VIF Information Alerts - 14th August 2018

Al-Qaeda’s AQIS ‘ideologically inclined’ to carry out attacks in India, says United Nations report

Published: Financial Express
14 Aug 2018

Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS), the terror group’s newest affiliate, is “ideologically inclined” to carry out attacks inside India but its capability is believed to be low and is relatively isolated owing to increased security measures in the region, according to a UN report. The 22nd report of the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team was submitted to the UN Security Council Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee here.Click here to read... [2]

A year after Doka la stand-off, Chinese PLA troops intrude 400 metres into Indian territory in Ladakh's Demchok

Published: The Times of India
14 Aug 2018

The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) troops have reportedly intruded about 300-400 metres into the Indian side of the Line of Actual Control (LAC), at Demchok in eastern Ladakh, a year after the Doka La stand-off took place in Sikkim.

According to The Times of India, Chinese troops set up five tents in the Cherdong-Nerlong Nallan area. PLA then removed three of their tents after brigadier-level talks between the two armies, but the remaining two tents with "some Chinese troops" are still present in the area.Click here to read... [3]

China's economy cools further as investment growth hits a record low

Published: CNBC
14 Aug 2018

China's economy is showing signs of cooling further as the U.S. prepares even tougher trade tariffs, with investment growth slowing to a record low and consumers turning more cautious about spending, data showed on Tuesday.

Fixed-asset investment expanded by a less-than-expected 5.5 percent in January-July, a result of Beijing's crackdown on lavish local government borrowing for projects to boost growth.Click here to read... [4]

Australia seeks own position in Indo-Pacific region amidst US, China expansion

Published: The Mainichi
13 Aug 2018

Amid the increasing influence of the United States and China in the Indo-Pacific region and their developing trade war, the Australian government is trying to build its own position as it strives to keep a balance between the two giants. But Australian experts on the region have differing views on the direction they think Canberra should aim for.Click here to read... [5]

Sri Lanka gets US military funding as China vies for influence

Published: The Economic Times
14 Aug 2018

The United States announced today it would grant Sri Lanka USD 39 million to boost maritime security as China develops its strategic hold on the Indian Ocean island.The State Department will provide the funds as "foreign military financing", pending congressional approval, the US embassy in Colombo said.Click here to read... [6]

Identity card-based India-Nepal cross-border movement suggested

Published: Business Standard
14 Aug 2018

The Eminent Persons' Group (EPG) on Nepal-India Relations has recommended the idea of "smart border" and limiting the cross border movements only from the designated border points. The move has been proposed in order to check infiltration, curbing criminal activities and keeping records of people crossing either side of the border, an official said.Click here to read... [7]

India to resume services on rail link with Nepal after successful trial

Published: Hindustan Times
12 Aug 2018

India is going ahead with the resumption of services on the Jainagar-Janakpur broad gauge railway link with Nepal, raising hopes of better connectivity between the two countries. Indian Railways conducted a trial run on the 8.5-km line from Jayanagar railway station to Khajuri in Nepal on Wednesday, which was declared successful. A cargo train with 53 bogies reached Khajuri station without any problems, officials said. There have been no services on the line for the past four years. The trail run is being seen as a precursor to the resumption of full-fledged operations.Click here to read... [8]