DEFENCE

• Inauguration of Flight Control System Integration complex.
• Releases India’s Arctic Policy in New Delhi.
• Second India- Indonesia Security Dialogue.
• Brazilian delegation visits Headquarters Western Naval Command.
• Joint military exercise LAMITIYE-2022 between the Indian Army and Seychelles Defence Forces (SDF).
• India-U.S. Foreign Office Consultations.
• Joint training exercise between Indian and Uzbekistan armies, EX-DUSTLIK.
• A delegation of United Arab Emirates (UAE) Army is on a visit to India.
• Defence Acquisition Council (DACaccorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for Capital Acquisition proposals of Armed Forces amounting to Rs 8,357 crore.
• MoD approves some Major Line Replacement Units/Sub-systems for Indigenisation.
• Flight tests conducted of the Indian Army version of Medium Range Surface to Air Missile (MRSAM).
• Commissioning ceremony of INAS 316.
• Contract for supply of Advanced Electronic Warfare (EW) suite for Fighter aircraft of Indian Air Force concluded.
• Contract for Instrumented Electronic Warfare Range (IEWR) for the Indian Air Force.
• CCS has approved procurement of 15 Light Combat Helicopter (LCH).
• Maritime Exercise 2022 (IMEX-22).
• Bilateral Naval Exercise between Indian and French Navies – ‘VARUNA’.

INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM

Africa

Somalia

• At least seven people were killed in two separate terrorist attacks in Mogadishu and Beledweyne.

Nigeria

• Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists abducted health worker in Borno State.

West Asia

• Hizbu’llah plans to fight for Russia in Ukraine.
• KSA executed 81 terrorists linked with al-Qa’ida and IS.

Pakistan

• Five AQIS and TTP terrorists arrested from Punjab province.

DOMESTIC TERRORISM

Jammu and Kashmir

• NIA searched NGO offices in Srinagar in terror funding case.
• NIA filed a charge sheet against a Pakistani LeT terrorist in an infiltration case in J&K.
• Five government employees, including two police constables, dismissed for terror links.
• Delhi Court ordered to frame charges against JKLF chief Yasin Malik and Hafeez Saeed under the UA (P) Act.
• Security forces eliminated two terrorists in Srinagar.
• Police arrested six LeT terrorists from Pulwama.
• Security forces eliminated four JeM terrorists and arrested one in three separate operations in Kashmir.

Left-Wing Extremism

• A suspected Maoist leader arrested from West Bengal.
• Maoist leader surrendered in Jharkhand.
• Maoists attacked a CRPF camp in Chhattisgarh.

Tamil Separatist Groups

• NIA filed charge sheet against six LTTE operatives in terror funding case.

Narcotics Trafficking

• NIA filed charge sheet against a narcotics trafficker in ‘Salaya Drugs Seizure’ case.

Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICN) Cases

• NIA Special Court (Patna) convicted a FICN trafficker in ‘Bettiah FICN case’.

DEFENCE

Inauguration of Flight Control System Integration complex.

Raksha Mantri (RM) inaugurated a seven-storey Flight Control System (FCS) Integration facility at Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), a laboratory of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in Bengaluru, Karnataka on March 17, 2022. The state-of-the-art complex has been constructed in record 45 days, with in-house hybrid technology consisting of conventional, pre-engineered and precast methodology. The technology has been developed by DRDO with the help of M/s Larsen & Toubro (L&T). Design check and technical support has been provided by the teams of IIT Madras and IIT Roorkee.
For more information: Click here to read…

Releases India’s Arctic Policy in New Delhi.

India’s Arctic policy titled ‘India and the Arctic: building a partnership for sustainable development’ was released on 17th Marchby the Ministry of Earth Sciences.India’s Arctic policy titled ‘India and the Arctic: building a partnership for sustainable development’ lays down six pillars: strengthening India’s scientific research and cooperation, climate and environmental protection, economic and human development, transportation and connectivity, governance and international cooperation, and national capacity building in the Arctic region.
For more information: Click here to read…

Second India- Indonesia Security Dialogue.

The 2nd India-Indonesia Security Dialogue (the 2nd IISD) was held 17th of March in Jakarta.The IISD is a forum that brings the Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia and the National Security Adviser of the Republic of India together to discuss and enhance cooperation between the two countries on political and security issues.
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Brazilian delegation visits Headquarters Western Naval Command.

A three-member Brazilian delegation led by Admiral Flávio Augusto Viana Rocha, Special Secretary (Strategic Affairs), Presidency & Advisor to President of Brazil, visited Headquarters Western Naval Command on 17 Mar 2022. The FOC-in-C (West) brought out the Hon’ble PM’s vision of SAGAR- Security and Growth for All in the Region – and Indian Navy’s maritime vision during the discussions and also suggested that Brazilian Navy ships, when deployed in the IOR, may visit Indian Ports. It was made known that the Indian Shipyards are well equipped to provide any technical support to the units deployed for prolonged duration away from their homeports.
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Joint military exercise LAMITIYE-2022 between the Indian Army and Seychelles Defence Forces (SDF).

The 9th Joint Military Exercise LAMITIYE-2022 between the Indian Army and Seychelles Defence Forces (SDF) was conducted at Seychelles Defence Academy (SDA), Seychelles from 22 March to 31 March 22. An Infantry Platoon strength each from both the Indian Army and Seychelles Defence Forces (SDF) along with Company Headquarters participated in this exercise which aimed at sharing experiences gained during various operations against hostile forces in Semi-Urban environment and enhance capability to undertake joint operations.The Indian Army contingent comprising troops from the 2/3 GORKHA RIFLES group (PIRKANTHI Battalion) arrived at Seychelles on 21 March 2022.

Exercise LAMITIYE-2022 is a biennial training event which is being conducted in Seychelles since 2001. Notably, in the series of military training exercises undertaken by India with various countries; Exercise LAMITIYE with Seychelles is crucial and significant in terms of security challenges faced by both the Nations in the backdrop of current global situation and growing security concerns in the Indian Ocean Region.
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India-U.S. Foreign Office Consultations.

Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla and the U.S. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Victoria Nuland co-chaired India-US Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) on 21 March 2022.The FOC provided a valuable opportunity to discuss contemporary regional issues pertaining to South Asia, the Indo-Pacific region, West Asia, and the situation in Ukraine, among others. Foreign Secretary Shringla and Under Secretary of State Nuland agreed to maintain regular dialogue and consultations on regional issues.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to a free, open, inclusive, peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific. Following up on the Quad Leaders’ Meetings, they expressed a keen desire to implement quickly the Quad’s positive and constructive agenda to deliver for countries in the Indo-Pacific region.
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Joint training exercise between Indian and Uzbekistan armies, EX-DUSTLIK.

The 3rd edition of joint training exercise between Indian and Uzbekistan armies, EX-DUSTLIK is being conducted at Yangiarik, Uzbekistan from 22 to 31 March 2022. The Indian contingent which comprises of a platoon strength of Grenadiers Regiment departed for the exercise area on 22 March 2022 to join the Uzbekistan Army contingent represented by troops of the North Western Military District. The last edition of DUSTLIK was conducted in Ranikhet (Uttarakhand) in March 2021. The joint exercise would focus on Counter Terrorism operations in semi-urban terrain under a United Nations Mandate.
For more information: Click here to read…

A delegation of United Arab Emirates (UAE) Army is on a visit to India.

A delegation of United Arab Emirates (UAE) Army is on a six day visit to India. The delegation is visiting Indian Army training establishments and then attend the Inaugural Army to Army Staff Talks (AAST). The aim of the visit is to enhance defence cooperation engagements between the two armies.

The UAE Army delegation is currently visiting Army establishments in Maharashtra to include School of Artillery, Armoured Corps Centre & School, Mechanised Infantry Centre & School, National Defence Academy, Command Hospital of Southern Command, Army Institute of Physical Training, Military Intelligence School & Depot and Bombay Engineers Group & Centre. The delegation will also be visiting Larsen & Tubro Limited and Tata Motors Limited at Pune.
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Defence Acquisition Council (DAC accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for Capital Acquisition proposals of Armed Forces amounting to Rs 8,357 crore.
The DAC in its meeting of 22nd March 2022 accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for Capital Acquisition proposals of Armed Forces amounting to Rs 8,357 crore. All of these proposals have been approved under ‘Buy (Indian IDDM)’ category with focus on indigenous design & development and manufacturing in India. AoNs accorded by DAC include procurement of Night Sight (Image Intensifier), Light Vehicles GS 4X4, Air Defence Fire Control Radar (Light) and GSAT 7B Satellite. Acquisition of these equipment and systems will enhance operational preparedness of Armed Forces by providing better visibility, enhanced mobility, improved communication and increased capability of detecting enemy aircraft. In a path-breaking initiative to encourage innovation, the DAC also accorded consolidated AoN for procurements amounting to Rs 380.43 crore from the iDEX start-ups and MSMEs.
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MoD approves some Major Line Replacement Units/Sub-systems for Indigenisation.
In continuous pursuit of self-reliance in defence manufacturing and to minimise imports by DPSUs under ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’, Ministry of Defence has approved another list of 107 strategically important Line replacement Units (LRUs)/sub-systems with a timeline beyond which there will be an embargo on their import. These will be indigenised in the coming years and will only be procured from Indian Industry after the timelines indicated against each of them in the list. This list is in continuation to the Positive Indigenisation List of 2,851 sub-systems/Assemblies/Sub-Assemblies/Components which had been earlier notified by Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence on December 27, 2021.
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Flight tests conducted of the Indian Army version of Medium Range Surface to Air Missile (MRSAM).

Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM) Army weapon system proved its effectiveness as two missiles, during the flight tests, achieved direct hits. Performance of all weapon system components including missile, weapon system radar and command post have been validated during these trials. With the conclusion of flight trials for different ranges and scenarios, the system has completed its development trials.
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Commissioning ceremony of INAS 316.

Indian Naval Air Squadron 316, Indian Navy’s second P-8I aircraft squadron has been commissioned into the Indian Navy on 29 Mar 22. The squadron has been specifically commissioned to be the home for the four new P-8I aircraft procured under the Option Clause contract
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Contract for supply of Advanced Electronic Warfare (EW) suite for Fighter aircraft of Indian Air Force concluded.

The Ministry of Defence and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) concluded a Contract for supply of Advanced Electronic Warfare (EW) suite for Fighter aircraft of Indian Air Force. The contract was signed between MoD and M/s BEL, here today. The overall cost of the contract is estimated to be ₹ 1993 Cr.
For more information: Click here to read…

Contract for Instrumented Electronic Warfare Range (IEWR) for the Indian Air Force.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) of India and Bharat Electronics Limited, Hyderabad signed a Contract for Instrumented Electronic Warfare Range (IEWR) for the Indian Air Force. The contract is a significant step towards enhancing the capabilities of IAF to prepare for future warfare. The overall cost of the contract is estimated to be ₹ 1109 Cr.
For more information: Click here to read…

CCS has approved procurement of 15 Light Combat Helicopter (LCH).

The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) met and approved procurement of 15 Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Limited Series Production at the cost of Rs. 3,887 Cr along with Infrastructure sanctions worth Rs. 377 Cr.
For more information: Click here to read…

Maritime Exercise 2022 (IMEX-22).

The maiden edition of Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) Maritime Exercise 2022 (IMEX-22) was conducted at Goa and in Arabian Sea from 26 – 30 Mar 22. The aim of the exercise was to enhance interoperability in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations among member navies. The exercise witnessed participation of 15 out of the 25 member nations of IONS.
For more information: Click here to read…

Bilateral Naval Exercise between Indian and French Navies – ‘VARUNA’.

The 20th edition of the Bilateral Naval Exercise between Indian and French Navies – ‘VARUNA’ is being conducted in the Arabian Sea from 30 Mar – 03 Apr 22. The Bilateral Naval Exercises between the two Navies were initiated in 1993. The exercise was christened as ‘VARUNA’ in 2001 and has become a vital part of India – France strategic bilateral relationship.
For more information: Click here to read…

INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM

Africa

Somalia

At least seven people were killed in two separate terrorist attacks in Mogadishu and Beledweyne.

On 23 March 2022, al-Shabaab carried out two terrorist attacks in Mogadishu and Beledweyne district, in which at least seven people were killed, and many were injured. In first incident, two terrorists attacked Mogadishu’s international airport and killed a Somali national and five foreigners. In response, security forces eliminated both terrorists. “One of the foreigners killed in the airport attack was a soldier with the African Union peacekeeping mission— AMISOM.
Later on, the same day, a Somali lawmaker— Amina Mohamed Abdi, was killed and many others were injured in two explosions in Beledweyne. According to reports, a suicide bomber ran towards the lawmaker and detonated an explosive vest. Al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for both attacks.
For more information: Click here to read…

Nigeria
Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists abducted health worker in Borno State.

On 16 March 2022, Boko Haram/Islamic State of West African Province (ISWAP) terrorists attacked on the General Hospital Gubio in Borno State and abducted a health worker— Bulama Geidam.
For more information: Click here to read…

West Asia

Hizbu’llah plans to fight for Russia in Ukraine.

Iran-supported terrorist organisation— Hizbu’llah, reportedly made an agreement with Russian private paramilitary group— Wagner group, to send its operatives to fight for Russia in Ukraine.
Unconfirmed reports from various sources based in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and Lebanon stated that Hizbu’llah will send around 800 operatives to fight alongside Russian troops in Ukraine, in exchange of Hizbu’llah getting a ‘green light’ to buy weapons from Russian defence contractor— Almaz-Antey.
For more information: Click here to read…

KSA executed 81 terrorists linked with al-Qa’ida and IS.

On 12 March 2022, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA)’s Interior Ministry executed 81 terrorists of al-Qa’ida and Islamic State (IS) and for committing crimes such as murder and rape. The death penalty was handed over to Saudi nationals and foreigners, mostly Yemeni, who have been convicted on terrorism charges.
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Pakistan

Five AQIS and TTP terrorists arrested from Punjab province.

