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In a major <keyword id="87640" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="ceasefire-violation">ceasefire violation</keyword>, Pakistani army fired indiscriminately at Indian border outposts along the <keyword id="44759" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Line-of-Control">Line of Control</keyword> (LoC) in <keyword id="6357972" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Jammu">Jammu</keyword>, killing one <keyword id="40481" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="BSF">BSF</keyword> jawan and injuring three. 
 
Pakistani Rangers resorted to unprovoked firing on forward Pittal border outpost along the border in Arnia forward area of RS Pura in Jammu, a BSF officer said. 
 
The injured BSF jawans have been admitted to the Government Medical College Hospital (GMCH) in Jammu. 
 
"Pak Rangers not only violated ceasefire, but also resorted to unprovoked firing", the officer said. 
 The ceasefire violation comes a day after both the countries held a flag meeting at Chambiliyal border outpost in Samba to discuss weeding out wild bushes along the zero line and adjoining areas to improve visibility during patrolling. This is the third ceasefire violation by <keyword id="3001" type="COUNTRY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Pakistan">Pakistan</keyword> in July.

One BSF Jawan Killed, Three Injured In Pak Firing

<ul><li><keyword id="15141" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-Air-Force">Indian Air Force</keyword> fighter jets reportedly dropped 1,000 kilos of bombs across the <keyword id="44759" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Line-of-Control">Line of Control</keyword> with Pakistan.</li><li>The payload was allegedly dropped in the Muzaffarabad sector.</li><li>The strike comes in the wake of heightened tensions between the two countries </li></ul>Indian Air Force fighter jets dropped 1,000 kilos of bombs across the Line of Control with Pakistan before returning, said several media reports. Several media reports claimed that the IAF strike was carried out by a group of Mirage 2000 fighters at around 3.30 a.m. Sources in the Indian forces told Indian news agencies the strikes were aimed at terror launch pads, and the Indian Prime Minister was taking stock of the security situation in the wake of the strike. In the wee hours of Wednesday, Pakistan Armed Forces spokesperson Asif Ghafoor tweeted that Indian aircraft had violated the LOC and “released a payload” in haste before returning. Following this, Pakistan air force immediately “scrambled.” In a statement Foreign Secretary of India VK Gokhale has said the move was a "pre-emptive, non-military" attack on <keyword id="36979" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Terror-camps">terror camps</keyword>. The payload was allegedly dropped near Balakot in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the Muzaffarabad sector. The strike comes in the wake of heightened tensions between the two countries following a suicide bomb attack on India’s security personnel in Pulwama, Kashmir on February 14 that killed over 40. Pakistan-based militant group, Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) claimed the terror strike. With IANS

Indian fighter jets drop a ton of bombs across the Line Of Control: Reports

<a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=Pakistan+troops">Pakistani troops</a> resorted to <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=ceasefire+violation">ceasefire violation</a> twice overnight and targeted Indian posts and civilian areas by shelling 120 mm mortar bombs along the <keyword id="44759" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Line-of-Control">Line of Control</keyword> in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district. 
 
The <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=indian+army">Indian army</a> also retaliated to the shelling. 
 
"Pakistan troops fired from small arms, mortar bombs of 120 mm and 61 mm range on forward posts along the LoC in Sabzian and Balakote sectors in Poonch district overnight,” a defence spokesman informed. 
 
Pakistani troops fired from automatic weapons in Sabzian sector and Balakote sector till this morning. 
 
The spokesman said that the troops effectively retaliated and informed there was no loss of life or injury to anyone in the firing. 
 
As per reports, there have been 21 ceasefire violations along the <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=India-Pakistan+border">India-Pakistan border</a> in Jammu region this month. 
 
On August 11, the Pakistan Army had resorted to unprovoked firing twice across the LoC in Krishna Ghati Sector of Poonch district and Bhimbhergali sector in Rajouri district on August 10 night. 
 
Last month, there were 19 ceasefire violations in which four persons, including three jawans, were killed and 14 others injured. 
 
This month in August, Pakistani troops targeted forward Indian posts along the LoC in Hamirpur-Balakote, Hamirpur, Krishnagati and Sabzian sectors, possibly to facilitate <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=infiltration">infiltration</a> from across the border. 
 
An army jawan was also injured as Pakistani troops opened fire at villages and forward posts in Poonch district along the LoC on August 7.

Pakistan resorts to ceasefire violation, shell mortar bombs in Poonch

<ul><li>Tensions along the <keyword id="44759" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Line-of-Control">Line of Control</keyword> (LoC) between India and Pakistan have escalated.</li><li>Pakistani Prime Minister <keyword id="14676" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Imran-Khan">Imran Khan</keyword> is asking US President <keyword id="6354484" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Donald-Trump">Donald Trump</keyword> to mediate the issue between the two countries.</li><li>Khan is also asking that the citizens of Kashmir be ‘allowed to exercise their right to self determination according to UN SC resolutions’.</li></ul>Imran Khan, the Prime Minister of Pakistan, has asked — yet again — asked US President Donald Trump to meditate on the issue of Kashmir with India. 
	
