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Indian Express
8 hours ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
After Indus Waters Treaty suspension: India seeks pause in World Bank expert's proceedings over Kishanganga & Ratle
India has written to the World Bank's neutral expert, Michel Lino, requesting a pause in his proceedings on the Ratle and Kishanganga hydropower disputes, following the Union government's decision to place the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) in abeyance, The Indian Express has learned. Lino is understood to have sought Pakistan's views on India's request, which Islamabad has opposed. The disputes being heard by Lino since 2022 concern two Indian hydropower projects in Jammu and Kashmir — Kishanganga, on the Kishanganga river, and Ratle, on the Chenab river. A French dam engineer and, until recently, the president of the International Commission on Large Dams, Lino was appointed by the World Bank on October 13, 2022, under Article IX and Annexure F of the Indus Waters Treaty. His mandate is to hear both India and Pakistan and determine whether the design of these projects complies with the treaty. Pakistan claims India is violating the treaty, particularly on minimum water flow requirements. Following the Union Cabinet's decision to keep the the treaty in abeyance 'until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrorism,' the Indian government formally notified Lino and requested that he vacate the mutually agreed 'work programme' pertaining to the Kishanganga and Ratle disputes. In its response to Lino, Pakistan objected to India's stance and opposed any proposal to suspend the dispute resolution proceedings. As per the agreed 2025 work programme, which India now wants vacated, Pakistan was to submit its written response – or counter memorial – to India's submission by August 7. The fourth meeting of the neutral expert with both sides was scheduled for November 17 to 22. This meeting would have been significant, involving the presentation of India's written arguments (memorial) and Pakistan's counter, questioning by the neutral expert, and preparations for a second site visit to India, likely in December. After The Pahalgam attack, India kept the IWT in abeyance 'until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrorism'. Under the IWT, the waters of the 'Eastern Rivers' — Sutlej, Beas and Ravi – are for India's unrestricted use, while the 'Western Rivers' – Indus, Jhelum, Chenab – are primarily for Pakistan. Lino, who functions as a technical adjudicator under the treaty to resolve 'differences', is expected to consider Pakistan's comments before deciding whether to pause the proceedings. An email sent by The Indian Express to Lino seeking comment did not elicit a response. Even as India and Pakistan are now talking through the neutral expert, the two governments are learned to have directly exchanged letters at least once on the suspension of IWT. India formally notified Pakistan of its decision to keep the treaty in abeyance by a letter dated April 24. Pakistan replied (before Operation Sindoor was launched on May 7), signalling willingness to discuss Delhi's concerns and suggesting a date in May for talks. India has not responded to that offer. According to top government sources, New Delhi is currently not inclined to engage in discussions with Islamabad on the matter, and the treaty will remain in abeyance for now. Meanwhile, sources said the government has drawn up a plan to construct a canal to divert water from the Indus river system to various Indian states. It has also carried out two flushing exercises at Baglihar and Salal – two run-of-the-river hydroelectric projects on the Chenab in J&K – to clear sediment that hampers power generation. These are the first such exercises since Salal was built in 1987 and Baglihar in 2008–09. Pakistan had previously blocked such activities through objections under the IWT. Officials said flushing will now be conducted on a monthly basis. Earlier, The Indian Express had reported that the Centre is looking to fast-track four hydroelectric projects on the Chenab – Pakal Dul (1,000 MW), Ratle (850 MW), Kiru (624 MW) and Kwar (540 MW). Pakal Dul is the first storage-based hydro project being built in J&K. Ritika Chopra, an award-winning journalist with over 17 years of experience, serves as the Chief of the National Bureau (Govt) and National Education Editor at The Indian Express in New Delhi. In her current role, she oversees the newspaper's coverage of government policies and education. Ritika closely tracks the Union Government, focusing on the politically sensitive Election Commission of India and the Education Ministry, and has authored investigative stories that have prompted government responses. Ritika joined The Indian Express in 2015. Previously, she was part of the political bureau at The Economic Times, India's largest financial daily. Her journalism career began in Kolkata, her birthplace, with the Hindustan Times in 2006 as an intern, before moving to Delhi in 2007. Since then, she has been reporting from the capital on politics, education, social sectors, and the Election Commission of India. ... Read More
