Nuh [Mevat] Violence: 176 people arrested, 78 taken into preventive detention since Mon; 93 FIRs registered

• 176 people have been arrested and 78 taken into preventive detention since Mon.
• Further, 93 FIRs have been registered in 5 districts, including 46 in Nuh, 23 in Gurugram, and 18 in Palwal.
• An IRB battalion has been deployed in Nuh, while an RAF Centre will soon be established in Mewat.
• The police on Thu said that 2 incidents of fire were reported at 2 mosques in ward no 13 in Tauru, Nuh, and an investigation to ascertain the causes is on.
• Further, the curfew in the area was lifted between 10 am and 1 pm, and the suspended internet will be temporarily restored between 1 pm and 4 pm.
• Police appeal to ulemas to offer Fri’s prayers from home
• Calling for calm, the US Wed urged parties to refrain from violent actions and said that no American has been affected in the fighting. (here)
• The death toll has reached 7 in the clashes
• It is believed that the incident happened after rumors spread that cow vigilante. However, Manesar did not show up at the event.
• The people who surrounded the procession were having arms while they were escorted by some unknown number of people with firearms. (here)
• 1st FIRs against hate posts; 2k clips under lens: 3 FIRs were filed on Thu in Nuh for incendiary posts on social media that fanned communal tension.
• These are the first cases of posts spreading hatred that have circulated both before and after the communal violence in Nuh. (here)
• [So far, nothing is cleared. What exactly happened is not at all in the media. Everyone is paddling their agenda by floating cut videos as per their script. Nonetheless, what significance is the occurrence of such violence just a fortnight before independence day and a month before G20]

PM Modi accepts S African President invite to join BRICS Summit in Johannesburg

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thu accepted S African President Cyril Ramaphosa’s invitation to participate in the BRICS Summit going to be held in Johannesburg.
• The PM had a telephonic conversation with President in which the President extended a cordial invitation to PM Modi for the BRICS Summit scheduled on Aug 22-24.
• Moreover, the PM assessed the progress in bilateral cooperation on the 30^th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral diplomatic relations.
• President later extended his support to India’s initiatives as part of its ongoing G-20 presidency.
• BRICS economies represent 27% of the global GDP and over 18% of trade with 50% of the global growth, making the most significant group propelling global growth. (here)
• However, a day before, Reuters reported that PM Modi was unlikely to travel to S Africa for the BRICS summit, citing sources
• Added that there is growing discomfort in New Delhi about being part of groupings like BRICS and SCO, which China dominates, especially as India inches closer to the US and other Western powers, citing an official. (here)
• India has no reservations about BRICS expansion. Baseless reports in select media, perhaps planted stories against India (we know from where): MEA states.

India mandates licensing for laptop, tablet imports in blow to Apple, Dell

• India will impose a licensing must for imports of laptops, tablets, PC (1.5% of imports) with immediate effect, which could hit them hard and force them to produce locally
• Current regulations in India allow companies to import laptops freely, but the new rule mandates a special license for these products similar to 2020 for inbound TV shipments.
• Industry executives said a licensing regime would mean prolonged wait times and would come just ahead of a festive season in India when sales typically surge.
• The statement gave no reason for the move, but PM Modi’s govt has been promoting local manufacturing and discouraging imports under his “Make in India” plan.
• India’s electronics imports, which stood at $19.7 billion in the Apr to Jun, were up 6.25% year-on-year. (here)
• Without mentioning China, official sources say the govt restricted imports of laptops due to “national security” reasons.
• “There was genuine apprehension of future security risk…hardware could be compromised”, as most of them are manufactured in China.

Manipur Violence: 25 women hurt in Torbung clash; MR killed, 2 injured in fresh gunbattle; HC directs status quo at proposed mass burial site

