Tag Archives: export

VIF News Digest: National Security – Defence Studies & Terrorism, 16-31 December 2022

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…

VIF Neighbourhood News Digest – November 23, 2022

Afghanistan
Exhibit Held in Kabul to Display Domestic Products: Tolo News

The Ministry of Industry and Mines (MoIC) said that efforts are underway in support of the private sector and that such exhibitions will be held outside the country to promote markets for Afghan products. “We are hoping for a day that such exhibitions will be held in Arabic countries like the UAE, and other countries like China and Central Asia as well as neighboring countries,” said Nooruddin Azizi, acting Minister of the MoIC. Click here to read…

Afghan Families Sell Belongings to Make Ends Meet: The Khaama Press

According to Martin Schuepp, Director of Operations of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), an average Afghan family can only afford 82% of basic food commodities, expressing concerns over the economic and humanitarian situation in Afghanistan. Click here to read…

DABS Says Uzbekistan Technical Issues Caused Rolling Blackout in Afghanistan: The Khaama Press

During a press conference on Monday, November 21, Engineer Safiullah Ahmadzai, Chief Operating Officer of DABS, stated that the cause for the shortage of electricity and subsequent power outages is due to a technical difficulty in Uzbekistan’s gas system. Click here to read…

Bangladesh
BNP’s Dec 10 Dhaka rally: Cops, AL to be on high alert – The Daily Star

Law enforcers have taken all-out measures, including keeping Dhaka city BNP leaders and activists under close watch, to pre-empt “potential subversive activities” centering on the BNP’s Dhaka rally on December 10. Click here to read…

Dhaka should focus more on Indo-Pacific’ – The Daily Star

The Indo-Pacific region has become a focus for the world powers. Dealing with them has become challenging for many countries. How should Bangladesh handle such a situation? Ali Riaz, a distinguished professor at the Department of Politics and Government at Illinois State University, yesterday shared his views with The Daily Star’s Porimol Palma…Bangladesh, and South Asia as a whole, always looked at West Asia and Central Asia, which were the gateways to the world. It is no longer the case now. The whole economy has shifted towards the Indo-Pacific. Also, the geopolitical importance of the region has increased manyfold because of the rise of China. Click here to read…

Military diplomacy: A vital tool to mend Myanmar-Bangladesh ties – Dhaka Tribune

The military cooperation between Myanmar and Bangladesh has a lot of promise. There are several areas where the two countries may engage and work together, with the most essential being the improvement of relations. In a fresh turn of events, a three-person delegation from the Myanmar army met with the Bangladesh army in Dhaka. The two sides talked about promoting regional security and stability as well as the prompt repatriation of the Rohingyas. The Myanmar Army was reminded by the Bangladesh Army to exercise caution when undertaking any operations in the border regions. Click here to read…

Bhutan
ISRO to launch satellite developed by Bhutan – The Tribune

The ISRO is gearing up to launch the next PSLV mission from the spaceport at Sriharikota on November 26, which will carry a Oceansat-3 satellite and eight nano-satellites, including one developed by Bhutan scientists. India had, in September last year, signed an agreement with Bhutan for the joint development of the satellite, which was initiated following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Thimphu in 2019. Click here to read…

Buddhist confederation, monastic body hosting delegation of Bhutanese monks from Nov 22 to 30 – The Print

Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], November 22 (ANI): The International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) in coordination with the Central Monastic Body of Bhutan is hosting a 24-member delegation of Bhutanese monks who are visiting India from November 22 to 30, said officials.During this tour, the monks are scheduled to visit various religious and Buddhist heritage sites in India including Nagarjuna Konda, Buddhavanam, Amravati, National Museum, and Sankissa, among others. Click here to read…

Maldives
Discussions held on expanding Maldives-Sri Lanka relations in investment, trade – Raajje

The discussions were held between Vice President Faisal Naseem and High Commissioner of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka to the Republic of Maldives, Adam Maznavee Jaufer Sadiq. They discussed the exchange of technical and professional expertise between Maldives and Sri Lanka. Discussions have been held on ways to further expand relations in investment and trade, between the governments of Maldives and Sri Lanka. Click here to read…

India retains lead as top tourism market of Maldives this year – NewsOnAir

India has retained its lead as the top tourism market of Maldives this year. Close to two lakh Indian tourists visited Maldives in 2022 so far. The Indian mission in Maldives in a tweet said that India has been the biggest contributer to tourism in Maldives since 2020. The High Commission of India in Male also congratulated Maldives on securing World’s leading destination title for 2022 at the world travel awards earlier this month. Click here to read…

Myanmar
Myanmar’s Daw Aung San Suu Kyi Denies Latest Corruption Charges in Court Appearance – The Irrawaddy

Myanmar’s ousted leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi denied further corruption charges when she testified on Tuesday in a junta-controlled court, according to a source with knowledge of the matter. Daw Aung San 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…

NUG Suggests How ASEAN Can Get Meaningful Changes From Myanmar Junta – The Irrawaddy

Myanmar’s military regime released 402 political prisoners last week as part of its amnesty for nearly 6,000 inmates. The move was hastily embraced by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) special envoy for Myanmar, who said the release was a sign of good will and an important gesture suggesting that the ruling junta is ready to change, despite the fact that Myanmar has been in turmoil since last year’s coup. Click here to read…

