- 04-08-2021 LS QUESTION NO.2722 UNSTARRED-ATTARI - WAGAH BORDER ROAD TRADE
- 10-03-2021 LS QUESTION NO.2540 UNSTARRED-EXPORT AND PRODUCTION OF RICE
- 10-03-2021 LS QUESTION NO.2577 UNSTARRED- RICE EXPORT
- 05-02-2020 LS QUESTION NO.498 UNSTARRED-INDIA’S TRADE DEFICIT
- 18-03-2020 LS QUESTION NO.3925 UNSTARRED-TRADE IN FOODGRAINS
- 18-03-2020 LS QUESTION NO.3965 UNSTARRED-EXPORT OF ENGINEERING GOODS
- 04-12-2019 LS QUESTION NO.2639 UNSTARRED-EXPORT OF HERBAL MEDICINES
- 09-07-2019 LS QUESTION NO.2495 UNSTARRED-IMPORT OF PULSES
- 20-11-2019 LS QUESTION NO.676 UNSTARRED-INDIA INTERNATIONAL TRADE FAIR
- 25-11-2019 LS QUESTION NO.1186 UNSTARRED-CAPITAL INVESTMENT
- 26-06-2019 LS QUESTION NO.770 UNSTARRED-IMPORT OF ARECANUT
- 14-08-2014 LS QUESTION NO.5138 UNSTARRED-INVESTMENT IN AFGHANISTAN S MINERAL SECTOR
- 14-05-2012 LS QUESTION NO.6191 UNSTARRED-EXPORTS TO AFGHANISTAN
- 09-03-2011 LS QUESTION NO.2249 UNSTARRED- ACTIVITIES IN AFGHANISTAN
- 01-12-2005 LS QUESTION NO.1392 UNSTARRED-TURKMENISTAN -AFGHANISTAN -PAKISTAN GAS PIPELINE
- 01-08-2003 LS QUESTION NO.1688 UNSTARRED-TRADE AGREEMENT WITH AFGHANISTAN
- 01-03-2002 LS QUESTION NO. 173 UNSTARRED-EXPORT OF TEA TO AFGHANISTAN
- 15-03-2002 LS QUESTION NO. 1987 UNSTARRED-TRADE AGREEMENT BETWEEN INDIA AND AFGHANISTAN
- 18-12-2002 LS QUESTION NO.4493 UNSTARRED-OVERLAND TRADE BETWEEN INDIA AND AFGHANISTAN
All posts by vd@admin
Diplomatic Relation and Visit
11 08 2021 LS QUESTION NO.3852 US WITHDRAWAL FROM AFGHANISTAN
11 08 2021 LS QUESTION NO.3889 INDIAN AFGHANISTAN RELATIONSHIP
24 03 2021 LS QUESTION NO.4695 UNSTARRED INDIA UZBEKISTAN SUMMIT
05 02 2020 LS QUESTION NO.538 UNSTARRED TRAINING TO AFGHAN DIPLOMATS
03 07 2019 LS QUESTION NO.170 SHANGHAI COOPERATION ORGANISATION SCO SUMMIT
26 06 2019 LS QUESTION NO.881 UNSTARRED INDO PAK BORDER DISPUTE
02 12 2015 LS QUESTION NO.539 UNSTARRED NSA VISIT TO AFGHANISTAN
22 07 2015 LS QUESTION NO.285 UNSTARRED AFGHANISTAN PRESIDENT’S VISIT TO INDIA
20 03 2013 LS QUESTION NO.3795 UNSTARRED AGREEMENT WITH RUSSIA ON AFGHANISTAN
27 02 2013 LS QUESTION NO.596 UNSTARRED CO OPERATION WITH AFGHANISTAN AND IRAN
02 05 2012 LS QUESTION NO.4194 UNSTARRED SECURITY OF INDIAN WORKERS IN AFGHANISTAN
07 05 2012 LS QUESTION NO.5026 UNSTARRED STEEL MINISTER`S VISIT TO AFGHANISTAN
18 08 2010 LS QUESTION NO.3995 UNSTARRED INDIAN ROLE IN AFGHANISTAN
25 08 2010 LS QUESTION NO.4733 UNSTARRED INDIAN ROLE IN AFGHANISTAN
07 03 2007 LS QUESTION NO.1125 UNSTARRED VISIT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS MINISTER TO AFGHANISTAN
09 05 2007 LS QUESTION NO.4768 UNSTARRED VISIT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS MINISTER TO AFGHANISTAN
09 05 2007 LS QUESTION NO.4811 UNSTARRED VISIT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS MINISTER TO AFGHANISTAN
14 03 2007 LS QUESTION NO.2204 UNSTARRED MEMBERSHIP OF AFGHANISTAN INTO SAARC
14 03 2007 LS QUESTION NO.2216 UNSTARRED TRANSIT FACILITY TO AFGHANISTAN VIA PAKISTAN
13 12 2006 LS QUESTION NO.3119 UNSTARRED AGREEMENTS WITH AFGHANISTAN
23 11 2005 LS QUESTION NO.53 UNSTARRED BILATERAL TIES WITH AFGHANISTAN
09 04 2003 LS QUESTION NO.396 STARRED VISIT OF AFGHANISTAN PRESIDENT
23 04 2003 LS QUESTION NO.4689 UNSTARRED PAK REFUSAL ON TRANSIT FACILITIES TO AFGHANISTAN
06 03 2002 LS QUESTION NO. 978 UNSTARRED INDO AFGHANISTAN TIES
21 03 2001 LS QUESTION NO. 351 UNSTARRED DEVELOPMENTS IN AFGHANISTAN
19 12 2001 LS QUESTION NO. 4654 UNSTARRED FORMATION OF GOVERNMENT IN AFGHANISTAN
14 12 2001 LS QUESTION NO. 4078 UNSTARRED EXPORT OPPORTUNITIES IN AFGHANISTAN
14 03 2001 LS QUESTION NO. 2686 UNSTARRED DIPLOMATIC INITIATIVES REGARDING AFGHANISTAN
05 12 2001 LS QUESTION NO. 2509 UNSTARRED INDIAN TEAM TO AFGHANISTAN
05 12 2001 LS QUESTION NO. 2435 UNSTARRED RE OPENING OF EMBASSY IN AFGHANISTAN
05 12 2001 LS QUESTION NO. 226 UNSTARRED FORMATION OF GOVERNMENT IN AFGHANISTAN
22 11 2000 LS QUESTION NO. 609 UNSTARRED ESTABLISHMENT OF GOVERNMENT IN AFGHANISTAN
VIF Neighbourhood News Digest: March 24, 2022
Afghanistan
International reactions to postponement of girls’ schools in Afghanistan: The Khaama Press
The postponement of girls’ classes upper than grade 6 has not only triggered reactions inside Afghanistan but also out of the country. Ministry of Education of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan on Wednesday morning announced that girls upper than grade six will not be allowed to attend classes at a time when millions of girls across Afghanistan went to their respective schools only to find they are not allowed to go in. Click here to read…
Norwegian Refugee Council asks Taliban to reverse their decision over suspension of schools for teenage girls: The Khaama Press
Norwegian Refugee Council has condemned the decision of the Taliban over suspension of girls’ classes upper than grade 6 and added that this casts a dark shadow on the start of the school year in Afghanistan. Click here to read…
Russian LPG Suppliers to Resume Exports to Afghanistan: Tolo News
Russian producers plan to resume liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) supplies to Afghanistan in March, rail data in Refinitiv Eikon showed, after they lost traditional westbound routes due to the Ukraine conflict. Click here to read…
OIC Meeting Participants Call for Support of Afghanistan: Tolo News
The first day of the 48th session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) was held in Islamabad on Tuesday and will wrap up on Wednesday. Click here to read…
Bangladesh
41 Bangladeshis return after serving jail terms in Myanmar prisons- The Daily Star
Forty-one Bangladeshis returned to the country from Myanmar yesterday after serving jail terms in different prisons there. Click here to read…
Tk 24cr project to explore electric train service- The Daily Star
Bangladesh Railway (BR) has decided to carry out feasibility study on another railway route to explore whether electric train services can be introduced there. Click here to read…
Restart year-long ration card system- The Daily Star
The National Consumers Rights Movement (NCRM) yesterday demanded re-introduction of the year-long ration card system as scores return empty-handed after queuing for hours for commodities at a subsidised rate. Click here to read…
Bangladesh calls for commitment, action for gender-equal world, curbing emissions- The Daily Star
State Minister for Women and Children Affairs Fazilatunnesa Indira made the call while delivering statement during the 66th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) at the UN headquarters in New York today. Click here to read…
We have ‘sweet’ ties with US: Momen- The Daily Star
Bangladesh has a “sweet” relationship with the US, said Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen yesterday, as he looks to deepen US-Bangladesh ties in the coming days. Click here to read…
Bhutan
A hot issue without solution- Keunsel
It is not only the mercury that is rising in the country. The price of chillies are rising so are suspicions among consumers. Click here to read…
Employment situation to improve but to remain below pre-pandemic level- Keunsel
The employment situation in the country is expected to improve but remain below pre-pandemic level. Click here to read…
BPC waiting for govt. directives to waive electricity bill- Keunsel
Bhutan Power Corporation (BPC) is waiting for directives from the government to waive electricity bills of the lockdown period. Click here to read…
Maldives
MWSC concludes water and sewerage projects in 4 islands- The SUN
Male’ Water and Sewerage Company (MWSC) concluded water and sewerage projects in four different islandsClick here to read…
Nearly MVR 800,00 spent to renovate Tech Ministry, including ex-minister’s cabin- The SUN
An audit report released on Monday shows former Technology Minister Mohamed Maleeh Jamal, during his time in office, spent MVR 795,000 from the state budget to renovate his cabin and Block B of the Technology Ministry building to the same design. Click here to read…
Tourism Ministry’s Smith forced to cancel Serbia trip after passport held- The SUN
Tourism Ministry’s Executive Director Ali Hashim (Smith) was forced to cancel an official overseas trip on Tuesday evening after he discovered his passport was being held, barring him from leaving the country. Click here to read…
Pakistan High Commission celebrates Pakistan Day in Male’- The SUN
The Pakistan High Commission in Male’ held a flag hoisting ceremony on Wednesday to celebrate Pakistan’s 82nd National Day. Click here to read…
Speaker Nasheed: India played key role in securing Maldives’ independence from British rule- The SUN
Parliament Speaker, former President Mohamed Nasheed said that India had assisted Maldives gain its independence from the control and protection of the British. Click here to read…
Finance Ministry instructs to disburse Ramadan allowance on March 28- The SUN
Ministry of Finance and Treasury on Wednesday released a circular, instructing to disburse Ramadan allowance by Monday, March 28. Click here to read…
Myanmar
Ousted Religious Affairs Minister Hit with 12-year Sentence from Junta – Persecution.org
Last week, the ousted religious affairs minister Thura Aung Ko from the National League for Democracy (NLD) government was sentenced to 12 years in prison for corruption, after he was taken away and detained as the February 1 military coup unfolded last year. Click here to read…
Myanmar’s Military Committed Genocide Against Rohingya, U.S. Says – NYTimes
Against the backdrop of a war in Ukraine and atrocities in Ethiopia, the United States on Monday formally accused Myanmar of committing genocide against its minority Rohingya population. Click here to read…
Military attacks endanger people with limited mobility in Myanmar – Aljazeera
Over the past nine months, Daw Mu Ree has hidden in the forest outside her village to avoid military attacks in Myanmar’s northwestern Sagaing region more times than she can count. Click here to read…
Nepal
Poll commission plans video tracking of ballot counting- The Kathmandu Post
The Election Commission will conduct online monitoring of the ballot storage and vote counting from its headquarters in Kathmandu. Click here to read…
Deuba to visit India on April 1-3 in first official foreign trip since taking office- The Kathmandu Post
The prime minister set to leave for Delhi immediately after the Chinese foreign minister concludes his Nepal visit. Click here to read…
Court stays rule of resignation by local representatives seeking re-election- The Kathmandu Post
Election code says officials seeking re-election must resign before nomination for upcoming elections. Click here to read…
Beijing mission is a priority, but Nepal has had no envoy there for 5 months- The Kathmandu Post
Nepal’s political parties have made ambassadorial posts a tool to appoint people of their choice disregarding ethical and political principles. Click here to read…
Ukraine war: Why Nepal chose to go against Russia- Deutsche Welle
Nepal is one of the few Asian countries that deplored Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. It is a clear deviation from Kathmandu’s nonaligned policy, and will possibly have serious repercussions for the country. Click here to read…
Pakistan
OIC adopts 70-point Islamabad Declaration: Dawn
The two-day meeting of Organisation of Islamic Cooperation’s Council of Foreign Ministers ended on Wednesday with affirmation of support for Palestine and Jammu and Kashmir disputes. Click here to read…
Editorial: RED ZONE FILES: All eyes on the allies: Dawn
The ingredients flavouring this political brew are numerous: vocal dissidents, a partisan speaker, unrestrained spokespersons, active courts, and of course, the allies. Ah, those petulant and cryptic allies and their mind games — they could be the death of the government. Literally. Click here to read…
World should acknowledge Pakistan’s efforts for regional peace: China: The Express Tribune
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), during the meeting, matters of mutual interest, regional security and measures to further enhance bilateral defence cooperation were discussed. Click here to read…
PML-N reschedules long march: The News
The party sources said the decision to change the schedule of the long march named ‘Mehngai Mukao March’ was taken in an online party meeting chaired by PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday. Click here to read…
Sri Lanka
Lanka to obtain services of international law firm to handle dealings with IMF- The Island
Lanka would seek the services of an international law firm, on a long term basis, to assist it in its dealings with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Cabinet spokesman, Minister Ramesh Pathirana said on Tuesday (22) at the post-Cabinet press conference. Click here to read…
US, Lanka Partnership Dialogue: Two nations focus on maritime cooperation, defence links- The Island
Lanka and the United States have resolved to continue cooperation on maritime security and work together to ensure a safe maritime domain in the Indian Ocean, through the rules-based international order, the US and Sri Lanka stated in a joint statement issued yesterday (23) following the Fourth Session of the Sri Lanka – United States Partnership Dialogue held in Colombo. Click here to read…
Fuel at concessionary price: Johnston questions Sajith over his claim- The Island
Leader Sajith Premadasa was welcome to extend his assistance to the government, to save the people from the prevailing shortage crises, and there was nothing wrong with him claiming credit for that, Chief Government Whip and Highways Minister Johnston Fernando told Parliament yesterday. Click here to read…
Gas shortage: NERD relaunches line of stoves as solution- The Island
National Engineering Research and Development Centre (NERD) yesterday re-launched a line of stoves it has developed as a solution to the current kerosene and gas shortages. Click here to read…
Russia’s war in Ukraine is crushing Sri Lanka’s $81 billion economy- The Print
Hit by soaring oil import costs and a dip in tourism revenue, Sri Lanka is racing to avert a default amid dwindling forex holdings. Click here to read…
We are with you’: Sri Lankan hoteliers offer help to stranded Ukrainian tourists- Arab News
When Russia invaded Ukraine four weeks ago, Igor Giudurg was on a vacation in Sri Lanka with his wife and children. They found themselves unable to return home to Kyiv, where Russian air strikes and shelling have since intensified. Click here to read…
China: Daily Scan, March 24, 2022
Former Chinese leader He Luli cremated: Xinhuanet
March 23, 2022
He Luli, former leader of the Revolutionary Committee of the Chinese Kuomintang, was cremated in Beijing on Wednesday. She died in Beijing on March 19 at the age of 88. She once served two terms as vice chairwoman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress and one term as vice chairwoman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference. Click here to read…
China’s anti-graft chief stresses full-coverage inspections: Xinhuanet
March 23, 2022
China’s top anti-graft official on Wednesday stressed gaining a deeper understanding of the inspection work in the new era and working for high-quality completion of the inspection tasks covering Party committees at all levels. Click here to read…
Top political advisor stresses concerted efforts to create bright future for Xinjiang: Xinhuanet
March 23, 2022
China’s top political advisor Wang Yang has stressed the importance of maintaining a clear mind when it comes to the overall targets set for Xinjiang, and the need to view them as long-term, arduous, complex tasks with a focus on deep-seated problems concerning the region’s long-term stability. Click here to read…
Chinese mainland reports 2,010 new local COVID-19 cases: Xinhuanet
March 24, 2022
The Chinese mainland on Wednesday reported 2,010 locally transmitted COVID-19 cases, down from 2,591 on Tuesday, the National Health Commission said Thursday. Of the new local infections, 1,810 were reported in the province of Jilin, 69 in Fujian, 29 in Tianjin, 16 in Shandong, 12 in Jiangxi, 10 each in Heilongjiang and Henan. Click here to read…