	<div type="twitter" handle="ImranKhanPTI" handlename="Imran Khan" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1034759395622756352/G3QDI4pv_normal.jpg" favoritecount="29268" retweetcount="9688" status="President Trump offered to mediate on Kashmir. This is the time to do so as situation deteriorates there and along… https://t.co/7ouXBZcPwW" createdat="1564914897000" id="1157963122981920768"></div>





 Last month, Khan and Trump met in Washington after which Trump stated that the Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, had asked him to ‘meditate’ on the ‘issue of Kashmir’. But, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/trump-said-india-asked-him-to-help-mediate-the-kashmir-conflict-with-pakistan-india-quickly-said-thats-not-true-/articleshow/70337704.cms">denied any such claims</a>. 
	
	<div type="twitter" handle="MEAIndia" handlename="Raveesh Kumar" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/893447414169743361/XnWvdUhM_normal.jpg" favoritecount="36473" retweetcount="12947" status="We have seen @POTUS's remarks to the press that he is ready to mediate, if requested by India &amp; Pakistan, on Kashmi… https://t.co/WEVHyMhwXL" createdat="1563820127000" id="1153371327371173895"></div>





 The recent flare up along the line of control (LoC) between the two countries has Khan calling for Trump again to help resolve the escalation of tensions that could result in a ‘regional crisis’. 
	
	<div type="twitter" handle="ImranKhanPTI" handlename="Imran Khan" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1034759395622756352/G3QDI4pv_normal.jpg" favoritecount="30370" retweetcount="10503" status="It is time to end the long night of suffering for the people of Occupied Kashmir. They must be allowed to exercise… https://t.co/WcItPlqO9K" createdat="1564914896000" id="1157963120905740288"></div>





 Meanwhile, there is a lot of buzz around what steps India may take with respect to Kashmir but the government in New Delhi has maintained a radio silence in the face of rampant speculation. 
 
 <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="70529285" title="All that's happened in Kashmir over the last 72 hours – from movement of troops to suspension of internet to political leaders under house arrest" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>





 There will be more action along the LoC over the next few days according to sources cited by the <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/imran-khan-eggs-on-trump-india-braces-for-escalation-on-loc/articleshow/70528061.cms">Times of India</a>. The Trump-Khan camaraderie The relationship between Pakistan and the US was not always as friendly. Last year, Trump tweeted out that Pakistani’s have ‘given us nothing but lies and deceit’ as well as ‘safe haven’ to armed fighters. However, the two sides have been seen warming up to each other over the last few weeks, during which Pakistan bought <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/pakistan-would-need-two-f-16-jets-to-combat-one-rafale-jet/articleshow/54498413.cms">F-16 fighter jets</a> worth <a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/india-expresses-concern-over-us-military-aid-to-pakistan/articleshow/70493808.cms">$125 million</a> from the US. These are the same jets that were used against India to retaliation to the 26 February <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/Pakistan-clings-to-its-nukes-after-embarrassing-air-battle-beating-and-intense-mockery-from-India/articleshow/68176597.cms">Balakot air strike</a>. After Khan and Trump met in Washington, resolving the ‘issue of Kashmir’ wasn’t the only conflict resolution on the table. Trump offered his mediation with the implication that Pakistan would, in return, ‘<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/trump-says-he-could-win-the-war-in-afghanistan-in-a-week-but-he-doesnt-want-to-kill-10-million-people/articleshow/70336172.cms">extricate</a>’ the US from 18-year war that they have been fighting in Afghanistan. See also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/section-144-in-kashmir-latest-news-developments/articleshow/70529285.cms">All that's happened in Kashmir over the last 72 hours – from movement of troops to suspension of internet to political leaders under house arrest</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/omar-abdullah-mehbooba-mufti-are-placed-under-house-arrest/articleshow/70529476.cms">Omar Abdullah, Mehbooba Mufti are placed under house arrest</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/all-the-restrictions-imposed-on-the-kashmir-valley-starting-monday/articleshow/70529211.cms">All the restrictions imposed on the Kashmir valley starting Monday</a>

