1. “Thousands can’t be uprooted overnight,” SC stays eviction order in Uttarakhand’s Haldwani
2. Centre bans Lashkar off-shoot The Resistance Front, declares it a ‘terrorist’ organization
3. German Chancellor Scholz to visit India in Feb, French President Macron in Mar
4. ISIS conspiracy case: NIA raids six locations in Karnataka, arrests two operatives
5. India to focus on health emergency prevention, preparedness, response during G20 Presidency

What Else

6. Sivakumar Nadesan awarded 2023 Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award for upliftment of Indian-origin Tamils in Lanka
7. Nadella Meets PM; Says Govt’s Focus On Sustainable, Inclusive Economic Growth Inspiring
8. Joshimath sinking: Char Dham road works, key projects halted amid local protests
9. Bharat Jodo Yatra leaves UP, re-enters Haryana
10. Twitter hacked, 200 million user email addresses leaked, researcher says
11. Pakistan: FO rubbishes reports of Pakistan air strikes in Afghanistan
12. Pak Army chief travels to Saudi Arabia on his maiden visit abroad
13. GB govt has bowed down to protests by AeT and AAC
14. SBP-held reserves plunge to lowest since April 2014
15. Sri Lanka to restart trade deal talks with India, China and Thailand – official
16. Contract for Extraction of Amu Darya Oil Signed with CPEIC
17. China defends Covid reporting transparency, says case numbers compare favorably with other nations
18. Taiwan detains military officers suspected of spying for China

“Thousands can’t be uprooted overnight,” SC stays eviction order in Uttarakhand’s Haldwani

• The Supreme Court on Thu stayed the Uttarakhand High Court’s decision directing authorities to remove encroachments from railway land in Haldwani.
• The SC issued a notice to the state govt and India Railways on the pleas challenging the High Court’s decision to remove encroachments.
• SC said that 50,000 people can’t be uprooted overnight.
• The case has now been listed for its next hearing on Feb 7.
• The High Court had on Dec 20 ordered the removal of encroachments after giving notice to the residents one week in advance.
• A total of 4,365 encroachments could have been removed from the 29 acres area.
• Residents have been protesting against the removal of encroachments from railway land in compliance with a High Court order. (here)
• [Another Shaheen Bagh in making. Also, either state center could have been serious about it 7 days hadn’t passed]
• ‘Shaheen Ki Sherni’ chants were heard across the protest site, where people have gathered against HC’s order on the demolition of encroachments.

Centre bans Lashkar off-shoot The Resistance Front, declares it a ‘terrorist’ organization

• The Ministry of Home Affairs has declared the terror outfit The Resistance Front as a “terrorist” organization, which is said to be a proxy outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).
• MHA release says that TRF is recruiting youth through an online medium for the furtherance of terrorist activities and carrying out propaganda on terror activities.
• TRF is involved in the recruitment, infiltration, and smuggling of weapons and narcotics from Pakistan into J&K.
• Sheikh Sajjad Gul is a Commander of The TRF and has been designated as a terrorist under the IVth schedule of the said Act.
• The release says that the central govt believes that the outfit is involved in terrorism and has committed and participated in various acts of terrorism in India. (here)

German Chancellor Scholz to visit India in Feb, French President Macron in Mar

• Leaders of the EU’s two biggest economies, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz will visit India in the first quarter of 2023.
• The bilateral visits will be in addition to visits in Sept to participate in the G20 summit.
• The focus has been to increase economic engagement and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, as both have issued policy statements in which ties with India have been key.
• Ahead of the Macron visit, likely to take place in Mar, his diplomatic adviser Emmanuel Bonne was in Delhi on Thu.
• He took part in the 36^th Indo-French strategic dialogue with India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, met EAM Dr. S Jaishankar, and called on PM Modi.
• A French readout – the visit was about defense and security cooperation, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, counter-terrorism, cyber-security, space, and civil nuclear energy.
• Ahead of Macron’s visit, both sides have also been discussing ways to speed up the setting up of the civilian nuclear power reactors at Jaitapur of Maharashtra.
• This will be Scholz’s 1^st India visit since taking charge on Dec 2021, since then PM Modi visited Germany twice, 1^st on a bilateral visit, then to attend the G7 summit. (here)

ISIS conspiracy case: NIA raids six locations in Karnataka, arrests two operatives

• The National Investigation Agency on Thu carried out searches at 6 locations and arrested 2 operatives in connection with the Shivamogga ISIS conspiracy case.
• NIA conducted these raids in Karnataka’s Dakshina Kannada, Shivamogga, Davanagere, and Bengaluru districts in connection with a case, which was registered on Sept 19.
• Both arrested persons are residents of Karnataka as the 2 has already been arrested earlier in the case relates to a conspiracy to further the terror activities of the IS. (here)

India to focus on health emergency prevention, preparedness, response during G20 Presidency