Xi sends congratulatory letter to fourth CPC-PCC theory seminar: People’s Daily
March 24, 2022
Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Chinese president, sent a congratulatory letter to the fourth theory seminar between the CPC and the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC), which opened on Wednesday. Click here to read…
Chinese legislators inspect enforcement of environmental protection law: People’s Daily
March 24, 2022
A meeting of lawmakers from an inspection team under the National People’s Congress (NPC) Standing Committee was held Wednesday to hear a report on the enforcement of the environmental protection law. Li Zhanshu, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the NPC Standing Committee, presided over the meeting. Click here to read…
Beijing to strictly enforce emergency response mechanism for cross-province transportation: Global Times
March 23, 2022
Beijing will strictly enforce an emergency response mechanism for cross-province transportation, according to Beijing Municipal Commission of Transport on Wednesday. As of Monday, a total of 211 inter-provincial public transportation routes were suspended between Beijing and cities in North China’s Hebei, Tianjin, Shanxi, Inner Mongolia, East China’s Shandong, Jiangsu, Anhui and other provinces, with 548 vehicles taken off the roads. The city will timely suspend cross-province passenger transport services to and from areas reporting COVID-19 cases, according to the transport commissionClick here to read…
ZTE’s 5-year US probation ends, offers Chinese firms a lesson to use legal means to fight against US crackdown: Global Times
March 23, 2022
After a lengthy wrangle with Washington over alleged illegal exports to Iran and North Korea, Chinese telecom giant ZTE on Wednesday said it received a verdict from a US court to end its five-year probation, during which time the US launched a series of premeditated actions against China including a trade war and similar trade bans on other Chinese tech firms. Click here to read…
Vice-premier urges clean use of coal: China Daily
March 24, 2022
Vice-Premier Han Zheng has called for intensified efforts to promote the clean and efficient utilization of coal, which dominates China’s energy reserves and consumption mix, stressing they are vital to realizing the country’s climate targets. Click here to read…
Shanghai’s daily COVID caseload at nearly 1,000, but containment in sight: Reuters
March 24, 2022
New daily COVID-19 cases in the Chinese commercial hub of Shanghai remained close to 1,000 on Thursday as authorities scrambled to identify and isolate asymptomatic infections, though a leading expert said the outbreak was being contained. Click here to read…
Dozens of Chinese officials punished over latest wave of Covid-19 cases: South China Morning Post
March 22, 2022
More than 70 Chinese officials have been sacked or disciplined over the past month as Covid-19 spreads across the country. The latest wave of Covid-19, driven by the more contagious Omicron virus, has resulted in more than 20,000 infections all over the country.
While health officials have acknowledged that most of the infections showed little or no symptoms making their detection difficult, top leaders have warned officials they face harsh punishment if they are caught slacking or fail to act swiftly. Click here to read…
VIF Neighbourhood News Digest: March 23, 2022
Afghanistan
OIC Meeting Participants Call for Support of Afghanistan: Tolo News
The first day of the 48th session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) was held in Islamabad on Tuesday and will wrap up on Wednesday. Click here to read…
Taliban to reshuffle cabinet to get recognized, meetings ongoing: The Khaama Press
A 15-member team led by the supreme leader of the Taliban Mullah Hebtullah Akhundzada is busy discussing in Kandahar province to reshuffle their interim cabinet so that they get recognized, a source told BBC Pashto. Click here to read…
Bangladesh
Ukraine war stokes food security fears in Bangladesh- Arab News
Disruptions in imports following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine have hiked up staple prices in Bangladesh, a top commerce ministry official said on Tuesday, amid growing concerns over food security. Click here to read…
2 temporary staff of Bangladesh High Commission in Kuala Lumpur suspended- The Daily Star
Bangladesh High Commission in Kuala Lumpur today suspended two of its temporary staffers over involvement in an altercation with an expatriate worker. Click here to read…
Bangladesh govt working to ensure labour rights, payment: Law minister tells ILO- The Daily Star
Bangladesh government is working to ensure rights and accurate payments of workers and also for their better work environment, Law Minister Anisul Huq has said. Click here to read…
Full electricity coverage a landmark achievement: PM- The Daily Star
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today said that supply of electricity to every house in the country has been a landmark achievement of her government. Click here to read…
Bhutan
PM says most Bhutanese will get infected with Omicron- The Bhutanese
The message was straight and it was stark from the Prime Minister in a press conference with the media on Monday. Most Bhutanese will get infected with the Omicron virus as relaxations are relaxed, but the PM also called on people not to panic as preparations have been made. Click here to read…
More flood mitigation measures at Mauchhu- Kuensel
With about a month for the torrential monsoon rains to begin in Gelephu workers at the confluence of Mauchhu and Shetikhari stream in Gelephu are racing against time. No risk of interference from 5G to airline operation: BCAA- Kuensel
The recent development concerning the launch of 5G in a 3.7–3.98 GHz band in the United States has led to immediate concern regarding the potential harmful interference to radio altimeters used in civil and commercial aircraft. Click here to read… Ministry of National Planning, Housing and Infrastructure on Tuesday provided the Parliament updates of various housing projects by the government in the greater Male’ regionClick here to read… The government has issued an invitation to tender for a project to building 50 housing units in Lh. Kurendhoo, as the island prepares to vote in the by-elections to replace president of Kurendhoo Council. Click here to read… Department of Judicial Administration (DJA) has established an online platform to enable Prosecutor General’s Office to submit criminal cases to magistrate courts across MaldivesClick here to read… Vice President Faisal Naseem has assured the government’s full support of innovative environmental initiativesClick here to read… Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to visit Nepal on March 25- Himalayan Times
Chinese State Councilor and Minister for Foreign Affairs Wang Yi is paying an official visit to Nepal from March 25 at the invitation of Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Narayan Khadka. Click here to read… The country’s merchandise exports in the first eight months of the current fiscal year outpaced the total exports of fiscal 2020-21, setting a new all-time high record. Click here to read… Nepal’s political parties have made ambassadorial posts a tool to appoint people of their choice disregarding ethical and political principles. Click here to read… Health Ministry officials say they will wait a few days for official confirmation for the vaccine supply for the age group. Click here to read… Election code says officials seeking re-election must resign before nomination for upcoming elections. Click here to read… Quitting one party to join another is not unusual but an upward trend points to rise of opportunism, observers say. Click here to read… In an interview with Adil Shahzeb of DawnNews, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) president recalled that when PM Khan tried to extend the army chief’s tenure, the notification had to be redrafted three times. Click here to read… The nation is celebrating Pakistan Day on Wednesday with the armed forces displaying their full might during the annual military parade held in Islamabad, with envoys and dignitaries participating in the 48th Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) session attending as guests of honour. Click here to read… Impact on tea exports, tourism and foreign currency crisis. A prolonged clash risks stopping exports altogether, not least because of rising energy prices in Europe. At the moment no wheat, sunflower oil, iron and steel products are arriving from Russia and Ukraine. Click here to read… In Sri Lanka, reports of deaths, violence and protests increase amid the country’s worst economic crisis since independence in 1948. Click here to read… Foreign Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris has appreciated Qatar’s strong support and empathetic approach towards Sri Lanka at the Human Rights Council and briefed the Ambassador of Qatar on the ongoing reconciliation progress in Sri Lanka when Ambassador for the State of Qatar, Jassim bin Jaber J.B. Al-Sorour called on him on Monday (21), at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Colombo. Click here to read… Army personnel were deployed at all fuel stations run by the state-owned Ceylon Petroleum Corporation from yesterday to ensure fair distribution of fuel, including gas, amidst the shortage that led to long queues. Click here to read… SJB MP Harin Fernando told Parliament yesterday that a latest Cabinet decision would allow Indian monitoring aircraft access over Sri Lankan skies and the establishing of a Maritime Rescue Centre to be run by an Indian company might drag Sri Lanka into a regional war. Click here to read… SLPP Colombo District lawmaker, Dr. Wijeyadasa Rajapakse, PC, has called for the transferring of executive powers of the President to the Cabinet of Ministers by way of an urgent constitutional reform to make the President answerable to Parliament and the people. Click here to read… Maldives
Majority of housing projects for Male’ region will not finish by end of term- The SUN
Govt. announces 50-unit housing project in Kurendhoo, three days to by-election- The SUN
Online platform established to submit criminal cases to magistrate courts- The SUN
VP Faisal: Government will continue to support innovative environmental initiatives- The SUN
Nepal
Nepal’s exports at a record Rs 147.75bn – Himalayan Times
Beijing mission is a priority, but Nepal has had no envoy there for 5 months- Kathmandu Post
5-11-year-olds likely to get jabs from COVAX- Kathmandu Post
Court stays rule of resignation by local representatives seeking re-election- Kathmandu Post
This is poll season and party-hopping is rife Kathmandu Post
Pakistan
PM Imran purposely delayed COAS extension: Shehbaz: Dawn
Military might on display as nation celebrates Pakistan Day: The Express Tribune
Sri Lanka
Russian-Ukrainian war a blow to Colombo’s economy- Asian News
Russia’s Invasion Put This Island Deeper in Debt. People Are Dying Waiting for Fuel.- VICE
Prof. Peiris appreciates Qatar’s support at Geneva council- The Island
Army deployed to maintain peace at fuel filling stations across the country- The Island
Harin raises alarm over Indians being given intrusive access to Lankan skies and waters- The Island
Wijeyadasa proposes 21-A to Constitution seeking transfer of President’s executive powers to Cabinet- The Island
China: Daily Scan, March 23, 2022
Top court updates rules on administrative compensation: Xinhuanet
March 21, 2022
China’s Supreme People’s Court on Monday issued a set of new clarifications on the rules of handling administrative compensation cases. In accordance with the provisions of the State Compensation Law and the revised Administrative Procedure Law, the new document makes it clear that administrative organs shall be liable for damages caused by non-performance of statutory duties or the act de facto. Click here to read…
Senior Chinese lawmakers hear reports on draft laws, plans: Xinhuanet
March 21, 2022
The Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC) held a meeting of its Council of Chairpersons on Monday to hear reports on draft laws, draft law amendments, and draft plans. Li Zhanshu, chairman of the NPC Standing Committee, presided over the meeting. Click here to read…
State Council appoints, removes officials: Xinhuanet
March 21, 2022
The State Council, China’s cabinet, announced the appointment and removal of officials Monday. Zhang Ke was removed from the post of general auditor of the National Audit Office and was appointed deputy auditor general of the office. Click here to read…
Top political advisor stresses concerted efforts to create bright future for Xinjiang: Xinhuanet
March 23, 2022
China’s top political advisor Wang Yang has stressed the importance of maintaining a clear mind when it comes to the overall targets set for Xinjiang, and the need to view them as long-term, arduous, complex tasks with a focus on deep-seated problems concerning the region’s long-term stability. Click here to read…
CPC urges efforts to make Party history education a routine, long-term campaign: Xinhuanet
March 21, 2022
The General Office of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee has issued a circular calling for efforts to see that the Party history education campaign is conducted on a routine and long-term basis. Click here to read…
Senior Chinese officials guide plane crash rescue, investigation in Guangxi: Xinhuanet
March 23, 2022
Two senior Chinese officials arrived in the city of Wuzhou early Tuesday to guide rescue work following the crash of a passenger plane carrying 132 people the day prior. Click here to read…
Chinese FM makes four-point proposal on China-Pakistan relations: Xinhuanet
March 22, 2022
Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said here Monday that China and Pakistan are committed to enhancing their strategic coordination and pragmatic cooperation. Speaking at a joint press conference with Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Wang said he is currently paying his first visit to Pakistan since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, and he has held extensive and in-depth talks with Qureshi on bilateral ties. Click here to read…
China demands U.S. revoke sanctions on Chinese officials: Xinhuanet
March 22, 2022
China on Tuesday demanded that the United States immediately revoke sanctions imposed against Chinese officials for so-called human rights violations, warning that otherwise the U.S. will face reciprocal countermeasures from China. Click here to read…
Chinese FM proposes partnerships of solidarity, development, security, civilization with Islamic countries: Xinhuanet
March 22, 2022
Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said here on Tuesday that China is upholding real multilateralism and willing to build four partnerships with Islamic countries. Click here to read…
China maps 2021-2035 plan on hydrogen energy development: Xinhuanet
March 23, 2022
Chinese authorities on Wednesday released a plan on the development of hydrogen energy for the 2021-2035 period as the country races toward its carbon peaking and neutrality goals. Click here to read…
Wind, solar power installed capacities surge in China: Xinhuanet
March 21, 2022
China’s installed capacity for generating wind and solar power increased dramatically in the first two months of the year as the country revs up efforts to achieve carbon neutrality, official data showed. Click here to read…
BRICS nations launch vaccine R&D center: Xinhuanet
March 23, 2022
A launch ceremony for the BRICS Vaccine Research and Development (R&D) Center was held online on Tuesday. During the ceremony, Chinese Minister of Science and Technology Wang Zhigang said that China will work with other BRICS countries to use the center’s launch as an opportunity to promote exchanges and cooperation on vaccine R&D and testing.
