1. No negative dam impact, says China on India fears
2. US NSA Jake Sullivan visits India on Jan 5-6
3. Cross-posting of aides-de-camp begins in run-up to theaterisation as MoD terms 2025 ‘year of reforms’
4. Indian Coast Guard helicopter crashes during landing in Gujarat, three dead
5. With PM Modi expected to visit Paris in Feb, deals to buy Rafale fighter jets, Scorpene subs for Navy reach final stage

What Else

1. MEA slams WaPo reporting on ‘anti-Muizzu plot’, Pakistan killings. ‘Nurse compulsive hostility’
2. Bangladesh cancels judicial officials’ participation in Feb training in India
3. India assured continued support to Maldives amidst the nation’s economic challenges
4. Stakeholders to be given adequate time for compliance with Digital Personal Data Protection Act: Centre
5. PM Modi to inaugurate Jammu railway division, terminal station in Telangana
6. ‘Disaster’ of AAP will be removed from Delhi, says PM Modi at Parivartan rally; Kejriwal hits back
7. Pakistan: Deadly bomb targets convoy carrying Security forces
8. Bahladesh: Foreign Ministry unveiled a comprehensive report on enhancing economic engagement with Saudi Arabia
9. Bahladesh: 3 to die for killing student in Dhaka

—————-

No negative dam impact, says China on India fears

• China has claimed that its massive hydropower project on the Brahmaputra River in Tibet will have no negative impact on the lower reaches of the river, which flows through India and Bangladesh.
• The project, which involves the construction of the world’s largest dam, has raised concerns in India and Bangladesh about potential disruptions to water flow and the impact on downstream communities.
• According to China’s Foreign Ministry, the project aims to develop clean energy, respond to climate change, and prevent extreme hydrological disasters.
• China has claimed that it has taken safeguard measures to protect the security of the project and the ecological environment.
• However, India has expressed its concerns and reservations about the project, citing the potential for China to control water flow and use it as leverage during conflicts.
• India is also constructing its dam on the Brahmaputra River in Arunachal Pradesh.
• Beijing has approved the construction of the dam, which is expected to cost over $137 billion, making it one of the most expensive infrastructure projects in the world. (more)
• Possible Implication: However, massive dam construction in Tibet can have significant implications for India, mainly China’s ability to control water flow, which could be used as leverage during conflicts.
• This is particularly worrisome given the dam’s unprecedented scale and China’s history of using water as a diplomatic tool.
• The dam could potentially disrupt the natural flow of the Brahmaputra River, affecting India’s water security and the livelihoods of people dependent on the river.
• Agriculture and Irrigation: Changes in water flow could impact agricultural production and irrigation systems in India’s northeastern states, particularly Assam and Arunachal.
• Hydropower Generation: The dam could also affect India’s hydropower generation capabilities, as the Brahmaputra River is a significant source of hydroelectric power.
• Flood Control: China’s control over the dam could potentially impact flood control measures in India, as the dam’s water release could exacerbate flooding downstream.
• India remains cautious and is likely to be a topic of ongoing diplomatic discussion between the two nations.
• Notably, the Brahmaputra’s water sources comprise 7-30% from China, over 60% from India’s Arunachal Pradesh, and the remaining percentage from other sources including Bangladesh and Bhutan.

US NSA Jake Sullivan visits India on Jan 5-6

• US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan is visiting India on Jan 5-6 to discuss key issues, including the implications of Chinese dams on the Brahmaputra River.
• This visit highlights the growing collaboration between the US and India, particularly in addressing regional security concerns.
• Sullivan is expected to meet with Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to discuss various aspects of the US-India partnership, including:
• Defense Cooperation: Strengthening bilateral defense ties and exploring opportunities for cooperation in space and emerging technologies.
• Chinese Dams: Addressing concerns about Chinese infrastructure projects, particularly the construction of dams on the Brahmaputra River, which could have significant environmental and strategic implications for India.
• Innovation Alliance: Promoting the US-India innovation alliance, with a focus on critical and emerging technologies.
• Sullivan’s visit underscores the importance of the US-India relationship in addressing regional and global challenges. (more)

