Indian Defence News

Sunday, April 28, 2024

Shanghai: Tesla CEO Elon Musk has headed to China on Sunday on a surprise visit to the country, which is also the second biggest market of the electric vehicle giant, news agency Reuters reported citing two people with knowledge of the matter.

Musk's visit to China comes a week after his visit to India was postponed due to 'Tesla obligations.' He was scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and announce plans to enter the Indian market.

Meanwhile, as of now, Musk is seeking to meet senior Chinese officials in Beijing to discuss the rollout of Full-Self Driving (FSD) software in China and to obtain approval to transfer data collected in the country abroad to train algorithms for its autonomous driving technologies, Reuters said, citing one of the two people.

Honored to meet with Premier Li Qiang.

We have known each other now for many years, since early Shanghai days. pic.twitter.com/JCnv6MbZ6W
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) April 28, 2024

In response to a query on social media platform X, the Musk stated that Tesla may make FSD available to customers in China "very soon." Notably, Musk's visit to China was not made prominently visible in public eyes.

According to Reuters, Tesla, since 2021, has stored all data collected by its Chinese fleet in Shanghai as required by Chinese regulators and has not transferred any, back to the United States.

The US EV maker rolled out FSD, the most autonomous version of its Autopilot software, four years ago but has yet to make it available in China despite customers urging it to do so.

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Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday said talks between India and China are going smoothly and in a good environment, and India will never bow down. Singh, who is in Ahmedabad to campaign for BJP candidates contesting the Lok Sabha elections, said India has become a powerful country from a military standpoint and wants to maintain good relations with its neighbours.

"India is no longer a weak India. India has also become a powerful country from a military point of view. We want to maintain good relations with our neighbouring countries," the minister said when asked about Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's accusation against the Narendra Modi government over Chinese aggression.

Talks between India and China are going on smoothly and in a good environment over whatever issues there are, he said.

"I understand that we should wait for the outcome of the talks. But I want to assure the countrymen that India has not bowed down anywhere, nor will it ever bow down," he said.

Singh also expressed confidence that India's defence exports, which crossed the ₹21,000 crore mark in the financial 2023-24, will increase going forward.

"In 2014, we exported ₹600 crore defence items, but now the figure has crossed ₹21,000 crore, and I can say that it is going to increase," he said.

The minister said the Modi government is committed to ensuring that defence items, whether missiles and other weapons, bombs or tanks, should be made in India and by Indians.

"Today, we have achieved defence production worth more than ₹1 lakh crore," he said.

(With Inputs From Agencies)

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India and Russia have a long history of cooperation in various sectors such as trade, defence, energy, and space exploration.

India is eagerly seeking and working towards boosting trade ties with Russia, said Rajesh Kumar Singh, Secretary of the Department of Industrial Development at the Indian Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

While addressing the gathering at a Russian-Indian investment forum, Singh highlighted that India considers Russia as a key partner in achieving its economic growth targets, and both countries are committed to enhancing bilateral trade and investment opportunities.

"According to our data, foreign direct investment from Russia is around $1.26 billion in sectors like aerospace and defence, chemicals, oil and gas and railways," he said at the inauguration of the first India-Russia forum.

India aims to leverage its strengths in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, information technology, and agricultural products to deepen trade relations with Russia, he added.

He called upon Russian investors to visit India and urged them to consider investment opportunities that the country has to offer.

"Our trade has been growing over the last three years, mainly due to a significant increase in exports from Russia to India, especially oil exports. But we need to diversify our trade and we hope that mutual investment will help to further strengthen our relations," he said.

TASS

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India set a remarkable record in December of last year, with its highest-ever smartphone sales to Russia, reaching an impressive $33 million.

India's smartphone export to Russia reached a record-breaking $36 million in February, solidifying India's position as the top export from the South Asian country to the Russian Federation, according to Sputnik's analysis of data from the Indian Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

In February, India's smartphone exports to Russia increased 12 times on an annual basis and 1.6 times on a monthly basis, reaching a record of $36 million.