Click here to read…
Chinese scientists, int’l counterparts breed youngest human cells in vitro: Xinhuanet
March 22, 2022
An international team led by Chinese scientists has successfully produced the youngest human cells in vitro, which may pave the way for advances in organ regeneration. The study published Tuesday in the journal Nature announced the discovery of a rapid, controllable method to convert stem cells into bona fide 8-cell embryo-like cells, without relying on genetic engineering. Click here to read…
China launches safety overhaul of civil aviation: Xinhuanet
March 22, 2022
China’s civil aviation regulator on Tuesday urged the immediate launch of a two-week-long safety overhaul of the civil aviation sector after a passenger plane crashed in China the day before. Click here to read…
Former provincial vice governor jailed for bribery, abuse of power: Xinhuanet
March 22, 2022
Zhang Zhinan, former vice governor of east China’s Fujian Province, was sentenced to 14 years in prison for accepting bribes and abusing his power, a Chinese court announced on Tuesday. Click here to read…
E China city imposes closed management of residents amid COVID-19 outbreak: Xinhuanet
March 22, 2022
Authorities in Shenyang, capital of northeast China’s Liaoning Province, began to implement closed management of communities and villages on Tuesday in a bid to contain the local COVID-19 outbreak. Click here to read…
Xi orders all-out rescue efforts after plane crash: Xinhuanet
March 21, 2022
Chinese President Xi Jinping has ordered all-out search and rescue efforts after a passenger plane with 132 people aboard crashed in south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Monday afternoon. Click here to read…
China specifies energy targets for 2021-2025: Quishi
March 23, 2022
Chinese authorities have released a plan for developing a modern energy system during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), setting targets for securing energy supplies and boosting energy efficiency. Click here to read…
Measures shine financial light on Zhejiang: Quishi
March 23, 2022
New financial measures to be implemented in Zhejiang province will not only accelerate the region’s attempt to pioneer common prosperity, but also set an example for other parts of the country, experts said on Monday. Their remarks emerged after a guideline unveiled by the People’s Bank of China and other authorities on Friday delineated how the financial system should drive the pursuit of Zhejiang to build itself into a model of common prosperity. Click here to read…
HK police busts underground forces planning for separatist activities: Global Times
March 22, 2022
The Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF) has busted an underground group seeking to set up a separatist force with weapons, money and electronic communication equipment in an enforcement operation in three districts of the city, reported Hong Kong mediaClick here to read…
Chinese human genetic resources to be banned for use abroad, says Ministry of Science and Technology: Global Times
March 23, 2022
Chinese human genetic resources will be banned for use abroad, China’s Ministry of Science and Technology stipulated in its draft rules for the implementation of the regulations on the management of human genetic resources. The proposal was released on Tuesday for public consultation. Click here to read…
86 percent of unmarried Chinese women believe childbirth is a right: Global Times
March 22, 2022
As many as 86 percent of unmarried Chinese women think childbirth is a right instead of an obligation, which they can choose to do or not, 22 percentage points higher than men, a new study on unmarried Chinese people’s views on childbearing shows. Click here to read…
China sets green hydrogen target for 2025, eyes widespread use: Reuters
March 23, 2022
China’s top economic planner announced a target on Wednesday to produce up to 200,000 tonnes per year of green hydrogen, a zero-carbon fuel generated from renewable energy sources, by 2025, but envisions a more widespread industry over the long term. Click here to read…
Chinese steelmaking hub Tangshan enters lockdown as COVID cases rise: Reuters
March 23, 2022
China’s top steelmaking city Tangshan implemented a temporary lockdown on Tuesday to avoid further cases of COVID-19 as infections surged, the local government said in a statement. Residents should not leave their houses or buildings except for tests or emergencies pending further announcement, the government said. Click here to read…
Beijing has ‘fully militarized’ isles: Taipei Times
March 23, 2022
China has fully militarized at least three of several islands it built up in the disputed South China Sea, arming them with anti-ship and anti-aircraft missile systems, laser and jamming equipment, and fighter jets in an increasingly aggressive move that threatens all nations operating nearby, a top US military commander said on Sunday. Click here to read…
VIF News Digest: National Security – Defence Studies & Terrorism, 01-15 March 2022
DEFENCE
- 19th edition of India-US Military Cooperation Group.
- Sea Phase of MILAN 2022.
- Four projects offered to the Indian Industry for design & development under Make-I category.
- Virtual summit of Quad leaders.
- Postponement of DefExpo 2022.
- Four-day Indo-Pacific Military Health Exchange (IPMHE) conference.
- Ninth Edition of India – Sri Lanka Bilateral Maritime Exercise SLINEX.
- Chief of Army Australia along with four member delegation is visiting India from 08 to 11 March 2022.
- Exercise Dharma Guardian-2022 Culminates at Belgaum (Karnataka).
- 5th NSA Level Meeting of the Colombo Security Conclave.
- 18 platforms identified for industry led Design & Development.
- Accidental firing of missile.
- 15th round China-India Corps Commander Level Meeting.
- Chair of Excellence in memory Gen Bipin Rawat at the United Service Institution of India (USI).
INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM
Africa
Guinea
- US sanctioned two Hizbu’llah financiers in Guinea.
Nigeria
- Former Boko Haram terrorists graduated from de-radicalisation programme: Nigerian authorities.
Afghanistan
- IS-KP terrorist of Indian origin killed in Afghanistan.
Pakistan
- At least 56 people died in a suicide bomb attack during Friday prayers in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
DOMESTIC TERRORISM
Jammu and Kashmir
- Unidentified terrorists killed a village Sarpanch in Srinagar.
- NIA official searched different locations in Kashmir in connection with terror-funding.
- Two people killed in a grenade blast in Srinagar.
- One killed in an explosion outside district court complex in Udhampur.
Left-Wing Extremism
- Police unearthed explosive dump in Telangana.
- Police arrested a Maoist from Bihar.
- Police arrested two Maoists, including a key leader, from Assam.
Khalistan-inspired Extremism
- NIA filed charge-sheet against six Khalistani terrorists in Punjab bomb blast case.
- NIA filed charge-sheet against five Khalistani terrorists in case of smuggling of narcotics, weapons and explosives across the India-Pakistan International Border.
Islamic Extremism
- NIA filed charge-sheet against two IS terrorists in ‘Voice of Hind’ case.
- NIA searched a location in connection with IS-KP case.
- NIA filed charge-sheet against two HuT terrorists in ‘Madurai Iqbal HuT’ case.
Narcotics Trafficking
- NIA filed charge-sheet against 16 Narcotic traffickers in ‘Mundra Port, Gujarat’ case.
- Police arrested drug trafficker from Poonch.
Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICN) Cases
- NIA arrested a FICN trafficker from IGI airport, Delhi.
DEFENCE
19th edition of India-US Military Cooperation Group.
The 19th edition of India-US Military Cooperation Group (MCG) meeting was held in Agra, Uttar Pradesh on March 01-02, 2022. The meeting was co-chaired by Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to the Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee (CISC) Air Marshal BR Krishna from the Indian side and Deputy Commander, US Indo-Pacific Command Lieutenant General Stephen D Sklenka from the US side. The discussions focussed on strengthening the ongoing defence engagements between the two sides and mulled on new initiatives under the ambit of existing cooperation mechanism.
The India-US MCG is a forum established to progress defence cooperation between the countries through regular talks at the strategic and operational levels between Headquarters, Integrated Defence Staff and the US Indo-Pacific Command.
For more information: Click here to read…
Sea Phase of MILAN 2022.
The sea phase of the 11th edition of MILAN which witnessed participation of 26 ships, one submarine and 21 aircraft, culminated on 04 Mar 22. A series exercises were undertaken in all three dimensions of naval operations to enhance compatibility, interoperability, mutual understanding and maritime cooperation amongst the partner Navies.
For more information: Click here to read…
Four projects offered to the Indian Industry for design & development under Make-I category.
Ministry of Defence (MoD), has offered four projects to the Indian Industry for design & development under Make-I category of Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020. The industry will be provided financial support for prototype development of these projects. The list of projects which were accorded ‘Approval In-Principle (AIP)’ by Collegiate Committee of MoD is as follow:
- Indian Air Force: Communication Equipment with Indian Security Protocols (Routers, Switches, Encryptors, VoIP Phones and their software)
- Indian Air Force: Airborne Electro Optical pod with Ground Based System
- Indian Air Force: Airborne Stand-off Jammer
- Indian Army: Indian Light Tank
- In addition, AIP has also been accorded to following five projects under industry-funded Make-II procedure:
- Indian Air Force: Full Motion Simulator for Apache Helicopter
- Indian Air Force: Full Motion Simulator for Chinook Helicopter
- Indian Air Force: Wearable Robotic Equipment for Aircraft Maintenance
- Indian Army: Integrated Surveillance and Targeting System for Mechanised Forces
- Indian Army: Autonomous Combat Vehicle
For more information: Click here to read…
Virtual summit of Quad leaders.
Prime Minister participated on 03 March 2022, at a virtual summit of Quad leaders, along with US President Joe Biden, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. The meeting reviewed the progress on Quad initiatives since the September 2021 Quad Summit. The leaders agreed on accelerating cooperation, with an objective to achieve concrete outcomes by the summit in Japan later this year.
Prime Minister underlined that the Quad must remain focused on its core objective of promoting peace, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. He called for concrete and practical forms of cooperation within the Quad, in areas like Humanitarian and Disaster Relief, debt sustainability, supply chains, clean energy, connectivity, and capacity-building.
Developments in Ukraine were discussed in the meeting, including its humanitarian implications. The Prime Minister emphasised the need to return to a path of dialogue and diplomacy.
The leaders also discussed other topical issues, including the situation in Southeast Asia, the Indian Ocean region and the Pacific Islands. Prime Minister reiterated the importance of adhering to the UN Charter, international law and respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity.
For more information: Click here to read…
Postponement of DefExpo 2022.
Due to logistics problems being experienced by participants, the DefExpo 2022 proposed to be held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat from March 10th till March 14th was postponed. The new dates would be communicated in due course.
For more information: Click here to read…
Four-day Indo-Pacific Military Health Exchange (IPMHE) conference.
Raksha Mantri (RM) virtually inaugurated, on March 07, 2022, the four-day Indo-Pacific Military Health Exchange (IPMHE) conference co-hosted by Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS) and US Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM). The theme of the conference is ‘Military Healthcare in a Volatile, Uncertain, Complex and Ambiguous (VUCA) World’. The conference, which will continue till March 10, 2022, aims to enhance cooperation and jointmanship in military medicine. It will cover many important topics including operational/combat medical care, tropical medicine, field surgery, field anaesthesia, aviation & marine medicine emergencies etc.
The conference is attended by more than 600 Indian and foreign delegates from over 38 countries. A delegation of 20 members from the organising committee of the USINDOPACOM is in New Delhi to co-host the conference. The delegates and speakers will interact and share experiences over the four days on 110 topics.
For more information: Click here to read…
Ninth Edition of India – Sri Lanka Bilateral Maritime Exercise SLINEX.
SLINEX was conducted from 07 to 10 Mar 22 at Visakhapatnam. The inter-operability achieved over the years as a result of such exercises has proved to be operationally beneficial for both the navies. The present edition of the exercise has further strengthened ties between the two Maritime neighbours and helped in improving interoperability.
For more information: Click here to read…
Chief of Army Australia along with four member delegation is visiting India from 08 to 11 March 2022.
Chief of Army Australia along with four member delegation is visiting India from 08 to 11 March 2022. On 09 March 2022, the Australian Army Chief laid a wreath at the National War Memorial and received a ceremonial Guard of Honour at the South Block. Lt Gen Richard Burr called on the Chief of Army Staff, Chief of Naval Staff, Chief of Air Staff and other senior military officers. Both Chiefs exchanged views on the current global situation and the situation in Indo-Pacific in addition to discussing measures for enhancing defence cooperation between both armies. The General also addressed the faculty and participants of the prestigious National Defence College and later interacted on regional security perspectives with the Vice Chief of Army Staff and the Director at Centre for Land Warfare Studies (CLAWS), New Delhi. The visiting Australian Army Chief will be visiting Indian Army formations and units deployed along Western Borders on 10 and 11 March 2022.
For more information: Click here to read…
Exercise Dharma Guardian-2022 Culminates at Belgaum (Karnataka).
Ex DHARMA GUARDIAN-2022, an annual exercise between Indian Army and Japanese Ground Self Defence Force which commenced on 27 February 2022 at Foreign Training Node, Belgaum successfully culminated on 10 March 2022 after twelve days of intense joint military training, providing an unique opportunity of achieving synergy between Armed Forces of both the Nations which is focused towards strengthening the timeless bonds of India – Japan friendship.
For more information: Click here to read…
5th NSA Level Meeting of the Colombo Security Conclave.
Delegations of the founding members of Colombo Security Conclave; Maldives, India and Sri Lanka, and the newest member of the Conclave, Mauritius, successfully concluded the 5th National Security Adviser level meeting held on 09 – 10 March 2022 in Maldives. Delegations from Bangladesh and Seychelles participated as Observers. Key areas of cooperation to enhance and strengthen regional security wereidentified in the following five pillars:
• Maritime Safety and Security
• Countering Terrorism and Radicalisation
• Combating Trafficking and Transnational Organised Crime
• Cyber Security, Protection of Critical Infrastructure and Technology
• Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief
For more information:
Click here to read…
18 platforms identified for industry led Design & Development.