• As many as 25 women sustained injuries in a confrontation with security forces, who protested against the planned mass burial of 35 bodies of Kuki-Zo on Thu in Bishnupur.
• The women protesters from different places stormed the Bishnupur district to stop it.
• As per reports, barricades were kept along Tiddim Road near Phougakchao Ikhai Bazar community hall to stop the mob from approaching further by the 9^th AR.
• Another heated argument broke out with the RAF, AR personnel, and the mob around 11.50, and men started pelting stones and sticks toward the security forces. (here)
• MR killed, two injured in fresh gunbattle in Manipur: 1 person of Manipur Rifles succumbed to his injuries after being shot by a sniper rifle in the head while a village volunteer was left injured in a fresh gunbattle which took place Imphal West Thu
• The slain security personnel has been identified as one Tourangbam Rishikumar, 48, from Wangjing Landing, Thoubal district of 6^th MR.
• Suspected Kuki militants attacked the villagers of Koutruk and Senjam Chirang from the nearby hill ranges at around 5 am (here)
• High Court directs status quo at proposed mass burial site: Hours ahead of a planned mass burial of 35 Kuki-Zo people killed in the violence, a bench of the High Court on Thu directed the Centre and state govt to maintain status quo ante.
• The HC also gave liberty to the Kuki-Zo people to approach the authorities for allotment of land for burial within one week. (here)
• RS Chairman convenes meeting of floor leaders to find solution to Manipur debate impasse: With TMC leader Derek O’Brien emphasizing the need for a debate on the situation and the govt conveying that it is willing for a way forward.
• The Chairman said he has already given a ruling and cannot accept the demand of opposition members for discussion under Rule 267 on the Manipur violence.
• Dhankhar said he has already said that the discussion under Rule 176 will not be restricted to 2.5 hours and he will allocate as much time as required. (here)

Missing army jawan traced: Police

• A 20-year-old army jawan who went missing from J&K Kulgam district on Sat was traced on Thu, police said.
• Javid Ahmad Wani went missing from his home, triggering fear among his family that he might have been abducted by terrorists.
• A joint search operation was launched by the security forces to trace the soldier, who was visiting him on leave and was scheduled to join duty on Sun.
• Officials did not immediately disclose where Wani was found.
• On Wed, state police chief Dilbag Singh said that they have “some inputs” about Wani’s likely whereabouts. (here)

India receives Spike NLOS missiles from Israel, firing trials shortly

• To destroy enemy targets hidden behind mountains, the Indian Air Force has received the Israeli Spike Non-Line of Sight anti-tank missiles, which can target up to 30 km.
• The NLOS anti-tank guided missiles have been delivered and their trials are going to be held soon.
• The NLOS is going to be integrated with the Russian-origin Mi-17V5 helicopters which would be able to target from long ranges and can prove to be very effective. (here)

Punjabi-origin UK MP Tanmanjit Dhesi stopped by officers at Amritsar airport for 2 hours

• Punjabi-origin MP Tanmanjit Singh Dhesi was stopped by immigration authorities at Amritsar airport for two hours on Thu.
• He had reached Amritsar from Birmingham at 9 am.
• Dhesi did not have an Overseas Citizen of India card.
• The immigration officials asked him for the documents following which he was stopped at the airport.
• Dhesi, who is a British MP since 2017, has been vocal on Sikh issues. (here)

Bill to replace Delhi ordinance passed in Lok Sabha, Oppn spars with Shah before walkout

• A Bill to replace the Delhi services ordinance was passed in the Lok Sabha Thu amid sharp exchanges, as Union Home Minister Amit Shah took potshots at the opposition
• He said that the compulsions of “saving their alliance” brought the opponents of the Bill together.
• The Opposition, which walked out of the LS before the Bill was voted upon, accused the Modi govt of subverting democratic principles by bringing the Bill.
• However, the BJD and the YSRCP spoke in favor of the Bill, indicating that it will have a smooth passage in the RS, where the govt does not enjoy a numerical majority.
• During voting, AAP’s lone Lok Sabha MP Sushil Kumar Rinku came to the Well of the House and tore up papers, resulting in suspension for the rest of the session. (here)

• Digital Personal Data Protection Bill, 2023 introduced in LS: Union Comm, Electronics, and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw introduced Digital Personal Data Protection Bill, (DPDP) 2023, in the Lok Sabha on Thu.
• Opposition members strongly opposed the introduction of the bill and said that the bill violates the fundamental right to privacy.
• They demanded that the bill should be sent to the standing committee for scrutiny.
• They said the govt had withdrawn a bill on data protection last year and the new bill needs more scrutiny. (here)
• The MoS, electronics, and IT said that this new Bill will protect the rights of all citizens, allow the innovation economy to expand, and permit Govt’s lawful and legitimate access to national security and emergencies.