Cross-posting of aides-de-camp begins in run-up to theaterisation as MoD terms 2025 ‘year of reforms’

• In a step towards integrating the Army, Navy, and Air Force, the chiefs of these services will now have aides-de-camp from each other’s services.
• This cross-posting aims to foster greater understanding and cooperation among the services, ultimately enhancing operational efficiency.
• The concept of integration, referred to as “theaterisation,” is being spearheaded by the Integrated Defence Staff, headed by Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan.
• This process began in 2022 and has made significant progress, with the forces ironing out 80-90% of their differences over the past two years.
• The Ministry of Defence has outlined key areas for focus, including:
• New Domains: Cyber, space, and emerging technologies like AI, machine learning, and robotics.
• Inter-Service Cooperation: Developing a shared understanding of operational requirements and joint operational capabilities through training and cooperation.
• Timely Procurement: Simplifying acquisition procedures to facilitate swift and robust capability development.
• Technology Transfer: Facilitating knowledge sharing between the defense sector and civil industries, and promoting public-private partnerships.
• The defense ministry has emphasized the need to break silos and optimize resources through effective civil-military coordination.
• With 2025 declared the “year of reforms,” India’s military is poised for significant transformation. (more)

Indian Coast Guard helicopter crashes during landing in Gujarat, three dead

• A tragic incident occurred at the Porbandar airport in Gujarat, India, on Sun, when an Indian Coast Guard helicopter crashed during landing, killing all 3 crew members.
• The Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) was on a routine sortie when it crashed at around 12:10 pm IST.
• The 3 crew members, Commandant Saurabh, Deputy Commandant SK Yadav, and Navik Manoj Pradhan, suffered severe burns and were rushed to a nearby hospital, where they succumbed to their injuries.
• The ICG has announced that the mortal remains of the crew will be cremated as per service traditions and honor.
• An investigation into the incident is underway, with a Board of Inquiry being set up to determine the cause of the crash. (more)

With PM Modi expected to visit Paris in Feb, deals to buy Rafale fighter jets, Scorpene subs for Navy reach final stage

• India is nearing the signing of major defense deals with France, worth around ₹1 lakh crore, to procure 26 Rafale-Marine fighter jets and 3 additional Scorpene submarines.
• These deals are expected to be finalized during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Paris in Feb.
• The Rafale-Marine fighter jets will be deployed on the INS Vikrant, India’s indigenous aircraft carrier.
• The Indian Navy has opted not to integrate the indigenous Uttam radar system into the Rafale-M fleet to avoid delays and increased costs.
• The submarines will be constructed at the Mazagon Docks in Mumbai, with the first submarine expected to launch in 6 years, followed by subsequent units at one-year intervals.
• This deal will bolster the existing fleet of 6 Scorpenes, known as the Kalvari-class.
• These defense deals reflect the growing strategic relationship between India and France, aimed at addressing increasing security concerns in the region. (more)

MEA slams WaPo reporting on ‘anti-Muizzu plot’, Pakistan killings. ‘Nurse compulsive hostility’

• India has strongly denied allegations made by The Washington Post, which claimed that India was involved in a plot to oust the Maldivian govt and a targeted assassination campaign in Pakistan.
• The Ministry of External Affairs spox, dismissed the reports, stating that The Washington Post and its reporter have a “nurse-compulsive hostility” towards India.
• Spox also responded to Pakistan’s Deputy PM and FM Ishaq Dar’s comments on normalizing ties between India and Pakistan, saying that “there is terrorism and not tango” – emphasizing that terrorism is a major concern that needs to be addressed.
• The WaPo reports alleged that Indian intelligence agencies were involved in a plot to impeach Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu and that India’s external intelligence agency, the R&AW, was involved in assassinations in Pakistan.
• However, India has denied these allegations, questioning the credibility of The Washington Post’s reporting. (more)