In-sync with the announcement in the Union Budget 2022-23 that allocated 25% of Defence R & D Budget for industry led R & D, 18 major platforms have been identified by the Ministry of Defence for industry led Design & Development under various routes. Some of them on the systems on the list are:
Make-I
- Hypersonic Glide Vehicle
- Directed Energy Weapons (300 KW and more) [High Powered Electromagnetic Devices and High Powered Laser Devices]
- Naval Ship Borne Unmanned Aerial System (NSUAS)
- Light Weight Tank
- Self-Healing Mine Fields
- Unmanned Autonomous AI Based Land Robot
- 127 mm Naval Gun
- 127 mm Guided Projectile
- Electric Propulsion (Engines) for Ships
- Standoff Airborne Jammer
- Li-ion Cells/ Li-Sulphur Cells [Portable High Capacity Energy Systems replacing the Conventional Hydrocarbons
- Communication System (AFNET System Switches, routers, Encryptors& VOIP phones)
- Electro Optical (EO) Pod (with subsequent upgrade to EO/IR) with high resolution sensing
- ‘Plug and Play’ Housing/ Infrastructure for soldiers posted at extreme altitudes.
For more information: Click here to read…
Accidental firing of missile.
On 9 March 2022, in the course of a routine maintenance, a technical malfunction led to the accidental firing of a missile.
The Government of India has taken a serious view and ordered a high-level Court of Enquiry.
It is learnt that the missile landed in an area of Pakistan. While the incident is deeply regrettable, it is also a matter of relief that there has been no loss of life due to the accident.
Citation: Click here to read…
15th round China-India Corps Commander Level Meeting.
The 15th round China-India Corps Commander Level Meeting was held at Chushul-Moldo border meeting point on the Indian side on 11th March 2022. The two sides carried forward their discussions from the previous round held on 12th January 2022 for the resolution of the relevant issues along the LAC in the Western Sector. They had a detailed exchange of views in this regard, in keeping with the guidance provided by the State Leaders to work for the resolution of the remaining issues at the earliest.
For more information: Click here to read…
Chair of Excellence in memory Gen Bipin Rawat at the United Service Institution of India (USI).
On the eve of the 65th birthday of late Chief of Defence Staff, General Bipin Rawat, the Indian Army has dedicated a Chair of Excellence in his memory at the United Service Institution of India (USI). A cheque of Rs 5 lakhs was handed over to Maj Gen BK Sharma (retd), Director, USI which will be paid as honorarium to the nominated Chair of Excellence.
For more information: Click here to read…
INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM
Africa
Guinea
US sanctioned two Hizbu’llah financiers in Guinea.
On 04 March 2022, the United States (US) Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated two Hizbu’llah financiers and prominent Lebanese businessmen— Ali Saade and Ibrahim Taher under Executive Order (EO) 13224. The EO-13224 targets terrorists, leaders, and officials of terrorist groups, and those providing support to terrorists or acts of terrorism.
Ali Saade, connected with Hizbu’llah supporter Kassim Tajideen, initiated money transfers from Guinea to Lebanon. Taher has been identified as one of the most known financiers of Hizbu’llah and believed to employ several people affiliated with the terror group within Guinea. According to the US Department of Treasury’s statement, “the new sanctions are aimed at disrupting Hizbu’llah’s business network in West Africa and exposing businessmen who support Hizbu’llah’s destabilising activities through bribes and other corrupt methods.”
For more information:
Click here to read…
Nigeria
Former Boko Haram terrorists graduated from de-radicalisation programme: Nigerian authorities.
According to the Nigerian authorities, 559 former Boko Haram terrorists have graduated a military-run de-radicalisation programme and likely to re-integrated into society. The graduates pledged their allegiance to the Nigerian authorities. The military-run de-radicalisation programme was introduced in 2015 by the Nigerian government and became operational in 2016 as part of counter-terrorism (CT) strategies.
Boko Haram terrorists who voluntarily lay down their arms and surrender to the authorities are given special training, including vocational skills, religious re-orientation and psychological support to de-radicalise them before being reintegrated into the society. So far, total of 1,629 former Boko Haram terrorists have been graduated from the programme.
For more information: Click here to read…
Afghanistan
IS-KP terrorist of Indian origin killed in Afghanistan.
In a recent issue of a Islamic State (IS) publication— Voice of Khurasan, the terror group informed that an operative of Islamic State-Khurasan Province (IS-KP)— Najeeb al-Hindi (nom de guerre) has died fighting in Afghanistan, apparently in a suicide attack. The publication described “Najeeb” as a 23-year-old “engineering (M. Tech) student from Kerala” in an article about his death.
The article did not provide any further details about the death, including timeline when he was killed. According to the article, “Najeeb” had come to Khurasan “all the way from India” on his own when it was difficult to do hijra on those days. He met with other fighters who came from his hometown and lived as a bachelor in a guest room.
For more information: Click here to read…
Pakistan
At least 56 people died in a suicide bomb attack during Friday prayers in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
On 04 March 2022, at least 56 people were killed and 194 were injured in a suicide bomb attack inside a Shia Muslim Mosque during Friday prayers in Peshawar district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The Islamic State (IS) claimed responsibility and threatened more such attacks against Pakistan’s Shia minority. “Before the explosion, the attacker opened fire on police personnel deployed outside the mosque. A police officer was martyred and other was injured during the gunfight. The attacker ran inside the mosque and detonated his explosive vest,” said Peshawar Police Chief— Muhammad Ejaz Khan.
For more information: Click here to read…
DOMESTIC TERRORISM
Jammu and Kashmir
Unidentified terrorists killed a village Sarpanch in Srinagar.
On 09 March 2022, unidentified terrorists killed a village chief or Sarpanch – Sameer Ahmad Bhat, Sarpanch of Khanmoh village in Srinagar district of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). Bhat is the second Panchayat member killed by terrorists in a week. Bhat was rushed to a hospital but succumbed to injuries during his treatment.
For more information: Click here to read…
NIA official searched different locations in Kashmir in connection with terror-funding.
On 09 March 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) officials carried out searches at various locations in Baramulla and Srinagar districts of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), in connection with terror-funding investigation. In a joint search operation with police and CRPF personnel, the NIA officials raided premises of several members of Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) organisation. The JeI is a banned organisation under Section 3 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967.
“The JeI members have been collecting funds, domestically and internationally, through donations particularly in form of Zakat (charity), Mowda and Bait ul-Mal, to further charity and other welfare activities; however, these funds are instead being used for violent and secessionist activities. The funds raised by JeI are also being channelised to terror groups, including Hizbul-Mujahideen (HM), Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), through well organised networks of JeI cadres,” said the NIA spokesperson.
For more information: Click here to read…
Two people killed in a grenade blast in Srinagar.
On 06 March 2022, two people, including a 19-year-old girl, were killed, while 33 others were injured in a grenade blast at the Hari Singh Street in Srinagar. “At about 04:20 pm, terrorists hurled a grenade upon police and security forces personnel deployed at the Hari Singh Street,” said a police official. The area had been cordoned off and a hunt operation was launched to nab the perpetrators.
“Three-four cells were busted in last few days. Those involved in the grenade attack have been identified and the case will be solved soon. In 2021, 85 such modules involved in civilian killings and grenade-throwing incidents, were busted; while six modules were neutralised in Jammu and Kishtwar area in Jammu,” said Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) Director-General of Police (DGP) Dilbag Singh.
For more information: Click here to read…
One killed in an explosion outside district court complex in Udhampur.
On 09 March 2022, one person was killed, and 13 others were injured in an explosion outside the district court complex in Udhampur district in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force) and Jammu & Kashmir police personnel reached the incident site and started the investigation. The primarily investigation revealed that it was an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) blast.
For more information: Click here to read…
Left-Wing Extremism
Police unearthed explosive dump in Telangana.
Acting on reliable inputs, a joint team of police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel carried out a search operation on 05 March 2022 and found explosives concealed in a drum, which belongs to Maoists, in the reserve forest area of Medaram village in Mulugu district of Telangana. The security forces personnel recovered 74 gelatine sticks, four detonators, one wire bundle, and three plastic sheets from the drum.
For more information: Click here to read…
Police arrested a Maoist from Bihar.
In a joint operation, on 07 March 2022, the Aurangabad police, CRPF, and the Composite Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA), arrested a Maoist— Mithilish Mehta, from Gaya district in Bihar. “Mithilish was involved in several gun-battles between Police and Maoists in Jharkhand in 2001. He was involved in blowing up a government school building in February 2020 at Sondaha village in Gaya. Mithilish was also involved in an attack on police patrol team at Jhajhi village in Gaya district in April 2020,” said Gaya Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Harpreet Kaur.
For more information: Click here to read…
Police arrested two Maoists, including a key leader, from Assam.
On 06 March 2022, the Assam police arrested two Maoists, including a key leader— Kanchan Da (72-year-old), from Patimara tea garden area in Cachar district in Assam. “For the last two months, police have been running operations to arrest Kanchan Da. On 06 March, police officials managed to trace and arrest Kanchan Da. There are about 200 cases registered against Kanchan Da in different parts of India, with rewards of about ₹ 3 crore,” said Guwahati City Police Commissioner— Harmeet Singh. Police recovered a laptop, mobile phone, Maoist literature, and ₹ 3.60 lakh from Kanchan’s possession.
For more information: Click here to read…
Khalistan-inspired Extremism
NIA filed charge-sheet against six Khalistani terrorists in Punjab bomb blast case.
On 15 March 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) filed chargesheet against six Khalistani terrorists— i) Sukhwinder Singh, ii) Parveen Singh, iii) Gurpreet Singh, iv) Ranjit Singh, v) Habib Khan (Pakistani national), and vi) Lakhbir Singh Rode, under Sections 3, 4, 5, and 6 of Explosive Substances Act, Sections 21B, 27A, and 29 of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, Sections 16, 17, 18, 18B, 20, 38, and 39 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act [UA(P)A], and Section 120B of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
The case—RC-24/2021/NIA/DLI pertains to bomb blast in Jalalabad town in Fazilka district of Punjab on 15 September 2021. The case investigation revealed that Lakhbir Singh Rode, a self-styled chief of International Sikh Youth Federation (ISYF) and his associates carried out multiple explosions in various locations in Punjab. Following directives from Rode, Habib Khan had radicalised and recruited other two Khalistani terrorists—Balwinder Singh and Sukhwinder Singh, and motivated them to plant bombs using IEDs (tiffin-bombs) smuggled from Pakistan. Prior to the blast in Jalalabad town, the chargesheetKhalistani terrorists had set ablaze few shops in Ferozepur city in Punjab.
For more information: Click here to read…
NIA filed charge-sheet against five Khalistani terrorists in case of smuggling of narcotics, weapons and explosives across the India-Pakistan International Border.
On 04 March 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) filed charge-sheet against five Khalistani terrorists— i) Harmesh Singh, ii) Darvesh Singh, iii) Gurmukh Singh, iv) Gagandeep Singh, and v) Lakhbir Singh Rode, in connection with smuggling of narcotics, arms, and explosives from Pakistan via drones.
The case—RC-31/2021/NIA/DLI, investigation revealed that charge-sheeted terrorists had smuggled illegal consignments of narcotics, arms, ammunition, and explosives from Pakistan to carry out terrorist activities in India. Till now, five terrorists in the case have been arrested while Lakhbir Singh Rode is absconding.
For more information: Click here to read…
Islamic Extremism
NIA filed charge-sheet against two IS terrorists in ‘Voice of Hind’ case.
On 11 March 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) filed a supplementary charge-sheet against two Islamic State (IS) terrorists— i) Afshan Parvaiz Jarabi, and ii) Tawheed Latief Sofi, before the NIA Special Court, Delhi, under Sections 120B, 124A, 153A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), and Sections 18, 38, and 39 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act [UA(P)A].
On 29 June 2021, the NIA registered case—RC-14/2021/NIA/DLI regarding a conspiracy by Islamic State (IS) to radicalise Muslim youth from India to wage jihad against the State. To further the objective, an online campaign was launched which was supplemented by on-ground terror financing activities. The case was registered against cyber entity Qasim Khurasani and his associates.
For more information: Click here to read…
NIA searched a location in connection with IS-KP case.
On 07 March 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) officials carried out a search operation at the residence of Talha Khan, a suspect in ‘Islamic State-Khurasan Province (IS-KP)’ case, in Pune, Maharashtra.
The case—RC-11/2020/NIA/DLI relates with the arrest of Jahanzaib Sami Wami and his wife—Hina Bashir Beigh, from OkhlaVihar, Jamia Nagar in Delhi. Till now, six Islamic State (IS) operatives have been charge-sheeted in the same case for conspiring to disseminate ideology of IS, establishing modules, making IEDs (Improvised Explosive Devices), and execute target killings. During the search, the NIA officials recovered incriminating documents and digital devices for further examination.
For more information: Click here to read…
NIA filed chargesheet against two HuT terrorists in ‘Madurai Iqbal HuT’ case.
On 14 March 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) filed supplementary charge-sheet against two Hizbut-Tahrir (HuT) terrorists— i) Bava Bahrudeen, and Ziyavudeen Baqavi, in ‘Madurai Iqbal HuT’ case.
The case—RC-08/2021/NIA/DLI, investigation revealed that the duo are HuT operatives which is affiliated with Islamic State (IS). Both terrorists were engaged in radicalising and recruiting youth, and to enforce a draft constitution written by radical Islamic preacher—Taqi al-Din al-Nabhani, founder of HuT. Both terrorists had also conspired to formed new modules in various districts of Tamil Nadu and Kerala through social media platforms, in order to spread the ideology of HuT.
For more information: Click here to read…
Police arrested drug trafficker from Poonch.
On 09 March 2022, the district police arrested— Kamlesh Kumar, a drug trafficker, from Mendhar area in Poonch district, and recovered 1.9 kg of marijuana from his possession. District police are taking effective measures against those involved in network of narcotic substances. The police have also requested general public of Poonch district to come forward and report the illegal business/network of drugs.
For more information: Click here to read…
Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICNs) Cases
NIA arrested a FICN trafficker from IGI airport, Delhi.
On 04 March 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) officials arrested a FICN (Fake Indian Currency Note) trafficker—Abdul Wahid aka Saddam, from Indira Gandhi International (IGI) airport in Delhi.
The case— RC-05/2022/NIA/DLI pertains to the seizure of FICNs worth ₹ 10 lakhs and 175 grams gold worth ₹ 8.5 lakhs, at Terminal-3 of IGI airport, Delhi by Customs officials from another accused— Mohammad Shahjan on 12 January 2022. Initial investigation revealed that Abdul Wahid is an active operative of a network involved in smuggling of FICNs and gold into India. Earlier, two people have been arrested by the NIA in same case.
