1. One Nation, One Election reality soon as Union Cabinet approves Kovind Panel Report
2. Space station, Venus orbiter, mega-rocket: Central govt grants approvals, funds
3. J&K Assembly polls: 59% voter turnout in Phase 1 of J&K polling, voting peaceful: CEO
4. Kishtwar operation in J&K, which saw 2 soldiers killed, follows a troubling pattern
5. India pushes for revisions to Indus Water Treaty with Pakistan

What Else

1. India abstains from UN resolution to end Israel’s occupation of Palestine
2. US-origin MQ-9B drone costing $150mn crashes off Chennai
3. Russia would support Pakistan’s inclusion in BRICS, says Russian deputy PM
4. Pakistan: 3 terrorists killed in Nankana Sahib shootout: claimed Punjab CTD
5. Pakistan lodges protest over Afghan consulate officials’ disrespect of national anthem
6. Pakistan: Police crack down on Lahore leaders ahead of PTI rally
7. Japan protests against ‘unacceptable’ route taken by China’s Liaoning aircraft carrier

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One Nation, One Election reality soon as Union Cabinet approves Kovind Panel Report

• The central govt on Wed approved the ‘One Nation, One Election’ (ONOE) proposal, recommended by a panel led by former President Ram Nath Kovind.
• The bill is expected to be introduced in the upcoming winter session of Parliament.
• The proposal aims to hold simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies, addressing concerns over the impact of frequent elections on governance.
• The panel’s report suggests constitutional amendments and the creation of an ‘Implementation Group’ to oversee the process.
• This initiative was a key promise of the BJP during its recent campaign.
• Earlier, on Tue, Union Home Minister Amit Shah in a presser on 100 days of Modi 3.0 asserted that the NDA govt will implement the ‘one nation, one election’.
• This report panel was one of the key promises made by the BJP during campaigning for the Lok Sabha elections earlier this year.
• High-Level Committee Report: A high-level panel, chaired by the former president, submitted an extensive 18K+page report to President Droupadi Murmu in Mar (more)
• To implement ‘One Nation, One Election,’ the committee suggests a 2-step process:
• Simultaneous Elections: Initially, Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assembly elections would be held together.
• Subsequently, municipal and panchayat elections would be synchronized to occur within 100 days of the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections.
• Transition Period: States with elections due between Jun 2024 and May 2029 would have their terms adjusted to align with the Lok Sabha’s term, potentially resulting in some State Assemblies having shorter terms during this transition.
• Constitutional Amendments Required:
• Article 82A: To ensure simultaneous elections and adjust Assembly terms to end with the Lok Sabha’s term.
• Article 327: To include the conduct of simultaneous elections in Parliament’s powers.
• Articles 83 and 172: To define terms and adjust terms for early dissolutions.
• Article 324A: To facilitate synchronized municipal and panchayat elections.
• Article 325: To establish a single electoral roll and EPIC.
• State Ratification: Some amendments, especially those affecting state powers, will require ratification by at least half of the state legislatures, while others will not. (more)
• India’s major opposition political parties (Congress, AMIM, CPM) have opposed Modi’s ONOE proposal, calling it non-practical and non-pragmatic. (Total 102 MPs/543)
• The chief of Congress, India’s principal opposition party, termed the move “an attempt to divert the attention of the public”. (more)

Space station, Venus orbiter, mega-rocket: Central govt grants approvals, funds

• India is gearing up for some exciting space missions, thanks to the Union Cabinet’s formal approval.
• Chandrayaan-4: A robotic lunar exploration mission to land on and return samples from the moon by Sept 2027, with a budget of approximately $250 million.
• Gaganyaan Human Spaceflight Program: Expansion of India’s homegrown astronaut mission, with additional funding of $1.4 billion, taking the total to $2.4 billion.
• Indian Space Station (BAS): To be launched by 2028, with four missions planned, and will host Indian astronauts from 2035.
• Venus Orbiter Mission: To study Venus’ surface, subsurface, and atmosphere, with a budget of $150 million, expected to be completed by 2028.
• Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV): A reusable rocket with 3 times the payload capacity of the current LVM3, to be developed by 2032, with a budget of $1 bn.
• These missions are part of India’s vision to land astronauts on the moon by 2040. (more)

J&K Assembly polls: 59% voter turnout in Phase 1 of J&K polling, voting peaceful: CEO

• Phase 1 of the J&K Assembly polls on Wed, recorded a voter turnout of about 59%, the highest in the past 7 elections.
• Polling covered 24 seats across 7 districts, with the final turnout possibly increasing after accounting for remote areas and postal ballots.
• Inderwal led with an 80.06% turnout, while Tral had the lowest at 40.58%.
• More than 23.27 lakh voters were eligible.
• Key candidates include Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami (CPI (M)) in Kulgam and Iltija Mufti (PDP) in Srigufwara-Bijbehara.
• Leaders urged high voter participation to strengthen democracy. (more)
• Pakistan President Zardari rejects legislative assembly polls in occupied Kashmir: President Asif Ali Zardari has strongly rejected the recent legislative assembly elections in India-occupied Kashmir, calling them a mere facade for India’s occupation.
• He criticized the Indian govt’s actions since the 2019 revocation of Kashmir’s semi-autonomous status, asserting that they undermine the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination.
• On the expected line, Zardari vowed continued support for the “Kashmiri people”, condemning the alleged atrocities and promising increased assistance for refugees through Pakistan’s social programs. (more)

