1. In E Ladakh, India has lost presence in PPs 26 out of 65: Report; China says all is well
2. India May Get Dedicated Industrial Area In Egypt’s Special Economic Zone
3. J&K: Tricolour flies high at Lal Chowk, shops thrown open on Republic Day for the first time since 1990
4. 2nd batch of 36 OneWeb satellites headed for India; LVM3 launch likely by early-Mar
5. 130 drones, 48 jetpack suits, 100 robotic mules: Army set to procure new-age technologies to bolster combat capabilities

What Else

6. What is Pakistan submarine doing at Iranian port of Bandar Abbas and Should India worry?
7. ‘Khalistan elements stepping up activities in Australia’: Indian High Commission condemns recent temple attacks
8. Mission 2047: India’s march to become third-largest economy
9. ‘Mala fide intention to undermine reputation, damage upcoming FPO’: Adani Group responds to Hindenburg report
10. Fawad Chaudhry ‘arrested from his house’, says PTI
11. Pakistan says power restored, energy minister blames previous govt for ‘largest-ever’ blackouts
12. $500m due with only $4.1b in reserve
13. IMF mission to visit Pakistan by month’s end for talks on 9th review: official
14. Exchange companies to remove cap on dollar rate from tomorrow
15. 26 and 14 JITs have been held, but the results are zero, says SHC on recovery of missing persons
16. Flour mill owners threatened to strike
17. Fatal diseases are reported from different parts of the Panjgur, Balochistan
18. Criminal Act Amendment Bill to ensure the Sanctity of the Companions of the Prophet
19. Pentagon planning for Taiwan visit by US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, report says
20. Over 90% of people in Beijing will have had Covid by the end of Jan, HKU study estimates

In E Ladakh, India has lost presence in PPs 26 out of 65: Report; China says all is well

• India has lost its presence in 26 of the 65 PP in Eastern Ladakh, which was patrolled regularly by the Indian Forces, due to ‘restrictive or no patrolling’ by the forces.
• The document was prepared by senior IPS officer P D Nitya, who is the Superintendent of Police (Leh-Ladakh).
• It is said the Chinese have a strong economic and strategic need in the eastern border and they are aggressively building up their army to dominate the unfenced areas marked by the PPs on the Indian side to lay their claim on the area for further domination.
• The research paper was submitted at last week’s the annual All-India Conference of Director Generals/Inspector Generals of Police in Delhi.
• Out of 65 PPs, our presence is lost in 26 PPs; 5-17, 24-32, 37, 51, 52, and 62 due to restrictive or no patrolling by the ISFs.
• This leads to a shift in the border under the control of ISFs towards the Indian side and a “buffer zone” is created in all such pockets which ultimately leads to the loss of control over these areas by India.
• This tactic of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) to grab land inch-by-inch is known as “Salami slicing” the report said.
• PLA has taken advantage of the buffer areas in the de-escalation talks by placing their best cameras on the highest peaks and monitoring the movement of our forces.
• The extremely harsh climate affects the morale of jawans and officers on the ground which only reminds them to start a reverse countdown of their deployment time and each unit wants to complete their tenure and return to the plains. (here)
• Calling the China-India border situation “stable at the moment“, Chinese Vice FM told the Indian envoy that the two sides should stand high and look far, and view bilateral relations from a comprehensive and long-term perspective. (here)
• The US has said it is closely monitoring the situation regarding the border clashes between India and China and it is glad that at least in Dec both India and China appeared to have disengaged. (here)

India May Get Dedicated Industrial Area In Egypt’s Special Economic Zone

• According to the joint statement, India and Egypt had reaffirmed their commitment to multilateralism, the principles of the UN Charter, international law, the founding values of the Non-Aligned Movement, and respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states. (here)
• India and Egypt signed 5 MOUs in the fields of cyber security, culture, IT, cooperation on youth matters, and broadcasting, out of 6 expected (list).
• PM Modi and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El –Sisi witnessed the exchange of postal stamps between the two, commemorating 75 years of diplomatic relations.
• While delivering a joint statement, PM said that “both the countries hold a deep bond.”
• The MOUs were exchanged with Egypt and this year President was the Chief Guest on Republic Day.
• PM emphasized the historical trade relations with Egypt and also said that the bilateral ties between the countries have deepened.
• “India and Egypt are concerned about terrorism. Both countries agree that strong actions must be taken to control cross-border terrorism,” PM Modi added. (here)
• The PM said that they have decided to take the bilateral trade between India and Egypt to $12 billion in the next 5 years and to elevate bilateral relations to a strategic partnership.
• Exuding confidence in India, the Egyptian President said under New Delhi’s presidency, the G20 will be successful in achieving its goal, said the MEA. (here)

J&K: Tricolour flies high at Lal Chowk, shops thrown open on Republic Day for the first time since 1990

• On the occasion of the 74^th Republic Day today, the Tricolour was unfurled at the Lal Chowk in Srinagar.
• Pictures from the city showed the national flag flying high atop the clock tower at Lal Chowk.
• Notably, the clock tower in Lal Chowk has always had great importance regarding the politics of Kashmir.
• This is the 2^nd year, when Indian national flag was hoisted at the iconic location.
• For the first time in history, the Indian Tricolour was unfurled atop the Clock Tower in Srinagar’s famous Lal Chowk area to mark the country’s 73^rd Republic Day in 2022.