Previously, India achieved its highest smartphone sales to Russia in December last year, reaching an impressive $33 million.

In February, retail sales of medicines came in second place with an impressive $27 million, closely followed by wall tiles with $13 million. Notably, shrimp and black tea also made their mark among the top five export items, contributing $10 million and $9 million respectively.

On Thursday, Sputnik reported that trade turnover between Russia and India surged by 5.6%, reaching a new record of $11.2 billion in January-February. This marks the highest trade volume for the first two months of the year.

This significant increase in trade reflects the deepening economic ties between the two countries, underscoring the rising demand for Indian products in the Russian market.

(With Reporting by Sputnik News)

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In a major development, the Indian Navy on Sunday said it averted an incident involving an attack on Panama-flagged crude oil tanker MV Andromeda Star PM on April 26. According to the statement released by the Indian Navy Spokesperson, INS Kochi responded to a distress call, adding the vessel was intercepted by an Indian Navy warship and an aerial recce by helo was undertaken to assess the situation. A total of 30 crew, including 22 Indian nationals, were reported to be safe.

As per the Navy, the vessel is continuing its scheduled transit to the next port. "The swift action of Indian Navy ship reiterates the commitment & resolve of the Navy in safeguarding the seafarers plying through the region," it said.

Indian Navy Turns Saviour

It is worth mentioning that cargo vessels have been subject to attack ever since Israel and Hamas were entangled in the war in October last year. This prompted several sea traders to look into alternatives to the Red Sea or abandon their business projects. However, some of them are still continuing the same routes.

The latest attack came amid a series of hijack attempts made by Somali Pirates in response to the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. Earlier last month, a crew comprising 23 Pakistani nationals were rescued by the Indian Navy.

Similarly, in March, the navy carried out a rescue operation on a merchant vessel hijacked by Somali pirates in the Arabian Sea, rescuing 17 crew members, including seven Bulgarian nationals. The rescue operation was lauded by the Bulgarian President who expressed gratitude to the Indian Navy for successfully carrying out a rescue operation.

Earlier on March 4, Monday, the Indian Navy swiftly responded to a drone strike on a Liberian-flagged commercial vessel in the Gulf of Aden. According to reports, the vessel, transiting about 90 nautical miles southeast of Aden, reported a fire resulting from a drone or missile attack. The Indian Navy's INS Kolkata, engaged in maritime security operations in the region, promptly arrived at the scene of the incident at 2230 hours.

"INS Kolkata, mission deployed in the region for maritime security operations, promptly responded and arrived at the scene of the incident by 10.30 pm," the Navy statement read.

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Moscow: Secretary at the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry Rajesh Kumar Singh, India's Ambassador to Russia, Vinay Kumar, and Russian Deputy Minister of Economic Development Vladimir Ilyichev attended the first India-Russia Investment Forum.

The event was organized by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry in collaboration with the Indian Embassy in Moscow and Invest India. More than 270 Indian and Russian business representatives, entrepreneurs, financial institutions, industry associations and government officials engaged in the Investment Forum.

In a post on X, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce and Industry stated, "@DPIITGoI in collaboration with @IndEmbMoscow & @InvestIndia organised the first India-Russia Investment Forum, featuring addresses from Mr. Rajesh Kumar, Secy, DPIIT, Ambassador @vkumar1969 & Mr. Vladimir Ilyichev, M/o Economic Development."

"Over 270 Indian and Russian business representatives, entrepreneurs, financial institutions, industry associations & Govt. officials engaged in the Investment Forum. This was succeeded by a B2B session between the Indian delegation led by @FollowCII & their Russian counterparts," it added.

On April 26, the 7th session of the Working Group on Priority Investment Projects under the IRIGC-TEC mechanism, Co-Chaired by Rajesh Kumar Singh and Vladimir Ilyichev was held in Moscow.

Taking to X, the Indian Embassy in Moscow stated, "The 7th session of the Working Group on Priority Investment Projects under IRIGC-TEC mechanism, Co-Chaired by Mr. Rajesh Kumar Singh, Secretary (DPIIT) and Mr. Vladimir Ilyichev, Deputy Minister of Economic Development of the Russian Federation, was held in Moscow today. The sides discussed several ongoing and prospective projects for investment."

