US-India NSAs to meet, focus on deepening military-tech ties
New Delhi:In a significant diplomatic move, the second round of the initiative of Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET) dialogue between US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval is set to commence on June 17-18. This meeting marks a pivotal moment in bilateral relations following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's re-election.
The discussions will center around a variety of key projects initiated during the previous meeting in Washington, including the transfer of technology for GE-414 jet engines intended for India's Tejas Mark II fighters. Additionally, plans for a new bilateral Defence Industrial Cooperation Roadmap will be a focus, aimed at accelerating joint technological ventures such as jet engines, loitering ammunition, and semiconductor production.
A US delegation is already in India, negotiating the sale of 31 MQ-9B armed Predator drones, underscoring the depth of defense cooperation between the two nations. Concurrently, French counterparts are in talks for a deal involving 26 Rafale-Maritime fighters for India's INS Vikrant, highlighting India's broadening military alliances.
The agenda also includes discussions on enhancing cooperation in space technology, quantum computing, and next-generation telecommunications, reflecting both countries' strategic interests amid regional challenges, notably from an assertive China in the Indo-Pacific.
Ahead of the meeting, western media speculations regarding alleged incidents involving proscribed individuals have not dampened the momentum, as affirmed during recent interactions between PM Modi and US President Joe Biden at the G-7 summit in Apulia. Both leaders have expressed a commitment to advancing Indo-US ties despite external distractions.
In parallel, NSA Ajit Doval is scheduled to visit Paris on June 20-21 to strengthen military relations with France, further underscoring India's proactive diplomatic engagements across multiple fronts.
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Cong slams Modi govt as 'anti-worker', calls for review of new Labour code
New Delhi (PTI): The Congress on Friday accused the Modi government of being "anti-worker" and demanded that the new labour code be reviewed, MGNREGA be revived as well as a national minimum wage of Rs 400 per day be established.
On International Labour Day, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge took a swipe at the government and said unemployment in India today is a direct consequence of the 'Hum Do, Hamare Do' policies.
"Driven by the 'Hum Do, Hamare Do' policy, the Modi government implemented an anti-worker Labour Code. As a result, unrest has erupted everywhere - be it in Noida, at the IOCL facility in Panipat, Adani's factory in Raikheda, NTPC Patratu, or the Samsung factory in Sriperumbudur," Kharge said in a post in Hindi on X.
Instead of ensuring job security, this Code promotes policies such as contract labour and 'Hire & Fire' practices, Kharge said and called for a review of the new Labour Code.
The Modi government has effectively dismantled MGNREGA by forcibly pushing legislation through Parliament, he alleged.
"Mr. Modi has shifted 40% of the wage burden onto the State governments. State governments are unable to bear this financial strain and will eventually be forced to stop providing work," he claimed.
The Modi government has compelled workers into a state of unemployment and pushed them towards 'gig work', Kharge said.
Currently, 69% of the workforce is working for wages below the statutory minimum wage, he said.
The Modi government has engineered a crisis of stagnant wages, Kharge alleged.
"When adjusted for inflation, the wages of the majority of India's workers have grown by less than 1% annually over the last decade (from 2014-15 to 2022-23)," he said.
The Modi government has created a massive unemployment crisis among the educated workforce, specifically, among graduates, Kharge claimed and added that jobs have been eliminated through the sale of Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs).
"The government has refused to fill approximately 30 lakh vacant government positions. Furthermore, the government's policy blunders have led to the decimation of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)," the Congress chief said.
The Congress reiterates its five demands for India's workers including revival of MGNREGA and its expansion to urban areas, Kharge said.
He said a national minimum wage of Rs 400 per day should be established, with MNREGA included within its scope.
Kharged demanded that a 'Right to Health' law must be enacted, providing Universal Health Coverage of up to Rs 25 lakh for laborers and workers.
"'Life Insurance and Accident Insurance' coverage must be provided for all unorganized workers. Preventing the contractualization of employment must be made a core priority of the government, and the new Labour Codes must be reviewed," Kharge asserted.
