PM asks officials to deploy full spectrum of counter-terror measures in J&K:
PM in Italy for G7 Summit, to hold bilateral with Meloni, likely to meet Pope
‘No country has locus standi to comment’ — India rejects references to Kashmir in Pak-China statement
India, China can ‘find common space to reduce tensions’, says US
NSG to establish units in Ayodhya, Pathankot, Kerala

What Else

NIA chargesheets 7 ISIS terrorists for setting up sleeper cells in UP: ‘..waging jihad against GoI
‘Those who became arrogant stopped at 241 by Lord Ram’: RSS leader’s dig at BJP
Air Force plane with bodies of 45 Indians killed in Kuwait fire on way to Kerala
Tibet-China dispute: US House passes bill to challenge China’s claims over Tibet
China pushes alternative Ukraine peace plan before Swiss summit, diplomats say
Exports between US and China could see sharp declines from AI-powered cyberattacks: study
Pakistan installs ‘China-like internet firewall’ to regulate FB, WhatsApp, YouTube and other social media platforms
Pakistan: IMF expresses satisfaction over budget 2024-25

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PM asks officials to deploy full spectrum of counter-terror measures in J&K:

PM Modi on Thu chaired a high-level meeting with NSA Ajit Doval and other senior officials to review the situation in J&K, which has witnessed a series of terror attacks in the past few days.
During the meeting, the PM was given a comprehensive overview of the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir, including the ongoing counter-terrorism efforts.
The PM directed officials present at the meeting to deploy the full spectrum of the country’s counter-terror capabilities to restore peace in the Valley.
PM Modi also spoke to Union Home Minister Amit Shah and J&K Lt Guv Manoj Sinha and discussed the deployment of security forces and counter-terror operations.
Sinha also briefed the PM on the efforts being undertaken by the administration. (here)
Reasi bus terror attack: 50 suspects detained by J&K Police: J&K Police on Thu detained as many as 50 suspects in connection with its probe into the recent terror attack on a bus carrying pilgrims in the Reasi district of the Valley.
The detentions followed an extensive investigation led by the police and security forces which gave significant leads, aiding in the identification and capture of those potentially involved in orchestrating the attack, a police spox said.
These areas were terrorist hotbeds between 1995 and 2005, he added.
9 people were killed, including a minor, and 41 others were injured when a 53-seater bus transporting pilgrims plunged into a gorge after being fired by terrorists on Sun.
The bus was carrying pilgrims from Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Delhi.
As part of the major crackdown, the ongoing search operations aim to uncover further evidence and apprehend terrorists who may be hiding in these remote regions.
Meanwhile, the Police have also released sketches of 4 terrorists involved in attacks in the Doda district and announced a reward of Rs 20 lakh
Several districts, including Sunderbani, Nowshera, Domana, Lamberi, and Akhnoor areas of Rajouri and Jammu districts, have been put on high alert after inputs.
The agencies have warned of plans by terror outfits to launch suicide attacks on security forces camps, and installations, and asked to exercise maximum alert in the areas (here)

