All posts by vd@admin

DEFENCE

63rd National Defence College (NDC) Course commences.
India and Pakistan exchanged the list of nuclear installations and facilities.
Exchange of list of prisoners between India and Pakistan.
DRDO celebrates its 65th Foundation Day.
RM calls upon other Ministries, State Governments and private sector to provide new opportunities to Agniveer.
Raksha Mantri reviews operational preparedness of Andaman & Nicobar Command in Port Blair.
IAF & Japan Air Self Defence Force set to exercise jointly in Japan.
Roundtable conference for Aero India 2023.
Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) approves Acceptance of Necessity (AON) worth Rs 4,276 crore.

INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM

Africa

Somalia

The Somali government and al-Shabaab denied peace talks as the Somalian President called on terrorists to surrender.
Twin car bombings killed more than 20 people in central Somalia.

Nigeria

Nigerian security forces killed 30 Boko Haram terrorists in Borno State.

Afghanistan

Taliban claimed to kill 08 IS terrorists and arrested several others in a raid in Nimroz province.

DOMESTIC TERRORISM

Jammu and Kashmir

MHA designated HM operative Asif Maqbool Dar as a “terrorist” under UA(P) Act.
Two children were killed in an explosion in the Rajouri district.
MHA designated LeT and JeM’s proxy groups as “terrorist organisations”.

Left-Wing Extremism

“Bharat will be free from Maoist menace by 2024”: Home Minister Amit Shah.
Key Maoist leader eliminated in anti-Naxal operation on Telangana-Chhattisgarh border.
Security forces arrested two Maoists OGWs from Telangana.
Eight Maoists surrendered before the police in Jharkhand.

Islamic Extremism (excluding J&K)

UP ATS arrested a terrorist from Saharanpur for radicalising youth.

Khalistan-inspired Extremism

Khalistan sympathisers’ graffiti the walls of a Hindu temple with hatred messages in Australia.
Canada-based Arshdeep Singh Gill was designated a terrorist under the UA(P) Act over Khalistan-inspired activities.

DEFENCE

Value of indigenous defence production.

The value of indigenous defence production for Financial Years 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 are Rs 84,643 crore and Rs 94,846 crore respectively. To achieve ‘Aatmanirbharta’ and realise the goal of ‘Make in India’, Government of India has established two Defence Industrial Corridors (DICs) in the country, one in Uttar Pradesh and other in Tamil Nadu.
For more information: Click here to read…

63rd National Defence College (NDC) Course commences.

The 63rd National Defence College (NDC) Course commenced on January 02, 2023 with Commandant NDC and the Course Participants laying wreaths at the National War Memorial, as a mark of respect to the fallen soldiers. The Course is focused on National Security & Strategy, along with strands of Governance, Technology, History, and Economics. It is represented by 41 Officers from Indian Army, 07 from Indian Navy, 13 from Indian Air Force, 19 from Civil Services, and 40 officers from 30 Friendly Foreign Countries (FFCs).
For more information: Click here to read…

India and Pakistan exchanged the list of nuclear installations and facilities.

India and Pakistan exchanged, through diplomatic channels simultaneously at New Delhi and Islamabad, the list of nuclear installations and facilities, covered under the Agreement on the Prohibition of Attack against Nuclear Installations and Facilities between India and Pakistan. The Agreement, which was signed on 31 December 1988 and entered into force on 27 January 1991 provides, inter alia, that India and Pakistan inform each other of the nuclear installations and facilities to be covered under the Agreement on the first of January of every calendar year. This is the 32nd consecutive exchange of such lists between the two countries, the first one having taken place on 01 January 1992.
For more information: Click here to read…

Exchange of list of prisoners between India and Pakistan.

India and Pakistan exchanged, through diplomatic channels simultaneously at New Delhi and Islamabad, the lists of civilian prisoners and fishermen in their custody. Under the provisions of the 2008 Agreement on Consular Access, such lists are exchanged every year on 01 January and 01 July. India shared lists of 339 Pakistani civilian prisoners and 95 Pakistani fishermen currently in Indian custody. Similarly, Pakistan has shared lists of 51 civilian prisoners and 654 fishermen in its custody, who are Indians or are believed to be Indians.

The Government has called for early release and repatriation of civilian prisoners, missing Indian defence personnel, and fishermen along with their boats, from Pakistan’s custody. In this context, Pakistan was asked to expedite the release and repatriation of 631 Indian fishermen and 02 Indian civilian prisoners, who have completed their sentence and whose nationality has been confirmed and conveyed to Pakistan. In addition, Pakistan has been asked to provide immediate consular access to the remaining 30 fishermen and 22 civilian prisoners in Pakistan’s custody, who are believed to be Indian.
For more information: Click here to read…

DRDO celebrates its 65th Foundation Day.

The 65th Foundation Day of the Organisation, was celebrated on 1st January 2023. The DRDO Chairman stated that several systems developed by DRDO have been delivered, inducted or handed over to the users. Dr Kamat added that the Acceptance of Necessity (AON) has also been accorded by the Defence Procurement Boards and Defence Acquisitions Council for induction of several DRDO developed systems. Some of the notable systems include: Sarang ESM system, Light Tank, Tactical Advance Range Augmentation (TARA) kit, Long Range Guided Bomb (LRGB)-Gaurav, Naval Anti-Ship Missile-Medium Range (NASM-MR), Air surveillance radar for NGMV, Low Level Transportable Radar (LLTR) -Ashwini, New Generation Anti-radiation Missile (NGARM), Pralay, Guided Extended Range Rocket Ammunition for Pinaka, Self-Propelled Mine Burier, Infantry Combat Vehicle-Command, Anti-Personnel Fragmentation Mine ‘Ulk’, Infantry Floating Foot Bridge, Bridge Laying Tank (BLT) T-72 and ACADA.

The DRDO Chairman said that it is expected that most of the systems under trials will be handed over to the users in the coming year. He summarised that five CCS programmes worth Rs 26,000 crore and 55 other projects worth Rs 11,000 crore were sanctioned in 2022. 32 previously sanctioned projects were successfully completed. Some other flagship programmes such as Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) are also under consideration for approval by CCS.

He brought out that in the past year, DRDO has signed 145 ToTs. Towards IP protection, 160 patents were filed and 100 have been granted during 2022. The fund limit under Technology Development Fund (TDF) Scheme was enhanced to Rs 50 crore from Rs 10 crore per project. This will enable DRDO to support industry for development of more complex technologies. He mentioned that MoU was also signed between Naval Innovation and Indigenisation Organisation and TDF to work jointly on advanced naval technologies. In addition, he mentioned that the 4th version of Dare to Dream contest has been launched by the Raksha Mantri. He informed that DRDO has now established a total of 15 DRDO-Industry-Academia Centres of Excellence (DIA-CoEs). Currently, 867 projects are on-going with academia at a cost of Rs 1,183 crore.
For more information: Click here to read…

RM calls upon other Ministries, State Governments and private sector to provide new opportunities to Agniveer.

During the event, Ministry of Defence (MoD), Ministry of Education (MoE), Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MoSDE) and all the three Services signed/exchanged MoUs/ Agreements with various stakeholders to facilitate continued education of Agniveers while serving in the Armed Forces and award of appropriate skill certificates in accordance with their expertise/experience. Under these MoUs with National Institute of Open School (NIOS) and Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), suitable 12th Class certificates and Bachelor’s degree will be awarded to the Agniveers respectively.
For more information: Click here to read…

Raksha Mantri (RM) reviews operational preparedness of Andaman & Nicobar Command in Port Blair.

RM reviewed the operational preparedness of Andaman & Nicobar Command and infrastructure development at operational areas during his visit to the Headquarters of the only operational joint services command of the country in Port Blair on January 05, 2023. Commander-in-Chief Andaman and Nicobar Command (CINCAN) Lieutenant General Ajai Singh briefed the RM about the geo-strategic potential of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and the role they can play towards enhancing India’s influence and support to military operations in the area.
For more information: Click here to read…

IAF & Japan Air Self Defence Force set to exercise jointly in Japan.

To promote Air Defence cooperation between the countries, India and Japan are all set to hold the joint Air Exercise, ‘Veer Guardian-2023’ involving the Indian Air Force and Japan Air Self Defence Force (JASDF) at Hyakuri Air Base, Japan from 12 January 2023 to 26 January 2023. The Indian contingent participating in the air exercise will include four Su-30 MKI, two C-17 & one IL-78 aircraft, while the JASDF will be participating with four F-2 & four F-15 aircraft.
For more information: Click here to read…

Roundtable conference for Aero India 2023.

Raksha Mantri chaired, in New Delhi on January 09, 2023, the Ambassadors’ Roundtable conference for the forthcoming Aero India 2023. The reach-out event, organised by Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence, was attended by Ambassadors, High Commissioners, Chargé d’affaires and Defence Attachés of over 80 countries. The Raksha Mantri invited the representatives from across the world to attend Asia’s largest and 14th Aero show – Aero India-2023 – which will be held in Bengaluru, Karnataka on February 13-17, 2023. He urged them to encourage their respective defence and aerospace companies to attend the global event.

Recalling the success of Aero India 2021, Shri Rajnath Singh stated that the last edition had witnessed unprecedented attendance of over 600 exhibitors physically and another 108 virtually. He added that the event saw the participation of 63 countries and around 3,000 Business-2-Business meetings were held. He also elaborated on the huge success of DefExpo 2022 which witnessed unparalleled participation of over 1,340 exhibitors, businesses, investors, start-ups, MSMEs, Armed Forces and delegates from several countries. He asserted that the conclusion of 451 Memoranda of Understanding, Transfer of Technology agreements, product launches and orders to domestic businesses, worth Rs 1.5 lakh crore, etc. attest to the success of the DefExpo.
For more information: Click here to read…

Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) approves Acceptance of Necessity (AON) worth Rs 4,276 crore.

A meeting of Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), held on January 10, 2023 and accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for three capital acquisition proposals, amounting to Rs 4,276 crore. All the three proposals – two of the Indian Army and one of the Indian Navy – are under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) category.

The DAC accorded AoN for procurement of HELINA Anti-Tank Guided Missiles, launchers and associated support equipment which will be integrated to the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH). The DAC also accorded AoN for procurement of VSHORAD (IR Homing) missile system under design and development by DRDO. Further, the DAC granted approval for procurement of Brahmos Launcher and Fire Control System (FCS) for the Shivalik class of ships & Next Generation Missile Vessels (NGMVs) for Indian Navy.
For more information: Click here to read…

INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM

Africa

Somalia

The Somali government and al-Shabaab denied peace talks as the Somalian President called on terrorists to surrender.

On 07 January 2023, the Somali government and the al-Shabaab group denied having peace talks, where President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud called “brainwashed” terrorists to surrender to the government. “We are not negotiating with the al-Shabaab terror group. However, individuals who wish to give up arms and leave the group will undergo a process to defect and be eligible for government amnesty,” said National Security Adviser— Hussein Sheikh Ali. On 06 January 2023, Somali President called on the al-Shabaab terrorists to leave the terrorist ideology before it was too late.

Al-Shabaab, too, denied any talks with the Somali government. “I can confirm that there are not and can be no talks between the government and us,” said an al-Shabaab terrorist.
For more information: Click here to read…

Twin car bombings killed more than 20 people in central Somalia.

More than 20 people were killed, and 30 more were injured in twin car explosions by al-Shabaab on 05 January 2023 in the Mahas neighbourhood of Central Somalia. Mumin Mohamed Halane, the District Commissioner of Mahas, claimed that the first bomb went off in front of his house, and the second device was aimed at a lawmaker’s residence. Al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for the incident and said it resulted in the deaths of 87 persons, including military officers.
For more information: Click here to read…

Nigeria

Nigerian security forces killed 30 Boko Haram terrorists in Borno State.

On 01 January 2023, Nigerian Air Force (NAF) carried out air strikes on four Boko Haram camps in the Sambisa forest in Borno State and eliminated 30 Boko Haram terrorists, including three commanders. The targeted camps included Bula Jitoye, Halka Kojoy, Halka Alai, and Bulamaye in Bama Local Council.
For more information: Click here to read…

Afghanistan

Taliban claimed to kill 08 IS terrorists and arrested several others in a raid in Nimroz province.

On 04 January 2023, the Taliban carried out raids at various locations in Nimroz province and killed eight Islamic State (IS)/IS-Khurasan Province (IS-KP) terrorists in a spate of attacks in Kabul city. “The raids in the capital city and western Nimroz province targeted IS members who organised recent terror attacks on Kabul’s Longan Hotel, Pakistan’s Embassy, and the military airport. Eight IS terrorists, including foreign nationals, were killed, whereas seven others were arrested in the raids,” said Taliban spokesman— Zabihullah Mujahid.

DOMESTIC TERRORISM

Jammu and Kashmir

MHA designated HM operative Asif Maqbool Dar as a “terrorist” under UA(P) Act.

On 07 January 2023, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) released a notification designating Hizb ul-Mujahideen (HM) operative— Asif Maqbool Dar as a “terrorist” under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act 1967, [UA(P)A]. Currently, Dar is based in Saudi Arabia.

Per the notification, Dar is involved in instigating the youth from Kashmir to use social media platforms for terrorist activities. He is also accused of conspiring terrorist attacks in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) and other major cities.
For more information: Click here to read…

Two children were killed in an explosion in the Rajouri district.

Two children were killed in an explosion on 02 January 2023, and four others were injured in the Dangri village of Rajouri district in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). Another IED (Improvised Explosive Device) was recovered from the same area and defused by security forces. To track down terrorists involved in the attack, security forces intensified the Cordon-And-Search Operation (CASO) by inducting security personnel, including drones and sniffer dogs were deployed.
For more information: Click here to read…

MHA designated LeT and JeM’s proxy groups as “terrorist organisations”.

In a notification released on 05 January 2023, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) designated Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT)’s— The Resistance Front (TRF) and Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM)’s— People’s Anti-Fascist Front (PAFF) as terrorist organisations. “PAFF was involved in terror acts and is regularly issuing threats to security forces, political leaders, civilians working in Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) from other states and is involved, along with other organisations, in conspiring pro-actively physically and in social media to undertake violent terrorist acts and Jammu-Kashmir and other major cities in Bharat,” read the MHA notification.

The MHA also declared Mohammed Amin and TRF commander— Shiekh Sajjad Gul terrorists under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act 1967. Khubaib is a launching commander of LeT and plays a key role in reviving and accelerating terror activities in the Jammu region.
For more information: Click here to read…

Left-Wing Extremism

“Bharat will be free from Maoist menace by 2024”: Home Minister Amit Shah.

Addressing a public meeting organised by Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) in Korba, Chhattisgarh, on 07 January 2023, the Union Home Minister— Amit Shah, said, “we are now on the verge of making Naxal-affected areas free from the menace. Our (BJP) efforts are to ensure that the country is free from the Naxal problem by 2024.” As per the strategy, youths who used to take up arms will be provided employment, roads, water, telephone, and electricity in remote areas to assist them in joining the mainstream of society.
For more information: Click here to read…

Key Maoist leader eliminated in anti-Naxal operation on Telangana-Chhattisgarh border.

