1. Mahakumbh 2025: Holy dip taken by 3.5 crore devotees on Makar Sankranti, says Yogi
2. Modi unveils IMD’s 2047 vision document, credits its scientists for India’s ‘Vishwa Bandhu’ image
3. India ‘incomplete’ without Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, declares Rajnath Singh in fierce warning
4. New claimant to Panth vote enters fray as radical Sikh preacher Amritpal floats political outfit
5. Drishti 10 Starliner drone crashes off Porbandar during Naval pre-acceptance trial by vendor

What Else

1. Rep. Krishnamoorthi leads resolution to designate January as Tamil Heritage Month
2. ‘Release All Indians’: India Tells Russia After Kerala Man’s Death In Russia-Ukraine War
3. India to summon Meta over Zuckerberg’s ‘factually incorrect’ claim about 2024 election results
4. Pakistan: Army chief cites TTP presence, cross-border attacks as only points of contention with Afghanistan
5. Baloch Human Rights Group Alleges Pakistan Forces Murdered Baloch in Staged Bomb Blast
6. Bangladesh: ‘Will break the pen that writes in favor of fallen fascists’
7. Pakistan, Bangladesh to establish joint business council
8. Former Bangladesh PM Khaleda Zia’s BNP demands election by Jul-Aug
9. Bangladesh: Top criminals on extortion spree
10. US bans Chinese and Russian tech in smart cars, citing national security risks
11. US targets China textile giant Huafu Fashion over Uygur forced labor concerns

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Mahakumbh 2025: Holy dip taken by 3.5 crore devotees on Makar Sankranti, says Yogi

• The grand 45-day event began on Mon in Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj and will conclude on Feb 26.
• The Uttar Pradesh govt expects participation by 45 crore people in the mega event.
• Naga Sadhus take a holy dip at Sangam on the occasion of Makar Sakranti, the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers.
• Bracing cold and dense fog, lakhs of devotees flocked to the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj on Tue to take a holy dip called the “Amrit Snan” on the occasion of Makar Sankranti festival.
• Uttar Pradesh said that over one crore devotees took a holy dip at the Triveni Sangam on Tue.
• The state information department said that the first day of the 2025 Mahakumbh Mela gave the message of “unity and Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”. (the world is one family).
• Uttar Pradesh DGP said that instructions were given to use all modern technologies and AI tools for crowd and traffic management, underwater monitoring, and fire fighting.
• “Everything is under control”. (more)
• The Mahakumbh tent city, spread over 4,000 hectares, has been declared the 76^th district of UP for the duration of the event.
• The city will have 56 police stations, 133 police posts, and 67,000 streetlights.
• The economic impact of Mahakumbh 2025 is expected to be significant, with estimates suggesting a revenue generation of Rs 25,000 crore for the govt and a total economic spinoff of  $23.1 billion.
• The event is expected to benefit local artisans, hoteliers, homestay owners, and food vendors, among others.
• Shahi Snan: Six days of royal baths, including January 13 and February 26, which will be crucial for crowd management.
• Tent City: The Mahakumbh tent city will have 160,000 tents, including 2,200 luxury tents, and will be equipped with modern amenities.
• Security: The event will have 329 AI cameras and 10,000 CCTV cameras for security, along with a team of police personnel and volunteers.
• Cultural Events: The event will feature various cultural programs, including music, dance, and art exhibitions.

Modi unveils IMD’s 2047 vision document, credits its scientists for India’s ‘Vishwa Bandhu’ image

• PM Modi unveiled the 2047 vision document for the India Meteorological Department (IMD) at an event marking the start of the IMD’s 150^th Foundation Day celebrations.
• The document outlines India’s roadmap for weather monitoring and forecasting over the next two decades.
• Modi emphasized significant technological advancements in the field of meteorology, which have enabled the country to improve its disaster management capacity.
• He emphasized India’s commitment to providing critical weather updates to its neighboring countries during natural disasters.
• The PM noted that India has become a leader in disaster management and weather forecasting, with its predictions becoming increasingly accurate.
• He credited the IMD scientists for their hard work and dedication, which has strengthened India’s image as a “global friend” (Vishwa Bandhu).
• Union Minister for S&T and Earth Sciences Jitendra Singh also spoke at the event, emphasizing the importance of the IMD’s role in addressing climate-related challenges
• The event was also attended by World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Secretary-General Celeste Saulo and other dignitaries. (more)