On 19 March 2022, Pakistan’s Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) of the Punjab police claimed to have averted terror attacks on government establishments after the arrest of five al-Qa’ida in Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) and Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) from Punjab province. CTD officials recovered explosive materials, hand grenades, and detonators from the possession of terrorists.
Two AQIS terrorists— Waqas Zakeer and Muhammad Rehmatullah were arrested from Rawalpindi and Narowal cities, respectively. The other three TTP terrorists— i) Ameerullah Mujahid, ii) Abidur-Rehman, and iii) Muhammad Jahangir, were arrested from Sargodha, Multan, and Khanewal districts, respectively.
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DOMESTIC TERRORISM

Jammu and Kashmir

NIA searched NGO offices in Srinagar in terror funding case. /h5>
In connection with the terror funding case— RC-37/2020/NIA/DLI, the National Investigation Agency (NIA), on 27 March 2022, searched offices of certain NGOs (Non-Governmental Organisations), Trusts, Societies, and organisations based in Srinagar, for collecting and transferring funds on behalf of separatists/terrorist organisations in order to sustain terrorist activities in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K).
For more information:Click here to read…

NIA filed a charge sheet against a Pakistani LeT terrorist in an infiltration case in J&K.

On 26 March 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) filed a charge sheet against a Pakistani Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist Imdadullah aka Ali Babar aka Dujana, under Sections 120B, 121, 121A, 122, 307, 326, 333, and 353 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), Sections 16, 18, 20, 23, and 38 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act [UA(P)A], Section 27 of Arms Act, Sections 3, 4, and 5 of Explosive Substances Act (ESA), and Section 14A(b) of Foreigners Act.
The case— RC-05/2021/NIA/JMU pertains to an infiltration attempt foiled by Indian security forces in Line of Control (LoC) Uri sector of Baramulla district in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) in September 2021. During the infiltration attempt, Imdadullah was arrested while his associate— Atiqur-Rehman aka Qari Anas was eliminated. A huge cache of arms and ammunitions, and other incriminating materials were recovered from the possession of duo.
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Five government employees, including two police constables, dismissed for terror links.

On 30 March 2022, the Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) administration terminated the services of five government employees, including two police constables, for their alleged links with terrorist groups. One of the police constables— Tawseef Ahmed Mir, was accused of actively working for Hizbul-Mujahideen (HM) and tried to kill two of his colleagues.
The committee, constituted under Article 311 (2) of the Constitution, allows dismissal of government employees without an inquiry in the interest of the security of the State. The committee was established to identify and weed out government employees who have terror links and are working as Over-Ground Workers (OGWs) for terror outfits.
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Delhi Court ordered to frame charges against JKLF chief Yasin Malik and Hafeez Saeed under the UA (P) Act.

A Delhi Court, on 20 March 2022, ordered to frame charges against Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) chief Mohammad Yasin Malik, Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) chief Hafeez Saeed, Hizbul-Mujahideen (HM) chief Syed Salahuddin, Kashmir separatist leaders— Shabbir Malik, MasaratAlam, and others, under various sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act [UA(P)A] and Indian Penal Code (IPC), in a case pertaining to secessionist activities that disturbed Jammu and Kashmir (J&K).
“So far from the statements of witnesses, a pattern is emerging— Pakistan or its agencies and accused share a common goal and there is an agreement on the means to be used for achieving that goal and the terror funding is also being provided from Pakistan,” said Special Judge Praveen Singh, after the discussion of evidence.
“The baton was held by conductors sitting across the border in the form of Pakistani agencies such as Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Directorate and each of the conspirators, knowing every other conspirator, was playing his own role as per the directions of the conductor in order to create a symphony of bloodshed, violence, mayhem and destruction with the ultimate object of secession of J&K,” read the court order.
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Security forces eliminated two terrorists in Srinagar.

On 30 March 2022, security forces killed two terrorists— Rayees Ahmed Bhat (former journalist) and Hilal Ahmed Rah, in a gun-battle in Srinagar district in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). Rayees Ahmed Bhat was running an online news portal— ‘Valley News Service (VNS)’ in Anantnag district and joined the terrorist group in August 2021. Bhat was categorised as ‘C’ on the J&K police list.
According to police data, so far in 2022, security forces eliminated over 40 terrorists in 30 different incidents. However, around 26 terrorists and 150 associates, including Over-Ground Workers (OGWs) have also been arrested.
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Police arrested six LeT terrorists from Pulwama.

On 18 March 2022, police cracked a Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) module and arrested six terrorists — i) Rouf Ahmad Lone, ii) Aqib Maqbool Bhat, iii) Javaid Ahmad Dar, iv) Arshid Ahmad Mir, v) Rameez Raja, and vi) Sajad Ahmad Dar, from Pulwama. According to preliminary investigation, six terrorists were involved in providing logistics, managing and transferring funds and motivating youth to act as hybrid terrorists.
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Security forces eliminated four JeM terrorists and arrested one in three separate operations in Kashmir.

On 12 March 2022, security forces killed four Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terrorists and arrested another JeM terrorist, in three separate counter-terrorism (CT) operations in Pulwama, Ganderbal, and Kupwara districts in Union Territory (UT) of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). “A Pakistani JeM commander— Kamaal Bhai was killed in a gun-battle in Pulwama. Kamaal was active since 2018 in Pulwama-Shopian area,” said Inspector-General (IG) of Police (Kashmir)— Vijay Kumar.
For more information: Click here to read…

Left-Wing Extremism

A suspected Maoist leader arrested from West Bengal.

The Special Task Force (STF) of Kolkata Police, on 29 March 2022, arrested Joyeeta Das, a suspected Maoist leader, from Jagulia in Barasat of North 24 Parganas district in West Bengal. Das, who had been associated with Nandigram movement, was charged for waging a war against the State.
According to police statement, Joyeeta’s name appeared during interrogation of two men involved in Maoist activities at Nawada in Murshidabad district on 24 March 2022. Earlier, Das was arrested in 2013 and charged under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act [UA(P)A].
For more information: Click here to read…

Maoist leader surrendered in Jharkhand.

On 26 March 2022, a senior Maoist leader— VimalLohra (39-years-old) surrendered before the Jharkhand police in Khunti district in Jharkhand. Vimalaka BirsaPahan was an area commander of one of the committees of CPI (Maoist).
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Maoists attacked a CRPF camp in Chhattisgarh.

On 18 March 2022, Maoists attacked a CRPF camp in Elmagunda area in Sukma district, Chhattisgarh, in which three CRPF personnel were injured. “In the gun-battle, Head Constable Hemant Chaudhary, and Constables Basappa and LalitBagh sustained injuries. They were airlifted to Raipur for further treatment,” said P Sundarraj, Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Bastar.
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Tamil Separatist Groups

NIA filed charge sheet against six LTTE operatives in terror funding case.

On 29 March 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) filed charge sheet against six Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) operatives— i) Letchumanan Mary Franciska, ii) Kenniston Fernando, iii) Baskaran, iv) Johnson Samuvel, v) G. Dharmendran, and vi) E Mohan, in terror funding case.
The case— RC-02/2022/NIA/DLI pertains to the conspiracy to revive the LTTE in India and Sri Lanka by various means of cheating, besides using forged Indian identity documents as genuine to divert finances lodged in dormant accounts to further terror activities.
For more information: Click here to read…

Narcotics Trafficking

NIA filed charge sheet against a narcotics trafficker in ‘Salaya Drugs Seizure’ case.

On 23 March 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) filed a supplementary charge sheet against a narcotics trafficker— Shahid Kasam Sumra, in ‘Salaya Drugs Seizure’ case.
The case— RC-26/2020/NIA/DLI pertains to a conspiracy by accused based in Dubai (UAE) and Pakistan for smuggling and distribution of 500 kgs of heroin from Pakistan to Gujarat (India) via sea route. As per conspiracy, the heroin was brought by Pakistani national in a Pakistan-registered fishing vessel and was delivered in the Indian Territorial waters near Jakhau Port, Kutch in Gujarat.
In this case, Shahid was a close associate of earlier arrested narcotics trafficker— Arshad Razak Sota and Rafik Adam Sumra. Through his associates, Shahid smuggled 495 kg of heroin from Pakistan and delivered it in Amritsar, Punjab. As an Interpol Red Corner Notice (RCN) was issued against Shahid, he was deported from Dubai and arrested in this case.
For more information: Click here to read…

Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICNs) Cases

NIA Special Court (Patna) convicted a FICN trafficker in ‘Bettiah FICN case’.

On 25 March 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) Special Court, Patna, convicted an FICN (Fake Indian Currency Note) trafficker— Kamirujjaman, under Sections 489B, 489C, 120B r/w Section 489B of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
The case— RC-04/2019/NIA/DLI, pertains to the recovery of FICNs worth ₹ 4 lakhs from possession of Julkar Shaikh from Bettiah in West Champaran district in Bihar. Earlier, three accused in the case— Shahnawaj Shaikh, Mannalal Chaudhary, and Selim, were convicted and awarded eight years of imprisonment on 25 February 2022. Kamirujjaman had collected FICN from co-accused Selim and sent it to Bettiah through Julkar Shaikh.
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Chinese vice premier calls for all-out efforts to stabilize employment: Xinhuanet

April 7, 2022

Chinese Vice Premier Hu Chunhua on Thursday called for all-out efforts to stabilize and expand employment. Hu, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks while chairing a symposium on the employment situation. Click here to read…

China amends regulations to further cut red tape: Xinhuanet

April 7, 2022

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang has signed a State Council decree unveiling a set of revised administrative regulations to further cut the red tape and stimulate market players’ vitality. Click here to read…

Former deputy head of State Administration of Grain indicted for graft: Xinhuanet

April 7, 2022

Xu Ming, former deputy head of the State Administration of Grain, has been indicted on charges of taking bribery and abuse of power, the Supreme People’s Procuratorate (SPP) said Thursday. Click here to read…

Chinese premier stresses maneuvering monetary policy tools to bolster real economy: Xinhuanet

April 7, 2022

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Wednesday said that the country will maneuver monetary policy tools when appropriate to effectively support the real economy. Chairing a State Council executive meeting, Li also stressed the need for enterprises in strained industries to postpone the payment of pension insurance, as well as stabilize jobs and strengthen employment training. Click here to read…

China urges U.S. to revoke arms sale to Taiwan: Xinhuanet

April 8, 2022

A Chinese defense spokesperson on Thursday urged the United States to immediately revoke its plan to sell arms to Taiwan, and stop military ties with Taiwan to avoid causing further damage to China-U.S. relations and the relations between their militaries. Click here to read…

Chinese banks ease mortgage burden for epidemic-hit borrowers: Xinhuanet

April 8, 2022

China’s five major state-owned banks have adopted a slew of measures to ease the residential mortgage burden for individual borrowers affected by the COVID-19 epidemic.
These steps include postponing mortgage repayments, extending repayment periods, as well as deferring principal and interest repayments on housing loans, the banks told Xinhua. Click here to read…

China to crack down on illegal gold mining: Xinhuanet

April 7, 2022

Chinese authorities will launch a year-long special campaign to crack down on the illegal exploitation of abandoned gold mines, said a circular made public on Thursday. In 2021, illegal exploitations of abandoned gold mines caused deaths, and the extraction process brought heavy pollution to the soil and underground water, said the circular released by seven government bodies, including the Ministry of Natural Resources. Click here to read…

China issues new regulation for handling of public complaints: Xinhuanet

April 7, 2022

The Communist Party of China Central Committee and the State Council have issued a regulation for the handling of public complaint letters and visits. A circular issued alongside the regulation highlighted the significance of work to handle public complaints, saying it is an important window through which an understanding of society and the people’s opinions can be obtained. Click here to read…

Senior Qinghai provincial legislator under probe: Xinhuanet

April 7, 2022

Li Jiexiang, a vice chairman of the Standing Committee of Qinghai Provincial People’s Congress, is under investigation for suspected severe violations of party disciplines and laws, according to the top anti-graft agency on Thursday. Click here to read…

Over 17,000 confirmed COVID-19 cases in China’s Jilin discharged from hospital: Xinhuanet

April 7, 2022

By the end of Wednesday, a total of 17,859 confirmed COVID-19 cases had been discharged from hospital in northeast China’s Jilin Province, local health authorities said on Thursday. A total of 6,937 asymptomatic cases had also been released from medical observation. Click here to read…

China solicits opinions on draft financial stability law: Xinhuanet

April 7, 2022

China has unveiled a draft law on financial stability, which is open for public opinions starting from Wednesday, the central bank said. The draft, jointly compiled by the People’s Bank of China (PBOC) and other relevant authorities, clarified the responsibilities of the mechanism for coordinating national financial stability and development, the PBOC said. Click here to read…

China to defer old-age insurance contributions for industries in special difficulty, employ monetary policy tools to support real economy: Xinhuanet

April 7, 2022

China will adopt the policy of postponing payments of old-age insurance premiums on a time-limited basis for industries experiencing special difficulty, and channel more unemployment insurance funds to support enterprises in maintaining stable payrolls and providing training, according to a decision made at the State Council’s executive meeting chaired by Premier Li Keqiang on Wednesday. Click here to read…

Relief set for businesses in difficulties: China Daily

April 8, 2022

China will adopt the policy of postponing payments of old-age insurance premiums for a limited time for industries experiencing special difficulty, and it will channel more unemployment insurance funds to support enterprises in maintaining stable payrolls and providing training, according to a decision made at the State Council’s executive meeting chaired by Premier Li Keqiang on Wednesday. Click here to read…

VAT plan to help businesses, economy: China Daily

April 7, 2022

Program seeks to ensure tax refunds are processed more quickly for small, micro enterprises this year China’s large-scale value-added tax credit refund program is expected to help keep market operations stable, relieve the burden on businesses and contribute to employment stability, experts and business owners said. Click here to read…

China’s time-honored trade fair to go online amid COVID-19: People’s Daily

April 7, 2022

China’s time-honored trade fair, China Import and Export Fair, will hold its 131st event online from April 15 to April 24 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ministry of Commerce said Thursday. Click here to read…

China to set up 27 more cross-border e-commerce pilot zones: People’s Daily

April 8, 2022

Twenty-seven more cities and regions in China were recently approved by the State Council to set up cross-border e-commerce pilot zones. It brought the overall tally of the pilot zones to 132, which cover foreign trade powerhouses and municipalities, as well as cities that see obvious advantages and prospering development in the foreign trade sector. Click here to read…

New China-ROK industrial park attracts investment worth nearly 30 bln USD: People’s Daily

April 8, 2022

The China-ROK (Huizhou) Industrial Park in Huizhou City, south China’s Guangdong Province, has seen project deals with a total investment of over 190.2 billion yuan (about 30 billion U.S. dollars), local authorities said Thursday. Click here to read…