2^nd batch of 36 OneWeb satellites headed for India; LVM3 launch likely by early-March

• India’s heaviest rocket LVM3 (GSLV Mk3) is likely to take to the skies in early-Mar, as part of its 2^nd commercial launch.
• This launch is part of a commercial deal between UK-based satellite broadband firm OneWeb and ISRO’s commercial arm NewSpace India Limited (NSIL).
• The deal is worth approximately $122.65 million, and it involves the launch of 72 satellites in two batches of 36 each, on board the LVM3 rocket.
• While the first LVM3/OneWeb launch was completed on Oct 23^rd, 2022, the 2^nd launch is slated for Mar 2023.
• OneWeb revealed that the 2^nd batch of 36 satellites have been loaded onto an Antonov-124 cargo aircraft, after being transported from the Satellites factory in Florida. (here)

130 drones, 48 jetpack suits, 100 robotic mules: Army set to procure new-age technologies to bolster combat capabilities

• The Indian Army has begun the process to procure three new-age technologies to strengthen its combat skills, including tethered drones, jetpack suits, and robotic mules.
• The Army has issued preliminary tenders for the procurement of 130 new-age drone systems, 48 jetpack suits, and 100 robotic mules.
• The 3 technologies are being acquired under emergency procurement through a fast-track procedure under the ‘buy-Indian’ category.
• The drone systems will bolster the surveillance, the jetpacks will allow soldiers to fly at a speed of over 50 km/h and 4-legged robotic mules will help them with logistics.
• The tethered system consists of drones, which are connected to a ground-based station and can provide surveillance of beyond-the-line-of-sight targets for a long time. (here)

What is Pakistan submarine doing at Iranian port of Bandar Abbas and Should India worry?

• A Pakistan submarine has been spotted at the Iranian port of Bandar Abbas.
• The port of Bandar Abbas is located at the strategic Strait of Hormuz in the Persian Gulf or the Arabian Gulf.
• The route is vital for maritime trade and some even call it the global oil checkpoint.
• Some global news outlets suggest that Russia, Iran, and India are reportedly working on a new shipping route to bypass the European sanctions.
• And the presence of Pakistan submarines in the area has perhaps worried New Delhi.
• Iran in its desperation to bypass western sanctions has been looking for new partners.
• The fresh move is said to be part of this new game plan and that’s the reason Iran has allowed Pakistan’s navy vessels to use its ports.
• With the expected increase in trade through this route, India’s worry is likely to increase if Pakistan naval vessels are given frequent access to the Iranian port. (here)

‘Khalistan elements stepping up activities in Australia’: Indian High Commission condemns recent temple attacks

• The Indian High Commission in Australia condemned the recent attacks on the “deeply disturbing” Hindu temples in the country by pro-Khalistan elements in a press release on Thu.
• Following the vandalism of the Shiva Vishnu Temple in Carrum Downs, anti-India graffiti was daubed on a 3^rd Hindu temple on Mon in Melbourne’s Albert Park, according to The Australia Today.
• Anti-Indian extremists vandalized the BAPS Swaminarayan Temple on Jan 12 in Melbourne’s Mill Park neighborhood, spray-painting anti-Indian messages.
• 3 attacks on Hindu temples in less than a month is the reason for concern, particularly given that Melbourne is to hold the so-called Referendum 2020 polling on Jan 29. (here)

Mission 2047: India’s march to become third-largest economy

• With a V-shaped recovery following the pandemic shocks, India’s run of success continues and her economy is anticipated to repeat a similar growth trajectory in 2023.
• The World Bank’s revision of Indian GDP growth projections from 6.4 to 6.9% in the current fiscal year is one among the many affirmations Indian policies and reforms.
• The WB’s India Country Director, Auguste Tano Kouame, credited India’s strong macroeconomic fundamentals for the “remarkably resilient” economy.
• As per the govt’s projections, India will register a growth of 7% in the FY 2022-23.
• The country’s nominal GDP is also estimated to grow by 15.4%, according to the Ministry of Statistics & Program Implementation. (here)

‘Mala fide intention to undermine reputation, damage upcoming FPO’: Adani Group responds to Hindenburg report

