1. World’s Unparallel Spiritual Spectacle; Maha Kumbh 2025 Begins: Sacred Waters, Endless Faith
2. PM Modi inaugurates Z-Morh Tunnel in Jammu and Kashmir’s Sonamarg
3. Bangladesh impedes border fence work at 7 points
4. India-Bangladesh Ties to Normalize After Elected Govt, Bangladesh’s Army Chief hails ties with India
5. Situation along LAC in eastern Ladakh sensitive but stable: Army chief

What Else

1. India’s state-owned HSL in talks with Vietnam for submarine refits
2. Indigenous Anti-Tank Guided Missile ‘Nag Mk 2’ ready for induction: DRDO
3. Over 1200 Buddhist monks from across the world gather in Odisha to participate in first Guru Padmasambhava Chanting Program
4. Bangladesh has simplified visa requirements and now Pakistanis can apply visa online: Bangladesh’s Ambassador
5. Bangladeshi cattle trader [Smuggler] shot by ‘BSF’ in Lalmonirhat
6. Pakistan: Complete shutter-down, protests take place against enforced disappearances of over 10 Baloch people
7. Pakistan: FO condemns ‘increasingly racist, Islamophobic’ discourse on Pakistanis in UK
8. Politicos stress need for security talks with Kabul
9. Pakistan: 27 terrorists gunned down in Balochistan’s Kacchi IBO: ISPR
10. Pakistan Army created shadow think tank in US to target Imran Khan back home: Report
11. Pakistan: Third round of govt-PTI talks set for Thu
12. Sri Lankan President Dissanayake begins 3-day China visit starting Tue

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World’s Unparallel Spiritual Spectacle; Maha Kumbh 2025 Begins: Sacred Waters, Endless Faith

• The Maha Kumbh 2025 has officially begun, with millions of devotees taking the holy dip at the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj. Despite the chilly weather, the atmosphere was electric, with vibrant chants and slogans filling the air.
• Record Turnout: Over 15 million devotees took the holy dip on the first day, marking the beginning of the 45-day spiritual event.
• Spiritual Significance: This year’s celebration is particularly significant as it occurs once every 144 years, marking it as the 12^th Maha Kumbh Mela, and coincides with a special celestial alignment of the sun, moon, and Jupiter.
• Global Participation: Devotees from India and abroad, including a devotee from Belgium, Aurora, who described the experience as “very peaceful” and felt the “vibes of Kumbh Mela.”
• Economic Boost: The Mahakumbh 2025 is expected to generate trade worth approximately Rs 2 lakh crore in the region, with accommodation and tourism being the biggest contributors.
• The event will continue until Feb 26, with more devotees expected to arrive in the coming days.
• Weather Forecast: The IMD has predicted generally cloudy skies in Prayagraj and nearby regions over the next two to three days along with continuing foggy conditions.
• Kalpvas Tradition: Thousands of devotees have started their Kalpvas, a spiritual practice where they live by the Sangam for a fixed time, typically from Paush Purnima to Magh Purnima.
• Security Arrangements: Over 10,000 personnel have been deployed to ensure safety during the event, with a 7-ring security plan in place.
• International Participation: Devotees from India and abroad, including Russia, are participating in the Maha Kumbh Mela, braving the chilly winter temperatures.
• The Maha Kumbh Mela is a vibrant mix of holy men, pilgrims, tourists, and ascetics, and is considered a great convergence of humans, gods, and sacred rivers.
• However, some concerns have been raised about attempts to create religious divisions, with calls for peaceful coexistence and an end to hate. (more; more)

PM Modi inaugurates Z-Morh Tunnel in Jammu and Kashmir’s Sonamarg

• PM Modi inaugurated the Z-Morh or Sonamarg tunnel in Jammu and Kashmir on Mon.
• The 12-km tunnel, built at Rs 2,700 crore, will provide all-weather connectivity between Srinagar and Sonamarg, enhancing tourism and local livelihoods in the region.
• The tunnel, situated at an altitude of over 8,650 feet, bypasses avalanche-prone sections of the Srinagar-Sonamarg highway, ensuring safer and uninterrupted travel to Leh.
• It’s also expected to boost winter tourism, adventure sports, and defense logistics.
• PM Modi inspected the tunnel and interacted with officials and workers who completed the project despite harsh conditions.
• The tunnel is considered an engineering marvel and a game-changer for the region’s trade and tourism sectors. (more)
• ‘PM Fulfilled His Word…’: Statehood Not Far For J&K? Decoding Modi-Omar Bonhomie: J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has praised PM Modi for conducting free and fair elections in the union territory.
• Abdullah thanked Modi and the Election Commission, stating that the Prime Minister fulfilled his promise to hold elections within four months.
• Abdullah also requested Modi to restore statehood to J&K, which has been a union territory since 2019.
• Modi responded, saying he will fulfill every promise in due time.
• The development highlights a growing closeness between the BJP and Abdullah’s National Conference party.
• If the Centre grants statehood to J&K, it could strengthen Abdullah’s position as CM Minister. (more)

