Daily News Brief

 

January 31, 2024 (Wednesday)

Asia Pacific

1.       China Warns Against ‘Cycle of Retaliation’ after US Troops Killed in Jordan. China warned against a “cycle of retaliation” in the Middle East after the United States vowed to respond to a drone attack on a base in Jordan that killed three American troops, which it blamed on Iran-backed militants.

2.       Vietnam, Philippines Seal Deals on South China Sea Security. Vietnam and the Philippines agreed to boost cooperation among their coast guards and to prevent untoward incidents in the South China Sea, in an announcement during a state visit to Hanoi by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Russia/Europe/West

3.       Kremlin Calls for de-Escalation Following Strike on US Base. The Kremlin, asked about potential US strikes on Iranian interests, said tensions in the Middle East were high and that steps were needed to de-escalate rather than destabilize the wider region.

4.       Czech Republic to Acquire 24 F-35 Fighter Jets from US. The Czech Republic has signed a memorandum of understanding with the US to purchase 24 F-35 Lightning II combat aircraft.

India/South Asia

5.       In US Cybersecurity Scandal, Indian Duo Sentenced for Data Theft. According to Kashmir Media Service, Murali Y Venkata, 58, and Sonal Patel, 49, former federal employees, were convicted for stealing proprietary software and databases containing sensitive law enforcement information and personally identifying information (PII) of over 200,000 federal employees.

6.       India Kicks Off Military Exercise with Saudi Arabia in Rajasthan. “The Saudi Arabian contingent comprising 45 personnel is being represented by Royal Saudi Land Forces. The Indian Army contingent, also comprising of 45 personnel, is being represented by a battalion from the Brigade of the Guards (Mechanised Infantry),” the Indian Defence Ministry said in a statement.

7.       China, Maldives Upgrade Ties as Presidents Hold Talks. Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks with President of the Republic of Maldives Mohamed Muizzu in Beijing as the two heads of state announced the elevation of bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership.

IIOJK

8.       Modi Regime Continues Attempts to Hinduise Occupied Kashmir. As part of its attempts to Hinduise the IIOJK and erase its Muslim identity, the Narendra Modi government has ordered renaming of thirty-three educational institutions, including schools and colleges, and roads after the names of Indian forces’ personnel and other persons killed in various incidents in the territory.

9.       High Alert After ‘Explosives’ Found on Jammu-Pathankot Highway in IIOJK. Indian forces have initiated a search operation along the Jammu-Pathankot highway in the Jammu region after the alleged discovery of suspicious materials near a bridge.

Afghanistan

10.      Afghan FM Calls for ‘Constructive Engagement’ with International Community. Afghanistan’s foreign minister called for “constructive engagement” with the international community, but rejected the need for the appointment of a United Nations special envoy to his country.

11.      17 Active Islamic Emirate Political Missions Abroad: Deputy PM. The deputy Prime Minister for Political Affairs, Mawlawi Abdul Kabir, said that the Islamic Emirate has good relations with all countries and that at least 17 Islamic Emirate’s political missions are active across the world.

Middle East/Africa

12.      Hamas Studying Gaza Truce Plan as Israeli Hardliners Threaten PM. Hamas has confirmed that it is studying a proposal for a truce in Gaza, while hardline members of the Israeli government have threatened to collapse the coalition if any deal is not to their liking.

13.      Houthi Commander Says Group is Ready for a ‘Long-Term Confrontation’ with US, UK. Yemen’s Houthis are ready for a “long-term confrontation” with the US and Britain, commander of the Houthi forces Mohamed al-Atifi said in a statement.

Iran

14.      Iran Summons British Ambassador to Protest Sanctions.  Iran summoned the British ambassador to Tehran, state news agency IRNA reported, a day after Britain and the US announced sanctions on a network purportedly involved in targeting Iranian dissidents and activists for assassination.

15.      US Doesn’t Want Wider War with Iran: White House. The United States does not want a wider war with Iran or the region, the White House said, adding that the administration believes a single drone was responsible for targeting US service members in Jordan over the weekend.

PAKISTAN

Security

16.      Six Terrorists Killed in Machh Clearance Operation. The security forces have killed six terrorists in a clearance operation in Machh, Caretaker minister Jan Achakzai reported.

17.      Deadly Blast Targets PTI Rally in Sibi. A blast targeted a political rally organised by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in Sibi district of Balochistan, resulting in at least four fatalities and several injuries, according to authorities.

Economy

18.      FBR Revamp Okayed by Caretaker Federal Cabinet. The cabinet okayed the summary regarding the restructuring of the FBR. According to the declaration of the federal cabinet Customs and In-Land Revenue will be two separate departments.

19.      SBP Initiates Process for Issuance of New Currency Notes. The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has initiated the process for designing and issuing of new banknotes series of all existing denominations.

Politics

20.      Ex-PM Imran Khan and Ex-FM Shah Mahmood Qureshi Sentenced to 10 Years Jail in Cipher Case. A Pakistan court has sentenced former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his close aide, former Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, to 10 years in jail in a case related to the leaking of state secrets i.e. Cipher case.