Imran Khan is asking Donald Trump to intervene in Kashmir as promised

Pakistan will buy <keyword id="31653" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="sugar">sugar</keyword> and cotton from India, newly appointed Finance Minister Hammad <keyword id="8402" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Azhar">Azhar</keyword> announced on Wednesday, lifting a ban on their import from the neighbouring country imposed in the wake of heightened tension over Kashmir in 2019. The decision was taken at the meeting of the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC), which was chaired by Finance Minister Azhar. Azhar said that the meeting discussed 21 items on the agenda, including import of cotton and sugar from India, which it allowed after detailed discussion. The resumption of import of these goods will lead to partial revival of bilateral trade relations, which were suspended after the August 5, 2019 decision of India to revoke the special status of Jammu and Kashmir. The private sector was allowed to import 5 lakh tonnes of white sugar from India, he said. He also said that the government had allowed sugar to be imported from other countries, however, the price of the commodity in other countries was also high. "However, in our neighbouring country India, the price of sugar is quite cheap," he said. "Hence, we have decided to resume sugar trade with India". Azhar also said that Pakistan will import cotton from India starting June this year. Adviser to the <keyword id="71" type="POSITION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Prime-Minister">Prime Minister</keyword> of Pakistan for Commerce and Investment, Dawood welcomed the decisions taken by the ECC. "All steps be taken through cross-border imports of cotton yarn including by land. A summary will be presented at the next ECC to ensure availability of cotton and yarn in the coming months," Dawood tweeted. Finance Minister Azhar told the media that demand for cotton in Pakistan was increasing but it had not produced quality cotton last year hence it had given the green signal for the product to be imported from other countries. "The import of cotton from India was banned and this had a direct effect on our SMEs," he said. "However, at the recommendation of the <keyword id="137756" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Ministry-of-Commerce">Ministry of Commerce</keyword>, we have also decided to resume the trade of cotton with India," he added. Azhar was appointed as Finance Minister on Monday by Prime Minister <keyword id="14676" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Imran-Khan">Imran Khan</keyword> who removed Dr Abdul Hafeez Shaikh from the finance portfolio after his embarrassing defeat in the <keyword id="6355284" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="senate">Senate</keyword> elections. Azhar is the third finance minister to be appointed since Khan came to power in 2018. Earlier, in May 2020, Pakistan lifted the ban on import of medicines and raw material of essential drugs from India amid the Covid-19 pandemic. The Ministry of Textile had sought permission from the ECC to lift the ban on import of cotton and cotton yarn from India in a bid to bridge the raw material shortfall for the value-added textile sector. The Ministry of Commerce separately asked for permission to allow import of white sugar from India through the <keyword id="11024310" type="DOMAIN" weightage="20" keywordseo="trading-corporation-of">Trading Corporation of</keyword> Pakistan and commercial importers. Official sources here said that Prime Minister Khan as Minister-in-Charge of Commerce and Textile had already approved the reports placed before the ECC for allowing import of cotton and sugar from India. "It shows that there is no technical or legal hindrance for importing these items from India," a source said. Tension has come down between the two nations after the restoration of ceasefire on the <keyword id="44759" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Line-of-Control">Line of Control</keyword> last month. It was followed with an exchange of letters by the prime ministers of the two countries. It is said that the two sides are working behind the scenes to restore their full diplomatic ties which were downgraded after August, 2019 action in Kashmir. India's move to revoke the special status of Jammu and Kashmir in August, 2019 angered Pakistan, which downgraded diplomatic ties with India and expelled the Indian High Commissioner in Islamabad. Pakistan also snapped all air and land links with India and suspended trade and railway services. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/samsung-galaxy-a72-mobile-phone-review/slidelist/81774857.cms">Samsung Galaxy A72 review – a premium mid-range phone in a crowded market</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/environment/news/earth-lost-more-arctic-sea-ice-than-the-area-of-rajasthan-and-madhya-pradesh-combined-in-2021/articleshow/81775537.cms">The planet lost more Arctic sea ice than the area of Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh combined in 2021</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/from-smartphones-to-cars-india-needs-so-many-semiconductor-chips-that-modi-may-offer-billion-dollar-cash-reward/articleshow/81777612.cms">Howzzat! 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Pakistan to import sugar and cotton from India, says Finance Minister Hammad Azhar

The <keyword id="37837" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Pakistan-army">Pakistan Army</keyword> shelled mortars along the <keyword id="44759" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Line-of-Control">Line of Control</keyword> in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district, a defence spokesman said on Thursday. The <keyword id="6354416" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-Army">Indian Army</keyword> retaliated to the shelling that took place on Wednesday night. "Pakistan Army initiated unprovoked <keyword id="87640" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="ceasefire-violation">ceasefire violation</keyword> by firing of small arms and shelling with mortars along the LoC in Krishna Ghati sector in district Poonch around 2100 hours on Wednesday", the spokesman said. The firing stopped at 2330 hours. See also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/defense/article/a-nuclear-war-between-india-and-pakistan-would-result-in-125-million-deaths-global-cooling-and-mass-starvation/articleshow/71417075.cms">A nuclear war between India and Pakistan would result in 125 million deaths, global cooling and mass starvation</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/isro-launches-satellite-to-keep-an-eye-on-pakistan-china-and-bangladesh/articleshow/67634701.cms">India responds to China-Pakistan satellite launch with its own border surveillance satellites</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/risat-2br1-launch-on-may-22-to-defend-indias-borders-from-the-sky/articleshow/69202151.cms">India’s largest ever ‘eye in the sky’ will take on its neighbours</a>

