The Hindu Morning Digest: May 16, 2025
Experts debate whether Presidential Reference is a ploy to bypass judicial review
The legal fraternity was divided on whether the Presidential Reference to the Supreme Court on its order in the Tamil Nadu Governor case was merely a ploy by the Union government to 'bypass' the normal legal process of challenging the Supreme Court verdict.
In a first, External Affairs Minister Jaishankar talks to Taliban's acting Foreign Minister Muttaqi
Marking the first minister-level outreach to the Taliban administration in Afghanistan, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Thursday (May 15, 2025) held a telephone conversation with the 'Acting Afghan Foreign Minister' Amir Khan Muttaqi. The conversation came days after the Taliban administration, that India is yet to officially recognise, condemned the deadly terror strike in Pahalgam of April 22 that left 26 innocents dead and dozens injured.
Amid tension, MEA postpones credentials ceremony featuring Turkish ambassador
In the backdrop of tension with Turkiye, the protocol division of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday (May 15, 2025) postponed the credentials ceremony of the new Turkish ambassador to India. The MEA, in a brief announcement, said, 'the credentials ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan which was to be held today has been deferred due to scheduling issues.'
In Qatar, Trump once again claims he 'helped settle' tensions between India and Pakistan
U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday (May 15, 2025) repeated his claim yet again that he 'helped settle' the tensions between India and Pakistan. '…And by the way, I don't want to say I did, but I sure as hell helped settle the problem between Pakistan and India last week, which was getting more and more hostile,' he said while addressing U.S. military personnel at al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar.
Aviation security regulator revokes security clearance for Turkish airport ground handling company
The aviation security regulator on Thursday (May 15, 2025) revoked the security clearance for Turkish ground handling service provider Celebi with 'immediate effect' on the ground of 'national security'. 'The security clearance is hereby revoked with immediate effect in the interest of national security,' according to an order from the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) issued on May 15 for Celebi Airport Services India Private Limited.
U.K. court rejects Nirav Modi's fresh bail application, says CBI
The High Court of Justice in London on Thursday (May 15, 2025) rejected a fresh bail petition filed by diamantaire Nirav Modi, who is held in a prison there and wanted in India in the ₹13,000 crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud case orchestrated with his businessman uncle Mehul Choksi.
Govt appoints Tushar Mehta-headed team of lawyers for trial against Tahawwur Rana
The government has appointed a team of lawyers headed by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to conduct trial against extradited Pakistani-Canadian terrorist Tahawwur Hussain Rana in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack case.
Trump says the U.S. and Iran have 'sort of' agreed on the terms for a nuclear deal
President Donald Trump said Thursday (May 15, 2025) that the United States and Iran have 'sort of' agreed to terms on a nuclear deal, offering a measure of confidence that an accord is coming into sharper focus. Mr. Trump, in an exchange with reporters at a business roundtable in Doha, Qatar, described talks between American envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi as 'very serious negotiations' for long-term peace and said they were continuing to progress.
Harvard University ploughs $250m into research after U.S. govt cuts
Harvard University says it will plough $250 million into funding 'critical research' after the U.S. government announced fresh budget cuts to the elite school. Federal agencies are slashing $2.6 billion in grants to Harvard, citing discrimination at one of the world's top universities.
