February 2024 - Page 27 of 36 - Lokmarg

Pak To Close Borders With Afghanistan, Iran Ahead Of Elections

By LokMarg 8th February 2024

Pakistan has announced the closure of its borders with neighbouring Afghanistan and Iran to ensure security during the upcoming general elections slated for February 8, as per Dawn

The decision, disclosed by Foreign Office (FO) spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch on Wednesday, aims to maintain stability during the polling process.

The FO spokesperson, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, stated, “To ensure full security during the general elections to be held in Pakistan on February 8 , border crossings with Afghanistan and Iran would remain closed both for cargo and pedestrians, as reported by Dawn.

Normal operations would resume on February 9.”

According to Dawn, authorities have duly informed both Afghanistan and Iran regarding the closure.

Notably, tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have led to frequent closures of border crossings at Torkham and Chaman in the recent past.

However, despite recent tensions and exchanges of missile fire, the border with Iran remained open last month.

With approximately 128 million voters poised to participate in electing members of the national assembly and four provincial assemblies, stringent security measures have been implemented.

Army troops have been deployed, and nearly half of the 90,000-plus polling stations nationwide have been marked as sensitive.

The province of Balochistan, in particular, has witnessed a surge in terrorist activity leading up to the polls.

Twin terrorist attacks in Pishin and Qilla Saifullah on Wednesday resulted in casualties and raised concerns about election security.

Despite challenges, authorities have affirmed their commitment to conducting the elections as scheduled in Balochistan.

Similarly, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) province has been on high alert following frequent terrorist incidents, including an attack on a police station in Dera Ismail Khan where 10 police officials were martyred.

Observers anticipate significant challenges for authorities and law enforcement agencies in ensuring trouble-free polls in both provinces, given the heightened violence.

However, authorities remain resolute in their determination to safeguard the democratic process from disruption by terrorist elements. (ANI)

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Pakistan: Imran Casts Vote Through Postal Ballot

By LokMarg 8th February 2024

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and other political leaders who are currently incarcerated have cast their votes through a postal ballot from Adiala Jail, Pakistan-based Dawn reported, citing sources.

People in Pakistan began voting on Thursday, with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan and other leaders of the party, including Shah Mahmood Qureshi, currently in prison.

Other leaders who have managed to vote through mail include Pakistan’s former foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, former Punjab chief minister Chaudhry Parvez Elahi, Awami Muslim League chief Sheikh Rashid, and former information minister Fawad Chaudhry.

Imran Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, was unable to vote as she was convicted and arrested after the completion of the postal voting process. Fewer than 100 prisoners of Adiala Jail were able to vote, which implies that about one per cent of the jail’s 7000 inmates, according to Dawn report.

The Jail administration allowed only those inmates to vote who had valid computerised national identity cards (CNICs), Dawn reported, citing sources. The reason behind the low turnout was that an overwhelming majority of the prisoners did not have the original CNIC.

Speaking to Dawn, a senior official said, “There are criminals, dacoits, thieves, convicts in the heinous crimes and under-trial prisoners (UTPs) detained in the jail.”

He said majority of criminals did not carry the CNIC to avoid their identity while the identity of the Under Trial Prisoners (UTP) were generally withheld by the police stations.

According to the official, the Adiala Jail administration received postal ballots from the Election Commission of Pakistan in mid-January and the ballots were given to the inmates. The last date for submission was January 22. However, the jail superintendent, Asad Javed Warraich, extended the time after which the votes were given to the district returning officers (DROs) of respective constituencies in sealed envelopes.

According to a senior official, since some inmates were from far-flung regions, the exercise was carried out at least a fortnight before the polls to ensure the delivery to the DROs before the final counting.

Imran Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi also wanted to vote through a postal ballot, Dawn reported citing Jail sources. However, the authorities could not accept her request as the process had been completed by the time she was detained, Dawn reported.

Bushra Bibi’s spokesperson Mashal Yousafzai said that Imran Khan’s wife had been denied casting the vote through a postal ballot.

Meanwhile the PTI party requested people to remember the party’s incarcerated founder, Imran Khan. In a message, PTI Central Information Secretary Raoof Hasan said Imran Khan had dedicated everything, including his life, to that cause.

“As citizens of the country, we have a debt to pay. We must use our vote to change the face of Pakistan by dismantling a rotten system that has cast a vicious stranglehold on the country and its people,” he said in a post on X.

