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Jaishankar: ASEAN Key to India’s Act East Policy

ASEAN countries are a key part of India’s ‘Act East’ policy and Indo-Pacific Vision, highlighted by PM Modi’s SAGAR initiative….reports Asian Lite News

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar reiterated Friday that ASEAN remains the cornerstone of India’s ‘Act East’ policy and the Indo-Pacific vision.

Addressing the opening session of the ASEAN-India Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in the Laotian capital of Vientiane, the EAM stated that it was “encouraging” to note that India-ASEAN partnership continues to acquire ever more dimensions with each passing year.

“For India, ASEAN is the cornerstone of its Act East Policy and the Indo-Pacific vision that was thereafter built on it. For us, political, economic and security cooperation with ASEAN is of the utmost priority. So too are people-to-people linkages, that we are constantly seeking to expand,” Jaishankar said in his opening remarks at the meeting.

The 57th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) in Vientiane is being attended by over 1000 delegates, including foreign ministers and representatives from 31 countries.

“While our achievements are substantial, our ambitions must always remain high,” Jaishankar told the gathering.

The EAM also highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Jakarta in September 2023 to attend the 20th ASEAN-India Summit and 18th East Asia Summit, the first major event for the grouping since the elevation of India-ASEAN relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2022.

“The priority that India attaches to ASEAN and EAS platforms is evident from Prime Minister Modi visiting Jakarta last year on the very eve of our own G20 Summit. He had announced a 12-point plan that has been largely acted upon,” Jaishankar said on Friday.

The EAM called the meeting as “productive”, stating that digital, defence, maritime, connectivity, security, health and traditional medicine and cultural heritage preservation continue to be priority areas for India-ASEAN cooperation.

“Also spoke about the situation in Myanmar, keeping the Sea Lines of Communication open and free, Quad’s outlook on ASEAN & AOIP and the conflict in Gaza,” he said.

ASEAN countries remain an important pillar of India’s ‘Act East’ policy and key partner of its Indo-Pacific Vision underlined by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) vision.

From Vientiane, the EAM will travel to Tokyo to participate in the next meeting of the Quad Foreign Ministers’ on July 29 along with the Foreign Ministers of Australia, and the United States.

ALSO READ: Ranil Wickremesinghe Joins Presidential Race

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Ranil Wickremesinghe Joins Presidential Race

Wickremesinghe’s lawyers placed a monetary bond before the Election Commissioner for his candidacy in the forthcoming election…reports Asian Lite News

Hours after the Election Commission announced the date for the presidential elections in Sri Lanka, incumbent President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Friday announced that he would be contesting the polls as an independent candidate.

Wickremesinghe’s lawyers placed a monetary bond before the Election Commissioner for his candidacy in the forthcoming election.

Announcing the election on September 21, the poll panel asked the presidential candidates to deposit money till August 14.

A candidate from a recognised political party has to deposit 50,000 Sri Lankan Rupees while a candidate nominated by an elector has to deposit 75,000 Sri Lankan Rupees, the Election Commission said.

Wickremesinghe took office as the President in July 2022 when his predecessor Gotabaya Rajapaksa fled the country and later resigned amid a severe economic crisis. His term will end on November 17.

Publishing the gazette notification, the Election Commission announced that the presidential poll has to be conducted not less than one month after and no more than two months before the expiration of the President’s term.

Wickremesinghe ran the country with the majority parliamentary mandate of the Rajapaksa party, Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP).

The SLPP, which has broken into several factions now, is undecided whether to support Wickremesinghe or not. While a section of those holding cabinet portfolios insist on supporting Wickremesinghe as the common candidate, the successor of the Rajapaksa dynasty, Namal Rajapaksa, eldest son of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, has accused Wickremesinghe of dividing his father’s party.

The SLPP is likely to announce its decision on Monday.

While “pro-China” Rajapaksas worked closely with Beijing, even building some multi-million dollar white elephant projects with Chinese loans, which critics claimed were connected to corruption, Wickremesinghe turned to the immediate neighbour India and Japan for support.

