1. PM Modi hails Genome India Project, know-how will its data works for preventing diseases
2. ‘PM Modi considers Indian diaspora his family’: Odisha Deputy CM Pravati Parida
3. PM Modi Makes Podcast Debut With Nikhil Kamath: ‘Mistakes Happen… I’m Also Human, not A God’
4. Bangladesh rejects WB CM’s allegation that Indian fishermen were beaten up
5. Moments leading up to Tirupati stampede that claimed 6 lives; TTD apologizes

What Else

1. Pakistan, Bangladesh Invited For An ‘Undivided India’ Event, Islamabad Confirms
2. Canada denies 4 Indian-origin men accused of killing Hardeep Singh Nijjar were granted bail
3. BSF BGB officials hold meeting discuss cooperation along border
4. ‘No Interference Warranted’: SC Rejects Pleas to Review Same-Sex Marriage Verdict
5. Indian student in UK criticizes university for ‘bias’ in hate campaign investigations
6. Pakistan: Separatists attack government office; burn police station in restive southwest
7. Myanmar junta airstrike kills at least 40 in Rakhine state
8. Bangladesh: Tracey Jacobson to join as new Chargé d’Affaires

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PM Modi hails Genome India Project, know-how will its data works for preventing diseases

• The Genome India Project (GIP) is an innovative govt-funded initiative that aims to sequence the genomes of 10k Indian individuals, creating a reference genome for the country’s population.
• This project marks a significant milestone in India’s biotechnology landscape, as hailed by PM Modi.
• Key Objectives: Create a comprehensive catalog of genetic variations in Indians
• Develop predictive diagnostic indicators for high-priority diseases
• Advance agriculture, biotech, and healthcare
• How it Works: Genome sequencing will help analyze genetic data, identifying capacities for enzymes, antimicrobial resistance, and bioactive compounds.
• This research will lead to better environmental protection, agricultural development, and improved human health.
• The project has successfully created a reference genetic database and biobank, storing data in the Indian Biological Data Centre.
• This initiative has the potential to revolutionize healthcare through precision medicine and enhance agriculture by identifying genes and genetic variations. (more)

‘PM Modi considers Indian diaspora his family’: Odisha Deputy CM Pravati Parida

• PM Modi’s speech at the 18^th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in Bhubaneswar has received widespread appreciation.
• Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida thanked PM, Modi, for highlighting Odisha’s unique aspects.
• At the same time, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan praised PM Modi for organizing the event and showcasing Odisha’s rich culture.
• PM Modi’s address emphasized the importance of the Indian diaspora, stating that the government considers it their responsibility to help them during crises.
• He also acknowledged their role in enhancing India’s global reputation.
• The 18^th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention, held from Jan 8 to 10, provided a platform for the Indian diaspora to connect and engage with each other.
• The event’s theme was “Diaspora’s Contribution to a Viksit Bharat”. (more)

PM Modi Makes Podcast Debut With Nikhil Kamath: ‘Mistakes Happen… I’m Also Human, not A God’

• PM Modi made his podcast debut on Nikhil Kamath’s show “People by WTF”, where he shared his thoughts on leadership, politics, and entrepreneurship.
• In a candid conversation, PM Modi acknowledged his fallibility, saying “I am human, not a God” and referenced a past speech where he admitted to making mistakes.
• The podcast episode covered various topics, including the similarities between politics and entrepreneurship.
• PM Modi emphasized the importance of young people entering politics with a mission, rather than just ambition.
• He also discussed his transition between his first and second terms as Prime Minister.
• Nikhil Kamath, co-founder of Zerodha, had hinted at the possibility of PM Modi being his guest on the podcast, sharing a cryptic teaser that sparked widespread speculation on social media.
• The episode marks a milestone in PM Modi’s communication with younger audiences, showcasing his willingness to engage with diverse audiences through modern platforms. (more)

Bangladesh rejects WB CM’s allegation that Indian fishermen were beaten up

• Dhaka has denied West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee’s allegations that Indian fishermen were assaulted while in custody in B’desh, calling them “baseless and fabricated”.
• Banerjee claimed that some fishermen told her they were “beaten up” while in custody, but Bangladesh’s foreign ministry rejected this, stating that the detained fishermen were “treated appropriately” and received medical check-ups.
• In a positive development, India and Bangladesh recently completed the reciprocal repatriation of 95 Indian fishermen and 90 Bangladeshi fishermen who were detained for crossing the maritime boundary. (more)

