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…

Afghanistan

Blast Happened Near Foreign Ministry in Kabul: Tolo News

A blast took place in front of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in downtown Kabul on Wednesday afternoon. At least five civilians were killed and several others were wounded in the blast, a spokesman for the Kabul security department, Khalid Zadran, said. He said the Islamic Emirate condemns such “heinous” attacks and will punish the perpetrators. He said the explosion happened on the street of the Foreign MinistryClick here to read…

Pakistan, Afghanistan Suffering From Militancy and Terrorism: The Khaama Press

Pakistan has experienced a major rise in militancy since the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) broke its peace treaty with the Pakistani government in November. According to Jang Media, the attacks have claimed the lives of 415 military personnel and civilians thus far. Pakistan Institute of Peace Studies (PIPS) has announced that TTP and other terror groups based in border areas between Pakistan and Afghanistan have launched 262 attacks over the past year, causing the death of 419 people and injuring 734 others. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

US wants Bangladesh to join Indo-Pacific Strategy – Dhaka Tribune

The United States wants Bangladesh to be part of the Indo-Pacific Strategy (IPS), a White House brainchild aimed at strengthening its long-term position in and commitment to the region. The IPS was established in early 2022 to partner with like-minded countries in the region, facing mounting challenges, particularly from ChinaClick here to read…

Why Chinese Foreign Minister, on first diplomatic trip to Africa, made midnight stop in Bangladesh? – Firstpost

China did not reveal much about the meeting but talking to media, Momen said during the meeting, he raised the widening trade gap with Beijing. As per reports, every year, Bangladesh imports around $13 billion worth of goods from China, while its exports to Beijing remain below $800 million. Over $12 billion deficit is of a major concern for Bangladesh considering the shaky condition of its foreign exchange reserves amid the global economic turmoil sparked by the Ukraine war. Click here to read…

Bangladesh opposition holds rally seeking PM Hasina’s resignation – Aljazeera

Thousands of supporters of Bangladesh’s main opposition party have rallied across Bangladeshi cities to demand Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s resignation and the formation of a caretaker government to conduct general elections. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its allies staged protests in the capital Dhaka and nine other cities on Wednesday, the latest of several demonstrations in recent months amid mounting anger over the rising cost of living. Click here to read…

Bhutan

31 Battalion SSB Gossaigaon conducted ‘Operations alert’ exercise along Indo Bhutan border – The Sentinel

The aim of the exercise is to detect and neutralise the insurgents and their hideouts in the forest area, revamp the security of the SSB Border outpost, monitoring the activities of suspected linkmen & other ground workers working for the militants groups and apprehending them while attempting any illegal activity, detect anti social elements, insurgents, timber smugglers, poachers in the forest area in and around the area of responsibility and to make the sense of security among the border population. Click here to read…

A need for radical policy shift – Kuensel Online

The report is damning—close to 70 percent of job seekers in Bhutan prefer to go abroad to work. This is a survey report from the employment ministry. When emigration rate is high, it indicates that something is seriously wrong with the country’s economic and employment policies. Australia is the choice for most Bhutanese today. What is worrying is that we are not just losing young talents but also a critical talent pool that helps shape our long-term national vision. Click here to read…

Maldives

Maldives: Backsliding on Law Reform, Free Speech – HRW

The Maldives government failed in 2022 to enact critical reforms to the justice system and counter threats to free expression. It did not address longstanding abuses against migrant workers, LGBT people, and other at-risk groups, Human Rights Watch said today in its World Report 2023. The government carried out development projects without full consideration of environmental harm. Click here to read…

Biden applauds Maldives’ efforts to mitigate the impacts of climate change – Raajje

The President of the United States of America, Joe Biden has applauded the Maldives’ efforts to mitigate the impacts of climate change and build resilience. The US President made the remarks during his meeting with the new Ambassador of the Maldives to the United States of America, Abdul Ghafoor Mohamed, after he presented his Letter of Credence to the President, on 12 December 2022. Click here to read…

Myanmar

Sham election will only prolong Myanmar civil war: Jakarta Post contributor – Strait Times

Jan 4 marked the 75th anniversary of Myanmar’s independence. Under normal circumstances, the occasion, usually referred to as a “diamond jubilee”, would involve great celebration and joy. However, the people of Myanmar are instead dealing with a deadly war. Since illegally seizing power on Feb 1, 2021 to prevent the newly elected parliament from convening, the military junta has escalated its attacks on unarmed civilians and armed resistance forces alike. Click here to read…

Indonesia to establish office of ASEAN special envoy on Myanmar – Vietnam Plus

Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said on January 11 that she will head an office that Indonesia – the rotating Chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) this year, is establishing to spearhead how the bloc deals with the crisis in Myanmar. Click here to read…

Myanmar: Abuses Mount Since Military Coup – HRW

Myanmar’s junta has been responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity since the military coup in February 2021, Human Rights Watch said today in its World Report 2023. The security forces have been implicated in mass killings, arbitrary arrests and detention, torture, sexual violence, and attacks on civilians in conflict areas. Amid a post-coup economic crisis, the junta has severely hindered the delivery of humanitarian aid to communities most at risk. Click here to read…

Nepal

Nepal’s opposition-less Parliament – Nepali Times

Deuba’s decision to give Dahal his party’s vote of confidence has diminished NC’s role and responsibility to be a watchdog of government. For his part, Deuba remarked that his party had decided to give Dahal his party’s vote of confidence to protect the Constitution from the coalition itself, referring to Oli’s comments about dissolving Parliament. While another confidence motion cannot be called for two years, any party can exit the coalition at any time. Given the past bad blood between Oli and Dahal, there is every possibility of them falling out again, which Deuba can capitalise on. Click here to read…

Nepal and Bangladesh lobby India for corridor to trade electricity – The Kathmandu Post

The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) says it has sought approval from the Indian authorities to export 40-50 MW of electricity to Bangladesh through India’s existing transmission infrastructure, in line with an agreement reached between Nepal and Bangladesh in August. The two countries in August last year had decided to request the southern neighbour to allow export of 40-50MW of electricity from Nepal to Bangladesh in the initial phase by utilising the high-voltage Baharampur-Bheramara cross-border power transmission link. Click here to read…

Nepal, China prepare for high-level visits – The Annapurna Express

Nepal and China have also begun preparations for high-level visits in the next couple of months. A diplomatic source told ApEx that Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal is likely to visit China at the end of March to participate in the Boao Form for Asia. The newly appointed Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang has already begun diplomatic trips and he is likely to visit South Asian countries soon. The source said the Chinese foreign minister could visit Kathmandu too. A high-level Chinese delegation is also expected to visit Nepal to convey Beijing’s message to the new government. Click here to read…

Thousands rally in Nepal to seek restoration of monarchy – The Pioneer

Thousands of supporters of Nepal’s former royal family held a rally on Wednesday demanding the restoration of monarchy in the Himalayan nation. They gathered around the statue of King Prithvi Narayan Shah, who started the Shah dynasty in the 18th century. The last Shah king — Gyanendra — was forced to step down and the monarchy abolished in 2008, making Nepal a republic. There are still many supporters who seek to bring the monarchy back and rally every year on the birth anniversary of Prithvi Narayan. Click here to read…

Pakistan

China pledges $100m more flood aid: The Express Tribune

China is pledging an additional $100 million to continue supporting Pakistan’s recovery efforts from the devastating 2022 floods, announced Luo Zhaohui, chairman of the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA). Click here to read…

After much ado, Elahi proves majority: The Express Tribune

The vote of confidence that commenced after midnight concluded with the Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) coalition showing majority in the provincial legislature with the support of 186 lawmakers – the minimum number of votes required to win the trust vote. Earlier, PTI leader Fawad Chaudhry had announced that Elahi would take the vote “shortly”, followed by the deputy speaker validating it as well. The proceedings thus resumed and Law Minister Raja Basharat tabled the resolution in the house. Later, the members were invited to the house and the voting commenced. Click here to read…

IMF demands on power sector reforms being worked out: Ishaq Dar: The News

Minister for Finance Ishaq Dar has said the government was taking action for narrowing down the path for the revival of IMF programme, including making efforts to erase the circular debt of energy sector and taking additional taxation measures without further burdening the general masses. However, Dar, in a statement, said the IMF’s demands on account of power sector reforms were being worked out. He said the circular debt of the gas sector went up at an extra speed. Now the government, he said, has worked out a plan to utilise dividends of gas companies to reduce the circular debt of the gas sector. He said the government was working on a comprehensive plan but there would be no burden on the massesClick here to read…

Sri Lanka

CPA Asia Region office to be opened in Sri Lanka – Daily News

Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Secretary General, Stephen Twiggs expressed his deep concern over recent violent acts against Members of Parliament including the killing of an MP and offered assistance from the CPA to strengthen democracy and security of Sri Lanka Parliament, its members and staff. Click here to read…

4 Lankans arrested for stealing 4.6mn INR from car – Daily Mirror

The Police recovered more than 4.6 million (₹46.50 lakh) Indian rupees (INR) from the possession of the accused, who speak Tamil. They said that the accused live in temporary shanties in Delhi and other different states and have conducted multiple thefts in the past. Click here to read…

New Political Alliances in the making – Daily News

A petition protesting against the proposed tariff hike, reportedly signed by 6.9 million consumers of electricity, was presented to the PUCSL and accepted by its Chairman Janaka Ratnayake. The different views held by the Government and the PUCSL leaves room for much discussion and debate. With these developments emerging on several fronts, the coming weeks and months will be busy for both the Government and the Opposition, tackling not only economic issues but also the political fallout from the much anticipated Local Government elections, the first national elections since 2020. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

US to keep working with Bangladesh in different areas: Biden – New Age

United States president Joe Biden has said that his country acknowledges their enduring partnership with Dhaka and termed Bangladesh’s economic growth in the past 50 years as a ‘remarkable story’. ‘I hope our nations will continue to work on democratic governance, climate change, refugees, and maritime security. We are invested in your success and support the ability of all Bangladeshis to freely participate in and contribute to their country’s development,’ he said. Click here to read…

US National Security Council delegation visits Rohingya camps – Daily Star

Additional Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner Shamsuddouza Nayan told our Cox’s Bazar staff correspondent that a 10-member delegation visited various Rohingya camps located in Ukhiya upazila. Click here to read…

10 lakh Bangladeshis get Indian visas in 8 months last year – TBS

Over 10 lakh Bangladeshis received Indian visas, including 2.73 lakh medical visas, in eight months last year (from January to November) for travelling to the neighbouring country, according to the data provided by the Indian High Commission, Dhaka. Click here to read…

India-Bangladesh pipeline: energy transport likely to start by Feb – Daily Star

The much-awaited 130-km India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline (IBFPL) for cross-border transportation of energy is likely to start by February, Indian officials were quoted as saying. The Rs 337.08 crore pipeline will carry fuel from state-owned Numaligarh Refinery Ltd’s (NRL) marketing terminal at Siliguri in West Bengal to the Parbatipur depot of Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC). Click here to read…

Bhutan

China lens on Nepal, Bhutan, Sikkim and India -Telegraph

Shedding some of the subtleties known for its diplomatic approach, China under President Xi Jinping has made a series of uncharacteristically candid comments and in-depth reportage seeking to alert Nepal, Bhutan and Sikkim against foreign forces trying to use them as geostrategic pawns, while sternly warning India against the United States’ moves termed “China containment”. Click here to read…

What’s brewing in Bhutan? Japan eyes sake production after symposium in Thimphu – Mainichi

Following a symposium on sake in Bhutan in late October, which was presented by a brewer from this east Japan prefecture, the industry sees a bright future for the production of its famed beverage in the south Asian country. Click here to read…

Melting glaciers of Tibet may impact regional security in S Asia: Report – Business Standard

Melting glaciers on the Tibetan Plateau can result in excess water in some places and shortages in others, says a report in Hamrakura, adding that the melting of glaciers on the Tibetan Plateau could impact regional security. Click here to read…

Maldives

Maldives ends first week of 2023 with 37,209 tourist arrivals – Raajje

Maldives has welcomed more than 37,000 tourists during the first week of 2023. Statistics publicized by the Ministry of Tourism shows that Maldives has welcomed, 37,209 tourists between 01 January 2023 and 07 January 2023. As such, 4,625 tourists were welcomed on 01 January, followed by 6,487 tourists on 02 January and 6,232 tourists on 03 January. Click here to read…

“Maldives will not stop advocating for the rights of Palestine” – Raajje

Maldives will not stop advocating for the rights of Palestine, says the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Maldives. The Ministry stated this in their statement made public, condemning the action of the Israeli National Security Minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, visiting the Al-Aqsa Mosque complex on 03 January. Foreign Ministry’s statement went on to highlight that this action of the Israeli National Security Minister is against all the international laws and regulations and the agreements that have been signed. Click here to read…

