VIF Information Alerts - 15 Feb 2018

2018 Worldwide Threat Assessment
Published: Office of the Directorate of National Intelligence, United States
13 Feb 2018

On 13 Feb 2018, Daniel R Coats, Director of National Intelligence, United States presented to the Senate 2018 Worldwide Threat Assessment to the US national security. His opening statement records, among other things, “Pakistan continues to produce nuclear weapons and develop new types of nuclear weapons, including short-range tactical weapons, sea-based cruise missiles, air-launched cruise missiles, and longer-range ballistic missiles. These new types of nuclear weapons will introduce new risks for escalation dynamics and security in the region.” Click here to read.. [2]

Japan puts missiles on island that could become front line in war with China
Published: The Times of India
14 Feb 2018

If war is to break out, then Ishigaki would be the front line. This is the island where Japan feels the most under threat from China and the place it will be installing missiles and troops amid clashes at sea, accusations and recriminations.Click here to read.. [3]

Pak not complying with UNSC resolutions on sanctions against terrorists: US
Published: The Pioneer
14 Feb 2018

Pakistan is not complying with the UN Security Council resolutions on sanctions against terrorists, the US has said amid reports that it is spearheading an effort along with India to get Islamabad included in an international terrorist-financing watchlist.

The remarks by a State Department official came ahead of a crucial Financial Action Task Force (FATF) meeting in Paris from February 18 to 23. Click here to read.. [4]

India, China battle for Bangladesh bourse
Published: Livemint
15 Feb 2018

India and China have launched rival bids for a large stake in Bangladesh’s stock exchange, officials said Thursday, as the Asian powers jostle for strategic influence in the region.

Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) chief executive Majedur Rahman confirmed India’s National Stock Exchange had offered 15 taka ($0.18) per share during a tender process this month for a 25% stake in the bourse’s 1.8 billion shares. China’s Shanghai and Shenzen stock exchanges made a joint higher bid of 22 taka ($0.26) per share, or $122 million, and “also offered technical support worth nearly $37 million”, Rahman told AFP. Click here to read.. [5]

SLFP, UNP avert split, plan reshuffle
Published: The Hindu
14 Feb 2018

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe have agreed to reshuffle the Cabinet, ending days of uncertainty over their coalition government’s future after a recent local poll debacle.

The two leaders met late on Wednesday night. The discussions were “positive”, according to a top source present at the meeting. The source refused to share further details. Neither of the leaders has made known his position after the meeting. Click here to read.. [6]

India offers to play a substantive role in rebuilding of war-torn Iraq
Published: Livemint
14 Feb 2018

India on Wednesday offered to play a “substantive” role in the rebuilding of war-torn Iraq, listing petrochemicals, health, education and infrastructure as areas where Indian companies could pitch in.

Minister of state for external affairs M.J. Akbar, who is representing India at a donors and investors conference in Kuwait, also said in his speech on Wednesday that India was willing to respond to any specific requests on rehabilitation and provision of essential supplies like medicines required for helping internally displaced people. Click here to read.. [7]

Hassan Rouhani arrives in India today, visit to bolster India-Iran ties
Published: Livemint
15 Feb 2018

Days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi completed a four-nation tour of West Asia and the Gulf region, India will play host to Iranian President Hassan Rouhani from Thursday.

Analysts view Rouhani’s visit as an outcome of India’s deft manoeuvring of new alignments in the volatile region which hosts about 7 million expatriate Indians, and is a source of valuable foreign remittances and energy for India. Click here to read.. [8]

Israeli police name Ratan Tata in case against Benjamin Netanyahu
Published: The Hindu
14 Feb 2018

The name of Ratan Tata figures in the Israeli police recommendations seeking to indict Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on graft charges, according to an Israeli media report, which was today dismissed by the Indian industrialist’s office as “grossly incorrect” in its references about him.

In the so-called Case 1000, in which Mr. Netanyahu and his wife, Sara, are suspected of receiving illicit gifts from billionaire benefactors, Israeli-born Hollywood producer Milchan and Australian resort owner James Packer, the Indian Industrialist is also said to be a part of a project that the Israeli leader tried to push forward to help Milchan. Click here to read.. [9]

Honey-trapped? Lt Col detained from Jabalpur
Published: The Times of India
15 Feb 2018

In a major operation, the Army’s counter-intelligence (CI) wing and Military Intelligence (MI) carried out searches at the official premises of a Lieutenant Colonel posted at a base headquarters in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, on Wednesday, on suspicion that he may have fallen prey to a honeytrap or ‘spear phishing’ by Pakistan’s ISI.

Officials remained tight-lipped on the operation, but sources say that the officer is posted at the Army base workshop and was on the radar for the last two months. He has been detained, they said. CI and MI officers moved in on him on Monday, said an officer. Click here to read.. [10]