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Indian Express
40 minutes ago
- Indian Express
India's wind sector must innovate and secure, not just scale
Amid heightened Indo-Pak tensions, a Pakistani outlet claimed cyberattacks had knocked out 70 per cent of India's electricity. The false report exposed a very real anxiety: What happens when energy infrastructure becomes a frontline in cyber warfare? For years, the renewable energy sector has diligently optimised turbine efficiency, improved grid integration and focused on speedy deployment. These remain essential. However, an equally pressing threat looms quietly in the background: Cybersecurity and the pace of maximum value addition and localisation in manufacturing. Unlike finance or defence sectors, where digital safeguards have long been entrenched, robust cybersecurity measures are only now being introduced into India's renewable energy framework. And it's about time. A compromised SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) system or remote-access breach could disable a wind farm — or multiple sites — in mere seconds. As India pushes towards achieving 500 GW of non-fossil-based electric installed capacity by 2030, including an ambitious target of over 100 GW from wind, the true challenge goes beyond just scaling up. It lies in securing what we install and how it is manufactured. The proposed amendment requires all operational wind turbine data to be stored within Indian territory. Foreign entities will no longer be allowed to remotely access or control Indian wind farms, a clear attempt to eliminate vulnerabilities to external cyber threats. More importantly, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) will be required to establish R&D facilities in India, signalling a decisive shift from passive assembly to active domestic innovation. This aligns with NITI Aayog's 2024 roadmap, emphasising localisation of both hardware and control systems. Given the various global incidents where cyberattacks have crippled energy grids, India's push for digital self-reliance isn't just necessary — it's urgent. Mandating local R&D isn't just about job creation or investment; it's about creating wind turbine technology designed for India's grid, climate, and challenges. India — not China or Europe — must become the epicentre for wind turbine innovation and manufacturing. However, strong policy intent must translate into effective execution, and here the amendment stumbles. Firstly, there is a greater need to build capacity for enforcement. Without a concrete monitoring mechanism, these rules risk becoming paper mandates. Secondly, the amendment needs to articulate India-specific design adaptation clearly. Renewable energy projects here face extreme operating conditions — temperatures exceeding 45°C, saline coastal air, monsoon deluges, and erratic grid voltages. Yet, there is no mandate for in-country prototype testing or climate-resilience validation before inclusion in the RLMMs (Revised List of Models & Manufacturers). This oversight risks importing turbines built for European conditions that buckle under India's punishing climate. Third, the policy skirts the need for embedded systems security. Today, power converters used in wind turbines and solar inverters in solar projects are effectively software-defined assets. They depend on SCADA systems, PLCs, and firmware that may be compromised — often subtly and invisibly. Without mandatory audits of software stacks and hardware backdoors, especially from OEMs in adversarial jurisdictions, India's wind and solar assets remain vulnerable. To operate in India, vendors/OEMs must obtain certification and clearance from Indian authorities and adhere to Government of India (GOI) regulations. These regulations should include provisions for force majeure situations, where vendor/OEM-supplied equipment may fail to receive support and patches, potentially leading to significant security breaches and national security risks. This ensures that even in times of geopolitical uncertainty, India's energy infrastructure remains operable, supported, and secure. Additionally, existing regulatory frameworks — like the Central Electricity Authority's temperature thresholds or the National Institute of Wind Energy's certification protocols — are treated as optional references, not core requirements. This disconnect must be addressed if we want turbines that are not just 'Made in India' but truly Engineered for India. The writer is a Partner at Dalberg Advisors, where he leads climate-related projects in Asia Pacific and globally
News18
an hour ago
- News18
Canada Has Invited PM Modi For G7 Summit, But India Must Remain Cautiously Optimistic
Last Updated: Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's invitation for PM Narendra Modi shows that even Canada realises that India can't be ignored Canada's invitation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the G7 Summit next week has stunned not only the Congress, but also the Khalistani groups who have been running rampant in Canada. The former has been humbled after questioning PM Modi's potential absence, while the latter have begun protests. PM Modi will be in Canada after a decade. His last visit was in 2015 as part of a three-nation tour. Since 2024, besides Pakistan, India's diplomatic ties hit rock bottom with only one other country — Canada. Accusatory barbs were exchanged and diplomats were withdrawn. In such a scenario, Modi's visit to Canada seemed improbable. This is why the invite from new Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney assumes significance. It shows that even Canada realises, albeit under a new administration, that India can't be ignored. judge Canada based on its actions. Certainly, the tempers have cooled and the winds are shifting since the departure of former PM Justin Trudeau. Both sides are ready to discuss 'security cooperation". But India would be wise to avoid a