Myanmar

Myanmar’s domestic fuel prices fall slightly – Mizzima

Domestic fuel prices in Myanmar were stable last week at around 2,100 kyat per liter and now it is learned that they fell slightly to below 2,000 kyat on 5 January. The fuel price fell by about 100 kyat per litre as per the reference price set by the Fuel Import, Storage and Distribution Supervisory Committee on 5 January. The reference petrol retail price for one week in Yangon starting from 5 January is 1,975 kyat per litre for 92 Ron and 2,045 kyat per litre for 95 Ron. Click here to read…

New hope for India-Myanmar transit Kaladan project with new consultant – New Indian Express

Hope of the completion of the last 109 km of Kaladan Multi Modal Transit Transport (KMMTT) project has been rekindled after IRCON was recently appointed at the Project Management Consultant (PMC). This ambitious project would link India and Myanmar via the Bay of Bengal. Click here to read…

ASEAN needs to look beyond Myanmar’s Five-Point Consensus – The Jakarta Post

Patience has its limits, even for ASEAN, famous or notorious, some argue, for its tardiness in taking action. The regional group must do something drastic soon in its dealing with Myanmar, the belligerent member which has defied its promise to end violence in the country. Failing that, the Myanmar issue is dragging the entire group down. Click here to read…

USDP chairperson meets 37 political parties in Naypyitaw – Mizzima

Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) chairperson Khin Yi held an informal meeting with 37 political parties on 5 January at the USDP headquarters in Naypyitaw. The pro-junta USDP chairperson Khin Yi had not yet held a meeting with other political organizations since he took over the party’s chairperson position, so he organized the meeting, said a central executive of the USDP. “One thing he [Khin Yi] said was to help the nation all around with the power of consolidation. This is his main point,” said National United Democratic (NUD) Party leader Sein Win, who attended the meeting. Click here to read…

Nepal

UML set to govern 3 provinces, Maoists 1, 3 CMs to be rotated – Kathmandu Post

According to a leader present at the meeting, the ruling coalition has decided to divide the chief ministers of the seven provinces—Province 1, Gandaki and Lumbini going to the UML and Karnali to the Maoist Centre. The two parties will head governments in Bagmati and Sudurpaschim by turns. As per the deal, the Maoist Centre will lead the Bagmati government in the first half of the five years, while the UML will lead the Sudurpaschim government first. Click here to read…

Nepal says it’s making efforts to activate SAARC – Economic Times

Nepal on Sunday said it was making efforts to activate the eight-member regional grouping SAARC, which has not been very effective since 2016. Speaking at a meeting of the National Concern and Coordination Committee under the National Assembly, Secretary and spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Bharat Raj Paudel said the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) could not be made effective due to the lack of consensus among all member states. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

India provides 75 buses to Sri Lanka to support public transport system – The Hindu

India has handed 75 passenger buses to Sri Lanka as part of its assistance towards strengthening public transport infrastructure in the cash-strapped country. As part of its ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy, India has extended multi-pronged assistance to Sri Lanka to help the country tide over its worst economic and humanitarian crisis since its independence from Great Britain in 1948. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka to restart trade deal talks with India, China and Thailand, says official – DeccanHerald

Sri Lanka will restart negotiations on trade pacts with India, China and Thailand after a four-hear hiatus, an official said on Thursday, as the crisis-hit country races to seal deals to help it rebuild its economy. Click here to read…

Choking on politics – The News International

The vicious cycle in Sri Lanka started with a ‘currency crisis’ followed by devaluation, hyperinflation, fuel shortages, food shortages, loadshedding, medicine shortages followed by violent street protests and then troop deployment. The three things that take place in a ‘normal’ state are: politics, a security policy and an economic policy. We have become an ‘abnormal’ state in the sense that the only thing that takes place in our country is politics. Click here to read…

Welcome to Africa Now, your weekly newsletter for Africa, presenting the most important developments in the continent – news that matters.
Week 1, 2023

COMMENTARY

Focus on Africa, the heart of the Global South

For India to be remembered as the voice of the Global South through the G20 presidency, it needs to understand the mood and changes in AfricaClick here to read…

US, Europe, China in race for Africa, scramble for continent begins

On Sunday, August 14, 2022, U.S. Secretary of State, Antony J. Blinken, began a five-day three-nation trip to South Africa, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda. Click here to read…

Will Africa’s 2023 elections strengthen democracy?

Africa will hold state or parliamentary elections in 17 countries in 2023. According to the Economist Intelligence Unit, these elections will significantly impact the continent. Click here to read…

NEWS

Two Gambian Military Officers Arrested in Connection with Failed Coup

Two Gambian military officers linked to an alleged plot to overthrow the government of President Adama Barrow have been arrested over the weekend. Click here to read…

Tunisian president extends state of emergency until Jan. 30

Tunisian President Kais Saied extended the state of emergency until Jan. 30, 2023, the official gazette said on Friday. Click here to read…

Tripoli-based Libyan govt swaps prisoners with pro-Haftar forces

Libya’s Tripoli-based unity government and the eastern-based rival forces carried out a prisoner swap, involving the release of a pilot captured during putschist Gen. Khalifa Haftar’s 2019 offensive on the capital Tripoli. Click here to read…

El Burhan calls for inclusivity in Sudan’s political negotiations

The head of Sudan’s Sovereignty Council, Lt Gen Abdelfattah El Burhan, warned that exclusion, minimising the role of others, not listening to their demands, and imposing the will of specific groups will lead to wasting the current opportunity, and will put the unity and security of the country in great danger. Click here to read…

Mediators meet to bolster Ethiopia truce amid signs of détente

Mediators between Ethiopia’s federal government and authorities in the Tigray region, embroiled until last month in a brutal war, are stepping up efforts to enforce a truce as relations between the two sides inch closer towards normality. Click here to read…

Mozambique about to join UN Security Council

From January 1st, Mozambique replaces Kenya as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council. Click here to read…

Senegal’s opposition calls for protests after Covid funds “mismanaged”

Senegal’s main opposition coalition Yewii Askan Wi has called for a “concert of pans” on New Year’s Eve, as the president addresses the nation. Click here to read…

Angola court orders dos Santos’s assets seized

Angola’s Supreme Court has ordered the “preventive” seizure of assets worth about $1bn held by Isabel dos Santos, the daughter of its former president. Click here to read…

DRC dismantles Rwanda-backed spying network

The Democratic Republic of Congo, DRC, has announced to have busted a spying network in capital Kinshasa, working for neighbouring Rwanda considered by authorities as enemy. Click here to read…

Exiled Former Botswana President Khama Faces Arrest

A Botswana court has issued an arrest warrant for former President Ian Khama, who is facing 14 charges ranging from unlawful possession of firearms to money laundering. Click here to read…

Eritrean soldiers leave major towns in northern Ethiopia – eyewitnesses

Eritrean soldiers, who fought in support of the Ethiopian federal government during a two-year civil war in the northern Tigray region, have pulled out of the major towns of Shire and Axum, three eyewitnesses told Reuters. Click here to read…

30,000 Displaced In South Sudan After Ethnic Violence

Armed raids in a region of South Sudan plagued by ethnic clashes have forced around 30,000 civilians to flee their homes. Click here to read…

Eritrean Catholic bishop is freed after two months in detention

After more than two months in detention in Eritrea, Catholic Bishop Fikremariam Hagos Tsalim and Father Mehereteab Stefanos have been released from prison, several sources have reported.Click here to read…

Zambia Becomes 25th Sub-Saharan African Nation to Abolish Death Penalty

Fulfilling a pledge made while campaigning for office, Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema on December 23, 2022 signed legislation abolishing the nation’s death penalty. Click here to read…

9 killed in stampede in Uganda shopping mall

At least nine people have been killed in a stampede in a shopping mall in Uganda on Sunday. People were gathered at the Freedom City mall in Kampala for New Year celebrations when the stampede occurred. Click here to read…

Al-Shabab militants kill two men near Kenya’s east coast

Al-Shabab Islamist militants attacked Taa village in the Pandaguo area of Lamu county on Christmas Day – a Christian religious holiday – and killed two local men. Click here to read…

Mali sentences 46 Ivory Coast soldiers to 20 years in prison

A court in Mali has sentenced 46 soldiers from Ivory Coast to 20 years’ imprisonment for conspiring against the government, and three others to death in absentia. Click here to read…

Namibia Halts Russian Uranium Exploration Over Environmental Concerns

Namibia has halted Russia’s state atomic energy agency’s uranium exploration over concerns about potential contamination of underground water. Click here to read…

Somalia rejects Genel Energy’s “illegal claim” to oil permits

Somalia rejected on Wednesday what it called an “illegal claim” by Genel Energy (GENL.L) to oil exploration and exploitation rights in the country’s northern breakaway region of Somaliland, the country’s oil ministry said. Click here to read…

Zimbabwe bans raw lithium exports as demand, prices soar

Zimbabwe has banned the export of raw lithium from its mines so it can cash in on value addition and stop losing billions of dollars in mineral proceeds to foreign companies. Click here to read…

Chinese, foreign consortiums reach deals with Guinean government on Simandou iron ore project’s infrastructure buildup

China Baowu Steel Group Corp and the joint ventures formed by Chinese and foreign enterprises SMB Winning Consortium and Simfer, have signed an infrastructure buildup agreement with Guinean government, reaching important cooperation consensus on joint investment and development of railways and ports of the Simandou project in Guinea. Click here to read…

Madagascar seeks Moroccan fertiliser investment -President

Madagascar is seeking an investment from Morocco in the fertiliser sector as part of its efforts to achieve farming self-sufficiency, President Andry Rajoelina said. Click here to read…

Algeria sets reference price for oil at $60 barrel through 2023/2025

Algeria has set the reference price for crude oil at $60 a barrel through 2023-2025, state news agency (APS) said on Sunday, citing the 2023 budget approved earlier in the day by President Abdelmadjid Tebboune. Click here to read…

UN chief slams Burkina Faso for expelling top envoy accused of discrediting country’

Burkina Faso had no grounds for ordering senior UN official Barbara Manzi to leave the country because the doctrine of “persona non grata” could not be applied to her, the United Nations has said in a statement after the military government ordered Manzi to leave Burkina Faso immediately. Click here to read…

Ivory Coast hands down 11 life sentences in 2016 resort attack

Eleven people have been sentenced to life in prison in Ivory Coast after being convicted of abetting an attack that killed 19 people and injured dozens on a tourist beach nearly seven years ago. Click here to read…

Tanzania Starts Filling the Julius Nyerere Dam For 2115 MW Hydropower Plant

Tanzania has started filling the Julius Nyerere Dam for the new 2,115 MW hydropower plant. The project cost is said to be about $3 billion. Click here to read…

China’s new approach in Africa to focus on FDI over loans

China is taking a new approach to Africa which prioritizes FDI over loans, small and medium-sized businesses over large ones, and green development over carbon emissions. Click here to read…

Chinese provinces boost China-Africa economic, trade cooperation

Although the next China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo is still six months away, an economic and trade delegation from central China’s Hunan Province has finished its trips promoting the expo to several African countries in mid-December. Click here to read…

Ukraine’s aim to deepen ties in Africa leaves open questions

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently announced that new embassies would be opened on the African continent in first quarter of 2023. Click here to read…

Senate gives final approval for establishing Digital Egypt Fund

The 18-article bill, approved by the cabinet in October 2021, got a preliminary approval from the Senate on 12 December, and will find its way to the House of Representatives to be finally discussed and voted. Click here to read…

Africa Has Potential to Produce €1trn Worth of Green Hydrogen by 2035

Africa has the potential to produce €1 trillion worth of green hydrogen a year by 2035, allowing it to export the fuel and boost local industry, a study backed by the European Investment Bank (EIB) has revealed. Click here to read…

Port of Berbera: Dubai invests in Horn of Africa shipping

Dubai-based DP World is expanding its operations in Somaliland as part of a plan to turn the breakaway region into a major trade hub. Even though Somaliland relinquishes commercial power, it may gain political weight. Click here to read…

Delays, extortions, and voter exclusion: Cameroon’s national biometric ID card conundrum

Ashu M. just clocked 20 years this November, the legal age for voting in the central African nation of Cameroon.Click here to read…

Rights watchdogs condemn Algeria’s closure of Radio M

Algeria has arrested independent journalist Ihsane El Kadi and shut down his Radio M, in a move that was decried by international media and free speech watchdogs. Click here to read…

Four killed in attack on police checkpoint in Egypt’s Ismailia

ISIL claims responsibility for the attack in Ismailia city on the western side of the Suez Canal. Click here to read…

A Christmas Day Killing in Lagos

Fatal shooting of Lagos lawyer by police refreshes clamour for law enforcement reform in Nigeria. Click here to read…

Jihadi violence hits Benin, shows spread across West Africa

It’s been more than a year since jihadis first stormed Igor Kassah’s town in northern Benin but the priest still lives in fear. Click here to read…

Abduction, Torture, Rape: Conflict in Congo Worsens, UN Says

The accounts are haunting. Abductions, torture, rapes. Scores of civilians, including women and children, have been killed by the M23 rebels in eastern Congo, according to a U.N. report. Click here to read…