Secretary at the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry Rajesh Kumar Singh has said that Russia's pivot to the East is "very profitable" for both nations keeping in view the high consistency of the two economies, Russia-based TASS reported.

Speaking at a forum in Moscow, Rajesh Kumar Singh said, "Russia's pivot to the East is very profitable for both countries considering high consistency of our economies when we speak about resources and technologies. And it is coherent with our focus on support of national producers and India's self-sufficiency."

He noted that Russia's focus on building closer economic and political ties with Asian nations will allow an increase in the volume of bilateral investment and more efficient creation of joint enterprises.

The official said, "We use strong points of the two countries for developing innovations, improving competitiveness and boosting trade volume," TASS reported.

Calling Russia India's "long-standing and reliable partner," he stated that the relations between the two nations are "based on the solid foundation of common interests and common values."

Earlier in 2023, the Russian Foreign Ministry said that the West's intractability and deceit boosted Russia's resolve to give priority to the southern and eastern vectors of its foreign policy, according to TASS report.

Russian Foreign Ministry made the statement on the results of Moscow's diplomacy for 2022. It said, "It has been clear to us for a while that the very existence of Russia as one of the basic systemic elements in the expansive Eurasian space is a problem for our opponents," TASS reported.

In a statement, the Russian Foreign Ministry stated, "However, history teaches again and again that any attempts to subvert Russia's statehood, to split society, moreover, to infringe on the country's territorial integrity only help to consolidate our people, encourage the continued course toward sovereignizing the key spheres of life. Meanwhile, the West's inability to negotiate and deceitfulness are being confirmed which boosts our resolve to prioritize the development of the southern and eastern vectors of foreign policy."

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Paris: Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan visited France and reaffirmed the long-standing strategic partnership between New Delhi and Paris and further reinforced the bilateral defence cooperation between the two nations, according to an official release.

During his visit, General Anil Chauhan met with Patrick Pailloux, Director of Civil and Military Cabinet of the Minister of the French Armed Forces, and Lt Gen Vincent Giraud, Chief of the Military Cabinet of the Minister of the Armed Forces at the apex level and also with his counterpart, General Thierry Burkhard (CEMA) have enabled exchange of views on areas of common interests and mutual security concerns.

Deliberations at France's Directorate General of Armament for enhancing the exchange of high-end dual-use technologies followed by interactions with the top leadership of the French Defence industry, including Dassault, Safran and Naval Groups, and Thales Alenia Space, towards futuristic capacity building of the Indian Armed Forces, would provide an impetus to indigenisation.

According to the release, the exchanges at the French Land Forces Command (CFT), the French Space Command (CDE), and the School of Military Studies (Ecole Militaire), while providing India's point of view on security challenges, have also provided opportunities for enhancing defence collaboration in space, modernisation initiatives and also augmenting bilateral training between both nations.

The CDS also paid tributes at the War Memorials of Neuve-Chapelle and Villers-Guislain, to the extraordinary bravery of soldiers of the Indian Expeditionary Force who fought on the Western Front during the First World War, towards enhancing peace and tranquility in the region. These memorials stand testimony to the long-standing Indo-French relationship.

"The India-France Strategic Partnership has gathered significant momentum over time and has now evolved into an even closer and multifaceted relationship that spans diverse areas of cooperation," the release stated.

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A person was injured in a firing incident in a remote village in Jammu and Kashmir's Udhampur district early Sunday, officials said. The injured is a village defence guard (VDG).

The firing was reported from Panara village of Basantgarh when a patrolling party of VDGs confronted some suspiciously moving persons, believed to be terrorists, in a forest area, they said. Police activated security in Basantgarh police station limits of Udhampur district after receiving information on suspicious movement in the area.

Meanwhile, media along with civilians were advised not to run unofficial and unverified reports on the incident. Currently, the Special Operations Group (Jammu and Kashmir) along with the Indian Army and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) are cordoning off the area.