full reset. Not until Canada ensures decisive action – arrests, clampdowns, and real-time intelligence cooperation — against the anti-India Khalistani groups operating from Canadian soil. Carney has so far made encouraging remarks, prompting hopes of a bilateral meeting between him and Modi on the sidelines of the G7 Summit. Carney has avoided mentioning Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, only referencing 'earlier strains in the relationship" and suggesting 'they can be addressed with mutual respect". When asked how he would justify the decision to invite Modi while some in Canada question it in light of the ongoing legal proceedings, Carney was clear: 'We are a country of the rule of law, and the rule of law is proceeding as it should…and I am not going to disrupt that process of law." Glad to receive a call from Prime Minister @MarkJCarney of Canada. Congratulated him on his recent election victory and thanked him for the invitation to the G7 Summit in Kananaskis later this month. As vibrant democracies bound by deep people-to-people ties, India and Canada…— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 6, 2025 MONEY MATTERS Carney has publicly stated that India's emergence among the five biggest economies in the world, with a key role in the supply chains, is why the 'invite to PM Modi makes sense". Canada's Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre went on to add: ' India has been at the last six G7 conferences. It is one of the biggest and fastest growing economies. We need to sell our natural gas and civilian nuclear power technology to India. We need to work with India on trade and security. The invite is necessary." Canada realises that ignoring India any further could be catastrophic for its economy in the future. For India, the key is a dialogue between their law enforcement agencies, given the turbulence in India-Canada ties over the past year. Under Trudeau, Canada went so far as to directly accuse Indian agents and top Indian leaders of masterminding Nijjar's killing without providing any proof. This created an atmosphere of zero trust, leading to India's expulsion of Canadian diplomats and suspension of visa services. India also recalled its ambassador. With Trudeau's departure, India hopes Carney is pragmatic and realises that maintaining good relations and harbouring anti-India groups cannot go hand in hand. INDIA'S CONCERNS Indian diplomats in Canada remain under serious threat from Khalistani groups, against whom Canada does not act, citing 'their freedom of speech". Khalistani extremists openly brandish swords and daggers on Canadian streets and threaten India's top leaders. Their chief sympathiser political party, the NDP and its leader Jagmeet Singh, suffered a crushing defeat in the recent Canadian elections, winning only seven of the 343 seats, with Singh losing his seat. This was apparently a significant blow to the Khalistani factor in Canada. But now, the Carney government needs to walk the talk. Carney's approach to India is a clear departure from Trudeau's. He said the Canada-India relationship was 'incredibly important". But he needs to act against these anti-India groups and their finances, to earn India's trust. India must not forget the events of the past year, and judge Carney not just by his words, but his actions. Modi's G7 engagements since 2019 demonstrate India's deepening global footprint and the trust placed in the PM's global leadership. India must leverage this to ensure Canada falls in line and is no longer a haven for anti-India extremists. The G7 Summit will be Carney's first test on this count. About the Author Aman Sharma Aman Sharma, Executive Editor - National Affairs at CNN-News18, and Bureau Chief at News18 in Delhi, has over two decades of experience in covering the wide spectrum of politics and the Prime Minister's More Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : Homework Column india canada Narendra Modi news18 specials Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: June 09, 2025, 07:00 IST News india Canada Has Invited PM Modi For G7 Summit, But India Must Remain Cautiously Optimistic | Homework
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Business Standard
an hour ago
- Business Standard
Trump banned citizens of 12 countries from entering US; here's what to know
President Donald Trump has banned citizens of 12 countries from entering the United States and restricted access for those from seven others, citing national security concerns in resurrecting and expanding a hallmark policy from his first term that will mostly affect people from Africa and the Middle East. The ban announced on Wednesday applies to citizens of Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen. The heightened restrictions apply to people from Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan and Venezuela who are outside the US and do not hold a valid visa. The policy takes effect at 12.01 am on Monday and does not have an end date. Here's what to know about the new rules: How Trump justified the ban Since returning to the White House, Trump has launched an unprecedented campaign of immigration enforcement that has pushed the limits of executive power and clashed with federal judges trying to restrain him. The travel ban stems from a January 20 executive order Trump issued requiring the Department of State, Department of Homeland Security and the Director of National Intelligence to compile a report on "hostile attitudes" toward the US. The aim is to "protect its citizens from aliens who intend to commit terrorist attacks, threaten our national security, espouse hateful ideology, or otherwise exploit the immigration laws for malevolent purposes," the administration said. In a video posted on social media, Trump tied the new ban to a terrorist attack on Sunday in Boulder, Colorado, saying it underscored the dangers posed by some visitors who overstay visas. The man charged