Niger: Military helicopter crashes, three crew members killed

Niger’s ministry of Defense announced Monday the crash of a military helicopter and the death of three members of the crew, during a drill. Click here to read…

South Africa Passes 200 Days of Power Cuts as 2022 Draws to a Close

SA passed 200 days of power cuts in 2022 on Tuesday, with more to come. Eskom ramped up load-shedding from stage 1 to stage 3 from 4pm until 5am for the rest of the week. The power utility has implemented record rotational blackouts this year, because its old and poorly maintained power stations continually break down. Click here to read…

Ghana warns against alarmist New Year prophecies

For many Ghanaian Christians, listening to their pastors make predictions during the New Year’s services has become an annual ritual. Ghana’s police want to stop proclamations that create fear and panic among the public. Click here to read…

INDIA IN AFRICA

Egypt’s President to be Republic Day Chief Guest as India expands Arab relations

This year both countries have celebrated the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations, and the invitation to El Sisi, who has been the president of his country since 2014 is being seen as India’s plans to deepen relations in the region. Click here to read…

Ethiopia, India Agree to Strengthen Investment Cooperation

Ministry of Planning and Development Dr. Fitsum Asefe discussed with Indian Ambassador to Ethiopia Shri Robert Shetkintong on the need to strengthen the relationship between Ethiopia and India in the field of education and investment. 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

India Madagascar Trade Conference was organized by the Indian Economic Trade Organization and the Embassy of Madagascar on DECEMBER 27, 2022. Click here to read…

Elista India expects Rs 1,500 cr revenue by 2025, to invest up to Rs 400 cr

Electronics manufacturing company Elista India expects a revenue of Rs 1,500 crore by 2025 on the back of increased exports to the CIS countries, Middle East and Africa Click here to read…

RBI eases payment concerns involving large pulses suppliers

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has stepped in to address concerns of banks in clearing payments to India’s major pulses suppliers, such as Myanmar, Mozambique and Tanzania. Click here to read…

Gambia deaths: Drug regulators launch nationwide inspection

Weeks after a tragedy in The Gambia where children died reportedly after consuming made-in-India cough syrups, India’s drug regulating agencies have launched a nationwide inspection of production units manufacturing sub-standing medicines Click here to read…

Welcome to Africa Now, your weekly newsletter for Africa, presenting the most important developments in the continent – news that matters.
Week 1, 2023

COMMENTARY

Focus on Africa, the heart of the Global South

For India to be remembered as the voice of the Global South through the G20 presidency, it needs to understand the mood and changes in AfricaClick here to read…

US, Europe, China in race for Africa, scramble for continent begins

On Sunday, August 14, 2022, U.S. Secretary of State, Antony J. Blinken, began a five-day three-nation trip to South Africa, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda. Click here to read…

Will Africa’s 2023 elections strengthen democracy?

Africa will hold state or parliamentary elections in 17 countries in 2023. According to the Economist Intelligence Unit, these elections will significantly impact the continent. Click here to read…

NEWS

Two Gambian Military Officers Arrested in Connection with Failed Coup

Two Gambian military officers linked to an alleged plot to overthrow the government of President Adama Barrow have been arrested over the weekend. Click here to read…

Tunisian president extends state of emergency until Jan. 30

Tunisian President Kais Saied extended the state of emergency until Jan. 30, 2023, the official gazette said on Friday. Click here to read…

Tripoli-based Libyan govt swaps prisoners with pro-Haftar forces

Libya’s Tripoli-based unity government and the eastern-based rival forces carried out a prisoner swap, involving the release of a pilot captured during putschist Gen. Khalifa Haftar’s 2019 offensive on the capital Tripoli. Click here to read…

El Burhan calls for inclusivity in Sudan’s political negotiations

The head of Sudan’s Sovereignty Council, Lt Gen Abdelfattah El Burhan, warned that exclusion, minimising the role of others, not listening to their demands, and imposing the will of specific groups will lead to wasting the current opportunity, and will put the unity and security of the country in great danger. Click here to read…

Mediators meet to bolster Ethiopia truce amid signs of détente

Mediators between Ethiopia’s federal government and authorities in the Tigray region, embroiled until last month in a brutal war, are stepping up efforts to enforce a truce as relations between the two sides inch closer towards normality. Click here to read…

Mozambique about to join UN Security Council

From January 1st, Mozambique replaces Kenya as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council. Click here to read…

Senegal’s opposition calls for protests after Covid funds “mismanaged”

Senegal’s main opposition coalition Yewii Askan Wi has called for a “concert of pans” on New Year’s Eve, as the president addresses the nation. Click here to read…

Angola court orders dos Santos’s assets seized

Angola’s Supreme Court has ordered the “preventive” seizure of assets worth about $1bn held by Isabel dos Santos, the daughter of its former president. Click here to read…

DRC dismantles Rwanda-backed spying network

The Democratic Republic of Congo, DRC, has announced to have busted a spying network in capital Kinshasa, working for neighbouring Rwanda considered by authorities as enemy. Click here to read…

Exiled Former Botswana President Khama Faces Arrest

A Botswana court has issued an arrest warrant for former President Ian Khama, who is facing 14 charges ranging from unlawful possession of firearms to money laundering. Click here to read…

Eritrean soldiers leave major towns in northern Ethiopia – eyewitnesses

Eritrean soldiers, who fought in support of the Ethiopian federal government during a two-year civil war in the northern Tigray region, have pulled out of the major towns of Shire and Axum, three eyewitnesses told Reuters. Click here to read…

30,000 Displaced In South Sudan After Ethnic Violence

Armed raids in a region of South Sudan plagued by ethnic clashes have forced around 30,000 civilians to flee their homes. Click here to read…

Eritrean Catholic bishop is freed after two months in detention

After more than two months in detention in Eritrea, Catholic Bishop Fikremariam Hagos Tsalim and Father Mehereteab Stefanos have been released from prison, several sources have reported.Click here to read…

Zambia Becomes 25th Sub-Saharan African Nation to Abolish Death Penalty

Fulfilling a pledge made while campaigning for office, Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema on December 23, 2022 signed legislation abolishing the nation’s death penalty. Click here to read…

9 killed in stampede in Uganda shopping mall

At least nine people have been killed in a stampede in a shopping mall in Uganda on Sunday. People were gathered at the Freedom City mall in Kampala for New Year celebrations when the stampede occurred. Click here to read…

Al-Shabab militants kill two men near Kenya’s east coast

Al-Shabab Islamist militants attacked Taa village in the Pandaguo area of Lamu county on Christmas Day – a Christian religious holiday – and killed two local men. Click here to read…

Mali sentences 46 Ivory Coast soldiers to 20 years in prison

A court in Mali has sentenced 46 soldiers from Ivory Coast to 20 years’ imprisonment for conspiring against the government, and three others to death in absentia. Click here to read…

Namibia Halts Russian Uranium Exploration Over Environmental Concerns

Namibia has halted Russia’s state atomic energy agency’s uranium exploration over concerns about potential contamination of underground water. Click here to read…

Somalia rejects Genel Energy’s “illegal claim” to oil permits

Somalia rejected on Wednesday what it called an “illegal claim” by Genel Energy (GENL.L) to oil exploration and exploitation rights in the country’s northern breakaway region of Somaliland, the country’s oil ministry said. Click here to read…

Zimbabwe bans raw lithium exports as demand, prices soar

Zimbabwe has banned the export of raw lithium from its mines so it can cash in on value addition and stop losing billions of dollars in mineral proceeds to foreign companies. Click here to read…

Chinese, foreign consortiums reach deals with Guinean government on Simandou iron ore project’s infrastructure buildup

China Baowu Steel Group Corp and the joint ventures formed by Chinese and foreign enterprises SMB Winning Consortium and Simfer, have signed an infrastructure buildup agreement with Guinean government, reaching important cooperation consensus on joint investment and development of railways and ports of the Simandou project in Guinea. Click here to read…

Madagascar seeks Moroccan fertiliser investment -President

Madagascar is seeking an investment from Morocco in the fertiliser sector as part of its efforts to achieve farming self-sufficiency, President Andry Rajoelina said. Click here to read…

Algeria sets reference price for oil at $60 barrel through 2023/2025

Algeria has set the reference price for crude oil at $60 a barrel through 2023-2025, state news agency (APS) said on Sunday, citing the 2023 budget approved earlier in the day by President Abdelmadjid Tebboune. Click here to read…

UN chief slams Burkina Faso for expelling top envoy accused of discrediting country’

Burkina Faso had no grounds for ordering senior UN official Barbara Manzi to leave the country because the doctrine of “persona non grata” could not be applied to her, the United Nations has said in a statement after the military government ordered Manzi to leave Burkina Faso immediately. Click here to read…

Ivory Coast hands down 11 life sentences in 2016 resort attack

Eleven people have been sentenced to life in prison in Ivory Coast after being convicted of abetting an attack that killed 19 people and injured dozens on a tourist beach nearly seven years ago. Click here to read…

Tanzania Starts Filling the Julius Nyerere Dam For 2115 MW Hydropower Plant

Tanzania has started filling the Julius Nyerere Dam for the new 2,115 MW hydropower plant. The project cost is said to be about $3 billion. Click here to read…

China’s new approach in Africa to focus on FDI over loans

China is taking a new approach to Africa which prioritizes FDI over loans, small and medium-sized businesses over large ones, and green development over carbon emissions. Click here to read…

Chinese provinces boost China-Africa economic, trade cooperation

Although the next China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo is still six months away, an economic and trade delegation from central China’s Hunan Province has finished its trips promoting the expo to several African countries in mid-December. Click here to read…

Ukraine’s aim to deepen ties in Africa leaves open questions

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently announced that new embassies would be opened on the African continent in first quarter of 2023. Click here to read…

Senate gives final approval for establishing Digital Egypt Fund

The 18-article bill, approved by the cabinet in October 2021, got a preliminary approval from the Senate on 12 December, and will find its way to the House of Representatives to be finally discussed and voted. Click here to read…

Africa Has Potential to Produce €1trn Worth of Green Hydrogen by 2035

Africa has the potential to produce €1 trillion worth of green hydrogen a year by 2035, allowing it to export the fuel and boost local industry, a study backed by the European Investment Bank (EIB) has revealed. Click here to read…

Port of Berbera: Dubai invests in Horn of Africa shipping

Dubai-based DP World is expanding its operations in Somaliland as part of a plan to turn the breakaway region into a major trade hub. Even though Somaliland relinquishes commercial power, it may gain political weight. Click here to read…

Delays, extortions, and voter exclusion: Cameroon’s national biometric ID card conundrum

Ashu M. just clocked 20 years this November, the legal age for voting in the central African nation of Cameroon.Click here to read…

Rights watchdogs condemn Algeria’s closure of Radio M

Algeria has arrested independent journalist Ihsane El Kadi and shut down his Radio M, in a move that was decried by international media and free speech watchdogs. Click here to read…

Four killed in attack on police checkpoint in Egypt’s Ismailia

ISIL claims responsibility for the attack in Ismailia city on the western side of the Suez Canal. Click here to read…

A Christmas Day Killing in Lagos

Fatal shooting of Lagos lawyer by police refreshes clamour for law enforcement reform in Nigeria. Click here to read…

Jihadi violence hits Benin, shows spread across West Africa

It’s been more than a year since jihadis first stormed Igor Kassah’s town in northern Benin but the priest still lives in fear. Click here to read…

Abduction, Torture, Rape: Conflict in Congo Worsens, UN Says

The accounts are haunting. Abductions, torture, rapes. Scores of civilians, including women and children, have been killed by the M23 rebels in eastern Congo, according to a U.N. report. Click here to read…

Niger: Military helicopter crashes, three crew members killed

Niger’s ministry of Defense announced Monday the crash of a military helicopter and the death of three members of the crew, during a drill. Click here to read…

South Africa Passes 200 Days of Power Cuts as 2022 Draws to a Close

SA passed 200 days of power cuts in 2022 on Tuesday, with more to come. Eskom ramped up load-shedding from stage 1 to stage 3 from 4pm until 5am for the rest of the week. The power utility has implemented record rotational blackouts this year, because its old and poorly maintained power stations continually break down. Click here to read…

Ghana warns against alarmist New Year prophecies

For many Ghanaian Christians, listening to their pastors make predictions during the New Year’s services has become an annual ritual. Ghana’s police want to stop proclamations that create fear and panic among the public. Click here to read…

INDIA IN AFRICA

Egypt’s President to be Republic Day Chief Guest as India expands Arab relations

This year both countries have celebrated the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations, and the invitation to El Sisi, who has been the president of his country since 2014 is being seen as India’s plans to deepen relations in the region. Click here to read…

Ethiopia, India Agree to Strengthen Investment Cooperation

Ministry of Planning and Development Dr. Fitsum Asefe discussed with Indian Ambassador to Ethiopia Shri Robert Shetkintong on the need to strengthen the relationship between Ethiopia and India in the field of education and investment. 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

India Madagascar Trade Conference was organized by the Indian Economic Trade Organization and the Embassy of Madagascar on DECEMBER 27, 2022. Click here to read…

Elista India expects Rs 1,500 cr revenue by 2025, to invest up to Rs 400 cr

Electronics manufacturing company Elista India expects a revenue of Rs 1,500 crore by 2025 on the back of increased exports to the CIS countries, Middle East and Africa Click here to read…

RBI eases payment concerns involving large pulses suppliers

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has stepped in to address concerns of banks in clearing payments to India’s major pulses suppliers, such as Myanmar, Mozambique and Tanzania. Click here to read…

Gambia deaths: Drug regulators launch nationwide inspection

Weeks after a tragedy in The Gambia where children died reportedly after consuming made-in-India cough syrups, India’s drug regulating agencies have launched a nationwide inspection of production units manufacturing sub-standing medicines Click here to read…

DEFENCE

• Value of indigenous defence production.
• Prime Minister had a telephone conversation today with President of the Russian Federation
• Import and export of defence equipment.
• Ministry of defence – year-end review 2022.
• Project – 75 Kalvari Class submarines.
• Joint Staff Talks (JST) between India and the Maldives.
• India- China Corps Commander Level Meeting.
• Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) accorded approval for Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for 24 Capital Acquisition Proposals.
• Successful firing of extended range version of Brahmos air launched missile.
• Indian Coast Guard Concludes Maiden Contract for 10 Multicopter (VTOL) Drones.

INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM

Africa

Somalia

• In a week, Somali military eliminated over 210 al-Shabaab terrorists in CT operations.

Nigeria

• Boko Haram terrorists killed 17 herders in Borno State.

Afghanistan

• IS claimed responsibility of an attack that killed Taliban’s Police Chief in Badakhshan.

Pakistan

• CTD arrested 07 terrorists of different groups from Lahore.

DOMESTIC TERRORISM

Jammu and Kashmir

• NIA searched multiple locations across J&K terror activities case.
• Police arrested 05 HM operatives from Kupwara.
• Security forces eliminated three LeT terrorists in Shopian.

Left-Wing Extremism

• Security forces killed two Maoists in anti-Naxal operation in Chhattisgarh.
• Over 900 Maoists/OGWs surrendered to Odisha police.

Islamic Extremism (excluding J&K)

• NIA made 14th arrest in PFI case, Kerala.
• NIA Special Court convicted HM terrorist in “recruitment case”.
• NIA filed charge sheet against 11 accused involved in “Nizamabad PFI case”.
• NIA searched multiple locations in Kerala in “PFI case”.

Khalistan-inspired Extremism

• NIA carried out search operations at multiple locations in terror case.

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…

Prime Minister had a telephone conversation today with President of the Russian Federation.

Following up on their meeting in Samarkand on the side-line of the SCO Summit, the two leaders reviewed several aspects of the bilateral relationship, including energy cooperation, trade and investments, defence & security cooperation, and other key areas.

In the context of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Prime Minister reiterated his call for dialogue and diplomacy as the only way forward. Prime Minister briefed President Putin on India’s ongoing Presidency of the G-20, highlighting its key priorities. He also looked forward to both countries working together during India’s Chairmanship of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.

For more information: Click here to read…

Import and export of defence equipment.

Details of import and export of defence equipment during the last three years are as under:

• Major Export: Coastal Surveillance System, Light Weight Torpedo, DO-228 Aircraft, Aircraft Towing Tractor, Weapon Locating Radar, Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV) ‘SCGS Zoroaster’, Equipment 120mm Mortar Bomb 120 mm HE, Motor Grader BG605l and Bulldozer 65-1 and Spares, Fire Control System, Armoured Protection Vehicle, Diesel 6×6 Base Vehicle, Mine protected Ambulance Vehicle, High Speed Guard Boat, Armoured Light Specialist Vehicle (6Nos.), Mine Protected Vehicle Right Hand Drive 4×4, 7.62x51mm Sniper Rifle & 0.338 Lapua Magnum Sniper Rifle, Simulator etc.
• Major Import: Jammer, Radar, Doppler Radar, THEMIS UGV, LOITERING MUNITIONS SYSTEM, UAV, NIGHT VISION IMAGING SYSTEM, Armoured Vehicle, Airport Surveillance Radars (ASR), CLOSE-IN WEAPON SYSTEM, C-Block-Jamming System, 7.62x51mm ARSENAL Machine Gun, Ground Support Missile Test Equipment etc.

For more information: Click here to read…,
Click here to read… and Click here to read…

Ministry of defence – year-end review 2022.

Key highlights:
Agnipath– the AGNIPATH scheme for recruitment of youth in the Armed Forces was launched in June, to serve the country for a period of four years.
INS Vikrant- India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant was commissioned by the Prime Minister at Cochin Shipyard Limited in September. With 76% indigenous content, the 262.5 m long and 61.6 m wide ship is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment/systems, designed for a crew of around 1,600 officers and sailors.
Other major ‘Made in India’ inductions/launches- LCH ‘Prachand’, Indian Naval Air Squadron, Missile Destroyers/Frigates, Diving Support/Survey vessels.
C-295 transport aircraft manufacturing facility.
In pursuit of self-reliance- Positive Indigenisation Lists, 68% of capital procurement budget was earmarked for domestic industry, iDEX Prime, Major successful missile tests etc.

In addition various other important areas of international defence cooperation, exports, Expos, Dialogues as well as tasks and achievements of the three services and other constituents of the MoD were highlighted.
For more information: Click here to read…

Project – 75 Kalvari Class submarines.

The fifth submarine of the Project – 75, Kalvari Class submarines, Yard 11879 was delivered to the Indian Navy today, 20 Dec 22. Project – 75 includes indigenous construction of six submarines of Scorpene design. These submarines are being constructed at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) Mumbai, under collaboration with M/s Naval Group, France. Launched on 12 Nov 20, Vagir commenced the sea trials from 01 Feb 22.
For more information: Click here to read…

Joint Staff Talks (JST) between India and the Maldives

6th Joint Staff Talks (JST) between India and the Maldives were held in New Delhi on December 20, 2022. The meeting was conducted in a friendly, warm and extremely cordial atmosphere. Discussions focussed on the ongoing and new initiatives under the ambit of existing bilateral defence cooperation mechanism of all the three services and further strengthening the engagements. The JST is a forum established to boost defence cooperation between India and the Maldives through annual talks at the strategic and operational levels between HQ IDS & MNDF.
For more information: Click here to read…

India- China Corps Commander Level Meeting

The 17th round of India- China Corps Commander Level Meeting was held at Chushul-Moldo border meeting point on the Chinese side on 20th December 2022. Building on the progress made after the last meeting on 17th July 2022, the two sides exchanged views on the resolution of the relevant issues along the LAC in the Western Sector in an open and constructive manner. They had a frank and in-depth discussion, keeping in line with the guidance provided by the State Leaders to work for the resolution of the remaining issues at the earliest which would help in restoration of peace and tranquility along the LAC in the Western Sector and enable progress in bilateral relations.

In the interim, the two sides agreed to maintain the security and stability on the ground in the Western Sector. The two sides agreed to stay in close contact and maintain dialogue through military and diplomatic channels and work out a mutually acceptable resolution of the remaining issues at the earliest.
Reference: Click here to read…

Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) accorded approval for Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for 24 Capital Acquisition Proposals.

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), in its meeting held on December 22, 2022, has accorded approval for Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for 24 Capital Acquisition Proposals. These proposals include six for Indian Army, six for Indian Air Force, 10 for Indian Navy and two for Indian Coast Guard for a total value of Rs 84,328 crore. It is pertinent to mention that 21 proposals, worth Rs 82,127 crore (97.4%), are approved for procurement from indigenous sources.

The AoNs accorded will equip the Indian Army with platforms and equipment such as Futuristic Infantry Combat Vehicles, Light Tanks and Mounted Gun System providing a quantum jump to Indian Army’s operational preparedness. Proposals approved also includes procurement of Ballistic Helmets, with enhanced protection level, for our soldiers. Approvals for procurement of Naval Anti-Ship Missiles, Multi-Purpose Vessels and High Endurance Autonomous Vehicles will further enhance maritime strength giving boost to Indian Navy’s capabilities.

Indian Air Force will be further strengthened with enhanced lethal capabilities by induction of new range of missile system, Long Range Guided Bombs, Range Augmentation Kit for conventional bombs and advanced surveillance systems.
For more information: Click here to read…

Successful firing of extended range version of Brahmos air launched missile.

Indian Air Force successfully fired the Extended Range Version of Brahmos Air Launched missile against a Ship Target from a SU-30MKI aircraft. With this, IAF has achieved a significant capability boost to carry out precision strikes from SU-30MKI aircraft against land/ sea targets over very long ranges.
For more information: Click here to read…

Indian Coast Guard Concludes Maiden Contract for 10 Multicopter (VTOL) Drones.

The Indian Coast Guard has concluded maiden contract for 10 multicopter (VTOL) drones in consonance with Government of India’s policy of embracing Drone Technology. These drones are capable of being launched from both Ships whilst underway, as well as Shore Stations and will play a significant role in the reach if ICG unit during Surveillance & Security operations. In addition, these drones are going to assist in Search and Rescue (SAR), both by day as well as night. The ICG plans to induct 100 additional drones by 2025, to meet the ever-growing challenges in India’s Maritime Zones and Search & Rescue Region.
For more information: Click here to read…

INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM

Africa

Somalia

In a week, Somali military eliminated over 210 al-Shabaab terrorists in CT operations

On 24 December 2022, the Somali military’s army commander— Gen Mohamed Tahlil confirmed that in a week, Somali military carried out counter-terrorism (CT) operations and killed 217 al-Shabaab terrorists in the Middle Shabelle region. According to GenTahlil, on 24 December, the land forces killed 67 terrorists. On 23 December, the Defence Ministry’s spokesman— Abdullahi Ali Anod informed the Press that army killed at least 150 al-Shabaab terrorist in a CT operation on the outskirts of Runirgod. Somali army, backed by local clan militias, continues to fight against al-Shabaab— an al-Qa’ida affiliated terror group.
For more information: Click here to read…

Nigeria

Boko Haram terrorists killed 17 herders in Borno State

On 24 December 2022, Boko Haram terrorists attacked and killed 17 herders guarding their cattle in a pasture near Airamne village in Mafa district of Borno State. According to a militia— Ibrahim Liman, “terrorists launched the attack from camps in nearby Gajiganna forest, where they relocated after being partially forced out from their stronghold in Sambisa forest by terrorist rivals Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and the Nigerian army. Boko Haram and ISWAP have increasingly been targeting civilians, particularly loggers, farmers and herders, accusing them of spying on them for the military and the local anti-jihadist militia.
For more information: Click here to read…

Afghanistan

IS claimed responsibility of an attack that killed Taliban’s Police Chief in Badakhshan

The Islamic State (IS) terror organisation claimed responsibility for an attack on 26 December 2022, in which Taliban’s Police Chief was killed in the Northern Afghan province of Badakshan. According to the Taliban’s acting Interior Ministry, “Regional Security Chief— Abdul Haq Abu Omar and two others were killed in a car-bomb attack that took place near the Regional Police Headquarters in Faizabad, the capital of Badakshan. Omar is believed to be the highest-ranking Taliban security official killed since the Taliban returned to power in August 2021.
For more information: Click here to read…

Pakistan

CTD arrested 07 terrorists of different groups from Lahore

On 25 December 2022, Pakistan’s Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) claimed to arrest seven terrorists belonging to various terrorist groups from different locations in Lahore. In intelligence-based operations carried out in different areas of the province, the CTD arrested— i) Shafeeullah (Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan [TTP]), ii) Khalid Mehmood (Lashkar-e-Jhangvi [LeJ]), iii) Mohsin Waqar (al-Qa’ida in Indian Subcontinent), iv) Muhammad Usman Shah aka Abdul Rashid (TTP), v) Muhammad Luqman (LeJ), vi) Muhammad Rafique (TTP), and vii) Hafiz Muhammad Farooq (Sipah-e-Sahaba Pakistan [SSP]).

During the searches, the CTD officials recovered 1,333 gms of explosives, five detonators, 12.5 feet safety fuse wire, two mobile phones, 39 pamphlets, 17 stickers, and PKR 22,870. According to the data available, during the same week, around 433 combing operations were carried in assistance with local police. In these operations, around 19,633 people were checked and 96 suspected terrorists were arrested, 69 FIRs registered and 54 recoveries were made.
For more information: Click here to read…

DOMESTIC TERRORISM

Jammu and Kashmir

NIA searched multiple locations across J&K terror activities case

On 23 December 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) carried out searches at 14 locations across the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) in Kulgam, Pulwama, Anantnag, Sopore and Jammu districts.