A few days ago, an encounter broke out between terrorists and security forces at the Nowpora area in Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla district on Thursday. A senior police official, confirming the encounter, stated that they had received intelligence regarding the presence of two terrorists. Subsequently, a joint operation was launched with the army and CRPF, based on information gathered by the Jammu and Kashmir Police.

(With Agency Inputs)

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California: Indian-origin business leaders from IT industry lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership for putting India on the global map as a "credible innovator and leader" for all nations to invest in and grow.

Speaking at the Indiaspora AI Summit 2024 on 'Can Artificial intelligence be good force for future or not' at the University of Stanford on April 26, Informatica CEO Amit Walia said, "India is perceived very differently in the global space. It's a space of innovation. It's a space of human capital. It's a space of progress and innovation. And as we look forward, what Modi has been able to do is put India into the global map as a credible innovator, leader for all countries to invest in and grow."

Speaking at the same event, Elastic CEO Ashutosh Kulkarni said that PM Modi and the government has been doing amazing work.

Kulkarni said, "The Prime Minister and the government has been doing some amazing work and their focus on being open to innovation, their focus on industry, their focus on bringing the population, India is now one of the, it is the largest, most populous country in the world and bringing that population towards progress, the way they have tapped into the potential of this country has just been fantastic."

Calling PM Modi's era "amazing," Mayfield Fund Managing Partner Navin Chaddha praised PM Modi's leadership for ties between India and the US and his ability to connect the Indian diaspora which he stressed is doing extremely well in the tech industry. He noted that India is making progress in using technology and improving its infrastructure.

Navin Chaddha said, "The Modi era has been amazing, the kind of relationship they've been able to build with the United States. And to be able to connect the Indian diaspora, which is doing extremely well in the tech industry, hats off to them. And also the progress India is making in using technology, improving the infrastructure is just amazing. So, Mr Modi, keep doing what you're doing."

Rohit Jain, Speaker and Moderator - CIO, Harvard Business School, called on PM Modi to increase his guarantee, as he has always delivered. The event on Artificial Intelligence was organised to deliberate and discuss artificial intelligence.

He said, "Mr Modi needs to increase his guarantee because he's always been delivering. So, I think his promises have been 100 per cent true. So, he now needs to promise 110 per cent and then again he'll deliver on that. Mr Modi, thank you for what you have done, not only for India, but for the world."

Priya Rajan, Managing Director, National Venture Coverage and Business Development, MUFG lauded PM Modi's leadership in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. He stated that a number of VCs across the globe want to invest in India.

She said, "I see the Modi magic play is in the entrepreneurial ecosystem, which is an adventure ecosystem. So you can see the number of VCs now wanting to invest, not just where in India, investing in India, but the world investors around the world wanting to do things. And you're seeing kind of US, a ton of US global investors now setting up shops in India. I think that's all coming back to what Modi magic has created."

At the event, prominent Indian diaspora, along with the esteemed corporate leaders from the US shared their insights on the topic "Can Artificial Intelligence be a force for future or not."

Rajya Sabha MP Satnam Singh Sandhu participated in the event. Notably, PM Modi has been advocating that artificial intelligence can provide a great support to help humanity's development in the 21st century.

Taking to X, Satnam Singh Sandhu stated, "Indiaspora AI Summit, Stanford University, USA: Delighted to be a part of the summit where we had @ericgarcetti, US Ambassador to India, Indian Diaspora and business leaders from IT sectors who reiterated how PM @narendramodi Ji is leveraging AI to shape nation's future strategy to build Viksit Bharat by 2047."

"They highlighted PM Modi's tech-savvy approach and his efforts to promote AI applications in various sectors like agriculture, health-care, and education for social development and inclusive growth. They also condemned the Western bias against India to rank them lower in parameters like Ease of doing business, and cite the irregularities while computing such rankings," he added.