Considered one of the most popular leaders in the country, Imran Khan is incarcerated in Adiala jail on multiple charges. The cricketer-turned-politician has been disqualified from contesting the polls and has been sentenced to 10 years in the cypher case, 14 years in the Toshakhana case, and seven years in the ‘un-Islamic’ marriage case.

PTI has said that the “illegitimate and fascist” regime has blocked cell phone services across Pakistan on February 8. PTI urged the people to counter the caretaker government’s “cowardly act” by removing passwords from personal WIFI accounts.

In a post on X, PTI stated, “Pakistanis, the illegitimate, fascist regime has blocked cell phone services across Pakistan on polling day. You are all requested to counter this cowardly act by removing passwords from your personal WiFi accounts, so anyone in the vicinity can have access to internet on this extremely important day. We are all in this together & we will win together!”

Pakistan’s caretaker Interior Ministry on Thursday announced the temporary suspension of mobile services across Pakistan, Dawn reported. Citing the “deteriorating security situation,” the ministry emphasized the need to safeguard against potential security threats.

Imran Khan’s party PTI has also shared visuals of people coming out to vote in the elections. Sharing a picture of people who are standing in queue outside polling station, the PTI in a post on X stated, “In Karachi too, people came out of their homes to vote.”

In another post on X, PTI stated, “Lahore is out in massive numbers at various polling stations, waiting in long queues even before polling started!”

PTI has rejected reports about party boycotting elections. On February 7, PTI said that the “illegitimate regime” has used “every ounce of fascism, propaganda & unprecedented pre poll rigging” against PTI led by “illegally incarcenated Imran Khan.”

In a post on X, PTI stated, “Let the world know that this is the level to which the illegitimate, fascist regime has stooped to! Petrified of the massive turnout tomorrow for General Elections, the controlled media is being used to run a fake news about PTI boycotting elections, along with running a fake audio!”

The party added, “The illegitimate regime has used every ounce of fascism, propaganda & unprecedented pre poll rigging against Pakistan’s largest, most popular & only federal party PTI, led by illegally incarcerated Imran Khan. Yet, the resolve of the nation proved stronger than the oppression! The will of the people will reign supreme!” (ANI)

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Loans Worth Rs 2,317 Cr Provided To 17L Street Vendors: Yogi

By LokMarg 7th February 2024

Highlighting Uttar Pradesh’s progress in the field of urban development and healthcare in the House on Wednesday, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath mentioned the formation of new municipal corporations in Ayodhya, Mathura-Vrindavan, and Shahjahanpur, along with the creation of 113 new municipal bodies, in addition to work done on 08 safe cities and 17 smart cities.

The Chief Minister said, “Under PM SVANidhi Yojana, loans worth about Rs 2317 crore have been distributed to 17.34 lakh street vendors in the state, which is the highest in the country. All districts have been declared open-defecation-free in the first phase of the Swachh Bharat Mission (Rural), and the construction of community toilets in all 58,856-gram panchayats of the state is complete. 100 per cent of villages have been declared ODF Plus.”

On medical health, CM Yogi said that in comparison to the year 2017, by the year 2023, the deaths of AES patients have decreased by 98 per cent and JE patients by 96 per cent. The number of AES patients has decreased by 76 per cent and JE patients by 85 per cent.

He stated that progress is being made towards fulfilling the commitment of one medical college per district, adding that several districts are set to receive medical colleges soon. The Ayushman Bharat Yojana and Mukhyamnatri Jan Arogya Abhiyan have benefitted 1.8 crore families, he informed, pointing out that over 4.86 crore Ayushman cards have been issued, and by January 19, 2024, 31 lakh 88 beneficiaries have availed free treatment worth Rs 4,677 crore.

“A total of more than 12.48 crore patients have benefited from the 131 Mukhyamantri Arogya Swasthya Melas organized till January 14, 2024. The maternal mortality rate was 285 per lakh in 2014, which has reduced to 167 per lakh in the year 2022. The infant mortality rate was 48 per thousand in 2014, which has come down to 38 per thousand in 2020”, he added.

CM Yogi elaborated on the strides made in healthcare, announcing the provision of free dialysis facilities across all 75 districts. He further underscored the recent inclusion of Anganwadi and ASHA sisters in the Ayushman Bharat Yojana, a move set to benefit thousands of women in the state.

Turning to education, CM Yogi illuminated the transformative initiatives undertaken. He highlighted the widespread implementation of the ‘School Chalo Abhiyaan,’ resulting in a remarkable increase in child enrollment to 1.92 crore, a surge of over 40 lakh within six years. Notable advancements include the distribution of two tablets in every basic education school and the establishment of smart classes in 18,381 schools. Under Operation Kayakalp, 93.20 per cent of the state’s 1,32,594 primary schools have been equipped with 19 essential infrastructure facilities.

