5ive in Focus: Top 5 News of 24 June 2023

| 24 June 2023

1. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed a chargesheet against 13 Pakistani nationals, 10 of whom were arrested last year. The charges relate to a conspiracy to smuggle weapons and drugs from Pakistan through the Gujarat coast to fund terrorist activities in India. In December of the previous year, ten Pakistani nationals were apprehended with a significant amount of drugs, firearms, and ammunition on the Okha coast. The NIA's move coincides with the joint statement by India and the United States, condemning cross-border terrorism and calling for action against terror groups like LeT and JeM.

Additionally, India and the United States have agreed to resolve six trade disputes at the WTO, with India removing retaliatory customs duties on certain American products such as almonds, walnuts, and apples. The leaders of both countries have also expressed their commitment to broadening their partnership in critical areas such as developing secure 5G and 6G telecom networks, advancing technologies in AI and semiconductors, and deepening ties in high-performance computing and space.

2. In response to the escalating violence in Manipur, an all-party meeting is currently underway in Delhi. Union Home Minister Amit Shah called for the meeting to discuss the prevailing situation and find a resolution to the ongoing unrest. Political leaders from various parties across the country, including the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Indian National Congress, Shiv Sena, Trinamool Congress, and others, are attending the meeting. The violence in Manipur, which began with a tribal solidarity march, has claimed numerous lives and left thousands injured. The meeting aims to provide an opportunity for political leaders to express their concerns and work collectively towards finding a lasting solution.

3. Pakistan has strongly criticized the joint statement issued by US President Joe Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The statement called on Pakistan to ensure that its territory is not used as a base for militant attacks. Pakistan's foreign ministry responded, describing the statement as "unwarranted, one-sided, and misleading." The joint statement expressed condemnation of cross-border terrorism and urged Pakistan to take immediate action against terrorist groups. The issue of terrorism took center stage during Prime Minister Modi's address to the US Congress, emphasizing the pressing danger posed by radicalism and terrorism. The joint statement and Modi's address underscore the growing concern over terrorism and the need for international cooperation in combating this global menace.

4. President Vladimir Putin addressed the nation from Moscow, reassuring citizens that he would prevent Russia from descending into civil war following the seizure of a crucial military headquarters in Ukraine. Putin acknowledged the heroic efforts of those on the frontlines and called for unity, consolidation, and responsibility in this critical juncture. He warned against actions that could weaken the nation, emphasizing that divisions would be exploited by external enemies. The President vowed to protect the people and the state, promising punishment for those involved in the armed mutiny. As the situation remains tense, the actions and response of President Putin will be closely watched to navigate this precarious situation and prevent further escalation.

5. A team from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and forensic experts visited areas in Imphal and Churachandpur to investigate the alleged loot of arms and ammunition from armorries. The CBI formed a special investigation team (SIT) to probe cases related to the Manipur arms and ammunition looting. The team, along with forensic experts, visited the affected areas in Imphal and Churachandpur to gather evidence and examine the crime scenes. The looting of arms and ammunition from several armorries in Manipur has raised concerns about the security situation in the region. The investigation aims to uncover the individuals and groups responsible for the thefts and to prevent the weapons from being used for illegal activities.