India came to the rescue of Sri Lanka, which was suffering from a severe financial crisis with no essentials like food, fuel and medicine, with more than $4 billion in monetary aid while Japan started some major funded projects which were suspended during the Rajapaksa regime.

ALSO READ: Lankan Navy nabs 9 Tamil Nadu fishermen, seizes 2 boats

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India’s Flag Flies High on Mt. Elbrus

Indian Navy’s Spokesperson hailed the tri-service team’s accomplishment as “a proud moment for India”…reports Asian Lite News

Two teams representing the Indian Armed forces have planted India’s tri-colour on the summit of Europe’s highest mountain, Mt. Elbrus, during the Third ‘Climb for Peace’ event of the International Military Sports Council (CISM).

Lt. Colonel Manoj Joshi led the six-member Tri-Services team that climbed the 5,642-metre mountain in Russia on Thursday.

The team included a woman Navy mountaineer, Shristi Thakur.

The other team comprised three Army personnel.

In a post X, the Indian Navy’s Spokesperson hailed the tri-service team’s accomplishment as “a proud moment for India”.

Thirteen countries, including Russia, China and Brazil, were represented in the ‘Climb for Peace’ event, according to Russia’s Defence Ministry.

Mt. Elbrus, which also ranks as the 10th highest mountain in the world is located in southern Russia in the Russian Republic of Kabardino-Balkaria.

The CISM, based in Brussels, organises various sporting events for the armed forces of its 141 member countries.

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ALSO READ: North Korea trying to steal nuclear secrets, warns US  

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North Korea trying to steal nuclear secrets, warns US  

Seoul :Nearly 560K foreign hacking attempts against S.Korean govt detected over past 6 yrs.(Yonhap/IANS)

The North Korea-backed hackers, known as Anadriel or APT45 by cybersecurity researchers, have targeted or breached computer systems at a wide range of defense or engineering companies…reports Asian Lite News

North Korean hackers have waged a global cyberespionage campaign to steal classified military secrets in support of Pyongyang’s banned nuclear weapons program, the United States, Britain and South Korea said in a joint advisory on Thursday.

It was co-authored by the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the US National Security Agency (NSA) and cyber agencies, the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS).

The North Korea-backed hackers, known as Anadriel or APT45 by cybersecurity researchers, have targeted or breached computer systems at a wide range of defense or engineering companies, including the makers of tanks, submarines, naval ships, fighter jets, missiles and radar systems, according to the joint advisory.

Seoul :Nearly 560K foreign hacking attempts against S.Korean govt detected over past 6 yrs.(Yonhap/IANS)

Andariel has been identified as an arm of Pyongyang’s spy agency.

“The authoring agencies believe the group and the cyber techniques remain an ongoing threat to various industry sectors worldwide, including but not limited to entities in their respective countries, as well as in Japan and India,” the advisory said.

“The global cyber espionage operation that we have exposed today shows the lengths that [North Korean] state-sponsored actors are willing to go to pursue their military and nuclear programs,” said Paul Chichester at the NCSC, a part of Britain’s GCHQ spy agency.

According to the FBI, Andariel has used software vulnerabilities to launch cyberattacks, including malware and phishing, to access sensitive data and information.

The FBI urged companies involved in defense, aerospace, nuclear and engineering sectors “to remain vigilant in defending their networks from North Korea-state-sponsored cyber operations.”

The FBI said Andariel had been trying to obtain information such as specifications and design drawings for uranium processing and enrichment as well as missiles and missile defense systems.

ALSO READ: Harris ‘ready’ to debate Trump

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Pak Governor felicitates Shaandar Bukhari for his noble cause  

Atoken of kind words and appreciation, carries a long way, for any human being who does a selfless job taking care of human beings… reports Vinod Raghavan who interacted with a Samaritan Shaandar Ali Shah Bukhari who was felicitated by the Punjab Governor in Pakistan.

It’s very difficult to find someone, who thinks for the well being of others, but here’s a Samaritan, Shaandar Ali Shah Bukhari, hailing from Pakistan’s Attock district, who was born and broughtup  in the Sultanate of Oman, is a multi-faceted personality covered with layers of  humbleness, sincerity and a concern for humanity. He is always available for the needy, cutting across regions, boundaries and religion.

