Grenade Accident Injures Policeman in Baramulla Amid Ongoing Security Concerns

A policeman was injured on Thursday following an accidental grenade explosion in the Malkhana of the court complex in Baramulla district, Jammu and Kashmir. The incident occurred around 1:05 PM while the officer was on duty. Officials reassured the public that the situation in the town is under control and urged residents not to heed rampant rumors stemming from the recent surge in violence in the region.

The Malkhana, which serves as the judicial storeroom for seized items awaiting court decisions, was the site of this unfortunate accident. Officials emphasized the importance of remaining calm, particularly in light of recent incidents that have heightened tensions in the area.

Rumors have been particularly rampant following a brutal terrorist attack on Sunday in the Gagangir area of Ganderbal district, where two terrorists killed seven individuals, including six non-local workers and a local doctor. The police have since released photographs of the assailants involved in that attack, as part of ongoing investigations.

Adding to the day’s unrest, a non-local labourer was injured in a separate terrorist shooting incident in the Batgund village of Tral in Pulwama district. Fortunately, the victim sustained only a minor injury to his finger and is reported to be in stable condition at a local hospital.

In response to the increasing violence and concerns for worker safety, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha held a security review meeting on Wednesday in Srinagar. During the meeting, which included senior police officials, Sinha ordered a comprehensive security audit of all infrastructure projects in the union territory. Measures such as the establishment of checkposts, night patrols, and regular area surveillance were discussed to ensure the safety of workers involved in these projects.

The Lt Governor reiterated the need to dismantle the entire ecosystem of terrorism and those supporting it, signaling a strong stance against ongoing security threats in the region.

Joint Security Forces in Manipur Recover 11 Weapons in Strategic Operations

In a significant breakthrough, the Indian Army, in collaboration with the Assam Rifles, Manipur Police, and other security forces, successfully recovered 11 weapons along with various war-like materials across the hill and valley regions of Manipur. The operations took place in the Churachandpur, Chandel, and Thoubal districts, underscoring a concerted effort to enhance regional security.

According to an official statement from the Ministry of Defence, the operations commenced on October 22 in the Thoroilok area of Churachandpur district, where intelligence-led missions led to the recovery of two country-made mortars (Pompi), one country-made pistol, grenades, explosives, and additional ammunition.

Simultaneously, in Lamzang village near Bongbal, the Assam Rifles and Manipur Police retrieved one .303 rifle, a single-barrel rifle, and a cache of ammunition, further emphasizing the effectiveness of the ongoing joint operations.

Continuing their efforts, Assam Rifles conducted combing operations in Chandel district, securing one automatic weapon, two locally-made mortars, a single-barrel gun, and additional war-like stores from areas between Songkhom and Gunjil villages.

On October 23, another successful operation was executed in Thoubal district, where security personnel recovered a cache comprising a 9mm country-made pistol, a single-barrel breech-loading gun, two grenades, and assorted ammunition from the vicinity of Kwarok Maring village.

The Ministry of Defence emphasized that these operations reflect the strong cooperation among the Indian Army, Assam Rifles, and law enforcement agencies. It highlights their commitment to maintaining peace and stability in Manipur, ensuring the safety of its residents amidst ongoing challenges.

Terror Attack on Non-Local Labourer in Jammu and Kashmir: Another Assault in Recent Wave of Violence

Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir – A labourer from Uttar Pradesh was shot and injured by terrorists in the Tral area of Pulwama district on Thursday morning, marking the third attack on non-local workers in the region within a week. Officials reported that Shubam Kumar, a resident of Bijnor, sustained a gunshot wound to the arm during the incident in Batagund village. He has been promptly transported to a nearby hospital for medical attention.

This attack follows a deadly incident on Sunday when six non-local labourers and a local doctor were killed in a targeted assault at a construction site in Ganderbal district. Additionally, another labourer from Bihar was shot dead in a separate attack in Shopian district on October 18.

Authorities have expressed concern over the rising violence against non-local workers in the Valley, which poses significant risks to the security and safety of those contributing to the local economy. As investigations continue, the region remains on high alert amid these alarming developments.