For more information: Click here to read…
VIF Neighbourhood News Digest: March 21, 2022
Afghanistan
Kabul Has Fulfilled Recognition Requirements: Muttaqi: Tolo News
Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Amir Khan Muttaqi said that the Islamic Emirate is inclusive and has fulfilled all the requirements and it should be recognized by the international community. Click here to read…
Civil activists in Kabul ask for release of Afghanistan’s reserves: The Khaama Press
A group of civil activists in Kabul asked US president Joe Biden to unfreeze Afghanistan’s assets and prevent the country’s economic collapse. Click here to read…
Do not condone Afghanistan’s humanitarian needs: UN to Intl-Community: The Khaama Press
High commissioner of UNHCR Filippo Grandi who has recently visited Afghanistan insisted that more assistance should be provided for people in Afghanistan and added that Afghan refugees should not be forgotten either. Click here to read…
Bangladesh
US wants Bangladesh vocal against Ukraine war-The Daily Star
The US wants Bangladesh on its side as it endeavours to end the war in Ukraine, said a top American diplomat yesterday. Click here to read…
India-Bangladesh train services may resume next month-The Daily Star
An inter-ministerial meeting ended yesterday without fixing any date for resuming the operation of trains between Bangladesh and India amid expectations that the service would resume soon. Click here to read…
Strengthen healthcare at community level: experts-The Daily Star
If there was effective health service delivery in district and upazila level hospitals, some 60-70 percent of people could be served with quality health services, according to a report titled “Bangladesh Health Sector: Present Challenges and Future Guidelines”Click here to read…
Family cards confuse many-The Daily Star
Amid high prices of daily essentials, many in need returned empty-handed from the TCB sales points outside the capital yesterday as they did not have “family cards” Click here to read…
AUW to introduce scholarship-The Daily Star
The Asian University for Women is going to introduce a merit scholarship for Bangladeshi students from this fall, said VC Rubana Huq yesterday. Click here to read…
Foreign Secretary to join OIC Council in place of Momen in Pakistan-The Daily Star
Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen will not be joining the forty-eighth session of the Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to be held on March 22-23 in Islamabad. Click here to read…
Intensify global efforts to eliminate all forms of racial discrimination: PM-The Daily Star
The prime minister came up with the call in a message on the occasion International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, said a handout today. Click here to read…
US doesn’t expect Dhaka to join QUAD-The Daily Star
Michael Kugelman is the deputy director and a senior associate for South Asia at the Washington-based think tank Wilson Centre. He shared his views on what may be discussed in the US-Bangladesh Partnership Dialogue in Dhaka today in an email interview with The Daily Star. Click here to read…
Bhutan
Government lifts facility quarantine protocol for travellers from high-risk to low-risk areas- BBS
In what might come as relieving news for hundreds of stranded individuals in the high-risk areas, the government is doing away with the facility quarantine protocol for travellers from high-risk to low-risk areas. Click here to read…
Sharing unverified leadership assessment result more painful than the result- Kuensel
The last few weeks had been terrible for Sonam’s (name changed) family. Her father, in his mid 50s, is a senior executive and was among the executives the Royal Civil Service Commission (RCSC) assessed. Click here to read…
Multi-year rolling budget system to be introduced in 13th Plan- Kuensel
The 13th Plan, the concept paper of which has been drafted by the Gross National Happiness Commission (GNHC), will have major changes in the planning and budgeting system. Click here to read…
Foreign workers recruitment agents to be corporatized as SOEs- Bhutan Times
The government’s decision to establish the foreign workers’ recruitment agents as a state-owned enterprise (SOE) will aim at bringing a holistic reform in administration and management systems through efficiency and effectiveness in service delivery. Click here to read…
Axe falls on senior executives- Bhutan Times
The decision of the Royal Civil Service Commission (RCSC) to weed-out incompetent civil servants at the leadership and executive rung has sent alarm bells ringing among government employees and observers alike. Click here to read…
Maldives
Russian market shares drop, total tourist arrivals increases- The SUN
Despite a drop in the number of tourists from Russia owing to the war in Ukraine, the total arrivals to Maldives recorded in February increased. Click here to read…
Yameen: Everyone in government slaves of India- The SUN
Speaking at a gathering held as part of the opposition’s ‘India Out’ campaign protesting against the presence of the Indian military in Maldives, the former President said that only a few were aware of all the agreements made with India. Click here to read…
Islamic Ministry increases ‘Nisab’ for Zakat Al-Mal- The SUN
Ministry of Islamic Affairs revealed that the nisab amount for Zakat Al-Mal has been reviewed and increased to MVR 7241.15 from March 17, 2022, onwards. Click here to read…
Elections Commission requests Finance Ministry to issue funds to PPM, JP- The SUN
Following the submission of audit report and annual report, Elections Commission (EC) has requested Finance Ministry to issue funds to Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) and Jumhoory Party (JP). Click here to read…
Gender Minister: Will establish Disability Management Training Center in Hulhumale’ this year- The SUN
Minister of Gender, Family and Social Services Aishath Mohamed Didi on Wednesday stated that they are working to establish a Disability Management Training Centre in Hulhumale’ this year. Click here to read…
US launches USD 10.5 million Climate Change Adaptation project in Maldives- The SUN
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) on Tuesday launched its Climate Change Adaptation project for Maldives, worth USD 10.5 million. Click here to read…
Chinese Embassy donates Chinese historical and cultural books to CMCA, MCTCO- The SUN
Chinese Embassy in the Maldives has donated Chinese historical and cultural books to China-Maldives Cultural Association (CMCA) and Maldives China Trade and Cultural Organization (MCTCO). Click here to read…
Parliament session concludes less than an hour later due to lack of work- The SUN
The Parliament session for Wednesday, March 16 concludes less than an hour after it began, due to a lack of work scheduled for the day. Click here to read…
US commits additional USD 3.2 million to Maldives- The SUN
The Unites States committed an additional USD 3.2 million to Maldives on Wednesday, with the signing of the seventh amendment to the Development Objective Grant Agreement (DOAG) between Maldives and the US. Click here to read…
Myanmar
Humanitarian needs in Myanmar grow as fighting continues – Business Standard
UN chief spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Stephane Dujarric on Friday (local time) said that there are 889,900 displaced people, including 370,000 already displaced before the military takeover a little more than one year ago, reported Xinhua. Click here to read…
ASEAN mediator urged to exert more pressure on Myanmar army ahead of meet – LaPrensaLatina
The ASEAN Special Envoy for Myanmar, Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn, faces calls for greater firmness ahead of his visit Sunday to meet the military junta that seized power in February 2021 in a coup and has since brutally repressed dissent. Click here to read…
Chin armed group vows to reclaim base overtaken by Myanmar military – Myanmar Now
The anti-junta Chinland Defence Force (CDF) chapter in Kanpetlet, southern Chin State, will attempt to reclaim a command post occupied by the junta’s armed forces who used their stronger firepower to drive the resistance group out of the location on Wednesday. Click here to read…
More villages burn in northern Myanmar as guerrillas try to halt latest military rampage – Myanmar Now
A unit of almost 300 junta soldiers has burned down houses in three villages near Sagaing Region’s border with Chin State this week, while resistance fighters have sought to halt their offensive by laying explosives in their path. Click here to read…
Myanmar Army Has Committed Possible Crimes Against Humanity Since Coup, UN Says – The Diplomat
On Tuesday, the United Nations published a report claiming that Myanmar’s military has engaged in “systematic and widespread human rights violations and abuses” since its coup in February 2021, many of them amounting to war crimes and crimes against humanity. Click here to read…
Myanmar military attends 19th ASEAN Military Intelligence Meeting – Mizzima
A Myanmar delegation led by the junta’s Chief of Military Security Affairs Lt-Gen Ye Win Oo attended the 19th ASEAN Military Intelligence Meeting-AMIM-19 in Phnom Penh, Cambodia on 15 March, according to the junta aligned Myanmar International television (MITV). Click here to read…
Nepal
No voting rights for Nepalis abroad- Himalaya
Even four years after the Supreme Court issued a directive order to the government to ensure voting rights for Nepalis living abroad, the government has not done anything. Click here to read…
As coalition’s poll alliance conundrum continues, Congress to decide on Friday- Nepali Times
CPN (Maoist Centre) and CPN (Unified Socialist), with their options limited, ratchet up the rhetoric. Click here to read…
Local government by the people, for the people, of the people- Nepali Times
Local elections in May give Nepalis a chance to vote in capable leaders based on performance. Click here to read…
Curfew imposed in Letang after cop killed in clash with locals- Republica
The Morang administration has issued a curfew order in some places of Letang Municipality since Monday morning after the situation became tense following a controversy over a teacher abusing a student during Holi. Click here to read…
Local elections: Commission publishes calendar, candidacy filing on April 24-25- Online Khabar
The Election Commission on Friday finalised and published the calendar of the events related to the local elections scheduled for May 13. Click here to read…
Pakistan
Na-speaker-summons-no-trust-session-on-25th: Dawn
In an apparent move to prolong the voting on a no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Imran Khan, National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser on Sunday summoned the session of the lower house of parliament on March 25, violating the Constitution under which he is bound to convene a session within 14 days after the submission of a requisition. Click here to read…
IMF-seeks-details-of-petrol-power-subsidy-funding
The talks with the IMF were earlier scheduled to conclude on Friday last but then “they [Fund staff] wanted to see agreements with the provinces to basically reassure we are not involved in aerial firing” on financing of PM’s relief package for petroleum prices, the minister said. Click here to read…
PM ready to forgive dissidents like a ‘compassionate father’: The Express Tribune
Prime Minister Imran Khan has once again urged the dissident lawmakers to return to the ruling PTI’s fold, saying that he was ready to forgive them like a ‘compassionate father’ amid looming vote on no-trust motion against him. Click here to read…
Sri Lanka
Russia’s war in Ukraine is crushing Sri Lanka’s $81 billion economy- The Print
Russia’s war in Ukraine, which has caused a humanitarian crisis and convulsed global financial markets, is now threatening to crush an $81 billion economy more than 4,000 miles away in the Indian Ocean. Click here to read…
IMF to begin talks with Lanka- The Island
The International Monetary Fund intends to begin discussions with Sri Lanka on a program to support the country, spokesman Gerry Rice said as the island is facing steep currency depreciation and inflation after an unusual bout of money printing to keep interest rates low.Click here to read…
Lankan rupee quoted at 270/290 to the US dollar- The Island
Sri Lanka’s rupee was quoted around 270/290 to the US dollar on Friday, market participants said, while bond markets were inactive ahead of the weekend. Click here to read…
Long queues for gas and fuel at filling stations- The Island
Long queues can be seen in front of gas outlets and filling stations in Sri Lanka as the country faces hours of daily power cuts. Click here to read…
Korea’s Saemaul New Village Movement inspires Sri Lankan Women- The Island
State Minister of Women and Child Development Piyal Nishantha de Silva and Korean Ambassador Santhush Woonjin JEONG last week together vsited the stall for Saemaul Co-operative Members at the Exhibition and Fair for Women Entrepreneurs in BMICH on the occasion of International Women’s Day, the Korean Embassy said in a news release. Click here to read…
Successive governments’ budgetary operations caused financial instability- The Island
Former Governor of the Central Bank Dr. Indrajit Coomaraswamy says the failure on the part of successive governments to manage expenditure since the country gained Independence has caused the current economic instability. Click here to read…
Parliament lacks wherewithal to ensure fiscal discipline – Head of Public Finance Committee- The Island
Lawmaker Anura Priyadarshanaya Yapa has said that the Parliament lacks the wherewithal to ensure fiscal discipline though the House is entrusted with that task. MP Yapa, who heads the Committee on Public Finance (COPF), emphasised the urgent need for a system overhaul with proper mechanisms put in place in and out of the Parliament for that purpose. Click here to read…
Indian loan has no strings – Basil- The Island
Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa, who returned to Sri Lanka following a visit to India, said the one-billion USD credit facility given by India, did not come with hidden conditions. Click here to read…
Basil meets Indian Minister of Power and New & Renewable Energy- The Island
Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa who was recently on official visit to India, met the Minister of Power and New and Renewable Energy of India Shri Raj Kumar Singh in New Delhi, yesterday (17). Click here to read…
China-aided hospital in Sri Lanka completes first organ transplant- The Island
The China-Sri Lanka Friendship National Nephrology Hospital, built with the assistance of the Chinese government, has successfully performed a kidney transplant surgery from a living donor recently, the first of its kind since the operation of the hospital, the Xinhua news agency reported yesterday. Click here to read…
Health officials fear increasing public protests will lead to surge in coronavirus- The Island
Health officials on Friday (18) warned of a possible surge in COVID-19 cases ahead of the festive season in April due to increasing public protests that violate health guidelines. Click here to read…
Indian credit line lifesaver; 40,000 tonnes of diesel ready for distribution by Monday- The Island
Ministry of Energy Gamini Lokuge said that a tanker with 40,000 metric tonnes of diesel would reach Colombo on Sunday (20), following the finalisation of a USD 1 billion credit line with India. Click here to read…
India largest target market for Port City project: Sri Lankan official- The Island
The Colombo Port City Economic Commission wants the “Port City to be an international city” and looking at more detailed, bespoke and customised solutions to “create value propositions for key anchor investors”, director general Saliya Wickramasuriya has said in an interview in an interview with The Hindustan Times ((HT). Click here to read…
Africa Now – Weekly Newsletter (Week 12, 2022)
Welcome to Africa Now, your weekly newsletter for Africa, presenting the most important developments in the continent – news that matters.
COMMENTARY
Russia-Ukraine Crisis: Where do African Countries Stand?
