1. ELECTIONS 2024: 1^st lotus has bloomed’: BJP opens account as Surat candidate elected unopposed; Congress alleges match-fixing
2. J-K: High alert in Rajouri, security forces conduct search operation after firing incident
3. ‘Significant’ human rights abuses in Manipur after outbreak of ethnic conflict: US report
4. Col Edison Napyo to serve as Papua New Guinea’s first Defence Advisor to India
5. Pakistan says Indian intelligence agency RAW has become ROGUE

What Else

• Now, eligible Indians can get long-term Schengen visas as EU adopts ‘more favorable’ rule for the country
• Pakistan: Iranian President Raisi, PM Shehbaz agree on joint efforts against terrorism
• 11 terrorists killed in operations in North Waziristan, Dera Ismail Khan: ISPR
• Iranian President Raisi to visit Sri Lanka on Wed: Foreign Ministry
• China hails Muizzu’s victory in Parliament polls, wants to deepen strategic ties with Maldives
• China ‘Overhauls’ Its Military as US Secures Indo-Pacific; Incorporates Info, Cyber & Space Divisions in PLA
• Taiwan will tear down all remaining statues of Chiang Kai-shek in public spaces
• China is a threat to Europe’s gunpowder supply, defense boss warns

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ELECTIONS 2024: 1^st lotus has bloomed’: BJP opens account as Surat candidate elected unopposed; Congress alleges match-fixing

• The BJP on Mon won its first seat of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections with the party’s Surat candidate Mukesh Dalal being elected unopposed.
• BJP was handed over a certificate after the nomination papers of Congress candidates were rejected and all other independent candidates withdrew from the fray. (here)
• Western media’s already out to undermine legitimacy of a Modi win: In the past, the foreign media had periodically riled govts — Indira Gandhi barely tolerated their presence — but, today, Modi Sarkar’s impatience with Western media is shared by a sizable section of India’s middle classes.
• It just doesn’t correspond with their own lived experience
• Reporters covering elections in the Hindi heartland during the 1980s and early 1990s were often confronted with questions on a supposed BBC survey. (here)

[For a while just think if the Modi Govt comes into power, what cards they will be having to demean India?]

• PM Modi’s Message cornering Rahul Gandhi based on 3 statements from Congress Camp that are on record: BJP sources Modi’s message in Rajasthan is based on 3 statements from the Congress camp that are “on record” — Rahul Gandhi’s statement wealth re-distribution promise, Manmohan Singh’s statement in 2006 about the first right of minorities, and Congress manifesto that speaks about minorities getting their fair share. (here)
• BJP expels KS Eshwarappa from party for 6 Years, cites his rebel candidature from Shivamogga as reason: The BJP on Mon expelled KS Eshwarappa from the party for 6 years for rebelling by contesting as an Independent from the Shivamogga seat.
• Last week, Eshwarappa went from door to door, opening his heart to the voters about how they should choose him to “save” the BJP and its principles.
• The 5-time MLA from Shivamogga had made it a point to stress that his fight is against dynastic politics, which he said is seen in the Congress and JD(S) and has now trickled down to the BJP.
• He alleged that former Karnataka CM and BJP parliamentary board member, Yediyurappa, is fostering this to secure posts and power for his sons, BY Raghavendra and BY Vijayendra. (here)

J-K: High alert in Rajouri, security forces conduct search operation after firing incident

• Following a firing incident last evening, security forces have been put on high alert in Rajouri. A search and cordon operation is currently underway in Kunda village, located in the Shahdara Sharief area of Rajouri’s Thanna Mandi tehsil.
• A man was shot dead by unidentified persons on Mon evening, police said.
• On Sun, J&K Police, in a joint operation with Special Operations Group, arrested a registered overground worker, who is also a school headmaster, with a foreign-made pistol and Chinese grenades from the Hari Budha area of Poonch district. Further information is awaited. (here)
• A man was injured in a firing incident in Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri on Mon evening, police said.
• According to officials, the victim, identified as Mohammad Raziq, son of Mohammad Akbar and resident of Kunda Top, Shahdara Sharif in J-K’s Rajouri, has been critically injured following a “targeted firing” incident in his native village.
• Forces have cordoned off the area, and an investigation has been initiated to nab the attackers, they said. (here)