The case— RC-05/2022/NIA/JMU pertains to the criminal conspiracy for carrying out terror activities by operatives and Over Ground Workers (OGWs) of various terror groups operating on behest of their handlers based in Pakistan. During the searches, NIA officials recovered digital devices, SIM cards, and other incriminating materials.
For more information: Click here to read…

Police arrested 05 HM operatives from Kupwara

On 22 December 2022, police arrested five Hizbul-Mujahideen (HM) oepratives from Kupwara district. Acting upon credible information received by District Police Kupwara and Army approached and arrested— i) Abu Rouf Malik, ii) Altaf Ahmed Payer, and iii) Riyaz Ahmed Lone. During interrogation the trio disclosed about two hideouts constructed for militants of HM on the instructions of a Pakistan based handler Farooq Ahmad Piraka Nadeem Usmani based in POK where some arms and ammunition has also been concealed.
For more information: Click here to read…

Security forces eliminated three LeT terrorists in Shopian

On 20 December 2022, security forces eliminated three Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists in a counter-terrorism (CT) operation at Munjh Marg in Zainapora of Shopian district of the UT of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K).
For more information: Click here to read…

Left-Wing Extremism

Security forces killed two Maoists in anti-Naxal operation in Chhattisgarh

On 23 December 2022, security forces eliminated two Maoists, including a woman, in Bijapur district in Chhattisgarh. The woman Maoist killed in operation was identified as Kanthi Lingavva aka Anitha— a divisional committee rank cadre.
For more information: Click here to read…

Over 900 Maoists/OGWs surrendered to Odisha police

On 20 December 2022, over 900 active Maoists Over-Ground Workers (OGWs)/sympathisers surrendered to Odisha police and the Border Security Force (BSF) officials. According to Malkangiri Superintendent of Police (SP)—Nitesh Wadhwani, total of 907 OGWs, including 467 Maoists surrendered. The OGWs used to assist in violent activities and were involved in the killing of security forces and civilians, besides supplying all kinds of logistics to Maoists.

The surrendered Maoists/OGWs exhibited their opposition to the Maoist ideology by burning uniforms and effigies during the programme held on the occasion. They also shouted anti-Maoist slogans before a large group of media persons who were present at the venue. In his briefing, SP Wadhwani claimed that developmental initiatives of the Odisha government coupled with the strategic deployment of security forces inspired the villagers to join the mainstream.
For more information: Click here to read…

Islamic Extremism (excluding J&K)

NIA made 14th arrest in PFI case, Kerala

On 29 December 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested Mohammad Mubarak from Kerala in Popular Front of India (PFI) case— RC-02/2022/NIA/KOC. The NIA carried out searches at 56 locations in Kerala. Mohammad Mubarak is a PFI Martial Arts and Hit Squad operative. Also, he is a practicing Advocate in the Kerala High Court. During the searches carried out on 28 December 2022, the NIA recovered assortments of arms concealed in badminton racket bag, an axe, swords and sickles.
For more information: Click here to read…

NIA Special Court convicted HM terrorist in “recruitment case”

On 23 December 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) special court, Guwahati, Assam convicted a Hizbul-Mujahideen (HM) terrorist— Mohammad Shahnowaj Alom in HM recruitment case. Mohd. Alom was convicted under Section 120B of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), Sections 18, 18B, 19, and 38 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act [UA(P)A] and sentenced to Rigorous Imprisonment for five years.
The case— RC-08/2018/NIA/GUW pertains to the arrest of Mohd. Alom on 13 September 2018, because he had close ties with Mohd. Kamruz Zaman, a HM terrorist. During investigations, it was discovered that Kamruj Zaman, Shahnawaz Alom, Saidul Alam, Omar Faruk, and others conspired to raise a module of HM in the state of Assam with the goal of instilling fear in the minds of people through terrorist activities.
For more information: Click here to read…

NIA filed charge sheet against 11 accused involved in “Nizamabad PFI case”

On 29 December 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) filed charge sheet against 11 accused in connection with the Nizamabad PFI case. The case— RC-03/2022/NIA/HYD pertains to organising terror training camps and recruitment of people for terrorist acts by the Popular Front of India (PFI).

Investigations have revealed that the accused persons were involved in radicalising Muslim youth and recruiting them into the PFI through speeches filled with hatred and venom against the government of Bharat as well as other organisations and individuals. Once recruited into the PFI, the Muslim youth were sent to training camps organised by the PFI under the cover and guise of Yoga Classes and Physical Education (PE) Beginners Course, where they were trained in the use of everyday articles (knife, sickle and iron rods) to kill a person by attacking vulnerable body parts, such as throat, stomach and head & for commission of terror acts.
For more information: Click here to read…

NIA searched multiple locations in Kerala in “PFI case”

On 29 December 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) searched at 56 locations in Kerala in Popular Front of India (PFI) case. PFI has been found justifying the use of criminal force and encouraging vulnerable young people to join terrorist organisations. NIA searched residences of 07 State Executive Committee members, 07 Zonal Heads of PFI, 15 physical training instructors of PFI. The NIA officials seized sharp edged weapons, incriminating material and digital devices.
For more information: Click here to read…

Khalistan-inspired Extremism

NIA carried out search operations at multiple locations in terror case

On 24 December 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) carried out searches at 14 different locations in Punjab, Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), and Delhi. The searches were made in connection to terror activities of operatives of proscribed terror organisations— Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF), Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), International Sikh Youth Federation (ISYF). The activities included smuggling of arms and ammunitions, explosives across the International Border (IB). During the search operation, the NIA officials recovered incriminating materials, including digital devices, and documents.
For more information: Click here to read…

NATIONAL

All-India Institute of Medical Science (Delhi) witnessed cyber incident.

The All-India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Bharat’s premier medical institution and hospital, experienced a cyber-attack on November 23, 2022. Reportedly, a ransomware targeted hospital systems for both inpatients and outpatients, including the smart lab, billing, report creation, and appointment portal. “Today (23 November) the National Informatics Centre’s (NIC) ‘e-Hospital’ server used at the AIIMS (Delhi) was down. Due to this outpatient and inpatient digital hospital services, including smart lab, billing, report generation, appointment scheduling, etc., have been affected. All these services are running in a manual mode currently,” read the statement issued by the AIIMS administration on the same evening.

According to a cyber security intelligence firm— CloudSEK, “after the United States, Bharat recorded the second highest number of cyber-attacks on the healthcare industry with a total of 7.7 per cent of the attacks in 2021. The cyber incidents targeting Bharat’s healthcare sector compromised over 71 lakh data records.”^[1] During first week of December, the data was fully restored, and all affected services started working efficiently, according to an official requesting an anonymity.

MeitY invited feedback on the draft ‘Digital Personal Data Protection Bill 2022’.

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has formulated a draft bill— ‘Digital Personal Data Protection Bill 2022’. The draft bill’s purpose is to provide for the processing of digital personal data in a way that recognises both the right of individuals to protect their personal data and the need to process personal data for lawful purposes, as well as matters related to or incidental to those purposes. The bill defines netizens’ (Digital Nagriks’) rights and duties, as well as the Data Fiduciary’s obligation to use collected data lawfully.

The Bill will lay the groundwork for Bharat’s comprehensive legal framework governing digital personal data protection. The Bill addresses the processing of digital personal data in a way that recognises individuals’ right to personal data protection, societal rights, and the need to process personal data for lawful purposes.

The MeitY requested public suggestions and feedback on the draft bill. The feedback on the draft bill in a chapter wise manner may be submitted on https://innovateindia.mygov.in/digital-data-protection/ by December 17, 2022.^[2]

Bharat to Chair the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence for 2023.

On 21 November 2022, Bharat presided as the Chair of the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI), an international initiative to support responsible and human-centric development and use of AI. Rajeev Chandrasekhar, the Minister of State (MoS) for Electronics & Information Technology and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, virtually represented Bharat at the GPAI meeting in Tokyo, Japan, for the symbolic takeover from France, which is the outgoing Council Chair.

“We will work in close cooperation with member states to put in place a framework around which the power of Artificial Intelligence can be exploited for the good of the citizens and consumers across the globe- and ensure that there are adequate guardrails to prevent misuse and user harm,” said MoS Chandrasekhar. In order to promote the creation of a trusted ecosystem of applications for citizens and the wider public, Bharat is committed to using AI effectively. AI is anticipated to contribute USD 967 billion to the Bharat’s economy by 2035 and USD 450–500 billion to the country’s GDP by 2025, or 10 per cent of the USD 05 trillion GDP objective.

The United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, and Singapore are among the 25 nations that make up the GPAI. Bharat became a founder member of the organisation in the year 2020. The GPAI is an innovative effort to develop a deeper grasp of the difficulties and potential associated with AI. To guide the responsible development and use of AI that is based on human rights, inclusiveness, diversity, creativity, and economic growth, it collaborates with partners and international organisations as well as experts from business, civil society, governments, and academia.^[3]

Tata Communications extended its partnership with UAE’s Intertec Systems to offer ‘managed security services’ in the region.

On 28 November 2022, Bharat’s Tata Communications International Pte Ltd and System Integrator (SI) Intertec Systems, based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), extended their partnership where Tata Communications provides managed services in the region. As per the extended agreement, Tata Communications has established a Cyber Security Operations Centre (CSOC) and managed security services to strengthen the cyber defence of several enterprises in the region.

“The CSOC provides managed security services bundled with cyber-threat intelligence to secure the enterprises’ mission-critical information, offering world-class insights to help safeguard and protect their business,” read the joint statement released by both companies. The CSOC will enhance security incident detection and lessen the serious effects of cyber-attacks, including monetary losses and reputational harm. Tata Communications will offer real-time analytics with cutting-edge intelligence as part of the managed SOC services; these analytics will make use of automation and information enrichment and be continuously monitored.^[4]

INTERNATIONAL

US hosted the ‘2nd International Counter Ransomware Initiative Summit

From 31 October to 01 November 2022, the United States brought together 36 nations, and the European Union (EU), for the second International Counter Ransomware Initiative (CRI) Summit. The summit’s objective was to discuss, develop concrete and cooperative actions to counter the spread and adverse impact of Ransomware worldwide. Over the recent years, the CRI placed efforts to increase the resilience of all CRI partners, disrupt cyber criminals, counter illegal finance, build private sector relationships, and cooperate globally to address the challenge of Ransomware. The CRI comprises of five Working Groups (WGs)— i) Resilience (co-led by Bharat and Lithuania), ii) Disruption (led by Australia), iii) Counter-Illicit Finance (led by the United Kingdom and Singapore), iv) Public-Private Partnership (led by Spain), and v) Diplomacy (led by Germany).^[5]

Interpol recovered USD 130 million from cyber criminals in Global “HAECHI-III” crackdown ops.

Interpol, dubbed HAECHI-III, occurred between 28 June and 23 November 2022, resulting in the arrest of 975 people and the closure of over 1600 cases. Another case involved a call centre scam based in Bharat, in which a group of criminals impersonated Interpol and Europol officers in order to dupe victims in Austria into transferring funds. The call centres were located in New Delhi and Noida.

The fraudsters informed the victims that their “identities were stolen and crime pertaining to narcotics drugs were committed in their names. To clear their names, the victims were forced to transfer their assets/money to a trust account via bank transfers, crypto wallets, gift card codes, or voucher codes,” read the statement released by the Interpol.^[6]

US Senate tightened restrictions on Chinese semiconductors.

The Democratic leader in the US Senate submitted a request to members on 28 November 2022, asking them to support his proposal to forbid the US government from doing business with firms that use semiconductors supplied by companies the Pentagon views as Chinese military contractors. “If American business wants the federal government to buy their products or services, they shouldn’t be using the kind of Chinese-made chips that, because of Chinese government involvement, put our national security at risk. We need our government and our economy to rely on chips made right here in America,” told US Senator Chuck Schumer in his remarks opening the Senate after its Thanksgiving holiday recess.

The proposal was presented by Senator Schumer and Senator (Republican) John Cornyn as an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), a yearly law that establishes policies for the Department of Defense (DoD). Because it decides everything from the purchases of ships and planes to pay increases for the troops and how to manage geopolitical challenges, the NDAA is widely watched by a wide range of industry and other interests.^[7]

Irish regulators fined Facebook’s Meta with €265 million in privacy case.

On 28 November 2022, the Irish regulators fined Meta with € 265 million (approximately USD 277 million) for breaching the European Union data privacy rules. According to the Data Protection Commission, Meta breached the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) which require technical and organisational measures aimed at protecting users’ data.

In 2021, the Irish regulators opened an investigation regarding a development in which data of more than 533 million users was found ‘dumped’ online. The personal data included, names, Facebook IDs, phone numbers, locations, birth dates and e-mail addresses of people from more than 100 nations. According to Meta, the data was scrapped from Facebook using tools designed to help people find their friends through phone numbers using ‘search’ and ‘import contacts’ feature. The investigation was performed on scrapping carried out between May 2018 to September 2019. In September, the Irish regulators fined Instagram (another Meta-owned social networking platform) of € 405 million. ^[8]

Medibank-incident hackers leaked health data on dark web.