On 11 January 2023, security forces engaged in a gun battle with Maoists and killed a top leader— Madvi Hidma, on the Telangana-Chhattisgarh border. According to a communique from the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) of the Chhattisgarh sector, CRPF’s COBRA battalion carried out the operation. Hidma’s killing will be a jolt to the Maoist organisation. Being a member of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of India (CPI)-Maoist, Hidma was an expert in guerrilla warfare. Hidma was a prime suspect in an attack carried out in April 2021 in which 22 security personnel attained Veergati (fell in the battle).
For more information: Click here to read…

Security forces arrested two Maoist OGWs from Telangana.

On 05 January 2023, the joint team of CRPF personnel and Charla police arrested two Maoist Over-Ground Workers (OGWs)/couriers— P Sammaiah (35 years old) and Satyaveni (33 years old) during a vehicle checking drive at Mandal headquarters town of Charla in Bhadradri Kothagudem district in Telangana.

Security forces recovered a bundle of 200-metre wire, ten pressure cookers, some explosive ingredients, and a tractor-trolley. According to police, for the last two years, the duo supplied essential commodities and explosive materials to Maoists operating in Chhattisgarh.
For more information: Click here to read…

Eight Maoists surrendered before the police in Jharkhand.

On 04 January 2023, eight Maoists of the Communist Party of India (CPI)-Maoist, including three women, surrendered before security forces in Ranchi, Jharkhand. The surrendered Maoists were facing charges of murder, and rioting, besides other cases registered under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act of 1967.

“The Jharkhand government has vowed to make the state free of Naxalites. The surrender and rehabilitation policy has a positive impact. The Naxals are surrendering due to the CPI(Maoist)’s internal oppression, environment of fear, and increased police raids. Today, eight Maoists, including three women members of CPI(Maoist), who worked directly under the Central Committee member Misir Besra, surrendered,” said Inspector-General (IG) Operations— Amol Homkar.
For more information: Click here to read…

Islamic Extremism (excluding J&K)

UP ATS arrested a terrorist from Saharanpur for radicalising youth.

On 30 December 2022, Uttar Pradesh’s Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) arrested Azharuddin from Saharanpur for his alleged involvement in radicalising youth through videos and terrorist literature. Azharuddin was detained for interrogation on the inputs from Lukmaan, a terrorist affiliated with al-Qa’ida in Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) and Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB), and later was arrested. Lukman was arrested on 26 September 2022.
For more information: Click here to read…

Khalistan-inspired Extremism

Khalistan sympathisers’ graffiti the walls of a Hindu temple with hatred messages in Australia.

On 12 January 2023, Khalistan sympathisers graffiti the walls of a Hindu temple— BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir, with pro-Khalistan and anti-Bharat slogans in Melbourne’s northern suburb of Mill Park. The BAPS Swaminarayan temple released a statement condemning the act. “We are deeply saddened by these acts of vandalism and hate. We offer our prayers for peace and harmony,” read the statement.

On the incident, the Liberal MP for the Northern Metropolitan Region— Evan Mulholland, said that this vandalism is deeply distressing for victoria’s peaceful Hindu community.
For more information: Click here to read…

Canada-based Arshdeep Singh Gill was designated as a terrorist under the UA(P) Act over Khalistan-inspired activities.

On 09 January 2023, the Government of India (GoI) designated Canada-based Arshdeep Singh Gill as a terrorist for his association with the Khalistan-inspired movement. Gill has been declared a terrorist under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act [UA(P)A]. According to the notification issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Gill is closely associated with Harshdeep Singh Nijjar, chief of Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF).
For more information: Click here to read…

Neighbourhood News

Neighborhood News Digest – 17 January 2023

January 17, 2023 vd@admin

Afghanistan

UN Employ Technology to Stop Afghanistan’s Illicit Opium Cultivation – Khaama Press

On Monday, a British University, Cranfield, released a statement indicating a research partnership with United Nations. The report said that the researchers from the University would work on a research project to help the United Nations develop artificial intelligence (AI) to support the monitoring of illegal opium production in Afghanistan. In this research program, the researcher will use artificial intelligence to interpret satellite imagery, tracing where the crops are used for drug production in Afghanistan. The partnership between the University and UN lasts until July 2023, said Daniel Simms, Cranfield University lecturer. Click here to read…

Pakistan “quietly urging” Kabul to Neutralize Taliban Pakistan – Khaama Press

Pakistan is subtly urging the Afghan Taliban leadership to counter the threat posed by the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which has intensified its strikes in the country in the recent past. However, the efforts by Islamabad have yet to give any meaningful result, and the interim government in Kabul is still sticking to its earlier position that the only way to resolve the TTP issue is by dialogue, sources said, report the Express Tribute. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

Bangladesh ‘key’ to India’s Northeast – Bangkok Post

Recently, Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar stated that, if there is one border and one region of India which has dramatically improved in the last decade, it is eastern and northeastern India. And the reason for that is that India has vastly improved its relationship with Bangladesh. Click here to read…

Ensure none can use religion to mislead people – Daily Star

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday called upon Alem and Olama (Islamic scholars) to instil humanitarian values among people and guide them against terrorism, militancy and drug abuse. “These are destroying families and the society as well,” she said while virtually inaugurating 50 more model mosques across the country from her official residence Gono Bhaban. Click here to read…

Many shot as police, BNP clash in Ctg – New Age

During the third simultaneous opposition programme on Monday, at least 55 people, including five cops, were injured as BNP activists clashed with police during a rally at Kazirdewri in Chattogram. New Age staff correspondent in Chattrogram reported that police detained 16 BNP people in the area after the clash. Click here to read…

Bhutan

Kuwait Crown Prince receives Bhutan King – Arab Times Online

His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received at Bayan Palace on Monday visiting King of Bhutan Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and the accompanying delegation. During the meeting, His Highness the Crown Prince conveyed greetings in addition to wishes of welfare and prosperity from His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah to the Bhutan King. King Wangchuck conveyed greetings of similar sentiments to the leadership and people of Kuwait. The two also touched on issues of mutual concern during the meeting attended by senior state officials. Click here to read…

Bhutan aims USD 5B GDP by 2029, USD 10B by 2034 – Kuensel Online

The government plans the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) to double from USD 2.5 billion (B) to USD 5B by 2029 and USD 10B by 2034. This according to the government’s draft “Long Term Perspective Plan (2024-2034),” is one of the 10 drafts National Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) identified. From the beginning of 13th five-year plan, the government’s new approach would be to set Bhutan’s socio-economic development efforts over the next 10 years from 2024-2034 towards realising the Royal Vision of ‘Developed Bhutan’, according to the Long Term Perspective Plan (2024-2034). Click here to read…

Maldives

Key agreements signed to solidify Maldives-Cambodia bilateral relations – Raajje

Key agreements have been signed between the governments of Maldives and Cambodia to further strengthen the existing bilateral relations between the two countries. On Monday, both governments signed six key agreements mirroring a pivotal point of progress in bilateral relations between the two countries.President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen who is currently undertaking an official visit to the island nation, presided over the agreement exchange ceremony . Click here to read…

Myanmar

Myanmar Military’s Proxy Party Woos Votes in Shan State – The Irrawaddy

The chairman of the military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) travelled to Taunggyi in southern Shan State over the weekend to woo ethnic support for the junta’s planned election. Khin Yi was making his first visit to an ethnic state following trips to meet USDP members in Bamar-majority regions including Yangon, Mandalay, Ayeyarwady, Bago and Sagaing. The military’s proxy party performed well in Shan State in the 2020 general election, losing only narrowly to the National League for Democracy (NLD) despite its otherwise humiliating defeat on the national scale. Click here to read…

200 Myanmar refugees in Mizoram after fleeing strikes on border camp – Indian Express

At least 200 Myanmarese nationals crossed the border into Mizoram last week following airstrikes by the Myanmar military on a key rebel camp at the India-Myanmar border, according to an NGO helping them. Click here to read…

Myanmar Junta Census Collection Sparks Deadly Resistance Attacks – The Irrawaddy

Myanmar’s regime has been conducting a census to update voter lists this month as it prepares for an election, which might take place in August. Five people, including two police officers, have been killed and an administration office and immigration offices attacked in the last week, according to resistance groups. Click here to read…

Israeli Defense Ministry, Company Accused of Helping Myanmar Military Spy on Opponents – The Irrawaddy

A group led by an Israeli human rights lawyer has asked the country’s attorney general to investigate allegations that the Israeli Ministry of Defense and a spyware firm from the country helped the Myanmar military commit crimes against humanity. Eitay Mack filed the application for a criminal probe into the activities of the ministry and Cognyte Software Ltd. on Jan. 2 on behalf of more than 60 Israeli citizens including a former speaker of the country’s legislature, academics and human rights activists. Click here to read…

Nepal

Crashed Plane’s Black Box Handed Over To Nepal Aviation Authorities – NDTV

The black box of the Yeti Airlines aircraft, which crashed a day ago with 72 people on board was handed over by the Nepal Army to Civil Aviation Authority officials today.
The Nepal Army also handed over the flight data recorder, following the crash. The twin-engine ATR 72 aircraft from Kathmandu crashed in Pokhara minutes before touch-down on Sunday. A total of 68 bodies have been recovered so far from the site of the crash. Click here to read…

Dahal to visit India in first foreign trip – The Kathmandu Post

Several bilateral meetings will precede the sojourn that will take place in late February or early March. Government officials have started preparations for Pushpa Kamal Dahal’s visit to India in the near future with the prime minister saying on Saturday that he would make New Delhi his first port of call after taking up the executive job in December-end. Click here to read…

Major coalition partners reach agreement on ministerial allocation – The Kathmandu Post

A month after CPN (Maoist Centre) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal got appointed as prime minister, top leaders of the ruling coalition have agreed on ministerial allocations. With this development the Dahal-led Cabinet will be expanded on Tuesday. A meeting of the chiefs of four ruling parties held at the prime minister’s residence at Baluwatar on Monday reached the power-sharing deal. However, the JSP has expressed reservations over the ministerial allocations and decided not to send its ministers immediately. Click here to read…

Pakistan

PTI hints at NA return to fail PM’s trust vote – Dawn

The Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) has hinted at returning to the National Assembly to ensure that the “party turncoats” do not help Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif get vote of confidence that the party is planning to put the premier to “test”. With PTI dissident Raja Riaz holding the parliamentary party leader’s position in the National Assembly, PTI fears that he may decide to vote in favour of the prime minister if President Dr Arif Alvi asks Shehbaz Sharif to take the trust vote. Click here to read…

‘Pakistan has learnt its lesson…’: PM Shehbaz Sharif on wars with India – India Today

Oil prices dipped in early Asian trade on Monday, but held close to the highest levels since the start of the year on optimism that China’s reopening will lift fuel demand at the world’s top crude importer. Brent crude fell 36 cents, or 0.4 per cent, to $84.92 a barrel by 0116 GMT while US West Texas Intermediate crude was at $79.65 a barrel, down 21 cents, or 0.3pc amid thin trade during a US public holiday. Click here to read…

Pakistan’s Abdul Rehman Makki, Hafiz Saeed kin, listed as global terrorist by UN – Hindustan Times

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on Monday listed Abdul Rehman Makki, a Pakistan-based terrorist and brother-in-law of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) chief Hafiz Saeed, as a global terrorist under its ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee. The listing comes after China in 2020 had put on India’s bid to name the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) leader a global terrorist. In June 2022, India had slammed China after it blocked the proposal to list terrorist Makki under the Sanctions Committee, also known as the UNSC 1267 Committee. Click here to read…

Pakistan: Wheat shortage, inflation trigger protests in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa – Firstpost

As Pakistan struggles with a severe economic crisis, protests are taking place across the country due to an acute shortage of food items. Protests were staged in various cities of Swabi district in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region of Pakistan on Saturday against wheat flour shortage and skyrocketing inflation, Dawn reported. Jamaat-i-Islami workers held demonstrations at Shewa Adda Chowk in Swabi against inflation, extortion, robbery incidents, electricity load shedding and closure of compressed natural gas stations. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

India expected to send ‘positive’ message on debt restructuring during Jaishankar’s visit – Daily News

Indian External Affairs Minister of India, S. Jaishankar’s visit to Colombo on Thursday will focus on “supporting Sri Lanka” in its current economic crisis, government sources said, adding that talks are ongoing in the field of energy security, food security, currency swap arrangements as well as talks about restructuring Sri Lanka’s debt. Click here to read…

“You will have some good news soon”, Chinese Vice Minister tells PM – Daily News

A high level delegation of China’s Communist Party (CPC), led by Vice Minister Chen Zhou, Head of the CPC International Department called on Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena at Temple Trees yesterday and assured that China would stand by Sri Lanka in the current economic crisis. Click here to read…

GCC secretary-general calls for stronger ties with EU, Sri Lanka – Arab News

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Dr. Nayef Falah Al-Hajraf emphasized the importance of strengthening relations between the GCC and the EU to realize shared interests. Meanwhile, Al-Hajraf also met with the Sri Lankan Ambassador to Saudi Arabia P.M. Amza to discuss strengthening cooperation between the GCC and Sri Lanka in politics, the economy and tourism. Click here to read…

Africa Now

Africa Now – Weekly Newsletter (Week 3, 2023)

January 16, 2023 vd@admin

Welcome to Africa Now, your weekly newsletter for Africa, presenting the most important developments in the continent – news that matters.

