Morning Brief: Bar On Chinese Investment In India To Stay; US Ambassador's Reckless Remarks Signal Open Season For Khalistani Terrorists; And More

Dear reader, make sense of the day’s news with Swarajya's roundup of what’s making headlines this morning. 

Bar On Chinese FDI To Stay

Despite recent easing of tensions between New Delhi and Beijing, the shadow of the 2020 Galwan clash is expected to linger as the effects of border disengagement unfold gradually. While some measures taken by India against Chinese businesses may be relaxed, restrictions on finished goods imports and caution regarding foreign direct investment (FDI) from China are likely to remain in place.

Import of equipment and machinery from China for India’s manufacturing sector is expected to proceed smoothly. There are plans for quicker processing of visas for Chinese technicians, with efforts underway to streamline business visas for those employed in factories benefiting from production-linked incentives. However, FDI from China will continue to be assessed on a case-by-case basis, which mandates that all investments from neighbouring countries must receive approval from the Centre.

US Ambassador Gives Khalistani Extremists A Free Pass

In an interview published today in the Times of India, US Ambassador to India Eric Garcett tried to downplay Indian concerns over Khalistani terrorists operating freely on American soil, claiming that the US only takes "acts" of terror seriously, not mere threats.

"We take terrorist acts, not words but acts, incredibly seriously. And threats on people’s lives is a crime in the US," Garcett told TOI.

This shocking statement suggests that the US government is content to wait for a successful attack before taking any real action.

By effectively saying that only a violent incident would warrant a response, Garcetti is giving a green light to these extremists, showing a blatant disregard for India's legitimate fears regarding these separatists. It's both reckless and infuriating that a high-ranking official would imply that the US will sit idly by until blood is spilled.

Garcetti's remarks showcase a dangerously complacent attitude toward the Khalistan issue, reinforcing the notion that figures like Gurpatwant Singh Pannun may be viewed as US intelligence assets rather than independent actors, a point raised by India's high commissioner in Ottawa in the context of India's troubles with Canada.

Other Developments

Dalit Outreach On Agenda For RSS' Annual Meet

The upcoming Akhil Bharatiya Karyakari Mandal Baithak of the RSS, scheduled for October 25 and 26 in Mathura, will focus on several key issues, including outreach to Dalits, regulation of OTT platform content, contemporary matters like the J&K elections and threats to the security of Hindus in Bangladesh, as well as the Sangh's centenary celebrations. A total of 393 RSS office bearers are expected to attend annual meeting.

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat recently sad that a "Deep State" was working to divide the nation along caste lines, with some political parties aiding it for their "selfish interests." He called on the Hindu society to rise above caste differences and build an outreach to Dalits. After the BJP fell short of a simple majority by stalling at 240 seats in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, many experts argued it had lost some support among Dalits.

Cannot Risk Another Bout Of Inflation: RBI Governor Das

The Reserve Bank of India cannot risk "another bout of inflation," so there is a need to wait for more evidence of inflation aligning durably with the 4 per cent target, Governor Shaktikanta Das wrote in the minutes of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) held earlier this month. The six-member MPC left the repo rate unchanged at 6.5 per cent for the 20th consecutive month due to concerns over higher inflation in October.

The decision to maintain the policy rate was made in a 5:1 majority, with MPC member Nagesh Kumar voting for a 25 basis points cut. The MPC changed its monetary policy stance from "withdrawal of accommodation" to "neutral" after 28 months.

Female Athletes Lost Nearly 900 Medals To Transgenders: UN Report

A recent United Nations report highlights concerns regarding gender parity in sports, noting that transgender athletes have won nearly 900 medals in women's competitions. The report, titled "Violence Against Women and Girls in Sports," reveals that over 600 female athletes have lost to competitors born male across various events.

The report has emerged at a time when transgender participation in women’s sports remains a agenda point for far-left groups worldwide, so much so that it is now a recurring issue in the upcoming US elections.

Bulldozer Action Likely In UP's Bahraich After Communal Clash

Four days after communal violence in In UP's Bahraich, during a Durga idol immersion procession, notices have been issued to residents to remove illegal constructions within three days. The notices stated that no buildings are allowed within 60 feet of the major district road without prior approval. Residents must either show proof of permission for their constructions or take them down themselves.

Among those receiving notices is 62-year-old jeweller Abdul Hameed, who was arrested with his three sons and a neighbor in connection with the death of 22-year-old Ram Gopal Mishra, who was shot during the clashes on October 13.

From The States

MVA Allies To Contest 85 Seats Each In Maharashtra

The Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance in Maharashtra has settled its seat-sharing arrangement for the upcoming state assembly elections. Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena (UBT), Congress, and NCP (Sharad Pawar) will each contest 85 seats.

Formed after the 2019 elections, the MVA aims to challenge the ruling Mahayuti, which has the BJP, Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena, and NCP (Ajit Pawar). The MVA hopes to replicate its success in the Lok Sabha elections, where it secured 30 seats compared to Mahayuti’s 17. Congress won 13 out of 17 seats, while Shiv Sena (UBT) took 9 out of 21.

INDI Alliance Candidates To Fight UP Bypolls On SP Symbol

INDI Alliance candidates will contest all seats in the upcoming UP bypolls on the Samajwadi Party's 'cycle' symbol, Akhilesh Yadav has announced. This cones after the Congress and SP were at loggerheads for weeks over seat sharing.

Bypolls will be held on November 13 for nine assembly seats, with eight of them vacated as their MLAs were elected to the Lok Sabha. The Sisamau seat is also up for election due to the disqualification of SP MLA Irfan Solanki after his conviction in a criminal case. The vote counting is scheduled for November 23.

Cyclone Dana To Make Landfall In Odisha Tonight

Cyclone Dana is expected to make landfall as a severe cyclonic storm between Bhitarkanika and Dhamra in Odisha, with wind speeds predicted between 100-120 kmph on the night of October 24, according to the Indian Meteorological Department.

The newly-elected BJP-led state government has placed the state machinery on high alert. Approximately 5,000 shelters and relief centres have been prepared, and the evacuation of around 10 lakh people from low-lying areas is underway.

To support local authorities, over 20 teams from the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force and fire service personnel have been deployed. Additionally, 20 NDRF teams are already in place, with five more airdropped from Bhatinda, Punjab.

Stay tuned for more insights throughout the day.