In mid-October 2022, Medibank announced it had experienced a cyber-incident. On October 12, 2022, the private health insurer informed its stakeholders that Medibank had been the victim of a cyber-incident. On 19 October, Medibank released a statement stating that it has received a message from cyber attackers that “wishes to negotiate with the company regarding their alleged removal of customer data”. The hackers threatened to release private medical information of high-profile Australians if a ransom was not paid. On 07 November 2022, a statement from Medibank informed that criminal have access the personal data information of around 9.7 million people.^[9] The data included details on chronic conditions such as heart disease, as well as the patient details of people with cancer, dementia, mental health conditions and infections.^[10]

Endnotes :

^[1]Dabhade, Aishwarya. “AIIMS cyberattack exposes the vulnerability of Indian healthcare”, Moneycontrol, 25 November 2022, accessed on 09 December 2022, available from: https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/india/aiims-cyberattack-exposes-the-vulnerability-of-indian-healthcare-9599771.html
^[2] “MeitY invites feedback on the draft ‘Digital Personal Data Protection Bill 2022”, Ministry of Electronics and IT, 18 November 2022, accessed on 09 December 2022, available from: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1877030
^[3] “India takes over as Council Chair of Global Partnership on AI (GPAI)”, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, 21 November 2022, accessed on 10 December 2022, available from: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1877739
^[4] “Tata Communications, Intertec expand partnership to offer managed security services in UAE”, Economic Times, 28 November 2022, accessed on 10 December 2022, available from: https://telecom.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/tata-communications-intertec-expand-partnership-to-offer-managed-security-services-in-uae/95828665
^[5] “Fact sheet: the second international Counter Ransomware Initiative Summit”, The White House- United States, 01 November 2022, accessed on 09 December 2022, available from: https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/11/01/fact-sheet-the-second-international-counter-ransomware-initiative-summit/
^[6] “Cyber-enabled financial crime: USD 130 million intercepted in global INTERPOL police operation”, Interpol, 24 November 2022, available from: https://www.interpol.int/en/News-and-Events/News/m 2022/Cyber-enabled-financial-crime-USD-130-million-intercepted-in-global-INTERPOL-police-operation
^[7]Zengerle, Patricia. “US Senate eyes tightened restrictions on Chinese semiconductors”, Economic Times, 29 November 2022, accessed on 09 December 2022, available from: https://telecom.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/u-s-senate-eyes-tightened-restrictions-on-chinese-semiconductors/95842071
^[8]Associated Press, “Irish watchdog fines Meta € 265 million in latest privacy case”, Deccan Herald, 28 November 2022. Accessed on 10 December 2022, available from: https://www.deccanherald.com/business/business-news/irish-watchdog-fines-meta-265-million-euros-in-latest-privacy-case-1166531.html
^[9] “Medibank cyber-crime update”, The Guardian, 28 November 2022, available from: https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2022/nov/29/is-it-worth-taking-out-personal-cyber-insurance-in-case-you-are-caught-up-in-a-data-hack
^[10]McGown, Michael. “Medibank hackers release 1,500 more patient records on dark web, including mental health data”, The Guardian, 20 November 2022, accessed on 12 December 2022, available from: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/nov/20/medibank-hackers-release-1500-more-patient-records-on-dark-web-including-mental-health-data

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

COMMENTARY

India-Africa friendship in the emerging new world order

The disastrous effects of the Russia-Ukraine war extended well beyond the borders of the European continent. Click here to read…

Africa emerges as new theatre for China-Russia rivalry to play out

African countries are becoming the new theatre for the rivalry between China and Russia to play itself out, said a report. Click here to read…

How Africa Can Avoid Getting Scrambled

At the conclusion of the Berlin Conference of 1884-85, which notoriously carved up the African continent and apportioned its territories to Europe’s imperial powers of the day. Click here to read…

NEWS

South Africa’s Ramaphosa eyes 2024 election with call to revamp ANC

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa urged his ruling African National Congress (ANC) on Tuesday to improve on the poor delivery of basic services that led to its worst election result in living memory, a day after it re-elected him as its leader. Click here to read…

South Africa’s Ramaphosa clears way for second term

By reelecting Cyril Ramaphosa as party leader, the ANC has shown it trusts him to win the 2024 presidential election. But Ramaphosa faces an uphill struggle to convince voters the ruling party is still their best bet. Click here to read…

Gambia Foils Attempt to Overthrow President, Arrests Soldiers

Gambia has foiled an attempt to overthrow President Adama Barrow, according to the government. Click here to read…

Gambia navy officer behind failed coup bid – government

A navy officer has been named by The Gambia’s government as the alleged ringleader of a failed coup plot. Click here to read…

Comoros to chair African Union in 2023

Comoros will assume the chairmanship of the African Union in 2023, the first time the island nation is being entrusted with the assignment. Click here to read…

Sudanese security forces tear-gas pro-democracy protesters

Sudanese security forces have fired stun grenades and tear gas to disperse thousands of protesters in Khartoum as they mark the fourth anniversary of the uprising that eventually toppled President Omar al-Bashir. Click here to read…

Tunisia: President intensifies crackdown after low turnout

Despite President Kais Saied pursuing an increasingly undemocratic roadmap, the majority of Tunisians continue to be too occupied to protest. That could mean a low turnout for the second round of the election. Click here to read…

Sudan: The Trilateral Mechanism Meets the Signatories to the Political Framework Agreement

The Trilateral Mechanism and the joint delegation of signatories to the Political Framework Agreement held two productive meetings today and yesterday to discuss next steps on the second phase of the political process. Click here to read…

Burkina Faso government expels senior U.N. official

Burkina Faso’s military government in a statement on Friday ordered senior United Nations official Barbara Manzi to leave the country immediately, without giving a reason. Click here to read…

Togo presidency to oversee armed forces amid security woes

Togo’s President Faure Gnassingbé will oversee the armed forces as part of a reshuffle amid growing security concerns in the northern regions, according to a decree which has been announced. Click here to read…

Somali Military Takes Al-Shabab’s Last Stronghold in Middle Shabelle

Somalia’s military says it has liberated the last town held by al-Shabab militants in the Middle Shabelle region, killing more than 150 fighters, including five foreigners. Click here to read…

Al Shabaab militants kill two policemen, one civilian in eastern Kenya

Al Shabaab fighters have attacked a police vehicle in eastern Kenya, killing two officers and one civilian, police and the armed group said. Click here to read…

Al-Shabab: 14 Iranian fishermen freed years after abduction

Fourteen Iranian fishermen have returned home after years in captivity by al-Shabab militants in Somalia. Click here to read…

Egypt gov’t HQ to relocate to new capital in January

The Egyptian government will be transferring its headquarters next month to the New Administrative Capital, located 45 kilometres east of the country’s current capital Cairo. Click here to read…

Afreximbank and US EXIM sign $500m MoU

The Afreximbank and the US EXIM have signed and MoU for $500 million to support trade between Africa and the US. Click here to read…

After World Cup run, Morocco shoots at diplomatic gains

Morocco is hoping its unprecedented World Cup exploits can help it win friends and influence people, especially among an Arab public opposed to its 2020 rapprochement with Israel. Click here to read…

Anti-Israel protests held across Morocco against normalization with Tel Aviv regime

Moroccans have staged demonstrations across the North African country to reiterate their unwavering support for the Palestinian cause and voice outrage at the US-sponsored normalization of diplomatic relations with Israel on its second anniversary. Click here to read…

Shell to pay $16m to Nigerian farmers over oil damage

Shell has agreed to pay $16m (£13m) to four Nigerian farmers and their communities to compensate for damage allegedly caused by pollution coming from leaks in its oil pipelines. Click here to read…

Ethiopia, Tigray Rebel Officials Meet to Review Implementation of Peace Deal

Officials from Ethiopia’s federal government and the Tigray region are meeting in Kenya’s capital, Nairobi, to discuss the next steps for a peace deal to end two years of war. Click here to read…

DRC: fighting between the M23 and a Congolese self-defense militia renewed

A renewed battle between M23 rebels and members of a community self-defense militia in the troubled Rutshuru region of eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has begun, after a few days of calm. Click here to read…

Armed groups in northern Mali pull out of Algiers peace talks

A coalition of armed groups in northern Mali has pulled out of long-running peace talks based on a 2015 Algiers accord because of what they call a lack of political will on the part of the country’s military government. Click here to read…

How Uganda got tangled with Russian arms dealer

Until his arrest in a US sting operation in 2008 in Thailand, Mr Bout was famed for being the McDonald’s of arms trafficking. Click here to read…

Ghana mends fences with Burkina Faso over Wagner claims

Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo has smoothed over a rift with Burkina Faso after allegations that its northern neighbor is the latest African nation to enlist Wagner Group mercenaries to maintain security and counter its terrorism threats. Click here to read…

‘Develop Batteries for Electric Vehicles Here’: Zimbabwe Bans Export of Raw Lithium

Zimbabwe earlier this week stopped the export of raw lithium from its mines and said that it wants cash in on the value addition and also stop losing billions to foreign companies via mineral proceeds, news agencies reported. Click here to read…

Ally of Wagner Group boss hurt in ‘assassination attempt’ in central Africa

A Russian businessman believed to be a close ally of Yevgeny Prigozhin, the Wagner Group founder, has been taken to hospital in Central African Republic (CAR) after an “assassination attempt”. Click here to read…

Moscow protests to France over comments about attack on Russian official in Africa

Russia’s foreign ministry in a statement on Wednesday said it had summoned the French ambassador and lodged “a strong protest” over comments about an assassination attempt on a Russian official in the Central African Republic. Click here to read…

Some banks re-open in parts of Ethiopia’s war-torn Tigray

Several banks said they had resumed services in government-controlled areas of Ethiopia’s northern Tigray region for the first time in over a year, following a November truce in a bloody two-year conflict. Click here to read…

Rwanda,the world’s most innovative low-income economy

Rwanda is the most innovative economy among low income countries. According to the latest Global innovation index, the eastern African nation ranks first of its income group before Madagascar and Ethiopia and sits on 9th spot of the sub-Saharan African group. Click here to read…

Libya aborted plan to hand over Gaddafi’s spy chief to US at last minute: Report

Libya aborted a plan to hand over Muammar Gaddafi’s spy chief to the US at the last minute, a report said. The extradition plan was reportedly halted abruptly this week amid fear of public anger.https://www.indiatoday.in/world/story/libya-aborted-plan-to-hand-over-gaddafi-spy-chief-us-last-minute-2312648-2022-12-23″ target=”_blank”>Click here to read…

Tanzania signs $2.2bln railway deal with China

Tanzania on Tuesday signed a $2.2-billion contract with a Chinese company to build the final section of a railway line aimed at linking the country’s main port with its neighbours. Click here to read…

Ivory Coast launches construction of metro project

Ivory Coast on Monday commissioned the construction of two major infrastructure projects in the Ivorian economic capital Abidjan- that of a metro and the extension of the international airport. Click here to read…

Egypt’s Suez Canal registers record revenue of $7.9 billion in 2022

Egypt’s Suez Canal registered a record-breaking revenue of $7.9 billion in 2022, authorities said. “The revenues of 2022 are the highest in the SCA’s history,” Osama Rabie, chairman of the Suez Canal Authority (SCA), told parliament. The revenue for 2021 was $6.333 billion. Click here to read…

Zambia abolishes colonial-era death penalty law: ‘Huge milestone’

President Hakainde Hichilema, whose party was in opposition for over two decades, had promised that he would scrap the laws if elected to the top job. Click here to read…

Algeria names football stadium after Nelson Mandela

Algerian Sports Minister Abdel Razzak Sabkak announced on Tuesday that the new football stadium currently under construction near Algiers will be named after the late South African leader Nelson Mandela. Click here to read…

China emerges as lead funder for Egypt’s new administrative city

This month, President Xi reaffirmed China’s commitment to the project in a meeting with Egypt’s president on the sidelines of a Saudi summit. But that commitment may be tested in the coming months as Egypt’s loans come due. Click here to read…

Zambia yet to discuss debt restructuring proposals with bilateral creditors

Proposals to restructure Zambia’s debts are yet to be discussed with bilateral creditors under the multilateral Common Framework process, Zambia’s finance ministry said on ThursdayClick here to read…

Total investment of China-Africa Development Fund exceeds $5B

China-Africa Development Fund, an equity investment fund managed by China Development Bank, has invested more than 5 billion U.S. dollars in African countries, the fund said. Click here to read…

Germany planning new strategy in Africa to compete with China

With a new strategy for the African continent, Germany is preparing to compete against China in search of energy, raw materials, and new markets. Click here to read…

‘Türkiye, Senegal determined to deepen cooperation on win-win basis’

Türkiye and Senegal will continue to enhance bilateral cooperation in several areas based on a win-win basis, said President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on Wednesday, underlining the close ties between the two countries. Click here to read…

Ukraine eyeing bigger diplomatic footprint in Africa: president Zelensky

Ukraine has been trying to rally African countries to its cause as it fights off Russia’s full-scale invasion, in part by promoting a humanitarian grain initiative to help alleviate hunger in highly vulnerable countries. Click here to read…