New year begins with a ceasefire violation on the India-Pakistan border

<ul><li>White House asks India and Pakistan to de-escalate military action. </li><li>Potential risks of further military action ‘unacceptably high’, White House says. </li><li>US, Britain, and France ask the United Nations to blacklist Masood Azhar and the Jaish-e-Mohammad. </li><li>Ceasefire violations continue along the <keyword id="44759" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Line-of-Control">Line of Control</keyword> in <keyword id="6354495" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="kashmir">Kashmir</keyword>.</li></ul>India and Pakistan continue to exchange fire along the Line of Control in Kashmir, even as international pressure has increased on both sides to tone down the military standoff. “We urge both sides to take immediate steps to de-escalate the situation, including through direct communication. Further military activity will exacerbate the situation,” the White House spokesperson said. International pressure on both countries to exercise restraint and focus efforts to de-escalating the situation <a href="https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/other-countries-advise-restraint-to-india-and-pakistan/cid/1685841">continued</a> to pour in -- the UK, the US, China, and the European Union -- have all issued statements calling for a measured approach in the wake of the Wednesday air battle between the two nuclear-armed neighbours. The US, along with Britain and France have also <a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/britain-france-us-ask-un-security-council-to-impose-sanctions-on-jem-chief-masood-azhar/story-vQmGAk5c3xhOWUDedhaNgP.html">urged</a> the <keyword id="55859" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="UN-Security-Council">UN Security Council</keyword> to blacklist Masood Azhar, who heads <keyword id="119193" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Jaish-e-Mohammed">Jaish-e-Mohammed</keyword> calling for international sanctions against him that would impose a travel ban and freeze his assets. “Cross-border terrorism, such as the recent attack on India’s CRPF on February 14, poses a grave threat to the security of the region. We reiterate our call for Pakistan to abide by its United Nations Security Council commitments to deny terrorists safe haven and block their access to funds,” a State Department spokesperson said. Earlier on Wednesday, China said that it believes that Pakistan has “always been opposed” to terrorism and that both India and Pakistan should exercise restraint and avoid escalation of the situation, according to news agencies. However, on Thursday morning, a ceasefire violation was reported in the Poonch district along the Line of Control, ANI reported. India is also <a href="https://in.reuters.com/article/india-kashmir-border/india-builds-bunkers-to-protect-families-along-pakistan-border-idINKCN1QG20K?_ga=2.171069984.1477805050.1551274877-1064909316.1551274874">reportedly</a> building bunkers in the villages along the Line of Control - the de facto border with Pakistan -- to protect locals from fleeing in case of heavy shelling, Reuters reported. Meanwhile, the Indian government is faced with public pressure to bring back the pilot, Abhinandan Varthaman, who is in Pakistani custody after his jet crashed in an air battle on Wednesday. Pakistan has claimed it captured one Indian pilot who was later identified as Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, who was flying a Mig-21, which was shot down after an aerial encounter between Pakistan and India, a first in 48 years. A video of the pilot circulating on social media, in which the captured pilot is being attacked by an angry Pakistani mob, prompted a strong objection from India. Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj called it a "vulgar display" of injured personnel and a violation of the Geneva Convention and International Humanitarian Law. The convention calls for dignified treatment of military personnel during times of war and armed international conflict even when it is not a declared war. India’s Ministry of External Affairs also held meetings with a Pakistani envoy in Delhi and it is understood it handed over Pakistan a dossier containing details of Jaish-e-Mohammed's involvement in the February 14 Pulwama terror attack, which killed over 40 CRPF security personnel. Jaish had claimed responsibility for the attack, the deadliest in the valley in over three decades. Several international flights have been impacted after Pakistan closed its airspace and India shut down airports in the North West. As many as 16 international flights were cancelled as of Wednesday. Air Canada temporarily suspended its flights to India, and said a Vancouver-Delhi flight had to turn around mid-way. India has also tightened security in major cities -- the Delhi Metro has been put on red alert while Mumbai has also beefed up security. India’s commercial pilots have also come together offering to stand united as a ‘second line of defence’ after the Indian air force and support government efforts. India has termed Pakistan’s violation of Indian air space an act of aggression and accused it of targeting military installations, in stark contrast to India’s ‘non-military’ air strike in Pakistan the previous day that it says targeted a terror camp. Just hours after the air battle, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan extended an olive branch in a televised address, asking for a dialogue and warning against the dangers of an escalated conflict, while saying Pakistan had to retaliate and its action was a display of its military capabilities. With agencies See also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india-confirms-losing-a-fighter-jet-and-the-pilot-is-still-missing-in-action-after-a-dogfight-with-pakistani-forces/articleshow/68184021.cms">India confirms losing a fighter jet and the pilot is still 'missing in action' after a dogfight with Pakistani forces</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/markets-sell-off-in-mumbai-and-karachi-as-india-and-pakistan-tensions-escalate/articleshow/68184744.cms">Markets turn nervous watching India and Pakistan ramp up military action</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/international-flights-disrupted-between-india-pakistan-airports-shut-down/articleshow/68180847.cms">Flights disrupted as India-Pakistan tensions escalate</a>