Unmanned aerial vehicles used to bolster supply of food, medicine: China Daily

April 8, 2022

Two drones carrying 20 kilograms of rice and vegetables took off from a distribution warehouse in Shanghai’s Jinshan district on Thursday. Five minutes later, the drones landed in an open space in the village of Baowei three kilometers away. The supplies carried by the drones were donated by Hebei province. Click here to read…

India’s power grid might have been hacked by China: Taipei Times

April 8, 2022

Suspected state-sponsored Chinese hackers have targeted the power sector in India in the past few months as part of an apparent cyberespionage campaign, the threat intelligence firm Recorded Future Inc said in a report published on Wednesday. Click here to read…

Shanghai officials dismissed for poor efforts in COVID-19 battle: Global Times

April 7, 2022

A state enterprise official and a hospital director in Shanghai have been dismissed from their administrative posts and positions within the Communist Party of China (CCP) for shirking responsibility and performing badly in fighting the COVID-19 outbreak. Click here to read…

Shanghai vows to ensure daily supplies, solve delivery difficulties as local infections exceed 100k: Global Times

April 7, 2022

As Shanghai has entered a crucial stage to fight the Omicron outbreak, with cumulative local positive cases exceeding 100,000, city authorities on Thursday vowed to ensure daily supplies for 25 million residents and solve delivery problems during lockdown. Click here to read…

5 people under investigation for deliberately concealing information, risking COVID-19 transmission: Global Times

April 8, 2022

At least five people are being investigated by the police for hiding information that would have disturbed pandemic control work in Hangzhou, East China’s Zhejiang Province. Three of them, surnamed Guang, Zhang and Zhou, were placed under investigation on Thursday for allegedly obstructing the prevention and control of infectious diseases. Zhang was later detected as a COVID-19 asymptomatic patient after deliberately hiding some information on Tuesday while knowing he might get infected by COVID-19 and cause transmission. Click here to read…

Cluster infections reported in E China port city, 17 of 18 crew members of a fishing boat tested positive: Global Times

April 7, 2022

Two crew members of a fishing boat tested positive for COVID-19 at a centralized isolation site on Wednesday, raising the number of infected crew members to 17, said a statement issued by Yancheng, East China’s Jiangsu Province. Click here to read…

Shanghai assures supply of daily necessities to 25 million, vows to solve ‘last 100-meter’ problem: Global Times

April 7, 2022

Shanghai has vowed to assure the supply of daily necessities to all its 25 million people by solving the “last 100-meter” problem on Thursday. With over 20,000 local new infections, including 322 confirmed cases and 19,660 asymptomatic carriers recorded on Wednesday, Shanghai sees no sign of easing its lockdown and the supply of foods and daily necessities has become a priority for the publicClick here to read…

Pelosi ‘tests positive, postpones Asia trip’ after China warns resolute, forceful measures over reported Taiwan visit: Global Times

April 8, 2022

If US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visits the island of Taiwan, as some media have reported, China will definitely respond with “resolute and forceful measures,” the Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Thursday. Chinese experts said China will and must retaliate; otherwise the US will make more provocations in the future, and the consequences that could be caused by the potential visit would bring a “disruptive impact” on the foundation of China-US relationsClick here to read…

China’s cyberspace regulator to inspect and eliminate algorithm security risks: Global Times

April 8, 2022

China’s top cyberspace regulator vowed to make on-site inspections on some internet companies and eliminate algorithm security risks, a campaign to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of netizens. Click here to read…

China launches guidelines in a push for green transformation of petrochemical industry: Global Times

April 7, 2022

China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) launched a set of guidelines on Thursday for the development of the petrochemical industry, unveiling a slew of measures, including restrictions on exports of carbon-intensive products, to significantly reduce emissions through technology. The latest effort demonstrates the country is on the way of realizing its green promise regardless of external uncertaintiesClick here to read…

Chinese national sentenced to U.S. prison after pleading guilty to stealing trade secrets: Reuters

April 8, 2022

A Chinese national has been sentenced to 29 months in prison after pleading guilty in January to conspiring to steal trade secrets from agricultural company Monsanto to benefit the Chinese government, the U.S. Justice Department said on Thursday. Click here to read…

Beijing city authorities tighten Covid controls in effort to stop Omicron surge reaching Chinese capital: South China Morning Post

April 8, 2022

Beijing city has introduced its strictest Covid controls since the early stages of the pandemic as it seeks to stop the explosion of Omicron cases in other parts of China reaching the capital. Quarantine rules for residential areas have been tightened, affecting indirect contacts of positive cases as well as close contacts, while more people, including schoolchildren and care home residents, will have to take regular mass tests. There are also stricter controls on those entering or leaving the city. Foreign visitors and people from areas of China deemed high-risk already had to undergo a lengthy quarantine when entering the city, but now the rules have been tightened for those entering from lower-risk areas too. Click here to read…

Chinese Communist Party mobilises 300,000 members and tells them to ‘dare to show our swords’ in Shanghai Covid fight: South China Morning Post

April 7, 2022

The Chinese Communist Party has mobilised more than 300,000 rank-and-file members to contain the Covid-19 outbreak in Shanghai, as China’s financial hub continues to see record infection rates despite a strict lockdown over the past week. Describing the disease’s spread in the city as “serious and complicated”, the party’s Shanghai municipal committee wrote to its members late on Wednesday, calling on them to stand up at “the most critical juncture” to serve people’s needs and fight “behaviour that obstructs Covid control”. Click here to read…

NATIONAL

National Policy on Electronics 2019: India as a global hub for Electronics System Design and Manufacturing (ESDM)

On 30 March 2022, the National Policy on Electronics (NPE) 2019 was notified by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). The vision of NPE 2019 is to establish India as a global hub for Electronics System Design and Manufacturing (ESDM) via encouraging capabilities for developing core components, including Chipsets, and creating an environment for industry to compete globally.

The Scheme for Promotion of Manufacturing of Electronic Components and Semiconductors (SPECS) provides a financial incentive of 25 per cent on capital expenditure for the identified list of electronic goods that comprise the downstream value chain of electronic products, such as semiconductor/display fabrication units, ATMP units, specialised sub-assemblies.

Under Semiconductor and Display Manufacturing Schemes, Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved the comprehensive programme with an outlay of ₹ 76,000 crores (> USD 10 billion) on 15 December 2021 to develop a sustainable and robust Semiconductor and Display environment in India.^[1]

CERT-In issued an advisory on multiple vulnerabilities in Microsoft products

The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In), on 09 March 2022, issued an advisory regarding multiple vulnerabilities discovered in Microsoft products thatan attacker could exploit to access sensitive information, bypass security restrictions, execute a Denial of Service (DoS) attack, and perform spoofing attacks on the targeted system(s).^[2]The advisory suggested that companies and individuals apply appropriate security updates the vendor offers.

In 2021, phishing attacks recorded more than double: Minister of E&IT

On 30 March 2022, in a written response to a question raised in the Lok Sabha (lower house of the Indian parliament), Minister of Electronics and Information Technology— Ashwini Vaishnaw informed that the number of phishing attacks in India more than doubled in 2021. The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) observed that phishing attacks have gone up from 280 in 2020 to 523 in 2021. Similarly, the Ransomware attacks have gone up from 54 in 2020 to 132 in 2021. “The government is fully cognizant and aware of the increase in cyber security threats. With the borderless cyberspace coupled with the anonymity, along with rapid growth of the Internet, rise in cyber attacks is a global phenomenon,” said the Minister in response to the question raised in the Lok Sabha.

According to the data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), in 2020, around 50,035 cyber-crime cases were registered, which is a significant increase from 44,735 cases in 2019.^[3]

Social Media intermediaries cannot violate the Constitutional Rights of Indians: MeitY

Amid accusations about digital platforms’ indiscriminately approach totake-off the content, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) officials informed that “no social media company can undermine the Constitutional Rights of Indians, and Internet must be a safe and trusted place with all platforms accountable to their users.”

No intermediary can violate any law of India and undermine the rights of Indian citizens to Article 14 (non-discrimination), Article 19 (freedom of speech, subject to certain restrictions), and Article 21 (Right to privacy). Under the Information Technology (IT) Rules notified in February 2021, all intermediaries are expected to conduct due diligence on the users and content posted on the platforms concerned.^[4]

Data Centres faced over 51 million cyber-attacks in nine months: IETE & CPF report

On 25 March 2022, a joint research report prepared by the Institution of Electronics and Telecommunication Engineers (IETE) and Cyber Peace Foundation (CPE) has stated that from April-December 2021, the data centres in India recorded more than 51 million cyber-attacks over their networks from 40,937 unique IP addresses globally. The report also mentioned that attackers used 26,166 usernames and 80,282 passwords to log into the networks.

As modus operandi, along with Autobot Infosec, the attackers attempted to execute multiple terminal commands and download malicious payloads, such as botnet, Trojan, etcetera, on the system. Researchers discovered that 1,31,388 unique terminal commands were run in the system while 1,262 unique payloads have been identified that were injected into the environment. ^[5]

INTERNATIONAL

Google, Microsoft to strengthen their cloud environments as cyber-attacks increase

Over the past year, all three major public cloud service providers— Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud, have made acquisitions in the cyber security space. Google Cloud has been building cloud-native security into the foundation of its technology to block cyber threats. AWS acquired Wickr— a company that provides an encrypted messaging platform used by companies and government agencies. The acquisition will provide advanced security features for messaging, voice and video calling, file sharing, and collaboration. In 2021, Microsoft made two acquisitions— CloudKnox Security and RiskIQ. The RiskIQ offers assistance to organisations assess the security of their entire attack surface, including Cloud services from Microsoft, AWS, and other Cloud service providers. ^[6]

Tens of thousands of Modems across Europe got crippled due to a cyber-attack on a Satellite network
On 30 March 2022, the US-based communications company— Viasat issued a statement providing details about the most severe known cyber-attack of the Russia-Ukraine war. A malicious software command— AcidRain malware, immediately crippled tens of thousands of Modems across Europe during a cyber-attack on a satellite network used by the Ukrainian government and military. In response, Viasat shipped 30,000 replacement modems to affected customers across Europe, most of whom use the service for residential broadband Internet access. Viasat did not comment on the actor behind the attack; however, Ukrainian officials blame Russian hackers.

Google, on 30 March 2022, identified a State-backed Russian hacking group involved in a credential-phishing campaign targeting military personnel of Eastern European countries and a NATO Think-Tank. The attack on the KA-SAT satellite network highlighted the vulnerability of commercial satellite networks that serve both military and non-military clients. ^[7]

The US imposed sanctions on Russian tech firms

The United States (US) imposed a series of sanctions against Russian tech firms, including the largest chip maker, that was ‘instrumental’ to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Mikron— the most prominent Russian manufacturer and exporter of microelectronics, was among 21 entities and 13 individuals listed for penalties, including the blocking of any property in the US.

“Russia not only continues to violate the sovereignty of Ukraine with its unprovoked aggression but also escalated its attacks striking civilians and population centres. We will continue to target Putin’s war machine with sanctions from every angle until this senseless war of choice is over,” said US Treasury Secretary— Janet Yellen. ^[8]

US, EU signed Data Transfer deal to ease privacy concerns

While on a European tour amid the Russia-Ukraine war, United States (US) president Joe Biden and European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen announced the deal that paves the way for Europeans’ personal information to be stored in the US. “Privacy and security are key elements of my digital agenda. The new arrangement will enhance the Privacy Shield framework, promote growth and innovation in Europe and the US, and help companies—both small and large—compete in the digital economy,” said US president Biden.

“The new agreement will help keep people connected and services running. It will provide invaluable certainty for American and European companies of all sizes, including Meta, who rely on transferring data quickly and safely,” said Facebook Head of Global Affairs— Nick Clegg.^9]

Irish Data Protection Commission imposed a € 17 million fine on Meta

Following the inquiry into a series of 12 data breach notifications received by the Irish Data Protection Commission (DPC) between June and December 2018, the Commission imposed a € 17 million fine on Meta, the parent of Facebook Inc. The investigation revealed that Meta trespassed Article 5(2) and 24(1) of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which allows for penalties of up to 04 per cent of a company’s annual revenue.

The DPC discovered that Meta platforms failed to implement technical and organisational measures that would allow it to readily demonstrate the security measures that it implemented in practice to protect European Union (EU) users’ data.^[10] Article 5(2)— ‘Principles relating to the processing of personal data’, of the GDPR—states that “the controller shall be responsible for, and be able to demonstrate compliance with, paragraph 1 (‘accountability’)”^[11]; whereas the Article 24(1)— ‘Responsibility of the controller’, of the GDPR— states that “Taking into account the nature, scope, context and purposes of processing as well as the risks of varying likelihood and severity for the rights and freedoms of natural persons, the controller shall implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to ensure and to be able to demonstrate that processing is performed in accordance with this Regulation. Those measures shall be reviewed and updated where necessary.”^[12]

Former deputy head of State Administration of Grain indicted for graft: Xinhuanet

April 7, 2022

Xu Ming, former deputy head of the State Administration of Grain, has been indicted on charges of taking bribery and abuse of power, the Supreme People’s Procuratorate (SPP) said Thursday. Click here to read…

Chinese premier stresses maneuvering monetary policy tools to bolster real economy: Xinhuanet

April 7, 2022

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Wednesday said that the country will maneuver monetary policy tools when appropriate to effectively support the real economy. Chairing a State Council executive meeting, Li also stressed the need for enterprises in strained industries to postpone the payment of pension insurance, as well as stabilize jobs and strengthen employment training. Click here to read…

China welcomes int’l assessment of documents about U.S. biological military activities: Xinhuanet

April 7, 2022

China on Wednesday welcomed any global initiative within appropriate frameworks to assess the discovered documents related to U.S. biological military activities. Click here to read…

China-Mongolia land port sees robust growth in freight exports: Xinhuanet

April 6, 2022

The land port of Erenhot in north China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region saw its freight transport export volume increase 41.4 percent year on year in the first quarter of this year, local authorities have said. Click here to read…

China to regulate use of Chinese characters: Xinhuanet

April 6, 2022

The Chinese government has launched a nationwide campaign to regulate the use of Chinese characters in publications and on radio, TV, and the internet. The National Press and Publication Administration and the National Radio and Television Administration jointly launched a notice, asking local authorities to investigate and correct the misuse of Chinese characters in traditional publications such as books and newspapers, online publications, advertisements, radio, TV programs, and online audio and video programs. Click here to read…

