Wish you a very Happy Republic Day in Advance

Top 5 of the news of the Week

1. PM Modi and Nepal PM KP Oli Jointly Inaugurate 2^nd Integrated Check Post

2. UP ATS has arrested a suspected ISI agent in Varanasi, following specific inputs

3. 644 terrorists surrender along with 177 arms in Assam

4. RPF Unearthed the Fake e-Ticketing Gang

5. Enforcement Directorate has arrested CC Thampi of Holiday Group.

6. J P Nadda, formally and unanimously elected BJP President.

7. JnK: Union Ministers in State to Trust Building,

8. IMF remarks over Indian Economy forecast

9. CAA Rows Continue…

National

PM Modi and Nepal PM KP Oli Jointly Inaugurate 2nd Integrated Check Post

PM Modi and Nepal PM Oli to jointly inaugurate the 2nd Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Jogbani-Biratnagar, built with Indian assistance to facilitate trade and people’s movement.

The work on the newly-built ICP Jogbani-Biratnagar began in Dec, 2016 and completed in Oct 2019. It was built at a cost of 2.24 billion Nepalese rupees (Rs 140 crore) granted by India.

The 1st was built at the Raxaul-Birgunj border in 2018.

The Nepal PM said that the time is ripe for resolving all pending issues “through dialogue in the lasting interest of our two countries”.

The Indian government had committed to building as many as 50 K houses in Gorkha and Nuwakot districts, of which 45,000 have already been built.

It also features four inspection towers, two warehouses, two import-export processing area and two weighing machines that can measure loads of up to 80 tons.

PM Modi said that India is working on cross connectivity projects Road, Rail and Transmission lines in Nepal.

PM Modi and his Nepal counterpart K.P. Sharma Oli joined the inauguration ceremony to open South Asia’s first cross-border oil pipeline by video link from their respective capitals in last yr on Sept 10. A project seen as part of New Delhi’s efforts to increase its influence in the Himalayan nation where China is also making deep inroads.

India funded the 3.24 billion rupee ($45 million) pipeline project, which has an annual capacity of 2 million metric tons and will enable Nepal to import fuel from India at a lower cost.

The Himalayan nation, sandwiched between India and China, witnessed political instability for many years before the pro-China Left alliance came to power in the historic polls in Dec, 2017.

Nepal enjoys a special significance in India’s foreign policy due to its geographical, historical, cultural and economic linkages. [1]

Last yr in Dec the “landmark” decision was inked during the fourth India-Nepal coordination meeting held between Indian border guarding force SSB and its Nepalese counterpart APF at Pokhara, Nepal

The Republic of India and the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal initiated their relationship with the 1950 Indo-Nepal Treaty of Peace and Friendship and accompanying secret letters that defined security relations between the two countries, and an agreement governing both bilateral trade and trade transiting Indian territory.

UP ATS has arrested a suspected ISI agent in Varanasi, following specific inputs

Anti-Terror Squad (ATS) of Uttar Pradesh Police in a joint operation with Military Intelligence Unit has arrested Rashid Ahmed, an alleged Inter-Services Intelligence agent from Varanasi, who was passing on information to his handlers in Pakistan.

According to a press release of ATS, Military intelligence agencies received inputs a few months back regarding youth from Varanasi who was passing on critical information of Military establishments and CRPF camps to Pakistani Intelligence agencies over the phone.

AIR correspondent reports that the agency worked on this input through months of discreet surveillance and analysis with the support of other central agencies. Finally, a joint team of Military Intelligence and UP ATS nabbed Rashid who is a resident of Chandauli district of Uttar Pradesh. During the investigation, it was found that Ahmad had been to Pakistan twice and there he met the handlers.

According to the officials, the ISI agent used to get money and gifts in lieu of sending photographs and videos. A statement from ATS said that the suspect will be interrogated about how many places he has visited and clicked photographs and how much money or gifts he has got. He will also be quizzed about the locations and camps whose photos he has sent and how many other people are associated with him.