Moments leading up to Tirupati stampede that claimed 6 lives; TTD apologizes

• At least six lives were lost in a stampede at Tirupati’s Lord Venkateswara Swamy temple on Wednesday evening.
• The incident occurred when hundreds of devotees gathered for tickets to the annual Vaikunta Dwara Darshanam, a 10-day festival commencing on Jan 10.
• Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu expressed deep shock and disturbance over the incident, directing higher officials to provide relief measures and better medical treatment to the injured.
• The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) had set up special counters to distribute darshan tokens, but the crowd became unruly, leading to chaos.
• The TTD chairman attributed the stampede to overcrowding.
• Updates: At least six lives lost
• Injuries: Several injured, with some in critical condition
• Compensation: Andhra Pradesh government announces ₹25 lakh ex-gratia for victims’ families
• Assistance: Tamil Nadu CM announces ₹2 lakh assistance to a stampede victim
• Investigation: According to TTD board member Bhanu Prakash, Stringent action is to be taken. (more)
• Naidu has taken swift action following the Tirupati stampede, suspending Deputy SP Ramanakumar and Goshala Director Haranath Reddy, and transferring 3 other officials, including District SP Subbarayudu. (more)

Pakistan, Bangladesh Invited For An ‘Undivided India’ Event, Islamabad Confirms

1. India is celebrating the 150^th anniversary of the India Meteorological Department (IMD) uniquely.
2. The govt has invited neighboring countries, including Pakistan and Bangladesh, to participate in an ‘undivided India’ seminar.
3. This initiative aims to put aside differences and celebrate the shared history of the Indian subcontinent.
4. Invitations have been sent to several countries, including Pakistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Afghanistan, Myanmar, Maldives, Sri Lanka, and Nepal.
5. Pakistan has confirmed its participation, while Bangladesh’s response is awaited.
6. To commemorate this milestone, the Finance Ministry will release a special Rs 150 commemorative coin, and the Home Ministry has cleared a special tableau on Republic Day to showcase the IMD’s 150-year history.
7. The IMD was established in 1875 after a cyclone ravaged Calcutta in 1864 and subsequent monsoon failures led to famines in Bengal.
8. Since then, the IMD has evolved into a leading weather forecaster for Asia, making significant advancements in weather sciences, communication, and scientific innovation. (more)

Canada denies 4 Indian-origin men accused of killing Hardeep Singh Nijjar were granted bail

• The Canadian govt has denied reports that 4 Indian-origin men accused of killing Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar were released on bail.
• According to the British Columbia Prosecution Services, the four suspects—Karan Brar, Amandeep Singh, Kamalpreet Singh, and Karanpreet Singh—remain in custody, with their next court appearance scheduled for Feb 11.
• Nijjar, a prominent pro-Khalistan leader, was assassinated outside a Sikh temple in Surrey, British Columbia, in June 2023.
• The case has strained diplomatic relations between India and Canada, with Canadian PM Justin Trudeau accusing the Indian govt of involvement in the killing, which India has denied.
• The 4 accused face charges of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder.
• Despite reports of their release on bail, the prosecution services have confirmed that they remain in custody. (more)

BSF BGB officials hold meeting discuss cooperation along border

• The meeting between Border Security Force (BSF) and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) officials is a significant development in bilateral border cooperation.
• Mutual Cooperation: Both sides emphasized the importance of mutual cooperation in maintaining peace and stability along the border.
• Border Security: The officials discussed ways to enhance border security, prevent cross-border crimes, and curb smuggling activities.
• Confidence-Building Measures: The meeting aimed to strengthen confidence-building measures, such as joint patrols, flag meetings, and information sharing.
• Human Trafficking: The officials discussed strategies to combat human trafficking and ensure the safe repatriation of rescued individuals.
• Infrastructure Development: Both sides explored possibilities for infrastructure development, including constructing border roads and fencing.
• Outcomes:
• Enhanced Cooperation: The meeting reinforced the commitment of both countries to enhance cooperation and address common challenges.
• Improved Border Management: The discussions aimed to improve border management, reduce tensions, and promote a stable border environment. (more)

‘No Interference Warranted’: SC Rejects Pleas to Review Same-Sex Marriage Verdict