China strengthens legal aid for abducted women: Xinhuanet

April 6, 2022

China’s Supreme People’s Procuratorate (SPP) on Wednesday announced that a special campaign has been launched to strengthen judicial assistance to women in need, including those who are victims of abduction and human trafficking. Click here to read…

Resilient China-EU cooperation critical for an uncertain world: Quishi

April 6, 2022

In a virtual meeting on Friday, Chinese and European Union (EU) leaders underscored the imperative role of sound and healthy bilateral ties for a world that has arrived at a critical juncture. China and the EU stand as two major forces, big markets and great civilizations on the world stage. It is the common aspiration of the global community for the two sides to uphold peace, promote shared development and add stabilizing factors to a turbulent world fraught with uncertainties induced by such challenges as a lingering COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing Ukraine crisis. Click here to read…

Students gain from digital learning: Quishi

April 7, 2022

Online education platform provides smart solution for more flexible study. China has launched a smart learning platform covering all stages of education from primary school to universities to offer free digital learning resources to students. Click here to read…

Chief secretary for administration of HKSAR gov’t tenders resignation: People’s Daily

April 7, 2022

John Lee, chief secretary for administration of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government, tendered his resignation on Wednesday, saying he plans to run for the upcoming election of the HKSAR’s sixth-term chief executive. Click here to read…

Chinese police launch campaign to hunt down economic fugitives abroad: People’s Daily

April 7, 2022

Chinese police have launched a new campaign to apprehend economic fugitives who have fled overseas, the Ministry of Public Security said on Wednesday. The public security organ pledged all-out efforts to arrest economic fugitives who have fled abroad in the “Fox Hunt 2022” campaign, and will support discipline inspection and supervision departments in fugitive repatriation and the recovering of criminal assets, the ministry said. Click here to read…

China sends nearly 40,000 medics to Shanghai in tough fight against Omicron: People’s Daily

April 7, 2022

More than 38,000 medics from 15 provincial-level regions have rushed to China’s business hub Shanghai to aid the megacity in its fight against resurging COVID-19. Some 27,000 medics are responsible for sampling and testing work, and another 11,000 work in temporary hospitals, according to the National Health Commission. Click here to read…

In Hangzhou, 2 detained over COVID spread: China Daily

April 6, 2022

Two people were detained for investigation on Tuesday after authorities said they may have caused the spread of COVID-19 in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, on Wednesday. The two, a mother and a daughter, traveled from outside the province to Hangzhou on Tuesday morning. The two knowingly concealed the fact that they had been in medium- and high-risk areas, an official statement said. Click here to read…l

Shanghai fights decisive battle against Omicron with swifter actions; nearby cities provide 60,000 beds for quarantine: Global Times

April 7, 2022

The decisive battle against Omicron in Shanghai has entered a crucial stage, with the chief Chinese financial center conducting a second round of citywide nucleic acid testing on Wednesday, as new infections continued to hit a new record, striking the nerves of the whole country in the beginning of April. Click here to read…

China’s State Council stresses support for real economy as outlook dimmed by COVID-19: Global Times

April 6, 2022

With the resurgence of COVID-19 outbreaks across China since March weighing on the outlook for economic growth, Chinese officials and experts on Wednesday called for more robust fiscal and monetary support and other measures to help affected businesses and stabilize economic operations. Click here to read…

China unveils draft financial stability law in major push to prevent systemic risks: Global Times

April 6, 2022

China’s central bank on Wednesday night unveiled a draft financial stability legislation, including the creation of a financial stability guarantee fund, laying the legal groundwork for a holistic, sector-spanning and cross-departmental approach to preventing systemic financial risks. Click here to read…

China energy goals a problem as U.N. report calls for deeper coal cuts: Reuters

April 7, 2022

A new U.N. report detailing what the world needs to do to combat climate change has highlighted the need for China – by far the world’s biggest greenhouse gas emitter – to accelerate its shift towards clean and low-carbon energy. Click here to read…

Shanghai vows to improve food deliveries as discontent grows over COVID curbs: Reuters

Shanghai on Thursday said it was trying its best to improve the distribution of food and essential goods to locked-in residents, responding to growing discontent over such difficulties as COVID curbs stretched into an 11th day. Click here to read…

Hong Kong arrests six activists on accusation of sedition: Reuters

April 6, 2022

Hong Kong police arrested six activists on Wednesday for suspected sedition and contravention of a national security law in connection with what the police called “causing nuisance” at court hearings in December and January. Click here to read…

Hong Kong No. 2 official says he plans to run in leadership election: Reuters

April 6, 2022

Hong Kong’s No. 2 official, John Lee, said on Wednesday he had resigned to run in a leadership election in May, two days after Chief Executive Carrie Lam said she will not seek a second five-year term. read moreClick here to read…

China’s new infection cases top 20,000 despite “zero COVID” policy: Kyodo

April 6, 2022

The number of new infection cases with the novel coronavirus in China hit a record high, exceeding 20,000, the health authorities said Wednesday, casting doubt on the effectiveness of the country’s radical “zero COVID” policy. Across the mainland, 20,472 people, including asymptomatic ones, were confirmed to be infected with the virus on Tuesday, the highest in two years, according to the Chinese government. Click here to read…

Coronavirus: Shanghai adds 19,928 Covid-19 cases, setting a daily record for the sixth day: South China Morning Post

April 7, 2022

Shanghai’s daily Covid-19 infections set a record for the sixth straight day on Thursday, as citywide mass testing identified 19,982 cases in China’s financial and commercial hub.
The number of symptomatic cases ticked up to 322, from 311 a day earlier, while the vast majority of the positively identified infections showed no symptoms of illness, according to the data provided by Shanghai’s health authorities. Click here to read…

US sanctions threat if China aids Russia stirs fear in Beijing about forex assets: South China Morning Post

April 7, 2022

Washington’s financial sanctions on Russia for invading Ukraine have raised concern in China over its large exposure to US government bonds, although experts say there is no real alternative for the country to invest its foreign exchange reserves. In recent weeks, former central bank adviser Yu Yongding and former vice-chairman of the Bank of China, Wang Yongli, have issued warnings about the effect that Western sanctions could have on China’s investment in foreign securities, amid US threats of “consequences” if Beijing helps Russia evade sanctions. Click here to read…

Coronavirus: time to ‘lie flat’? Divides emerge on Chinese internet about country’s path out of Covid-19: South China Morning Post

April 7, 2022

The Chinese internet has become a centre of a debate about the efficacy of widespread lockdowns as officials try to maintain a “dynamic zero-Covid” policy amid a worsening Covid-19 pandemic driven by the Omicron variant.To achieve the policies, cities across China have spent the past two years implementing rolling lockdowns, mass testing, rigid quarantine rules and nearly-closed national borders. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

Intl Criticism of Closed Girls’ Schools Remains Strong: Tolo News

The closing of schools for girls over grade six continues to face reactions by various countries and international organizations. Click here to read…

Why Should Afghanistan Implement the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA)?: The Khaama Press

It has been almost five years that the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) has entered into force. As a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and as a party to the TFA, the previous Afghan government designated only 11.3% of TFA measures as its Category A commitments, which are those commitments that Afghanistan implemented as soon as the Agreement entered into force in 2017. Click here to read…

No Strikes in Afghanistan Since Troops Left: Pentagon: Tolo News

The US troops have not carried out any over-the-horizon operation in Afghanistan since they left the country in August 2021, a senior Pentagon official said as reported by US media. Click here to read…

Bhutan

U.S. Donates 90,090 Doses of Covid-19 Vaccine to Bhutan- USIAD

Thanks to the American people’s generosity and in partnership with COVAX, 90,090 doses of the Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine have been donated to Bhutan, in coordination with the Bhutan Foundation and UNICEF, to fight the pandemic Click here to read…

WFP Bhutan 2021 Annual Country Report Overview- WFP

In 2021, WFP implemented the Country Strategic Plan 2019-2023 to support the Royal Government of Bhutan in strengthening capacity to address food security challenges and building resilience against natural disasters and climate shocks. Click here to read…

Dzongkhags managing without dzongdags-Kuensel

Even as the third local governments have just begun their term, about 50 percent of the dzongdags’ post will be vacant as part of the leadership assessment process. Click here to read…

Taking care of the elderly-Kuensel

An elderly man in Tsirang is all alone; either walking along the roadside or staying in his shack made of CGI sheets. His relatives claim they take care of his needs, but his conditions tell a different story. Click here to read…

Maldives

Former Maldivian President Abdulla Yameen involved in shady arms deal: ANI

Former Maldivian President Abdulla Yameen, who has been running the “India Out” campaign in the archipelago, was involved in a secret deal with a Maltese company during his presidency to set up a private armoury in a northern Island of the country, a media report said. Click here to read…

Myanmar

Arakan Army Threatens War With Myanmar Junta – The Irrawaddy

The Arakan Army (AA) has called on Myanmar’s regime not to interfere in its administration in Rakhine State, saying it will spark an armed conflict. Click here to read…

Myanmar Military Never Forgave Suu Kyi for State Counselor’s Role – The Irrawaddy

Tensions between Myanmar’s military and the National League for Democracy (NLD) were already building six years ago. Among the disagreements were military-appointed lawmakers’ rejection of the vice-presidential nominee by the NLD and the State Counselor Bill, which was submitted to the Parliament to allow NLD leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi to run the newly elected governmentClick here to read…

India Begins Deporting Rohingya Refugees – The Diplomat

The Indian government, for its part, has called the Rohingya who sought asylum in India “illegal immigrants” and a “threat to national security.” The Indian Supreme Court in 2021 refused to stop the deportation of Rohingya refugees. Click here to read…

Rights Group Files Torture Case Against Myanmar Junta in Turkey – VOA News

A British rights group is taking Myanmar’s junta to court over allegations of widespread torture since a 2021 coup, frustrated by a perceived lack of meaningful action by the United Nations. Click here to read…

Nepal

Achievements, constitution facing threats: Minister Bhusal- Himalaya

Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Pampha Bhusal, has said that achievements made through people’s struggle and federal democratic republic constitution have still been facing threats. Click here to read…

Nepal records 13 COVID-19 cases on Wednesday- Himalaya

The national active Covid-19 caseload of Nepal active caseload has reached to 765 on Wednesday as 10 people tested positive for the infection in past 24 hours. Click here to read…

Bipartisan Congress delegation from US to arrive on April 23- Kathmandu Post

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand to lead the team to Kathmandu. The team from Washington is arriving on the heels of MCC Compact’s passage, which Beijing has objected to.
https://tkpo.st/3ugTSJ4″ target=”_blank”>Click here to read…

India allows Nepal to export additional 325 MW electricity- Republica

After negotiations for long, India finally has allowed Nepal to export 325 megawatt of power to the Indian market at a competitive rate. Click here to read…

Quality health service prerequisite to development: PM Deuba- Republica

Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has said quality health service is prerequisite to development. He stressed the need for producing competent human resources in the sector of health science with research and studies of international standard. Click here to read…

Explained: What Nepal PM Deuba’s visit to BJP headquarters means for his party- Indian Express

Nepal Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba began his tour of India by visiting the BJP headquarters. Nepal Foreign Minister Narayan Khadka said Deuba’s visit to the BJP office was in his capacity as Nepali Congress chief. Click here to read…

India’s ambassador to Nepal Vinay Mohan Kwatra appointed new India’s ambassador to Nepal- Times of India

India’s ambassador to Nepal and an IFS officer of 1988 batch, Vinay Mohan Kwatra will take over as the new foreign secretary upon incumbent Harsh Vardhan Shringla’s retirement later this month, the government announced Monday. Click here to read…

Pakistan

Military’s silence making neutrality claim doubtful, says PDM: Dawn

Speaking at a news conference after presiding over a meeting of the PDM with PML-N president Shehbaz Sharif, president of the opposition alliance Maulana Fazlur Rehman said if the Supreme Court gave any verdict against them then they had the right to go people’s court. Click here to read…

Resentment in FO over politicising diplomatic cable: The Express Tribune

Two Foreign Office officials, who spoke to The Express Tribune while requesting not to be identified because of the sensitivity of the issue, revealed that the diplomats were not happy with the controversy. Click here to read…

Rupee sinks to another low at 186.13 against dollar: The News

Treasury bills yields rose on Wednesday as ongoing political uncertainty in the country boosted demand for safe-haven assets, analysts said. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka speaker warns of starvation across the country: Times Of India

Sri Lankan doctors will hold protest in Colombo on Wednesday as hospitals run out of essential drugs. Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa late Tuesday night revoked the state of emergency he had declared on April 1 with immediate effect in his island nation. Click here to read…

Neighbourhood 1st, Says Jaishankar as India Sends 270,000 MT of Fuel; Students Storm Ministry: News18

Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa will not resign “under any circumstances”, his government’s chief whip told parliament on Wednesday as he defended the beleaguered leader’s controversial decisions, amidst huge public protests demanding his resignation over the country’s worst economic crisis. Click here to read…

UN welcomes lifting of Emergency in Sri Lanka; President will not resign, says minister: Indian Express

Cabinet Resignation, President’s House Clash Updates: Meanwhile, Sri Lanka has appointed a three-member advisory group to assist government officials engaging with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the president said on WednesdayClick here to read…

China sincerely wants peace in Ukraine: Xinhuanet

April 5, 2022

China hopes Russia and Ukraine would stick to peace talks until a ceasefire agreement is reached and the only thing that China wants is peace in Ukraine, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Monday. Click here to read…

Chinese, Canadian FMs hold talks over phone: Xinhuanet

April 6, 2022

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Tuesday held a phone conversation with Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly at the latter’s request. During their conversation, Wang said that the people of China and Canada have enjoyed long-term friendly exchanges, noting that Canada is one of the first Western countries to establish diplomatic ties with the People’s Republic of China (PRC). Click here to read…

Another makeshift hospital under construction in Shanghai: Xinhuanet

April 6, 2022

Shanghai is converting the National Exhibition and Convention Center (NECC) into a makeshift hospital with a planned capacity of 40,000 beds. Upon completion, it is expected to act as the biggest such hospital for those testing positive for COVID-19 in the metropolis. Click here to read…

Xi Jinping on carrying forward spirit of heroes: China Military

April 5, 2022

The 5th of April this year marks the Qingming Festival, also known as Tomb-sweeping Day when Chinese people mourn for their deceased family members and pay tribute to fallen heroes and martyrs. Click here to read…