Bangladesh impedes border fence work at 7 points, MEA Summons HC

• Border tensions between India and Bangladesh have intensified since Aug 5, with BBG opposing previously agreed construction work at multiple locations.
• The Border Guard Bangladesh has halted Border Security Force construction at 6-7 places in North and South Bengal frontiers, despite mutual agreements under the previous govt.
• The tensions extend beyond construction disputes, with clashes over issues like the arrest of Indian civilians who accidentally strayed into Bangladesh.
• Despite senior-level communication, ground-level resistance persists, reflecting a pattern of mistrust and hostility.
• The situation is further complicated by the recent regime change in Bangladesh, which has led to an “all-time low” in bilateral relations.
• India has expressed concerns about the targeting of Bangladesh’s Hindu minority, adding to the tensions. (more)
• Bangladesh Acting High Commissioner to India, Islam, was summoned by MEA: MEA on Jan 13^th, stated that India has conveyed its commitment to ensuring a crime-free border, and has taken measures such as barbed wire fencing, border lighting, and installation of technical devices to secure the border.
• However, the recent summoning suggests that there may be disagreements over the fencing construction, with India reiterating its expectation that Bangladesh will implement earlier understandings and adopt a cooperative approach to combating cross-border crimes. (more)
• “India has been forced to halt the construction of barbed wire fence along the border due to the strong stance taken by Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) & residents,” said Adviser to Home Affairs Lt Gen (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury said on Sun.
• Former High Commissioner of Bangladesh to India, Tariq Karim says, “…If Indians are putting up a fence on their side of the border and not ours, we cannot contest that it is their sovereign right”

India-Bangladesh Ties to Normalize After Elected Govt, Bangladesh’s Army Chief hails ties with India

• Indian Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi stated that India-Bangladesh relations will normalize once an elected government is in place.
• Military relations between the two countries remain perfect.
• Bangladesh is a “strategic neighbor” of India.
• Regular contact maintained with Bangladeshi counterpart Waker-Uz-Zaman.
• Joint military exercises are temporarily on hold due to the current situation in Bangladesh.
• Military cooperation “on the rise again.” (more)
• Bangladesh’s Army Chief hails ties with India, emphasizes mutual dependence and fairness: Bangladesh’s Chief of Army Staff, General Waker-Uz-Zaman, has praised the strong ties between Bangladesh and India, calling India an “important neighbor”.
• He emphasized the mutual dependence between the two nations, with many Bangladeshis visiting India for medical treatment and significant trade imports.
• Gen Zaman stressed the importance of fairness and equality in their dealings, ensuring Bangladeshis don’t feel dominated by India.
• He also highlighted the need for stability in areas like the Chittagong Hill Tracts and addressing concerns like border killings and water-sharing.
• This comes amidst broader diplomatic engagements, including a recent visit from Indian Foreign Secy Vikram Misri, who expressed India’s desire to work closely with Bangladesh’s Interim Govt on issues like minority safety and welfare. (more)

Situation along LAC in eastern Ladakh sensitive but stable: Army chief

• Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi stated that the situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) is “sensitive but stable”.
• Although there’s still a degree of standoff between Indian and Chinese militaries, efforts are underway to restore trust.
• Notably, patrolling and grazing have resumed in Depsang and Demchok, two friction points where disengagement occurred in Oct.
• The Army chief assured that India’s deployment is “balanced and robust”, capable of handling any situation. (more)
• Emergency procurement okayed for counter-terrorism ops; 80% of terrorists in J&K are Pakistani, says Army chief: The Indian Defence Ministry has approved emergency procurement for counter-terrorism operations in the Poonch-Rajouri area of J&K.
• This move comes after a large-scale induction of regular troops in the region, with at least 15,000 extra troops deployed following a spike in terror incidents.
• The emergency procurement powers, introduced after the 2016 Uri attack, allow the defense services to acquire equipment worth up to Rs 300 crore without going through the usual lengthy process.
• The Army will procure the latest surveillance systems, tactical drones, bulletproof jackets, and helmets from Indian defense companies.
• Gen Dwivedi stated that 60% of terrorists killed in J&K were Pakistani nationals, and Pakistan is orchestrating the violence.
• The additional troop deployment has led to a decrease in violence, with 73 terrorists neutralized. (more)