PM in Italy for G7 Summit, to hold bilateral with Meloni, likely to meet Pope

PM Modi on Thu arrived in Italy to attend the Outreach session of the G7 Summit and is expected to meet several leaders on the sidelines of the event on Fri.
Before departing for Italy, PM Modi said he was “glad” that his first foreign visit in his third consecutive term as PM was to the European nation for the G7 Summit.
MEA spox, in a video message from Brindisi airport, said that PM Modi will be addressing the Outreach session of the G7 Summit.
Ahead of his departure, PM Modi emphasised that India will focus on AI, energy, Africa, and the Mediterranean during the summit’s outreach session.
He also stated that issues crucial to the Global South will be discussed.
India hosted the G20 Summit in Delhi last Sept, which was also attended by the world leaders gathering at the Apulia meet being held under the Italian presidency.
Italian PM Giorgia Meloni will welcome Modi as the President of the Council of Ministers of Italy on Fri.
As the current Chair of the G7, Italy is hosting a of the bloc of 7 major economies, including Canada, France, Germany, Japan, the UK, and the US, along with the EU.
Italy extended an invitation to India as an outreach country and its 5^th consecutive participation in the G7 summit.
During the summit, PM Modi is scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with Italian PM Giorgia Meloni, US President Joe Biden, and US NSA Jake Sullivan.
The Russia-Ukraine conflict is set to dominate the agenda.
In his pre-visit presser, Foreign Secy Vinay Kwatra recalled PM Modi’s statement in Sept 2022 that “today’s era is not of war”.
In her opening address on Thu at the meeting of the G7 leaders, Meloni said southern Italy was chosen as the venue to send a strong message to the Global South.
Besides India, Italy has invited leaders from 11 developing countries in Africa, South America, and the Indo-Pacific region to attend the G7 Summit. (here)
PM Modi heading to G7 Summit “to salvage his diminished international image”: Jairam Ramesh: Congress leader Jairam Ramesh criticized PM Modi on Thu, just before Modi departed for the G7 Summit in Italy.
Ramesh drew a comparison with former PM Manmohan Singh’s influential visit to the same summit in 2007, claiming that PM Modi is heading to Italy to “salvage” his “diminished” international image. (here)

**‘No country has locus standi to comment’ — India rejects references to Kashmir in Pak-China statement**

India has called references made to J&K in a joint statement released by Pakistan and China as “unwarranted”, reiterating that its position on the issue is “consistent” and known to all concerned.
In an official release by the Ministry of External Affairs Thu, spox said: “No other country has the locus standi to comment on the same.”
The MEA’s statement went on to talk about the CPEC (CPEC) and projects undertaken by China and Pakistan in border towns.
“We resolutely oppose and reject any moves by other countries to reinforce or legitimize Pakistan’s illegal occupation of these territories, impinging on India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” the release read.
The CPEC, part of China’s BRI, includes infrastructure development across the Pakistani provinces of Balochistan, KP, and western Punjab Province.
It enters its second phase next year. The plan, to be completed by 2049, is seen as a concern for India’s sovereignty and national security.
India has, in the past, asked China to cease activities as it lacked understanding of the issue between India and Pakistan and told it that Pakistan had been in “illegal occupation of parts of Jammu & Kashmir since 1947”. (here)

India, China can ‘find common space to reduce tensions’, says US

The US wishes India well in its efforts to improve strained ties with China, the 2^nd top diplomat said on Wed, while cautioning that Chinese leader Xi finds it very hard to show any flexibility on territorial issues.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Tue after assuming office for a 2^nd term that India would focus on finding solutions to border issues with China, which has long strained ties between the neighbors.
U.S. diplomat State Kurt Campbell, who has led U.S. efforts to boost ties with India to push back against China’s growing power, was asked about Jaishankar’s comments.
“I think we wish the Indians well in deliberations,” he added, before saying that Washington was “very confident and comfortable” about its bilateral relationship with India “and we want that to continue going forward.”
Campbell said he would be in India next week with Jake Sullivan, the U.S. NSA, to “advance areas of coordination.” (here)

NSG to establish units in Ayodhya, Pathankot, Kerala

The elite National Security Guards will soon set up units in Ayodhya, Pathankot, and Kerala, said official sources.
(sources)- the unit in Ayodhya is likely to become operational by Aug, while the other two units in Pathankot and Kerala will be up and running by the year-end.
The move will help the police and Central Armed Police Force units in capacity-building and lessen the response time for the NSG in case of any adverse situation
The Ram Temple in Ayodhya is among the most sensitive installations in India.
It is said to be on the radar of various terror outfits.
The new units would be equipped with the latest weaponry and anti-drone technology.
The decision to set up an NSG hub in Pathankot comes keeping in view the strategic importance of the border district. (here)

NIA chargesheets 7 ISIS terrorists for setting up sleeper cells in UP: ‘..waging jihad against GoI