International pressure mounts on India and Pakistan to avert a full-blown war

<keyword id="3001" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Pakistan">Pakistan</keyword> may allow <keyword id="1169098" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="cotton-import">cotton import</keyword> from India through land route as prospects of gradual restoration of <keyword id="2144168" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="bilateral-trade-ties">bilateral trade ties</keyword> have brightened after the <keyword id="10843030" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="new-ceasefire-agreement">new ceasefire agreement</keyword> along the <keyword id="44759" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Line-of-Control">Line of Control</keyword>, according to a media report on Sunday. Citing sources in the <keyword id="137756" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Ministry-of-Commerce">Ministry of Commerce</keyword>, The Express Tribune reported that Adviser to the <keyword id="71" type="POSITION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Prime-Minister">Prime Minister</keyword> on Commerce Abdul Razak Dawood may take a decision on whether to import cotton and yarn from India next week. They said that the issue of cotton shortfall has already been brought to the notice of Prime Minister <keyword id="14676" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Imran-Khan">Imran Khan</keyword>, who also holds the portfolio of the commerce minister. Once a principled decision is taken, a formal order will be presented before the Economic Coordination Committee of the Cabinet, the sources told the daily. The sources said that in-house deliberations have already begun but the final decision would be taken only after seeking the approval of the prime minister. I cannot say yes or no at this stage and would be in a better position to respond on Monday, Dawood told the daily, responding to a question on whether Pakistan was considering allowing cotton import from India. The trade ties between both the countries can help minimise cost of production in Pakistan and ensure sustained food supplies, the daily said. India and Pakistan issued a joint statement on Thursday to strictly observe all agreements on ceasefire along the LoC and other sectors after the hotline discussions by their Director Generals of Military Operations. The two countries signed a ceasefire agreement in 2003, but it has hardly been followed in letter and spirit over the past several years. Relations between the two neighbours have nose-dived after a series of terror attacks in India perpetrated by terror groups based in Pakistan. Bilateral ties deteriorated further after India revoked the special status of Jammu and Kashmir in 2019. The move angered Pakistan, which downgraded diplomatic ties and expelled the Indian High Commissioner in Islamabad. Pakistan also snapped all air and land links with India and suspended trade and railway services. The paper reported that against the annual estimated consumption of minimum 12 million bales, the Ministry of National Food Security and Research expects only 7.7 million bales production this year. However, cotton ginners have given the lowest production estimates of only 5.5 million bales for this year. There is a minimum shortfall of six million bales and Pakistan has so far imported roughly 688,305 metric tonnes of cotton and yarn, costing USD 1.1 billion, according to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics. There is still a gap of about 3.5 million bales that needs to be filled through imports. Due to shortage of cotton and yarn, the users were compelled to import them from the United States, Brazil and Uzbekistan. Imports from India would be far cheaper and would reach Pakistan within three to four days. Importing yarn from other countries was not only expensive but would also take one to two months to reach Pakistan, the daily reported, quoting businessmen who deal in these commodities. The delay in yarn import can pose risk to timely deliver the export orders, according to the paper. However, the All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (Aptma) is exerting pressure on the Pakistan government not to allow cotton and yarn import from India. An industry insider told the daily that few millers have already hoarded the cotton and were now charging higher rates and import would dampen their short-term earnings. In an appeal to Dawood, Aptma said that the import of yarn from India will directly impact cotton prices in Pakistan. The cotton sowing season is currently starting in Pakistan and the predicted drop in cotton price owing to import of yarn from India is approximately 10-15 per cent, discouraging farmers not to sow cotton, according to the Aptma. On Thursday, India said it desires normal neighbourly relations with Pakistan and is committed to resolving all issues bilaterally in a peaceful manner. Prime Minister Khan on Saturday welcomed the ceasefire agreement with India and said Islamabad remains ready to move forward to resolve "all outstanding issues" through dialogue. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/bharat-bandh-over-eight-crore-traders-across-india-shut-shop-in-protest-against-rising-fuel-prices-and-changes-in-gst-rules/articleshow/81223361.cms">Bharat Bandh – over eight crore traders across India shut shop in protest against rising fuel prices and changes in GST rules</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/finance/banks/news/ignore-low-cibil-score-for-street-vendor-loans-work-on-holidays-and-other-diktats-from-indian-government-to-banks-rushing-to-meet-march-target/articleshow/81223572.cms">EXCLUSIVE: Ignore low CIBIL score for street vendor loans, work on holidays, and other diktats from Indian government to banks rushing to meet March target</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/india-now-allows-you-to-avail-a-discount-on-flight-ticket-if-you-are-not-carrying-a-check-in-baggage/articleshow/81225977.cms">India now allows you to avail a discount on flight ticket if you are not carrying a check-in baggage</a>