in the attack is from Egypt, a country that is not on Trump's restricted list. US officials say he overstayed a tourist visa. Who is exempt from the ban 1. Green card holders 2. Dual citizens, including US citizens who also have citizenship of one of the banned countries 3. Some athletes: athletes and their coaches travelling to the US for the World Cup, Olympics or other major sporting event as determined by the US secretary of state 4. Afghans who worked for the US government or its allies in Afghanistan and are holders of Afghan special immigrant visas 5. Iranians belonging to an ethnic or religious minority who are fleeing persecution 6. Certain foreign national employees of the US government who have served abroad for at least 15 years, and their spouses and children 7. People who were granted asylum or admitted to the US as refugees before the ban took effect 8. People with US family members who apply for visas in connection to their spouses, children or parents 9. Diplomats and foreign government officials on official visits 10. Those travelling to UN headquarters in New York solely on official UN business 11. Representatives of international organisations and NATO on official visits in the US 12. Children adopted by US citizens 13. People from targeted countries who already have valid visas, although the Department of Homeland Security still has the authority to deny entry, even to those with a valid visa Which countries are affected Trump said nationals of countries included in the ban pose "terrorism-related" and "public-safety" risks, as well as risks of overstaying their visas. He also said some of these countries had "deficient" screening and vetting or have historically refused to take back their citizens. His findings rely extensively on an annual Homeland Security report about tourists, business people and students who overstay US visas and arrive by air or sea, singling out countries with high percentages of nationals who remain after their visas expired. "We don't want them," Trump said. The inclusion of Afghanistan angered some supporters who have worked to resettle its people. The ban makes exceptions for Afghans on special immigrant visas, who were generally the people who worked most closely with the US government during the two-decade war there. The list can be changed, the administration said in a document, if authorities in the designated countries make "material improvements" to their own rules and procedures. New countries can be added "as threats emerge around the world." State Department guidance The State Department instructed US embassies and consulates on Friday not to revoke visas previously issued to people from the 12 countries listed in the ban. In a cable sent to all US diplomatic missions, the department said "no action should be taken for issued visas which have already left the consular section" and that "no visas issued prior to the effective date should be revoked pursuant to this proclamation." However, visa applicants from affected countries whose applications have been approved but have not yet received their visas will be denied, according to the cable, which was signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. And, unless an applicant meets narrow criteria for an exemption to the ban, his or her application will be rejected starting on Monday. How the ban differs from 2017's Early in Trump's first term, he issued an executive order banning travel to the US by citizens of seven predominantly Muslim countries, including Iraq, Syria, Iran, Sudan, Libya, Somalia and Yemen. It was one of the most chaotic and confusing moments of his young presidency. Travellers from those nations were either barred from getting on flights to the US or detained at US airports after they landed. They included students and faculty, as well as business people, tourists and people visiting friends and family. The order, often referred to as the "Muslim ban" or the "travel ban," was retooled amid legal challenges until a version was upheld by the Supreme Court in 2018. That ban affected various categories of travellers and immigrants from Iran, Somalia, Yemen, Syria and Libya, plus North Koreans and some Venezuelan government officials and their families. Reactions to Trump's order Venezuela President Nicols Maduro's government condemned the travel ban, characterising it in a statement as a "stigmatisation and criminalisation campaign" against Venezuelans. Chad President Mahamat Deby Itno said his country would suspend visas for US citizens in response to the ban. Aid and refugee resettlement groups also denounced it. "This policy is not about national security it is about sowing division and vilifying communities that are seeking safety and opportunity in the United States," said Abby Maxman, president of Oxfam America. But reactions to the ban ran the gamut from anger to guarded relief and support. In Haiti, radio stations received a flurry of calls on Thursday from angry listeners, including many who said they were Haitians living in the US and who accused Trump of being racist, noting that the people of many of the targeted countries are Black. Haitian-American Elvanise Louis-Juste, who was at the airport on Sunday in Newark, New Jersey, awaiting a flight to her home state of Florida, said many Haitians wanting to come to the US are simply seeking to escape violence and unrest in their country. "I have family in Haiti, so it's pretty upsetting to see and hear," Louis-Juste, 23, said of the travel ban. "I don't think it's a good thing. I think it's very upsetting." William Lopez, a 75-year-old property investor who arrived from Cuba in 1967, supports the travel ban. "These are people that come but don't want to work, they support the Cuban government, they support communism," Lopez said at a restaurant near Little Havana in Miami. "What the Trump administration is doing is perfectly good. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