The National Investigation Agency on Thu filed a charge sheet against 7 suspects in the Bellary IS module case for setting up UP sleeper cells and fabricating explosives.
The 7 accused were earlier arrested by the central agency.
As per the NIA, the accused have been charged with “recruitment and radicalization of vulnerable youth as mujahideen to operate as terrorist sleeper cells.”
“They were part of a bigger ISIS conspiracy to prepare 50 such sleeper cells in each district of India by 2025. .. the Caliphate System … waging jihad against the GoI,” the NIA said.
They were actively engaged in propagating the ISIS ideology and have been charge-sheeted under relevant sections.
The NIA had seized explosives, sharp-edged weapons, digital devices containing propaganda magazines related to jihad, khilafat, fidayeen, and several incriminating documents and data exposing the ISIS roadmap (here)

‘Those who became arrogant stopped at 241 by Lord Ram’: RSS leader’s dig at BJP

The BJP faced criticism by its ideological supporters as RSS’s Indresh Kumar attributed the ruling party’s lackluster performance in the recent elections to “arrogance.”
Speaking at an event at Kanota near Jaipur on Thu, Kumar said, “Those who did bhakti of Lord Ram gradually became arrogant. That party was declared the biggest party but was stopped at 241 by Lord Ram due to arrogance.”
The comment appeared to be directed at the BJP, which won 241 seats in the polls but failed to cross the majority mark.
It was also the party’s worst showing since 2014.
Kumar also targeted the opposition INDIA bloc, labeling them as “anti-Ram.”
Without mentioning the opposition alliance by name, he said, “And those who had no faith in Ram, they together were stopped at 234. (here)

Air Force plane with bodies of 45 Indians killed in Kuwait fire on way to Kerala

A special Indian Air Force plane, carrying the mortal remains of the 45 Indians killed in the Kuwait building fire tragedy, took off for Kerala in the wee hours of Friday.
The development was confirmed by Union Minister Kirti Vardhan Singh on X.
The minister was also onboard the aircraft. (here)

[Neighborhood]

Tibet-China dispute: US House passes bill to challenge China’s claims over Tibet

A bill that would challenge China’s claims over Tibet and seek to facilitate dialogue between China and the Dalai Lama is on its way to US President Joe Biden’s desk.
This comes after, on Wed, the US House of Representatives voted to pass the bill, already approved by the Senate.
The bill, titled ‘Promoting a Resolution to the Tibet-China Dispute Act,’ was passed by the House of Representatives by a 391-26 majority.
Co-sponsored by Jeff Merkley, an Oregon Democrat, the bill would provide money to fight what it describes as “disinformation” by China about Tibet’s history and people
The bill rejects the position held by China that Tibet has always been part of China.
It would also make it US policy that the issue of Tibet’s status is yet to be resolved.
In addition, it defines “Tibet” in a way that encompasses not only the TAR but the Tibetan areas within other Chinese provinces as well.
Republican representative Michael McCaul of Texas said “Passing this bill demonstrates America’s resolve that the [CCP] status quo in Tibet is UNacceptable and I can think of no greater message or gift to the Dalai Lama and the people of Tibet”.
China argues that Tibet has been under Chinese rule for over 7 centuries; many [most of the] Tibetans, however, dispute that, saying that, in most of those years, Tibet was self-governed.
The bill’s backers as per the report also note that the US govt has never recognised that China’s overthrow of Tibet in the 1950s was legal.
They argue that China is engaged in destroying Tibetan culture and that the people of Tibet have the right to self-determination. (here)