‘Significant’ human rights abuses in Manipur after outbreak of ethnic conflict: US report

• In its annual report of the State Department, which is mandated by the US Congress, is released by Secretary of State Antony Blinken
• There were significant human rights abuses in Manipur after the outbreak of ethnic conflict, the US State Dept said on Mon in its Country Reports on Human Rights.
• PM Modi has described the incident as “shameful” and urged action on the case, it said.
• It also mentions the raids by tax authorities on the office of the BBC, the conviction and sentencing of Rahul Gandhi by a court in Gujarat.
• India has previously criticized the US for releasing reports on human rights and religious freedoms based on ‘misinformation and flawed understanding.’ (here)
• We strongly encourage and urge India to uphold its human rights obligations and commitments, US diplomat on US releasing human rights report.

Col Edison Napyo to serve as Papua New Guinea’s first Defence Advisor to India

• Papua New Guinea (PNG) has appointed Col Edison Napyo as its inaugural Defence Advisor to India, PNG’s Office of Chief of Defence Force informed in a press release.
• In a ceremony led by Acting CDF Commodore Philip Polewara, Col Napyo was bid farewell.
• Napyo’s role as a liaison between the PNG Govt and the Military in India underscores the deepening cooperation between the two nations.
• He urged Col Napyo to provide an effective link between the armed forces so that opportunities for training and diplomatic engagements can be realized.
• India and PNG formalized diplomatic relations in 1976, and enjoy warm and friendly relations, have been working closely in international forums, including the Commonwealth, NAM, and the UNO. (here)

Pakistan says Indian intelligence agency RAW has become ROGUE

• Pakistan asserts that RAW is in charge of assassinating members of anti-India terrorist groups in Pakistan by using members of the Sindh Revolutionary Army and former MqM members based in Kenya, Iran, and London. [So, does Pakistan have them?]
• Additionally, Pakistan asserts that RAW has effectively created a local group within Pakistan led by Raw agent Paras Malik to eradicate the members of the anti-India terrorist organization.
• Tribune [Pak] “If any terrorist tries to disturb India, he will be given a fitting reply. If he escapes to Pakistan we will go there to kill him,” Def Min said in an interview.
• PM Modi has made it clear this policy is ‘right’ and that “India can do so,” he added in a smug tone.
• This confession followed an even more damning report in Guardian, which claimed the Indian govt has orchestrated as many as 20 extrajudicial killings in Pakistan since 2020.
• India’s foreign ministry was quick to dismiss the exposé as “false and malicious propaganda”, but Singh’s confession defies this denial.
• The chest-thumping by Modi and Singh is understandable.
• It is election season in India and the ruling BJP has consistently peddled a national security and terrorism narrative, with a particular focus on Pakistan, to whip up a hyper-nationalistic frenzy to win elections.
• RAW’s involvement is suspected in over 20 murders in Pakistan, but officials have cracked 7 such killings and busted the networks involved.
• Officials [?] unraveled the modus operandi of the RAW networks operating from a third country.
• “The assassins would be recruited mostly through social media,” says an official privy to investigations. They have hired guns, religious extremists, and members of criminal syndicates, but in some cases, they were recruited from the banned TTP based in Afghanistan,” the official says. (here)

Now, eligible Indians can get long-term Schengen visas as EU adopts ‘more favorable’ rule for the country

• The EU has adopted a more favourable Schengen visa rule for Indians which will allow them to get multiple entry visas with longer validity up to five years.
• Unlike the US which gives 10-year visitor visas, Schengen visas have been a pain point for Indian travelers due to their short validity which requires multiple applications a very cumbersome process with tonnes of paperwork required from desi travelers.
• The UK also offers longer-term visitor visas for very steep fees.
• According to the newly adopted visa ‘cascade’ for India, Indians can now be issued long-term, multi-entry Schengen visas valid for 2 years after having obtained and lawfully used 2 visas within the previous three years.
• The two-year visa will normally be followed by a five-year visa, if the passport has sufficient validity remaining.
• During the validity period of these visas, holders enjoy travel rights equivalent to visa-free nationals. (here)