COMMENTARY

US and Russia clash over violent extremism in Africa

The United States accused Russian military contractors backed by the Kremlin on Tuesday of interfering in the internal affairs of African countries and “increasing the likelihood that violent extremism will grow” in the Sahel region which is facing increasing attacks and deteriorating security — an allegation Russia denied. Click here to read…

How Ruto can transform Kenya’s economy

Despite William Ruto’s narrow win to become Kenya’s president in August last year, the transition occurred peacefully. Now his challenge is to transform the economy in a country with numerous developmental challenges. Click here to read…

NEWS

Benin pro-government parties win parliamentary majority

Benin’s pro-government parties have won a majority of seats in Sunday’s parliamentary elections, the country’s constitutional court announced Thursday. Click here to read…

Benin constitutional court affirms election win for ruling coalition

Benin’s constitutional court on Friday affirmed the ruling coalition’s win in last weekend’s legislative election and the return to parliament of an opposition after boycotts and exclusions in previous elections. Click here to read…

Gabon names first female vice president and new prime minister

The new vice president, the first woman to hold the position in Gabon, was previously prime minister and defence minister. Click here to read…

Polisario holds leadership poll under shadow of Morocco-Algeria tensions

The Polisario movement, which seeks independence in disputed Western Sahara, started meeting Friday for leadership elections in the shadow of mounting tensions between host Algeria and Morocco, which controls most of the territory. Click here to read…

Ethiopia’s Tigray conflict: TPLF forces hand over weapons in peace move

Tigrayan forces in northern Ethiopia have started handing over heavy weapons in line with a peace deal to end a brutal civil war. Click here to read…

Amhara forces withdraw from northern Ethiopia’s Tigray region

Forces from Ethiopia’s Amhara region who fought in support of federal troops during the two-year civil war in neighbouring Tigray have withdrawn in line with an African Union-backed ceasefire, the army says. Click here to read…

Insecurity could derail Nigeria polls, election commission warns

There have been 50 recorded attacks on offices of the electoral commission nationwide between 2019 and 2022. Click here to read…

Chad says it foiled ‘destabilisation’ attempt by officers

A group of 11 officers, led by a human rights activist, was behind the attempt, according to a government statement. Click here to read…

Violence soars in Mali in the year after Russians arrive

Western officials say violence against civilians in Mali has risen in the year since hundreds of Russian mercenaries have started working alongside the West African country’s armed forces. Click here to read…

Amnesty condemns Mozambique’s ‘forgotten war’ after viral video

A video showing soldiers hurling a corpse onto a pile of burning rubble in Mozambique’s north “gives a glimpse” of what is happening in a “forgotten war,” Amnesty International said. Click here to read…

South Africa wants probe into ‘disturbing’ Mozambique clip

South Africa wants an investigation into a “disturbing” video allegedly showing one of its soldiers present while bodies were being burned on a pile of rubble in Mozambique. Click here to read…

DR Congo accuses Rwanda of ‘political’ blackmail over refugees

Kinshasa accused Rwanda of using refugees for political purposes on Wednesday, after its neighbour said it would no longer take in people fleeing violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Click here to read…

South Africa to Use BRICS Chair Role to Advance Africa Interests

South Africa will use its role as the 2023 chair of the BRICS grouping of nations to advance the interest of Africa as a whole, President Cyril Ramaphosa saidClick here to read…

Egypt vows to cut military’s outsized role in economy under IMF bailout

Egypt has committed to reducing the military’s role in the economy as part of its $3bn IMF bailout package, as the Arab state grapples with a foreign currency crisis, a weakening pound and rising inflation. Click here to read…

New Zimbabwe law threatens health workers with jail over strikes

Zimbabwe has brought in a law banning health workers such as nurses and doctors from prolonged strikes, imposing punishments of up to six months in jail for defiant workers or union leaders, state-run media and a government spokesman said. Click here to read…

Nigeria: Don’t interfere with our elections, Buhari warns foreign governments

With just few weeks to the commencement of the general elections, President Muhammadu Buhari, on Thursday reiterated his warning to foreign governments’ representatives not to meddle in the exercise. Click here to read…

Hundreds rally against al-Shabab in Somali capital Mogadishu

Somalia President Mohamud urges citizens to help flush out members of the group he describes as ‘bedbugs’. Click here to read…

Chinese national nabbed in Tanzania for cyber fraud

A Chinese national has been nabbed in Tanzania for cyber fraud, raising concern about the global threat posed by Chinese cyber criminals, The HK Post reported. Click here to read…

Botswana court upholds ex-president Khama’s arrest warrant

A Botswana court on Friday dismissed an application by former President Ian Khama to have an arrest warrant against him struck down. Click here to read…

Why the military promised to withdraw from power in Sudan

Little more than a year ago, the military side of the coalition charged with helping Sudan transition to democracy staged a coup, ousting the civilian elements of the coalition and seizing control of the country. Click here to read…

Fourteen Malian soldiers killed in two armed group attacks: Army

Fourteen Malian soldiers were killed and 11 wounded in two separate attacks in central Mali after their vehicles struck explosive devices. Click here to read…

Nine Killed in Mosque Attack in Burkina Faso

Nine people were killed when suspected jihadists attacked a mosque in northeastern Burkina Faso, local sources said Thursday. Click here to read…

Libyan politicians’ pay goes up 40% as election impasse continues

Western leaders are losing patience with an entrenched Libyan political elite that has collectively failed to agree on the basis of elections for more than a year but has boosted politicians’ salaries by more than 40%.Click here to read…

Zambia’s Former Ruling Party Rejects IMF Allegation of Corruption Under Lungu

Zambia’s former ruling Patriotic Front party has rejected a report by the International Monetary Fund saying corruption flourished under its government. Click here to read…

Ghana increases salaries by 30 percent amid economic woes

Ghana’s government and trade unions have agreed to increase all public servants’ salaries by 30 percent for 2023, they said in a joint statement, as the country struggles to reduce debt and tackle rampant inflation. Click here to read…

US, Russia clash at UN meeting over ‘violent extremism’ in Africa

The United States has accused Kremlin-backed Russian military contractors of interfering in the internal affairs of African countries and “increasing the likelihood that violent extremism will grow” in the Sahel region. Click here to read…

Yellen leads new U.S.-Africa policy with trip to Senegal, Zambia, South Africa

U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen will travel to Senegal, Zambia and South Africa during the next two weeks, as the United States aims to strengthen ties with a continent that has been the focus of Chinese trade and investment for years. Click here to read…

China’s new Foreign Minister Qin Gang heads to Africa for first trip

“Qin Gang will visit Ethiopia, Gabon, Angola, Benin and Egypt from January 9-16,” spokesperson Wang Wenbin said. Click here to read…

China FM on Africa visit sidesteps call for UN council seat

China’s new foreign minister, Qin Gang, has sidestepped a new call by the African Union for permanent representation on the U.N. Security Council during his visit to Ethiopia. Click here to read…

China ‘Gobbles’ Russia’s Market Share in Africa; Increases Defense Cooperation as Ukraine War Keeps Moscow Busy

Recent statistics have indicated that Beijing’s expanding influence may threaten the Russian market share. Click here to read…

Angolan President meets Chinese FM on bilateral ties

Angolan President Joao Lourenco on Friday met with Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang in Luanda. Click here to read…

Uganda drops Chinese firm from railway deal, eyes Turkish rival

Uganda has terminated its contract with a Chinese firm China Harbour and Engineering Company Ltd (CHEC) to build a railway to the Kenyan border and is now considering a deal with a Turkish company. Click here to read…

Türkiye says 5 million tons of grain shipped to sub-Sahara Africa

Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu was in Rwanda’s Kigali on Thursday, as part of his five-nation Africa tour. Click here to read…

Why new Rwanda, Turkey deals matter

Cooperation agreements between Rwanda and Turkey lay ground for a promising trajectory towards needed development across various sectors, according to diplomacy experts. Click here to read…

South Sudan’s Kiir invited for conference in Turkey

Turkey has invited South Sudan President Salva Kiir to attend a diplomatic conference scheduled to take place in March 2023. Click here to read…

Turkish FM opens consulate in Cape Town, hails South Africa ties

Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu inaugurated the new building of the Turkish Consulate in South Africa’s Cape Town on Monday and heaped praise on ties with the African country. Click here to read…

Macron will not seek Algeria’s ‘forgiveness’ for colonialism

President Emmanuel Macron says he will not “ask forgiveness” from Algeria for French colonisation, but hopes to continue working towards reconciliation with his counterpart, Abdelmajid Tebboune. Click here to read…

Djibouti inks $1bn deal with Hong Kong company to build rocket launch site

Djibouti has inked a preliminary technological cooperation agreement with Chinese multinational Hong Kong Aerospace Technology to build a $1bn satellite and rocket launch site which could see the launch of the first Africa-made satellite from the African continent. Click here to read…

Uganda declares itself Ebola-free after swiftly turning tide on outbreak

Uganda on Wednesday declared the end of a nearly four-month Ebola outbreak that it briefly struggled to contain but was then able to swiftly bring under control despite the absence of a proven vaccine against the viral strain in question. Click here to read…

Autonomous Africa CDC a game-changer on disease outbreak response: Experts

Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention will now be in a position to assess disease outbreaks on the continent and declare it an emergency if it’s beyond one country. Click here to read…

Rain still in short supply as another failed wet season kills thousands of wild animals in Kenya

Rain has returned to the Amboseli ecosystem, but it is too little, too late for thousands of wildlife that have already perished in Kenya’s worst drought in 40-years. Click here to read…

INDIA IN AFRICA

First ever India-Africa military exercise in March. Will be at platoon level: Army Chief

In March this year the first ever India-Africa Military exercise will take place and on the sidelines there will be Army Chiefs conclave. Click here to read…

30 years of India-South Africa relations: Connected with Cricket, Culture, Cuisine

As we enter the new year, South Africa marks the completion of 30 momentous years of the bilateral relationship with India. Click here to read…

Time to rebuild relations with Egypt

For India, a deeper economic engagement with Egypt acquires an additional strategic imperativeClick here to read…

Sisi’s R-Day Visit: Ties with Egypt Key to India’s Ambitions in North Africa

Egypt Prez Abdel Fattah el-Sisi’s visit on Republic Day comes as India aims to expand its presence in WANA region. Click here to read…

Egypt mulls cooperation with India’s TEJAS in communication sector

Egypt is considering cooperation in the field of wired and wireless communication with India’s TEJAS, according to a statement by the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology on January 11th. Click here to read…

Over 1,000 Indian peacekeepers awarded UN medals for their exceptional service in South Sudan

Over one thousand Indian peacekeepers serving with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) were awarded United Nations medals for their exceptional service. Click here to read…

All-woman team from India to keep peace at Abyei on Sudan-South Sudan border

This will be India’s largest single unit of women peacekeepers in a U.N. mission since the deployment of the first-ever all women’s contingent in Liberia in 2007Click here to read…

Om Birla to lead Indian parliamentary delegation to Kenya, Tanzania

Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla will be leading a delegation to Kenya and Tanzania from 16th to 21st of this month. Click here to read…

Indian companies invest $19bn in Nigeria

The Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Shri Balasubramanian, has disclosed that over 135 Indian companies have so far invested $19bn in Nigeria in the last four decades of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Click here to read…

India’s Mahindra named fastest-growing brand in South Africa for 2022

The report said that ‘Mahindra SA’ increased its sales volume by a massive 78 per cent compared to 2021, the highest of all the vehicle brands that report their sales to NAAMSAClick here to read…

Mauritius top court bars Devas shareholders from pursuing arbitration against India

According to Devas Mauritius shareholders’ contention, the Indian government had failed to protect their investment in Devas by allegedly wrongfully liquidating the companyClick here to read…

IMF chief heading to Zambia, says new debt ’roundtable’ will meet next month in India

A new global sovereign debt “roundtable” that will include China, other creditors and some borrowing countries will meet for the first-time next month on the sidelines of a Group of 20 finance officials meeting in India. Click here to read…

Azadi kaa Amrit Mahotsav’: Remembering forgotten hero of Bhojpur in South Africa

Recounting Budree Ahir’s journey, his great grandson says, “During acute financial crisis, Dadaji had helped him (Mahatma Gandhi) by giving £1000 to him in those days.” Click here to read…

Pravasi Bharatiya Samman: Mohanlal Hira is keeping Gandhi alive in South Africa

Mohanlal Heera receives Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award. He receives award for community welfare in South Africa. Click here to read…

Top West African countries supplying imports to India

Nigeria emerged as the leading supplier of imports to India among West African countries in FY 2022, with a value of $10 million. Click here to read…

India condemns ‘mindless act of vandalism’ on Mahatma Gandhi statue in Seychelles

The high commission of India has thanked the Seychelles authorities for their action in the matter and hopes that the perpetrators will be apprehended expeditiously. Click here to read…

India is adapting to new peacekeeping priorities

Peacekeeping operations have undergone a shift in the last two decades. They have become more violent and risky. Click here to read…

Airtel Africa acquires 4G, 5G spectrum for $316.7 million

Airtel Africa is a subsidiary of Bharti Airtel. The payment for the purchased spectrum will be done in local currency. Click here to read…

Africa Now

Africa Now – Weekly Newsletter (Week 3, 2023)

January 16, 2023 vd@admin

Welcome to Africa Now, your weekly newsletter for Africa, presenting the most important developments in the continent – news that matters.

COMMENTARY

US and Russia clash over violent extremism in Africa

How Ruto can transform Kenya’s economy

NEWS

Benin pro-government parties win parliamentary majority

Benin’s pro-government parties have won a majority of seats in Sunday’s parliamentary elections, the country’s constitutional court announced Thursday. Click here to read…

Benin constitutional court affirms election win for ruling coalition

Gabon names first female vice president and new prime minister

The new vice president, the first woman to hold the position in Gabon, was previously prime minister and defence minister. Click here to read…

Polisario holds leadership poll under shadow of Morocco-Algeria tensions

Ethiopia’s Tigray conflict: TPLF forces hand over weapons in peace move

Tigrayan forces in northern Ethiopia have started handing over heavy weapons in line with a peace deal to end a brutal civil war. Click here to read…

Amhara forces withdraw from northern Ethiopia’s Tigray region

Insecurity could derail Nigeria polls, election commission warns

There have been 50 recorded attacks on offices of the electoral commission nationwide between 2019 and 2022. Click here to read…

Chad says it foiled ‘destabilisation’ attempt by officers

A group of 11 officers, led by a human rights activist, was behind the attempt, according to a government statement. Click here to read…

Violence soars in Mali in the year after Russians arrive

Amnesty condemns Mozambique’s ‘forgotten war’ after viral video

South Africa wants probe into ‘disturbing’ Mozambique clip

South Africa wants an investigation into a “disturbing” video allegedly showing one of its soldiers present while bodies were being burned on a pile of rubble in Mozambique. Click here to read…

DR Congo accuses Rwanda of ‘political’ blackmail over refugees

South Africa to Use BRICS Chair Role to Advance Africa Interests

South Africa will use its role as the 2023 chair of the BRICS grouping of nations to advance the interest of Africa as a whole, President Cyril Ramaphosa saidClick here to read…

Egypt vows to cut military’s outsized role in economy under IMF bailout

New Zimbabwe law threatens health workers with jail over strikes

Nigeria: Don’t interfere with our elections, Buhari warns foreign governments

Hundreds rally against al-Shabab in Somali capital Mogadishu

Somalia President Mohamud urges citizens to help flush out members of the group he describes as ‘bedbugs’. Click here to read…

Chinese national nabbed in Tanzania for cyber fraud

A Chinese national has been nabbed in Tanzania for cyber fraud, raising concern about the global threat posed by Chinese cyber criminals, The HK Post reported. Click here to read…

Botswana court upholds ex-president Khama’s arrest warrant

A Botswana court on Friday dismissed an application by former President Ian Khama to have an arrest warrant against him struck down. Click here to read…

Why the military promised to withdraw from power in Sudan

Fourteen Malian soldiers killed in two armed group attacks: Army

Fourteen Malian soldiers were killed and 11 wounded in two separate attacks in central Mali after their vehicles struck explosive devices. Click here to read…

Nine Killed in Mosque Attack in Burkina Faso

Nine people were killed when suspected jihadists attacked a mosque in northeastern Burkina Faso, local sources said Thursday. Click here to read…

Libyan politicians’ pay goes up 40% as election impasse continues

Zambia’s Former Ruling Party Rejects IMF Allegation of Corruption Under Lungu

Zambia’s former ruling Patriotic Front party has rejected a report by the International Monetary Fund saying corruption flourished under its government. Click here to read…

Ghana increases salaries by 30 percent amid economic woes

US, Russia clash at UN meeting over ‘violent extremism’ in Africa

Yellen leads new U.S.-Africa policy with trip to Senegal, Zambia, South Africa

China’s new Foreign Minister Qin Gang heads to Africa for first trip

“Qin Gang will visit Ethiopia, Gabon, Angola, Benin and Egypt from January 9-16,” spokesperson Wang Wenbin said. Click here to read…