Kishtwar operation in J&K, which saw 2 soldiers killed, follows a troubling pattern

• A recent operation in Jammu’s Kishtwar district resulted in the deaths of two soldiers, including a Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO), and injured two others.
• The encounter followed a troubling pattern seen in previous incidents:
• Intelligence reported a group of Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorists trying to cross from Kishtwar to Anantnag.
• Two teams of scouts were sent to converge on the suspected area.
• One team was ambushed, with the terrorists hitting the JCO and injuring 3 others.
• Attempted mutilation of one soldier’s body.
• Trends: Security forces receive tip-offs, but terrorists ambush them.
• Terrorists choose the place and time of attacks.
• Complacency, lack of ground intelligence, and infiltration of Pakistani terrorists contribute to the surge.
• Analysis: 40-50 well-trained Pakistani terrorists with sophisticated weapons infiltrated the region.
• Deployment thinned down since the 2020 Ladakh standoff with China.
• Security forces must reassess strategies to counter the growing threat. (more)

India pushes for revisions to Indus Water Treaty with Pakistan

• India has asked Pakistan to amend the Indus Water Treaty, citing Article XII(3) which allows for treaty modifications.
• The request, made via a diplomatic note on Aug 30, 2024, follows a previous attempt last year.
• India emphasizes the need for changes due to significant global shifts since 1960, and to support its growing hydropower needs and clean energy goals.
• The call for amendments also addresses issues related to the Kishanganga and Ratle hydro projects and seeks a review of the treaty’s dispute resolution mechanism.
• Pakistan has yet to respond to the request. (more)
• The IWT allocates India roughly 3.3 crore acre-feet of water from the Indus system, while Pakistan receives about 80% of the total water.
• India has the right to develop hydroelectric projects on the western rivers, with specific design criteria, and can use water in several states including Ladakh and J&K.
• Pakistan, reliant on the IWT, frequently objects to Indian projects, causing tensions.
• Notable issues include the Tulbul Navigation Project, which Pakistan opposed and led to the World Bank’s intervention.
• India has unused storage and irrigation rights under the treaty, but currently lacks significant storage capacity. (more)[ so far No response from the Pakistan side]

India abstains from UN resolution to end Israel’s occupation of Palestine

• India has abstained from voting on a UNGA resolution that demands Israel end its occupation of Palestinian territories within 12 months.
• The resolution passed with 124 votes in favor, 14 against, and 43 abstentions, including India, Australia, Canada, Germany, Italy, Nepal, Ukraine, and the UK.
• The resolution, titled “Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice on the Legal Consequences Arising from Israel’s Policies and Practices in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem“, calls for Israel to end its “unlawful presence” and addresses Israel’s actions as a “wrongful act” under international law.
• Israel’s Response: Israel’s ambassador to the UN, Gilad Erdan, rejected the resolution, calling it “another politically motivated move” to undermine Israel’s legitimacy.
• US Concerns: The US expressed concerns that the resolution “will not contribute to peace but instead exacerbate tensions in the region”.
• Palestinian Reaction: The Palestinian representative to the UN urged immediate action, stating that “the international community cannot look away while international law is repeatedly violated”. (more)

US-origin MQ-9B drone costing $150mn crashes off Chennai

• A General Atomics MQ-9B ‘Sea Guardian’ drone, leased by the Indian Navy, crashed off Chennai’s coast due to a mid-flight technical failure during a routine surveillance.
• This incident may impact India’s planned $4 billion purchase of 31 of these drones from the US.
• Drone Specifications: Weighs over 4 tons, 24-m wingspan, 11.7-m length, and can fly at 40,000 feet.
• The Sea Guardian is renowned for its versatility, flying over 30 hours in various weather conditions, day and night, with satellite control.
• Capabilities: Carries bombs, missiles, sensors, and advanced maritime patrol tech, including radar and anti-submarine warfare kits.
• Incident: Technical failure at 2 pm IST, navigated to a safe area for controlled ditch.
• Investigation: The Indian Navy seeks a detailed report from the manufacturer.
• Purchase Deal: India negotiating $4 billion purchase of 31 drones, potentially impacted by this incident and recent shoot-downs by Houthi rebels. (more)

 [Neighborhood]