• The Supreme Court of India has rejected petitions to review its earlier verdict on same-sex marriage, stating that no interference is warranted in this case.
• In Oct 2023, the court declined to legalize same-sex marriage, citing that it’s a matter for Parliament to decide.
• The court had delivered a split verdict of 3-2, refusing to grant legal recognition to same-sex marriage under the Special Marriage Act.
• However, it directed the Centre, states, and Union Territories to ensure non-discrimination against the queer community.
• The petitioners had sought validation of same-sex marriage and consequential reliefs, such as adoption rights and access to social security benefits.
• While the court acknowledged the importance of dignity and equality for the LGBTQIA++ community, it ultimately left the decision to legalize same-sex marriage to Parliament. (more)

Indian student in UK criticizes university for ‘bias’ in hate campaign investigations

• An Indian student at Nottingham Trent University (NTU) in the UK has criticized the institution for alleged bias in investigating hate campaigns.
• The student, who remains anonymous, claims that NTU failed to address racist and hateful messages targeting Indian students.
• The student alleges that the university: Failed to investigate incidents properly
• Protected students who made racist comments
• Ignored complaints from Indian students
• The NTU has denied the allegations, stating that they take all reports of hate incidents seriously and have robust procedures in place to investigate and address them. (more)

[Neighborhood]

Pakistan: Separatists attack government office; burn police station in restive southwest

• Dozens of armed Baloch separatists launched a coordinated attack in Khuzdar, Balochistan, on Thu, targeting a govt office, a bank, and a police station before fleeing upon the arrival of security forces.
• The outlawed Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for the attack, which fortunately resulted in no casualties.
• This incident is part of a broader surge in militant violence in Balochistan and northwestern KP province, primarily attributed to the BLA and the Pakistani Taliban.
• Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest and least populated province, is rich in oil and minerals but has long been plagued by separatist tensions.
• The ethnic Baloch minority claims to face discrimination and exploitation by the central government, fueling the insurgency.
• The BLA has been involved in various attacks, including a significant operation in Mach, Balochistan, on Jan 29, 2024, which resulted in 15 fatalities.
• The group has also targeted Chinese nationals and economic interests, including the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects.
• In response to the growing violence, Pakistan’s security forces have launched operations to counter the insurgency. (more)
• Police have rescued 8 of 17 workers, associated with a mining project, who were abducted, officials said. (more)

Myanmar junta airstrike kills at least 40 in Rakhine state

• At least 40 people were killed and 20 wounded in an airstrike by the Myanmar junta in Kyauk Ni Maw village, western Rakhine state.
• The Arakan Army, an ethnic minority armed group, reported that a military jet bombed the village around 1:20 pm on Wed, engulfing over 500 houses in flames.
• A local rescue worker confirmed the attack, stating that 41 people were killed and 52 wounded, with medical supplies scarce due to transportation difficulties.
• The Rakhine conflict is part of the broader turmoil in Myanmar following the 2021 military coup.
• The recent airstrike in Myanmar’s Rakhine State has killed at least 40 people and injured many more.
• The attack was carried out by the Myanmar military on Kyauk Ni Maw village on Ramree Island.
• The Arakan Army, an ethnic Rakhine armed group, has been engaged in a fierce fight with the military for control of Rakhine State.
• The conflict in Rakhine State is part of a larger crisis that erupted after the military’s 2021 coup, which ousted Aung San Suu Kyi’s civilian govt.
• This has led to widespread armed resistance, including from youth-led “People’s Defence Forces” and established ethnic minority groups like the Arakan Army. (more)

Bangladesh: Tracey Jacobson to join as new Chargé d’Affaires

• Tracey Ann Jacobson, a seasoned US diplomat–with extensive diplomatic experience, particularly in regions critical to US interests– will join the US Embassy in Dhaka as Chargé d’affaires (CDA) on Jan 11.
• Jacobson has served as US ambassador to Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Kosovo, and most recently as a senior adviser in the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs.
• She will replace Megan Bouldin, the current CDA, who has been in the role since Aug 2024. [post coup]
• Notably, US President Joe Biden nominated David Slayton Meale as the new US ambassador to Bangladesh in May last year, but his appointment is still pending Senate approval, delayed due to the US presidential elections. (more)
• [The US aims to balance India’s significant influence in the region. By strengthening ties with Bangladesh, the US can counterbalance India’s dominance.]