Siem Reap ADMM Retreat in full swing without Myanmar – Khmertimeskh

The ASEAN defence ministers, except Myanmar, discussed the rapid changes in global security environment as they convened for the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Retreat (ADMM Retreat) in Siem Reap yesterday. Besides the ADMM Retreat, held under the theme ‘Solidary for Harmonised Security’, Cambodia is also hosting the 9th ADMM-Plus, the ASEAN-US Defence Ministers’ Informal Meeting and the ASEAN-India Defence Ministers’ Informal Meeting from November 21-23. Click here to read…

Nepal
Vote count update: NC wins 12 seats; RSP 4 and UML 3 – Khabarhub

In the initial vote count of the election held on Sunday, Nepali Congress (NC) has taken the lead followed by CPN-UML so far. Till now, NC has won in 12 constituencies and the UML in three constituencies. As of now, NC is leading in 45 constituencies followed by UML, which is leading in 43 constituencies. The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), which has already won four seats, is leading in five constituencies. Likewise, the Unified Socialist Party led by Madhav Kumar Nepal has won one seat and is leading in five constituencies. Click here to read…

Poor transfer of Congress votes weighing down coalition partners – The Kathmandu Post

Congress voters seemed reluctant to back other coalition candidates. But they voted for the UML in some places. Preliminary results of the federal and provincial polls held on Sunday suggest the votes of Nepali Congress have not been transferred to other coalition partners. This had been long feared. The transfer from Nepali Congress to CPN (Maoist Centre) was thought to be particularly hard; Congress leaders were among the main Maoist targets during the decade-long bloody insurgency. Nonetheless, an electoral alliance was forged between the Congress, the Maoist Centre, the CPN (Unified Socialist) and the Rastriya Janamorcha. Click here to read…

After ballot paper mix-up, calls grow for shift to electronic voting – The Kathmandu Post

In Ilam constituency 1, some 100 ballot papers of the first-past-the-post (FPTP) elections for the House of Representatives were found dropped into the boxes meant for FPTP votes for the provincial assembly. Similar thing happened at a polling centre in Rukum East. In the press meet after the conclusion of the voting on Sunday, Chief Election Commissioner Dinesh Thapaliya had said they had received several complaints of ballot paper mixup. Following such complaints, the commission decided to count the votes under all four categories—FPTP and proportional representation of both the lower house and provincial assemblies—simultaneously. Click here to read…

Pakistan
PM Office receives summary for top military appointments: Dawn

The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said on Wednesday morning that it has received the summary from the Ministry of Defence with a “panel of names” for the appointment of the new chief of army staff (COAS) and the chairman joint chief of staff committee (CJCSC). Click here to read…

Govt shares revised budget framework with IMF: The Express Tribune

Despite the worst flood in the country‘s history and hundreds of billions of rupees in unbudgeted subsidies, Pakistan has initially projected only Rs990 billion fiscal slippages in this financial year, hardly showing a negative impact of Rs55 billion on its revenues. Click here to read…

Row over sugar export further delays crushing: The Express Tribune

In what appears to be a deliberate move, the sugar mills in Punjab have refused to start the sugarcane crushing season from November 25, as a deadlock between the government and mills over permission to export the sweetener persists. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka
Second Reading of Budget 2023 passed with majority of 37 – The Island

The second reading of Budget 2023 was passed with a majority of 37 votes in Parliament yesterday. The vote taken at 6 pm received 121 votes in favour and 84 votes against. The SJB, JVP, SLFP and SLPP dissidents voted against the Budget. Click here to read…

P627 Patrol Vessel commissioned as Vijayabahu – Daily News

The Offshore Patrol Vessel P627 the most recent addition to the Sri Lanka Navy fleet received from the United States (U.S.) Coast Guard was commissioned as Vijayabahu under the patronage of President Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday (22). The commissioning ceremony was held at the Colombo Port. The Vessel P627 began her home-bound journey from the Port of Seattle on September 3, 2022 and arrived in Colombo on November 2 after about 10,656 nautical miles (19,734 km) of sea passage. The President as Chief Guest was accorded a Guard of Honour by the Sri Lanka Navy. The President boarded the, SLNS Vijayabahu Vessel accompanied by Navy Commander Vice Admieal Nishantha Ulugetenna and unveiled the ship’s name board. Click here to read…

China Spy Ship Row: Sri Lanka FM Ali Sabry says New Delhi’s sensitivities will be kept in mind – WION

In the backdrop of the visit of Chinese spy ship, Sri Lankan foreign minister Ali Sabry has said that Indian “Indian sensitivities will be kept in mind” so that it doesn’t lead to any “unpleasantries” for both the countries. Remember Chinese spy ship or as Beijing has been terming it research vessel research vessel Yuan Wang 5 had visited the Sri Lankan port of hambantota raising concern for New Delhi. Speaking exclusively with our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal from Colombo, FM Sabry said, “everyone who will be entitled will be known in advance, we will have a known procedure in place so that no one is surprised, so therefore it is important we also have the freedom of navigation in the Indian ocean.” Click here to read…