“Want normal relations with Pakistan but…”: MEA on Pak PM’s call for talks with India

• Days after Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif showed his willingness to talk to India, the Ministry of External Affairs on Thu said that India wanted neighborly ties with Pakistan but there should be an atmosphere free from terror and violence.
• Earlier, on Tuesday, the Pakistan PM showed his willingness to talk with India and stressed that there is “nothing against anyone”.
• While addressing the opening ceremony of the Mineral Summit in Islamabad, Shehbaz Sharif said that to use build the nation they are ready to talk with the neighbors.
• “With our neighbors, we are prepared to talk to them, provided that the neighbor is serious to talk about serious matters on the table because war is no more an option. (here)
• On being asked about the so-called China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Bagchi said India has been opposing the project as it goes through PoK. (here)

France evacuates Indian nationals from Niger

• Following the military coup in Niger, the French Govt evacuated over 990 of its citizens including Indian nationals over the past two days.
• Taking to Twitter, the French ambassador to India, Emmanuel Lenain said that the French government had around 992 people, out of which 560 are its citizens while the rest of them includes nationals from many other countries, including Indian citizens.
• Till now 4 flights carrying French and other national citizens have departed from Niger. (here)

“We are giving high priority to this…,” MEA summons German Ambassador on Shah’s case

• The Ministry of External Affairs summoned the German Diplomat in connection with the case of Indian baby girl Ariha Shah
• Ariha has been placed in foster care in Germany since Sept 2021 over allegations of parental abuse, Marking this as a violation of the girl’s cultural and fundamental rights (here)

Seema Haider to play RAW agent in movie? Film director takes audition

• A team of Jani Firefox Production House met with Pakistani woman Seema Haider in G Noida on Tue to audition her for a film ‘A Tailor Murder Story,’ based on the murder of Udaipur tailor Kanhaiya Lal by Islamic radicals.
• Seema Haider, who illegally entered India and was suspected to be an ISI agent, will be playing the role of a RAW officer in the movie.
• This comes days after a video showed difficulties faced by Seema and Sachin Meena after they moved to a new house in Uttar Pradesh’s Greater Noida. (here)

[NEIGHBORHOOD]

Pakistan Cabinet approves signing of security pact with U.S.: Report

• Cabinet has quietly approved the signing of a new security pact with the U.S., a move that indicates a fresh start in defense cooperation after years of distrust on Thu.
• Through a circulation summary, the Cabinet gave its seal of approval to sign the CIS-MOA, between Pakistan and the U.S.
• However, there was no official announcement from either side.
• Federal Minister for Info Marriyum Aurangzeb was approached but did not respond.
• This comes days after Pakistan and the U.S. agreed to further enhance their bilateral relations, including in the defense.
• CIS-MOA is a foundational agreement that the U.S. signs with its allies and countries with which it wants to maintain close military and defense ties. (here)

Pakistan: PM Shehbaz announces dissolution of National Assembly on Aug 9

• PM Shahbaz Sharif announced the dissolution of the National Assembly on August 9.
• The decision came after the PM met with parliamentary leaders at a dinner in honor of the MPs, where the country’s political situation was thoroughly discussed.
• During the meeting, the PM sought their input and discussed the arrangements for the caretaker’s PM and the caretaker’s setup.
• This crucial step is part of the democratic process, ensuring a smooth transition of power before the next general elections. (here)

Pakistan: Military trials of civilians: CJP says will not allow army to take unconstitutional steps

• Chief Justice, Umar Ata Bandial on Thu said the armed forces would not be allowed to take “unconstitutional steps” as a 6-judge bench indefinitely adjourned the hearing on a set of petitions challenging the trials of civilians in military courts.
• A day earlier, the apex court had rejected a plea, filed by senior counsel Faisal Siddiqi on behalf of civil society activists, to constitute a full court for the case.
• During today’s hearing, the CJP expressed regret and grief over the events of May 9 and stressed that he didn’t want the “army to raise their weapons against the people”.
• “AGP sahib, no military trials of civilians will be conducted,” he told AGP, to which the latter responded in the affirmative and added that assurances were given over the same. (here)

Top US diplomat looks forward to meeting China’s Wang to build on ‘important conversations’

• America’s top diplomat expressed his wish to meet his newly reappointed Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in the US in the coming months to build on the “important conversations” he had with senior Chinese officials in Beijing in Jun.
• US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Thu told reporters at the UN hq that he had invited then-foreign minister Qin Gang to visit at a “mutually convenient time” and had formally extended the invitation to Wang.
• “We are looking at the fall,” said Blinken of a possible meeting. “We don’t have a response yet, but we just extended that invitation”.
• “I would expect we’ll have an opportunity to see each other and to continue the important conversations that I had in Beijing, that a number of my colleagues in the cabinet had.” (here)

China launches Fengyun-3 satellite

• China on Thu launched a satellite into space from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China, claimed Chinese state media.
• The Fengyun-3 06 satellite was launched at 11:47 a.m. (local time) by a Long March-4C carrier rocket and successfully entered the planned orbit.
• The launch marked the 481^st flight mission of the Long March series carrier rockets. (here)