Algeria suggests to sell spare electricity capacity to Europe -president

Algeria is offering to Europe its spare electricity capacity, and it is planning a 270 km undersea pipe towards Italy, Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune told reporters in an interview on Thursday. Click here to read…

Africa’s green hydrogen potential stands at 1-trillion-euros, says new study

The study said that one-trillion-euro green hydrogen investment can deliver the equivalent of more than one third of Africa’s current energy consumption, boost GDP, improve clean water supply and empower communities. Click here to read…

South Africa fuel tanker blast death toll rises to 15

The death toll from a fuel tanker explosion in a South African city east of Johannesburg has risen to 15, the health minister said Sunday. Click here to read…

INDIA IN AFRICA

India played crucial role in development of African continent: Ex-Ambassador

Former Indian Diplomat, Ambassador, A. R. Ghanshyam, Thursday said that since independence, India has always played a positive and crucial role in the overall development of the African continent, particularly in the important sectors of education and health. Click here to read…

Indian buyers warm up to Mozambique thermal coal on competitive pricing

Indian buyers are increasingly making space for thermal coal sourced from non-traditional destination Mozambique, as prices have been largely competitive compared with South African or Australian coal, market sources told S&P Global Commodity Insights. Click here to read…

Vikas Lifecare rallies 7% after subsidiary bags order from Africa

The trading and distribution firm’s subsidiary Genesis will also provide the test specialist and will also leverage their O&M experience for renewable power projects at Mali, Africa. Genesis develops service models for India’s upcoming power distribution grid applications to support renewable power projects including battery, solar, and wind power for sustainable rural towns in India. Click here to read…

Indian Millet Park planned in Zimbabwe; large market for Zimbabwean lithium: IETO

Next year has been declared as Year of Millets by the United Nations (UN) and as part of this Indian Millet Park has been proposed to be set up in Zimbabwe, Africa. Click here to read…

India, Germany launches joint projects in Africa to boost local economy

These projects are being implemented based on a Joint Declaration of Intent (JDI) on implementation of triangular development cooperation projects in third countries signed in May by foreign minister S Jaishankar and German minister for economic cooperation and development Svenja Schulze. Click here to read…

Asian-African Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation to open global secretariat office in Ahmedabad

The Asian-African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (AACCI), Foundation, a non-profit organisation, will launch its first global secretariat office in Ahmedabad on Saturday that will guide Indian investors who wish to park investments in African or Asian countries. Click here to read…

India looks at expanding rupee trade to Africa, W Asia to make it stronger

India, which has already been in talks with Russia for a rupee-rouble payment system, is now looking at expanding the rupee trade with other nations as well, including several countries in Africa. Click here to read…

Political transition process in Sudan continues to “face obstacles on ground”: India at UNSC

The governmental modulation successful Sudan that began 4 years agone continues to look obstacles connected the ground, India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ruchira Kamboj said. Click here to read…

The agony of endless wait for Indian sailors held in Nigeria

It isn’t unusual for seafarers to be away from their families for Christmas and other festivals. Click here to read…

INTERVIEW

Why Africa should look East

The former executive secretary of the UN Economic Commission on Africa, makes his case as to why Africa should take advice on development politics and knowledge from Asia. Click here to read…

The Major Takeaways from the U.S.-Africa Leaders’ Summit

The Biden administration wanted to send a clear message of strong re-engagement in Africa. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

Restrictions on Banking System an Obstacle for Investors: ACCI: Tolo News

The business community said that restrictions on the banking system in Afghanistan have challenged investors, leaving them with many problems in their businesses. According to the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment (ACCI), withdrawals for investors have been restricted to the purchase of food and basic materials required for running their businesses. Withdrawals for decoration of offices, clothes, and other relevant materials are not processed, said ACCI officials. Click here to read…

Pakistan Delegation to Visit Afghanistan This Week: Tolo News

A delegation from Pakistan comprised of religious scholars and tribal elders is visiting Afghanistan this week, local officials in the Chaman area in Pakistan confirmed to TOLOnews. The visit is expected to discuss recent tensions raised between the Islamic Emirate and Pakistani forces along the Durand Line, according to some members of the delegation. “We are going to Afghanistan. Those in Afghanistan are our brothers. The same are the governor and other leaders. We talk to them because the (Spin Boldak-Chaman) crossing is closed often due to clashes,” said Sardar Barat, a member of the delegation.Click here to read…

UN Security Council Holds a Session on Afghanistan: The Khaama Press

The UN Security Council held a session on Afghanistan today emphasizing the way forward through a more pluralistic polity, where all Afghans, especially women and minorities, could see themselves represented. In a briefing to the United Nation’s Security Council earlier today, the Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) Roza Otunbayeva said the only war forward for Afghanistan is to form an inclusive government where everyone, particularly women and minorities could seem themselves represented. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

Dhaka for increasing capacity of land ports on India-Bangladesh border – Dhaka Tribune

Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi on Tuesday called for increasing the capacities of the land ports on the India-Bangladesh border. “India is a close friend and a major trading partner of Bangladesh. There is a huge demand for Bangladeshi products in the Indian market. Bangladesh is now able to export international quality products at relatively low prices. For this reason, it is necessary to increase the capacities of the land ports on the India-Bangladesh border,” he said. Click here to read…

Dhaka considering pros, cons of Indo-Pacific Economic Framework – Dhaka Tribune

Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Tuesday said Bangladesh is looking into the “pros and cons” of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) to determine if Bangladesh will benefit from joining it. “Recently, there has been debate about the Quad and Indo-Pacific Economic (Framework). To understand the issue, we have requested BIISS to look into it. I am thankful to them. They have submitted one report on it,” Momen saidClick here to read…

Iranian Deputy FM Ali Bagheri due Thursday – Dhaka Tribune

Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs of Iran Ali Bagheri Kani is scheduled to arrive here on Thursday morning to discuss bilateral and other issues of mutual interest with Bangladesh. In November, the Iranian said Foreign Office Consultation and meeting of Joint Economic Commission should be held at mutually convenient time to further strengthen relations in the field of trade, investment, economy, energy, chemical fertilizer and food security. Click here to read…

Bhutan

Import bill to hit over Nu 100B this year – Kuensel online

If the country imported Nu 30 billion (B) worth of goods in the last three months this year, the import bill would hit over Nu 120B. The total import bill at Nu 93.03B as of September this year already surpassed one-year’s import of Nu 90.23B in 2021. About 70 percent was imported from India. The value of exports, including electricity, stood at Nu 44.9B. Click here to read…

Maldives

India & Maldives hold 6th Joint Staff Talks in New Delhi – News On Air

The 6th Joint Staff Talks between India and the Maldives were held in New Delhi yesterday, December 20. The meeting was conducted in a friendly, warm and extremely cordial atmosphere. Discussions focused on the ongoing and new initiatives under the ambit of the existing bilateral defence cooperation mechanism of all three services and further strengthening the engagements. Click here to read…

Maldives Completes IMF Consultation for 2022 – Mirage News

The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) concluded the Article IV consultation with Maldives. Maldives’ economic activity rebounded strongly from the pandemic-induced contraction, supported by the authorities’ decisive policy measures. Real GDP growth recovered sharply to 37 percent in 2021 from the unprecedented contraction of 33.5 percent in 2020, as tourism activities bounced back. Inflation has risen but is contained due to price subsidies. Click here to read…

Myanmar

Two New Potential Game-Changers in Myanmar’s Crisis – The Irrawaddy

The bill recently passed by the US Congress, known broadly as the 2022 Burma Act, which allows the US government to provide technical support and non-military assistance to engage with groups opposing the military junta in Naypyitaw, combined with the arrival of incoming ASEAN chair Indonesia, could be a game-changer for the Myanmar crisis, which is soon to enter its third year. Click here to read…

Trial of Myanmar’s Suu Kyi enters final phase – Thai PBS World

A junta court will hear the final arguments in the 18-month-long trial of Myanmar’s Aung San Suu Kyi next week, a legal source said Tuesday, before reaching its final verdicts against the Nobel laureate. Suu Kyi has been a prisoner since the military toppled her government in February 2021, ending the Southeast Asian nation’s brief period of democracy. Click here to read…

IFC Divests from Yoma Bank After Myanmar Military Links Exposed – The Irrawaddy

The International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, has divested from Yoma Bank after its business with military companies was exposed, according to activist group Justice For Myanmar (JFM). Divestment by the IFC, the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in developing countries, came after JFM revealed Yoma Bank’s dealings with the military and its conglomerates. Click here to read…

Nepal

Gagan Thapa lone challenger to Sher Bahadur Deuba – The Himalayan

Nepali Congress General Secretary Gagan Thapa, who is from the Shekhar Koirala faction of the party, became the only opponent to NC President Sher Bahadur Deuba in the contest for the parliamentary party leader. The NC will elect its parliamentary party leader tomorrow. Of the seven national political parties, the NC is the only party that will have to hold election to choose its parliamentary party leader. Other parties decided on their PP leader unanimously. Click here to read…

Nepal blacklists 16 Indian pharma cos – The Tribune

Nepal’s drug regulatory authority has blacklisted 16 Indian pharmaceutical companies, including Divya Pharmacy which manufactures yoga guru Ramdev’s Patanjali products, stating that they failed to comply with the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) drug-manufacturing standards. In April and July this year, the department sent a team of drug inspectors to India to inspect the manufacturing facilities of pharmaceutical companies that had applied to supply their products to Nepal. Click here to read…

Nepal makes over Rs11 billion selling power to India – The Kathmandu Post

Nepal earned over Rs11 billion by selling excess power to India from early June to this week, the Nepal Electricity Authority said on Monday. The high income suggests electricity has emerged as a major export item. In early November last year, India had for the first time allowed Nepal to sell electricity in the Indian market via a competitive bidding process. But after exporting for a few weeks, Nepal stopped selling power to India in December amid reduction in power generation in the dry season. Exports resumed this year with the start of monsoon in early June. Click here to read…

Pakistan

Punjab on the brink of another constitutional crisis: Dawn

Punjab Assembly Speaker Sibtain Khan on Tuesday termed “illegal, against the provisions of the Constitution and thus stand disposed of” the Punjab governor’s orders directing Chief Minister Parvez Elahi to seek a vote of confidence in a special assembly session to show he still commands a majority. In his two-page ruling, the speaker maintained that the governor’s orders were not in accordance with Article 54(3) and Article 127. “The house is in session since Oct 23, 2022, and under Article 54(3) and 127. No fresh session can be convened unless and until the current one ends,” the order read. Click here to read…

Editorial: An audacious attack: Dawn

WE are witnessing the rapid unravelling of Pakistan’s anti-terrorism policy, and can expect an escalating human and material cost. On Sunday, in their most audacious attack yet since late November when they called off their tenuous ceasefire with the government, 33 TTP militants detained inside the Bannu Counter-Terrorism Department centre managed to overpower their interrogators and take a number of law-enforcement personnel hostage. Click here to read…

Pakistan identifies $8.2b flood funding gap: The Express Tribune

The $8.2 billion gap appeared too large to be filled in the Geneva conference amid low response to the UN’s $816 million emergency appeal, high risks of Pakistan’s sovereign default, and possible derailment of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme because of imprudent economic policies. The planning ministry has finalised the resilient, recovery, rehabilitation and reconstruction framework, dubbed as 4RF, showing a financing gap of $8.2 billion. The framework has been developed with the help of the Asian Development Bank, European Union, UN Development Programme, and World Bank Group. Click here to read…

‘Pakistan in a fix on Afghan strategy’: The Express Tribune

Background discussions with the people dealing with the matter told The Express Tribune that despite apparent friction in ties with Kabul, Pakistan has no option but to seek engagement with the Afghan Taliban regime. The incidents of the last few weeks have put Pakistan’s relationship with the Afghan Taliban in jeopardy. Islamabad was already upset over Kabul’s failure to tackle the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the border clashes in Chaman further deepened the crisis. Click here to read…

IMF asks for passing on Rs65bn burden to power consumers: The News

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has asked Pakistan to pass on Rs65 billion to consumers of electricity which has been deferred in the shape of Fuel Price Adjustments (FPA) during the peak of last summer season. Out of the total outstanding amount of Rs65 billion on account of deferment of FPA in the electricity bills in the current fiscal year, the government has agreed with the IMF that Rs 55billion would be passed on to consumers and that would be recovered through bills. The remaining Rs10 billion would be absorbed through allocation of subsidy amount. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

Unity between Indian Ocean, Asian and African countries vital to face global problems: President – Daily News

President Ranil Wickremesinghe said that in order to face the global problems that may arise in the future, there should be unity between the Indian Ocean as well as Asian and African countries. The President said that since the impact of the Ukraine-Russia war may be felt in the future, the country should also work towards self-sufficiency by establishing food security. Click here to read…

9 Sri Lankans arrested in Tamil Nadu for attempt to revive LTTE: NIA – Hindustan Times

NIA has registered at least four cases since last year to probe conspiracy by several LTTE cadres based in India and Sri Lanka to revive the activities of the banned outfit by indulging in arms smuggling, ferrying of drugs and using hawala for transfer of funds. Click here to read…

China’s promised rice donation delivered – Daily News

The Chinese Embassy in Colombo yesterday said that one million kilograms (10,000 metric tonnes) of rice donation promised by China have all been delivered to Sri Lanka with the last 1,000 MT reaching Colombo on Monday. The Embassy said that the donation of this rice stock will help support nutrition and studies of over one million students in 7,900 schools across the country. Click here to read…

NATIONAL

Tata Power’s IT infrastructure suffered a cyber-attack; critical systems were not disrupted

On 14 October 2022, Tata Power announced that their IT infrastructure dealt with a cyber-attack and some systems were impacted. The cyber-attack targeted its IT infrastructure, but the critical systems have not been disrupted. “The Company has taken steps to retrieve and restore the systems. All critical operational systems are functioning; however, as a measure of abundant precaution, restricted access and preventive checks have been put in place for employee and customer-facing portals and touchpoints,” said Tata Power’s spokesperson.