Moreover, CM Yogi detailed various educational projects, including the approval of 57 Chief Minister Model Composite Schools and the ongoing development of 75 previously run composite schools into Chief Minister Abhyudaya Composite Schools.

He highlighted the allocation of Rs 500 crores for construction in government schools under the Project Alankar scheme, with Rs 357 crores already transferred for 1,349 schools in 59 districts. Additionally, Atal Residential Schools are being established across all district headquarters for the children of registered labourers.

CM Yogi also emphasized the expansion of higher education, mentioning the establishment of new universities such as Maa Shakumbhari University in Saharanpur, Raja Mahendra Pratap Singh State University in Aligarh, and Maharaja Suhail Dev State University in Azamgarh, with plans for further universities across various districts.

In terms of employment opportunities, CM Yogi highlighted the transparent provision of over 6 lakh government jobs and projected 1.10 crore job opportunities through the GIS. Government incentives and job fairs have facilitated employment for millions of youth, with significant demand for skilled workers from Uttar Pradesh in foreign countries, exemplified by 5000 youth heading to Israel. (ANI)

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NIA Files First Chargesheet Against Five In Naxal Multi-State Revival Case

By LokMarg 7th February 2024

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed its first chargesheet against five accused in a case relating to attempts by the Naxals to revive their terror plans and agenda in various states of India, the agency said on Wednesday.

The charge-sheet was filed on Monday before the NIA Special Court, Ranchi, Jharkhand. The case relates to a criminal conspiracy by the proscribed organisation to expand, revive and propagate the violent ideology of the banned outfit in Jharkhand, Bihar, Chhattisgarh and other states.

As per the NIA, the five chargesheeted accused, along with top leaders of Naxals, were actively engaged in the recruitment of cadres, raising of funds for terrorist acts, procurement of arms and ammunition, as well as providing training in weapons handling, field craft, and IED fabrication and their planting.

The accused had also liaised with their incarcerated CPI (Maoist) cadres and overground workers to achieve their objectives, as per NIA investigations, said the agency.

The five men chargesheeted by the NIA include Prashant Bose alias Kishan Da alias Nirbhay alias Kajal alias Mahesh alias Kishanji, a Politburo member of CPI (Maoist) who was heading the organisation’s Eastern Regional Bureau.

One of the most important Maoist leaders in Bihar and Jharkhand, Prashant Bose was arrested in the case on August 10 last year, said the NIaa, adding “Bose also had 47 criminal cases registered against him in various police stations of Jharkhand.”

Another chargesheeted accused has been identified as Nunuchand Mahto alias Nunulal Mahto alias Lakhan alias Tiger alias Mukhiya Ji alias Neta Ji, the Sub Zonal Commander of CPI (Maoist) having 60 criminal cases against him in Jharkhand. He was also arrested along with Prashant Bose and the two other accused, namely Duryodhan Prasad Mahto alias Mithilesh Singh (Regional Committee member of Naxals with 77 cases against him) and Krishna Hansda alias Saurav Da. Krishna is also a Regional Committee member and Sub Zonal C Commander of Naxals and has 37 criminal cases against him.

The fifth chargesheeted accused is Pramod Mishra alias Banbihari Ji alias Sohan Da alias Doctor Sahab. Pramod Mishra is a Politburo member of the CPI (Maoist) and was heading the Northern Regional Bureau of the organisation and was trying to revive and strengthen the naxal outfit in Bihar with funding and support provided by the Eastern Regional Bureau. He was arrested in this case in September 2023 and has 47 criminal cases registered against him in various police stations of Jharkhand and Bihar.

All five have been charged under various offences under the Indian Penal Code and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act in the case, registered by NIA against nearly two dozen Naxal leaders.

Following the registration of the case, the NIA had conducted raids and investigations in various states affected by left-wing extremism. It collected significant evidence establishing the charges and also found that the accused had conspired to collect levy as well as procure arms and ammunition with the aim of reviving and strengthening the naxal organization and its activities. (ANI)

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U’khand Assembly Passes UCC Bill During Special Session

By LokMarg 7th February 2024

The Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill was passed today in the Uttarakhand assembly with a comfortable majority during a special session.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, during the debate on the Uniform Civil Code, said on Wednesday that the state legislature is going to create history with the passing of the Uniform Civil Code and that every citizen of the state is filled with pride.