Earlier in December, PM Narendra Modi said that artificial intelligence is a dynamic issue and that India is working on creating a global framework for AI. He made the remarks while interacting with the participants of the Grand Finale of the Smart India Hackathon.

Speaking to the participants via video conferencing, the Prime Minister said, "AI (Artificial Intelligence) is a very dynamic issue. If one solution is brought in, the mischievous people will find another way. We have to be very alert to any new technology. It can be very useful if used within rules, but if it is used in the wrong way, it can create a lot of problems."

"We all are aware of the generative AI-created deep fake videos that look completely real. Hence we need to be more alert before believing any photo or video. India is working on creating a global framework for AI," said PM Modi.

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The recent three-day official visit of the Iranian President to Pakistan on 22-24 April has raised concerns in the West. Sputnik India aims to analyse developments in South Asia in the light of this visit, with a particular focus on the new Pak-Iran relationship and the counter-perspective of the Western reaction.

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi made a significant visit to Pakistan on Monday in a bid to improve relations following recent military incidents. The visit comes amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East, marked by air strikes between Iran and Israel. Despite warnings from the US, Islamabad and Tehran remain committed to pushing ahead with the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project.

During his visit, President Raisi met with the Prime Minister, the President, the Chief of Army Staff and other senior delegates and diplomats. The two countries also signed eight agreements and memorandums of understanding to promote cooperation in various fields.

Additionally, PM Shehbaz Sharif and President Raisi jointly inaugurated the newly constructed section of Islamabad's 11th Avenue, which has been renamed Iran Avenue.

In official meetings between Pakistan's Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif and Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to completing Pakistan's section of the pipeline despite possible economic sanctions by the US.

US THREATENS PAKISTAN
US issues a stern warning to #Pakistan on trade agreements with #Iran. State Dept. Dy Spokesperson Vedant Patel says "We advise anyone considering business deals with Iran to be aware of the potential risk of sanctions". Pakistan wants gas pipeline from Iran pic.twitter.com/Z22BJPGFvW
— Nepal Correspondence (@NepCorres) April 24, 2024

Understanding The Significance of The Recent Pak-Iran Relations

It was the first official visit by a head of state after the general elections in Pakistan in 2024, and the first visit by an Iranian president to Pakistan in a long time, despite recent tensions over attacks on each other's territory.

However, despite some commercial agreements, Pakistan and Iran have a history of strained relations. One of their major agreements, a stalled gas supply deal signed in 2010, was to build a pipeline from Iran's South Fars gas field to Pakistan's Baluchistan and Sindh provinces.

"Despite being a nuclear power with a strong military presence, Pakistan faces economic fragility. While both nations have signed various agreements and formed economic partnerships, Pakistan's delicate economic situation leaves it vulnerable to sanctions. Nevertheless, Pakistan is committed to maintaining a balanced approach in its relationships," Professor Faisal Javaid, a think tanker, D.Director of ORIC at Federal Urdu University Karachi & a Geo-Political analyst, told Sputnik.

"Despite strong lobbying and pressure from the U.S. and influential groups, Pakistan is determined to pursue normalized relations with Iran, recognizing the significance of its geographic proximity. Although bridging the gap between Iran and Pakistan will take time, there is optimism for future improvement," Professor Javaid expressed.

"The Joe Biden administration has already given warning to the government of Pakistan to stay away from Iran-Pakistan Gas pipeline failing to which it would confront severe sanctions. Additionally, Pakistan’s any diplomatic effort for the further strengthening of socio-economic, investment, joint venture, connectivity and energy cooperation with the Iranian side would be fatal for Pak-US bilateral relations. This message was loud and clear and it has spill over repercussions," Dr Mehmood Ul Hassan Khan, a regional expert, told Sputnik India.

"The recently concluded visit of the Iranian President should be taken as only a diplomatic exercise to discuss anti-terrorism mechanisms and joint efforts to cope with the cross border terrorism, batter trade and last but not least, expansion of border markets promoting bilateral trade and economic integration. No serious pledge for the commencement of Pak-Iran Gas Pipeline thoroughly discussed," he added.

