. Forensic analysis revealed that five phones were found to be affected by some malware, but the panel said it was unclear if it was Pegasus. Taking on record the panel’s sealed report, CJI NV Ramana noted that the govt was not cooperative with the committee and reiterated its previous stand of not disclosing whether it used Pegasus for spying on citizens. The committee, headed by retired SC judge RV Raveendran, was constituted to investigate the alleged misuse of the Pegasus spyware to spy on journalists, politicians, and activists. It had submitted its final report earlier in July. The bench said it will put the report out in the public domain. (here) [interesting that an SC Justice, two investigative officers, and 3 technical experts from computer science, after 9 months put this conclusion.]

Jaishankar co-chairs Joint Commission Meeting with Brazilian FM, signs agreement on broadcasting, taxation

External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar who is on his 1^st ever visit to South America, co-chaired the 8^th India-Brazil Joint Commission Meeting Wed with his Brazilian counterpart, Carlos Franca, and had comprehensive discussions concerning trade, investments, and other consular domains. Jaishankar also signed agreements in the fields of broadcasting and taxation with the Brazilian Foreign Minister, Carlos Franca, and exchanged views on BRICS, IBSA, UN, G20, and the Ukraine conflict. Moreover, Jaishankar also appreciated the Govt of Brazil for releasing a commemorative stamp marking the 75^th anniversary of Indian independence under Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav. The External Affairs Minister is on an official visit to Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina from Aug 22-27. During his visit, in addition to bilateral engagements with his counterparts, the EAM will call on the top leadership in all 3 countries. Before his visit, he on Fri met with the Ambassadors from Latin American and Caribbean countries in New Delhi ahead of his visit to the region. (here)

Cabinet approves Export Policy for Wheat or Meslin Flour

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi has approved the proposal for amendment of the policy of exemption for Wheat or Meslin Flour (HS Code 1101) from export restrictions/ ban. Russia & Ukraine are the major exporters of wheat accounting for around 1/4^th of the global wheat trade. The conflict between them led to the global wheat supply chain disruptions increasing the demand for Indian wheat. As a result, the price of wheat in the domestic market showed an increase. To ensure food security for 1.4 billion people in the country, the decision was taken to put the prohibition the export of wheat in May 2022. The approval will now allow putting a restriction on the export of Wheat Flour which will ensure a curb on rising prices of wheat flour and ensure food security for the most vulnerable sections of the society. (here)

Amit Shah chairs a high-level meeting to review the security situation in J-K

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thu chaired a high-level meeting to review the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir. The meeting started around 3 pm at the Home Ministry in presence of National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Union Home Secretary, Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha, Army Chief Manoj Pandey, and Research and Analysis Wing Chief Samant Goel. Central Reserve Police Force, Director General, Border Security Force, chief, J&K Director General of Police, and National Investigation Agency, Director General also attended the meeting which was held in hybrid mode. It is learned that Shah was apprised of the condition of cross-border infiltration, the present situation of terrorism in J&K, and other issues linked to it. Issues of coordinated counter-terrorism operations and zero cross-border infiltration were learned to be part of the agenda of the meeting to wipe out terrorism. Shah held a similar meeting in May and June and reviewed the security situation in the UT as well as the preparations for the recently concluded Amarnath Yatra. (here)

T Raja Singh arrested again by Telangana Police, the second time in 3 days: Report

The Telangana Police picked up suspended BJP leader T Raja Singh from his residence in Hyderabad on Thu, days after he was arrested and later granted for his alleged controversial remarks against Prophet Mohammad, news agency ANI reported. Earlier, a large crowd of protestors gathered at Shalibanda in Hyderabad over his alleged remarks. The police resorted to the lathi charge to control the protesters. Singh has been booked under the Indian Penal Code sections, PD (preventive dentition) Act. Records disclose that out of 101 criminal cases registered against him, he was involved in 18 communal offenses. Mangalhat Police executed a PD order on him, he is being lodged in Central Prison, Cheriapally, said Hyderabad Police. Other cases are under 153-A (promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion), 295-A (deliberate and malicious acts, intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs), 505 (2) (making, publishing, or circulating any statement or report containing rumor or alarming news with intent to create or promote feelings of enmity and hatred) and 506 (criminal intimidation). (here)