• The Adani Group on Jan 25, dismissed the Hindenburg report, which claimed that key listed companies in the group had “substantial debt”, as “a malicious combination of selective misinformation and stale, baseless and discredited allegations.”
• Additionally, it alleged that the report’s objective is to damage the group’s upcoming FPO.
• Hindenburg Research in its report held short positions in Adani Group, accusing the conglomerate of improper extensive use of entities set up in offshore tax havens and expressing concern about high debt levels. (here)

[NEIGHBORHOOD]

Fawad Chaudhry ‘arrested from his house’, says PTI

• PTI leader Fawad Chaudhry was arrested by the police from his residence in Lahore in the early hours of Wed, party leader Farrukh Habib claimed.
• There is no official police comment on the alleged arrest at the moment, and it is not clear under what charges Chaudhry could have been detained.
• Chaudhry’s arrest comes an hour after he, along with scores of party workers, gathered outside PTI Chairman Imran Khan’s residence in Lahore, claiming the govt had planned to arrest the party chief.
• An official PTI Twitter account also posted a couple of videos, showing a convoy of police vehicles which the party claimed was carrying Chaudhry after his arrest. (here)
• The development comes as a surprise for many.
• The Islamabad police have confirmed the arrest.
• A case against Chaudhary was registered last night at the Kohsar police station in Islamabad on the complaint of the Secretary of the Election Commission. (here)
• President Dr. Arif Alvi on Thu said the govt should “desist and restrain itself” from arresting any popular leader, saying that it could “catapult the country into further chaos”. (here)

Pakistan says power restored, energy minister blames previous govt for ‘largest-ever’ blackouts

• Electricity was restored in Pakistan after the nationwide blackout.
• A day after a massive breakdown hit Pakistan, Minister for Energy Khurram Dastgir said on Tue that electricity has been fully restored at grid stations across the country.
• However, major cities, including Karachi, Quetta, and Lahore, remained deprived of power.
• “We learned lessons from yesterday that we need to invest in the distribution system,” Energy Minister Khurram Dastgir told reporters, as per Reuters.
• Dastgir blamed the power outage on a lack of investment in the network.
• “There hasn’t been any investment in improving these systems from the previous govt,” he added.
• Dastgir says probe underway to rule out whether “foreign intervention” caused breakdown; PM Shehbaz offers “sincere regrets” for a prolonged outage.
• Notably, several parts of Pakistan faced a major power breakdown on Mon.
• The power cut was reported in major parts of Islamabad, Lahore, Peshawar, and Karachi following a reported fault in transmission lines. (here)

$500m due with only $4.1b in reserve

• Amid a lack of clarity over dates for the visit of the IMF, Pakistan is set to make a $500 million debt repayment to a Chinese bank–the 2^nd in the past 7 days –which may push reserves below $4 billion without any new injection.
• The repayment is scheduled in the next 72 hours – holding onto hopes that, after the holidays, those Chinese institutions to which Pakistan repaid last year will start disbursing loans.
• (Sources) – the govt will return the $500 million loan to the Chinese bank, while another loan – of $300 mn – given by the same bank is maturing in the 4^th week of Feb.
• Over this past weekend, Pakistan made a payment of roughly $328 million guaranteed Chinese debt that the country had taken to set up power plants.
• Pakistan had requested China to roll over this guaranteed debt, but China did not immediately agree.
• After paying back the Chinese guaranteed debt, the foreign exchange reserves slipped to around $4.1 billion and may fall close to $3.5 billion by the end of this week. (here)

IMF mission to visit Pakistan by month’s end for talks on 9^th review: official

• IMF delegation will be visiting Islamabad from ‘Jan 31 to Feb 9’ to continue discussions regarding the 9^th review of the $7 bn Extended Fund Facility, an official said on Thu.
• Pakistan entered a $6 bn IMF program in 2019, which was increased to $7bn last year.
• The programme’s ninth review, which would release $1.18bn, is currently pending.
• It had earlier been put off for 2 months due to the PML-N-led govt’s unwillingness to accept certain conditions placed before it by the IMF, and those have yet to be resolved.
• However, it is pertinent to mention that PM Shehbaz Sharif has indicated that the govt is finally ready to swallow the bitter pill of the IMF’s “stringent”.
• On Wed, Pakistan sought the support of the US in reviving the IMF program to facilitate a soft landing of its economy marred by exogenous challenges. (here)