India’s state-owned HSL in talks with Vietnam for submarine refits

• India’s state-owned shipbuilding entity, Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), is expanding its international presence by reaching out to countries in Southeast Asia, particularly Vietnam and the Philippines.
• Negotiations are underway with the Vietnam People’s Navy for submarine refits, aligning with India’s goal of becoming a major defense products exporter.
• HSL has a rich history of developing platforms for the Indian Navy, including building naval ships and repairing submarines.
• The company has also attracted international business by repairing foreign vessels, such as a US pipe-laying vessel in 2021.
• HSL’s notable achievements: Delivering advanced platforms: Ocean Surveillance Ship (OSS) and INS Dhruv, India’s first nuclear missile-tracking vessel.
• Launching Diving Support Vessels: Nistar and Nipun, designed for deep-sea diving and submarine rescue.
• Signing a contract for Fleet Support Ships: A project worth Rs 19000 crore, with the first ship slated for delivery in mid-2027.
• HSL reported its highest-ever turnover and profit in its history during the last financial year, with a turnover of ₹1,413 crore and a profit of ₹119 crore in 2024. (more)

Indigenous Anti-Tank Guided Missile ‘Nag Mk 2’ ready for induction: DRDO

• India’s indigenous anti-tank guided missile, Nag MK-2, is ready for induction into the Indian Army.
• The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has completed the development and testing of the missile.
• The Nag MK-2 is an upgraded version of the Nag missile, with improved range and accuracy.
• It is designed to destroy heavily armored tanks and fortified targets.
• The missile has undergone extensive testing, including user trials, and has demonstrated its capability to engage targets in various environmental conditions.
• The induction of the Nag MK-2 will enhance the Indian Army’s anti-tank capabilities and provide a significant boost to its combat prowess. (more)

Over 1200 Buddhist monks from across the world gather in Odisha to participate in first Guru Padmasambhava Chanting Program

• Over 1,200 Buddhist monks from across the globe have congregated in Odisha, India, to participate in the inaugural Guru Padmasambhava chanting program.
• This historic event brings together esteemed monks and spiritual leaders from various countries to chant and pray for global peace, harmony, and brotherhood.
• The program is dedicated to Guru Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche, who is revered as the patron saint of Tibetan Buddhism.
• The chanting ceremony aims to spread his teachings and promote unity among people from diverse backgrounds.
• This underscores the significance of the event and the importance of interfaith dialogue and cooperation in promoting global peace and understanding. (more)

[Neighborhood]

Bangladesh has simplified visa requirements and now Pakistanis can apply visa online: Bangladesh’s Ambassador

• Bangladesh has simplified its visa process for Pakistani citizens, allowing them to apply online.
• This move aims to facilitate business and cultural exchanges between the two countries.
• According to Bangladesh’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Mohammad Iqbal Khan, the people of Bangladesh have a deep bond of affection with the people of Pakistan, and strengthening bilateral cooperation is essential.
• The Lahore Chamber of Commerce is expected to play a crucial role in enhancing trade between the two nations. (more)
• [Bangladesh’s warming ties with Pakistan may be a strategic move to counterbalance India’s influence. With US backing, this shift could lead to a “Pakistanization” of Bangladesh for India, which appears by artificially manufacturing border conflicts with India. This could have significant regional implications.]

Bangladeshi cattle trader [Smuggler] shot by ‘BSF’ in Lalmonirhat

• A Bangladeshi cattle trader, Shahidul Islam, 42, was shot by the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) along the Patgram border in Lalmonirhat on Sun night.
• He was part of a group of five-six cattle traders smuggling cattle from India’s Mayantali village in West Bengal’s Cooch Behar district.
• Shahidul was rescued by other traders and admitted to a clinic in Rangpur city, where he’s now out of danger.
• This incident highlights the ongoing tensions and risks faced by those involved in cross-border smuggling activities. (more)

Pakistan: Complete shutter-down, protests take place against enforced disappearances of over 10 Baloch people

• Protests have erupted in Balochistan after over 10 Baloch people were forcibly abducted by state authorities on Sat.
• The Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) has termed the actions as “State vengeance” against the Baloch people.
• In response, families of the victims and other protesters have blocked major highways and staged sit-ins, demanding the safe release of the abducted individuals.
• The protests are part of a larger movement against enforced disappearances in Balochistan.
• Human rights activists, including Mahrang Baloch, are calling for an end to the practice, which has been used to target Baloch people, particularly those who speak out against the govt.
• The issue of enforced disappearances in Pakistan is not new.
• According to reports, over 7,000 cases of enforced disappearances have been registered between 2004 and 2024, with many of the victims being from Balochistan (more)

Pakistan: FO condemns ‘increasingly racist, Islamophobic’ discourse on Pakistanis in UK