Time of India
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Fawad Khan's Abir Gulaal in trouble? Indian film bodies oppose release post Pahalgam attack
The Indian Film & Television Directors' Association and Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) have voiced their opposition to Abir Gulaal. They have criticised the film fraternity for working with actors like Fawad Khan in the light of tensions between India and Pakistan. Film bodies speak out against Abir Gulaal's release Ashoke Pandit, President of the Indian Film & Television Directors' Association said, This incident is an act of war against the nation. This isn't the first attacks have been ongoing for 30 years. We, as a federation, have requested with folded hands to not work with Pakistanis. They come up with bulls***t reasons like artist, community, but ultimately, the nation must come first.' Ashoke Pandit also slammed Vaani Kapoor and the makers of Abir Gulaal. While he did not name them directly, Pandit stated, 'if the film's heroine or makers' family members had been shot by the terrorist, they wouldn't have worked (with Fawad)." He also stated that the Indian Film & Television Directors' Association will issue an order to boycott anyone who works with Pakistani artistes. Live Events Fawad Khan speaks out on Pahalgam attack Amid growing calls for Abir Gulaal's boycott and a ban on Pakistani artistes, Fawad Khan has condemned the ET Online The Pahalgam attack, which occurred on April 22, left at least 26 dead and several injured. Abir Gulaal controversy The movie has been subject to debate ever since its teaser was released. The Aarit S. Bagdi directorial's release had been opposed by the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), who vowed they would not let it release in the state. The controversy around the film is expected to grow due to increasing tensions between India and Pakistan, putting its release in doubt. Also Read: Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan condemn Pahalgam terror attack, call it a 'heinous act' Fawad Khan condemns 'horrifying' Pahalgam attack amid Abir Gulaal controversy (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel Fawad Khan was all set to delight audiences with his romantic charm one more time in Abir Gulaal. Now, it looks like the Pahalgam terror attack has thrown a wrench into the actor's Bollywood comeback. Film governing bodies have called for Abir Gulaal's release to be stalled. The film is slated to hit theatres on May 9. Abir Gulaal , which starred Vaani Kapoor opposite the Pakistani actor, marks Fawad Khan's first Hindi film after nine Indian Film & Television Directors' Association and Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) have voiced their opposition to Abir Gulaal. They have criticised the film fraternity for working with actors like Fawad Khan in the light of tensions between India and Pandit, President of the Indian Film & Television Directors' Association said, This incident is an act of war against the nation. This isn't the first attacks have been ongoing for 30 years. We, as a federation, have requested with folded hands to not work with Pakistanis. They come up with bulls***t reasons like artist, community, but ultimately, the nation must come first.'Ashoke Pandit also slammed Vaani Kapoor and the makers of Abir Gulaal. While he did not name them directly, Pandit stated, 'if the film's heroine or makers' family members had been shot by the terrorist, they wouldn't have worked (with Fawad)." He also stated that the Indian Film & Television Directors' Association will issue an order to boycott anyone who works with Pakistani Tiwari, President of FWICE said his organisation would oppose Abir Gulaal's release. "We will not let Abir Gulaal release in India. Action will be taken against the makers (if they release the film)," he growing calls for Abir Gulaal's boycott and a ban on Pakistani artistes, Fawad Khan has condemned the Pahalgam attack . He wrote on Instagram Stories, "Deeply saddened to hear the news of the heinous attack in Pahalgam. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of this horrifying incident and we pray for strength and healing for their families in this difficult time."The Pahalgam attack, which occurred on April 22, left at least 26 dead and several movie has been subject to debate ever since its teaser was released. The Aarit S. Bagdi directorial's release had been opposed by the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), who vowed they would not let it release in the state. The controversy around the film is expected to grow due to increasing tensions between India and Pakistan, putting its release in Read: Disclaimer Statement: This content is authored by a 3rd party. 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