HKSAR chief executive mourns deaths of COVID-19 patients: People’s Daily

April 6, 2022

Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Carrie Lam, on behalf of the HKSAR government, on Tuesday expressed deep sorrow over the deaths of COVID-19 patients amid the COVID-19 outbreak, and extended her deepest condolences to the families and friends of the deceased. Click here to read…

Hefty fines for drivers trying to cheat traffic laws: China Daily

April 6, 2022

Penalties are being increased for drivers who try to avoid responsibility for traffic violations by hiring others to take the blame. Drivers can accumulate up to 12 points for traffic violations in one year before their license is withheld, after which they must attend a seven-day class on road safety laws, regulations and relevant knowledge and pass an exam to regain their license. Click here to read…

Service robots aid Shanghai’s epidemic fight: China Daily

April 6, 2022

Disinfection robots on standby inside the makeshift hospital in Shanghai New International Expo Centre, East China’s Shanghai, April 5, 2022. [Photo/Xinhua]
SHANGHAI — With the support of fast and stable communication networks, service robots performing various functions at makeshift hospitals have become a force hard to ignore in Shanghai’s fight against the latest COVID-19 resurgence. Click here to read…

Shenzhen asks residents to provide negative COVID-19 results taken within 72hrs when entering public places, transportation: Global Times

April 6, 2022

Shenzhen in South China’s Guangdong Province, home to over 12 million people, restored its normal life and work after the recent outbreak of COVID-19, it announced in a notice on Tuesday, saying that public entertainment venues will reopen with capacity restrictions of 50 percent. Click here to read…

PLA Air Force’s JL-10 trainer jet drops 500kg bombs in training exercise for the first time: Global Times

April 5, 2022

The JL-10 advanced trainer jet of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force, known as the L-15 on its export version, for the first time dropped 500-kilogram aviation bombs at a PLA Air Force academy in a training exercise, displaying the PLA Air Force’s training plan for cadets to master ground attack and bombing early in their training program and the aircraft’s outstanding capabilities, analysts said on Tuesday. Click here to read…

China’s new military helicopter with innovative design makes 1st flight: Global Times

April 5, 2022

China’s top helicopter makers recently announced that a new type of helicopter with an innovative design has successfully completed its maiden flight, and this prototype chopper will lead to the development of the next-generation, high-performance helicopter for the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA). Click here to read…

Huawei sets up 10 new ‘legions’ to diversify businesses amid external pressure: Global Times

April 6, 2022

Chinese technology giant Huawei announced the creation of 10 new business “legions” following the initial move of setting up five such legions in October. This positive internal adjustment that will diversify its businesses around its cutting-edge 5G technologies will help the company get through difficulties amid the US crackdown, an expert said. Click here to read…

‘So many bodies piled up’: Hong Kong funeral services overwhelmed by COVID: Reuters

April 6, 2022

Traditional wooden coffins are running short in Hong Kong as authorities scramble to add mortuary space in the global financial hub’s battle on COVID-19, which is swamping funeral parlours. Click here to read…

Shanghai scrambles to secure food supplies as COVID lockdown hits: Reuters

April 6, 2022

Residents in the major Chinese financial centre of Shanghai, with 26 million under lockdown, scrambled to secure food on Wednesday, with supermarkets shut and deliveries restricted amid another citywide COVID-19 testing programme. Click here to read…

On hypersonic weapons deal, China warns against fueling a crisis: Reuters

April 5, 2022

China’s U.N. Ambassador Zhang Jun warned on Tuesday against measures that could fuel a crisis like the Ukraine conflict in other parts of the world when asked about a deal between Britain, the United States and Australia to cooperate on hypersonic weapons and electronic warfare capabilitiesClick here to read…

China’s services sector activity hit hard by Omicron surge: Reuters

April 6, 2022

Activity in China’s services sector contracted at the sharpest pace in two years in March as a surge in coronavirus cases restricted mobility and weighed on demand, a private sector survey showed on Wednesday. The Caixin services Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) dived to 42.0 in March from 50.2 in February, dropping below the 50-point mark that separates growth from contraction on a monthly basis. The reading indicates the sharpest activity decline since the initial onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in February 2020. Click here to read…

Shanghai adds 17,007 new Covid-19 cases, setting a daily record for the fifth straight day as city undergoes more tests: South China Morning Post

April 6, 2022

Shanghai added 17,007 new Covid-19 infections on Wednesday, setting a daily record for the fifth consecutive day since a worsening of the outbreak forced China’s financial and commercial hub to go into a citywide lockdown last week. Click here to read…

Washington wants reform, not about ‘stopping trade or trade divorce’: South China Morning Post

April 5, 2022

The United States is seeking to realign its commercial ties with China rather than seek a “divorce” between the world’s biggest economies, trade chief Katherine Tai said on Tuesday. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

UNDP: Millions Face Economic Challenges in Afghanistan: Tolo News

The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in Afghanistan has expressed concern over the poor economic situation of the Afghan people, saying that millions of people in the country are facing economic challenges. Click here to read…

Taliban sacks ex Afghan ambassador to Moscow, appointed their envoy: The Khaama Press

Sources have told Tass News Agency that the Foreign Ministry of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has laid off the Afghan ambassador to Moscow appointed by the former Afghan government, Sayed Taib Jawad replacing him with Jamal Gharwal. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

Climate Refugees Find Hope in Bangladesh Town: VOA

In Bangladesh, the southwest seaport town of Mongla is home to thousands of refugees. They are not fleeing war or another conflict. They are refugees from climate change. Click here to read…

Bangladesh foreign minister said, China comes ‘with baskets of money’: Benar News

Despite deep ties to India, Bangladesh is growing closer to China because of “baskets of money” that Beijing offers to help the smaller South Asian nation develop its economy, Foreign Minister A.K. Click here to read…

Bhutan

High Bhutanese oil fuel prices linke

d to large and hidden profit margins by Indian Oil companies- The Bhutanese

A large and recent surge of petrol and diesel prices in Bhutan has not only increased transportation rates, but is having a knock on effect on all other commodities from food to construction materials. Click here to read…

Dzongkhags managing without dzongdags- Kuensel

Even as the third local governments have just begun their term, about 50 percent of the dzongdags’ post will be vacant as part of the leadership assessment process. Click here to read…

(Editorial) Creativity is opportunity- Kuensel

Even as those in the creative industry complain about government agencies wasting resources on studies or developing roadmaps without any direction, two Bhutanese films have made some sort of noise in the international arena. Click here to read…

Budget constraint hampers water supply construction in Pema Gatshel- BBS

People of Chhimoong village in Pema Gatshel were anticipating having a continuous water supply with the new water reservoir tank and pump. Click here to read…

ACC claims appellants in Trongsa land case guilty of charges- BBS

The Commission requested the Supreme Court to uphold the High Court’s judgment. The high court sentenced the appellants to concurrent prison terms ranging from 18 months to six years last year. Click here to read…

Maldives

What growing resentment in Maldives means for the Indo-Pacific: Policy Forum

Commotion has erupted in Maldives over growing Indian influence on the country’s domestic affairs, creating space for other Indo-Pacific partners to step in, Athaulla Rasheed writes. Click here to read…

Myanmar

PH donating ‘excess’ COVID-19 vaccines to Myanmar, PNG – inquirer.net

The Philippines will go ahead with its plan to donate “excess” COVID-19 vaccines that are due to expire, Malacañang said on Tuesday. Click here to read…

Applicants to Myanmar military academy dwindling, defecting officers say – Myanmar Now

The Myanmar military’s Defence Services Academy (DSA) in Pyin Oo Lwin, which typically recruits at least 500 cadets annually, received only 22 applications from the major recruiting ground of Mandalay last year, an officer who joined the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM) said. Click here to read…

Ten Alleged Yangon Activists Jailed Over Bomb Attacks on Myanmar Junta – The Irrawaddy

Ten alleged Yangon activists, who were detained in April last year and charged with involvement in bombings, were sentenced to seven years in prison with labor, according to their lawyers. Click here to read…

Burma’s opportunity lost – Mizzima

When the country of Burma gained independence from British colonial rule in 1948, following the valiant efforts of a small band of military men including General Aung San, there was so much hope locally that this country rich in natural resources – dubbed the “Asian rice bowl” – could make a name for itself on the world stage. Click here to read…

Myanmar military’s beer sales tumble after junta boycott – Mizzima

When Japanese brewing giant Kirin called time on its Myanmar operations last month, the news made little difference to Kyaw Gyi — like many drinkers, he had long boycotted the beer it produced with a military conglomerate. Click here to read…

United Nations Must Intervene, India Deporting Rohingya Back To Myanmar – Therakyat

We are deeply concerned about the report that over 200 Rohingya refugees in Jammu in Jammu’s Bathindi area are being deported by the Indian authority back to Myanmar. The Rohingyas are a Bengali-dialect speaking Muslim minority in Myanmar. Many from the community fled to India after violence in their country. Click here to read…

Nepal

Major political parties same in terms of thoughts: RPP Chair Lingden- Himalaya

Chairperson of the Rastriya Prajatantra Party, Rajendra Lingden, has blamed that the major political parties–Nepali Congress, CPN (UML) and CPN (Maoist Centre)–are the same in terms of their thinking despite being different political parties. Click here to read…

Nepal records 24 COVID-19 cases on Tuesday- Himalaya

The national active Covid-19 caseload of Nepal active caseload has reached to 812 on Tuesday as 21 people tested positive for the infection in past 24 hours. Click here to read…

Election security: Concerns arise from parties fighting polls- Kathmandu Post

Not much threat from so called armed outfits and those boycotting the vote. Observers and experts say it would be better if parties fix their rifts and conflict. Click here to read…

Election code of conduct in question after the UML refuses to sign it- Kathmandu Post

Experts fault Election Commission for failing to win the confidence of all parties registered to contest the polls. Click here to read…

President Bhandari issues five ordinances- Republica

President Bidya Devi Bhandari has issued five ordinances on Tuesday. Click here to read…

Pakistan

Elahi promised help for upcoming Punjab CM election: Dawn

Interim Prime Minister Imran Khan, in a meeting with his party’s nominee for Punjab chief minister, Chaudhry Parvez Elahi, discussed a strategy for the upcoming provincial assembly session, and also talked about options of suspending opposition members and dissolving the assembly. Click here to read…

SC concerned with constitutionality, not policy matters: CJP: The Express Tribune

Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial said on Tuesday that the Supreme Court (SC) did not want to get into the investigation of policy matters as it only wanted to ascertain the constitutionality of the steps taken by the deputy speaker for the dismissal of the no-confidence of motion and subsequent dissolution of the National Assembly. Click here to read…

Russia slams US attempt at‘interference’ in Pakistan affairs: The News

Russia slammed the United States for “another attempt of shameless interference” in the internal affairs of Pakistan for its “own selfish purposes”. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka Economic Crisis: Sri Lankan President revokes state of emergency: Times Of India

Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s ruling coalition lost its majority in parliament on Tuesday after at least 41 lawmakers walked out of the alliance. The President had said he won’t resign and is ready to hand over the government to whoever proves 113 seat majority. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka president revokes emergency order, govt in disarray as economic crisis deepens: The Reuters

Sri Lanka’s President Gotabaya Rajapaksa revoked a state of emergency late on Tuesday after dozens of lawmakers walked out of the ruling coalition, leaving his government in a minority in parliament as it struggled to quell protests amid the country’s worst economic crisis in decades. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka faces medical emergency as economic crisis hits drug supplies: The Guardian

Sri Lanka’s economic crisis has deteriorated into a medical crisis, with the top medical union declaring a national health emergency over a life-threatening shortage of drugs. Click here to read…

The Rajapaksa clan in Sri Lanka politics: Indian Express

In South Asia, no other political dynasty has been as confidently nepotistic. During Mahinda Rajapaksa’s second term as President from 2010-15, there were said to be more than 40 Rajapaksa family members in government posts, apart from the cabinet. Click here to read…

Economic

Iran already pumping oil at pre-sanctions level – minister

Iranian oil production has bounced back to levels achieved before the US quit an agreement on the country’s nuclear programme and re-imposed tough sanctions in 2018, according to the country’s oil minister. Output of crude and condensate has rebounded to more than 3.8 million barrels a day, matching pre-sanctions’ levels, Iranian Oil Minister Javad Owji told media outlets this week. The country also has ramped up exports of crude oil, petrochemicals and refined fuels, finding dependable customers despite Washington’s threats to sanction nations that do business with Tehran. “By taking effective measures in onshore and offshore oilfields – drilling new wells, repairing wells, rebuilding and modernizing facilities, and oil collection centres – the current oil production capacity has reached before the sanctions, and we have no problem in performance and this amount of production,” Owji said. The news comes weeks after Owji claimed that Iran had managed to boost exports despite the “toughest sanctions” and “without waiting for the outcome of the Vienna talks.” He was referring to negotiations to revive the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) on Iran’s nuclear program, and said that by achieving output and export gains, the country had increased its bargaining power. Click here to read…

Why Biden’s release of US oil reserves won’t end pain at the pump

When Joe Biden announced that the United States would release more than 180 million barrels of oil from its strategic petroleum reserve over the next six months, the US president hailed it as an historic move that would lower fuel prices in the US.The price at the pump has surged amid Russia’s war in Ukraine, which has led the US and other nations to bar oil and gas imports from Moscow and driven concerns over global energy supplies with inventories low and new production capacity limited.Beginning early this week, Europe, Japan, and others are expected to join the US in releasing more from their reserves, adding about 30 to 50 million barrels to the world market over the same six-month period.But while the Ukraine conflict pushes Biden and other world leaders to dip into their stockpiles, experts say the actual effect for consumers will be limited – and higher prices and more disruptions lay ahead. That is because with global supply-and-demand dictating prices, the barrels of Russian oil coming off the market will far exceed what is being put back in by the US and other nations. “The Biden administration, by now, realises that as long as we have a Russia problem, oil prices are going higher,” said Robert McNally, president of the Washington-based consultancy Rapidan Energy Group. Click here to read…

Ukraine war: Russia says foreign currency can still buy gas amid Putin’s rouble payment threat