[NATIONAL]

Four infiltration bids foiled in 72 hours in JK, 5 terrorists killed, one arrested alive

Border Security Force (BSF) on Thu shot a Pakistani intruder who attempted to smuggle narcotics across the International Border (IB) in the Samba area of Jammu. According to the BSF, in the early hours of the day, an intruder who tried to cross the border was shot by BSF personnel after they noticed a suspicious movement from Pakistan’s side. The BSF troops immediately fired up on the intruder but the injured intruder managed to escape as the troops recovered blood stains from the spot. However, he left behind 8 kg of drugs, (Heroin), which he was attempting to smuggle. Meanwhile, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Wed conducted searches at 9 locations in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Rajasthan in connection with a case of the seizure of heroin that was smuggled into India through the Integrated Check Post (ICP), Attari in Apr end. Searches conducted led to the recovery of incriminating materials, including documents and digital devices. The case has links to the seizure of heroin that was smuggled into India through ICP, Attari on Apr 24 this. (here) Indian Army and J&K Police have foiled an infiltration bid by Pakistani terrorists near in Kamalkote sector of Uri in North Kashmir on Thu afternoon. 3 Pakistani Infiltrators have been killed. Operation is currently underway. More details are awaited.

The Indian Army on Wed foiled a third infiltration bid by terrorists on the Line of Control

The Indian Army on Wed foiled a third infiltration bid by terrorists on the Line of Control(LoC) in the Pallanwala area of Jammu and Kashmir’s Akhnoor sector on Tue night. “Tabarak Hussain stated that he was sent by a Col of Pakistan intelligence agency named Col Yunus Chaudhry who had paid him 30,000 Pakistani rupees. Tabarak also revealed that he along with other terrorists had carried two to three close recces of Indian forward posts to target them at an opportune time,” the army statement said. (here)

NDTV seeks to block Adani takeover on regulatory issues

India’s New Delhi Television Ltd (NDTV) on Thu sought to block Gautam Adani’s attempt to acquire a majority stake in the news network, saying regulatory restrictions meant the bid from the billionaire tycoon’s group could not proceed. In a stock exchange filing, NDTV said its founders Prannoy and Radhika Roy have since 2020 been barred from buying or selling shares in India’s securities market, and so cannot transfer shares which Adani was trying to seek in a bid to exert control. Adani’s conglomerate on Tue said it was seeking a controlling stake in the news channel, a move NDTV said was “entirely unexpected” and was without any discussion or consent of the network. NDTV is regarded as one of the few media groups that often takes a critical view of the ruling administration’s policies. The 2020 Securities and Exchange Board of India order cited by NDTV stated the regulator had prohibited the Roys from trading in Indian markets until Nov. 26, 2022, after an investigation found they made wrongful gains in a case related to suspected insider trading of NDTV shares. (here)

PM’s security breach in Punjab: ‘Ferozepur SSP failed to discharge duty’

A Supreme Court-appointed committee to probe the security breach during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Punjab in Jan has found that the Ferozepur SSP failed to discharge his duty though sufficient force was available. On Jan 5 this year, the PM’s convoy was stranded on a flyover due to a blockade by protesters in Ferozepur. “The Ferozepur SSP failed to discharge his duty to maintain law and order. He was informed 2 hours before that PM will enter that route,” the bench headed by Chief Justice N V Ramana and also comprising Justices Surya Kant and Hima Kohli said while reading from the committee’s report. Justice Indu Malhotra Committee, inquiring into security lapses leading to PM’s convoy getting stuck in Punjab, said there should be an oversight committee for periodic revision of ‘Blue Book’ and indicts Ferozepur SSP for not taking steps to provide security to PM’s convoy. (here) [However, it is a bit tough to stomach that a police officer will be careless in such a VIP visit, that too when the visit is in a border area.]

Samir V Kamat had been appointed as the new will be the new DRDO chairman and secretory defense R&D. He succeeds Dr. Satheesh Reddy who had been made the Scientific Advisor to Defense Minister, Rajnath Singh. This means that the original post has been split.