• FO has condemned the “increasingly racist and Islamophobic” comments directed at Pakistanis in the UK, emphasizing the deep relations between the two countries and the significant contributions of British Pakistanis.
• The statement comes after Elon Musk sparked controversy by supporting remarks that linked “grooming gangs” to Pakistanis, perpetuating harmful stereotypes.
• FO spox highlighted the strong ties between Pakistan and the UK, citing cooperation in trade, investment, and counter-terrorism.
• He noted that the 1.7 million British-Pakistani diaspora provides a vital link between the two countries.
• Khan emphasized the significant contributions of British Pakistanis, including their role in the UK’s health, retail, and services sectors, as well as their representation in high public offices and local communities.
• He also highlighted their cultural contributions, including cuisine and music, which enrich British culture.
• The Foreign Office spox urged condemnation of attempts to demonize the British-Pakistani community based on the actions of a few individuals. (more)

Politicos stress need for security talks with Kabul

• Chief of Army Staff Gen Syed Asim Munir met with party leaders and representatives in Peshawar to discuss the prevailing law and order situation in the province.
• The political leadership asked the military brass to engage with Afghanistan to address Pakistan’s internal security problems, suggesting cooperation between the neighboring countries could bring peace to the region.
• However, General Munir pointed out that the Afghan interim rulers had failed to adhere to repeated warnings in the past.
• The military leadership clarified that no new military operation was being carried out, but intelligence-based operations would be intensified.
• They also asked political parties for feedback and emphasized the need for ownership of the situation in KP.
• Key points: Full implementation of the National Action Plan (NAP), with possible reviews and changes.
• Capacity building of the provincial police force: To ensure effective law enforcement.
• Unified front against militancy: Political representatives showed support for the armed forces and law enforcement agencies.
• Decisive force against hostile elements: General Munir vowed to deal with hostile elements with an iron hand. (more)

Pakistan: 27 terrorists gunned down in Balochistan’s Kacchi IBO: ISPR

• Pakistan’s security forces have successfully conducted an intelligence-based operation in Balochistan’s Kacchi District, killing 27 terrorists involved in various attacks against security forces and civilians.
• The operation, which included a stealthy surround and intense fire exchange, also destroyed multiple hideouts, arms, ammunition, and explosives.
• PM Sharif praised the security forces for their professionalism and bravery, stating that the war against terrorism will continue until it’s eliminated from the country.
• The operation demonstrates Pakistan’s determination to maintain peace and stability in Balochistan. (more)

Pakistan Army created shadow think tank in US to target Imran Khan back home: Report

• Pakistan’s military has created a shadow think tank, Beltway Grid Policy Centre, to promote content critical of Imran Khan and bolster its image in the US.
• The think tank exists only online, and its employees appear to be non-existent.
• This move comes as Pakistan allocates 2 billion Pakistani rupees to combat fake news against the state, with the military’s information wing, ISPR, driving the initiative.
• The Beltway Grid Policy Centre was caught as fake due to its unverifiable staff, lack of physical office, and unusual usage of terms like “lobbying”.
• A report published by the think tank blamed Khan’s party, PTI, for economic fallout and diplomatic implications, citing figures similar to an internal Pakistan Army report.
• This suggests the think tank is a military operation aimed at influencing US opinion, particularly with the incoming Trump administration. (more)

Pakistan: Third round of govt-PTI talks set for Thu

• The 3^rd round of talks between the govt and the PTI is scheduled for Jan 16 at 11:30 am in Parliament House, with NA Speaker Ayaz Sadiq presiding over the session.
• These talks aim to ease the political tensions that have risen since PTI founder Imran Khan’s incarceration last year.
• The PTI has been seeking the release of political prisoners and the formation of a judicial commission to investigate the May 9 and Nov 26 crackdowns.
• Despite 2 previous meetings, on Dec 23 and Jan 2^nd, significant progress has yet to be made.
• PTI MNA Asad Qaiser assured that the party is “sincere” towards negotiations, and after meeting with Imran Khan on Sun, the PTI negotiation team is set to present their demands in writing to Speaker Sadiq. (more)

Sri Lankan President Dissanayake begins 3-day China visit starting Tue

• Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is embarking on a 3-day visit to China, his second overseas trip since taking office in Sept last year.
• The visit aims to strengthen bilateral relations and address key issues with Chinese leaders, including President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang, and Zhao Leji.
• The agenda includes discussing Chinese “research vessels” considered spy ships by India, Sri Lanka’s debt to China, and the expansion of the Belt and Road Initiative.
• 7 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) will be signed, focusing on areas like agriculture, tourism, education, and technology.
• Dissanayake will also seek Chinese assistance to complete the central expressway, stalled for over a decade, and discuss the development of the Chinese industrial zone near Hambantota port. (more)