The Uniform Civil Code which proposes similar or uniform laws for all communities, was tabled yesterday during the special session by the Chief Minister.

“Today, I want to congratulate all the people of the state on this occasion, because today the legislature of our Uttarakhand is going to create history. Being witnesses to this historical moment today, not only this House but every citizen of Uttarakhand is filled with pride. It is a feeling. Our government had promised to bring a uniform civil code to Uttarakhand to realise the mantra of ‘One India, a Better India’,” CM Dhami said.

The Chief Minister thanked all assembly members, including those of opposition, for sharing their thoughts on the UCC.

“The godlike people of the state have given us the opportunity to fulfil this objective; he gave his blessings and gave us a chance to form the government again. Immediately after the formation of the government, in the first cabinet meeting itself, an expert committee was constituted to create a uniform civil code. On May 27, 2022, a five-member committee was constituted under the leadership of retired Supreme Court judge Ranjana Prakash Desai. This Jan Samvad Yatra, which started in the border village of Mana, ended in New Delhi after about nine months by conducting 43 Jan Samvad programmes,” CM Pushkar Singh Dhami said.

“More than 2.32 lakh suggestions were received. About 10 percent of the families in the state gave their suggestions for the formulation of a law. It is a direct proof of the awareness of the godlike people of our state,” he added.

The Chief Minister further asserted that the ‘Ganga’ of equal rights emerging from the House will nurture the lives of the citizens.

“Just as the Mother Ganga emerging from this Devbhoomi irrigates all the living beings living on its banks without any discrimination, this Ganga of equal rights emerging from this House will nurture the lives of all our citizens. We will ensure constitutional rights,” he said.

CM Dhami stated that the UCC is not an ordinary bill but an ‘outstanding’ one.

“It is a dream that is going to become reality and will start in Uttarakhand,” the Chief Minister said.

Meanwhile, taking potshots at the previous state and central governments, CM Dhami said, “A long period of time passed. We celebrated Amrit Mahotsav. But the truth was not accepted even after the Shah Bano case of 1985. The truth for which Shayara Bano struggled for decades… The truth that could have been achieved earlier but was not done for reasons unknown… Why were the attempts to bring about the Uniform Civil Code not made even when there were governments with full majorities? Why the women not given equal rights? Why was the vote bank kept above the country? Why the differences between the citizens allowed to continue? Why was a valley dug between communities?”

The CM added that the Uniform Civil Code Bill can be amended in the future if there is a need to include specific clause.

“We can amend UCC (act) in future if there is need to include specific clause,” CM Dhami said.

The bill contains the laws relating to marriage, divorce, succession, live-in relationships, and related matters. Among the many proposals, the Uniform Civil Code Bill makes it compulsory for live-in relationships to be registered under the law.

Once the proposed UCC Bill is in place, “live-in relationships” will have to get registered under the law within 1 month from the “date of entering into the relationship.” To live in a live-in relationship, adults will have to obtain consent from their parents.

The bill also imposes a complete ban on child marriage and introduces a uniform process for divorce. The Code provides equal rights to women of all religions in their ancestral property.

As per the UCC Bill, the age for marriage will be 18 for women and 21 for men in all communities. Marriage registration is mandatory in all religions and marriages without registration will be invalid.

No divorce petition will be allowed to be filed after one year of marriage. Highlighting the ceremonies for marriage, the proposed UCC Bill noted that marriage may be solemnised or contracted between a man and a woman in accordance with religious beliefs, practices, customary rites and ceremonies including but not limited to “Saptapadt”, “Ashirvad”, “Nikah”, “Holy Union”, “Anand Karaj” under the Anand Marriage Act 1909 as well as under, but not limited to, The Special Marriage Act, 1954 and Arya Marriage Validation Act, 1937.

However, nothing contained in the proposed UCC Bill will be applied to the members of any Scheduled Tribes within the meaning of clause (25) of Article 366 read with Article 342 of the Constitution of India and the persons and group of persons whose customary rights are protected under Part XXI of the Constitution of India. (ANI)

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Ahaan To Debut With Mohit Suri’s Young Love Story

By LokMarg 7th February 2024

After Ananya Panday, her cousin brother Ahaan Panday is all set to make his acting debut.

Ahaan will be making his debut with director Mohit Suri’s young love story which is being produced by Aditya Chopra’s Yash Raj Films (YRF).