Pakistan likely to import cotton from India after announcing LoC ceasefire

India's landslide victory through an unopposed inclusion into the <keyword id="138690" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="United-Nations-Security-Council">United Nations Security Council</keyword> (UNSC) as a non-permanent member has irked the Imran Khan-led government in Pakistan, as angry reactions have started coming out of Islamabad, threatening India of dire consequences in case of any misadventure committed along the <keyword id="44759" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Line-of-Control">Line of Control</keyword> (LoC) and the Working Boundary (WB). Pakistan's Foreign Minister <keyword id="121648" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Shah-Mahmood-Qureshi">Shah Mahmood Qureshi</keyword> has warned India against any misadventure, threatening of a telling retaliatory response. "Beware, beware, remember February 2019 and be ready for a quick retaliation while casting an evil eye on us," he said during his address to the Upper House (Senate) of Pakistan. Qureshi lashed out at Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Indian External Affairs Minister S. <keyword id="236448" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Jaishankar">Jaishankar</keyword>, asserting, "Pakistan can't be cowed down by the Indians." Qureshi also reiterated Islamabad's inclination towards Beijing in the recent deadly clashes in Ladakh between Indian and Chinese forces, stating that Indian soldiers were suffering casualties there. "There is a dramatic shift in the region. China has openly landed in the arena against India," he said. "Nepal, which was thought to be completely under India's influence, is now making claims on some disputed areas with India, while Sri Lanka and Bhutan also had their objections. Afghanistan also thinks India is impeding reconciliation process there," he added. Qureshi briefed the Senate stating that India is facing isolation and New Delhi is feeling the pressure. He also reiterated Islamabad's concerns over what they call a false-flag operation by New Delhi aimed at diverting attention of the global community from the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, which has remained under lockdown for almost a year now. Qureshi's aggressive remarks came at a time when the Imran Khan-led government is facing serious criticism from its opposition parties for failing to raise the issue of Kashmir at the UN platform and giving India a walkover to become a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council. While Pakistan voted against India's contention for the non-permanent membership, its vote didn't matter as a heavy majority voted in favour of New Delhi. "Though it was a secret balloting, Pakistan openly said that it had voted against India for last year's August 5 unconstitutional steps it took in occupied Jammu and Kashmir and for violating the UN Charter, UNSC resolutions and international norms," maintained Qureshi. Pakistan's anger over India's inclusion into the UNSC is understandable as its ongoing diplomatic campaign to attract support against the Modi government for its decision taken on August 5, 2019, abrogating Articles 370 and 35A, changing the special status of the state of Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories, in the United Nations has practically failed to yield results. Tensions at the Line of Control (LoC) have also intensified in the recent days as heavy exchanges of artillery firing have claimed lives of border security forces and civilians on both sides. Pakistan and India both have been lodging strong protests against the ceasefire violations, summoning senior diplomats of respective high commissions to record their protests. Tensions are expected to flare up in the coming days as August 5, 2020 inches closer, marking one year of the lockdown in Jammu and Kashmir, for which Islamabad is gearing up to stage protests, rallies and international conferences. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/defense/news/experts-believe-that-the-india-china-border-dispute-is-unlikely-to-turn-into-another-war-like-the-one-in-1962/articleshow/76128454.cms">India and China are testing each other at the Ladakh border— but it won’t be another war like in 1962, according to experts</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/policy/foreign-policy/news/the-fear-of-china-has-put-the-global-spotlight-on-india-its-raked-up-three-comprehensive-strategic-partnerships-in-the-last-24-months/slidelist/76258833.cms">The fear of China has put the global spotlight on India ⁠⁠— its raked up three Comprehensive Strategic Partnerships in the last 24 months</a>

Pakistan warns India 'to be ready for quick retaliation' amid LoC tensions and UNSC membership

Pakistan resorted to unprovoked ceasefire violation on the <keyword id="44759" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Line-of-Control">line of control</keyword> (LoC) on Tuesday targeting Indian positions in Jammu and Kashmir's <keyword id="158222" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Poonch-district">Poonch district</keyword>. Col. Devender Anand, spokesman of Defence Ministry said that at 4.30 a.m., Pakistan initiated unprovoked ceasefire violation by firing with small arms and shelling with mortars along the LoC in Mankote sector of <keyword id="44760" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Poonch">Poonch</keyword> district. "Indian army retaliated befittingly," he added. Since the beginning of this year, Pakistan has been violating the bilateral ceasefire agreement signed by India and Pakistan in 1999. A total of 24 civilians were killed and over 100 injured in more than 3,186 ceasefire violations by Pakistan on the LoC so far this year. Thousands of people living in villages close to the LoC are living life on the edge as shelling from across the border endangers their lives, livelihood and agricultural activities. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/top-stocks-to-watch-infosys-central-bank-of-india-dhfl-anuh-pharma-shalby-balaji-telefilms-and-others/articleshow/78376167.cms">Top stocks to watch— Infosys, Central Bank of India, DHFL, Anuh Pharma, Shalby, Balaji Telefilms and others</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/finance/news/rbi-postpones-monetary-policy-meeting-new-dates-to-be-announced-soon/articleshow/78361698.cms">RBI postpones Monetary Policy meeting as the hunt for three new MPC members continues</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/defense/news/rajnath-singh-releases-indias-new-defence-acquisition-procedure-amid-india-china-border-dispute/articleshow/78362908.cms">Rajnath Singh releases India's new Defence Acquisition Procedure amid India-China border dispute</a>

Defence Ministry pegs Pakistan's LoC ceasefire violations at 3,186 so far this year