Exchange companies to remove cap on dollar rate from tomorrow

• PKR closes at Rs255.43 per dollar in interbank on Thu; analyst says it is the largest single-day decline since the new system was introduced in 1999. (here)
• The Exchange Companies Association of Pakistan announced on Tue that it would remove the cap on the US dollar from Jan 25.
• The exchange rate has been primarily hit hard by a steep decline in the central bank’s foreign exchange reserves, which have shrunk to $4.6 billion.
• Currency experts say the rupee has been falling “despite being managed” by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP).
• Amid a shortage of dollars, the gap between its rates in the interbank and open markets has significantly widened, drastically hurting the economy and diverting remittances.
• Some experts have hinted that the shortage of dollars could cause rationing of petrol and diesel in the next 2-3 months, ultimately hitting the trade and industry. (here)
• Meanwhile, in complete disregard for the looming economic meltdown, the govt on Wed approved the increase in discretionary spending of parliamentarians to Rs90 billion as it allocated Rs844 million for the renovation of judges’ residences. (here)

26 and 14 JITs have been held, but the results are zero, says SHC on recovery of missing persons

• During the hearing of petitions for the recovery of missing persons in the Sindh High Court, the court observed that in some cases, 26 and 14 JITs have been held, but the results are zero. (Jasarat)
• The SHC on Fri ordered relevant authorities to immediately register a case after a citizen goes missing.
• During the hearing, some women broke down in the courtroom, saying that they have been fighting a legal battle for the recovery of their husbands for the past 10 years.
• “Do whatever it takes to find the missing persons and bring them to the court,” the court had ordered police and other agencies. (here)

Flour mill owners threatened to strike

• After the flour mill owners threatened to strike, there was a fear of a serious flour crisis in Karachi.
• The owners of flour mills in Karachi have announced the closure of flour mills across the city from Wed.
• Mill owners stated that Commissioner Karachi has fixed the rate of mill flour at 105 rupees while they are buying wheat from the open market at 120 rupees.
• Mill owners say that it is impossible to sell flour at Rs 105 per kg, due to which they have no option but to close the mills. (Urdu Point)

Fatal diseases are reported from different parts of the Panjgur, Balochistan

• Cases of fatal diseases are reported from different parts of the Panjgur district but the officers of the health department and representative of the WH are ignoring them.
• The political, social, and public circles informed that for the last 6 years, the health department was vaccinating children from door to door for many fatal diseases, then why the number of patients is increasing now?
• They complained that our children are being attacked by paralysis and other fatal diseases.
• But despite the seriousness of the cases, the related departments are neglecting them.
• They showed their concern over the inactivity of the departments and asked the Health Secy and Chief Secy of Balochistan and WH to look into the matter and take action against those who are showing their performance only on paper. (Intekhab Daily)

Criminal Act Amendment Bill to ensure the Sanctity of the Companions of the Prophet

• Ulema Councils in AJK and Gilgit-Baltistan have welcomed the passage of the Criminal Act Amendment Bill to ensure the Sanctity of the Companions of the Prophet. This bill will put an end to the insult of the elders daily by other sects.
• On the other hand, Ulema of the Shia Sect has expressed concern over the passage of the bill and appealed to the Senate and the President to reject the same as it will be used against them.
• Majlis-e-Wahdat-ul-Muslimeen Senior Vice President Maulana Ashraf Hussein said that MWM is rejecting such a controversial bill at once.
• He warned the government to have some sense and stop promoting sectarian hatred. (Kashmir Dharti, Siasat, Shaheen, Himalaya Today, Baad-e-Shimal, Daily K2)

Pentagon planning for Taiwan visit by US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, report says

• The US Defence Department is preparing for House of Representatives Speaker Kevin McCarthy to visit Taiwan later this year, Punchbowl News reported on Mon.
• Punchbowl also said that planning for the trip is in the “early stages”, and that officials in Biden’s administration expect McCarthy to visit sometime in the spring.
• Republicans under McCarthy’s leadership have made countering Beijing a priority, with a select committee on US-China competition established this month.
• Taiwan’s defense has been a key agenda item for Republican congressman Mike Gallagher of Wisconsin, McCarthy’s pick to lead the committee. (here)
• Drones could play key role in PLA’s ‘final unification war’ on Taiwan: Chinese military magazine outlines how a PLA attack on the self-ruled island might unfold
• It says drones could be used to ‘assassinate enemy leaders’ and target mobile missile launchers and heavy weaponry
• After launching “the final unification war”, the PLA would seek to “suppress the island of Taiwan in all directions – land, sea, air, space, electricity and the internet”. (here)
• [Till then, they will fight by articles/social media/ info warfare]

Over 90% of people in Beijing will have had Covid by the end of Jan, HKU study estimates

• The reproduction rate of Omicron variant BF.7 was found to have jumped to 3.44 in Novr – meaning a person with the virus could infect 3.44 others
• Researchers say surveillance programs are needed to monitor the spread of the coronavirus and more work should be done to track its transmissibility
• More than 90% of Beijing’s 22 million population will have been infected with the coronavirus by the end of this month.
• About 76% of people in Beijing had contracted Covid-19 as of December 22 and it was expected to reach 92% by Jan 31. (here)