S Jaishankar at 16th BRICS Summit: A Strong Call for Global Transformation and Support for the Global South

Kazan, Russia – External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar delivered a compelling address at the 16th BRICS Summit, emphasizing the evolution of nations emerging from colonial rule and the new multi-polar world that is taking shape. Speaking at the summit, held in a BRICS Plus format, Jaishankar noted the accelerated socio-economic development of these nations and stressed that the BRICS coalition reflects significant shifts in the global order.

"Our world is witnessing a steady diversification of production and consumption," Jaishankar remarked. "Nations that have achieved independence from colonialism are now progressing at an unprecedented pace, showcasing their capabilities and talent." He asserted that BRICS represents the transformative nature of contemporary international relations, underlining the evolving dynamics of power and influence.

Jaishankar outlined several key initiatives to enhance global equity, emphasizing the pivotal role of BRICS in supporting the Global South. He called for the strengthening and expansion of independent platforms and mechanisms to reduce dependence on traditional powers. "BRICS can make a tangible difference," he stated, highlighting the importance of establishing alternative pathways for cooperation and development.

In his address, Jaishankar advocated for reforming the United Nations Security Council, stating the need to update both permanent and non-permanent categories to reflect today’s realities. He also suggested similar reforms for multilateral development banks, addressing their outdated operational frameworks.

The minister highlighted the need for democratizing the global economy by creating more production hubs and establishing resilient supply chains, particularly in light of lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic. "Regions around the world rightfully aspire to enhance their production capabilities for essential needs," he noted.

Jaishankar also called attention to correcting infrastructural distortions rooted in colonial history, emphasizing the urgency for enhanced global connectivity and collective efforts toward mutual benefits. He pointed to India’s initiatives like the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and the Gati Shakti infrastructure project as examples of how countries can innovate and share their experiences for the common good.

In closing, Jaishankar emphasized the importance of collaboration in addressing global challenges, including natural disasters and economic crises, reaffirming India’s commitment as a "First Responder."

The summit, hosted by Russian President Vladimir Putin, brought together leaders from BRICS nations to engage in vital discussions around strengthening multilateralism, countering terrorism, fostering economic growth, and promoting sustainable development. The leaders also welcomed 13 new BRICS partner countries, marking a significant expansion of this influential coalition.

As the BRICS Summit concluded, the resolve for collaboration and support for the Global South resonated profoundly, echoing the sentiments of a world on the brink of a new order.

US-India Partnership Key to Indo-Pacific Stability, Says Expert at Defence Dialogue

New Delhi, [Date] — Speaking at the Indian Army’s Chanakya Defence Dialogues in New Delhi, Lisa Curtis, Director of the Indo-Pacific Security Program at the Center for New American Security and former White House official, underscored the importance of the partnership between the United States and India in maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

Curtis highlighted the increasing momentum of the US-India collaboration, particularly through recent initiatives such as the Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET) dialogue and a significant USD 4 billion deal for India to acquire 31 MQ-9B Predator drones. She characterized these developments as indicative of the deepening defense and security ties between the two nations.

"The US-India partnership is also vital for preserving peace and stability in the broader Indo-Pacific region," Curtis stated. "The iCET dialogue has led to a milestone agreement in June 2023 for the US and India to co-produce jet engine technology. Additionally, the completion of the USD 4 billion deal for Predator drones is a noteworthy advancement in our bilateral defense cooperation."

Curtis also announced that an upcoming Indian Ocean Dialogue is expected to further strengthen the partnership between the US and India. Despite historical challenges in the relationship, she expressed optimism about its trajectory. "The fact that we have weathered these challenges and maintained momentum speaks volumes about both countries’ commitment to the partnership," she noted.

In addressing regional tensions, Curtis commended the recent agreement between India and China regarding regular patrolling along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh, which she deemed a "testament to India’s patience." She remarked, "It took four and a half years to get to this point, but this is positive news for India-China relations and may herald a new phase of greater cooperation in the region, which is beneficial for all."