China FM on Africa visit sidesteps call for UN council seat

China’s new foreign minister, Qin Gang, has sidestepped a new call by the African Union for permanent representation on the U.N. Security Council during his visit to Ethiopia. Click here to read…

China ‘Gobbles’ Russia’s Market Share in Africa; Increases Defense Cooperation as Ukraine War Keeps Moscow Busy

Recent statistics have indicated that Beijing’s expanding influence may threaten the Russian market share. Click here to read…

Angolan President meets Chinese FM on bilateral ties

Angolan President Joao Lourenco on Friday met with Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang in Luanda. Click here to read…

Uganda drops Chinese firm from railway deal, eyes Turkish rival

Türkiye says 5 million tons of grain shipped to sub-Sahara Africa

Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu was in Rwanda’s Kigali on Thursday, as part of his five-nation Africa tour. Click here to read…

Why new Rwanda, Turkey deals matter

Cooperation agreements between Rwanda and Turkey lay ground for a promising trajectory towards needed development across various sectors, according to diplomacy experts. Click here to read…

South Sudan’s Kiir invited for conference in Turkey

Turkey has invited South Sudan President Salva Kiir to attend a diplomatic conference scheduled to take place in March 2023. Click here to read…

Turkish FM opens consulate in Cape Town, hails South Africa ties

Macron will not seek Algeria’s ‘forgiveness’ for colonialism

Djibouti inks $1bn deal with Hong Kong company to build rocket launch site

Uganda declares itself Ebola-free after swiftly turning tide on outbreak

Autonomous Africa CDC a game-changer on disease outbreak response: Experts

Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention will now be in a position to assess disease outbreaks on the continent and declare it an emergency if it’s beyond one country. Click here to read…

Rain still in short supply as another failed wet season kills thousands of wild animals in Kenya

Rain has returned to the Amboseli ecosystem, but it is too little, too late for thousands of wildlife that have already perished in Kenya’s worst drought in 40-years. Click here to read…

INDIA IN AFRICA

First ever India-Africa military exercise in March. Will be at platoon level: Army Chief

In March this year the first ever India-Africa Military exercise will take place and on the sidelines there will be Army Chiefs conclave. Click here to read…

30 years of India-South Africa relations: Connected with Cricket, Culture, Cuisine

As we enter the new year, South Africa marks the completion of 30 momentous years of the bilateral relationship with India. Click here to read…

Time to rebuild relations with Egypt

For India, a deeper economic engagement with Egypt acquires an additional strategic imperativeClick here to read…

Sisi’s R-Day Visit: Ties with Egypt Key to India’s Ambitions in North Africa

Egypt Prez Abdel Fattah el-Sisi’s visit on Republic Day comes as India aims to expand its presence in WANA region. Click here to read…

Egypt mulls cooperation with India’s TEJAS in communication sector

Over 1,000 Indian peacekeepers awarded UN medals for their exceptional service in South Sudan

Over one thousand Indian peacekeepers serving with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) were awarded United Nations medals for their exceptional service. Click here to read…

All-woman team from India to keep peace at Abyei on Sudan-South Sudan border

This will be India’s largest single unit of women peacekeepers in a U.N. mission since the deployment of the first-ever all women’s contingent in Liberia in 2007Click here to read…

Om Birla to lead Indian parliamentary delegation to Kenya, Tanzania

Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla will be leading a delegation to Kenya and Tanzania from 16th to 21st of this month. Click here to read…

Indian companies invest $19bn in Nigeria

India’s Mahindra named fastest-growing brand in South Africa for 2022

Mauritius top court bars Devas shareholders from pursuing arbitration against India

According to Devas Mauritius shareholders’ contention, the Indian government had failed to protect their investment in Devas by allegedly wrongfully liquidating the companyClick here to read…

IMF chief heading to Zambia, says new debt ’roundtable’ will meet next month in India

Azadi kaa Amrit Mahotsav’: Remembering forgotten hero of Bhojpur in South Africa

Recounting Budree Ahir’s journey, his great grandson says, “During acute financial crisis, Dadaji had helped him (Mahatma Gandhi) by giving £1000 to him in those days.” Click here to read…

Pravasi Bharatiya Samman: Mohanlal Hira is keeping Gandhi alive in South Africa

Mohanlal Heera receives Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award. He receives award for community welfare in South Africa. Click here to read…

Top West African countries supplying imports to India

Nigeria emerged as the leading supplier of imports to India among West African countries in FY 2022, with a value of $10 million. Click here to read…

India condemns ‘mindless act of vandalism’ on Mahatma Gandhi statue in Seychelles

The high commission of India has thanked the Seychelles authorities for their action in the matter and hopes that the perpetrators will be apprehended expeditiously. Click here to read…

India is adapting to new peacekeeping priorities

Peacekeeping operations have undergone a shift in the last two decades. They have become more violent and risky. Click here to read…

Airtel Africa acquires 4G, 5G spectrum for $316.7 million

Airtel Africa is a subsidiary of Bharti Airtel. The payment for the purchased spectrum will be done in local currency. Click here to read…

VIF Cyber Review

VIF Cyber Review: December 2022

January 16, 2023 vd@admin

NATIONAL

Minister for Electronics and IT launched ‘Stay Safe Online’ campaign & ‘G20 Digital Innovation Alliance’ as part of Bharat’s G20 Presidency.

On 28 December 2022, the Minister for Electronics and Information Technology, Communications and Railways— Ashwini Vaishnaw launched the ‘Stay Safe Online’ campaign and the ‘G20 Digital Innovation Alliance’ (G20-DIA). Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) is the nodal ministry for the G20 Digital Economy Working Group (DEWG) and has represented Bharat in numerous working groups and ministerial sessions during previous presidencies. In Bharat’s tenure of G20 Presidency, MeitY will focus on three areas— i) Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), ii) Cyber Security, and iii) Digital Skill Development (DSD).

Addressing the event, the Minister said, “Bharat [India] believes in the philosophy of inclusion. Bharat’s population scale and open source ‘public digital platforms’ such as UPI and Aadhaar have delivered economic and social inclusion and spurred innovation. The two campaigns launched today have the humanitarian way of thinking.”

The objective of the ‘Stay Safe Online’ campaign is to raise awareness among Internet users about how to stay safe while surfing the web. This campaign will make citizens of all ages, particularly children, students, women, senior citizens, the disabled, teachers, faculty, Central/State Government officials, and others, aware of the cyber risk and how to deal with it. To reach a wider audience, the campaign will be carried out in Hindi, English, and local languages. ^[1]

MoS for Electronics and IT held public consultation with over 200 stakeholders on the DPDP Bill 2022

On 23 December 2022, the Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship— Rajeev Chandrasekhar met over 200 stakeholders to discuss and deliberate on the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Bill 2022. Public consultations were open until 02 January 2023. The attendees included representatives from industry, think-tanks, law firms, consumer and citizen rights group. “Bill will act as a kinetic enabler for personal data protection while catalysing data led innovation and start-up ecosystem. Post the bill, the intermediaries will have to go for deep behavioural changes, and it will no longer be business as usual for them,” said MoS Chandrasekhar.

The stakeholders made numerous suggestions regarding various clauses of the Bill, such as the penalty regime for data fiduciaries, obtaining parental consent for children, cross-border data flows, and consent managers and how the government intends to regulate them, among many others. The Minister also clarified the deemed consent clause for government data access. ^[2]

“Bharat (India) will chart its own course on the future of Internet”: MoS Chandrasekhar

Speaking at a session at the India Global Forum held in Dubai, UAE, on 14 December 2022, the Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship— Rajeev Chandrasekhar said over 820 million Internet users deserve to have their own way to decide what kind of internet they want. “European GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) is considered a gold standard for privacy and data protection. But we [Bharat] would like to disagree. With more than 820 million internet users, we have the largest presence on global internet and deserve an opportunity to shape our own destiny. We will chart our own course and build a framework suitable for us,” said MoS Chandrasekhar.

On Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Bill 2022, the Minister said that “protecting the digital rights of our citizens is an obligation of the Government. But we do not see this as a binary at the expense of slowing down the ecosystem for innovation that exists in India (Bharat) and in partnerships with other countries. The Government would not strongly regulate the Internet but is committed to the principles of open, safe, trusted and accountable internet.” ^[3]

CERT-In issued advisory on multiple vulnerabilities in Apple iOS and iPdOS

On 15 December 2022, the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) issued an advisory on multiple vulnerabilities reported in Apple iOS and iPadOS which could allow remote attacker(s) to gain access to sensitive information, execute arbitrary code, spoof the UI, gain elevated privileges, bypass security restrictions or cause denial of service conditions on the targeted system. The vulnerabilities exists in the Accounts, Apple Mobile File Integrity, Core Services, GPU Services, among other components of Apple iOS and iPadOS.

Successful exploitation of these vulnerabilities could allow the attacker(s) gain access to sensitive information, execute arbitrary code, spoof the UI, and bypass security restrictions on the targeted system. ^[4]
As solutions, the advisory suggests users to apply appropriate software updates as mentioned in Apple’s security updates at: Click here to read…

Tata Group to invest USD 90 billion over 5 years into chip manufacturing in Bharat

In an interview with Nikkei Asia on 08 December 2022, the Tata Sons chairman— Natarajan Chandrasekaran informed the Tata Group plans to begin production of Semiconductors in Bharat in next few years, in order to make the country an essential part of global chip supply chains. Tata Group already have announced a semiconductor design and development partnership with Renesas Electronics, Japan, in June 2022.

According to the India Electronics and Semiconductor Association, the semiconductor market will more than double to USD 64 billion between 2021 and 2026. The ongoing ‘disengagement’ between the United States and China in chip-related technology is causing major chipmakers to seek more diverse supply-chain locations. The Government of India and Tata Group are both looking to capitalise on this shift in order to position Bharat as a new semiconductor hub. The chairman also announced a USD 90 billion investment over the next five years as part of that effort. Aside from semiconductors, the company is in the process of launching new businesses such as electric vehicle (EV) and EV battery production, renewable energy production, and the development of ‘super apps’ that allow users to purchase goods and services ranging from groceries to financial products. ^[5]

Since 2018, stolen data of 6,00,000 Indians sold on Bot markets, claimed study by Nord VPN

According to the study conducted by one of the world’s largest VPN service providers— NordVPN, since 2018, around five million people worldwide, including 6,00,000 Indians, had their data stolen and sold on the Bot market. Bot markets are used by hackers to sell stolen data from victims’ devices with bot malware. The stolen data included user logins, cookies, digital fingerprints, screenshots and other information, with the average price for the digital identity of a person at ₹490 Indian rupees (USD 6.03/USD 1=₹81.14).

As reported by The Times of India, a week after the ransomware attack on AIIMS in November 2022, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) faced around 6,000 hacking attempts within 24 hours. ^[6]
Bharat’s cybersecurity rules have tightened in 2022, with the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) requiring tech companies to report data breaches within six hours of noticing such incidents and to maintain IT and communications logs for six months. ^[7]

INTERNATIONAL

Hackers claimed to stole data from multiple electric utilities in a ransomware attack in the US

An unidentified group of hackers claimed to stole data belonging to multiple electric utilities of US government contractor, in a ransomware attack held in October 2022. In a memo distributed to power company executives in December 2022 by the North American Grid Regulator’s Cyber-Threat Sharing Centre, it is stated that while private investigators searched the Dark Web for stolen data, US Federal officials kept an eye on the incident for any potential wider effects on the US power sector.

An engineering firm— Sargent & Lundy, with offices in Chicago, was the target of the ransomware attack. The company has designed over 900 power plants and thousands of kilometres of power lines, and holds sensitive project data. According to the memo shared by the Electricity Information Sharing and Analysis Centre, there is no indication that the “model files” and “transmission data” that Sargent & Lundy used for utility projects, which were stolen, are available on the Dark Web. ^[8]

LockBit ransomware gang claimed cyber-attack on Port of Lisbon Administration

On 25 December 2022, LockBit ransomware gang carried out a cyber-attack on Port of Lisbon Administration (APL) and claimed to steal financial reports, audits, budgets, cargo information, ship logs, customer PII (personal identifiable information), and more. According to the statement released by APL, “cyber-attack did not impact the port’s operations. All safety protocols and response measures provided for this type of occurrence were quickly activated, the situation being monitored by the National Cybersecurity Center and the Judicial Police.”

The ransomware gang demanded the ransom of USD 15,00,000 and also gave the possibility to delay the publication of the data by 24 hours by paying USD 1,000. The LockBit gang is currently at the third version of their encryptor that powers the notorious RaaS (Ransomware as a Service) project, and one of the most prolific gangs of 2022. ^[9]

International Police shut down 48 DDoS-for-hire services, arrested 07 alleged administrators

The Europol, on 15 December 2022, announced that the International Police shut down around 48 popular websites, mainly Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS), that allowed paying users to launch DDoS attacks, and arrested seven alleged administrators of these websites. According to the US Department of Justice (DOJ), the accused disguised their sites as services that could be used for network testing but actually sought money for conducting DDoS operations against educational institutions, government agencies, gaming platforms, and millions of individuals worldwide. DDoS function by flooding websites with spam traffic, rendering them inaccessible.

The Operation— “Power Off” operation was carried out by law enforcement authorities in the US, the UK, Germany, Poland, and the Netherlands. According to the DOJ, the takedown occurred less than two weeks before the Christmas holiday, which normally results in a large rise in DDoS attacks across the gaming sector. ^[10]

US extended ban on military and surveillance tech sales to China

On 15 December 2022, the US administration extended a ban on commercial exports of advanced US technology that it said “aids Beijing’s military and hypersonic programs and enables Human Rights violations. The decisions come a month after US President Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping met in Bali to try to put a “floor” under the relationship’s downward spiral. The Chinese government has accused the US administration of abusing export regulations in order to wantonly hinder and handicap Chinese firms and keep its sci-fi hegemony.

The Entity List includes 36 Chinese firms that are effectively prohibited from getting US technology. All but one, a Chinese subsidiary based in Japan, are based in China. Significantly, 21 of the newly listed corporations are also subject to a new regulation— Foreign Direct Product Rule (FDPR), which prohibits foreign companies from selling to Chinese entities anything manufactured with American technology or equipment. ^[11]

US National Cyber Director visited Japan to bolster digital cooperation

In December 2022, the United States’ National Cyber Director— Chris Inglis visited Japan to advise government officials posted there on strengthening cyber security defences. The visit was an effort to improve cyber security cooperation with a key alley (Japan) in Asia amid a strained relationship between the US and China. According to Mark Montgomery, former executive director of the Cyberspace Solarium Commission (CSC) and current director of the Centre on Cyber and Technology Innovation (CTI) at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD), the Biden administration wants to encourage all friendly nations to speed up their investments in cybersecurity. “Boosting cybersecurity collaboration with Japan is crucial for the US amid increasing cyber threats from China, North Korea, and Russia,” said Atlantic Council Cyber Statecraft Initiative Program Assistant Jen Roberts. ^[12]

Endnotes :

^[1] “Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw launches ‘Stay Safe Online’ Campaign and ‘G20 Digital Innovation Alliance’ as part of India’s G20 Presidency”, Press Information Bureau- Ministry of Electronics and IT, 28 December 2022, accessed on 02 January 2023, available from: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1887114
^[2]^[3]^[4]^[5]^[6]^[7]^[8]^[9]^[10]^[11]^[12]

West Asia Round Up

West Asia Roundup-December 2022

January 16, 2023 vd@admin

Abstract:

For West Asia, 2022 ended with a hectic diplomatic activity. Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed Bin Salman (MBS) of Saudi Arabia visited several countries in the region to ensure the presence of West Asian leaders at the ensuing China -Gulf and China -Arab Summits during the visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to the Kingdom from December 6-8. The statements issued were quite significant as China tried to retrieve and reinforce its regional influence and sync its BRI (Belt and Road Initiative) projects with the Vision 2030 and developmental paradigms of various regional powers. President Xi has been successfully able to wade through the regional rivalries especially between the Sunni Arab countries led by Saudi Arabia and the Shia Islamist regime in Iran as well as the Israeli dynamic while underscoring the support to the Palestinian cause. Several agreements were signed. MBS stressed that the historical relationship between the Arab countries and China is based on mutual respect, friendship, and cooperation in many fields reiterating that “Our countries attach utmost importance to supporting the development process to develop their economies and the well-being of their peoples”. He lauded the role of China in putting forward several valuable initiatives, notably the Friends of Global Development Initiative, which matches many aspects of Saudi Arabia’s priorities towards supporting sustainable development and promoting food security.