Russia would support Pakistan’s inclusion in BRICS, says Russian deputy PM

• Russia’s Deputy PM Alexei Overchuk has expressed Moscow’s support for Pakistan’s inclusion in BRICS, stating “We would be supportive of it” during a joint press conference with Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar in Islamabad.
• This development comes as Pakistan seeks to join the economic bloc, which currently comprises Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, and has recently expanded to include Saudi Arabia, Iran, Ethiopia, Egypt, Argentina, and the United Arab Emirates.
• Pakistan’s inclusion in BRICS could bring significant economic benefits, given its vast young population exceeding 100 million.
• However, the path forward is complex, with India previously opposing Pakistan’s membership bid, citing concerns about maintaining BRICS’ focus on emerging market economies.
• During Overchuk’s visit, the two sides also discussed enhancing bilateral trade volume and addressing banking constraints for transactions.
• Mishustin is set to attend the SCO heads of govt meeting in Islamabad next month, which is expected to be significant. (more)
• “We are happy that Pakistan has applied. BRICS and SCO are brotherly organizations to support each other but at the same time, there needs to be a consensus, to make those decisions. We have seen significant enlargement of BRICS”

Pakistan: 3 terrorists killed in Nankana Sahib shootout: claimed Punjab CTD

• Operation Details: Three terrorists were killed and two escaped during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Nankana Sahib ¹.
• Exchange of Fire: The terrorists opened fire on the CTD team, and in the exchange, three terrorists were killed by their own comrades’ firing.
• Recovered Items: The CTD recovered three grenades, detonators, safety fuse wire, two rifles, bullets, and explosives from the terrorists.
• Ongoing Search: A search operation is underway to arrest the escaped terrorists, with a picket set up near Motorway Nankana Interchange A.
• Terrorist Intentions: The spox stated that the terrorists were planning a major attack on Lahore.
• Recent Terrorist Activity: Pakistan saw 59 terrorist incidents in August, up from 38 in the previous month, according to the Pak Institute for Peace Studies. (more)

Pakistan lodges protest over Afghan consulate officials’ disrespect of national anthem

• Pakistan’s FO has strongly condemned Afghan officials for allegedly disrespecting Pakistan’s national anthem at the Rehmatul Alamin Conference in Peshawar.
• Afghan Consul Gen Mohibullah Shakir and his deputy remained seated while the anthem played, violating diplomatic norms.
• According to the FO, this act is “reprehensible” and against diplomatic norms. Pakistan has conveyed its strong protest to Afghan authorities in Kabul.
• Interestingly, the Afghan Consulate has clarified that they didn’t mean to disrespect the anthem.
• They explained that since Pakistan’s national anthem contains music, they didn’t stand up, as music is banned in their own national anthem.
• They assured that they would have shown respect if the anthem were played without music. (more)

Pakistan: Police crack down on Lahore leaders ahead of PTI rally

• A police crackdown has begun ahead of the PTI rally scheduled for Sept 21.
• Police arrested PTI parliamentary leader Ali Imtiaz Warraich who was held for two hours before being released.
• Additionally, police raided the home of PTI leader Aliya Hamza late at night.
• Aliya Hamza stated that despite being imprisoned for 16 months, police conducted a raid on her house at midnight with the involvement of three police stations.
• She expressed that the police were fearful of the PTI rally and stated, “I am out on bail; if I am wanted in any other case I should be informed.”
• Other PTI leaders have also faced similar raids on their homes.
• Meanwhile, PTI Lahore President Sheikh Imtiaz Mahmood and Lahore General Secretary Awais Younis announced a 27-member committee to oversee arrangements for the Lahore rally.
• The committee would be responsible for all arrangements related to the rally.
• PTI has submitted a request to the district administration for permission to hold the rally at Minar e Pakistan in Lahore on Sept 21. (more)

Japan protests against ‘unacceptable’ route taken by China’s Liaoning aircraft carrier

• Tokyo has lodged a protest with Beijing after China’s Liaoning aircraft carrier and two guided-missile destroyers sailed through Japan’s contiguous zone, passing between the islands of Yonaguni and Iriomote, and nearing Taiwan.
• This new route is raising concerns, especially since Yonaguni is just 110km from Taiwan’s east coast and 150km south of the disputed Diaoyu/Senkaku islands.
• Japan considers this incident a serious threat to regional security and has expressed its concerns through diplomatic channels.
• This isn’t the 1^st time- last month, a Chinese Y-9 intelligence-gathering aircraft entered Japan’s airspace off the coast of the Danjo Islands.
• China’s Naval Movement: Liaoning aircraft carrier and two type 052D guided-missile destroyers sailed through Japan’s contiguous zone.
• Proximity to Taiwan: The vessels passed near Taiwan’s east coast and the disputed Diaoyu/Senkaku islands.
• International Waters: The contiguous zone is considered international waters, but Japan has limited control over areas like customs and immigration.
• China’s Response: Beijing claims the passage was “in line with China’s domestic and international laws”.
• Taiwan’s Stance: Taiwan’s military spotted the PLA ships and reported their movement.

The situation remains tense, with Beijing seeing Taiwan as part of China that must be reunited with the mainland, if necessary by force. (more)