Morning Brief: India-Russia To Sign S-400 Deal; Inflation Hits New Low; Muslim Groups Oppose Uniform Civil Code

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India and Russia To Sign S-400 Deal

India and Russia will sign a multi-billion dollar deal for S-400 Triumf long-range air defence missile systems on Saturday following talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in Goa.

India’s Defence Acquisition Council in December last year had cleared the purchase of five S-400 air defence systems from Russia in what could be a deal costing around Rs 30,000 crore ($4.47 billion). S-400 can destroy incoming hostile aircraft, stealth fighters, missiles and drones at ranges of up to 400 km.

Retail Inflation Hits 13-Month Low

Continuing to decline for the second consecutive month, retail inflation moderated to a 13-month low of 4.31 per cent in September as prices of vegetables and pulses softened. This is the first time in this financial year that the overall Consumer Price Index-based inflation has fallen below the Reserve Bank of India’s inflation target of 5 per cent by March 2017.

With further stabilising of inflation in the coming months, another cut in rates by 25 basis points can be expected in December.

Muslim Groups Oppose Uniform Civil Code

The All India Muslim Personal Law Board, along with several other organisations associated with the Muslim community, has opposed the Law Commission’s questionnaire on the possibility of a Uniform Civil Code declaring that the move amounts to the Modi government declaring "war" on their religious rights.

The Law Commission has sought public feedback on a common law that would ban controversial practices such as polygamy and triple talaq, under which a Muslim man can divorce his wife instantly with just three words.

Thai King Dies At 88

Thailand’s King Bhumibol Adulyadej (88), who was the world’s longest reigning monarch, died in hospital on Thursday. He was seen as a stabilising figure in a country hit by cycles of political turmoil and multiple coups.

The king's death comes as Thailand remains under military rule following a coup in 2014. His son and heir apparent, 63-year old Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, is expected to become the new king.

Plan For Baloch Government In Exile

In view of the differences that exist between various nationalist parties of Balochistan, the plan to form a government in exile in India is a long shot. In an effort to resolve differences, Indian interlocutors have advised the Baloch nationalists to put up a united front.

The Baloch Republican Party has called for a coordinated discussion among the nationalist parties of Balochistan, an independent princely state that was forcibly occupied by Pakistan following independence in 1947. While some Baloch parties have reached New Delhi, others are expected soon.

MUST READ OP-EDS

Leave Pakistan’s MFN Status Intact: The fact that Pakistan is not living up to its WTO obligations is not a good reason for India not to do so. Indeed, India would be perfectly within its rights to raise Pakistan’s non-compliance at the WTO.

Time For Introspection In Bihar: The open fissures are denting the image of the chief minister; and the feeling is that Nitish Kumar is devoting less time to Bihar and aspiring for a larger role.

Old, New Crisis That Faces Regional Parties: Regional satraps are vote-catchers but they often treat their parties like family property. They must establish a clear chain of command.

SWARAJYA SPECIAL

Fiscal Prudence, Jobs, Safety Nets: The Building Blocks To Tackle Inequality: There is no getting away from the fact that growing inequality will lead to social tensions. India is already seeing some of those tensions as the aspirational class finds itself increasingly dissatisfied.

We hope you enjoyed reading our morning brief. Have a great day ahead!

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