[Neighborhood]

Pakistan: Iranian President Raisi, PM Shehbaz agree on joint efforts against terrorism

• PM Shehbaz Sharif and Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi expressed the desire on Mon to fight against terrorism through enhanced efforts and bilateral cooperation.
• President Raisi reached Islamabad earlier on Mon on a visit that the outside world will watch closely against the backdrop of Tehran’s ongoing tensions with Israel.
• The two leaders, during a joint presser, also announced that the trade volume would be increased to $10 billion as Raisi termed the current trade volume “not acceptable”.
• The premier called for further strengthening of bilateral relations “despite the challenges” that both countries faced.
• “Pakistan and Iran can prosper and our borders can see progress,” said PM expressing hope that the border areas of the countries can also prosper through increased trade.
• Dar meets Raisi: FM Ishaq Dar called on President Raisi after his arrival, and during the meeting, the two emphasized further consolidating bilateral relations.
• Pakistan, Iran sign 8 accords: on varying subjects to enhance cooperation in the different fields including trade, S&T, agriculture, health, culture, and judicial matters.
  • An MoU on the establishment of the Rimdan-Gabd Joint Free/Special Zone.
  • The MoU on mutual recognition of the standards of Iran and Pakistan
  • An MoU on cooperation between the Ministry of Cooperative Labour.
  • An agreement on judicial assistance in civil matters between Iran and Pakistan.
  • Pakistan and Iran also signed an agreement of cooperation on animal health.
  • The Mutual Recognition Agreement in the field of quarantine and phytosanitary was also inked.
  • An MoU for legal cooperation between the Ministry of Justice of Iran and the Ministry of Law and Justice of Pakistan.
  • An MoU to promote film exchange and cinema cooperation between the two countries.
• Shehbaz, Raisi condemn Israel’s indiscriminate use of force in Gaza
• The two leaders discussed the entire range of bilateral relations and exchanged views on important regional and global developments, the PM Office said in a statement.
• Pakistan has often tried to tread a careful path in maintaining ties with Iran and Saudi Arabia. (here)
• Press statements in Islamabad: PM Shehbaz Sharif raises Kashmir with visiting Iran President; Thanks Iran President Ebrahim Raisi for supporting Kashmir cause.
• Iran President Raisi makes no mention of Kashmir during his press statements standing alongside Pak PM, unlike the latter.
• Days after Saudi restated its long-standing policy that Kashmir is part of India-Pak bilateral talks, Iran skips mention of Kashmir despite being talked about by Pakistan.

11 terrorists killed in operations in North Waziristan, Dera Ismail Khan: ISPR

• 11 terrorists were killed by security forces in 2 separate operations in KP’s Dera Ismail Khan and North Waziristan districts, the military’s media wing ISPR said on Mon.
• A press release from the ISPR said that the operations took place last night.
• It said that an intelligence-based operation was conducted in DI Khan on the reported presence of terrorists.
• It added that the militants were “actively involved in numerous terrorist activities” in the area against security forces as well as civilians.
• The ISPR said that arms and ammunition [?] were also recovered from their possession.
• Last week, 7 terrorists were killed while trying to infiltrate the Afghan-Pakistan border.
• Earlier this month, 2 militants were gunned down by security forces in an exchange of fire in North Waziristan district.
• Pakistan witnessed 1,524 violence-related fatalities and 1,463 injuries from 789 terror attacks and counter-terror operations in 2023 — marking a record six-year high. (here)