India ‘incomplete’ without Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, declares Rajnath Singh in fierce warning

• Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stated that India feels incomplete without Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), calling it a “foreign” territory for Islamabad.
• Singh warned Pakistan to dismantle terrorist training camps in the region, emphasizing that PoK’s land is being used to promote terrorism.
• Singh criticized the 1965 govt for not leveraging their victory against Pakistan into a strategic advantage, which he believes could have ended cross-border terrorism.
• He also acknowledged the sacrifices made by Muslim brothers who fought against terrorism.
• The minister reiterated the central govt’s priority to bridge the gap between New Delhi and Jammu-Kashmir, with ongoing efforts to achieve this goal. (more)

New claimant to Panth vote enters fray as radical Sikh preacher Amritpal floats political outfit

• A new political party, Shiromani Akali Dal (Waris Punjab De), was launched on the occasion of the Maghi Mela, with Amritpal Singh as its president.
• The party aims to fight the next Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) elections and the 2027 Punjab election.
• The party’s announcement was made by Amritpal’s father, Tarsem Singh, and Faridkot MP Sarabjit Singh, at a political conference in Muktsar Sahib.
• The conference also resolved to create a five-member working committee to lead the party in Amritpal’s absence.
• The new party has been created as an alternative to the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), which is facing an existential crisis.
• The party’s resolutions include strengthening Sikh institutions, protecting the rights of all sections of society, and supporting the release of jailed radical Sikhs. (more)

Drishti 10 Starliner drone crashes off Porbandar during Naval pre-acceptance trial by vendor

• A Drishti 10 drone, also known as Hermes 900, crashed off the Porbandar Coast during pre-acceptance trials by the Indian Navy.
• The drone, worth ₹140 crore, was one of two purchased by the Navy and was being operated by the original equipment manufacturer.
• Fortunately, the drone was recovered, and an investigation is underway. Since the drone hadn’t been inducted yet, the Navy won’t face any financial losses.
• The Hermes 900 is a Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) drone with advanced intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities, including 36 hours endurance and 450 kg payload capacity. (more)

Rep. Krishnamoorthi leads resolution to designate January as Tamil Heritage Month

• Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, D-Illinois, has introduced a bipartisan resolution to designate Jan as Tamil Language and Heritage Month.
• This move aims to recognize the contributions and rich culture of the Tamil community in the United States.
• Over 80 million people worldwide, including 360,000 Americans, speak Tamil, one of the world’s oldest languages.
• The resolution coincides with Pongal, a significant Tamil festival that celebrates gratitude, prosperity, and community.
• Krishnamoorthi, a Tamil American himself, hopes this resolution will highlight the distinct culture and achievements of Tamil Americans.
• Various organizations, including Tamil Americans United PAC, Federation of Tamil Sangams of North American (FeTNA), U.S.
• Tamil Action Group (USTAG), and People for Equality and Relief in Lanka (PEARL), have expressed support for the resolution. (more)
• [So, while the US may claim to be celebrating Tamil culture, its true intentions are likely driven by self-interest and a desire to exploit regional divisions.]

‘Release All Indians’: India Tells Russia After Kerala Man’s Death In Russia-Ukraine War

• The Ministry of External Affairs has expressed serious concerns over Indian nationals serving in the Russian Army, following the death of a 31-year-old Indian, Binil Babu, from Kerala.
• Another Indian national from Kerala, Jain, has been injured and is receiving treatment in a hospital in Moscow.
• The MEA has reiterated its demand for the prompt discharge and repatriation of the remaining Indian nationals.
• The Indian Embassy in Moscow is working with the Russian authorities to facilitate the early transportation of Binil’s mortal remains to India.
• This incident has highlighted the risks faced by Indian nationals who were recruited to serve in the Russian Army, often under pretenses.
• The MEA has warned Indian citizens against taking up jobs with the Russian Army, citing the dangers and risks involved. (more)