Russian President Vladimir Putin issued a decree March 31 demanding payment for natural gas in roubles but appeared to temper the order by allowing dollar and euro payments through a designated bank, the latest twist over energy supplies that Europe relies on to heat homes and generate electricity. The measure got a cautious reception from European leaders who insist payment will remain in euros and dollars and want to see the fine print of how the decree will be implemented.Countries deemed “unfriendly” for imposing sanctions on Russia over its war in Ukraine can continue to pay in foreign currency through a Russian bank that will then convert the money into roubles, according to a Kremlin decree published by state media on March 31. It came a day after the leaders of Italy and Germany said they received assurances from Putin about gas supplies. Putin talked tougher, saying Russia will start accepting rouble payments from April 01 and contracts will be stopped if buyers don’t sign up to the new conditions, including opening rouble accounts in Russian banks. “If such payments are not made, we will consider this a default on the part of buyers, with all the ensuing consequences. Nobody sells us anything for free, and we are not going to do charity either – that is, existing contracts will be stopped,” he said in televised remarks. Click here to read…

Berlin Takes Control of Gazprom’s German Business

The German government will temporarily take control of a key unit of Russian state-owned natural gas giant Gazprom PJSC in Germany in a bid to secure gas deliveries, as tensions grow between Russia and Europe over energy supplies. Economy minister Robert Habeck said April 04 that the Federal Network Agency would become a trustee of Gazprom Germania GmbH until Sept. 30. The move comes after Gazprom on April 01 said that it was exiting its business in Germany without elaborating. “The arrangement of the trust administration serves to protect public safety and order and to maintain the security of supply,” Mr. Habeck said at a press conference. “This step is urgently necessary.” Mr. Habeck said the move had been triggered by Gazprom’s failure to notify the government of a change of ownership of Gazprom Germania as well as uncertainty as to who now owned the assets. Gazprom didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment. Gazprom Germania operates critical infrastructure in Germany, including gas storage, trading and transporting of natural gas. Mr. Habeck said that gas supply was currently guaranteed. Gazprom has said in recent days that exports to Europe are continuing in line with contracts. Click here to read…

Japan will not abandon Sakhalin-2 LNG stake, Kishida says

Japan will not abandon its stake in the Sakhalin-2 liquefied natural gas (LNG) project in Russia as it is essential to energy security, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said on April 01, his clearest comments yet on Tokyo’s plans for the development. The Ukraine crisis has put Japan’s involvement in the Sakhalin-2 project and similar ones in Russia in sharp focus since Western oil majors have said they would pull out in light of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Russia calls its actions there a “special military operation.” While resource poor Japan has been ramping up sanctions against Russia, Tokyo has repeatedly said that Russian LNG is essential to energy security.”Japan has a stake in Sakhalin-2, which is contributing to securing long-term, stable and low-priced supply of LNG. It is an extremely important project for Japan’s energy security,” Kishida told parliament.”It is not our policy to withdraw,” Kishida said, adding his government would continue seeking ways to reduce Japan’s dependence on Russian energy sources. Japanese leading trading houses Mitsui & Co and Mitsubishi Corp own stakes of 12.5% and 10% respectively in the Sakhalin-2 project, from which Shell has announced plans to exit. Russia represents 4% of Japan’s crude oil imports and 9% of LNG imports, making Moscow a vital energy supplier for Japan. Click here to read…

US dollar at risk of losing dominance, Wall Street bank warns

The US dollar is dealing with some of the same challenges that the British pound faced in the early 1900s, before it went into decline, Goldman Sachs said in a research note released on April 01. The Wall Street bank explained the risk as due to worries about the power the dollar grants the US.The challenges that Goldman Sachs named include the fact that the US has a relatively small share of global trade compared to the dominance of its currency in global payments. Another issue is that the country has a deteriorating “net foreign asset position,” with rising foreign debts. In addition, the nation faces geopolitical problems, such as the conflict in Ukraine. The Goldman Sachs economists also said the nation’s large debts due to the fact that it is a big importer of goods could be a particular problem. The British pound, which was once the world’s reserve currency, was displaced by the US dollar in the middle of the 20th century. International investors were more reluctant to hold pounds after Britain amassed huge debts in World War II, the bank’s analysts noted. “If a reserve currency issuers’ debt is allowed to grow relative to GDP, eventually foreigners may grow reluctant to hold more of it,” they wrote. Click here to read…

Russia to see record capital inflow this year – reports

Russia’s balance of payments surplus could hit a historic high this year, amounting to $200-$300 billion, business news outlet RBC reported on April 04. Economists polled by RBC have predicted record capital inflows into the country, despite the tightening Western sanctions. They pointed to major factors behind the inflow, such as the increase in the value of Russian energy exports, and a reduction in merchandise imports to Russia by up to 50%. “The key driver of the Russian balance of payments surplus [hydrocarbon exports] still looks confident,” the Institute of International Finance (IIF) said in its review, seen by RBC. According to a Bloomberg analysis, Russia will get an estimated $321 billion in energy exports revenue in 2022, marking a surge of more than a third compared to last year. That’s despite the huge discounts the country provides. The Russian Ministry of Finance said last week that, on average, Russian Urals oil cost over $89 per barrel in March, which is a 40% rise year-on-year. The IIF said that the number of oil tankers moored in Russian ports awaiting departure is only slightly less than in the same period in previous yearsClick here to read…

Goldman Sachs bets on big Chinese stock upside despite dour 4.5 per cent GDP growth forecast and client scepticism

Goldman Sachs is betting that Chinese stocks will deliver a 23 to 29 per cent upside this year, after its bottom-of-the-pile ranking last year, but clients have some reservations following widespread Covid-19 lockdowns. Scepticism of China’s ability to achieve its 5.5 per cent gross domestic product target has risen among the investment firm’s mainland clients, including private equity funds, hedge funds and asset managers. These clients have slashed their GDP growth targets for the year, as China battles its worst Covid-19 outbreak since 2020. “A majority of local clients think [around] 4 per cent GDP growth is probably more realistic,” said Goldman analysts including Maggie Wei in a note published on Friday. “Having said that, local clients have mixed views on whether Chinese policymakers would tone down or change the GDP growth target this year.” Even as doubts about China’s challenging growth target pile up, amid the lack of concrete policy easing and global stagflation woes, the US bank remains bullish on China. It forecast a 23 per cent upside for the MSCI China Index over the next 12 months, after a disastrous 22 per cent slump last year as the worst-performing stock benchmark. For the CSI 300, it expected a 29 per cent upside over the next 12 months. Click here to read…

China to bring down audit barrier in long-running US listing row

In recent years, US regulators have increased scrutiny of the accounting standards of these companies amid allegations of ties to the military and use of forced labour in the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region. China has long denied US securities regulators the ability to inspect the financial audits of its US-listed companies, saying they contain state secrets. The tensions culminated in 2019 with the US Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act, which requires foreign companies listed in the US comply with audit inspection rules under the auspices of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) or face delisting within three years. In the aftermath, US-listed Chinese companies were hit by bruising sell-offs. In March, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) identified 11 Chinese companies – including Baidu, Weibo and BeiGene and Yum China – liable under the law. In the statement on April 02, the CSRC said the proposed rules offered more guidance on protecting state secrets. In practice, it is rare that companies need to provide documents that contain state secrets and sensitive information, according to the CSRC. But should the situation arise, the burden of ensuring information security would fall on the Chinese companies, it said. SEC chairman Gary Gensler and CSRC chairman Yi Huiman have held three online meetings since August to discuss the prospect of cooperating on audit regulations, the commission said on March 31. Click here to read…

Chinese industrial park to be built in Kabul New City

Chinese firms and businessmen are eyeing more opportunities in Afghanistan, with an industrial park to be established in the Kabul New City, providing more jobs and helping train local Afghan workers, the Global Times has learned. Since the Taliban returned to power, about 200 Chinese businessmen have arrived in Afghanistan, exploring investment chances, a staffer of China Town in Kabul told the Global Times in an exclusive interview.In the next step, a Chinese industrial park will be set up in the Kabul New City, which will train more Afghan professional workers and help promote stability and economic security there. “Building an industrial park in Afghanistan will reduce the security costs of enterprises. As Afghans return and investment continues to grow, the market potential of about 40 million is huge,” said the staffer of China Town in Kabul. Since the Taliban came into power in August and US troops left the country, Afghans has the chance to determine their own destiny. But reconstruction is hampered by lack of funds and Western sanctions. Now, China is helping Afghanistan to recover through various types of support, analysts said. China held the third Foreign Ministers’ Meeting among the Neighbouring Countries of Afghanistan in Tunxi, East China’s Anhui Province, on March 31- April 01. Click here to read…

Devices equipped with Harmony OS expected to exceed 560 million units: agency

Following Chinese telecom equipment giant Huawei’s latest release of its 2021 annual report, financial agencies expected that devices equipped with Harmony OS may be able to exceed the critical 16 percent line of active devices worldwide between 2022 and 2023, representing about 560 million units. The development of Harmony OS digital ecology is also in line with expectations.According to a research report issued by PingAn Securities on March 29, the expansion of Harmony OS is in line with expectations, laying the foundation for subsequent system and software ecology development.The number of devices equipped with Harmony OS exceeded 220 million units as of the end of 2021, becoming the fastest growing mobile terminal operating system across the globe, according to Huawei’s annual report. The number of shipped third-party devices connected with Harmony OS Connect and the ecological system reached more than 115 million units, totalling more than 330 million units. The total number slightly exceeded the target plan set by the company in 2021. The report noted that devices equipped with Harmony OS may cross the 16 percent mark of active devices worldwide (about 560 million units) from 2022 to 2023, noting that Harmony OS will be able to survive in the short term, but the long-term development will still depend on the expansion of use scenarios and markets. Click here to read…

Japan’s ODA to China ends after 40 years and 3.6 trillion yen

Japan’s official development assistance (ODA) to China ended at the end of March after more than 40 years, bringing down the curtain on 3.6 trillion yen ($29 billion) of aid over the four decades. While Japanese ODA to China has supported the nation’s growth and strengthened the relationship between the two countries, some questioned the need over the years to continue the assistance. Others criticized the lack of transparency over the aid provided by Japan. However viewed, the assistance had gradually wound down over the years, as relations between the two countries cooled and the Chinese economy boomed. Japan’s ODA to China started in 1979. Some said that this was in response to Beijing’s declaration to abandon demands for wartime compensation under the 1972 bilateral joint communique. According to the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Japan’s breakdown of ODA to China is nearly 160 billion yen of grant aid, provision of funds with no obligation of repayment, around 3.3 trillion yen in loans, and about 190 billion yen of technical cooperation. In the early days of Japan’s ODA to China, the assistance was mostly provided to support infrastructure construction such as ports or power generation facilities. Click here to read…

From war to nuclear warheads, geopolitical risk hits boardrooms

When corporate chiefs sit down to formulate strategies for the coming years, they will now have to factor in words such as “war” and “nuclear-weapons use. “The peace that companies took for granted in the post-Cold War world is no more. Companies have to navigate a world filled with geopolitical risk. U.S. Federal Reserve Board economists Dario Caldara and Matteo Iacoviello have compiled a Geopolitical Risk (GPR) Index with an algorithm that counts the frequency of articles related to geopolitical risks in leading international newspapers published in the U.S., the U.K. and Canada, such as The New York Times, the Financial Times and The Wall Street Journal. Six categories of words are measured, including “geopolitical risk,” “threat of war,” “airstrike” and “terrorist act.” The latest Geopolitical Risk Index, as of Feb. 1, stood at a score of 178.90, a 40-point increase from the month before. It is the highest since April 2003, in the height of the Iraq War, when the GPR Index was 255.78.The index reached 512.53 after the 9-11 attacks in 2011 and 379.25 ahead of the Gulf War in 1991. BlackRock’s Geopolitical Risk Indicator has identified “Russia-NATO conflict” as the biggest risk since February. Meanwhile, the resurgence of the coronavirus is not even in the top 10 anymore. Click here to read…

Chinese firm regains control of DR Congo copper mine after agreeing to reach solution with government over royalty disputes

China Molybdenum (CMOC) has regained control of its massive Tenke Fungurume copper and cobalt mine after the Democratic Republic of Congo withdrew a case it had filed against the Chinese mining giant. The two have agreed to settle their dispute outside court, saying they would appoint an “internationally recognised third party to conduct an assessment for a definitive solution” to their dispute over royalty payments, a move that will probably ensure more revenue for the DRC in future. Gecamines, a Congolese state-owned commodity trading and mining company, which holds 20 per cent of the Tenke mine, had sued the Chinese miner, accusing it of withholding information and for not declaring thousands of tonnes of reserves at the site, a move that allegedly denied Kinshasa much-needed funds. But on March 29, DRC Prime Minister Sama Lukonde suspended court proceedings against the Chinese mining company. China Moly acquired its controlling stake in Tenke Fungurume in 2016 for US$2.65 billion from US mining firm Freeport-McMoRan and increased its stake to 80 per cent for US$1.14 billion in 2019. Although the DRC produces two-thirds of the global supply of cobalt – an essential component of electric vehicle batteries – the government says the country has not benefited from the resources. Click here to read…

Strategic

Release of Ukraine Intelligence Represents New Front in U.S. Information War With Russia

As Russian troops amassed at Ukraine’s border in early December, White House officials pored over multiple versions of a highly classified map that detailed Moscow’s burgeoning military presence. The administration provided a version of the map and accompanying text to the Washington Post, which published it online Dec. 3, just days before a tense phone call between President Biden and Russian leader Vladimir Putin. The release of the map—a blend of secrets gathered by U.S. spy agencies and commercially available satellite images—kicked off a virtually unprecedented effort by the Biden administration to use U.S. intelligence to shape the battlefield of Europe’s bloodiest conflict in decades. The new approach to public intelligence sharing has involved declassifying a cascade of secrets normally reserved for top policy makers: updates on Russian troop movements; detailed allegations that Moscow would stage a pretext for its invasion; even, last week, reports of growing tension between Mr. Putin and his generals. White House officials call the strategy “downgrade and share”—with “downgrade” referring to lowering the classification level of U.S. documents or data. Citing those successes, some see “downgrade and share” as foreshadowing future uses of intelligence in international crises. “Future conflicts are going to be shaped, instigated and deterred by releases of information beforehand.” Click here to read…