On the other end of the spectrum, Israel witnessed the onset of an ultra-rightist government led by PM Benjamin Netanyahu which created deep concern in the region as well as in the US. Biden Administration said that they will hold PM Netanyahu personally responsible for the acts of his far right cabinet members including Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, who have called for leveling the Al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem and denying citizenship to non-Jews. In any case most observers feel that situation between Israel and Palestine might worsen.

Tunisia was said to be bright spot of the Arab Spring but in recent times the democracy dividend appears to have been decimated by the subsequent governments. President Kais Saied since 2021 is being accused of further undermining it. The December Parliamentary elections witnessed the citizens’ apathy and the lowest voter turnout.

As Qatar finally hosted the FIFA 2022 successfully, the controversies not only regarding the inhumane treatment of labourers continued in the western media but the influence peddling accusations by Qatar also surfaced. Members of the European Parliament voted to suspend access to the hemicycle’s premises to Qatari representatives as it was suspected of having offered “large sums of money” and “substantial gifts” to MEPs and assistants in a bid to influence European decision-making. Greek MEP Eva Kaili, together with three other suspects, has been charged with participation in a criminal organisation, corruption and money laundering.

Qatar and Germany signed a 15 year LNG deal following similar deal with China.

Saudi Arabia and UK signed a defence cooperation plan.

An estimated 10-20,000 registered Israelis bought tickets for the World Cup in Qatar, the Jerusalem Post reported, but only 3,500 registered as Israelis. However, it was not easy for Israel to find any private airline to initiate direct flights between Israel and Qatar, according to National Public Diplomacy Directorate head at Israeli Foreign Minister, Lior Haiat.

Israeli President, Isaac Herzog, flew to the UAE to meet with President, Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Herzog reassured Bin Zayed that “the Abraham Accords are a national consensus in Israel.”Herzog, told Bin Zayed: “Now, we have to reach cruising altitude. That is, to upgrade ties between us even more, to strengthen them and to bring more nations into the Abraham Accords.”

President Herzog also visited Bahrain, where he addressed the Bahrainis, saying: “You are at the forefront of making history in the region, where Jews and Muslims can dwell together, the sons of Abraham, and move forward in peace.”

Following Herzog’s visit to the two Gulf States, and to consolidate economic ties, the Israeli delegation met with Moroccan officials in Rabat and signed a gas and oil exploration deal. Israeli New Med Energy said that it had signed agreements with Adarco Energy Limited and Morocco’s National Office of Hydrocarbons and Mines.

Iran condemned the recent sanctions imposed by the EU against 20 individuals and one entity linked to the violent crackdown on demonstrations over the death of young Mahsa Amini as the protests and even executions leading to more protests have continued as tenor of their demands switched more against the regime and its removal. Meanwhile, United States claimed that the relationship between Russia and Iran has become a complete defence partnership. US National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said Russia and Iran are giving each other an unprecedented level of military support. Kirby said a defence partnership between Iran and Russia where both will jointly produce drones will harm Ukraine and disturb peace in West Asia.

UAE and Saudi Arabia led mediation efforts saw the release of US basketball star Brittney Griner in a prisoner exchange between Russia and the US. In a joint statement, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MoFAIC) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, announced the success of the mediation led by President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown for the release and exchange of two prisoners between the United States of America and the Russian Federation. It also highlighted the important role played by the leaderships of the UAE and Saudi Arabia in promoting dialogue between all parties.

The second edition of the Baghdad Conference for Cooperation and Partnership supported by France was held on December 20 in Amman, Jordan. At the summit, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Iran, Iraq and several more Arab nations were present apart from representatives from the European Union, United Nations, Arab League, Gulf Cooperation Council, and Organization of Islamic Cooperation. President Macron also paid the bilateral visit to deliberate with King Abdullah II of Jordan preceding the conference. Amman invested a great deal of political capital in promoting Kadhimi, and a number of multilateral forums were established during his tenure, from the Baghdad Conference to the kingdom’s ongoing high-level meetings with Iraq and Egypt. This conference indicated the continuation of relations and their importance under new Iraqi PM Sudani between Jordan and Iraq.

Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar visited UAE to attend the 5th Indo-Ocean conference and to discuss and bolster bilateral cooperation. He called on the President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al Nahyan, who has also been invited by India for the G20 Summit as the special invitee. UAE Minister Noura Bint Mohammed said, speaking on India’s Presidency and tenure at the UNSC said “Congratulate you and the Indian mission at very successful 8th term on the Security Council. Your voice at this chamber is necessary and UAE reiterates its endorsement of India’s bid for permanent membership of the reformed UNSC.”

More Details…

Xi Jinping’s visit to Saudi Arabia

Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Saudi Arabia between 6 and 8 December. Saudi Arabia is keen to expand its global alliances beyond its strategic partnership with the US. Xi Jinping’s last visit to Saudi Arabia was in 2016. Both states signed a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership agreement and 20 bilateral deals worth US$ 29.26 billion. China and Saudi Arabia also signed 34 investment agreements in sectors such as green hydrogen, IT, transport and construction. Riyadh signed deal involving tech giant, Huawei Technologies to develop cloud computing, data centers and high tech complexes in Saudi cities. Jinping also attended the first China-Arab States Summit and the China-Gulf Cooperation Council Summit in Riyadh. The US warned that China’s attempt to expand its global influence is not conducive to the international order. The US security officials cautioned that equipment from Huawei could be used to interfere with fifth generation (5G) wireless networks and collect sensitive information.

New Government in Israel

In Israel’s latest election in November, the right-wing parties i.e. Likud with 32 seats; Religious Zionist party with 14 seats; Shas with 11 seats; United Torah Judaism with 7 seats secured a majority of 64 seats in the 120 seat Knesset. The new grouping has been called as the most right-wing government in Israel’s history that could further worsen the status of Palestinians living in the occupied territories. The Israeli Prime Minister has called the settlement expansion in occupied West Bank as the top priority of his government. Benjamin Netanyahu and his cabinet officially took oath of office on 29 December after Knesset passed a vote of confidence in the new government. Among the 120 members, 63 voted in favour of the government and 54 voted against. US President Joe Biden mentioned that his government is looking forward to working with Netanyahu calling him “friend for decades”. The US President talked about jointly addressing challenges in the region including threat from Iran. Russian President Vladimir Putin also welcomed Netanyahu’s return to power and called for strengthening cooperation in all areas and ensuring peace and security in the region.

IS attack in Iraq, Syria and Egypt

The Islamic State (IS) on 18 December carried out bomb blast in Kirkuk killing nine federal police officers. Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani has ordered a clamp down to dismantle IS hideouts and suggested the security forces to maintain vigilance. In Syria’s Raqqa, IS on 26 December killed six Kurdish fighters in a targeted attack on security and military buildings. Kurdish led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) subsequently launched offensive dubbed as Operation al-Jazeera Thunderbolt. On 30 December attacked Al-Taim oil field in Syria’s Deir Zor province. IS in December carried out 14 attacks in Deir Az Zor area, Hasakah and the al-Hol camp killing 55 people.

On 31 December, the terrorist group attacked a police checkpoint in the Egyptian city of Ismailia killing at least four people and injuring 12 others. The IS fighters after setbacks in Syria and Iraq have re-grouped in the security scarce Sinai Peninsula. Egyptian forces have been fighting against IS in the northern part of Sinai Peninsula. Earlier in 2018, Egyptian security forces launched campaign to dismantle IS hideouts in Sinai, parts of Nile Delta and border region close to Libya killing around 1000 terrorists. In May 2022, IS had killed 11 Egyptian soldiers in Sinai region.

Italian Prime Minister’s visit to Iraq

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni during her first bilateral trip outside Europe visited Iraq and met with Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani and President Abdul Latif Rashid. Italy is pushing for close economic and energy ties with the oil-rich Arab state. The Italian Prime Minister identified economic cooperation with Iraq in agriculture, water and health. Moreover, security and cultural cooperation are crucial drivers in the growing bilateral relationship. Iraqi Prime Minister Al-Sudani invited Italian firms specialized in infrastructure and gas exploration to help in the state’s rebuilding process. Iraq is the second largest crude oil producer in the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) producing more than 3.3 million barrels per day.

Low Turnout in Tunisia Election

Tunisian parliamentary election held on 17 December witnessed a low 11.2 percent turnout. The low turnout reflects the anguish by Tunisians against President Kais Saied’s efforts to consolidate power and diluting the progress in democratization in the post 2011 Arab Spring period. Saied dissolved the government in July 2021 and suspended the parliament. The President has stripped the powers of the parliament. The latest election was boycotted by all major political parties. Earlier on 10 December, hundreds of Tunisians organized protest with banners and chants saying “Saied get out”. It indicates frustration with Saied’s power grab. The protestors demanded a return to democracy.

Protest in Jordan

Public demonstrations have erupted in Jordan in December to criticize the high fuel prices that occurred due to limits on subsidies imposed by the IMF. The state is facing enormous debt and the unemployment level has reached at 23 percent. The government has taken measures such as cap on fuel prices, however inflation has continued. In Maan, one police official was killed during violent protest on 15 December. On 19 December, three more police officers were killed during a raid to arrest the suspected killers of the police officer killed on 15 December. The government has promised to take tough steps and deploy more anti-riot police to prevent violent protests.

Sanctions against Iran

The US and Canada on 9 December announced new round of sanctions against Iranian officials accused of human rights violations during the ongoing protest in Iran. The US has claimed that that the three officials have carried out illegal detentions and violence against protestors. The US also drafted a resolution to remove Iran from the Commission on the Status of Women for applying systematic violations of women’s rights. The 54 member UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) adopted the resolution passed by 29 for and 8 against votes. 16 states abstained from voting. Iran condemned the move that could create an “unwelcome precedent”. The ministers of the European Union of Foreign Affairs imposed new sanctions on 20 individuals including Iranian clerics, senior officials and state media executives and one entity i.e. Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting due to their role in suppressing protestors as well as for supplying drones to Russia

Iran in a tit for tat response imposed sanctions on 23 individuals and nine entities in the European Union (EU) and the UK. The sanctions include media institutions, military base and current and former politicians. Tehran blacklisted Radio Farda and French satirical magazine, Charlie Hebdo; two German firms i.e. Water Engineering Trading GmbH and Gidlemeister Projekta GmbH. Iran also sanctioned Tony Blair Institute of Global Change, British Institute of Human Rights Chair, Geoffrey Bindman and Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) co-founder, Bernard Kouchner.

On 20 December, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian held meeting with European Union’s Foreign Policy chief Josep Borrell in Amman on the sidelines of the second meeting of the Baghdad Conference for Cooperation and Partnership hosted by Jordanian King Abdullah. The meeting was aimed at identifying measures to restore the 2015 nuclear deal. The EU foreign policy chief emphasized on curbing military support to Russia and stopping internal repression in Iran.

Egypt Iran Iraq Israel Jordan Saudi Arabia Syria Tunisia

Neighbourhood News

Neighborhood News Digest – 16 January 2023

January 16, 2023 vd@admin

Afghanistan

Uzbekistan Halts Power Supply to Afghanistan: DABS – Tolo News

The country’s power distributor, Da Afghanistan Bereshna Sherkat, said on Sunday that the imported electricity from Uzbekistan has been disconnected due to technical issues. DABS official Safiullah Ahmadzai said that Islamic Emirate officials are negotiating with Uzbekistan officials about the reconnection of power supply to the country. He said to address the lack of electricity in Kabul, the company has activated the Tarakhil thermal power station. Click here to read…

Former woman MP shot dead in Afghanistan – The Tribune

A former Afghan female lawmaker who refused to flee Afghanistan after the Taliban takeover was shot dead along with her bodyguard by unidentified assailants in Kabul late Saturday night. This is the first time a lawmaker from the previous administration has been killed in the city since the takeover. Mursal Nabizada (32), extremely critical of the Taliban’s policies, was elected MP under the previous western-backed government from a constituency in Nangarhar district, considered the base of the Islamic State (IS). Click here to read…

Afghan bank’s cash remarks ‘misleading, unhelpful’ says UN – Devdiscourse

The United Nations (UN) mission in Afghanistan has slammed the Taliban-controlled central bank for making what it described as “misleading and unhelpful” remarks about cash destined for humanitarian work in the ravaged country. “CLARIFICATION 1-Cash shipped to #Afghanistan by the UN is placed in UN accounts in a private bank. It is used by UN agencies to support its humanitarian work 2-Announcements by non-UN entities about UN fund shipments are misleading & unhelpful,” the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) tweeted. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

Bangladesh pins hopes on nuclear energy as its way out of power cuts and rising fuel prices – Scroll

The Rooppur nuclear plant is being built by Rosatom, Russia’s state-owned nuclear energy corporation, using Russian technology and a Russian loan of $11.38 billion to be repaid over two decades from 2027. Click here to read…

Let’s talk the talk: Confronting Bangladesh’s national security threats – Dhaka Tribune

The discourse of national security takes place rarely, and even in such rare discourses, there is a deliberate effort to demilitarize it. It is often portrayed to the public and indoctrinated in academic settings that Bangladesh has no security threats. Therefore, all it needs to do is focus on economic development. Click here to read…

Cutting Extrajudicial Killings: US satisfied with Rab’s progress – Daily Star

Visiting US Assistant Secretary Donald Lu yesterday expressed satisfaction that Rab reduced extrajudicial killings since late 2021, when the US imposed sanctions on the forceClick here to read…

Bhutan

China, Bhutan agree to expedite negotiations to resolve border dispute – The Economic Times

China and Bhutan have reached a “positive consensus” to push forward the implementation of the agreement to expedite negotiations to settle their border dispute through a three-step roadmap. The 11th Expert Group Meeting (EGM) on the China-Bhutan Boundary Issues was held in China’s Kunming city from January 10 to 13, according to a joint statement issued by both countries. Click here to read…