Pakistan used small arms and mortars to target the Indian positions on the <keyword id="44759" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Line-of-Control">Line of Control</keyword> (LoC) on Friday in <keyword id="17605" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Jammu-and-kashmir">Jammu and Kashmir</keyword>'s <keyword id="158222" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Poonch-district">Poonch district</keyword>. Colonel Devender Anand, Defence Ministry spokesman, said, "At about 8.30 a.m. today Pakistan initiated the unprovoked ceasefire violation by firing with small arms and shelling with mortars along the LoC in Mankote sector in Poonch district. "<keyword id="6354416" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-Army">Indian army</keyword> retaliates befittingly". On Thursday, for the entire day Pakistan violated ceasefire on the LoC in three sectors of the Poonch district. Twenty-four civilians have been killed and over 100 injured in over 2,730 such ceasefire violations by Pakistan on the LoC so far this year. This has brought misery into the lives of hundreds of border villagers living close to the LoC as cross border shelling endangers their lives, homes, cattle and agricultural fields. Since the beginning of this year, Pakistan has been violating the bilateral ceasefire agreement signed by the two countries in 1999, with impunity. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/india-estimated-6-4-million-covid-19-infections-by-early-may-according-to-national-serosurvey/articleshow/78051040.cms">India estimated 6.4 million COVID-19 infections by early May, according to National serosurvey</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/thelife/news/meet-the-richest-women-in-india-who-have-a-combined-net-worth-of-18-billion/slidelist/78045349.cms">Meet the richest women in India who have a combined net worth of $18 billion</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/health/news/india-reports-96760-new-coronavirus-cases-in-last-24-hours/articleshow/78051725.cms">India reports 96,760 new coronavirus cases — the biggest single-day addition by any country since the pandemic began</a>

Indian Army retaliated 'befittingly' to Pakistan's latest ceasefire violation in J&K's Poonch district

<ul><li><keyword id="691827" type="POSITION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Foreign-Secretary-of-India">Foreign Secretary of India</keyword> VK Gokhale makes the first official statement from India after the air strikes across the Line of Control</li><li>India calls the strike by the Air Force as 'pre-emptive, non-military' attack on terror camps</li><li>The attack by <keyword id="15141" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-Air-Force">Indian Air Force</keyword> has come days after a terror attack by Jaish-e-Mohammad operatives killed 40 Indian security personnel in Kashmir</li></ul> India's first official statement on the air attack across the Line of Control has come from the country's Foreign Secretary VK Gokhale. "Credible intel was received that JeM was planning more suicide attacks in India. In the face of imminent danger, a preemptive strike became absolutely necessary," Gokhale said in the first government address after the Indian air strike on Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir. Top commanders were eliminated in the strike, he added. Indian Air Force fighter jets dropped 1,000 kilos of bombs across the Line of Control with <keyword id="3001" type="COUNTRY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Pakistan">Pakistan</keyword> before returning, said several media reports suggested earlier in the day. He also called the attack 'non-military' and that it was targeted specifically at Jaish-e-Mohammad terror camps. "We avoided civilian casualties with the selection of the camp, which is located deep inside forests, Gokhale said. Gokhale's statement mentioned the attack by terrorists in Pulwama, Kashmir on February 14 that killed over 40 Indian troopers. However, he did not clearly say that this attack from the Indian side was retaliatory. Gokhale refused to take any questions from the journalists present at the briefing. India responded to a similar attack by Pakistan-based terrorists in 2016 with the surgical strikes by the army. At that time, the first briefing was addressed by the army chief. However, India has a struck diplomatic tone by letting the top foreign ministry official take the stage. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/indian-air-force-drops-payload-across-the-line-of-control/articleshow/68163111.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">Indian fighter jets drop a ton of bombs across the Line of Control</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/water-wars-india-decides-to-stop-indus-water-supply-to-pakistan/articleshow/68099006.cms">Water wars: India decides to stop Indus water supply to Pakistan</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india-pushing-for-pakistan-inclusion-on-fatfs-terror-financing-blacklist/articleshow/68108197.cms">Despite Indian efforts, Pakistan avoids being blacklisted for terror financing</a>

It was a 'pre-emptive, non-military' attack on 'terror camps', India says

Pakistani troops violated ceasefire by resorting to heavy firing and mortar shelling in forward areas in three sectors along the <keyword id="44759" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Line-of-Control">Line of Control</keyword> in <keyword id="17605" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Jammu-and-kashmir">Jammu and Kashmir</keyword>'s Poonch district on Monday, prompting the <keyword id="6354416" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-Army">Indian army</keyword> to give a befitting reply, officials said. "At about 1445 hours today, Pak army initiated unprovoked ceasefire violation by firing with small arms along LoC in Khari Karmara sector in district Poonch", defence spokesman said. He said that Indian army retaliated befittingly. Pakistan troops had violated ceasefire on Sunday too by targeting several sectors in Poonch. On October 1, one army jawan was killed and another injured, when Pakistan army violated ceasefire and resorted to heavy firing and mortar shelling along the LoC in Krishnagati area of Poonch district, officials said. On September 5, an army personnel was killed and two others, including an officer, were injured as Pakistani troops violated ceasefire in Sunderbani sector of Rajouri district, officials said. While on September 2, a JCO was killed in ceasefire violation by Pakistan army along LoC in Keri sector of Rajouri. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/space/news/china-launches-earth-observation-satellite-amid-border-tensions-with-india/articleshow/78613147.cms">China launches Earth observation satellite amid border tensions with India</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/massive-power-cut-reported-across-mumbai-discom-points-finger-at-tatas/articleshow/78613787.cms">Massive power cut across Mumbai due to grid failure —electricity restored in certain areas</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/policy/economy/news/sitharaman-offers-states-12000-crore-interest-free-for-the-next-50-years-if-they-can-spend-it-on-capital-projects-by-march-2021/articleshow/78616741.cms">Sitharaman offers states ₹12,000 crore interest-free for the next 50 years if they can spend it on capital projects by March 2021</a>