• Union Health Min on Thu said that during G20 Presidency, India will focus on health emergencies prevention preparedness, and response through One Health and AMR.
• Using a One Health approach, which helps design, implement and monitor programs, policies, and research on Anti-Microbial Resistance surveillance.
• India will aim to play a major role in discussions in multiple forums for Global Health Architecture and act as an enabler for reducing fragmentation and duplication.
• India will aim to play a proactive role in representing the Global South in the negotiations across multilateral Global health platforms.
• 11 Omicron sub-variants traced to international flyers in 11 days: Govt-India started random screening of 2% of international passengers arriving from Dec 24 onwards.
• Given a surge in Covid-19 cases in several countries, especially China, Japan, and South Korea among others. (here)

Sivakumar Nadesan awarded 2023 Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award for upliftment of Indian-origin Tamils in Lanka

• Sivakumar Nadesan, President of the Global Organisation of the People of Indian origin in Sri Lanka, is a recipient of the 2023 PBSA, the highest honor conferred by India
• The Indian diaspora will play an important role in the developmental trajectory of the country, said the Secy (Consular and Diaspora), MEA, Ausaf Sayeed on Thu.
• Speaking at a special MEA briefing, Sayeed said this will be the first PBD convention as India enters the Amrit Kaal, per PM Modi’s vision of the Amanibhar Bharat.
• The 17^th edition of the PBD Convention is scheduled to be held from Jan 8-10 in Indore.
• Sayeed said that the govt has received an enthusiastic response from the diaspora for with more than 3,500 registrations from 70 different countries.
• The formal inauguration of the PBD convention will be done by PM Modi and Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of Guyana will be the Chief guest. (here)

Nadella Meets PM; Says Govt’s Focus On Sustainable, Inclusive Economic Growth Inspiring

• Microsoft Chairman and CEO Satya Nadella, who is on a 4-day visit to India, met PM Modi and pledged the company’s support in the country to realize Digital India.
• The Microsoft top honcho described his meeting with the PM as “insightful,” and lauded the govt’s focus on economic growth driven by digital transformation. (here)

Joshimath sinking: Char Dham road works, key projects halted amid local protests

• The govt suspended the widening of the all-weather Char Dham road between Helang and Marwari “until further orders” on Thu in Chamoli
• This came after thousands of locals blocked the NH-58 for hours after a night of vigil and a day of protests.
• When finished, the project will cost an estimated Rs 12,000 cr and cover 889 km.
• The local administration said that the BRO Helang bypass construction be suspended immediately in light of the recent sinking of lands in Joshimath.
• The Disaster Management Act’s sections 33 and 34 provide that the instructions are in effect until new directives are issued. (here)

Bharat Jodo Yatra leaves UP, re-enters Haryana

• Congress’s Bharat Jodo Yatra on Thu completed its Uttar Pradesh leg and re-entered the state of Haryana.
• Thousands of people were seen welcoming the Bharat Jodo Yatra in the Shamli district of Uttar Pradesh on the final day of the UP leg.
• Former Congress President Rahul Gandhi has been leading the Bharat Jodo Yatra which started from Kanyakumari last year.
• The Yatra entered UP on Jan 3 and started from Ailum in the Shamli district. (here)

Twitter hacked, 200 million user email addresses leaked, researcher says

• Hackers stole the email addresses of more than 200 million Twitter users and posted them on an online hacking forum, a security researcher said Wed.
• Twitter has not commented on the report, which Gal first posted about on social media on Dec 24, nor responded to inquiries about the breach since that date.
• It was not clear what action, if any, Twitter has taken to investigate or remediate the issue.
• Screenshots of the hacker forum, where the data appeared on Wed, have circulated online.
• Reuters could not independently verify the data on the forum was authentic and came from Twitter. (here)

[NEIGHBORHOOD]

Pakistan: FO rubbishes reports of Pakistan air strikes in Afghanistan

• The Foreign Office on Thu categorically rejected reports claiming that Pakistan had carried out airstrikes in Afghanistan and called them “utterly baseless and malicious”.
• The statement came hours after reports surfaced claiming Pakistan had carried out airstrikes in Afghanistan’s Nangarhar province.
• Afghan newspaper Hasht-e-Subh (sources) -Pakistan “bombed targets in Salala neighborhood in the vicinity of Gushta district” on Thu morning.
• The TTP, which has ideological linkages with the Afghan Taliban, executed more than 100 attacks last year, most of which happened after Aug. (here)
• 11 terrorists killed in South Waziristan IBO: ISPR-At least 11 terrorists, including a commander and 2 suicide bombers, were killed in South Waziristan on Thu.
• In the release issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations, security forces “successfully foiled a high-profile terrorist activity” during the operation.
• A large number of weapons and ammunition were also recovered from the killed terrorists. (here)