Iranian President Raisi to visit Sri Lanka on Wed: Foreign Ministry

• Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi will visit Sri Lanka on Apr 24 for an official visit, during which he will inaugurate a hydropower project funded by his country, the foreign ministry announced here on Mon.
• Raisi is currently on a 3-day official visit to Pakistan, months after the two neighbors carried out tit-for-tat airstrikes against alleged terrorist hideouts on rival lands.
• The Uma Oya Multipurpose Development Project, funded by Sri Lanka and Iran, is designed to generate and add 120 MW of electricity to Lanka’s national grid and provide irrigation to approx 25k acres of paddy lands in the SE part of the nation
• The ministry’s announcement ended speculation about the Iranian president’s visit to Sri Lanka due to Iran’s ongoing impasse with Israel.
• Both Israel and Iran have carried out air strikes on each other in the flare-up.
• Before embarking on his visit to Pakistan and Sri Lanka, Raisi said one of the goals of the trip was strengthening economic and trade relations with Pakistan and Sri Lanka
• Raisi also expressed hope that his trip will be a turning point in improving the level of relations between Iran and Sri Lanka, the report said. (here)

China hails Muizzu’s victory in Parliament polls, wants to deepen strategic ties with Maldives

• China on Mon congratulated Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu’s PNC which has secured an absolute majority in Sun’s Parliament polls and expressed its willingness to deepen the ‘comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership’ between the two.
• Muizzu-led PNC won 68 out of 93 seats and its coalition partners MNP and MDA won 1 and 2 seats, respectively, which is more than 2/3 of the Parliament, with the power to amend the Constitution.
• The MDP, led by former president Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, who is seen as a pro-India leader, won only 15 seats this time.
• The parliamentary majority for the PNC would give Muizzu the legislative backing to shape the foreign policy of the strategically placed archipelagic state.
• Chinese FM spox said that Beijing wants to congratulate the Maldives on the successful parliament election and respect the choice made by the people. (here)

China ‘Overhauls’ Its Military as US Secures Indo-Pacific; Incorporates Info, Cyber & Space Divisions in PLA

• China has unveiled new independent units within the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), marking its most sweeping restructuring in nearly a decade.
• The move sees the dissolution of the old Strategic Support Force, replaced with 3 new arms dedicated to information, space, and cyber operations.
• The newly established Information Support Force (ISF) assumes responsibility for a wide array of tasks, including gathering and analyzing info, constructing comm networks, and safeguarding critical systems.
• The PLA now comprises 4 branches – ground, navy, air, and rocket – along with four arms, including information, aerospace, cyber, and joint logistics support.
• President Xi noted the crucial role of the ISF, stating it “bears a great responsibility for advancing the military’s high level of development and winning a modern war.”
• The force’s leadership will be overseen by Lt. Gen. Bi Yi, whose extensive military career includes serving as deputy commander of the PLA Ground Force.
• Defense Ministry spox said that the cyberspace force is crucial for reinforcing national cyber border defenses, countering network intrusions, and maintaining info security.
• This overhaul comes amid escalating tensions between China and the US, with cyberwarfare emerging as a key battleground for global influence. (here)

Taiwan will tear down all remaining statues of Chiang Kai-shek in public spaces

• Taiwan’s govt will remove all remaining statues of late President Chiang Kai-shek from the public in what is seen as a bid to erase his legacy and the historical link with China.
• Chiang ruled the island for nearly 3 decades until he died in 1975.
• He had led his Nationalist troops to Taiwan in 1949 and set up an interim govt on the island, declaring martial law, after being defeated in a civil war by the Communists
• Taiwan’s independence-leaning DPP govt set up a transitional justice commission in 2018 to investigate Chiang’s rule, finding perceived political dissidents had been persecuted and he had misused government funds to benefit the KMT.
• On Mon, a cabinet official told the legislature that the interior ministry would swiftly remove the more than 760 statues of Chiang that are still standing. (here)

China is a threat to Europe’s gunpowder supply, defense boss warns

• Europe is too reliant on China to make powder for ammunition and risks a supply crisis that could threaten the continent’s security, an EU’s most important defense contractors warned.
• Saab CEO Micael Johansson called on govts to cut environmental rules to make it easier for companies to diversify their supply chains for critical military components.
• Beijing plays a key role in supplying EU countries with the raw materials they need for their defense industries, even though China is also providing vital support to Russia.
• When it comes to the supply of ingredients for gunpowder — the propellant used to fire out shells — Western defense firms should look to diversify their sources

While lead times and prices for some components have improved, Johansson said that the EU defense industry still faced “bottlenecks”, especially on “powder and nitrocellulose to create powder”. (here)