On 21st February 2022, President Vladimir Putin recognised the independence of Ukraine’s breakaway regions, Donetsk and Luhansk and decided to support Moscow-backed separatists with a military operation. Three days later, when Russia started its air and missile strikes in Ukraine’s Donbas region, it transformed into a full-blown war. Click here to read…
NEWS
Tensions rise in Libya as risk of ‘parallel governments’ grows, Security Council hears
Amid a political impasse that threatens to see Libya fractured again by two parallel governments, the priority must be maintaining hard-won gains and fulfilling the electoral aspirations of nearly three million registered voters. Click here to read…
Tanzania is getting a political remake as President Hassan eyes the 2025 polls
The sudden death of Tanzania’s populist president John Pombe Magufuli on 17 March 2021 catapulted his then little-known vice-president, Samia Suluhu Hassan, to the helm of political leadership. Click here to read…
Somalia delays election process again as deadline lapses
Somalia has again pushed back the deadline for completing lower house elections, delaying until March 31 a process that is already more than a year overdue and has resulted in political sanctions. Click here to read…
West African bloc says it won’t abandon Burkina Faso after coup
A representative of West Africa’s regional bloc said it would keep working with Burkina Faso despite concerns about the military’s plan to hold power for three years after a January coup. Click here to read…
Ethiopia, Egypt, and Sudan hold secret talks on GERD dispute in UAE
Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan are holding secret talks mediated by the United Arab Emirates on the filing and operation of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). Click here to read…
Niger pushes for peace with jihadist talks
Niger is pressing ahead with an initiative to talk to jihadists whose attacks have shaken the country’s southwest, amid fears that a new wave of bloodshed lies ahead. Click here to read…
Sudan: Russian influence and Ukraine war stir domestic tensions
Officials courted Russian influence but the interference and the war in Ukraine are driving a wedge between its two most powerful men and stirring up domestic tensions. Click here to read…
Mali to suspend France 24 TV station and RFI radio
The Malian military government is moving to suspend broadcasts by French state-funded international RFI radio and France 24 television channel, accusing the news outlets of reporting “false allegations” that the army killed dozens of civilians. Click here to read…
‘Union will not remain silent’: Tunisia’s UGTT demands dialogue
Tunisia’s powerful UGTT labour union says it will not remain silent if authorities do not include it in negotiations over the country’s political and economic future, rejecting proposed reforms. Click here to read…
UK approves Rwandan envoy ahead of Commonwealth meet
The United Kingdom has approved Rwanda’s new envoy to the country, Johnston Busingye, despite calls from critics to London to reject the nomination. The approval comes three months before Kigali hosts the Commonwealth Head of Governments meeting slated on June 20. Click here to read…
Ambush and reprisals in western Ethiopia kill 64 – rights body
At least 53 people have died in western Ethiopia after an unidentified armed group attacked a civilian convoy and its military escort in a region plagued by ethnic violence. Click here to read…
South Africa’s Ramaphosa blames NATO for Russia’s war in Ukraine
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa blamed NATO for the war in Ukraine and said he would resist calls to condemn Russia, in comments that cast doubt over whether he would be accepted by Ukraine or the West as a mediator. Click here to read…
Russia, China Build Ties in Africa as U.S. Falls Behind
In a new “scramble for Africa”, Russia and China are cutting deals, extending loans, making friends and allies across the continent at a time when jihadists in many countries have posed a growing threat to citizens and national security forces. Click here to read…
US’s Blinken meets Ivory Coast PM to discuss trade, security
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has welcomed Patrick Achi, prime minister of Ivory Coast, for bilateral talks on a number of trade and security issues at the US Department of State. Click here to read…
Complementing Rafales, US Could Sell Its ‘Top Dogfighters’ to Egypt as Cairo Moves Away from Russian SU-35 Jets
The Biden administration is planning to approve the sale of F-15 Eagles to Egypt, a top US military official said. This comes despite speculation that Washington might cut military aid to Cairo due to concerns about Egypt’s human rights record. Click here to read…
Chad military gov’t, armed groups peace talks in Doha on hold
A first round of negotiations between Chad’s ruling transitional military council (TMC) and representatives of armed groups set to kick off in Doha, the Qatari capital, has been delayed by 48 hours. Click here to read…
Nigeria moving ahead on nuclear power plant plan
Speaking at the Nigerian International Energy Summit in Abuja earlier this month, Idris said that Nigeria had had a small nuclear research reactor in operation for 18 years “so if anyone tells you Nigeria can’t manage a nuclear power plant – they are just telling you a story”.Click here to read…
Italy Negotiates with Libya, Algeria for Renewable Energy Deal
Italy is currently holding negotiations with Libya and Algeria for the mobilization and development of renewable energy resources. The European country is looking to diversify its energy mix, adopting clean energy sources from renewable-rich countries in northern Africa. Click here to read…
Rebel attacks in eastern Congo kill more than 60
Suspected Islamist militants have killed more than 60 people over five days of attacks on villages in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, local residents said on Tuesday. Click here to read…
Western Sahara: Spain and Morocco near end to diplomatic row over disputed territory
Morocco and Spain have moved closer to resolving a decades-long dispute over Western Sahara. Spain’s Prime Minister stated that a proposed autonomous region under Rabat control is the “most serious, realistic and credible” solution, according to Morocco’s royal palace. Click here to read…
Cameroon’s separatist conflict spills into Nigeria
The peaceful Nigerian fishing village of Manga sits not far from Cameroon’s border, but its residents know all about the separatist war raging inside their West African neighbour. Click here to read…
What drives South Africa’s political violence?
South Africa has a history of political violence, including a culture of violent protests and political killings. Historically, the violence is rooted in diverse drivers such as ethnic and tribal differences, and political intolerance. Click here to read…
The Chagos archipelago: Between British colonial past, American interests and Mauritian sovereignty
Last month, while global attention was fixated on the Ukraine crisis, Mauritius sent an expedition, a first of its kind, to the Chagos archipelago, also known as the Chagos Islands. Click here to read…
OIC Africa Group in Solid Support of Gambia Hosting Summit
In response to false and misleading rumours emerging largely on social media, The Gambia OIC Secretariat wishes to inform the public that The Gambia maintains its role as the rightful host of the next OIC Heads of State and Governments Summit. Click here to read…
African Countries Build Capacity on Cyber security
Sixty-five participants from 32 countries are attending a forum in Accra to promote cybersecurity capacity building in Africa. Dubbed Africa Cyber Experts (ACE) Community Kick-Off Meeting, it is on the theme “Setting the Scene for Cybersecurity Status in Africa.” Click here to read…
President of Guinea-Bissau says he stands firm in his post
The President of Guinea-Bissau said on Thursday that the Guinean State is still standing and that he remains firm in his post. The president’s speech, delivered on Thursday, takes place after the attempted coup on the 1st of February. Click here to read…
Eswatini Air adds first aircraft, an E145
Eswatini Air – the new regional airline brand of state-owned Royal Eswatini National Airways (RENAC) – plans to debut by the end of 2Q22 on Southern African regional routes using two EMB-145EPs. Click here to read…
How China-African trade may evolve
China is taking a more cautious approach to trade and investment in Africa and shifting its focus from governments to multilateral institutions. Click here to read…
Uganda bids to host Africa drugs agency
Uganda has the required capacity to host the African Medicine Agency (AMA) following its investments in developing and manufacturing drugs over the years. Click here to read…
Kenya Receives A $750 Million Boost to Support Economic Transformation Post-Pandemic
In an effort to help accelerate Kenya’s ongoing inclusive and resilient recovery from the COVID-19 crisis, the World Bank has approved a $750 million Development Policy Operation (DPO) that will help strengthen fiscal sustainability through reforms that contribute to greater transparency and the fight against corruption. Click here to read…
Mauritania says fight against slavery an ‘irreversible priority’
Fighting slavery in Mauritania is “a constant and irreversible” priority for the authorities, one of the country’s top rights officials said Wednesday, in a rare public comment on the issue there. Click here to read…
Talks underway to resume iron ore project in Guinea
Company representatives and officials are actively seeking a joint solution to a quick resumption of work at the Simandou project in Guinea, which has the world’s largest untapped iron ore reserves, the Global Times has learned. Click here to read…
Zambia’s late former President Rupiah Banda buried
Zambian late former President Rupiah Banda, who ruled from 2008 to 2011 and died at 85 last week after a battle with cancer, was buried at Embassy Park in Lusaka, the capital. Click here to read…
Mozambique: Cyclone Gombe death toll rises to 53
Tropical Cyclone Gombe has killed at least 53 people since it hit Mozambique a week ago, a sharp rise from earlier estimates. Click here to read…
INDIA IN AFRICA
‘Green Triangle’ named after Mahatma Gandhi inaugurated in Madagascar’s capital as part of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav
As part of the ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’ to commemorate India’s 75th year of independence, a “Green Triangle” named after Mahatma Gandhi was jointly inaugurated in Madagascar’s capital Antananarivo. Click here to read…
Delegation from Telangana announced for Namibia for diamonds and pharma sectors
The India Africa Trade Council organized the India Namibia Summit which was attended by the Business community in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. Click here to read…
Indian-American Puneet Talwar Appointed New US Ambassador to Morocco
US President Joe Biden on Friday announced Indian American Puneet Talwar for Ambassador of Morocco as part of some key nominations for his administration, a White House press release said. Click here to read…
India, Namibia committed to partnership in pharma sector
Trade between India and Namibia stood at approximately $80 million in the last few years. Namibia imports drugs and pharmaceuticals, chemicals and agricultural machinery from India. Click here to read…
South Africa Tourism aims at 64% rise in arrivals from India
With 48 per cent of the total Indian visitors to South Africa travelling from Mumbai, the city is the leading source market for South African Tourism in India. Click here to read…
South Africa to soon start e-visa facility for Indian travellers
The South African Tourism Board has recently expressed that it’s eyeing 64% year-on-year growth in arrivals from India this year. Click here to read…
2022 Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports launched in India at Rs 16.01 lakh, bookings open
Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India announced today that bookings for the new 2022 Africa Twin Adventure Sports are now open in India at Honda’s exclusive Big Wing Topline dealerships. Click here to read…
South Africa, India, EU, US reach compromise on Covid-19 vaccine patent
Any agreement must be accepted by the WTO’s 164 member countries in order to be adopted. If one country rejects the proposal, it could mean the end of the waiver. Click here to read…
India at UNSC calls for elections in Libya, hopes issues resolve peacefully
At the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) briefing on the situation in Libya, R. Madhu Sudan, Counsellor at Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations reiterated the imperative for holding the Presidential and Parliamentary elections in the North African country at the earliest. Click here to read…
34 countries, including India, confirm presence at Commonwealth Summit in Rwanda
The CHOGM or Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting has been scheduled to start in the third week of June with President of Rwanda Paul Kagame being the host of the summit. Click here to read…
South Africa to issue e-visas for Indian travellers soon
As part of post-pandemic revival plans, South Africa will introduce e-visas for Indians to attract more tourists, business travellers and movie-makers, mainly from the south. Click here to read…
Click here to read…
Global Developments and Analysis: Weekly Monitor, 14 March 2022 – 20 March 2022
Economic
Ukraine invasion may lead to worldwide food crisis, warns UN
The world is facing a potential food crisis, with soaring prices and millions in danger of severe hunger, as the war in Ukraine threatens supplies of key staple crops, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization has warned. Maximo Torero, the chief economist at the FAO, said food prices were already high before Russia invaded Ukraine, owing to the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. The additional strain of war could tip the global food system into disaster, he warned. “We were already having problems with food prices,” he told the Guardian in an interview. Wheat prices hit record highs in recent days, though they have fallen back slightly. Overall, food prices have been rising since the second half of 2020, according to the FAO, and reached an all-time high in February, after wheat and barley prices rose by nearly a third and rapeseed and sunflower oil by more than 60% during 2021. The price of urea, a key nitrogen fertiliser, has more than tripled in the past year, on rising energy prices. At least 50 countries depend on Russia and Ukraine for 30% or more of their wheat supply, and many developing countries in northern Africa, Asia and the near east are among the most reliant. Poor countries are bearing the brunt of the price increases. Click here to read…
The Russian invasion of Ukraine is being felt as far away as U.S. farm fields
Russia is a major exporter of fertilizer, and economic sanctions are taking their products out of the market, sending fertilizer prices skyrocketing as farmers are getting ready to plant their fields. The economic effects of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine are being felt all over the world, including in American farm fields. The Russian invasion of Ukraine and the subsequent sanctions are hitting US farmers in a new way. Russia is a big exporter of fertilizer and its raw materials. The country’s exports account for 18% of the world’s potash market, 20% of ammonia sales and 15% of urea. Plus, a lot of the natural gas that is the most expensive part of making nitrogen fertilizers comes from Russia. And while the U.S. doesn’t buy much fertilizer directly from Russia, other countries that do are now shopping among America’s suppliers, and farmers says the prices are the highest ever. Even before sanctions, fertilizer prices were already high because of supply chain problems and natural disasters shutting down some big plants. Wheat, corn and soybean prices are also way up because of sanctions against Russia and the uncertainty of Ukraine’s production and its inability to export. Farmers like Mark Scott say even if he gets better prices for corn and soybeans, it may not cover soaring fertilizer costs. Click here to read…
Split opens in EU over Russia energy sanctions
Hungary’s top diplomat has indicated that his country will not support new economic sanctions on Russian energy firms, arguing the move could backfire. Peter Szijjarto also warned that no-fly zone proposals for Ukraine risk sparking a larger regional conflict. Speaking to reporters following a meeting with fellow European Union members in Brussels on March 21, the Hungarian foreign minister said Budapest is unlikely to back penalties targeting Russian gas and oil, as they are liable to harm its own interests. “Some countries are dependent on Russian energy supplies. We don’t do this for fun. Energy supply is not a philosophical or ideological question, but a physical, mathematical one”. The FM’s comments follow reports that the EU would meet to consider an all-out embargo on Russian energy, though the body was “split” on the issue after March 21’s summit, according to Reuters. “The question of an oil embargo is not a question of whether we want or don’t want [it], but a question of how much we depend on oil,” Berlin’s foreign minister, Annalena Baerbock, told reporters, noting that some EU states cannot simply “stop the oil imports from one day to the other.” Click here to read…
Berlin wants Trump-trashed trade deal back on table
Germany is calling for discussions about the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) between the EU and the US, which were halted by former US President Donald Trump, to be revived. “We should resume negotiations on a transatlantic free trade agreement,” Christian Lindner, the finance minister of Europe’s number-one economy, told the German business newspaper Handelsblatt. “Especially now in the crisis, it is becoming clear how important free trade is with partners around the world who share our values.” Trump pulled the US out of discussions over the TTIP – which had been the subject of negotiations between Brussels and Washington since 2013, during the Obama administration – saying international trade agreements hurt US workers and damaged the country’s competitiveness. In recent years, there have been calls from a number of officials to restart the stalled talks, but others have been more cautious. The US Embassy in Berlin didn’t respond directly to Lindner’s proposal but stated that the existing US-EU Trade and Technology Council ensured that coordinated policies supported broad-based growth. “The current crisis shows the United States and Germany, and the European Union, are indispensable partners,” the statement reads. Click here to read…
Asian majors keep Myanmar gas pumping despite EU sanctions
Asian energy companies’ continued presence in Myanmar is raising concerns that they could blunt the impact of new European Union sanctions on the country’s state oil and gas company. As the international community seeks to pressure Myanmar’s military government, the EU announced late last month that it would ban its companies and individuals from providing funds to Myanma Oil and Gas Enterprise, or MOGE, and freeze its assets within the bloc. TotalEnergies, a French multinational that has a stake in Myanmar’s largest gas field at Yadana in the Andaman Sea, said in January it would exit the country within six months. American oil major Chevron is also considering pulling out. Asian companies, in contrast, have been more reluctant to abandon their interests in Myanmar. Posco International, the trading arm for South Korean steelmaker Posco, holds a 51% stake in the Shwe gas field off the western coast of Myanmar. Though much of the project’s output is exported to China, some is used at power plants within Myanmar. Meanwhile, Thailand’s PTT Exploration and Production on March 21 announced it would take over operations at the Yadana gas field from Total. The “Yadana project is a pivotal source of natural gas supply to the livelihood of the people in both Myanmar and Thailand,” it said. Click here to read…
What is Russia’s sanctions survival plan?