Nevertheless, we know that Pakistan has traditionally been closer to Saudi Arabia and the United States because of its dependence on aid, loans and financial tranches.

(With Inputs From Sputnik News)

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The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) intercepted 86 kg of narcotics worth ₹600 crore from a Pakistani boat off the Gujarat coast on Sunday. The 14 crew members who were attempting to smuggle the drugs into India were arrested and brought to Porbandar for further investigations.

"In a breath taking overnight operation, Indian Coast Guard undertook an intelligence-based anti-narcotics operation at sea on 28 Apr 24. Approx 86 kg of narcotics worth ₹600 crore has been apprehended along with 14 crew from the Pakistani boat," the ICG said.

The Coast Guard is yet to disclose what kind of narcotic substances were recovered from the Pakistani boat.

Coast Guard ships and aircraft were deployed for the operation, it said, adding that ICG ship Rajratan was used to identify the suspect boat with the help of NCB and ATS officials on board.

"No amount of evasive manoeuvring tactics employed by the drug-laden boat could save it from the swift and strong ICG ship Rajratan. The ship's specialist team embarked on the suspect boat and, after thorough checks, confirmed the presence of a sizable amount of narcotics," the Coast Guard said.

"The jointness of ICG and ATS, which has led to eleven such successful law enforcement operations in the last three years, itself reaffirms the synergy for national objectives," it added.

(With Agency Inputs)

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Grozny: Mir Junaid, a political leader from Srinagar, delivered a powerful message of global unity during his address at the BRICS Forum held in Grozny, Russia.

Junaid's statement unequivocally rejected all forms of cross-border terrorism, violence, external aggression, and discord, advocating instead for a larger vision of peace and prosperity.

The BRICS meeting saw the attendance of numerous global leaders, diplomats, government officials, and cultural influencers.

As the president of the Jammu Kashmir Workers Party, Junaid emphasized the strength of diversity and syncretic cultures in overcoming adversity.

In his address, Junaid remarked, "I am the son of India, a precious gem in its diverse mosaic. For centuries, this region has been a melting pot of diverse religions, ethnicities, and cultures coexisting peacefully. Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, and Buddhists have not only shared neighbourhoods but also celebrated each other's festivals and mourned each other's losses. This is the sacred culture of Kashmir, where mosques and temples often stand side by side, echoing a harmonious symphony."

"India is a nation rich in cultures, religions, and languages, akin to a family with abundant variety, and Kashmir is undeniably an integral and cherished part of it, boasting a rich history and peaceful coexistence," Junaid added.

Commending the leadership of both India and Russia, Junaid lauded the efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Vladimir Putin, and Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov in fostering inclusivity and unity within their respective territories. Drawing parallels between the resilience of Kashmir and Chechnya, he emphasized that peace is not just an aspiration but a tangible outcome of determination and national loyalty.

Addressing the challenges posed by external aggression and cross-border terrorism, Junaid criticized neighboring countries' actions that have sought to destabilize Kashmir's fabric of tolerance. He called upon the international community to take a firm stance against entities propagating violence, terrorism, and discord, which undermine regional and global stability.

Mir Junaid said, "As we convene in this forum dedicated to international cooperation and development, we must glean insights from the experiences of Kashmir and Chechnya," stated Mir Junaid. "It is imperative for global platforms like BRICS to recognize and support societies defending their cohesion against divisive external forces."

Junaid called for an international commitment to cultural diplomacy as a strategic tool against intolerance and extremism, urging attendees to harness the collective power of diverse cultures to forge a more peaceful and prosperous world.

"In the richness of diversity lies the strength of nations," he asserted. "We must cherish, protect, and celebrate this diversity, not merely as heritage but as the very foundation of our global future," he concluded.

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Baluchistan: The death toll reached to 22 due to heavy rains that lashed various districts of Balochistan, including its capital, on Saturday, Dawn reported.

Heavy rain, thunderstorms, and hailstorms battered the Quetta Valley, causing flooding on main roads and streets.

Flash floods swept away numerous houses and triggered massive traffic jams, as per Dawn.