India to summon Meta over Zuckerberg’s ‘factually incorrect’ claim about 2024 election results

• Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, sparked controversy with his recent comment on the 2024 Indian general elections.
• In a podcast with Joe Rogan, Zuckerberg claimed that the incumbent governments in all countries, including India, lost elections in 2024.
• However, this statement is factually incorrect, as the Bharatiya Janata Party won the election, securing a third consecutive term for PM Modi.
• India’s Minister for IT, Ashwini Vaishnaw, swiftly responded to Zuckerberg’s comment, calling it “factually incorrect.”
• Vaishnaw emphasized that 2024 elections were conducted successfully, with over 640 million voters participating, and the people reaffirmed their trust in the BJP-led govt.
• Now, India’s Parliamentary Standing Committee has decided to summon Meta, seeking an explanation for Zuckerberg’s incorrect statement.
• BJP MP Nishikant Dubey, a member of the committee, announced that he would send a summons to Meta and demand an apology from the Indian Parliament and the people.
• This highlights the growing concern over misinformation and the need for tech giants like Meta to ensure accuracy and accountability in their public statements. (more)

[Neighborhood]

Pakistan: Army chief cites TTP presence, cross-border attacks as only points of contention with Afghanistan

• Pakistan’s Army Chief, Gen Asim Munir, has emphasized the need for cooperation between Pakistan and Afghanistan in combating terrorism and extremism.
• He identified the presence of Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in Afghanistan and cross-border attacks as the only points of contention between the two countries.
• Gen Munir stressed that Afghanistan is a “brotherly neighbor” and an Islamic country, with which Pakistan seeks better relations.
• However, he emphasized that the issue of TTP presence in Afghanistan must be addressed, and until then, it will remain a point of contention.
• The TTP, also known as the Pakistani Taliban, is an umbrella organization of various Islamist armed militant groups operating along the Afghan-Pakistani border.
• In response to suggestions for engagement with the interim Afghan govt, Gen Munir pointed out that past warnings had been ignored, saying “They don’t listen to us.”
• However, he remained open to exploring alternative ways for engagement to resolve issues. (more)

Baloch Human Rights Group Alleges Pakistan Forces Murdered Baloch in Staged Bomb Blast

• The Baloch Yakjehti Committee has strongly condemned the alleged murder of Ittifaq Manzoor, a Baloch individual, in a staged bomb blast by Pakistani forces in Turbat, Balochistan.
• The BYC claims that Manzoor was forcibly disappeared by Pakistani security forces on Dec 10 and was later killed in custody.
• The incident has sparked widespread outrage, with the BYC accusing the Pakistani government of perpetrating genocide against the Baloch people.
• The organization has rejected the police’s account of the incident, calling it a “fabricated attempt to justify cold-blooded murder.”
• This incident is part of a larger pattern of human rights abuses in Balochistan, including enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and cultural genocide.
• The BYC has urged the international community to take notice of the worsening human rights crisis in Balochistan and to hold the Pakistani govt accountable for its actions. (more; more)

Bangladesh: ‘Will break the pen that writes in favor of fallen fascists’

• Hasnat Abdullah, convener of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, warned that media and intellectuals supporting the fallen fascists, specifically the Awami League, will face consequences.
• He accused them of previously supporting fascism and vowed to take a strong stand against anyone promoting such ideologies.
• Abdullah emphasized that it’s too early to consider rehabilitating the Awami League in politics, stressing that leaders and workers must face justice first.
• He also alleged that the state apparatus has attempted to rehabilitate the Awami League, which won’t be tolerated.
• The Anti-Discrimination Student Movement has been a driving force behind the protests in Bangladesh, demanding reforms and accountability.
• The movement gained momentum after the killing of Abu Sayed, a student protester, by police in July 2024. (more)
• [Critics argue that the change may just be one fascist regime replacing another, with the new one being more US-friendly.]