Among the many penalties imposed on the country over the past month, Russia’s financial system, energy exports, and forex reserves have been targeted. However, hard times call for prompt response measures, and Russia has come up with a few. Major Russian banks have been cut off from the SWIFT global financial messaging system, effectively denying them access to international markets. However, Russia can now accept electronic transfers via Mir, the Russian alternative payment system, and work with foreign banks and businesses, bypassing Western restrictions. Mir also provides an alternative to Visa and MasterCard, which have stopped providing international transaction services to Russian clients. Sanctions also targeted Russia’s holdings in euros and US dollars to deny the country the ability to trade internationally. However, Moscow is setting up trade mechanisms to enable national currency payments with foreign trade partners. In order to support the ruble, which has suffered a sharp decline against major currencies this month, Russian businesses that trade abroad have been ordered to sell 80% of their foreign currency earnings and convert them to rubles. It is expected to stabilize the national currency and encourage more investments in Russia instead of moving them abroad. Click here to read…
China-Russia relations: border province calls for closer economic ties amid US criticism of ‘no-limits’ friendship
China’s northeastern province of Heilongjiang has called for deeper integration with neighbouring Russia, as Beijing comes under growing pressure from the West to distance itself from Moscow over the Ukraine war. Xu Qin, Communist Party chief of the rust belt province that borders Russia, said the China-Russia east route natural gas pipeline must be secured and construction of new branching lines sped up. “[We should] deepen practical energy cooperation between China and Russia, speed up the all-round opening up to Russia and make new contributions to ensuring national energy security and serving China-Russia strategic coordination,” Xu said, according to the official Heilongjiang Daily newspaper. He made the comments on March 20 during a visit to a gas transmission station in Heihe, a provincial city on the border with Russia’s Far East region. While visiting a land port linking Russia to the city, he urged local officials to “adapt to the new changes in trade between China and Russia”, as part of efforts to turn the city into a gateway for the Far East. Xu’s comments followed a virtual meeting between President Xi Jinping and his US counterpart Joe Biden on March 18, where Washington warned of unspecified “consequences” awaiting Beijing for providing material support for Russia, which has come under heavy sanctions since it invaded Ukraine. Click here to read…
China’s regulatory storm may soon subside for Big Tech firms after Xi Jinping’s right-hand man calls for order and transparency
More than a year after China’s technology industry was hit by a massive regulatory storm that upended business expansion plans and wiped trillions of dollars off stock markets from Hong Kong to New York, fears of more crackdowns could soon subside after President Xi Jinping’s top economic aide called for order and transparency in government dealings with Big Tech firms. Regulators must adopt a “standardised, transparent and predictable” approach in overseeing the nation’s internet services giants and the rectification of online platforms, Chinese Vice-Premier Liu He said on March 16 when he chaired a meeting of the country’s Financial Stability and Development Committee in Beijing. Liu also urged regulators to give a heads-up to financial authorities before any new policies get published. “Relevant departments should actively introduce policies that are favourable to the market” to help promote the industry’s development and global competitiveness, Liu said in an official statement of the meeting’s conclusions. Liu’s directives, which represent a subtle warning to regulators to stay on the same page, mark the first clear signal from Beijing that another tumultuous year of crackdowns is not on the cards for Big Tech companies in 2022. Click here to read…
New US rule to require emission disclosures
Publicly traded US companies would be required to disclose their greenhouse gas emissions and their approach to managing climate change risks under a proposed rule approved by Washington March 21. The measure, which now goes for public comment following a vote by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), follows similar steps by regulators in Japan and Europe, and aims to standardize emissions reporting. “Climate risks can pose significant financial risks to companies,” said SEC Chair Gary Gensler, an appointee of President Joe Biden. Gensler argued the measure would provide “reliable information about climate risks to make informed investment decisions.” Companies would be required to report emissions from their own activities, known as Scope 1, and indirect emissions from purchased energy, known as Scope 2. Firms would also need to disclose Scope 3 emissions, which are indirectly incurred in the value chain. These include energy sold to another company if these emissions are consequential to its finances or if they have set targets for these emissions. The rules would take effect between 2024 and 2026. Smaller firms would be exempt from the measure. Click here to read…
Space companies invited to set up in ‘valley of satellites’ in China
The Chinese government is offering companies involved in the manufacture of spacecraft, rockets and satellites a hefty financial incentive to relocate to Wuhan, seeking to reinvent the city as a “valley of satellites” by 2025. Wuhan announced the official launch of its plans to turn the city into a $15.7 billion (100 billion yuan) space industry hub in a notice published on March 16, offering companies up to $7.88 million (50 million yuan) each in financial incentives should they choose to move their headquarters to the central Chinese location. China hopes to become a major space power by the end of the decade, with plans to launch clusters of commercial satellites capable of delivering high-speed internet, tracking commodity shipments, and other purposes. Companies that locally source more than 10% of the production of high-orbiting and low-orbiting satellites and spacecraft can receive up to $2.36 million (15 million yuan) in financial incentives, while those that use more than 30% local products stand to receive up to $7.88 million (50 million yuan). Wuhan wouldn’t be China’s first space-focused site, as last year saw Shenzhen dangle 300 million yuan in incentives for satellite development and related industries. Beijing also plans to construct a commercial spaceport at Hainan. Ningbo, a port city in Zhejiang province, is being developed as China’s fifth rocket launch site. Click here to read…
Japan, Australia and India target Indo-Pacific supply-chain code
Trade chiefs from Japan, Australia and India agreed on March 15 to develop principles that will strengthen supply chains through better data management in the Indo-Pacific region. Koichi Hagiuda, Japan’s minister for economy, trade and industry, met virtually with his counterparts Piyush Goyal from India and Dan Tehan of Australia. The three later issued a joint statement calling for “supply-chain principles” in the Indo-Pacific. The principles are due to be finalized next year. A key point to emerge from the meeting was that a stronger supply chain had become more crucial in light of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The supply chain principles will set forth standards to be followed in terms of sharing logistics and other data and for improving transparency. For example, governments would not be involved in data sharing. The three parties will consider whether to add a provision eliminating forced labor from the supply chain. The trade ministers decided to hold the trilateral meeting once a year. In 2023, Japan and India will serve as chairs of the Group of Seven and Group of 20 economies, respectively. Both countries seek to take the lead in the supply-chain debate. Click here to read…
No longer a safe haven, once-mighty yen slumps
Even as the repercussions of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine roil the global economy, the yen has actually declined more than other major currencies, in a sign that it may be losing appeal as a safe bet in times of turmoil. The Japanese currency depreciated 2.6% against the dollar between March 7 and March 15, softening as far as the mid-118 range. After hovering around 114 to 115 yen to the greenback following the Feb. 24 invasion of Ukraine, it began weakening faster last week amid the surge in prices for crude oil and other commodities. The yen ranked as one of the worst performers among major currencies over that period, alongside others from countries that rely heavily on imported resources, such as the Turkish lira and South Korea’s won. Key to the currency’s traditional appeal is Japan’s position as the world’s leading net creditor nation. Previously, the expectation that Japanese investors would flee to their home currency when market conditions got rough spurred traders elsewhere to do the same. The yen strengthened from the 106 range to beyond 88 against the dollar in the three months after the September 2008 financial crisis, and from around 83 yen to well beyond 80 following the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami. But there has been no sign of similar appreciation amid the Ukraine conflict. Click here to read…
China Eastern Plane Crash Complicates Boeing’s China Relationship
The crash of a China Eastern Airlines Corp. 737-800 comes at a precarious time for Boeing Co. in China, with the plane maker working to revive its standing in the key aviation market after years navigating the fallout of the MAX crisis and a China-U. S. trade war. On March 21, a Boeing aircraft carrying 132 people suddenly fell from the sky, and rescuers on scene have yet to find any survivors among the plane’s debris. China Eastern Airlines grounded its entire fleet of 737-800 aircraft in response affecting some 224 in-service aircraft across the airline group, according to aviation consulting firm Cirium. For Boeing, the crash comes as it was closing in on the return to service in China of the 737 MAX—a different model to the aircraft in March 21’s crash. The aircraft’s fixes had been approved by China’s regulator with Boeing saying in January it was prepared to resume deliveries of the aircraft as early as the first quarter of this year. China has been an increasingly important market for Boeing as the country rapidly built up its aviation industry over the past three decades. The company has delivered 1,736 jets to China, according to Boeing’s own data, with 143 more on order. Boeing believes there is far more to come. Click here to read…
Saudi Arabia Considers Accepting Yuan Instead of Dollars for Chinese Oil Sales
Saudi Arabia is in active talks with Beijing to price some of its oil sales to China in yuan, people familiar with the matter said, a move that would dent the U.S. dollar’s dominance of the global petroleum market and mark another shift by the world’s top crude exporter toward Asia. The talks with China over yuan-priced oil contracts have been off and on for six years but have accelerated this year as the Saudis have grown increasingly unhappy with decades-old U.S. security commitments to defend the kingdom, the people said. The Saudis are angry over the U.S.’s lack of support for their intervention in the Yemen civil war, and over the Biden administration’s attempt to strike a deal with Iran over its nuclear program. Saudi officials have said they were shocked by the precipitous U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan last year. China buys more than 25% of the oil that Saudi Arabia exports. If priced in yuan, those sales would boost the standing of China’s currency. The Saudis are also considering including yuan-denominated futures contracts, known as the petroyuan, in the pricing model of Saudi Arabian Oil Co. , known as Aramco. Click here to read…
Clandestine Finance System Helped Iran Withstand Sanctions Crush, Documents Show
Iran established a clandestine banking and finance system to handle tens of billions of dollars in annual trade banned under U.S.-led sanctions, enabling Tehran to endure the economic siege and giving it leverage in multilateral nuclear talks, according to Western diplomats, intelligence officials and documents. The system, which comprises accounts in foreign commercial banks, proxy companies registered outside the country, firms that coordinate the banned trade, and a transaction clearinghouse within Iran, has helped Tehran resist the Biden administration’s pressure to rejoin the 2015 nuclear deal, buying it time to advance its nuclear program even while negotiations were under way. Officials say they are closing in on a deal, with the release of two British women in recent days foreshadowing a potential agreement within days. Years of sanctions have hobbled Iran’s economy and caused its currency, the rial, to collapse. But the ability to boost trade roughly to pre-sanction levels has helped the economy rebound after three years of contraction, alleviating domestic political pressure and bolstering Tehran’s negotiating position, say the officials and some analysts. Iran’s success at circumventing trade and finance bans, apparent in trade data and confirmed by Western diplomats and intelligence officials, shows the limits of global financial sanctions at a time when the U.S. and European Union have sought to use their economic might to punish Russia for its invasion of Ukraine. Click here to read…
Strategic
US watchers in Beijing urge closer look at Biden’s tough new ‘China hands’
President Joe Biden may have all pieces in place to “target” Beijing, Chinese experts on US affairs have warned, urging renewed understanding of a new crop of young, professional and “tough” White House “China hands”. Biden, who took office in January 2021, made it clear from the start that the “China threat” was a strategic policy priority, in a revival of the “pivot to Asia” under the Obama administration where he was vice-president. And while Washington could still be in the transition period for this strategic policy shift, the key institutional adjustments needed were nearing completion, warned Fan Jishe, a professo r at the Central Party School, the Chinese Communist Party’s top cadre-training and policy advice academy. The Biden administration’s new strategy to target China mainly focused on four areas, Fan said – building domestic consensus; stepping up diplomatic, military, economic alliances; institutionalising new policy directions; and fostering new talent. “Washington has basically completed forming consensus on what people think about China across political parties, think tanks, within the government and the public,” Fan told a seminar organised by the American Institute at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, an official think tank. “The only group that is still not entirely aligned are the business interest groups … but they are now largely a silent group.” Click here to read…
Russia, Ukraine at odds on meaning of ‘neutral status’
Signs of a potential breakthrough showed up a bit amid the Ukraine crisis, as Russia claimed that the neutral status of Ukraine had been discussed in the latest round of bilateral talks. However, the two countries disagreed on the exact model of neutrality, with the Ukraine side saying that it had rejected Russia’s proposal of Sweden’s or Austria’s neutrality, as the model must be “Ukrainian-style.” Chinese experts viewed the contrary postures as a tussle between Russia and the US: Washington is attempting to make the negotiations last longer, which will cause more costs and losses for Russia, but also more bloodshed in Ukraine. According to the Financial Times, which cited three people close to the fourth round of bilateral negotiations, a 15-point peace plan has been drawn up by the two sides. The plan would involve Ukraine dropping its aspiration to join NATO and declaring neutrality, in return for a ceasefire and Russia’s army withdrawing. Russia’s chief negotiator Vladimir Medinsky said on March 16 that Ukraine had proposed the Austrian and Swedish models of a “neutral and demilitarized state, albeit with its own army and navy,” Russian media reported. However, the model was rejected by Ukrainian top negotiator Mikhailo Podolyak, as the model must have “legally verified security guarantees.” Click here to read…
Shadow of Iran oil failure looms over Japan’s Sakhalin decision
Twelve years after leaving an oil field project in southwestern Iran under pressure from Washington, Japan finds itself in a familiar position, this time over an energy project in Russia’s Far East. With 26 billion barrels, Iran’s Azadegan oil field had one of the world’s largest reserves. The government-funded Japan Oil Development Co. (now INPEX) acquired a 75% stake in the project in 2004, eager to develop an oil field that Japan had strong control over. Japan and Iran have historically had good relations. Even after the 1979 Islamic Revolution, which kicked off a four-decade souring of U.S.-Iran ties, Tokyo and Tehran maintained diplomatic relations. As the U.S. and Europe slapped sanctions on Iran over its nuclear development, Japan stuck with the Azadegan project in the 2000s But in the end, the U.S. government made clear to Tokyo that if Japan continued to hold .its stake in Azadegan, it would be hit with sanctions. “We gave it up with a heavy heart,” a senior official at the Ministry of Energy, Trade and Industry (METI) recalled. Burned by the experience in Iran, Japan turned to Russia’s Far East to reduce its energy dependence on the Persian Gulf. But in a twist of fate, Japan’s stakes in the Sakhalin energy projects there are now under the spotlight. Click here to read…
Russia scraps WW2 peace talks with Japan