New Delhi hopes Bhutan will factor in Indian concerns on trijunction – The Economic Times

Following Bhutan-China expert group meeting in Kunming on boundary issues, India is hopeful that its concerns on the trijunction will be considered in the next round of Sino-Bhutanese consultations. Senior Indian officials visiting Thimphu, coinciding with the January 10-13 meeting in the Chinese city, underlined the special nature of Indo-Bhutanese ties, people in the know said. It is understood that various aspects of Bhutan-China talks were discussed. Click here to read…

Bhutanese economy to grow at 4.1 percent in current FY: World Bank – Kuensel Online

The World Bank forecast the Bhutanese economy to grow by 4.1 percent in the fiscal year 2022-23, in its report “Global Economic Prospects” report, released on January 10. The reopening of borders in September last year is expected to support growth in the industry and services sector, the Bank said. Bhutan’s growth has revised down by 0.6 percentage points from the World Bank’s June projection last year of 4.7 percent. Click here to read…

Maldives

Maldives Presidential Election to be held on Sept 9 – Avas

The Presidential Election will be held on September 9 this year. The date of the election was announced by the Elections Commission (EC) at a press conference at the Manhattan Business Hotel this morning. EC’s President, Fuwad Thawfeek, said if the election goes to a second round, the voting of the final round would be held on September 30. This year, 280,000 people are eligible to vote in the election, he said. Click here to read…

Cambodian PM arrives in the Maldives on official visit – Avas

The Prime Minister of Cambodia, Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, arrived Sunday morning on an official visit to the Maldives at the invitation of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. This is the Cambodian Prime Minister’s first visit to the Maldives. Click here to read…

Myanmar

Local resistance, not foreigners, key to Myanmar’s future – Financial Review

Myanmar’s abject deterioration since the February 2021 military coup accelerated throughout 2022, with more violence, retribution and pain spread across the rapidly impoverishing country of 55 million people. The military regime spent the year trying to reinforce its positions on the battlefield and its claims to institutional legitimacy. It is failing on both fronts. Click here to read…

Global firms help Myanmar’s military make weapons, says report – BBC

Myanmar’s military is producing a vast range of weapons to use against its own people thanks to supplies from companies in at least 13 countries, former top UN officials say. The US, France, India and Japan are among those named, despite Western-led sanctions intended to isolate Myanmar. The report says the home-produced arms are used to carry out atrocities against those who oppose the military. Click here to read…

Myanmar shadow government raises $132m to oppose junta – Strait Times

Myanmar’s shadow National Unity Government said it has raised more than US$100 million (S$132 million) to fund its democracy effort and topple the junta. About 45 per cent of the funds are from the sales of so-called Spring Revolution Special Treasury Bonds, according to Mr Tin Tun Naing, shadow minister for planning, finance and investment. Click here to read…

Myanmar Junta Airstrikes On Rebel Camps Spark Scare In Mizoram – Swarajya Marg

Airstrikes by Myanmar’s ruling junta on the headquarters of the Chin National Front (CNF), the political wing of the rebel Chin National Army (CNA), earlier this week has caused a scare in neighbouring Mizoram. Fighter jets of the Myanmar Air Force dropped bombs on the CNF headquarters at Mount Victoria in Chin province of that country, killing five CNF members and injuring scores of others, on Tuesday (10 January) and Wednesday (11 January). Click here to read…

Nepal

68 dead in Nepal’s worst domestic air disaster – The Kathmandu Post

Nepal saw its worst domestic air disaster on Sunday morning when Yeti Airlines flight NYT 691 from Kathmandu to Pokhara crashed a few minutes before landing at the new international airport. The plane carried 72 persons, including passengers and crew, and 68 had been confirmed dead as of Sunday evening, the country’s civil aviation regulator said in a statement. Rescue efforts have been suspended for Sunday. Click here to read…

Govt forms panel to probe plane crash- The Himalayan Times

The government has formed a five-member probe committee to investigate Yeti Airlines plane crash near Pokhara Regional International Airport today. An emergency Cabinet meeting held today decided to form a panel under former government secretary Nagendra Ghimire to investigate the accident and submit its report within 45 days, said government Spokesperson and Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel. Click here to read…

Kerung border reopening brings little joy to traders – The Kathmandu Post

Nepali traders had cheered when China allowed two-way trade to resume at the Rasuwagadhi-Kerung border last month, but they are finding out that the joy may have been premature. Beijing has declared that exports from Nepal will be allowed to pass only on a fortnightly basis. Imports to Nepal, however, are permitted to pass daily, officials said. “For now, China has allowed 14 goods carriers to cross the border every fortnight,” Narayan Prasad Bhandari, chief of the Rasuwa Customs Office, told the Post. Click here to read…

Nepal PM Prachanda says he will visit India soon – The Hindu

Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has said that he will visit India soon on his first foreign trip after assuming the top executive post of the country for the third time. However, the Nepal government is yet to officially announce the Prime Minister’s visit to India. The date and itinerary of the visit are yet to be finalised. Click here to read…

Pakistan

Embarrassing to ask for more loans: Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif – OpIndia

Prime Minister of Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif, said that it is becoming very embarrassing for him to ask for further loans from other countries. Pakistan, which is perennially in an economic crunch, is once again getting bailed out by other countries like Saudi Arabia. The Pakistan PM thanked Saudi Arabia for their support but at the same time, mentioned that it is not a solution as the loans would have to be returnedClick here to read…

Oil dips, but hovers near 2023 highs on China demand optimism – Dawn

Oil prices dipped in early Asian trade on Monday, but held close to the highest levels since the start of the year on optimism that China’s reopening will lift fuel demand at the world’s top crude importer. Brent crude fell 36 cents, or 0.4 per cent, to $84.92 a barrel by 0116 GMT while US West Texas Intermediate crude was at $79.65 a barrel, down 21 cents, or 0.3pc amid thin trade during a US public holiday. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

HC Moragoda meets Gujarat State Governor, Chief Minister – Daily News

The High Commissioner congratulated the Chief Minister on his resounding victory at the recently concluded assembly elections in Gujarat. The discussion focused on the interactions between the State of Gujarat and Sri Lanka in multiple spheres and particularly in the tourism sector. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka to cut army by half after financial crisis – Deccan Herald

Bankrupt Sri Lanka will drastically slash its military, the defence ministry said Friday, as the government works to overhaul its shambolic finances after an unprecedented economicClick here to read…

We are discussing problems of Tamil people, says Sri Lankan President on Pongal festival – The Print

Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Sunday said his government is discussing problems of the North and the Tamil people, in a step towards reconciling the island nation that has suffered three decades of war and insurgency. Click here to read…

Afghanistan Afghanistan Economy Arms Trade Army Bangladesh Bhutan Bhutan China Bhutan India Cambodia-Maldives elections India-Myanmar National Security Nepal Nepal China Nepal-India Nuclear energy NUG Pakistan Pakistan China Sri Lanka Taliban Tamils US-RAB

Neighbourhood News

Neighborhood News Digest – 13 January 2023

January 13, 2023 vd@admin

Afghanistan

Bombing Near Foreign Ministry Triggers Widespread Reactions: Tolo News

The bombing near the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kabul on Wednesday triggered widespread reactions at national and international levels. Kabul security department said the attack left five people dead and many others wounded. Daesh claimed responsibility for the attack, according to a website affiliated to the group. Former president Hamid Karzai in a tweet “strongly” condemned the attack and called it a terrorist act and said it is against human and Islamic values. Click here to read…

Pakistani, Afghan Foreign Ministers Make Telephone Conversation: The Khaama Press

Amir Khan Muttaqi the Acting Foreign Minister of Afghanistan had a telephone conversation with his Pakistani counterpart, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari earlier today. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister in a special telephone conversation with Amir Khan Muttaqi the Acting Foreign Minister of Afghanistan discussed the brutal attack which took place near the entrance of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday, resulting in the death and injury of scores of Afghan people. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

First phase of Bishwa Ijtema begins Friday – Dhaka Tribune

The first phase of the Bishwa Ijtema, the second largest congregation of the Muslims, will begin on the bank of the Turag River at Tongi, on the outskirts of the city on Friday. The first phase of the Ijtema will begin with ‘Aam Bayan’ (general sermons) by noted scholars after Fazr prayers on the day that will end with Akheri Munajat (final prayers) on Sunday. The second phase of the Ijtema, however, will begin on January 20 at the same venue and it is scheduled to end with Akheri Munajat on January 22. Click here to read…

US assistant secretary Lu arrives on Saturday – New Age

The United States assistant secretary of state for South and Central Asian Affairs, Donald Lu, is scheduled to arrive in Dhaka on Saturday on a two-day visit to discuss a range of issues relating to energy, security cooperation, religious freedom, labour and human rights, among others. Click here to read…

When the American Nightmare kills a Bangladeshi Dream – The Daily Star

In a tragic turn of events, a young Bangladeshi student, Sayed Arif Faisal, was fatally shot to death by police in the city of Cambridge, Massachusetts, on January 4. This has spurred protests and enraged the Bangladeshi community living in the US state. The Bangladesh Association of New England (BANE), which described the death as a “racist incident by white police officers,” strongly denounced the “brutal killing” and demanded a fair probe of the incident and punishment of the police officer who opened fire. Click here to read…

A Looming Economic Crisis in Bangladesh

Today, Bangladesh faces the combined impact of declining global demand for its ready-made garments (RMG) exports, a collapse in remittances, rapidly falling foreign exchange reserves to stabilize the volatility of the Bangladeshi taka, concerns with the demand-supply gaps in the energy markets, and inflationary tendencies in the domestic economy. These difficulties caused Bangladesh to seek a precautionary International Monetary Fund (IMF) loan of $ 4.5 billion in July 2022. Click here to read…

Bhutan

BTP positions itself as a unique party – Kuensel Online

Voters will have more choices, with Bhutan Tendrel Party (BTP) being formally registered by the Election Commission of Bhutan (ECB) as the sixth political party in the country. The ECB officially registered BTP on January 9 to contest the 2023 parliamentary elections and handed over the approval and certificate yesterday. The party applied for registration on November 30, last year. Click here to read…

Nepal

China exerting pressure on a reluctant Nepal to join the Belt and Road Initiative: Report – OpIndia

Leaving the airport project aside China had also put its hands into Damak Industrial Park and Kerung-Kathmandu railway project and they are stranded as the work of these projects has not yet progressed and the work on Damak Industrial Park in Jhapa has not yet begun, according to the same Epardafas report. According to the agreement for the Jhapa project, the construction period of the park will take ten years and the Chinese will operate the park for 40 years, and then only it will be handed over to Nepal. It is claimed that this project will improve the economic condition of the country, and provide employment for one lakh people, according to the same report. Click here to read…

Nepali Congress preparing to contest President and Speaker elections – The Kathmandu Post

Congress leaders say that the party will sit on the opposition bench, despite extending support to the Dahal government, it is also eyeing the plum posts of President and Speaker. On Thursday, a meeting of the party’s present and former office bearers decided to hold talks with other parties about the Speaker and deputy Speaker elections. At an all-party meeting on Sunday, the political parties represented in the House had agreed to elect the Speaker and deputy Speaker on January 21 and 22, respectively. Click here to read…

UML chairman Oli meets Nepal’s PM Prachanda, discuss cabinet expansion – The Print

Nepal’s Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal “Prachanda” and CPN-UML chairman K P Sharma Oli met on Thursday and discussed issues relating to cabinet expansion as well as the latest political developments. Oli reached the PM’s official residence at Baluwatar to meet Prachanda. The two leaders, who have agreed to lead the government on a rotation basis, mainly discussed matters relating to expansion of cabinet and power-sharing, CPN-Maoist Centre secretary Ganesh Shah said. Click here to read…

Nepal requests more doses of Covid vaccines from Gavi – Online Khabar

The government has sought additional 1.5 million doses of the Covid vaccines to administer booster doses in view of increasing infection in neighbouring countries. The Ministry of Health and Population today wrote to the Global Alliance for Vaccine and Immunisation (Gavi) for additional dispatch of vaccines. Sagar Dahal, the chief of the Child Health and Immunisation Section, Child Welfare Division, the Department of Health Services, confirmed the writing of a letter to the vaccine alliance for additional doses of vaccines. Click here to read…

Maldives

BML has played a pivotal role in Maldives’ economy over the past 40 years: BML Chairperson – Raajje

The Bank of Maldives (BML) has played a pivotal role in the economy of the Maldives in the past 40 years, says the bank’s Chairperson, Yooshau Saeed. Yooshau made these remarks while speaking at an event the country’s national bank held on Thursday evening to celebrate its 40th anniversary at Crossroads. Shedding light on BML’s operations upon inception back in 1982 with just 10 employees dedicated to raising public awareness on general banking, traveling to the atolls to ensure accessible services, Yooshau noted that the bank has since developed to become the largest bank in the archipelago nation. Click here to read…

World Bank, Maldives Establish Country Partnership Framework – Mirage News

The World Bank Group’s Board of Executive Directors today discussed the new Country Partnership Framework (CPF) 2023-2027 for Maldives, which aims to support the country to achieve a green, resilient, and inclusive high-growth future. The new five-year strategy lays out key areas for work by the World Bank Group’s member organizations, including the World Bank, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) which focuses on the private sector in developing countries, and the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) which offers political risk insurance and credit enhancement guarantees. Click here to read…

Myanmar

Myanmar military targets rebel camp in strikes along Mizoram border; bombs hit Indian village – Times Now News

The bombardment of a significant insurgent camp by the Myanmar military on the border with Mizoram on Tuesday has caused dread and panic in Mizoram state’s Champhai district near to the camp. At least one shell landed on the Indian side, as per media reports. According to a Champhai district official, there were no casualties, although a truck on a river bank near to the border sustained damage. Click here to read…

Myanmar navy commissions five new vessels, continues modernization efforts on annual navy day celebration – Shephard Media

Myanmar’s navy continued the tradition of commissioning new platforms during its annual navy day celebrations, which last year occurred on 24 December, the force’s 75th anniversary. Unlike similar events in 2020 and 2021 that saw the commissioning of submarines amongst other platforms, the 2022 event was a relatively low-key affair that saw the Myanmar Navy add five vessels. Click here to read…

Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge reopens three years after closure during Covid-19 – Asia News Network

Senior officials from both sides of the border took part in a ceremony held on the bridge to mark the reopening. Tak Governor Somchai Kitcharoenrungroj joined his Myanmar counterpart U Zaw Tin at the long-awaited reopening of the bridge. Among those attending the ceremony were customs officials, immigration officers, police and military officers, local administrators, public health officials, and local business leaders. Local officials from Thailand and Myanmar had convened many meetings in preparation for the bridge’s reopening. Click here to read…

Pakistan

UAE’s $3b lifeline averts imminent default: The Express Tribune

The UAE on Thursday agreed to provide a $3 billion lifeline to Pakistan in the shape of a rollover of the existing debt and new financing – helping Islamabad avoid defaulting on its loans for a couple of more months.Click here to read…

Political chessboard: PTI’s Imran emerged victorious: The Express Tribune

Despite strong pressure and other tactics, the PML-N led federal government along with the ‘powerful circles’ were unable to refrain Elahi from taking a vote of confidence in the Punjab Assembly. A senior PML-N leader told The Express Tribune that all efforts by his party to convince the PTI lawmakers to switch their loyalties had been in vain. He also conceded that the Punjab CM taking a vote of confidence was a major surprise for his party. Click here to read…