India’s Power Minister R K Singh informed the Press in April 2022 that Chinese hackers had twice failed to target electricity distribution centres near Ladakh. A Chinese state-sponsored hacking group targeted at least seven Indian State Load Despatch Centres (SLDCs) responsible for real-time grid control and electricity dispatch near the disputed India-China border in Ladakh.^[1]

CERT-In and Power-CSIRT jointly organised a cyber security exercise— “PowerEX-2022”.

On 12 October 2022, the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) and Power-CSIRT (Computer Security Incident Response Teams in the Power sector) jointly organised a cyber security exercise— PowerEX-2022 and invited 193 Power sector utilities. The objective of the exercise was to “Recognise, Analyse and Respond to cyber incidents in IT and OT (Operational Technology) Systems”.

CERT-In hosted PowerEX-2022 on its exercise simulation platform with the theme “Defending Cyber-Induced Disruption in IT & OT Infrastructure.” The cyber security exercise involved over 350 officials from various Power sectors.^[2]

CBI-led ‘Operation Chakra’ dismantled cybercrime networks operating in India.

In a joint operation— ‘Operation Chakra’ launched in collaboration with State police, Interpol, and various agencies of other nations, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) dismantled cyber-crime networks operating in India and arrested 16 cyber-criminals. Acting upon the inputs shared by the Interpol, the US’ Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Canada’s Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), and Australian Federal Police (AFP), the CBI, in coordination with State police, carried out search operations at 115 locations across India.

Out of 115 locations, the CBI carried out searches at 87 locations, including 16 States, whereas 28 locations were searched by various State police, including 02 locations by Assam police, 04 locations by Andaman & Nicobar Police, 03 locations by Chandigarh police, 05 places by Delhi police, 12 locations by Karnataka police, and 02 locations by Punjab police. “The operation intends to dismantle the infrastructure of these international cyber-crime gangs in India and bring these perpetrators to justice. India’s fight against transnational organised cyber-crime has thus achieved a major milestone,” read the statement released by the CBI.

During the searches, the CBI unearthed 02 Call Centres in Pune & Ahmedabad and recovered cash worth ₹ 1.8 crores (approx.) and 1.5 kg gold (approx.).^[3]

For a free, open, trustworthy, and accountable internet, the Government of India (GoI) announced amendments to the IT (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules 2021.

While addressing the media members on 28 October 2022, the Minister of State for Electronics & Information Technology— Rajeev Chandrasekhar, said that protecting the Constitutional rights of Indian citizens is a must and that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a trustee of the rights of citizens and Digital Nagriks. The minister addressed the media members about the amendments to the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules 2021.

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) notified these amendments aimed at protecting the rights of Digital Nagriks as part of a significant push toward an Open, Safe, Trusted, and Accountable Internet. It also strengthens due diligence requirements while holding accountable social media and other intermediaries. They were notified in light of complaints about the intermediaries’ actions or inactions on user complaints about objectionable content or the suspension of their accounts. Intermediaries will now be expected to ensure that no content is uploaded that intentionally communicates misinformation or information that is patently false or untrue, entrusting intermediaries with significant responsibility. The rules also make it clear that the intermediary must respect the rights guaranteed to Indian citizens under Articles 14, 19, and 21 of the Indian Constitution. ^[4]

The amended rules are hosted on the Ministry’s website and are available at: Click here to read…

UNCTC adopted the Delhi Declaration on Countering the Use of New and Emerging Technologies for Terrorist Purposes.

On 29 October 2022, the Delhi Declaration on the use of the Internet and other technologies for terrorist objectives was unanimously endorsed by the UN Counter-Terrorism Committee (UNCTC). According to the proclamation, one of the biggest challenges to global peace and security is terrorism, in all of its expressions and forms. As one of the essential takeaways, India now intends to carry out the recommendations based on the three Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC) special meeting themes. These include:

• Threats and opportunities related to new payment technologies and fundraising methods,
• Countering terrorist exploitation of ICT and emerging technologies, and
• Threats posed by terrorist misuse of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS).

As a result of terror infiltration on its soil from neighbouring Pakistan, India reaffirmed its commitment to combat terrorism in collaboration with key global players at the summit. Terrorists have stepped up their use of the internet and other IC technologies, including social media platforms. India also recognised the risks and difficulties of financial technology developments, like crowdfunding platforms, being misused to fund terrorism.^[5]

INTERNATIONAL

Cyber-attack on Chile’s astronomical observatory raised concerns about the security of space tech.

On 29 October 2022, the Atacama Large Millimetre Array (ALMA), a Chilean astronomical observatory, was the victim of a cyber-attack and had to halt operations. The attack had affected the observatory’s computer systems and targeted its public website. The attack did not affect ALMA’s scientific data or antennas, but it prevented space observations and limited access to its email servers. Around 66 Radio Telescopes (RTs) make up the ALMA observatory, which is estimated to be worth USD 1.4 billion. These RTs can record high-definition (HD) photos of the extremely faint radio waves generated by far-off celestial objects that are 13 billion light years away.

“Beating one of the world’s most powerful observatories offline demonstrates that cyber-attackers are dogged in their pursuit to disrupt, run reconnaissance efforts, or lift valuable data or IP addresses,” said Josh Lospinoso, the CEO of a cyber security firm— Shift5. Space is another frontier for cyber-attacks, with hackers targeting the space industry for geopolitical and militaristic reasons.^[6]

A cyber-attack disrupted Bulgarian government websites over ‘betrayal to Russia’.

According to Bulgaria’s Prosecutor-General Ivan Geshev, on 15 October 2022, pro-Russian hackers carried out a ‘large-scale’ DDoS (Distributed Denial-of-Service) attack on Bulgarian government websites. The websites of the Presidential Administration, the Defense Ministry, the Interior Ministry, the Justice Ministry, and the Constitutional Court were all taken down by the DDoS attack.

Killnet, a pro-Russian hacking group, claimed responsibility for the attack and wrote on its official group on the Telegram app that “the government of Bulgaria is sentenced to network collapse and shame. It was a punishment for betrayal to Russia and the supply of weapons to Ukraine.” Since the beginning of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the Killnet group has been active. Numerous government networks in Europe, including those in Romania, Italy, Lithuania, Norway, Poland, Finland, and Latvia, were among the dozens of targets the group previously targeted. Although the DDoS attack on the Bulgarian websites had no lasting effects and no private information was exposed, it still sparked a significant response from Bulgarian government officials. The Prosecutor-General Geshev described it as “a severe issue” and “an attack on the state of Bulgaria.”^[7]

Chinese cyber-espionage group “WIP19” targeted telecoms and IT service providers in West Asia and Asia.

According to the reports of a cyber security firm— SentinelOne, a new Chinese cyber-espionage group identified as WIP19 has been targeting telecoms and IT service providers based in West Asia and Asia by using stolen certificates to sign several malicious components. To date, the APT (Advanced Persistent Threat) group WIP19 uses malware families such as ScreenCap, SQLMaggie, and a credential dumper. “The stolen certificate was used to sign all of the threat actor’s credential harvesting tools, including a password dumper that relied on open-source code to load an SSP to LSASS and dump the process.

WIP19 was also observed loading a keylogger and a screen recorder using DLL search order hijacking. The keylogger primarily targets the victim’s browser to collect credentials and other sensitive data,” read the statement released by SentinelOne. The backdoor was masked as a legitimate DLL registered to the MSSQL Server in SQLMaggie attacks to provide the attackers with control over the server machine and to perform network reconnaissance.^[8]

Turkey’s new law against disinformation raised deep concerns over free speech.

On 13 October 2022, the Turkish parliament adopted a new law proposed by President Tayyip Erdogan, which would jail journalists and social media users for up to three years for spreading ‘disinformation’. In parliament, President Erdogan’s AK Party (AKP) and its allies MHP voted to approve the bill, whereas MPs in opposition and media rights activists opposed it.

Article 29 of the law state that “those who spread false information online about Turkey’s security to create fear and disturb public order will face a prison sentence of one to three years.”^[9] However, the law did not define the nature of false or misleading information.

Turkey ‘secretly’ assisted Pakistan in establishing a cyber army against India and the US.

According to Nordic Monitor’s findings, Pakistan established a cyber army with the assistance of Turkey in order to influence public opinion and the views of Muslims living in South/South-East Asia, attack India and the United States (US), and undermine criticism levelled against Pakistan establishment. Further, the findings revealed that the proposal to form such an army was raised during private talks between visiting Turkish Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu and his Pakistani counterpart— former Minister of State for Interior— Shehryar Khan Afridi, on 17 December 2018. On the same day, Minister of State for Interior— Afridi met former Pakistan Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan, who later green-lighted the project.

According to sources acquainted with the project, the covert activity was disguised under the bilateral agreement on cooperation against cyber-crime, whereas in reality, it was against perceived influence operations pursued by India, the US, and other foreign countries. Responding to Pakistan’s request to set up the cyber army, Turkey sent five police chiefs from various departments in the Security General Directorate (Emniyet). The five-member team spent months in Pakistan getting the project off the ground and eventually finishing it. The cooperation has since continued under successive governments, with Turkey training approximately 6,000 Pakistani police officers for this and other related projects.^[10]

Japan and Australia strengthen their security pact in response to China’s threat.

On 22October 2022, Japan and Australia signed a new bilateral agreement covering military, intelligence, and cyber security cooperation. The agreement also referred to cooperation in resisting economic coercion and disinformation, which China is widely accused of. The bilateral agreement is the first of its kind where Japan signed with any country other than the United States (US). The agreement covers military interoperability, intelligence, cyber security, operations in space, law-enforcement, logistics and protecting telecommunications. “This new declaration…will chart the direction of our security and defence cooperation in the next 10 years,” said Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.^[11]

Endnotes :

^[1] Greig, Jonathan. “Indian energy company Tata Power announces cyberattack affecting IT infrastructure”, The Record, 14 October 2022, accessed on 02 November 2022, available from: https://therecord.media/indian-energy-company-tata-power-announces-cyberattack-affecting-it-infrastructure/
^[2] “CERT-In and Power-CSIRTs jointly conduct Cyber Security Exercise ‘PowerEX-2022”, Press Information Bureau- Ministry of Electronics & IT, 13 October 2022, accessed on 01 November 2022, available from: https://pib.gov.in/Pressreleaseshare.aspx?PRID=1867348
^[3] “Press Release”, Central Bureau of Investigation, 04 October 2022, accessed on 02 November 2022, available from: https://cbi.gov.in/press-detail/NTI3Ng==
^[4] “Press Release”, Ministry of Electronics and IT, 29 October 2022, accessed on 01 November 2022, available from: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1871840
^[5] “Press Release”, Ministry of External Affairs, 29 October 2022, accessed on 01 November 2022, available from: https://mea.gov.in/bilateral-documents.htm?dtl/35840/Delhi_Declaration_on_countering_the_use_of_new_and_emerging_technologies_for_terrorist_purposes ; Majeed, Zaini. “UN Counter-Terrorism Committee Adopts Delhi Declaration; Key Takeaways Here”, Republic World, 29 October 2022, accessed on 01 November 2022, available from: https://www.republicworld.com/world-news/rest-of-the-world-news/united-nations-counter-terrorism-committee-adopts-delhi-declaration-articleshow.html
^[6] Antoniuk, Daryna. “cyberattack on observatory in Chile raises concerns about security of space tech”, The Record, 07 November 2022, accessed on 10 November 2022, available from: https://therecord.media/cyberattack-on-observatory-in-chile-raises-concerns-about-security-of-space-tech/?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email ; “Chilean astronomical observatory hit by cyberattack”, SC Media, 08 November 2022, accessed on 10 November 2022, available from: https://www.scmagazine.com/brief/breach/chilean-astronomical-observatory-hit-by-cyberattack
^[7] Antoniuk, Daryna. “cyberattack disrupts Bulgarian government websites over ‘betrayel to Russia’”, The Record, 18 October 2022, accessed on 02 November 2022, available from: https://therecord.media/cyberattack-disrupts-bulgarian-government-websites-over-betrayal-to-russia/
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