[NEIGHBORHOOD]

Australia to continue South China Sea patrols despite efforts to improve relations with Beijing

Australia has said it will continue military patrols in the South China Sea, a move diplomatic analysts said was likely to complicate efforts to improve relations with China. “Our operations haven’t changed, it is still business as usual for us,” Australian air force chief Robert Chipman said, according to ABC News. He added the Australian Defence Force was “well equipped” for its operations in the SCS. Chipman was speaking alongside US Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall amid the ongoing Pitch Black military drills in Australia’s Northern Territory. Australian and Chinese planes have had several close encounters above the disputed waters, prompting accusations of unsafe and “unprofessional” behavior by the Chinese military. In May, Australia claimed a Chinese J-16 fighter aircraft intercepted an Australian P-8 surveillance aircraft over the SCS, releasing metallic chaff that was ingested by the Australian plane’s engines. A few months earlier, Australia condemned China for pointing lasers at a jet in waters off northern Australia. Beijing has denied these claims and accused the Australian military of “provocative” actions. (here)

The US keen to ‘manage differences’ with China amid strains over Taiwan trip: State Department

Beijing has reduced its interactions with the outside world on matters of global importance but Washington will endeavor to keep the channels open, a State Department spokesman said Wed.Beijing is described as having ‘shut down’ some key communication, according to a readout of a meeting between the Chinese ambassador and No 2 American diplomat. The face-to-face discussion in Washington was the first between the two sides since Nancy Pelosi’s controversial visit to Taiwan (here)

Taiwan raises defense budget by 14.9 pc amid escalating China tensions

Taiwan proposed a budget of USD 17.3 billion in defense for 2023 on Thu, a 14.9% increase from this year’s total allocation, weeks after China started its military drill around the self-ruled island country post the visit of Nancy Pelosi. In the proposed budget, the figure includes NTD 108.3 for new advanced combat jets and programs for elevating sea and air combat capability. And the total budget reached NTD 586.3 bn if another special fund is included, Nikkei Asia reported. The budget now goes for approval to the Legislative Yuan, which begins a new session next month. Currently, Taiwan is grappling with increasing Chinese aggression, with concerns growing over the island’s ability to defend itself after Beijing conducted its biggest-ever military drills surrounding its neighbor earlier this month. The People’s Liberation Army sent aircraft, drones, missiles, and warships around Taiwan and its outlying islands. In Jan, Taiwanese lawmakers passed an extra spending bill of around US$ 8.6 bn for a 5-year special defense budget on top of the annual defense budget. This year, Chinese defense spending has risen by 7.1% to 1.45 trillion yuan, faster than the 6.8% increase in 2021. Over the weapons, Lee Hsi-min, former chief of general staff of Taiwan’s armed forces said that Taipei should prioritize weapons that are cost-effective and more survivable. (here)

China’s second aircraft carrier, Shandong, and the battle group begin training in the SCS

The Chinese aircraft carrier Shandong and its battle group have been training in the South China Sea, the Chinese navy said on Wed. A WeChat post by the People’s Liberation Army’s South Sea Fleet said the training was intended to test troops’ combat strength in conditions simulating a battle. The Shandong is China’s second aircraft carrier and the first to be built domestically, even though it was modified from the Soviet-era design of the Liaoning, the country’s first carrier. It was commissioned for service into the South Sea Fleet in 2019 and is stationed in Sanya in the southern island province of Hainan. China sees aircraft carriers as key to building a blue-water navy that can deploy in the open ocean far from its shores. The South Sea Fleet said the training was conducted at an unspecified time in early autumn, which started on Aug 7 according to the lunar calendar. The WeChat post and the video embedded in it offered few details but highlighted J-15 fighter jets taking off with the Shandong’s ski-jump ramp and landing on the deck aided by arrester wires. The South Sea Fleet also said it had carried out resupply training. (here)

The Solomon Islands threatens to ban foreign journalists entry into country over ‘demeaning’ coverage