Elahi signs summary for PA dissolution: PTI sets sights on Punjab interim set-up: The News

Punjab Chief Minister Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi Thursday sent an advice to the governor for the dissolution of the provincial assembly. According to the Constitution, after advice is sent by the chief minister, the assembly would stand dissolved within 48 hours even if the governor did not sign the summary. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

Former President, Ex-Defence Secretary, Ex-IGP and Ex-Intelligence Chiefs found guilty – Daily News

The Supreme Court yesterday ruled that Former President Maithripala Sirisena, former Inspector General of Police Pujith Jayasundara, former Chief of State Intelligence Service Nilantha Jayawardena, former Defence Secretary Hemasiri Fernando, former National Intelligence Chief Sisira Mendis have violated the fundamental rights of the petitioners by failing to act to prevent the Easter Sunday attacks despite receiving intelligence information and ordered to pay a compensation of Rs.310 million personally. Click here to read…

China – Sri Lanka’s true friend – Prime Minister – Daily News

Whenever Sri Lanka needed help, China was with us as a true friend, Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena said yesterday (12) while participating at the opening of the China Sri Lanka Friendship Information Technology Centre in Boralugoda, Kosgama with the assistance of the Chinese Government. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka given six more months to repay Bangladesh’s $200 million loan

Bangladesh Bank today granted Sri Lanka six more months to repay the $200 million loan after the Island nation requested to extend the repayment period due to its prolonged economic crisis. A senior official of the central bank, on condition of anonymity, said the board of directors of Bangladesh Bank has extended the repayment tenure. The Island nation, which has been facing an acute greenback shortage for months, borrowed $200 million from Bangladesh in May 2021. The country was scheduled to repay the loans by April last year, but it failed to do so. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka keen to import ethanol from India

Indian Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Thursday said that Sri Lanka and Bangladesh have shown their keenness to import ethanol from India. “I was able to discuss this matter with PM of Bangladesh and even the Sri Lankan minister. Both are keenly interested about import of ethanol from India for adding ethanol into petrol in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka,” Gadkari said while addressing the CII Conference on Bio-Energy. The minister also said that in 15 days he has a meeting with Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, where a discussion would be made on making a policy for starting of ethanol pumps in the country. Click here to read…

Bangladesh-America Bhutan Bishwa Ijtema BML China Donald Lu in Dhaka Easter Sunday attacks Imran Khan india Loan Myanmar-India Border Navy Day Nepal Nepal China Nepal elections Pakistan Pakistan- Afghanistan PTI Sri Lanka Terrorism Thailand-Myanmar UAE World Bank

Africa Now

Africa Now – Weekly Newsletter (Week 2, 2023)

January 12, 2023 vd@admin

Welcome to Africa Now, your weekly newsletter for Africa, presenting the most important developments in the continent – news that matters.

COMMENTARY

Africa needs reliable and resilient healthcare system: How India can deliver it

It is crucial to strengthen cooperation between Indian healthcare providers and African partners in areas like capacity building, the establishment of hospitals, and investment in telemedicine, given the significance of India in providing medicines to Africa. Click here to read…

Lessons from South Africa: The fading Gandhi-Mandela legacy

“Papa, I want to leave South Africa. I see no future for myself here. I’ll go abroad for studies and to live the rest of my life.” This is what the 16-year-old son of an Indian academic in Cape Town told his father. Click here to read…

NEWS

Benin holds parliamentary election set to test democracy

Voters in Benin go to the polls on Sunday for a parliamentary election seen as a test of democracy as opposition parties are back on the ballot after boycotting or being excluded from the most recent presidential and legislative votes. Click here to read…

Ethiopia sets out on long road to peace after two years of war

A year that began with no end in sight for one of the world’s deadliest conflicts finished on a note of cautious optimism in Ethiopia’s northern region of Tigray after a November ceasefire agreement. Click here to read…

Final round of Sudan’s political process set to start Sunday

The final stage of Sudan’s political process is set to kick off on Sunday, according to the country’s trilateral mechanism body. Click here to read…

Burkina Faso’s military regime expels French ambassador

Burkina Faso’s military junta has expelled France’s ambassador, authorities said Monday, amid a surge in anti-French sentiment as the West African country moves to develop closer ties with Russia. Click here to read…

Libyan govt ready to hold elections in 2023: PM

Libyan Prime Minister Abdul-Hamed Dbeibah said his government is ready to hold general elections this year. Click here to read…

Arab League welcomes joint Libyan declaration on election road map

The Arab League on Friday welcomed a Libyan joint statement agreeing to draw a “clear and specified” road map to hold long-awaited elections. Click here to read…

‘Destabilization’ plot foiled, 11 officers indicted, says Chad

An attempt to destabilize Chad has been defeated, authorities in the Central African nation have announced, adding that 11 army officers were indicted over their alleged roles in the bid that took place last month. Click here to read…

After Yet Another Coup Attempt, It’s Time for The Gambia to Demilitarize

About two weeks ago, someone called me and said there were rumors of a failed attempt to stage a coup d’etat in The Gambia. Click here to read…

Sudan shuts border with Central African Republic amid heightened security presence

Sudan closed its border with the Central African Republic (CAR) and sent military reinforcements to frontier areas, local media reported on Thursday. Click here to read…

Morocco links Israel embassy to W Sahara recognition: Report

Morocco has demanded that Israel recognise its sovereignty over the disputed territory of Western Sahara before Rabat opens an embassy in Tel Aviv, the news outlet Axios has reported, citing four current and former Israeli officials involved in the matter. Click here to read…

Ethnic clashes hit Somaliland ahead of this year’s elections

Kenyan Member of Parliament has been accused of inciting the violence to stop Somaliland from being recognised as an independent entity. Click here to read…

Somalia for 1st time claims Al Shabab extremists seek talks

Somalia’s government claimed on Saturday that the Al Shabab extremist group has for the first time asked to open negotiations, amid a military offensive the government has described as “total war.” Click here to read…

U.N. internal report flags east Congo rebels flouting ceasefire and withdrawal deal

United Nations intelligence analysts have spotted suspected movements by M23 rebels in parts of eastern Congo from which they were meant to have withdrawn and signs the armed group has seized ground in other areas, internal U.N. documents showed on Thursday. Click here to read…

Tanzania’s Government Lifts Ban on Political Rallies

Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has lifted a six-year-old ban on political rallies. Her predecessor, the late John Magufuli, banned public rallies in 2016, one year after he came to power, saying they could escalate into violence. Click here to read…

Mali escapes sanctions over detention of 46 Ivorian soldiers

West African leaders will not go through with a threat to sanction Mali for jailing 46 Ivorian soldiers, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) said on Wednesday. Click here to read…

Mali junta leader pardons 49 convicted Ivorian soldiers

Mali’s junta leader on Friday pardoned all 49 Ivorian soldiers whose arrest in July triggered a bitter diplomatic row, a government spokesman said, just a week after the courts sentenced them. Click here to read…

Botswana’s ex-leader Khama asks court to set aside arrest warrant

Botswana’s former president Ian Khama has filed an urgent court application seeking to strike down an arrest warrant issued against him by a magistrate last week. Click here to read…

World’s ‘most wanted people smuggler’ arrested in Sudan

An Eritrean fugitive accused of being “the world’s most wanted” people smuggler has been arrested in Sudan in coordination with UAE authorities, Interpol announced. Click here to read…

Cameroon Adopts Maritime Security Law to Fight Gulf of Guinea Piracy

Almost six months after the UN Security Council adopted a text compelling Gulf of Guinea countries to criminalize piracy and armed robbery at sea, Cameroon has adopted a law on suppression of piracy and general safety of maritime navigation within its waters. Click here to read…

Cameroonian fishery products banned in EU, commission says

The European Commission on Thursday banned imports of seafood caught in Cameroon’s waters, or caught by ships flagged there, and it labeled the West African country as “non-cooperating” in the fight against illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing. Click here to read…

UN rights chief urges rapid inquiry after 28 die in Burkina Faso town

The head of the United Nations human rights office has called for a prompt, transparent investigation into the deaths of at least 28 people whose bodies were found in north-west Burkina Faso last month. Click here to read…

Five African migrants die, 10 missing after boat sinks off Tunisia

At least five African migrants died and another 10 were missing after a boat sank off Tunisia, as they tried to cross the Mediterranean to Italy, a judicial official said on Saturday. Click here to read…

EU calls on Rwanda to stop supporting M23 rebels in DR Congo

The European Union has urged Rwanda to stop supporting the M23 rebel group, which has captured swaths of territory in North Kivu province in the neighbouring Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Click here to read…

Morocco says EU ties under attack amid corruption scandal

Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita said Thursday that the north African country is the target of calculated media attacks and legal harassment aimed at undermining ties with the European Union, weeks after Belgian authorities implicated Morocco in a major corruption scandal. Click here to read…

Strike over pay paralyses transport in the Tunisian capital

Metro and bus traffic in the Tunisian capital ground to a halt on Monday, after employees of the state transport company held a strike over delays in the payment of wages and bonuses. Click here to read…

Zambians brace up for up to 12 hours of daily power cuts

Starting from Wednesday, January 4, Zambia’s power utility has updated the hours of load shedding to 12 hours daily. Click here to read…

South Sudan: Journalists held over film of president appearing to wet himself

Six journalists in South Sudan have been detained over the circulation of footage showing President Salva Kiir appearing to wet himself at an official event, the national journalists union said on Saturday. Click here to read…

Edwin Chiloba: LGBTQ activist found dead in Kenya

Police in Kenya are investigating the death of young fashion designer and LGBTQ activist Edwin Chiloba after his body was found dumped in a metal box by the roadside near the town of Eldoret. Click here to read…

Mass grave with 18 bodies found in ex-Daesh stronghold in Libya

Libyan authorities on Sunday said they have found 18 bodies buried in a mass grave in a former stronghold of Daesh along the conflict-stricken North African nation’s coast. Click here to read…

US-Angola military ties deepen

“So there is a game changer. We may say it’s significant and this is in the interest of both parties – Angola and the United States of America,” Angolan President João Lourenço said at last month’s US-Angola bilateral meeting in Washington, at the US Department of State. Click here to read…

Chinese firm to manufacture lithium batteries in Zim

CHINESE steel manufacturer Dinson Iron and Steel Company (DISCO) says it intends to locally produce lithium-ion batteriesClick here to read…

Namibia orders Russian uranium exploration to stop due to environmental concerns

Namibian authorities have ordered Russia’s state atomic energy agency to stop uranium exploration over concerns about potential contamination of underground water. Click here to read…

Israeli foreign minister sees Abraham Accords summit in Morocco in March

Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen said on Monday he planned to attend a summit in March with counterparts from Arab countries that have drawn closer to Israel following a U.S.-sponsored diplomatic drive in 2020. Click here to read…

Iran sees ‘no problem’ with building ties with Egypt

Iranian Foreign Ministry’s spokesman Nasser Kanaani has said that Iran sees no problem with building relations with Egypt. Click here to read…

Mauritius, UK open talks on status of contested islands

Britain and Mauritius have begun talks on the sovereignty of the disputed Chagos archipelago, the Mauritian prime minister announced Sunday. Click here to read…

U.S. cuts off Burkina Faso from Africa duty-free trade program

The United States has dropped Burkina Faso from its AGOA trade preference program citing deep concerns over “unconstitutional change” in government in the West African country, the U.S. Trade Representative’s (USTR) office said on Sunday. Click here to read…

Nigeria to Ban Cash Withdrawals from Government Accounts

Nigeria will ban cash withdrawals from government accounts from March 1 to tackle illicit activity and push toward a cashless economy. Click here to read…

Sierra Leone Becomes First in Africa to Hike Rate This Year

Sierra Leone’s central bank became the first in Africa and second globally after Israel to raise interest rates this year. Click here to read…

Mauritania celebrates Nouakchott as cultural capital of Islamic world

Mauritania on Friday commenced the first events since Nouakchott was chosen as the capital of culture in the Islamic world for 2023. Click here to read…

Uganda’s Ebola outbreak nearly under control, says Africa CDC

Africa’s top public health body has said the Ebola outbreak in Uganda was coming under control, as it had been 39 days since the last confirmed case of the virus was reported in the country. Click here to read…

Burundi declares cholera outbreak in Bujumbura

Burundi has declared a cholera outbreak in the commercial capital Bujumbura, the Health minister Sylvie Nzeyimana announced Sunday evening, noting that at least nine cases had been recorded. Click here to read…

INDIA IN AFRICA

Largest unit of Indian women peacekeepers in Sudan conflict zone

India Friday deployed a platoon of women peacekeepers in Abyei on the border of Sudan and South Sudan as part of the Indian Battalion in the United Nations Interim Security Force. Click here to read…

Army sends largest contingent of women peacekeepers for UN

The Indian Army has deployed its largest-ever contingent of women soldiers for UN peacekeeping operations in the volatile oil-rich Abyei region of Africa, which straddles northern and southern Sudan and is hotly contested by both. Click here to read…

India condemns ‘mindless act of vandalism’ on Mahatma Gandhi statue in Seychelles

The high commission of India in Seychelles has condemned what it termed as “the mindless act of vandalism” on statues of Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela located at the Peace Park in Victoria. Click here to read…

MoS Muraleedharan discusses trade, investment with visiting Tanzanian minister Jenista Mhagama

Union Minister of State (MoS) V Muraleedharan met with visiting Tanzanian minister Jenista Mhagama on Saturday and discussed wide-ranging bilateral cooperation including trade, investment and capacity building. Click here to read…

India Madagascar Trade Conference was organized by the Indian Economic Trade Organization and the Embassy of Madagascar on DECEMBER 27, 2022

The India Madagascar Trade Conference was organized on December 27, 2022 by the Indian Economic Trade Organization and the Embassy of Madagascar to strengthen bilateral trade relations. Click here to read…

Navi Mumbai: Mauritius Health Minister visits NMMC’s Vashi Public Hospital, praises cleanliness and digitisation

Health Minister of Mauritius Dr. Kailash Kumar Singh Jagutpal along with Senior Chief Executive Officer Shri. Devichand Anandi Ray Seevuruthoon, Digital Health Services Officer Dr. Bholah Mamal as well as Director of Ministry of Electronic and Information Technology Delhi Ravindra Kumar paid a special visit to NMMC Hospital, Vashi. They inspected the E-Hospital and AYUSH Center functioning in Vashi hospital. Click here to read…

Tanzania minister calls on Dr Jitendra, lauds India’s governance practices

Minister in the President’s Office of the United Republic of Tanzania, Jenista Joakim Mhagama Wednesday called on Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Dr Jitendra Singh at North Block New Delhi. Click here to read…

India to Secure Rock Phosphate from Morocco

India’s Minister of chemicals and fertilizers Mansukh Mandaviya is set to visit Morocco to seal a deal to import rock phosphate. Click here to read…

India seeks food security through more Moroccan phosphates supplies

Indian chemicals and fertilizers minister Mansukh Mandaviya will be visiting Morocco this month to seal long-term phosphates supply deal amid surging prices in the international market. Click here to read…

Morocco to receive 90 ‘Made In India’ military trucks manufactured by Indian Tata

The Royal Moroccan Army is set to receive 90 ‘Made in India’ 6×6 trucks made by Indian Tata Advance Systems LimitedClick here to read…

Morocco revamps it’s logistics capacity with new trucks

In order to plug capability gaps Moroccan governments has invested in procuring military trucks to revamp it’s logistics operations. Click here to read…

AGI attends India International Textile Manufacturing Expo

A delegation of businesses from the Textiles, Garments and Leather Sector of the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), and the Spinnet Textiles and Garment Cluster has participated in the India International Textile Manufacturing Expo (ITME) to identify and meet with potential partners. Click here to read…

Mob attacks Delhi Police after Nigerians detained for overstaying visa

A huge mob, comprising 100 African nationals, surrounded a police team in the Neb Sarai area of South Delhi and clashed with them when the cops apprehended three NigeriansClick here to read…

Atua Enkop Africa Appoints Avenir Research Marketing As India Representative

Atua Enkop Africa Ltd has appointing Avenir Research Marketing to promote its portfolio of luxury camps in the Indian market. Click here to read…

Africa Algeria Angola Arab League Benin Burkina Faso Cameroon China Congo Egypt Ethiopia Gambia Ghana Guinea India in Africa Kenya Libya M23 Mali Mauritius Morocco Mozambique Nigeria Rwanda Somalia South Africa Sudan Tanzania Tunisia Uganda Zambia Zimbabwe

Africa Now

Africa Now – Weekly Newsletter (Week 2, 2023)

January 12, 2023 vd@admin

Welcome to Africa Now, your weekly newsletter for Africa, presenting the most important developments in the continent – news that matters.