China pushes alternative Ukraine peace plan before Swiss summit, diplomats say

As China, skipping a weekend summit on a peace plan for Ukraine, has been lobbying govts for its alternative plan, 10 diplomats said, with one calling Beijing’s campaign a “subtle boycott” of the global meeting in Switzerland.
90 states and organizations to take part in the summit on Jun 15-16 in the alpine resort of Lucerne, which will seek to build support for Ukrainian President Zelensky’s peace proposals, including the full withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine.
Moscow, which was not invited has dismissed the meeting as futile.
After China said it was not going to the summit, Zelensky accused Beijing of helping Moscow undermine the meeting, an accusation China’s FM denied. (here)
Pakistan too, skips peace summit in Switzerland: During a media briefing, FO spox stated Switzerland had invited Pakistan to attend the summit on Jun 15-16.
However, due to other commitments, Pakistan will not be participating.
She emphasized that Pakistan is at the forefront of efforts for global peace.
The spox further said that there has been no exchange of letters between Pakistan and India and mentioned that Indian media often reports based on speculation.
Regarding the repatriation plan for illegal foreign residents, the spox confirmed that implementation is ongoing.
Also, the spox expressed expectations for progress in the strategic cooperative partnership between Pakistan and China in the coming months
It is noteworthy that China has also decided not to attend the Ukraine Peace talk.
Russia has indicated that Beijing understands that such a conference would be pointless without Russia’s involvement.
Previously, spox confirmed at the weekly briefing last week that Pakistan was invited to the summit and the invitation was under consideration. (here)

Exports between US and China could see sharp declines from AI-powered cyberattacks: study

Cyberattacks powered by AI could deal a consequential blow to global trade, driving downswings in exports between China and the US, a recent study has found.
China’s exports could plunge 8.2%, economics and cybersecurity researchers projected, while the US could see a reduction of 5.6% in a simulation scenario with a large number of cybersecurity breaches.
“The disparity stems from China’s heavy reliance on the American market, which absorbs about 20% of its total exports,” the researchers said.
“In contrast, the US benefits from more diversified export markets, which helps cushion the blow from such attacks.”
Researchers from the Oxford Brookes Business School in Britain and the School of IT and CS at Nile University in Egypt published a paper in the journal Risk Analysis last week. (here)

Pakistan installs ‘China-like internet firewall’ to regulate FB, WhatsApp, YouTube and other social media platforms

(sources)-Pakistan is implementing a nationwide internet firewall system to monitor and regulate content on social media platforms like FB, YouTube, WhatsApp, and X.
Some say the internet firewall is akin to something that China has to monitor internet content in the country.
This move follows the temporary blocking of X in Pakistan earlier this year.
The stated goal is said to be to curb the spread of “undesirable content,” which includes propaganda and content deemed offensive by the Pakistani govt.
Pakistan’s justification for blocking X centered on the platform’s non-compliance with Pakistani laws and its alleged failure to register within the country.
The govt maintains that these actions do not violate fundamental rights.
The firewall will reportedly use Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) technology to examine data packets and identify sources of propaganda material.
DPI can inspect data up to the application layer, allowing for a more granular analysis of content. (here)

Pakistan: IMF expresses satisfaction over budget 2024-25

The IMF has expressed satisfaction with the country’s budget for the next fiscal year.
(Sources)- the IMF had recommended eliminating all tax exemptions in the budget.
Proposals include the removal of tax exemptions exceeding Rs 3 trillion.
To expand the tax net, the FBR will enhance its enforcement measures.
In the upcoming fiscal year, tax revenues exceeding Rs3.8 trillion will be collected.
Implementation of the new program is likely to be decided soon, and the govt is expected to sign a staff-level agreement with the IMF in Jun or Jul.
The income tax on the salaried class has been aligned with international standards as per IMF’s demands.
In the upcoming fiscal year, state-owned electricity companies will be privatized, and the power sector will be deregulated.
The performance of govt companies will be accelerated to match those of govt companies in friendly Arab countries.
Political parties will not politicize the IMF program, and provincial govts will fully implement the new program.

The country was looking to find ways to increase its revenues to reduce its fiscal deficit as part of reforms being discussed with the IMF and is in talks with the IMF for a loan of $6 billion to $8 billion. (here)

Top Headlines: PM asks officials to deploy full spectrum of counter-terror measures in J&K