“Ahaan has been shaped by Aditya Chopra personally for years. He has been kept under wraps by YRF so that he can focus on bettering his craft. To the industry, Ahaan Pandey’s launch is by far the biggest debut by a youngster in the Hindi film industry in years and YRF is showing its intent to create a star out of him. The massive project that he has been signed on for is the Mohit Suri love story!” informs a trade source.

The source added, “Ahaan was introduced to Mohit Suri so that the director could assess if he was the right actor to headline his film and be the quintessential romantic hero. Ahaan worked under Mohit’s supervision and floored him with his auditions and multiple screen tests! Mohit wanted a fresh, young boy who had the charisma to be a hero on the big screen and he is supremely excited about Ahaan’s potential!”

Director Mohit Suri is known for helming films like ‘Aashiqui 2’, ‘Ek Villain’ and ‘Malang’

The yet untitled film is set to go on floors later this year.

An official announcement of the female lead actor is still awaited. (ANI)

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Sonam Revives Traditional Vibes

By LokMarg 7th February 2024

Actress Sonam Kapoor has never failed to surprise fashionistas with her sartorial choices.

Ditching the trendy lehengas, she recently wore her mother’s Sunita Kapoor 35-year-old sari and thanked her in an Instagram post for lending her the outfit.

On Tuesday, Sonam shared pictures of herself in Ghar chola sari and wrote, “Wearing my mom’s 35 year old ghar chola.. Thanks mama for lending me this sari and blouse, love raiding your closet.. Do you know what a ghar chola is and the significance of it? Would love to know your answers in the comment section.”

She looked pretty in the red-coloured ‘Ghar Chola’ sari. She accessorized her look with a statement necklace, matching earrings and mang-tikka.

She left her soft-curled hair open and added gajra to complete her look.

Meanwhile, on the work front, Sonam was recently seen in the film ‘Blind’ directed by Shome Makhija and also starring Purab Kohli, Vinay Pathak, and Lillete Dubey in prominent roles.

The film marked Sonam’s return to acting after a maternity break.

Sonam gave birth to Vayu in August 2022. She has signed two new projects as well.

Talking about them, Sonam said, “I took two years off as I was pregnant and then wanted to take some time off with my son. Two years are not done yet and I have signed onto two projects – one show and one film that I will start working on. It will release in another year, because that is how films work. Then my idea is to do two pieces of content every year, that’s it, not more because I want to spend time with my family as well.” (ANI)

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Esha, Bharat Announce Separation

By LokMarg 7th February 2024

Actor Esha Deol and her husband, Bharat Takhtani have decided to part ways after 11 years of marriage.

An official statement issued by them read, “We have mutually & amicably decided to part ways. Through this shift in our lives, the best interests and welfare of our two children is and will be of utmost importance to us. We would appreciate that our privacy is respected throughout. Thank you, Esha Deol & Bharat Takhtani .”

However, the reason behind their separation is still unknown.

Esha Deol tied the knot with Bharat Takhtani in a low-key wedding ceremony at the ISKCON temple in Mumbai on June 29, 2012. Radhya was born to themin 2017. The couple welcomed their second daughter, Miraya in 2019.

Esha is the daughter of veteran actors Dharmendra and Hema Malini. She featured in several big films like ‘Dhoom’, ‘Dus’, and ‘No Entry’.

She made her acting comeback last year, with the thriller series ‘Rudra: The Edge of Darkness’ alongside actor Ajay Devgn which premiered exclusively on the OTT platform Disney+ Hotstar.

She will also be seen in an upcoming series ‘Invisible Woman’ alongside veteran actor Suniel Shetty, which is backed by the film arm of Saregama India — Yoodlee Films.

Rajesh M Selva of ‘Thoongaa Vanam’ and ‘Kadaram Kondan’ fame is helming the project. (ANI)

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Modi Mocks Kharge In Rajya Sabha

By LokMarg 7th February 2024

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday took a jibe at the Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and said that the Congress Chief was allowed to speak in the Upper House of the Parliament last week because two special commanders weren’t present.

Replying to the debate on the motion of thanks to President’s address in the Rajya Sabha, the Prime Minister, “Mallikarjun Kharge ji spoke in Rajya Sabha for a long time and I was thinking about how he got the chance to speak for a long time and then I realised that two special commanders were not there so he took advantage of it and I think that Kharge ji must have heard that song ‘Aisa mauka phir kaha milega’,” PM Modi said.

