Morning Digest | Doval discusses high-tech cooperation in Moscow; Centre cuts windfall tax on domestic crude oil, and more

Here’s a select list of stories to read before you start your day

Doval discusses high-tech cooperation, outer space in Moscow

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval met with Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov, who is in charge of Russia’s weapons industry, on Thursday in Moscow. The second day of official engagements saw Mr. Doval exchange ideas on a wide variety of issues, including bilateral trade, technological collaboration, and cultural cooperation.

Customised defence deals offered to offset sanctions impact: Senior Russian military official

Russian exporters of military products, today, are operating in a new reality and payments for defence deals in U.S. dollar and euro have been reduced to a minimum and they are adopting various measures to offset the impact of sanctions including switching to payments in national currencies, according to Dmitry Shugaev, Director of the Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation (FSMTC) of Russia.

“In connection with the current political events, certain logistical problems may arise, which entails changes in the timing of the supply of military products to foreign customers. However, the measures we are taking together with partners, including the Indian side, to find and implement alternative ways of supplying military products will neutralise the barriers erected by Western countries against Russia in the field of military-technical cooperation,” Mr. Shugaev said in response to a question from  The Hindu.

Amit Shah directs police chiefs of border States to keep vigil on demographic changes

Home Minister Amit Shah on August 18 asked the police chiefs of border States to keep strict vigil on demographic changes and radicalisation in border districts. He said the soon-to-be-launched 5G technology should be used to strengthen the security system, and a presentation was made on emerging challenges around the technology.