Bangladesh cancels judicial officials’ participation in Feb training in India

• The participation of 50 Bangladeshi judicial officials in a training program at the National Judicial Academy in Bhopal and a state judicial academy in India, scheduled for February 10-20, has been canceled due to directives from the Supreme Court.
• The program was part of a bilateral agreement signed in April 2017 to enhance the capacity and expertise of Bangladeshi judicial officials.
• The Indian govt was to bear all expenses for the training.
• The cancellation was disclosed in a circular issued by the Ministry of Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs on Sun, which also mentioned that the initial approval for the officials’ participation was granted on Dec 30. (more)

India assured continued support to Maldives amidst the nation’s economic challenges

• This development comes after a significant improvement in ties between the two countries, which had difficulties faced after Mohamed Muizzu assumed the presidency in Malé in Nov 2023.
• Recently, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Maldivian FM Abdulla Khaleel held bilateral discussions, reviewing progress on understandings reached during President Muizzu’s state visit to India in Oct 2024.
• Khaleel appreciated India’s timely emergency financial assistance and acknowledged India’s role as the “First Responder of Maldives”.
• ‘Relations with China won’t compromise our relations with India’ says Khaleel in an interview.
• Maldives is facing significant economic challenges, with its long-term debt downgraded to junk status by Fitch in June 2024.
• India has extended financial support, including a $50 million loan rollover and $757 million in funding granted in Oct 2024.
• This support has helped ease tensions and improve ties between the two nations.
• The relationship between India and Maldives has undergone significant changes in the past year.
• Initially, Muizzu’s govt had adopted an “India Out” stance, with ministers criticizing PM Modi.
• However, as Maldives’ economic situation worsened, the government began to seek support from India, leading to a thaw in relations. (more)
• Defence Minister Maumoon to visit India next week: DM Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon is set to visit India on Jan 7^th-8^th, marking the first-ever visit by a Maldivian DM to Delhi in the current govt.
• This visit comes on the heels of Maldives Foreign Minister Abdulla Khaleel’s recent visit to India. (more)

Stakeholders to be given adequate time for compliance with Digital Personal Data Protection Act: Centre

• The Indian govt has announced that stakeholders will be given adequate time to comply with the Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDPA).
• This move aims to ensure a smooth transition and implementation of the new data protection law.
• The Centre has assured stakeholders will have sufficient time to adapt to the new regulations.
• The DPDPA aims to protect individuals’ data and regulate its processing by entities.
• The law will apply to both, govt and private entities that process personal data.
• The govt will soon notify the rules and guidelines for compliance with the DPDPA.
• The Centre’s decision to provide adequate time for compliance acknowledges the complexity of the new regulations and the need for stakeholders to adjust their systems and processes accordingly. (more)

PM Modi to inaugurate Jammu railway division, terminal station in Telangana

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate and lay the foundation stone of multiple railway projects on Mon.
• One of the key projects is the Jammu Railway Division, which will significantly benefit J&K and surrounding regions by improving connectivity to other parts of India.
• Another project is the Charlapalli New Terminal Station in Telangana, which has been developed as a new coaching terminal with a cost of around Rs 413 crore.
• This environment-friendly terminal will ease congestion on existing coaching terminals in the city.
• Additionally, Modi will lay the foundation stone for the Rayagada Railway Division Building of East Coast Railway, which will improve connectivity in Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and nearby areas.
• These projects are expected to create employment opportunities, promote tourism, and lead to overall socio-economic development of the regions. (more)
• Banihal bypass to strengthen national security logistics, enhance tourism in Kashmir:  Gadkari
• The Banihal Bypass is set to play a crucial role in strengthening national security logistics and boosting tourism in Kashmir.
• Union Minister Nitin Gadkari announced the completion of this 4-lane road, which will significantly reduce travel time and congestion between Jammu and Srinagar.
• Improved Connectivity: The bypass will enhance regional connectivity, making it easier for people and goods to move between Jammu and Kashmir.
• Boost to Tourism: With reduced travel time and improved road conditions, the bypass is expected to attract more tourists to the region.
• Enhanced National Security: The bypass will strengthen national security logistics, enabling faster and more efficient movement of troops and equipment.
• The Banihal Bypass is part of a broader effort to develop Jammu and Kashmir’s infrastructure, including roads, highways, and tunnels.
• These initiatives aim to promote economic growth, improve connectivity, and enhance the overall quality of life for the region’s residents. (more)