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced on October 21 that the two countries have come to an agreement regarding patrolling arrangements along the LAC, after years of heightened tensions that began in 2020 due to military confrontations in the region.

As global interest in the Indo-Pacific grows, the developments in US-India relations will be closely monitored, as they hold significant implications for regional security and stability.

Union Cabinet Approves Rs 1,000 Crore Venture Capital Fund for Indian Space Sector

October 24, 2023

In a significant move to bolster the Indian space sector, the Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the establishment of a dedicated venture capital fund worth Rs 1,000 crore. Announced on Thursday, the fund aims to support the burgeoning space industry and is expected to generate substantial employment opportunities by aiding startups across the entire space supply chain.

Under the supervision of the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (IN-SPACe), the proposed venture capital fund will operate over an estimated period of five years from its commencement. The Cabinet indicated that the average deployment amount could range from Rs 150 to Rs 250 crore annually, contingent upon the investment landscape and requirements.

Investment amounts will vary, with planned allocations between Rs 10 crore and Rs 60 crore, tailored to the specific growth stage and potential of each company. For example, the fund could provide equity investments ranging from Rs 10 crore to Rs 30 crore for growth-stage companies and Rs 30 crore to Rs 60 crore for those further along in their development. The Cabinet estimates that the initiative could support approximately 40 startups.

This decision aligns with the government’s 2020 space sector reforms, which established IN-SPACe to facilitate increased private sector involvement in space activities. The Indian space economy, currently valued at Rs 8.4 billion, aims to expand to Rs 44 billion by 2033, underscoring the critical need for timely financial support to the nearly 250 emerging space startups within the sector.

A Cabinet note emphasized the urgency for financial backing to ensure these startups can thrive domestically and mitigate talent exodus to international markets. Highlighting the strategic importance of this fund, officials noted that it would enhance investor confidence, attract private capital, and underscore the government’s commitment to ongoing space reforms.

By fostering innovation and economic growth through this capital infusion, the fund seeks to retain companies in India, expedite the development of space technologies, enhance global competitiveness, and nurture a vibrant innovation ecosystem. Additionally, the expected capital injection is anticipated to attract further investment for later-stage development, thereby reinforcing the overall stability of the space sector, according to the Cabinet.

This initiative marks a pivotal step in advancing India’s space ambitions, positioning the country as a competitive player on the global stage.

Canadian MP Addresses Khalistani Extremism, Calls for Urgent Action

In a statement on X Wednesday, Canadian Member of Parliament Chandra Arya spoke out against the growing concern of Khalistani extremism in Canada, reiterating the importance of Canadian sovereignty and rejecting any foreign interference in domestic affairs. Arya highlighted that the administration has long been aware of the severity of this issue and emphasized that such external influences are “unacceptable.”

Arya recounted a recent encounter at a Hindu event in Edmonton, where he participated with the protection of Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) officers amid disruptive protests by Khalistani demonstrators. He stated, “In Canada, we have long recognized and experienced the serious problem of Khalistani extremism,” underscoring the urgency for law enforcement agencies to address the threat seriously.

“The sanctity of Canadian sovereignty is sacrosanct,” Arya asserted, urging a robust investigation into Khalistani extremism, which he categorized as a pressing concern within the country. He expressed confidence in the RCMP’s commitment, noting that a national task force is actively focused on this matter, stating, “Khalistani violent extremism is a Canadian problem.”

This statement comes amid heightened tensions between Canada and India, following Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s claims in Parliament last year regarding credible allegations of Indian involvement in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Nijjar, who had been designated a terrorist by India’s National Investigation Agency in 2020, was shot outside a Gurdwara in Surrey in June 2023.

The diplomatic relations between the two nations have further deteriorated after Canada identified India’s High Commissioner and other diplomats as “persons of interest” in the investigation into Nijjar’s death, leading to strong denials from India regarding the allegations, which it has labeled as “absurd” and “motivated.”

As discussions around Khalistani extremism continue, Arya’s call for serious action reflects a growing concern among Canadian officials and communities regarding the influence of extremist elements within the country.