As his name Shaandar which means (uniqueness) he often rushes on getting a call with a request for any types of help viz. providing free wheel-chairs for the disables or ailing elders. To help the hapless prisoners released after their jail-term with air tickets, arranging fees for the weaker sections of the community or taking efforts for coffins of expats back home to Pakistan, is not a small job but a noble cause, which only a few people does whole-heartedly.

This noble cause he has inherited from his late father Syedzada Sakhawat Ali Shah Bukhari, who was a teacher and landed in Oman in the early 70s, and had seen Oman developing from a single school in the Muscat governorate to scores of schools and colleges in every nook and corner of the Sultanate, thanks to the great visionary late Sultan Qaboos bin Said.

As a token of appreciation, Shaandar Bukhari, a philantrophist was felicitated by the Governor of Punjab Sardar Saleem Haider Khan, with the prestigious “Outstanding Citizen Award’ for his social welfare services for the expats and Pakistani communities residing in the Sultanate of Oman. It has helped in enhancing the bilateral relations and has strengthened the social fabric of both the societies (Oman and Pakistani).

Pakistan Ambassador in the Sultanate of Oman, Imran Ali Choudhary, conveyed his best wishes and appreciated his efforts and described him as a Pride of Pakistan and assured him the support of Embassy for noble causes.

ALSO READ: UAE sets out journey to Paris Olympics

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UAE calls for disaster prevention at BRICS meet

The meeting addressed common strategies and challenges in emergency and crisis management, as well as shared experiences and expertise in the field….reports Asian Lite News

A delegation from the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA), led by Deputy Chairman Obaid Rashid Al Hassan Al Shamsi, participated in the BRICS Group heads of emergency agencies meeting in Kazan, Russia.

The meeting addressed common strategies and challenges in emergency and crisis management, as well as shared experiences and expertise in the field.

Al Shamsi delivered NCEMA’s speech, emphasising that the UAE’s participation in the BRICS Group reflects its strong commitment to multilateral cooperation and achieving international priorities.

He highlighted the UAE’s development of a national strategy aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) under the Sendai Framework and SDGs 2015-2030, which includes customised policies for various demographic groups.

He added that the UAE actively participates in international forums and organisations, engages in constructive dialogue through platforms representing developing and emerging economies, and supports many countries globally.

Al Shamsi concluded by stressing the importance of investing in disaster risk management and shifting from disaster response to disaster prevention by fostering a culture of risk reduction and focusing on prevention programmes, particularly in vulnerable areas, noting the success of the UAE’s early warning systems established in 2017.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the delegation witnessed the signing of the Kazan Declaration, which reflects agreement on joint policies to confront emergencies and crises, and which stressed the importance of strengthening the state’s role in the BRICS Group in terms of emergencies, crises and disasters.

In addition to organising official visits to both the Russian Federation and Belarus to exchange experiences and visit universities and training centres to benefit from specialised training in the two countries.

ALSO READ: Hamdan lauds UAE’s globally unique government system

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Pakistani passport ranked 4th worst globally

This index ranks the travel documents of 199 countries based on the number of destinations their holders can access without prior visa requirements…reports Asian Lite News

For the fourth consecutive year, the Pakistani passport has maintained its position as the fourth worst globally, according to the latest Henley Passport Index, Dawn reported.

This index ranks the travel documents of 199 countries based on the number of destinations their holders can access without prior visa requirements.

In the most recent ranking released on Tuesday, Pakistan’s passport shares the 100th spot with Yemen, offering visa-free access to 33 countries. This places it higher only than Iraq (101), Syria (102), and Afghanistan (103), a ranking unchanged from the previous year.

“Afghanistan remains firmly entrenched as the world’s weakest passport, losing access to yet another destination over the past six months, leaving its citizens with access to only 26 countries visa-free — the lowest score ever recorded in history of the 19-year-old index,” a press release said.

Singapore once again secured the top spot, with its passport granting visa-free access to 195 destinations, setting a new record. Following closely tied in second place were Germany, Italy, Japan, France, and Spain, each providing access to 192 countries.