‘Disaster’ of AAP will be removed from Delhi, says PM Modi at Parivartan rally; Kejriwal hits back

• PM Modi has launched a scathing attack on the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), referring to it as “AAPda” (disaster) and urging Delhiites to remove it from power.
• Speaking at a Parivartan Rally, Modi expressed disappointment over the Delhi government’s failure to implement the Centre’s Ayushman Bharat Yojana.
• Modi alleged that the AAP government has pushed Delhi towards disaster and accused its leaders of corruption and making false promises.
• He also took a swipe at AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal, saying he could have built a luxurious home for himself but instead prioritized providing homes for everyone.
• Kejriwal has hit back at Modi’s comments, with Delhi minister Saurabh Bharadwaj questioning the Centre’s contribution to Delhi’s development.
• Bharadwaj highlighted the AAP govt’s achievements in improving the city’s sewage system, water supply, and electricity, and invited Modi to visit Delhi’s schools to see the progress made.
• The exchange is a precursor to the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections, with the BJP and AAP engaging in a war of words. (more)

[Neighborhood]

Pakistan: Deadly bomb targets convoy carrying Security forces

• A bombing in Turbat, Balochistan, Pakistan, killed at least four people and injured dozens more on Sat.
• The attack targeted vehicles carrying both civilians and security forces, with most of the victims being members of the Frontier Corps paramilitary force.
• The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), a separatist organization, claimed responsibility for the attack, stating that one of its suicide bombers was involved.
• However, the authenticity of this claim has not been verified.
• This incident is the latest in a series of violent attacks in Balochistan, which has been experiencing a surge in militant activity over the past year.
• The province has seen numerous attacks claimed by or blamed on the BLA and other ethnic Baloch separatist groups, who are fighting for independence from Pakistan.
• In a separate incident, a gun attack on a govt convoy in northwestern KP province injured at least 4 people, including the district deputy commissioner.
• The convoy was en route to the besieged Kurram district on the Afghan border to oversee the distribution of essential supplies. (more)

Bahladesh: Foreign Ministry unveiled a comprehensive report on enhancing economic engagement with Saudi Arabia

• The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Bangladesh has released a comprehensive report on boosting economic ties with Saudi Arabia.
• The report, “Enhancing Saudi-Bangladesh Economic Engagement, Trends, Key Challenges & Long-term Growth Prospects,” was prepared with research support from Policy Exchange, a private think tank in Dhaka.
• The report aims to strengthen economic cooperation between the two nations by identifying challenges and opportunities.
• It’s expected to serve as a guide for both governments and private sectors to unlock the full potential of their economic partnership.
• Key officials, including Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain and Saudi Ambassador Essa Yousef Essa Alduhailan, reiterated their commitment to fostering a stronger economic partnership and creating an investor-friendly environment. (more)

Bahladesh: 3 to die for killing student in Dhaka

• Three people, including a student, were killed in Dhaka recently.
• The student, who was not named, was killed, allegedly by some leaders and activists of the Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL), the student wing of the ruling Awami League.
• A Dhaka court yesterday sentenced three people to death for killing Ismail Hossain Jisan, 24, a student of the European University of Bangladesh, in Dhaka’s Sher-e-Bangla Nagar in 2019.
• The convicts are Hasibul Hossain alias Hasib, Shrabon alias Shaon and Abdullah Al Noman. Of them, Hasib and Noman are now in jail while Shaon is on the run.
• Judge Farzana Yeasmin of the Dhaka 5^th Additional Metropolitan Sessions Judge’s Court handed down the verdict in the presence of Hasib and Noman in the courtroom.

The judge acquitted another accused, Sajni Akhter, as her involvement with the killing was not proven. (more)