COMMENTARY

Africa needs reliable and resilient healthcare system: How India can deliver it

It is crucial to strengthen cooperation between Indian healthcare providers and African partners in areas like capacity building, the establishment of hospitals, and investment in telemedicine, given the significance of India in providing medicines to Africa. Click here to read…

Lessons from South Africa: The fading Gandhi-Mandela legacy

“Papa, I want to leave South Africa. I see no future for myself here. I’ll go abroad for studies and to live the rest of my life.” This is what the 16-year-old son of an Indian academic in Cape Town told his father. Click here to read…

NEWS

Benin holds parliamentary election set to test democracy

Voters in Benin go to the polls on Sunday for a parliamentary election seen as a test of democracy as opposition parties are back on the ballot after boycotting or being excluded from the most recent presidential and legislative votes. Click here to read…

Ethiopia sets out on long road to peace after two years of war

A year that began with no end in sight for one of the world’s deadliest conflicts finished on a note of cautious optimism in Ethiopia’s northern region of Tigray after a November ceasefire agreement. Click here to read…

Final round of Sudan’s political process set to start Sunday

The final stage of Sudan’s political process is set to kick off on Sunday, according to the country’s trilateral mechanism body. Click here to read…

Burkina Faso’s military regime expels French ambassador

Burkina Faso’s military junta has expelled France’s ambassador, authorities said Monday, amid a surge in anti-French sentiment as the West African country moves to develop closer ties with Russia. Click here to read…

Libyan govt ready to hold elections in 2023: PM

Libyan Prime Minister Abdul-Hamed Dbeibah said his government is ready to hold general elections this year. Click here to read…

Arab League welcomes joint Libyan declaration on election road map

The Arab League on Friday welcomed a Libyan joint statement agreeing to draw a “clear and specified” road map to hold long-awaited elections. Click here to read…

‘Destabilization’ plot foiled, 11 officers indicted, says Chad

An attempt to destabilize Chad has been defeated, authorities in the Central African nation have announced, adding that 11 army officers were indicted over their alleged roles in the bid that took place last month. Click here to read…

After Yet Another Coup Attempt, It’s Time for The Gambia to Demilitarize

About two weeks ago, someone called me and said there were rumors of a failed attempt to stage a coup d’etat in The Gambia. Click here to read…

Sudan shuts border with Central African Republic amid heightened security presence

Sudan closed its border with the Central African Republic (CAR) and sent military reinforcements to frontier areas, local media reported on Thursday. Click here to read…

Morocco links Israel embassy to W Sahara recognition: Report

Morocco has demanded that Israel recognise its sovereignty over the disputed territory of Western Sahara before Rabat opens an embassy in Tel Aviv, the news outlet Axios has reported, citing four current and former Israeli officials involved in the matter. Click here to read…

Ethnic clashes hit Somaliland ahead of this year’s elections

Kenyan Member of Parliament has been accused of inciting the violence to stop Somaliland from being recognised as an independent entity. Click here to read…

Somalia for 1st time claims Al Shabab extremists seek talks

Somalia’s government claimed on Saturday that the Al Shabab extremist group has for the first time asked to open negotiations, amid a military offensive the government has described as “total war.” Click here to read…

U.N. internal report flags east Congo rebels flouting ceasefire and withdrawal deal

United Nations intelligence analysts have spotted suspected movements by M23 rebels in parts of eastern Congo from which they were meant to have withdrawn and signs the armed group has seized ground in other areas, internal U.N. documents showed on Thursday. Click here to read…

Tanzania’s Government Lifts Ban on Political Rallies

Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has lifted a six-year-old ban on political rallies. Her predecessor, the late John Magufuli, banned public rallies in 2016, one year after he came to power, saying they could escalate into violence. Click here to read…

Mali escapes sanctions over detention of 46 Ivorian soldiers

West African leaders will not go through with a threat to sanction Mali for jailing 46 Ivorian soldiers, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) said on Wednesday. Click here to read…

Mali junta leader pardons 49 convicted Ivorian soldiers

Mali’s junta leader on Friday pardoned all 49 Ivorian soldiers whose arrest in July triggered a bitter diplomatic row, a government spokesman said, just a week after the courts sentenced them. Click here to read…

Botswana’s ex-leader Khama asks court to set aside arrest warrant

Botswana’s former president Ian Khama has filed an urgent court application seeking to strike down an arrest warrant issued against him by a magistrate last week. Click here to read…

World’s ‘most wanted people smuggler’ arrested in Sudan

An Eritrean fugitive accused of being “the world’s most wanted” people smuggler has been arrested in Sudan in coordination with UAE authorities, Interpol announced. Click here to read…

Cameroon Adopts Maritime Security Law to Fight Gulf of Guinea Piracy

Almost six months after the UN Security Council adopted a text compelling Gulf of Guinea countries to criminalize piracy and armed robbery at sea, Cameroon has adopted a law on suppression of piracy and general safety of maritime navigation within its waters. Click here to read…

Cameroonian fishery products banned in EU, commission says

The European Commission on Thursday banned imports of seafood caught in Cameroon’s waters, or caught by ships flagged there, and it labeled the West African country as “non-cooperating” in the fight against illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing. Click here to read…

UN rights chief urges rapid inquiry after 28 die in Burkina Faso town

The head of the United Nations human rights office has called for a prompt, transparent investigation into the deaths of at least 28 people whose bodies were found in north-west Burkina Faso last month. Click here to read…

Five African migrants die, 10 missing after boat sinks off Tunisia

At least five African migrants died and another 10 were missing after a boat sank off Tunisia, as they tried to cross the Mediterranean to Italy, a judicial official said on Saturday. Click here to read…

EU calls on Rwanda to stop supporting M23 rebels in DR Congo

The European Union has urged Rwanda to stop supporting the M23 rebel group, which has captured swaths of territory in North Kivu province in the neighbouring Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Click here to read…

Morocco says EU ties under attack amid corruption scandal

Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita said Thursday that the north African country is the target of calculated media attacks and legal harassment aimed at undermining ties with the European Union, weeks after Belgian authorities implicated Morocco in a major corruption scandal. Click here to read…

Strike over pay paralyses transport in the Tunisian capital

Metro and bus traffic in the Tunisian capital ground to a halt on Monday, after employees of the state transport company held a strike over delays in the payment of wages and bonuses. Click here to read…

Zambians brace up for up to 12 hours of daily power cuts

Starting from Wednesday, January 4, Zambia’s power utility has updated the hours of load shedding to 12 hours daily. Click here to read…

South Sudan: Journalists held over film of president appearing to wet himself

Six journalists in South Sudan have been detained over the circulation of footage showing President Salva Kiir appearing to wet himself at an official event, the national journalists union said on Saturday. Click here to read…

Edwin Chiloba: LGBTQ activist found dead in Kenya

Police in Kenya are investigating the death of young fashion designer and LGBTQ activist Edwin Chiloba after his body was found dumped in a metal box by the roadside near the town of Eldoret. Click here to read…

Mass grave with 18 bodies found in ex-Daesh stronghold in Libya

Libyan authorities on Sunday said they have found 18 bodies buried in a mass grave in a former stronghold of Daesh along the conflict-stricken North African nation’s coast. Click here to read…

US-Angola military ties deepen

“So there is a game changer. We may say it’s significant and this is in the interest of both parties – Angola and the United States of America,” Angolan President João Lourenço said at last month’s US-Angola bilateral meeting in Washington, at the US Department of State. Click here to read…

Chinese firm to manufacture lithium batteries in Zim

CHINESE steel manufacturer Dinson Iron and Steel Company (DISCO) says it intends to locally produce lithium-ion batteriesClick here to read…

Namibia orders Russian uranium exploration to stop due to environmental concerns

Namibian authorities have ordered Russia’s state atomic energy agency to stop uranium exploration over concerns about potential contamination of underground water. Click here to read…

Israeli foreign minister sees Abraham Accords summit in Morocco in March

Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen said on Monday he planned to attend a summit in March with counterparts from Arab countries that have drawn closer to Israel following a U.S.-sponsored diplomatic drive in 2020. Click here to read…

Iran sees ‘no problem’ with building ties with Egypt

Iranian Foreign Ministry’s spokesman Nasser Kanaani has said that Iran sees no problem with building relations with Egypt. Click here to read…

Mauritius, UK open talks on status of contested islands

Britain and Mauritius have begun talks on the sovereignty of the disputed Chagos archipelago, the Mauritian prime minister announced Sunday. Click here to read…

U.S. cuts off Burkina Faso from Africa duty-free trade program

The United States has dropped Burkina Faso from its AGOA trade preference program citing deep concerns over “unconstitutional change” in government in the West African country, the U.S. Trade Representative’s (USTR) office said on Sunday. Click here to read…

Nigeria to Ban Cash Withdrawals from Government Accounts

Nigeria will ban cash withdrawals from government accounts from March 1 to tackle illicit activity and push toward a cashless economy. Click here to read…

Sierra Leone Becomes First in Africa to Hike Rate This Year

Sierra Leone’s central bank became the first in Africa and second globally after Israel to raise interest rates this year. Click here to read…

Mauritania celebrates Nouakchott as cultural capital of Islamic world

Mauritania on Friday commenced the first events since Nouakchott was chosen as the capital of culture in the Islamic world for 2023. Click here to read…

Uganda’s Ebola outbreak nearly under control, says Africa CDC

Africa’s top public health body has said the Ebola outbreak in Uganda was coming under control, as it had been 39 days since the last confirmed case of the virus was reported in the country. Click here to read…

Burundi declares cholera outbreak in Bujumbura

Burundi has declared a cholera outbreak in the commercial capital Bujumbura, the Health minister Sylvie Nzeyimana announced Sunday evening, noting that at least nine cases had been recorded. Click here to read…

INDIA IN AFRICA

Largest unit of Indian women peacekeepers in Sudan conflict zone

India Friday deployed a platoon of women peacekeepers in Abyei on the border of Sudan and South Sudan as part of the Indian Battalion in the United Nations Interim Security Force. Click here to read…

Army sends largest contingent of women peacekeepers for UN

The Indian Army has deployed its largest-ever contingent of women soldiers for UN peacekeeping operations in the volatile oil-rich Abyei region of Africa, which straddles northern and southern Sudan and is hotly contested by both. Click here to read…

India condemns ‘mindless act of vandalism’ on Mahatma Gandhi statue in Seychelles

The high commission of India in Seychelles has condemned what it termed as “the mindless act of vandalism” on statues of Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela located at the Peace Park in Victoria. Click here to read…

MoS Muraleedharan discusses trade, investment with visiting Tanzanian minister Jenista Mhagama

Union Minister of State (MoS) V Muraleedharan met with visiting Tanzanian minister Jenista Mhagama on Saturday and discussed wide-ranging bilateral cooperation including trade, investment and capacity building. Click here to read…

India Madagascar Trade Conference was organized by the Indian Economic Trade Organization and the Embassy of Madagascar on DECEMBER 27, 2022

The India Madagascar Trade Conference was organized on December 27, 2022 by the Indian Economic Trade Organization and the Embassy of Madagascar to strengthen bilateral trade relations. Click here to read…

Navi Mumbai: Mauritius Health Minister visits NMMC’s Vashi Public Hospital, praises cleanliness and digitisation

Health Minister of Mauritius Dr. Kailash Kumar Singh Jagutpal along with Senior Chief Executive Officer Shri. Devichand Anandi Ray Seevuruthoon, Digital Health Services Officer Dr. Bholah Mamal as well as Director of Ministry of Electronic and Information Technology Delhi Ravindra Kumar paid a special visit to NMMC Hospital, Vashi. They inspected the E-Hospital and AYUSH Center functioning in Vashi hospital. Click here to read…

Tanzania minister calls on Dr Jitendra, lauds India’s governance practices

Minister in the President’s Office of the United Republic of Tanzania, Jenista Joakim Mhagama Wednesday called on Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Dr Jitendra Singh at North Block New Delhi. Click here to read…

India to Secure Rock Phosphate from Morocco

India’s Minister of chemicals and fertilizers Mansukh Mandaviya is set to visit Morocco to seal a deal to import rock phosphate. Click here to read…

India seeks food security through more Moroccan phosphates supplies

Indian chemicals and fertilizers minister Mansukh Mandaviya will be visiting Morocco this month to seal long-term phosphates supply deal amid surging prices in the international market. Click here to read…

Morocco to receive 90 ‘Made In India’ military trucks manufactured by Indian Tata

The Royal Moroccan Army is set to receive 90 ‘Made in India’ 6×6 trucks made by Indian Tata Advance Systems LimitedClick here to read…

Morocco revamps it’s logistics capacity with new trucks

In order to plug capability gaps Moroccan governments has invested in procuring military trucks to revamp it’s logistics operations. Click here to read…

AGI attends India International Textile Manufacturing Expo

A delegation of businesses from the Textiles, Garments and Leather Sector of the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), and the Spinnet Textiles and Garment Cluster has participated in the India International Textile Manufacturing Expo (ITME) to identify and meet with potential partners. Click here to read…

Mob attacks Delhi Police after Nigerians detained for overstaying visa

A huge mob, comprising 100 African nationals, surrounded a police team in the Neb Sarai area of South Delhi and clashed with them when the cops apprehended three NigeriansClick here to read…

Atua Enkop Africa Appoints Avenir Research Marketing As India Representative

Atua Enkop Africa Ltd has appointing Avenir Research Marketing to promote its portfolio of luxury camps in the Indian market. Click here to read…

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