Pak Army chief travels to Saudi Arabia on his maiden visit abroad

• Pakistan Army chief Gen Asim Munir on Thu traveled to Saudi Arabia on his 1^st official visit abroad where he met Def Min and discussed ways to strengthen bilateral ties.
• Gen Munir was received by Def Min and during the meeting, they emphasized the strength and durability of bilateral relations between the two fraternal countries.
• The meeting was attended by the Chief of General Staff; Assistant Def Min and several Saudi and Pakistani military and civilian officials.
• The media wing of the Pakistan Army – earlier said that General Munir would be visiting Saudi Arabia and the UAE from Jan 4-10.
• Pakistan and Saudi Arabia enjoy close military and economic ties and the kingdom has been providing critical support at crucial hours.
• Earlier, PM Shehbaz Sharif also toured Saudi Arabia and the UAE in a bid to secure funds for the cash-strapped country. (here)

GB govt has bowed down to protests by Anjuman-e-Tajran and Awami Action Committee

• The local Urdu media reported that the GB govt has bowed down to protests by Anjuman-e-Tajran and Awami Action Committee.
• The Khalid Khurshid Govt has agreed to fulfill the demands put forth by protestors. (Baad-e-Shimal, Daily K2)
• Protests in Gilgit-Baltistan continued for the 8^th consecutive day at Skardu city against Pakistan over illegal land occupation surge in electricity prices and unfair taxes.
• According to Voice of Vienna, land grabbing and heavy taxes triggered a widespread protest against the Pak army in PoK’s Gilgit-Baltistan (GB).
• Local traders and members of political and social organizations observed a shutters-down strike in different parts, keeping markets closed and vehicles off the roads.
• Most of these demonstrations were held in Skardu, Gilgit, Hunza, and Ghizer, and reportedly attended by a large crowd despite freezing temperatures.
• Meanwhile, videos surfaced on social media showing a different side of the protests in which police opened fire directly on protesters in the Minawar area of Gilgit. (here)

SBP-held reserves plunge to lowest since April 2014

• The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP)-held foreign exchange reserves fell further as the country paid external debts amid a severe economic crisis.
• During the week ended on Dec 30, 2022, the central bank’s forex reserves fell $245 million to $5.57 billion, SBP said Thu, down from last week’s reserves of $5.821 billion.
• The net foreign reserves held by commercial banks amount to $5.84 billion, with the total reserves clocking in at $11.42 billion, the statement mentioned.
• The reserves, which hit their lowest level since Apr 2014, will now only provide import cover worth 36 days, as the country tries to lessen imports amid a greenback shortage.
• Amid a crisis-like situation, Pak will have to repay approx $8.3 bn in the shape of external debt servicing over the next 3 months (Jan-Mar) of the current fiscal year.
• The govt is eyeing to pass the 9^th review of the IMF to secure a $1.7 billion bailout package, but both sides have made no substantial headway in recent days. (here)

Sri Lanka to restart trade deal talks with India, China and Thailand – official

• Sri Lanka will restart negotiations on trade pacts with India, China, and Thailand after a 4-hear hiatus, as the country races to seal deals to help it rebuild its economy.
• Lanka (22 mn) is in the midst of its worst financial crisis, triggered by a severe shortage of foreign exchange that has left the country struggling to pay for essentials.
• Officials from Thailand are scheduled to arrive in Sri Lanka on Mon to start the 3^rd round of talks after negotiations were suspended in 2018.
• Negotiations with India and China, Sri Lanka’s biggest trading partners accounting for about $5 billion each in bilateral trade in 2021, are expected to begin in Feb and Mar.
• “My main goal is to have all these deals completed by the end of 2023 or early 2024,” said K.J. Weerasinghe, Sri Lanka’s Chief Negotiator of Free Trade Agreements. (here)

Contract for Extraction of Amu Darya Oil Signed with CPEIC

• The contract was signed at a ceremony in which senior members of the Islamic Emirate and the Chinese ambassador in Kabul Wang Yi participated.
• The acting minister of mines and petroleum, Shahabuddin Delawar said the 1^st 3 years will be exploratory and more than $540 mn will be invested,
• 4,500 km² will be under the project in 3 provinces, including Sar-e-Pul, Jawzjan, and Faryab from which at least 1,000 to 20,000 tons of oil will be extracted.
• Minister said that if the company failed to fulfill the pledged principles, the contract will be canceled. The contract is due for 25 years.
• Kabul will get a 20% share in the project and 15% in its profit and it will increase to 75% in the coming years and will also provide jobs to at least 3k people. (here)

China defends Covid reporting transparency, says case numbers compare favorably with other nations

• China pushed back on Thu against allegations that it has not been transparent about the severity of the Covid-19 surge that has ripped through the country.
• “China has always shared his information and data responsibly with the international community” Liu Pengyu, spokesman for Beijing’s Washington embassy.
• “In the last month we have two exchanges with the [WHO],” Liu said.
• Liu’s assessment follows comments last week by Mike Ryan, the WHO’s emergencies director, that current figures from China under-represented hospitalization, ICU and “particularly in terms of death”. (here)

Taiwan detains military officers suspected of spying for China

• Taiwan has detained a retired Air Force captain and 3 active military officers in the city of Kaohsiung on suspicion of spying for China, Central News Agency reported on Thu.
• As many as 7 individuals were brought for questioning on Tue, with 3 of them having been released on $3,260 bail, Taiwan Focus reported.