The Solomon Islands Government has seemingly confirmed it will block some foreign journalists from entering the country, declaring that reporters who are “demeaning” or engage in “racial profiling” by attacking its ties with China will be banned. The office of Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has repeatedly berated ABC’s Four Corners program, which explored China’s growing presence across the Solomon Islands. On Wed the office issued an extraordinary and lengthy statement once again targeting the national broadcaster and Four Corners, accusing the program of engaging in racial stereotyping and the “intentional use of misinformation and distribution of pre-conceived prejudicial information“. The ABC has already rejected those accusations. But the statement from PMOs insists that the ABC’s scrutiny of China’s actions in the Solomon Islands amounted to “racial profiling”, declaring that the broadcaster was “trying to tell the Solomon Islands people that because the Govt of Solomon Islands is opening up to partners who are not, in the opinion of ABC, white and does not operate a democratic system it is wrong, unfit and corrupt.” (here)

Khadka holds talks with Indian envoy Srivastava over Agnipath hiring row

The meeting took place just a day before the Indian Army’s scheduled plan to recruit Nepali youths in Butwal in Lumbini Province, for its Gorkha regiments. The Indian Army regularly hires Nepalis for its Gorkha regiments, but after the Modi government in June this year launched the Agnipath scheme, it sought Kathamndu’s views. The Sher Bahadur Deuba govt, however, failed to respond. The recruitment process in Butwal on Thu has been postponed, for now, officials said, adding that discussions are underway. The Indian side had earlier in Jun informed the Kathamndu that it would commence recruiting Nepali youths in Butwal from Thu and Dharan on Sept 1, according to officials privy to the developments. Just as the Nepal govt failed to respond to India, questions also arose over Nepali youths’ recruitment in the Indian Army under the Agnipath scheme. Indian Ministry of External Affairs on recruiting Gorkhas from Nepal via Agnipath scheme said on Thu “We have been recruiting Gorkhas Soldiers for long, we look forward to recruiting them.” (here)

UN helps cash-strapped Pakistan, Afghanistan deal with heavy flooding

The United Nations on Wed said it is helping Pakistan and Afghanistan deal with recent heavy flooding that has caused heavy casualties and material damage in both countries. “The UN team in Pakistan is boosting support to authorities in the most affected provinces of Balochistan and Sindh. To date, the UN team has mobilized 7 million US dollars to respond to the floods and has provided 1,100 metric tons of food rations, therapeutic feed, and nutritional supplements,” said, a spokesperson for UN Secretary-General. Addressing a press briefing, Dujarric said a response plan is being finalized to coordinate the joint response and call for further resources, following a rapid assessment. In Afghanistan, heavy rains and flash floods over the past week have impacted several provinces, affecting more than 8,200 families. Between August 16 and 21, flash floods killed 63 people and injured 115 others, including women and children. Nearly 3,400 homes are estimated to have been damaged or destroyed. (here)

Pak court grants Imran Khan pre-arrest bail in terror case

Former Pakistan Minister Imran Khan on Thursday secured an interim pre-arrest bail plea in the terror case filed against him for threatening a sessions judge during a public rally after he appeared before an anti-terrorism court in Islamabad. Security was beefed up at the Federal Judicial Complex where Khan appeared, the Dawn newspaper reported. A case was registered against the PTI chairman under Section 7 of the Anti-Terrorism Act for his threatening remarks against the judge and capital police at a rally in Islamabad on Aug 20, the report added. On Wed, Imran Khan chaired a meeting of the party’s legal committee where it was decided that an application seeking the ex-prime minister’s bail would be filed in the ATC. “Imran Khan will go there himself. God willing, we will all go together tomorrow,” he said. (here)

Former UK ambassador to Myanmar detained in Yangon

Myanmar authorities have detained the United Kingdom’s former ambassador to the country, a media report said citing sources on Thu. Vicky Bowman was taken into custody along with her husband, Myanmar national Htein Lin, on Wed night, CNN reported. However, Myanmar’s military govt has not announced the detentions. CNN citing local and international media outlets reported that Bowman could be charged under the country’s Immigration Act. A UK Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office spokesperson said on Thu the British govt is “concerned” by the arrest of a “British woman” in Myanmar. Bowman served as the UK’s top diplomat in Myanmar from 2002 to 2006 and has since remained in the country as the founder of the NGO Myanmar Center for Responsible Business. On Wed the UK announced a fresh round of sanctions targeting businesses linked to Myanmar’s junta. During an address to the nation on Aug 1, he repeated a pledge to hold elections by 2023. In a recent update, the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, said the conflict has intensified over the past month, with increased reports of army raids across Myanmar, especially in the northwest and southeast regions. (here)