America’s Declining Military

The Pentagon is seeking $773 billion for fiscal 2023, and spending on national defense reaches $813 billion when other accounts are included. This sounds large, and Mr. Biden is pitching it as a big increase over his request last year. But even defense officials say the Pentagon would see only a 1.5% real increase over last year’s funding after inflation. Defense spending will still be about 3.1% of the economy, close to post-Cold War lows and heading lower over the next decade. The Administration calls China a “pacing challenge,” and Russia an “acute threat,” and it touts $130 billion for research and development, including crucial efforts on artificial intelligence and 5G applications. Also welcome is $24.7 billion for missile defense, including a badly needed $892 million to defend Guam from Chinese missiles, and $27.6 billion for space capabilities. The Pacific Deterrence Initiative would get $6.1 billion. But the overall budget picture is that the Biden team is betting on weapons that don’t yet exist for a war they hope arrives on someone else’s watch. They want to save money now in order to spend on what they say will be a more modern force in a decade. To this end, the 298-ship U.S. Navy would buy only nine ships next year while retiring 24. The fleet would shrink to 280 ships in 2027, even as the Navy says it needs a fleet of 500 to defeat China in a conflict. Click here to read…

Biden’s Indo-Pacific power play stymied by lack of trade authority

The U.S. is seeking to reassert itself in the Indo-Pacific by forming a new economic framework as a bulwark against a rising China. But President Joe Biden currently lacks a powerful trade negotiating tool that can make this vision a reality. His conundrum is evident in an Indo-Pacific strategy laid out by the White House in February. The White House promises high labour and environmental standards, open cross-border data flows and secure supply chains as part of a new Indo-Pacific economic framework (IPEF) proposed by Biden at the East Asia Summit in October. The U.S. envisions a regional pact that “could be even more robust in some ways than the traditional free trade agreement,” Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said during a November trip to Japan. But what exactly the IPEF will entail remains unclear, and that’s because he does not have the Trade Promotion Authority that lets him negotiate trade pacts with other countries. The U.S. Constitution gives Congress sole authority to set tariffs and regulate international commerce. But Congress can temporarily grant the president power to do so by granting him the fast-track negotiating ability, known as the Trade Promotion Authority. Click here to read…

Biden administration to scrap nuclear cruise missile programme

The U.S. has decided to discontinue development of a new nuclear cruise missile, Nikkei has learned. The administration of former President Donald Trump had laid out plans to develop the new weapon to enhance U.S. nuclear capabilities. The Biden administration, however, determined that the U.S. not only maintained sufficient capability to deter Russia and China without the new missile, but also could add momentum to the flagging nuclear disarmament movement by scrapping the cruise missile project. A senior defense official told Nikkei that plans for the new missile had been withdrawn. The U.S. Defense Department will release its full “Nuclear Posture Review,” a set of guidelines for nuclear weapons policy, perhaps as early as the end of this month. The focus of the review has been how the U.S. would handle development of sea-launched nuclear cruise missiles and low-yield nuclear warheads with less explosive power. Both were pursued by the Trump administration to deter Russia and China and are intended to be installed primarily on submarines. The weapons are intended for use in limited attacks on enemy military bases or critical facilities, rather than major strikes on urban centres. Click here to read…

EU warns China against ‘interfering with Russian sanctions’

EU leaders warned China against interfering with the West’s efforts to sanction Russia for its invasion of Ukraine, in a summit on Friday that Brussels characterized as “not business as usual.” The war in Ukraine dominated the virtual summit, the first meeting between Beijing leaders and their EU counterparts since the conflict began. While the EU side tried to press China to cooperate in pressuring Moscow, Chinese President Xi Jinping made a swipe at the pressure campaign against China, urging Brussels to adopt an “independent policy” toward Beijing. From the EU side, European Council President Charles Michel, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and EU foreign policy Chief Josep Borrell took part. “We made very clear that China should, if not support, at least not interfere with our sanctions,” von der Leyen told a news conference following the summit. Xi said it was “deeply regrettable that the situation in Ukraine has come to where it is today,” according to a Foreign Ministry readout.”The international community should keep creating favourable conditions and environment for the negotiations between Russia and Ukraine and make room for political settlement, rather than add fuel to the fire and heighten tensions,” the president saidClick here to read…

NATO should have been dissolved in 1991 – China

China believes NATO should have been dissolved after the USSR, which it was created to contain, no longer existed, the Foreign Ministry explained on April 01. Spokesman Zhao Lijian lamented the fact that instead the US-led military bloc expanded and cornered Russia, eventually triggering the present bloodshed in Ukraine. “As a product of the Cold War, NATO should have become history when the Soviet Union disintegrated,” he said during a daily press conference on April 01, when asked about remarks on NATO’s role as a US geopolitical tool made by his Russian counterpart, Maria Zakharova. Zhao said that NATO expanded eastwards in Europe for decades, in violation of promises made to the Soviet leadership. This pushed Russia “into a corner step by step,” so ultimately, NATO was “the initiator and biggest promoter of the Ukraine crisis” on behalf of the US, he stated, adding that the organization should reflect on what exactly it contributes to European security. Moscow cited the threat posed by NATO’s creeping expansion into Ukraine as the key reason why it attacked the country in late February. Beijing agreed with the justification, even as it criticized the use of military force as the method of resolving the situation. Click here to read…

Chinese military stepping up night drills to counter US, analysts say as state TV airs footage

Chinese state television has shown footage of day-and-night drills by the People’s Liberation Army along the coasts of the East China and South China seas, which defence analysts said had been stepped up this year to counter the US Navy’s increasing activities in the region. A PLA Navy flotilla led by the Type 052D destroyer Zibo and Type 054A frigate Yang Zhou this month conducted a two-day live-fire exercise in the East China Sea, state broadcaster CCTV reported on March 30. The exercises included underwater reconnaissance, and air-defence and ship-to-ship strikes, CCTV said.Another day-and-night drill, involving a Type 071 amphibious transport dock, took place off the coast of Guangdong, close to Hainan Island. Marines drove several ZBD-05 amphibious infantry fighting vehicles and ZTD-05 amphibious assault vehicles to land on the island at night, according to CCTV on March 29. Defence analysts said the PLA’s navy and air force had enhanced night training this year because the Americans had stepped up reconnaissance and other military activities in the region. Lu Li-shih, a former instructor at Taiwan’s Naval Academy in Kaohsiung, said the PLA Navy’s activities in the Yellow, East China and South China seas included nearly 100 night drills last year, including 70 between midnight and dawn, compared with 30 at night in 2020, with 11 between midnight and dawn. Click here to read…

NATO divided on military aid for Ukraine – media

NATO allies strongly disagree about the extent of military aid the US-led bloc should provide to Ukraine and the prospects of talks with Russia, Bloomberg reported on March 28, quoting numerous sources and documents.Some members were said to have been “adamant” about wishing to avoid a direct war with Russia, and even suggested that President Vladimir Putin might deploy weapons of mass destruction if they armed Ukraine too heavily. A French official was quoted as saying that sending tanks and aircraft would “pour oil on the fire.” A document was described by Bloomberg as stating that some Western European countries were of the view that weapons shipments to Kiev should be limited, “due to fears that events could escalate out of control.” In contrast, the leaders of the UK, the Baltic states, and most Eastern European countries called on allies to send more armaments to Ukraine, including “anti-aircraft capabilities,” the report said. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told PBS News Hour on March 28 that Moscow would deploy its nuclear arsenal only when there was a threat to the existence of Russia as a country. Another reported subject of internal debate is direct dialogue with Moscow. Click here to read…

US says Israel free to act against Iran

Washington’s ambassador to Israel has said that a renewed nuclear pact with Iran will not bar the close US ally from taking action to “protect” itself, as negotiators attempt to revive the 2015 JCPOA agreement between Tehran and world powers. Speaking to Israel’s Channel 12, on March 31, Ambassador Tom Nides outlined that the United States does not expect Tel Aviv to “sit quietly and not do anything” should a final deal be struck with Iran. “We’ve been very clear about this. If we have a deal, the Israelis’ hands are not tied. If we don’t have a deal, the Israelis’ hands are certainly not tied,” the envoy said, adding that whether or not an agreement is reached, “Israel can do and take whatever actions they need to take to protect the state of Israel.” While Nides argued that President Joe Biden is doing “whatever he can to make sure that Iran does not have a nuclear weapon” using “a diplomatic channel,” he appeared to give tacit approval for Israeli military action against the Islamic Republic even with an agreement in place to restrain its atomic programme. The US envoy went on to state that Israel has been kept informed of the ongoing nuclear talks, saying Tel Aviv knows “exactly what is going on,” even if officials are at times displeased with the direction of the negotiations. Click here to read…

Climate change: Greenhouse gas emissions must peak by 2025, deep cuts needed by end of decade to avoid catastrophic impact, says UN panel

Greenhouse gas emissions must peak within a few years and countries must implement deep across-the-board cuts to achieve the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius to avoid catastrophic impact from climate change, according to scientists. This means global emissions must peak before 2025 “at the latest”, reduce by 43 per cent by the end of the decade and reach net zero by the early 2050s, they said in the latest report by the United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change released on April 04. Even if a less ambitious 2 degrees of warming is to be achieved, reaching a peak in emissions by 2025, reducing them by a quarter by 2030 and reaching net zero by 2070 will be necessary, the scientists said. Human activities have already caused the planet’s average temperature to rise by 1.1 degrees since 1850. “It’s now or never, if we want to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees,” IPCC Working Group III co-chair Jim Skea said in a statement. “Without immediate and deep emissions reductions across all sectors, it will be impossible.”Average annual global greenhouse gas emissions have reached their highest levels between 2010 to 2019, even though the rate of growth has slowed. Click here to read…

Turkey, a mediator in Ukraine, mends its own ties with neighbours

The sight of Russian and Ukrainian negotiators meeting in Istanbul for direct peace talks highlights the position in which Turkey finds itself as a perceived neutral side in the war in Ukraine. That balance is a continuation of a policy that during the last year has resulted in a rapprochement with a variety of countries in the region with which Turkey has strained or non-existent relations. Ankara’s diplomatic initiatives have included efforts to mend ties with adversaries including Armenia, Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Saudi Arabia. Relations have improved across the board. Turkey had long severed ties with its neighbour Armenia; now officials are meeting, and direct flights have resumed. The 2018 murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi in Riyadh’s Istanbul consulate instantly soured Saudi-Turkish relations, but the two sides are now looking to put that behind them, and their foreign ministers met last week. The deputy foreign ministers of Egypt and Turkey held talks for the second time in 2021 last September in Ankara, while Israeli President Isaac Herzog made a particularly notable visit to the Turkish capital this month, meeting with Erdoğan. However, it is the improvement in the relationship with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) that is perhaps most interesting. Click here to read…

Tunisia’s president dissolves parliament, extending power grab

Tunisia’s President Kais Saied has announced on state TV that he is dissolving the country’s parliament, eight months after suspending it in a July power grab.“Today, at this historic moment, I announce the dissolution of the Assembly of Representatives of the people, to preserve the state and its institutions,” he said on March 30. He made the announcement at a meeting of the National Security Council, hours after parliamentarians held a plenary session online and voted through a bill against his “exceptional measures”. Following the online session, Tunisia’s justice minister, Leila Jeffal, asked the attorney general to open a judicial investigation against members of a suspended parliament on charges of “conspiring against state security”, local media said. Saied denounced parliament’s move as a “coup attempt” and said those responsible had “betrayed” the nation. Tunisian parliamentarians voted on March 30 to repeal presidential decrees suspending their chamber and giving Kais Saied near-total power, openly defying him in an online session, although he dismissed their meeting as illegal.The former law professor, elected in 2019 amid public anger against the political class, on July 25 last year sacked the government, froze the assembly and seized wide-ranging powers. Click here to read…

How Pakistan’s political crisis could play out in the coming days

Pakistan’s Supreme Court is looking into the legality of Prime Minister Imran Khan’s unexpected move over the weekend to block a parliamentary vote against him and then call for a snap general election. The deputy speaker of parliament, a member of Khan’s party, threw out the no-confidence motion that Khan had widely been expected to lose, ruling that it was part of a foreign conspiracy and unconstitutional. The court’s five-member bench, headed by the country’s chief justice, has adjourned proceedings until April 06. Legal experts say that how the court rules on Khan’s move could have major implications for democracy in Pakistan, where no prime minister has yet fulfilled a full term and where the military has ruled for nearly half of the country’s history. Here are some possible outcomes of the crisis: A court decision against the move to block the vote of no-confidence could overturn subsequent decisions made by the government, including the dissolution of the assembly and the calling of elections within 90 days. A court ruling against Khan also opens the door for legal action against the 69-year-old and members of his party, as opponents say he is guilty of subverting the constitution. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka opposition rejects president’s unity government offer

Sri Lanka’s opposition has rejected an invitation from the president to form a unity government, urging his resignation over the country’s worsening shortages of food, fuel and medicines. The opposition’s demand on April 04 came as anti-government protests continued throughout the country over its worst economic crisis in memory and deepening mistrust in President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s leadership. Earlier same day, the president’s office said he “invites all political parties represented in the parliament to come together to accept ministerial portfolios in order to find solutions to this national crisis”. The largest opposition political alliance – the United People’s Power or Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) – rejected the proposal. “The people of this country want Gotabaya and the entire Rajapaksa family to go and we can’t go against the people’s will and we can’t work alongside the corrupt,” top SJB official Ranjith Madduma Bandara told The Associated Press news agency. SJB has 54 MPs in the 225-member parliament. The left-wing People’s Liberation Front (JVP) also responded by urging Rajapaksa and his once-popular and powerful family to immediately step down. The main minority opposition party, the Tamil National Alliance (TNA), joined the voices dismissing the idea. Click here to read…

China to back military-ruled Myanmar regardless of situation

China says it will back neighbour Myanmar “no matter how the situation changes,” in the latest show of unequivocal support for the ruling military that seized power last year. China “has always placed Myanmar in an important position in its neighbourly diplomacy” and wants to “deepen exchanges and cooperation,” Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told his Myanmar counterpart Wunna Maung Lwin on April 01, according to China’s official Xinhua News Agency. Myanmar’s military, which ousted the civilian government of Aung San Suu Kyi in February 2021, has continued to face popular resistance that amounts to what some U.N. experts have characterized as a civil war. The government is also facing genocide accusations at the International Court of Justice in The Hague. In return for Chinese diplomatic support and material assistance, Myanmar has been a loyal ally of Beijing within a 10-member regional bloc, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. The sides should accelerate work on the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor, step up construction of “major landmark projects” and “deepen solidarity in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic,” Wang said. “No matter how the situation changes, China will support Myanmar in safeguarding its sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, and in exploring a development path suited to its national conditions,” Wang said. Click here to read…