As per media, Apart from facilitating his Pakistani handler in getting Indian WhatsApp numbers, he had also shared photos and videos of several places, including Kashi Vishwanath temple, Air Force Selection Board office, Gyanvapi Mosque, Sankat Mochan temple, Cantt railway station, Dashashwamedh Ghat (in Varanasi), Agra Fort (UP), Naini Bridge and Ardh Kumbh Mela (in Prayagraj), CRPF camps in Chandauli and Amethi, Gorakhpur railway station, Renukoot Thermal Power Plant in Sonebhadra, India Gate in Delhi, Ajmeri Sharif in Rajasthan and Nagpur railway station in Maharashtra.

Apart from that, he also sent videos and photos of recent protests at Banaras Hindu University (BHU) and anti-CAA/NRC protests in Lucknow on being asked by his Pakistani handlers. The last known communication of Mohd Rashid with his handlers was on January 13, 2020.

RPF Unearthed the Fake e-Ticketing Gang

Railway Protection Force (RPF) DG: We’re a step ahead in operation against e-ticketing racket. We’ve unearthed an organized gang. Its kingpin is probably sitting in Dubai. We’re investigating the members of the gang, the manner in which the money is going to banks and some companies.

According to DG, those arrested in this connection had hacked the railway website and forged its ticket booking software to book e-tickets.

The e-ticketing racket has its roots in Dubai, Pakistan and Bangladesh. One Hamid Ashraf, the alleged kingpin of the e-ticketing racket busted by the RPF, was earlier arrested by the CBI.

Hamid, who is said to be a resident of Basti district in Uttar Pradesh, is currently based in Dubai and believed to be operating the fake e-ticketing racket from there.

Due to the illegal booking of tickets, the Indian Railways incurred losses running in several crores.

Gulam Mustafa (26), a native of Jharkhand, and his close aide Hanumantharaju M (37), a resident of Peenya, are the two other accused arrested by the RPF in this connection.

Due to the illegal booking of tickets, the Indian Railways incurred losses running in several crores.

The cash generated by selling e-tickets were routed to Dubai, Pakistan and Bangladesh through the Hawala network and used in anti-India activities.

During the operation, the RPF also seized software for creating fake Aadhar and pan cards and other government documents.

He had a Pakistan-based software to hack central government websites, bank accounts etc. He had gained access to several government websites and other banned websites.

Enforcement Directorate has arrested CC Thampi of Holiday Group.

AgustaWestland case: Matter to be next head by Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court will hearing the matter next on 31st Jan, on the plea by ED seeking to dismiss the bail plea of accused Gautam Khaitan. The court will also hear the plea seeking permission by Gautam Khaitan to go abroad.

The AugustaWestland VVIP chopper deal, the Indian helicopter bribery scandal refers to a multimillion-dollar corruption case in India, wherein money was paid to middlemen and Indian officials in 2006 and 2007 to purchase helicopters for high level politicians.

As per the CBI, this amounted to ₹2.5 billion (US$35 million), transferred through bank accounts in the UK and UAE.

Several Indian politicians and military officials were accused of accepting bribes from in it in order to win the ₹36 billion (US$500 million) Indian contract for the supply of 12 AgustaWestland AW101 helicopters.

Ahmed Patel, political secretary to Congress President Sonia Gandhi, is alleged by Italian prosecutors to have received kickbacks from the deal. [Indian Express. 10 Jan 2014]

J P Nadda, formally and unanimously elected BJP President.

Jagat Prakash Nadda, formally elected unanimously BJP president on Jan 21^st.

On one hand, he is lucky to get strong cadres support and unexemplary predecessor, Amit Shah while on other hand Nadda takes the reins at a time when the party is facing pressure over the controversial citizenship Act, NRC. The immediate electoral challenge for Nadda will be Bihar in Nov and Bengal in May 2021.

He was handpicked by PM Modi to be working president after the BJP won a second term in May 2019, and Shah moved to the home ministry.

JnK: Union Ministers in State to Trust Building,

On Jan 18, PM Modi met a team of ministers ahead of their visit to JnK as part of an outreach program starting today. He also said that the ministers should not restrict themselves to urban areas, asking them to visit villages and interact with locals. A team of 36 ministers, Smriti Irani, Piyush Goyal, Jitender Singh, Ravi Shankar Prasad, Kiren Rijiju, Hardeep Puri, G Kishen Reddy, Purshottam Singh Rupala, Mahendra Nath Pandey, General VK Singh, Gajender Singh Shekhawat and Anurag Thakur will be visiting several areas of the union territory – over the next 7 days, 5 months after the abrogation of Art 370.

