Indians ‘among surrendered IS fighters’
Published: The Telegraph
04 Feb 2020
Indian nationals were among the over 1,400 fighters of a blacklisted faction of the Islamic State terror group who surrendered to Afghan authorities last year, according to a UN report.
The UN Security Council’s 1267 al Qaida Sanctions Committee in May last year blacklisted Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant-Khorasan (ISIL-K), which is also known as ISIL’s South Asia Branch, ISIL Khorasan, Islamic State’s Khorasan Province and South Asian Chapter of ISIL.Click here to read...
Coronavirus jolts China economy, forcing rethink on almost everything
The Indian Express
04 Feb 2020
China is preparing steps to adjust to a slower rate of economic growth as the coronavirus outbreak shows few signs of abating. Officials are evaluating whether to soften the economic-growth target for 2020, while state-owned liquefied natural gas importers are considering declaring themselves unable to fulfill some obligations on cargo deliveries — known as force majeure — according to people familiar with the matter. And authorities in Beijing are hoping the U.S. will agree to some flexibility on pledges in their phase-one trade deal, people close to the situation said.Click here to read...
Johnson and Barnier Clash Over Who Sets Rules for Brexit Trade
Published: Bloomberg
03 Feb 2020
The Brexit battle between the U.K. and the European Union resumed as British leader Boris Johnson clashed with the bloc’s chief negotiator Michel Barnier at the start of 11 months of talks on a future trade deal. The pound fell.
Barnier said in Brussels that a “highly ambitious” trade deal is on offer for the U.K. -- but only if Johnson signs up to strict rules to prevent unfair competition. Speaking minutes later in London, Johnson rejected Barnier’s demand and insisted the U.K.will thrive even if negotiations fail.Click here to read...
U.S. demands more from Taliban on ceasefire before deal
Published: The Hindu
03 Feb 2020
U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Monday demanded “demonstrable evidence” from the Taliban that it can and will reduce violence before signing a deal that would lead to Afghanistan peace talks and a withdrawal of American troops from the country.
Speaking at a news conference in neighboring Uzbekistan, Mr. Pompeo said a deal is close but that they have been close before and failed because the Taliban was unable to demonstrate its seriousness. He said more work remains to be done so that peace talks can get started.Click here to read...
14-day joint military exercise by Indian, Bangladesh armies begin
Published: The Economic Times
03 Feb 2020
A 14-day joint military training exercise by Indian and Bangladesh armies was flagged off on Monday here in Umroi in Meghalaya, Defence officials said. The exercise christened 'SAMPRITI-IX' is an important bilateral defence cooperation endeavour between India and Bangladesh, they said.Click here to read...