North Korea has large arsenal of ‘theatre-class’ missiles: US commander

North Korea has a large number of “theatre-class” missiles with a desire to develop a “credible” missile threat, a U.S. commander has said, casting the recalcitrant regime as a strategic security challenge. Adm. Charles Richard, head of the U.S. Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM), made the assessment in a written statement to the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense prior to a closed-door hearing on April 05 (local time). “The DPRK previously tested ICBM class missiles designed to reach the U.S., and they have a large arsenal of theatre-class missiles,” he said, referring to the North by its official name, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. “The recent missile launches demonstrate their ongoing desire to develop a credible missile threat.” Theatre-class missiles refer to those intended for use in specific areas of military operations. Richard’s remarks came as Seoul and Washington are cranking up security cooperation in the wake of a series of North Korean missile launches, including the regime’s March 24 test of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). The commander reiterated the U.S. commitment of “extended deterrence” to its two key Asian allies South Korea and Japan. Extended deterrence means America’s stated pledge to use a full range of military assets, both nuclear and conventional, to defend its allies. Click here to read…

Medical

BA.2: What to know about world’s dominant Omicron sub-variant

BA.2, a sub-variant of the Omicron coronavirus variant, has now become dominant globally, representing nearly 86 percent of all sequenced cases, according to the World Health Organization. First detected in the early days of January, the sub-variant is even more transmissible than its highly contagious Omicron siblings, BA.1 and BA.1.1.A missing gene in BA.1 allowed it to be tracked by default through a common PCR test. BA.2 and another sibling, BA.3 – also increasing in prevalence but currently at low levels – can only be found by genomic sequencing.Even though BA.2 is more infectious than other Omicron sub-variants, according to studies, evidence suggests so far that it is not more likely to cause severe disease.Are vaccines effective against BA.2? As with the other Omicron variants, vaccines are less effective against BA.2 than they are against other variants like Alpha or the original strain of coronavirus, and protection declines over time. However, according to UK Health Security Agency data, protection is restored by a booster jab, particularly for preventing hospitalisation and death. Click here to read…

China approves CSPC, CanSino mRNA vaccines for clinical trial, boosting country’s arsenal against raging Omicron outbreak

China’s health authorities have approved clinical trials of two Covid-19 vaccines that use mRNA, potentially adding an option to the nation’s arsenal in its battle against the pandemic’s worst outbreak since 2020. CanSino Biologics and CSPC Pharmaceutical have been approved by the National Medical Products Administration of China (NMPA) to commence trials, according to statements by the two companies. The approvals add CanSino and CSPC to the race among Chinese companies to use messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) for generating immune cells to fight the coronavirus, possibly offering viable alternatives to the vaccines already in production by international peers Pfizer BioNTech and Moderna.One mRNA vaccine called ARCoVax – developed by the Chinese Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Suzhou Abogen Biosciences and Walvax Biotechnology – is already in the final stages of global human trials. It comes as China battles its worst outbreak of the coronavirus in two years. The commercial capital of Shanghai is in lockdown, as the nation recorded 1,366 confirmed cases and 11,771 asymptomatic cases on April 03. Click here to read…

Xi’s remarks on boosting China-EU cooperation for world stability: Xinhuanet

April 4, 2022

Chinese President Xi Jinping met via video link with European Council President Charles Michel and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Experts and scholars applauded Xi’s remarks on China-European Union (EU) relations and the Ukraine crisis, saying that the meeting has provided strategic guidance for sustained and sound development of the China-EU relationship, while adding stability and positive energy to a turbulent world. Click here to read…

China’s shadow-banking assets to continue declining: Xinhuanet

April 4, 2022

China’s shadow-banking assets are expected to continue declining in the first half of 2022, according to a report from Fitch Ratings. Systemic risks associated with shadow-financing activity have eased, as shadow-banking assets were cut by 40 percent from 2017 under the country’s strengthened regulation, the report stated. Click here to read…

Chinese battery giant continues dominating global EV battery market: Xinhuanet

April 4, 2022

Chinese battery maker Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Ltd. (CATL) continued to dominate the global electric vehicle (EV) battery market with its market share expanding in early 2022, data from market research firm SNE Research showed. Click here to read…

Over 38,000 medics dispatched to Shanghai to aid COVID-19 fight: Xinhuanet

April 4, 2022

More than 38,000 medics from 15 provincial-level regions nationwide have rushed to Shanghai to aid in the battle against the resurging COVID-19 epidemic in China’s financial hub, according to the National Health Commission (NHC). Click here to read…

Shanghai reports more than 13,000 new positive COVID-19 cases Monday, exceeding 10,000 for the first time: Global Times

April 5, 2022

The number of new daily positive COVID-19 cases in Shanghai exceeded 10,000 for the first time on Monday, reaching 13,354. More than 73,000 positive cases are reported during the latest flare-up in the city. Click here to read…

Chinese cities crack down on counterfeit incense money prior to Qingming Festival: Global Times

April 5, 2022

The Shanghai headquarters of the People’s Bank of China called on the public to avoid illegal incense paper in the shape of counterfeit renminbi during ancestral worship marking the Qingming Festival which falls on Tuesday, to maintain the solemn image of the official tender. Click here to read…

Online mourning activities grow during Qingming Festival due to pandemic: Global Times

April 5, 2022

As many as 6.95 million online mourning activities are held during the 2022 Qingming Festival, or Tomb-Sweeping Festival, in Chinese mainland, marking a year-on-year rise of 275.7 percent, said China’s Ministry of Civil Affairs (MCA). Click here to read…

China embraces digital future with growing computing power: People’s Daily

April 04, 2022

A recent industry report has highlighted China’s impressive advances in computing power, ranking the country as one of the best among major economies in the field. The report, jointly released by the Tsinghua University, the International Data Corporation and Chinese IT firm Inspur Information, comprehensively assesses the computing power, efficiency, application and infrastructure of 15 major economies. Click here to read…

China’s foreign minister speaks with Ukrainian counterpart: Reuters

April 5, 2022

China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi spoke with his Ukrainian counterpart, Dmytro Kuleba, in a phone call on Monday, with Beijing again calling on talks to end the conflict in Ukraine. The call, which Beijing said was made at Ukraine’s request, was the first reported high-level conversation between the countries since March 1, when Kuleba asked Beijing to use its ties with Moscow to stop Russia’s invasion, the Ukrainian foreign ministry said at the time. Click here to read…

Shanghai to extend lockdown of 26 million people as it reviews COVID test results: Reuters

April 4, 2022

By David Kirton

Shanghai will remain under lockdown as it reviews results of an exercise to test all of its 26 million residents for COVID-19, authorities said on Monday. The city began its two-stage lockdown on March 28, initially in Shanghai’s eastern districts, and later expanded to cover the whole city. Click here to read…

China to test 26m in Shanghai: Reuters

April 5, 2022

China has sent the military and thousands of healthcare workers into Shanghai to help carry out COVID-19 tests for all of its 26 million residents as cases continued to rise yesterday, in one of the nation’s biggest-ever public health responses. Click here to read…

Shanghai to remain under lockdown following mass COVID-19 testing: Kyodo

April 4, 2022

Shanghai will remain under lockdown as it needs to analyze results of mass testing for the coronavirus conducted Monday, local authorities said, amid a rapid acceleration of infections. China has sent about 2,000 military medical staff and thousands of additional health care workers to Shanghai, official media said, as the number of new COVID-19 cases confirmed in the country’s most important financial center hit a record high for the third straight day. Click here to read…

Chinese activists Sophia Huang and Wang Jianbing expected to face court: South China Morning Post

April 4, 2022

Two activists in southern China are expected to face trial soon, with police handing their cases over to prosecutors for investigation. Women’s rights campaigner and freelance journalist Sophia Huang Xueqin and labour activist Wang Jianbing have been detained in Guangzhou since September, unable to meet their lawyers or families, according to friends close to the activists. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

Muttaqi Says Daesh Activities Restrained: Tolo News

The acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amir Khan Muttaqi, said that the activities of Daesh have been prevented in Afghanistan and that the group has not been able to conduct any attack in the country within recent months. Click here to read…

Taliban committed to Iran’s water rights: Iran’s special representative: The Khaama Press

Iran’s special representative for Afghanistan Hassan Kazemi Qomi said that talks with Taliban officials were positive and that the Afghan side is committed to Iran’s water rights in accordance with the existing agreement, Tehran News reported. Click here to read…

China agrees to accept credentials of Taliban diplomats: Afghan FM: The Khaama Press

Acting Foreign Minister of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan Amir Khan Muttaqi said that China has agreed to accept the credentials of Afghan diplomats sent to Afghanistan’s embassy in China by the Taliban. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

Bangladesh invaluable partner in building free Indo-Pacific Biden said: The Financial Express

Billing Bangladesh as an invaluable partner in ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific region-a latest geostrategic focus–US President Joe Biden expressed his confidence that the partnership would further strengthen. Click here to read…

US-Bangladesh talks: Dhaka looking into enhancing security capacity: Narinjara

Bangladesh is seeking to buy advanced military equipment as part of its “Forces Goal 2030” to enhance its security capacity and modernize the military. Click here to read…

Bangladesh’s largest bridge to open to traffic in June: Xinhuanet

The overall work in the project of building the mega multipurpose road-rail bridge dubbed the “Dream Padma Bridge of Bangladesh” is currently 92 percent completed. Click here to read…

Bhutan

Covid-19 fear keeps patients away from national referral hospital: Kuensel

With not many people coming to Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital (JDWNRH), the national referral hospital looks almost empty by afternoon these days. Click here to read…

Has Bhutan overlooked the transboundary GLOF threat so far?: Kuensel

Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) mainly route through river channels often spreading out over wide flood plains. The river systems in Bhutan are composed of eight major rivers: Amochu, Wangchu, Phochu, Mochu, Chamkharchu, Mangdechu, Kurichu, and Drangmechu. Click here to read…

Maldives

Maldives remains GCC travellers’ preferred travel destination In 2022: Khaleej Times

Most countries have now eased the travel restrictions imposed at the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. The Maldives, a popular travel destination known for its sunny beaches and blue waters, is ready for an influx of tourism after the ease of Covid restrictions. Click here to read…

Male’ City Council and Dutch Docklands Maldives sign MOU on cooperation in building the Maldives’ First Floating City: Travel Daily News

Maldives Floating City is a floating community that is being constructed in a lagoon that is a five-minute speedboat ride from Male’ using the latest technology from the Netherlands. Click here to read…

Myanmar

Spring Revolution Daily News for 3 April 2022 – Mizzima

Spring Lottery Family announced that they would resume the sale of the Spring Lottery or so-called Revolution Lottery for April. Ministry of Defense-NUG announced that they warmly welcome those who would leave the junta leader Min Aung Hlaing and join the public. Click here to read…

Tourists urged to avoid Myanmar as junta prepares to reopen to world – The Guardian

Foreign tourists have been urged to avoid visiting Myanmar after the junta signalled plans to open up the country despite widespread ongoing rights abuses and violence including kidnappings and killings by the military, as well as food shortages and regular blackouts. Click here to read…

Myanmar military’s beer sales tumble after junta boycott – France 24

For years, Myanmar Beer dominated bars and supermarket shelves, its Japanese backing a sign of the economic liberalisation washing into the Southeast Asian country after the military relaxed its iron grip on power in 2011. Click here to read…

Myanmar military steps up attacks on ethnic groups – NHK

Videos and images from northwestern Myanmar are painting a devastating picture of the relentless crackdown against civilian militia and ethnic armed groups by the military junta that seized power just over a year ago. Forensic analysis is helping people outside the country understand the plight of villagers who are the targets of gunfire and whose homes have been set ablaze. Click here to read…

Nepal

Nepal: Can discuss boundary through existing mechanism: Tribune India

Nepal has clarified that it is prepared to address the boundary issues through existing mechanisms, dialogue and diplomacy. Click here to read…

Nepal PM Sher Bahadur Deuba, wife gifted GI-tagged artifacts made by master artisans of Kashi: Times Of India

The master artisans of Kashi do not miss a chance to make special gifts for the visiting celebrities. This time, they made Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged artifacts for Nepalese Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, who along with his wife Arzu Rana Debuba visited the city on Sunday. Click here to read…

Vinay Mohan Kwatra, India’s ambassador to Nepal, to take over from Shringla as Foreign Secretary: Indian Express

Kwatra is a member of the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) with an experience of nearly 32 years in a range of assignments. He has worked in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s office from 2015 to 2017, before he went to France as India’s ambassador. Click here to read…

Pakistan

General elections not possible in three months, says ECP: Dawn

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has expressed its inability to conduct general elections within three months, citing various legal hitches and procedural challenges as the reason. Click here to read…

‘Military finds no evidence of foreign conspiracy against PM Imran’: The Express Tribune

Contrary to claims by Prime Minister Imran Khan, the military leadership told a National Security Committee (NSC) meeting on March 27 that they had no evidence to suggest the United States had threatened or was involved in the conspiracy to seek the ouster of the PTI government. Click here to read…

US again rejects interference allegations: The News

The United States has reiterated that the allegations of interference in Pakistan’s internal issues was untrue and maintained it supports the peaceful upholding of constitutional principles. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka crisis: Opposition won’t join Cabinet, Rajapaksa won’t resign, protests continue: Times Now News

Sri Lanka President Gotabaya Rajapaksa won’t resign and the government is going to survive the current crisis, the country’s ruling party said on Monday. Sri Lanka’s two main opposition parties, the SJB and the JVP, have rejected Gotabaya’s request to form an all-party interim government. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka gets new finance minister, cenbank governor as unrest grows: The Reuters

Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa dropped his brother as finance minister and sought a new central bank governor on Monday, as crowds angry over the country’s deepening economic crisis surrounded the homes of several lawmakers. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka central bank governor submits resignation amid crisis: BBC

The governor of Sri Lanka’s central bank says he has submitted his resignation as the country faces its worst economic crisis in decades. Ajith Nivard Cabraal’s announcement came after all of the country’s cabinet ministers resigned. Click here to read…

Unrest in Sri Lanka prompts warning from China: South China Morning Post

China has told its citizens in Sri Lanka to be vigilant amid mounting civil unrest in the South Asian country over the government’s handling of its worst economic crisis in decades. Click here to read…