Russia has ended an arrangement dating back to 1991 that allowed Japanese citizens to visit the Kuril Islands without a visa and has broken off talks with Japan on formally ending the Second World War, citing Tokyo’s “openly unfriendly” conduct in sanctioning Moscow over the conflict in Ukraine. Due to the what it called the “obvious unfriendly nature of the unilateral restrictions imposed by Japan against Russia in connection with the situation in Ukraine,” the Foreign Ministry announced on March 21 that it would “terminate” the visa-free regime and “does not intend to continue negotiations with Japan on a peace agreement.” Russia also withdrew from talks on establishing joint economic activities with Japan in the Southern Kuril Islands and will block Tokyo’s partner status in the Black Sea Economic Cooperation organization. “All responsibility for the damage to Japan’s bilateral cooperation and interests lies with official Tokyo, which deliberately opted for an anti-Russian course instead of developing mutually beneficial cooperation and good neighborliness,” the Foreign Ministry said. Japan joined the US-NATO economic embargo against Russia after Moscow sent troops into Ukraine last month. On March 16, it also revoked Russia’s “most favored nation” trade status. Click here to read…
Over 3m flee Ukraine, stretching neighbors like Poland to limit
Over 3 million people have fled Ukraine since the Russian invasion, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees said March 22, as the rapidly growing crisis tests international cooperation. More than 100,000 — and sometimes over 200,000 — refugees have left Ukraine daily since the war began Feb. 24. UNHCR describes the exodus as the “fastest growing refugee crisis in Europe since World War II” and predicts that 4 million or more ultimately will leave Ukraine. Around 60%, or over 1.8 million, have crossed the border into Poland. The country is temporarily housing refugees at train stations, hotels and sports facilities, and has let them ride public transportation for free. Hundreds have been sheltering at the central station in Warsaw, where volunteers are offering translation and other assistance to the refugees. But the station is nearing its limits, with long lines snaking around bathrooms and ticket counters. The provision of aid to Ukrainian refugees now falls disproportionately on a handful of countries and sharing this burden will be a challenge for Europe. Moldova has received over 300,000 — equal to more than 10% of its entire population of 2.6 million. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, who visited the country on March 19, said Germany will accept some of these refugees. Click here to read…
Israel hit by ‘largest ever’ cyberattack – media
The websites of Israel’s interior, health, justice, and welfare ministries, as well as the prime minister’s office, were taken offline on March 21 in what a defense source claimed was the largest ever cyberattack against Israel. Authorities believe a state actor or large organization was responsible. Israeli newspaper Haaretz reported the cyber strike, citing a “defense establishment source” who claimed it to be the worst ever to hit the Jewish state. The attack reportedly targeted sites using the ‘gov.il’ domain, which serves all Israeli government websites except defense-related ones. Access to some of the affected sites was restored on March 21 night, but Israel’s defense establishment and the National Cyber Directorate have declared a state of emergency while websites of strategic importance – such as those related to the country’s water and power infrastructure – can be checked for signs of compromise. Israeli journalists have already speculated that Iran is to blame. Israel and Iran have for years traded cyberattacks, and Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) hacked CCTV cameras and employee databases at the ports of Haifa and Ashdod last month. Conflict between Tehran and Tel Aviv also went kinetic in recent days. Click here to read…
Egypt, UAE, Israel leaders meet for first ever three-way summit
Leaders of Egypt, Israel, and the United Arab Emirates have met for a three-way summit, the first of its kind since the UAE normalised relations with Israel, with the aftermath of the invasion of Ukraine, as well as the Iran nuclear deal, on the agenda. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi hosted the talks on March 22 at the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh with Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and the UAE’s de facto ruler, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Bennett and Mohammed had also held bilateral talks with el-Sisi on March 21. Egypt’s presidency said the three leaders discussed energy, market stability, and food security. A statement from Bennett’s office said, “The leaders discussed the ties between the three countries in the context of recent developments in the world and the region, and the ways to strengthen them on all levels.” Egypt, in particular, is facing challenges in the areas of energy and food security after the war in Ukraine sent commodity prices soaring, prompting Cairo on March 21 to devalue its currency by 14 percent. The war has also left Egypt facing higher costs for its substantial wheat import needs, as well as a loss in tourism revenue from Russian and Ukrainian visitors to Red Sea resorts. Click here to read…
Russia says it has received US guarantees over Iran nuclear deal
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov says Moscow has received written guarantees from Washington that Western sanctions on Russia over Ukraine will not affect cooperation with Iran within the framework of the 2015 nuclear deal. Lavrov’s remarks on March 22 – delivered as he hosted his Iranian counterpart, Hossein Amirabdollahian, for talks in the Russian capital – could potentially signal that Russia’s demand that the sanctions would not impede its future dealings with Iran has been fulfilled. Moscow made the demand last week amid reports of an imminent agreement after more than 11 months of negotiations aimed at reviving the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), as the nuclear deal is formally known. The United States called Russia’s last-minute demand “irrelevant”, while the so-called E3 countries – France, Germany and the United Kingdom – had warned it could lead to the collapse of the talks. In a joint news conference, Lavrov and Amirabdollahian rejected claims that Russia’s demand was presenting an “obstacle” to negotiations in the Austrian capital and backed a quick return to the deal that the US unilaterally abandoned in 2018. “We received written guarantees. They are included in the text of the agreement itself on the resumption of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action on the Iranian nuclear programme,” Lavrov said. Click here to read…
Syria’s Assad Makes Surprise Visit to the U.A.E. as Arab Ties Warm
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad met with Emirati leaders March 18 on a surprise visit to the United Arab Emirates, his first trip to an Arab country since launching a brutal crackdown on opponents that plunged the country into civil war 11 years ago. The hourslong trip by Mr. Assad, who is sanctioned by the U.S. government, comes amid an Arab effort to bring Syria in from the cold as well as tensions between the U.S. and Gulf countries over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and Washington’s response to recent drone attacks from Yemen. The U.S. has maintained its hard-line position on the Syrian regime and in recent years sought to increase international pressure on him to accept a broader role for his opponents. Mr. Assad was received by the U.A.E.’s de facto leader Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al Nahyan at his palace and separately in Dubai by its ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum, according to U.A.E. and Syrian state media. “Sheikh Mohamed stressed that Syria is a fundamental pillar of Arab security, and that the U.A.E. is keen to strengthen cooperation with it to achieve the aspirations of the brotherly Syrian people towards stability and development,” U.A.E. state news agency WAM reported. Syrian state media agency SANA said economic, commercial and investment cooperation was discussed. Click here to read…
Militants Are Edging South Toward West Africa’s Most Stable and Prosperous States
The Islamist militants who have rampaged through the heart of West Africa in recent years are now spreading toward the Gulf of Guinea coast, including some of the continent’s most stable and prosperous countries, according to African and U.S. officials. The past year has seen an uptick in violence instigated by al Qaeda affiliates along the northern borders of Benin and Togo, with militant cells infiltrating as far as Ghana and Ivory Coast, the world’s top cocoa producers. The attacks on countries along the bend in Africa’s Atlantic coast appear to confirm warnings that U.S. military commanders have issued for several years: Unless stopped, militant violence won’t remain contained in the landlocked nations of the Sahel, the semiarid expanses directly south of the Sahara. “It does look like the jihadists have the aim of getting to the sea,” said Ghanaian army Brig. Gen. Felicia Twum-Barima. The jihadists’ southward push marks a new chapter in a decadelong security crisis that has claimed thousands of lives since al Qaeda-linked fighters swept through northern Mali in 2012, triggering the deployment of thousands of troops by France to reinforce its former colony. The fighting ebbed, then surged again across the Sahel, with jihadist factions loyal to al Qaeda and Islamic State attacking local and allied forces, as well as each other. Since 2020, the region has seen a wave of coups by soldiers pledging to restore security. Click here to read…
China takes wait-and-see stance on Pakistan’s political turmoil
With political uncertainty growing in Pakistan and a no-confidence motion set to be tabled against the government led by Prime Minister Imran Khan, Pakistani officials and experts have noted that China, its economic and geopolitical ally, has adopted a wait-and-see approach in its relations with the country as it tries to figure out whether its favorite opposition party, Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N), can take power in Islamabad. Since the beginning of March, opposition parties including PML-N had been preparing for the no-confidence motion to topple the Khan government. Now, Pakistan’s national assembly — the lower house of parliament — is set to vote on the motion on March 27. If the motion secures at least 172 of 342 votes, Khan will have to step down from his post as prime minister. Officials and experts believe that after the likely ouster of Khan, China will prefer a government led by PML-N, a center-right Punjab-centric political party named after former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor — the $50 billion Pakistan component of Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative — has not progressed well under the incumbent government. Experts believe that a new government led by PML-N will be able to pump a new life into the CPEC. Click here to read…
China fully militarizes key South China Sea features
While international attention is transfixed on the war in Ukraine, China has fully militarized three of its occupied islands in the contested South China Sea. Speaking aboard a P-8 Poseidon on patrol in the South China Sea, US Indo-Pacific Commander Admiral John Aquilino said on March 20 that “China has fully militarized at least three of several islands it built in the disputed South China Sea, arming them with anti-ship and anti-aircraft missile systems, laser and jamming equipment and fighter jets in an increasingly aggressive move that threatens all nations operating nearby.” According to Aquilino, China’s facilities on Mischief Reef, Subi Reef and Fiery Cross Reef appear to have been completed. He said it is yet to be seen whether China will start construction of additional military facilities in its other occupied features in the maritime area. Admiral Aquilino added that “the function of those islands is to expand the offensive capability of the PRC beyond their continental shores” and that from these occupied features, China “can fly fighters, bombers plus all those offensive capabilities of missile systems.” Aquilino also stressed that commercial and military planes flying near these occupied islands will be within the range of China’s weapons, which he said threatens all countries that operate near those features. Click here to read…
US, Philippines to hold their ‘largest-ever’ war games
The Philippines and the United States will kick off the largest-ever joint military drills in the archipelago nation next week, US officials said on March 22, showing off their strong defence ties in the face of growing Chinese assertiveness. Nearly 9,000 Filipino and American soldiers will take part in the 12-day war games on the main island of Luzon, which are usually an annual affair but were cancelled or curbed during the pandemic. The exercises, which start on Mar 28, will cover among other things maritime security, live-fire training, counterterrorism, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, the US embassy said in a statement. “(Both sides) will train together to expand and advance shared tactics, techniques and procedures that strengthen our response capabilities and readiness for real-world challenges,” said Major General Jay Bargeron, commander of the US 3rd Marine Division. Recent manoeuvres between the longtime allies have focused on potential conflict in the South China Sea, which Beijing claims almost in its entirety. China has ignored a 2016 ruling by The Hague-based Permanent Court of Arbitration that its historical claim is without basis. It has reinforced its stance by building artificial islands over some contested reefs and installing weapons on them. Click here to read…
China, Islamic world ‘standing closer’ as Chinese FM attends OIC meeting for first time
China and the Islamic world are standing closer with each other while the world is experiencing profound changes, as the Chinese foreign minister was for the first time invited to attend the foreign ministers’ meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the biggest international organization of Muslim countries. With recent signs such as progress in FTA negotiations between China and the Gulf Cooperation Council, and Saudi Arabia in “active discussions” with China to price some of its oil sales to China in yuan, many significant facts have shown that US efforts to hype rumors about Xinjiang have failed to split China and the Islamic world while the two sides have chosen to explore deeper cooperation, said Chinese analysts on March 22. Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said in Islamabad, capital of Pakistan, March 21 that China and the Islamic world have a strong desire to build partnerships for unity, justice and development. The OIC is the second largest organization after the United Nations with a membership of 57 states spread over four continents of Asia, Europe, Africa and South America which covers almost all Muslim countries. Wang noted that his presence at the OIC event reflects the strong desire of China and the Islamic world to further deepen their cooperation, saying the theme of the OIC foreign ministers’ meeting – “Building Partnerships for Unity, Justice and Development” – bears special significance under current international circumstances. Click here to read…
Medical
No shift in China’s zero-Covid response until big pandemic picture changes: top mainland expert
China will only consider adjusting its strict virus response after overall conditions change at home and overseas, according to China’s top Covid-19 strategy official. In an interview with state broadcaster CCTV on March 21, Liang Wannian, head of the expert panel leading the country’s Covid-19 response, said those conditions included having better tools to fight the virus, the prevalence of a less dangerous strain and the pandemic becoming less serious abroad. Liang said China would review factors collectively, including the degree of harm being caused by the virus, when weighing up changes to pandemic strategy or a return to normal. “I know everyone is hoping for the pandemic to end soon, but the viruses and diseases themselves do not depend on our will,” Liang said. He said potential developments included the virus mutating into a weaker pathogen with low transmissibility and virulence, posing less danger to health and life. This would be the best-case scenario. Another possibility was that vaccines became so effective they prevented not only severe illness, more severe clinical outcomes and death but stopped infection altogether. Future Covid-19 drugs might block the disease at an early stage, Liang said. Click here to read…
Western Europe COVID-19 cases surge
COVID-19 is again surging in Western Europe due to a “perfect storm” of governments lifting restrictions, waning immunity and the more contagious BA.2 Omicron subvariant, experts said March 21. After more than a month of falling cases across much of the continent, countries such as Britain, France, Germany and Italy have all seen a dramatic resurgence of infections in recent days. In France, cases have risen by more than a third in the week since the government ended most COVID-19 restrictions on March 14. In Germany, despite a new daily record of nearly 300,000 infections on March 18, the government let national legislation enabling coronavirus restrictions expire over the weekend. Most German states, which have considerable leeway on applying measures, have however maintained the restrictions. In Italy, the government announced on March 17 it would phase out almost all restrictions by May 1 despite rising cases. And in Britain, where one in 20 people are currently infected, the government removed the last of its international travel restrictions on March 18. Faced with its own surging cases, Austria announced on the weekend it would reimpose rules requiring FFP2 face masks – just weeks after lifting the measure. Click here to read…