PM Modi expressed his special gratitude to Kharge and said, “I could not say it that day but I express my special gratitude to Khargeji. I was listening to him with great attention and enjoyment that day. ‘Lok Sabha mai jo manoranjan ki kami thi voh aapne poori kardi’ (the lack of entertainment that we were missing in the Lok Sabha was fulfilled by him),” PM Modi said, apparently referring to the absence of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in Lok Sabha. Rahul Gandhi is leading the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra.

He also said he hopes Kharge’s prediction comes true. “I welcome the ‘400 seats for NDA’ blessing he has given us,” he said.

“Ek baat khushi ki rahi, unhone (Kharge) jo 400 seat NDA ke liye aashirwad diya hai…aapke aashirwad mere sar aankhon par,” the Prime Minister said.

Kharge in his remarks had referred to the Bharatiya Janata Party election slogan of “abki baar 400 par”. “With a current majority of 330-334 seats, this time it…will be above 400…,” he said, evoking smiles from BJP benches.

However, Kharge quickly added that BJP members have been elected due to PM Modi and the ruling party will not even cross 100 seats in the forthcoming Lok Sabha polls.

Referring to Mamata Banerjee’s jibe that the Congress will not even win 40 Lok seats, he said he would pray for the party.

PM Modi said that President Droupadi Murmu, in her address, spoke about India’s potential, strength, and bright future. (ANI)

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Delhi To Host First Ever EU-India Roundtable On Countering Terrorist Exploitation Of Drones

By LokMarg 7th February 2024

The first ever European Union (EU)-India Track 1.5 dialogue on countering the use of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) by extremists and non-state actors will take place in New Delhi on Thursday.

The day-long EU-India roundtable seeks to better understand the range of current and emerging threats particularly involved with consumer-grade UAS technology. Participants from the EU and India will also discuss best practices regarding regulatory, tactical and investigative responses to addressing UAS threats in both regions, according to an official release.

Commercial UAS has been developing rapidly in recent years, both in terms of technological sophistication and consumer availability. Violent extremists have exploited these inexpensive and adaptable consumer devices for different purposes, including reconnaissance and violent attacks.

This roundtable is part of a series of ongoing counterterrorism engagements between the EU and India, building on recent activities under the EU project Enhancing Security Cooperation In and With Asia (ESIWA). In the field of counter-terrorism and preventing violent extremism (CT-PVE), activities have included successful chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) risk management training for Indian security practitioners, and moderated expert discussions on countering online extremism, the release added.

“Security and terrorist threats are increasingly of an hybrid nature. The use of commercial drones is a case in point. If a relatively cheap device can carry and fly a pizza or biryani, then clearly, they can also be used for carrying more nefarious payloads, such as weapons or explosives” EU Ambassador to India Herve Delphin said.

“Sharing knowledge and experiences between us, the EU and India, is highly relevant and crucial to counter drones’ threats that we each face, in this rapidly evolving field. This seminar testifies to EU and India’s general joint commitment to intensify dialogue and cooperation on security issues,” he added.

Seizing the opportunity to exploit these relatively inexpensive and adaptable devices, terrorist organisations and individual violent extremists across the world have deployed ‘off-the-shelf’ drones. The swift rise of this phenomenon and the evolving technologies involved mean that threat assessments and mitigation strategies are recent and ongoing. Sharing information with peers is therefore vital in forging a common response to ensure our security and defence.

This EU-India roundtable has been organised by the ESIWA project, in partnership with the National Security Guard of India, and the EU Delegation to India. Highlighting the Team Europe approach, expert inputs will be provided from the EU’s Directorate General of Migration and Home Affairs (DG Home), Spain’s Ministry of the Interior, Hungary’s national police (Rendorseg), along with the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCCT), it also said.

The ESIWA project is co-funded by the European Union, the German Federal Foreign Office and the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs. It works to enhance the EU’s security and defence cooperation with the Indo-Pacific in four thematic areas: counter-terrorism and preventing violent extremism, crisis management, cyber security and maritime security. The project is co-implemented by the German Corporation for International Cooperation (GIZ) & Expertise France.

ESIWA’s activities in counter-terrorism and preventing violent extremism (CT-PVE) aims to contribute to information exchange, capacity building and mutual learning.

In October 2023, the EU Commission issued a Communication to the Council and European Parliament on countering potential threats posed by drones. The document sets out the EU’s commercial drone policy for the next several years.

The communication specifically aims to “provide a comprehensive and harmonised policy framework; build a common understanding of applicable procedures to face the continuously evolving threats possibly posed by drones; and take into account the rapid developments in technology”. (ANI)

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