Pakistan shells areas along LoC in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch

<ul><li>On Tuesday, Pakistan claimed that an ‘Indian spy quadcopter’ was shot down by its army troops that was flying along Line of Control (LoC) in Bagh sector in Pakistan. </li><li>The <keyword id="6354416" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-Army">Indian army</keyword> strongly denied the claim by saying that ‘they keep lying on such issues’. </li><li>According to Times Now, the spy quadcopter in question is not a ‘<keyword id="6359526" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="military">military</keyword> grade’ drone, but is the one that is easily available and may be used to cover public events. </li><li>A few days prior to this, the Indian army used <keyword id="1605674" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Quadcopters">quadcopters</keyword> to locate dead bodies of Pakistan’s army troops.</li></ul>Indian army strongly refuted Pakistan’s claim that said it <a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/pakistan-claims-to-have-downed-indian-spy-quadcopter-along-loc-indian-army-rejects-claim/articleshow/67347594.cms">shot down ‘Indian spy quadcopter’</a> flying along their (Pakistan border) Line of Control (LoC) in Bagh sector. In fact, the Indian army reportedly condemned Islamabad of ‘lying on such issues’ and said that the incident has not happened. The Indian army’s response came after Major General Asif Ghafoor, Pakistan’s director general of the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Army wing, posted a tweet on Tuesday that had a picture of the flying drone, which spied Pakistan. The tweet said “Not even a quadcopter will be allowed to cross LOC, In Shaa Allah.” 
 
 
 
 
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 On Wednesday, Ghafoor also <a href="https://tribune.com.pk/story/1879985/1-army-downs-another-indian-spy-drone-along-line-control/">claimed</a> that the Pakistan army troops have shot down yet another drone along LoC in Satwal sector. 
 
 
 
 
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 The military deploys Quadcopters for surveillance and silent observations on attackers. However, <a href="https://www.timesnownews.com/india/article/pakistan-army-news-spy-drone-quadcopter-indian-army-bagh-sector-line-of-control-amazon-online-purchase-imran-khan-naya-pakistan-narendra-modi-pakistan/340644">according to</a> Times Now, the quadcopter in question is not a ‘military grade’ drone, but is the one that is easily available and may be used to cover public events. However, Pakistan has also said that it shot four Indian <keyword id="94769" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="drones">drones</keyword> last year. A few days prior to this, on 31 December, Indian army <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/pak-bat-action-foiled-army-used-quadcopters-to-locate-attackers-corpse/articleshow/67321632.cms">reportedly</a> shot down Pakistani troops in Naugam sector of Kashmir and used drones to locate the bodies of the troops while on a mission to obstruct Pakistan Border Action Team (BAT), ANI reported through its official twitter handle. 
 
 
 
 
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 On the flip side, in 2016, Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared the <keyword id="2893215" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="surgical-strike">surgical strike</keyword> that was carried out by Indian troops that happened to kill nearly 50 terrorists — including Pakistan <keyword id="148618" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Army-soldiers">army soldiers</keyword>. Pakistan strongly denied the claim back then. See also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/indian-chinese-soldiers-break-into-bhangra-twitter-has-a-field-day/articleshow/67072517.cms">Indian, Chinese soldiers break into ‘Bhangra’ —Twitter has a field day</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/flying-drones-in-india-may-be-legal-but-that-doesnt-mean-youre-getting-doorstep-deliveries/articleshow/66932352.cms">Flying drones in India may be 'legal' — but that doesn’t mean you’re getting doorstep deliveries</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/police-admit-that-some-drone-sightings-during-gatwick-closure-crisis-may-have-been-of-their-own-surveillance-drones/articleshow/67299898.cms">Police admit that some drone sightings during Gatwick closure crisis may have been of their own surveillance drones</a>

You Searched For "Line of Control" and got 14 results

One BSF Jawan Killed, Three Injured In Pak Firing

BI India Bureau

Indian fighter jets drop a ton of bombs across the Line Of Control: Reports

BI India Bureau

Pakistan resorts to ceasefire violation, shell mortar bombs in Poonch

BI India Bureau

Imran Khan is asking Donald Trump to intervene in Kashmir as promised

Prabhjote Gill

Pakistan to import sugar and cotton from India, says Finance Minister Hammad Azhar

PTI

New year begins with a ceasefire violation on the India-Pakistan border

PTI

International pressure mounts on India and Pakistan to avert a full-blown war

Rimin Dutt

Pakistan likely to import cotton from India after announcing LoC ceasefire

PTI

Pakistan warns India 'to be ready for quick retaliation' amid LoC tensions and UNSC membership

IANS

Defence Ministry pegs Pakistan's LoC ceasefire violations at 3,186 so far this year

IANS

Indian Army retaliated 'befittingly' to Pakistan's latest ceasefire violation in J&K's Poonch district

IANS

It was a 'pre-emptive, non-military' attack on 'terror camps', India says

Sriram Iyer

Pakistan shells areas along LoC in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch

PTI

Indian army strongly denies Pakistan’s claim of shooting down its ‘spy drone’ along LoC

BI India Bureau

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