Additionally, a tanker carrying liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) from Iran overturned into a seasonal stream due to flooding on the Quetta-Taftan highway in Noshki district.

According to Dawn, the flash flood pushed the tanker away from the main highway, causing the driver to lose control, with the result that it steered into the stream. However, the driver and other people in the vehicle managed to flee to safety.

Seasonal rivers, including the Bolan River and Nari Gaj-Mula River, swell with heavy floodwater as their catchment areas were also receiving rains.

Northern Balochistan, including Ziarat, Quetta, Kalat, Kan Mehtarzai, and Pishin, experiences a drop in temperature, prompting residents to rely on gas heaters and warm clothing to combat the cold.

Ziarat, Pishin, Qila Abdullah, Qila Saifullah, Zhob, Sherani, Khanozai, Harnai, Sibi, Mastung, Kalat, Khuzdar, Jhal Magsi, Dera Murad Jamali, Kharan, Chagai, Noshki, Washuk, Chaman, Mach, and many other areas also received heavy showers.

Quetta, the provincial capital, experienced urban flooding once more following intense overnight rainfall. The heavy downpour resulted in widespread destruction, affecting both low-lying areas and central parts of the city, compounding the challenges faced during the previous rainfall events.

Almost all roads in the main city, including Jinnah Road, Kandahari Bazaar, Liaquat Road, Prince Road, Zarghoon Road, Sirki Road, and Gawalmandi, were submerged by knee-deep rainwater.

Meanwhile, the meteorological department has predicted more rains with thunderstorms and lightning in different areas of Balochistan, including Quetta.

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Kabul: Ever since the Taliban seized power in Afghanistan, China has kept its aim sharp at the country's mining sector through its investment initiatives, thus ensuring an influence on it, reported Khaama Press.

Beijing, has notably, focused on the country's vast mineral deposits since the Taliban gained control of Afghanistan.

The Taliban ambassador to China, in a meeting with the Minister of Mines and Petroleum of the group, stated that China desires further investment in Afghanistan's mines.

According to the Ministry of Mines and Petroleum's social media platform X, the Taliban's ambassador to China, Bilal Karimi, and Shahabuddin Delawar, the Minister of Mines and Petroleum of this group, met on Saturday, April 27. Bilal Karimi pledged to spare no effort in attracting Chinese investors.

Chinese companies have expressed a keen interest in exerting influence through economic and mining investments, spanning sectors such as oil, copper, and even lithium, reported Khaama Press.

Their eagerness to invest in Afghanistan's mineral wealth underscores their strategic interest in its resources.

Last year, China made a substantial proposal to Afghanistan's Ministry of Mines and Petroleum, offering to invest a significant sum of 10 billion dollars in a quest to deepen its presence in Afghanistan's resource-rich landscape of the nation.

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Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: The District and Sessions Judge Shakirullah Marwat serving his duties in South Waziristan was kidnapped by armed men near the border area of Tank and Dera Ismail Khan in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Geo News reported citing police.

DI Khan Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Mohammad Adnan confirmed the incident, which happened in the Bagwal village located between the border area of Tank and DI Khan when the judge was returning from office to DI Khan.

He said that the abductors left the judge's car and driver on the spot.

Police said that no one has claimed responsibility for the judge's abduction.

Reacting to the unfortunate incident, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Central Information Secretary Faisal Karim Kundi expressed concern and grief over the matter.

He called on KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur to explain the reason of his "non-seriousness" in the establishment of peace in the province.

"[The] CM should tell why isn't he serious about the establishment of peace and why terrorists are on the loose," he asked.

Kundi said that the reports of the judge's abduction has given rise to sense of insecurity among the masses. He then prayed for the safe recovery of the judge, Geo News reported.

Taking notice of the matter, KP CM Gandapur issued directives for safe recovery of the abducted judge. He said that emergency measures should be taken for Marwat's recovery and all available resources should be utilised for the task.

Gandapur condemned the incident, saying that elements involved in the kidnapping cannot escape justice.

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