Pakistan, Bangladesh to establish joint business council

• Pakistan and Bangladesh have taken a significant step towards strengthening their economic ties by signing a landmark agreement to establish a joint business council.
• This move aims to enhance trade and economic cooperation between the two nations, marking a new chapter in their complex relationship.
• The agreement was signed by FPCCI President Atif Ikram Sheikh and Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce representatives, with discussions focusing on improving trade ties, air connectivity, visa facilitation, and stronger trade partnerships.
• Key areas of collaboration identified include agriculture, education, textiles, and other sectors, with Sheikh emphasizing the importance of cooperation between the two nations’ business communities.
• To further boost economic ties, the Trade Corporation of Pakistan signed an MoU for rice exports to Bangladesh, while Dy PM Ishaq Dar is set to visit Dhaka in Feb to consolidate the relationship. (more)

Former Bangladesh PM Khaleda Zia’s BNP demands election by Jul-Aug

• The B’desh Nationalist Party has urged the interim govt to hold general elections by July-Aug this year, contradicting the govt’s plan to stage polls by year-end or mid-2026.
• BNP secy gen Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir argued that there’s no reason for the delay, citing the Election Commission’s readiness and relative stability in governance.
• He emphasized that the party wants to ensure a democratic transition through elections.
• The BNP also opposed holding local govt elections before parliamentary polls, stating that the national election should take priority.
• Alamgir criticized the interim govt’s economic policies, particularly plans for gas price hikes and tax increases.
• The demand for early elections comes as an interim govt headed by Yunus is currently running Bangladesh. (more)

Bangladesh: Top criminals on extortion spree

• Extortion has become a significant concern in Dhaka, Bangladesh, with criminals demanding large sums of money from businesses and contractors.
• In one instance, a contractor was forced to pay Tk 100,000 to two gangs to resume work on a building demolition project in Moghbazar.
• The gangs, allegedly linked to top criminals like Zeesan Ahmed and Subrata Bain, demanded Tk 3 lakh to allow the work to proceed.
• Similar incidents have been reported in other areas, including Mirpur, Kafrul, and Bhashantek, with criminals like Abbas Ali, Sanjidul Hassan Emon, and Imamul Hasan Helal being named.
• The police have recognized the issue and are conducting drives to arrest the offenders.
• The situation has created a climate of fear among businesses, with many forced to abandon projects or pay extortion demands.
• The police have urged victims to come forward and report incidents, assuring that lawful action will be taken against those involved. (more)

US bans Chinese and Russian tech in smart cars, citing national security risks

• The Biden administration has finalized rules to ban the sale of smart cars containing Chinese or Russian technology in the US market, citing national security concerns.
• The prohibition applies to connected vehicles for model year 2027, with software bans taking effect in 2027 and hardware restrictions in 2030.
• The rules aim to protect US national security by keeping foreign adversaries from manipulating technologies to access drivers’ and owners’ sensitive information.
• Vehicles with cameras, microphones, GPS tracking, and internet connectivity pose potential national security vulnerabilities.
• The ban currently only applies to passenger vehicles weighing less than 10,001 pounds, with plans to issue a separate rule for commercial vehicles shortly.
• The move is part of Washington’s efforts to boost the US auto industry and reduce reliance on Beijing’s supply chain. (more)

US targets China textile giant Huafu Fashion over Uygur forced labor concerns

• The US has banned imports from 37 Chinese companies, including textile, mining, and solar firms, due to alleged human rights abuses against the Uyghurs.
• The companies, such as Huafu Fashion and its 25 subsidiaries, Donghai JA Solar Technology, and Zijin Mining Group, have been linked to forced labor practices in China’s cotton and polysilicon industries.
• These companies have been added to the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act Entity List, which restricts imports tied to China’s human rights abuses in the Xinjiang Uyghur autonomous region.
• The US has accused China of establishing internment camps for Uyghurs and other minority groups, which China denies.

This move brings the total number of companies on the list to 144 since the act was signed into law in Dec 2021. (more)