Ranked third were Austria, Finland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Netherlands, South Korea, and Sweden, offering visa-free access to 191 destinations, as reported by Dawn.

The United Kingdom shared the fourth position with Belgium, Denmark, New Zealand, Norway, and Switzerland, enabling travel to 190 states. The United States occupied the eighth rank with access to 186 destinations.

A notable addition to the top 10 was the United Arab Emirates (UAE), marking its debut in this category. The UAE achieved a significant rise, now offering visa-free access to 185 destinations, an increase of 152 since the index began in 2006. This ascent also catapulted the UAE 53 places in the rankings, from 62nd to 9th position.

The press release quoted Henley & Partners CEO Juerg Steffen as saying that the UAE’s “meteoric ascent” was the result of “deliberate and concerted efforts by the Emirati government to position the UAE as a global hub for business, tourism, and investment.

“Our research has consistently shown a strong correlation between a country’s visa-free score and its economic prosperity. Nations with higher visa-free scores tend to enjoy greater GDP per capita, increased foreign direct investment and more robust international trade relationships,” the release added, Dawn reported. (ANI)

ALSO READ: US panel on CCP discusses labour rights violations by China

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Baloch rights activists vow resistance against ‘oppression’, CPEC

Maharang Baloch, a prominent advocate for Baloch rights, declared the upcoming event as the Baloch National Assembly, slated to commence on July 28…reports Asian Lite News

In a bold and defiant move against what they term as ongoing Baloch genocide and exploitation, Baloch rights activists have announced plans for a monumental gathering and resistance initiative in Gwadar, Balochistan.

Maharang Baloch, a prominent advocate for Baloch rights, declared the upcoming event as the Baloch National Assembly, slated to commence on July 28.

“The Baloch National Assembly will be a historic public referendum against Baloch genocide, exploitation of Baloch coast and resources in the form of so-called mega projects and turning Balochistan into a prison in the name of security and will also be the beginning of a powerful public resistance,” Maharang Baloch asserted in a statement on X.

The announcement comes amidst escalating tensions over what activists describe as decades-long oppression akin to colonial rule imposed on Balochistan. The region, known for its rich natural resources, has been a focal point of development initiatives such as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). However, local inhabitants decry these projects, alleging minimal benefits and widespread deprivation.

“Balochistan has endured seven decades of atrocities and oppression reminiscent of a colonial regime. Despite being indigenous to this land for millennia, the Baloch people live under constant threat, facing disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and economic marginalisation,” Baloch Yakjehti Committee, said, in a post on X.

Criticism also targets the development claims made by the Pakistani state, particularly focusing on Gwadar, which has been heralded as the linchpin of CPEC. Residents of Gwadar, however, contend with severe infrastructure deficiencies, including scarce access to clean drinking water and erratic electricity supply amidst scorching temperatures.

“Development touted by the state has only exacerbated our plight, converting our homes into prisons while our ancestral lands are exploited for economic gains,” the post added, underscoring the paradox between state-promoted development narratives and ground realities.

The upcoming Baloch National Assembly aims to galvanise widespread public support against what activists perceive as state-sponsored repression and economic exploitation. The event seeks to unify Baloch voices in a collective demand for justice, autonomy, and recognition of Baloch national rights.

“We refuse to remain silent amidst our people’s suffering and the systematic erosion of our cultural and economic heritage. The Baloch Solidarity Committee invites all Baloch nationals to join us in Gwadar to launch a unified movement against oppression,” the post read. (ANI)

ALSO READ: US panel on CCP discusses labour rights violations by China

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Lankan Navy nabs 9 Tamil Nadu fishermen, seizes 2 boats

According to the fishermen’s leader, more than 500 boats from Rameswaram ventured into the sea for fishing on Monday…reports Asian Lite News

Nine fishermen from Tamil Nadu’s Ramanathapuram district were arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy on Tuesday, for allegedly crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) while fishing.

As per the information, the arrested were taken to Sri Lanka for further legal proceedings.