Jan 22, JnK: Union Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi meets and interacts with locals at Lal Chowk in Srinagar. He said, “There is a positive environment, we are spreading the positivity among other people too by communicating with them.

Out of a dozen of delegations he met, one delegation seek Naqvi to extension of Article 371 and secure land rights, as in many NE states.

MoS for HRD, Sanjay Dhotre said that the Govt, under present leadership of Modi had sanctioned a development package of Rs. 80,000 crore for JnK in 2015. And those projects which have been lying dormant for last several decades are also being revived in a speedy manner.

On Jan 23^rd RS Prasad in Srinagar said “I encourage the idea of all-women post-office to be opened across the country. I want that the first all-women post-office in a Union Territory should open in Srinagar.

He added “all ministers of the center, including senior ones, are here monitoring everything and encouraging people. Children here are thirsty for development, digital age, sports”.

The Congress, which has accused the government of “double standards” by allowing foreign envoys to visit Jammu and Kashmir while blocking opposition leaders, dubbed the ministers’ visit a “propaganda mission”.

644 terrorists surrender along with 177 arms in Assam

Guwahati: A total of 644 terrorists of 8 banned insurgent outfits surrendered in Assam along with 177 arms, police said.

The members of the insurgent groups -ULFA (I), NDFB, RNLF, KLO, CPI (Maoist), NSLA, ADF and NLFB, surrendered in presence of Assam CM S Sonowal at a program. [1]

The government has identified 65 terror groups active in the country, out of which a maximum of 34 are in Manipur, the Lok Sabha was informed in 2013.

As per data of GoI, in 2017, Proscribed Terrorist/ Extremist Groups-3; Active Terrorist/Insurgent Groups-6; Inactive Terrorist/Insurgent Groups-37; and In Peace Talks / ceasefire (groups/ congrolamates -14.

CAA Row…

CAA row including NPR and NRC has taken as a serious concern for Govt as well as opposition, in order to address their constituency. Protests continue in favor and against CAA nationwide, including peaceful and violent. It became a tool for opposition to oppose the Govt, by adding it NPR and NRC.

On Jan 21^st

Home Min. Amit Shah in public rally in Lucknow, “I challenge Rahul, Akhilesh, Mamata and Mayawati for a discussion on CAA with me in public forum”. He further affirmed that “Protest as much as you want, the CAA won’t be withdrawn.” On Jan 24^th, Meanwhile, a UP state based party, SP Chief Akhilesh Yadav, BSP chief Mayawati accepted the challenge for open debate on CAA, asked by Home Min. Likewise, JDU leader, Pashant Kishor also challenged the Home Min to implement the CAA and NRC.

Home Affairs (S), G Kishan Reddy: It (NPR) is a constitutional obligation on states, they should not object to this. We will continue to sensitize them, disclosing information for NPR is voluntary.

‘Muslims ruled India for years, why ask for papers?’ says AIMIM leader Akbaruddin Owaisi.

CAA not aimed at taking away anybody’s citizenship, appeal to students to explain this to those misleading public: HRD Minister Pokhriyal

Even on 4o^th day of protest, an attempt has been made to end the Shaheen Bagh impasse. A delegation from Shaheen Bagh will meet Delhi Lt. Governor Anil Baijal. Protestors refuged to close protest, and said to wait for decision of SC. National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has taken cognizance of complaint of viral videos of children participating during protest against CAA at Shaheen Bagh. Commission has sought a report on it within 10 days from District Magistrate, South East Delhi.

In Lucknow, women continue to protest at Ghanta Ghar against CAA and National Register of Citizens (NRC). Police have registered 3 FIRs in connection with the ongoing protest.

Senior INC leader, Digvijaya Singh: We’re against CAA, NRC, and NPR. These are against constitution. We’re against center’s divisive policy. No one has the right to ask for proof of citizenship from people who chose to live here.

Likewise, Kapil Sibbal said that PM Narendra Modi, Amit Shah are a drag on Indian democracy.

Bengaluru: Protest held against CAA and NRC at Chandni Chowk, Shivajinagar.

Pavan K. Varma, National Gen Secy of Janata Dal (United): I’ve written to CM Nitish Kumar today asking him how JD(U) has formed an alliance with BJP for Delhi Elections, given his own views on BJP and the massive national outrage against divisive CAA, NPR and NRC scheme.

On Jan 22^nd

Amid, the various protests going on nationwide for and against CAA, NPR and NRC, Supreme Court is last hope to protestors against CAA. On hearing 143 petitions against CAA, SC refused to put stay the CAA and NPR process and has given 4 week time to center for responding against petitions. Court indicates setting up of Constitution Bench to hear the petitions challenging CAA. SC restrains all high courts from taking up any plea till its decision. The bench will work out the schedule for hearing the cases and take up the cases after 5 weeks to pass interim orders.

Meanwhile, a channel tweeted a video showing “On camera, women at CAA protest in Uttar Pradesh’s Etawah (UP) chased, thrashed by cops.”

A Left leader Sitaram Yechuri tweeted “Indians have understood the Chronology of lies and deception of Modi govt and the CAA-NRC-NPR scheme. This is in Gulbarga (Karnataka) where I was today.”

Jan 24^th

BSF IG (S Bengal Frontier) Y B Khurania informed to media, “there has been substantial increase in outflow of illegal Bangladeshi migrants post CAA”

Stones were hurled at a pro-CAA rally organized by the BJP at Lohardaga, prompting police to lob teargas shells to control the situation. Some 50 person reposted to be injured and curfew imposed in the area.

Nagaland CM Neiphiu Rio says Nagas are “fully protected” under the CAA.

UP Min Mohsin Raza on protest against CAA-NRC: A few days back there were some recoveries, manner in which ruckus was created, recovery of letters by PFI & the distribution of its handbills clearly indicate that they’re spread in various distts and operating by opening small offices.

Delhi Police: Crime Branch has registered total 10 cases till now, in connection with protests against CAA and NRC, in Daryaganj, SE area & NE area. Total 102 persons have been arrested.

The Economist Magazine targeted PM over CAA and claimed that 20 Cr Muslims are in fear.

This is responded by Dr V Chauthaiwale, Foreign Affairs Dept, BJP, and tweeted “We thought the Brits had left in 1947! But the editors of The Economist are still living in in colonial era. They are furious when 600m Indians do not follow their explicit instructions of not voting Modi.”

Yog Guru Ramdev, in Delhi: No one can be stripped off their citizenship. Misinformation is being spread that citizenship of Muslims will be revoked through CAA. It’s wrong. There are some domestic & international forces that want to create division in society.

After UN’s highest court says Myanmar’s Rohingya at risk of genocidal violence, all states are obliged to protect them. India should revoke CAA that excludes Muslims, comply with international responsibilities, and stop threats to deport refugees.

On 25^th, Raj Govt (INC) also passed resolution against CAA.

IMF forecast over Indian Economy

On Jan 21^st, Chief Economist of the International Monetary Fund Gita Gopinath said in a interview with Indian TV channel that ‘India Needs Investment’: IMF’s On Snub To Jeff Bezos

She said India needs a lot of investment and it is important to encourage it, in reference to the government’s cold-shoulder to Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos during his visit last week. Jeff Bezos, during a 3-day visit to India that featured no meeting with any minister or government official, promised to invest $1 billion in India.

She further added, “we need to revive domestic investment in India, consumption spending is weak. So I think the environment has to be created for greater investment because that’s what will raise the capital stock and raise India’s potential growth.” She has also opposed the demonetization program of Govt, and got support from INC leader, and former FM P Chidambaram. The snub to the Amazon boss was linked by many to criticism of PM Modi and the government in the Washington Post, owned by Jeff Bezos.

While yesterday, IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva said that Growth slowdown in India temporary. Speaking at the WEF 2020, she also said the world appears a better place in January 2020 compared to what it was when IMF announced its World Economic Outlook in Oct 2019.

“It is still sluggish growth. We want fiscal policies to be more aggressive and we want structural reforms and more dynamism,” the managing director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said. On emerging markets, she said they are also moving forward.