J. Thangavelu, leader of the Fishermen Association of Ramanathapuram, told IANS, “Sri Lankan Navy has arrested nine of our brethren. They will be taken into judicial custody and their boats will be confiscated. Our fishermen live in constant fear of arrest and boat confiscation. We have been raising this issue constantly but it’s falling on deaf ears.”

According to the fishermen’s leader, more than 500 boats from Rameswaram ventured into the sea for fishing on Monday.

In a communique, Tamil Nadu’s Fisheries Department said that all the arrested individuals were from Rameswaram in the Ramanathapuram district.

Tamil Nadu coastal police officials said that the Sri Lankan Navy seized two boats, one carrying five men, and the other with four fishermen.

The arrested from the first boat were identified as Muthumaralingam (60), Robert (49), Yacob (24), Radha (39), and Sekar (40).

Police said that the fishermen in the second boat were identified as Harikrishnan (50), Pon Ramaraj (26), Ramkumar (24), and Libin Sai (25).

The fishermen from Tamil Nadu, who were arrested in the first week of this month, are still languishing in Lankan jails.

Sources in the Fishermen Association of Ramanathapuram told IANS that they were planning a major road blockade and protest against the arrest of fishermen and confiscation of costly mechanised boats by the Sri Lankan Navy.

On July 19, fishermen in Rameswaram conducted a massive protest against the frequent arrests by the Sri Lankan Navy and demanded the immediate release of 74 fishermen who had been arrested so far this year.

The protesters also demanded the release of 170 steamboats and country boats seized by the Lankan Navy. From 2018 to 2024, the Sri Lankan Navy seized a total of 170 steamboats and country boats belonging to the fishermen of Tamil Nadu.

The fisherfolk demanded appropriate compensation from the central government as well as the Tamil Nadu government for any damage to the barges and country boats. The protest was staged by the Fishermen of Rameswaram and the Pampan All Fishermen Federation near the Rameswaram bus station.

They further demanded that they should be allowed to fish in the traditional Kachchthivu area without any problem.

ALSO READ: Lanka Rebuts Canadian PM’s ‘Genocide’ Claim

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Sri Lanka: Field Marshal Fonseka declares candidacy for President

The exact date for the presidential election in Sri Lanka, scheduled between September 17 and October 16, will be announced on Friday…reports Asian Lite News

Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka, Sri Lanka’s former Army chief renowned for his role in defeating the LTTE, officially declared his candidacy for the upcoming Presidential election, pledging to tackle corruption and revitalise the economy.

The exact date for the presidential election in Sri Lanka, scheduled between September 17 and October 16, will be announced on Friday.

“I wish to announce my candidacy for the Presidency to the people of Sri Lanka,” Fonseka said in a post X.

“For 76 years, we have been led by an inept political group that has driven us to bankruptcy. For Sri Lanka to grow, we need to crush corruption. We need to leverage our natural resources to boost income generation. This is my formal and official announcement as the Presidential candidate of Sri Lanka for the 2024 Presidential election,” he said.

“My team and I will publish our policy statement. We are open to ideas and will uphold the principles of inclusive governance and inclusive leadership. Suggestions are always welcome,” Fonseka further said.

Fonseka, who led the military campaign against the LTTE’s separatist ambitions, faced defeat in the 2010 presidential election against Mahinda Rajapaksa. Undeterred by past challenges, the 73-year-old Fonseka called upon all Sri Lankans to join him in creating a corruption-free nation.

Meanwhile, Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe also threw his hat into the ring, emphasising the critical nature of the upcoming election for the nation’s future.

“This election would be crucial for the nation’s future”, Rajapakshe said making a statement.

The political landscape is further crowded with opposition leaders like Sajith Premadasa and the Marxist JVP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake, both confirming their candidacy. Additionally, President Ranil Wickremesinghe will seek re-election.

The Elections Commission announced it would unveil the election date imminently, while asserting it bore no responsibility for statements made by various parties on polling day, as reported by the Daily Mirror newspaper. (ANI)

ALSO READ: Lanka Rebuts Canadian PM’s ‘Genocide’ Claim