1. PM Modi distributes 65 lakh Svamitva property cards
2. PM Modi addresses the nation with 118th  edition of Mann Ki Baat
3. Donald Trump likely to visit China, India after he assumes office: Report
4. MEA: S Jaishankar, Army chief on same page on China disengagement
5. Jaishankar holds bilateral meetings with counterparts from Japan, Australia in Washington

What Else

1. Amit Shah forms inter-ministerial team to probe 16 ‘mysterious’ deaths in J&K village
2. Amid efforts to end Meitei-Kuki conflict, Manipur resume drive against poppy cultivation on the hills
3. Flight disruptions at Delhi Airport from Jan 19-26: Check timings and updates
4. Rajnath says India didn’t use 1965 war’s ‘strategic advances’ to end infiltration: story of Pakistan’s Operation Gibraltar
5. Cylinder Blast Sparks Blaze at Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, PM Modi Speaks To CM Yogi
6. Q3 FY25 results review: Little to cheer for in early-bird showing
7. B’desh: Foreign adviser’s china tour: Dhaka-Beijing relations to hit reset button
8. Pre-Partition Ahmadi mosque demolished by Maryam govt Pakistanis call it ‘religious tyranny’
9. 44 incidents of violence against shrines reported in Bangladesh since Aug 4:

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PM Modi distributes 65 lakh Svamitva property cards

• PM Modi recently distributed around 65 lakh Svamitva property cards, aiming to bolster economic activities and help in poverty alleviation.
• This initiative is part of the SVAMITVA scheme, which provides property cards to landowners in rural India, enabling them to use their property as a financial asset for loans and other benefits.
• The scheme has already benefited around 2.24 crore beneficiaries across more than 50,000 villages in 10 states.
• Modi emphasized that property rights are essential for poverty alleviation, citing a UN study that highlighted the importance of property rights globally.
• The SVAMITVA scheme also aims to: Provide clear property ownership, reducing disputes and litigation
• Promote Financial Inclusion: Enable villagers to use their property as collateral for loans and other financial benefits
• Enhance Village Development: Support the development of villages through accurate land records and mapping
• Overall, the SVAMITVA scheme is a significant step towards empowering rural India and promoting economic growth. (more)

PM Modi addresses the nation with 118^th  edition of Mann Ki Baat

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation on January 19, 2025, with the 118th edition of his monthly radio program, Mann Ki Baat.
• This program aims to establish a dialogue with citizens on issues of governance and has been well-received by the target audience, especially the urban masses.
• Since its inception on Oct 3, 2014, Mann Ki Baat has covered many topics, from Swachhata and volunteering to water conservation and women empowerment.
• The program has also featured special guests, including former US President Obama and legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar.
• With over 114 episodes aired to date, Mann Ki Baat has become a significant platform for the Prime Minister to connect with the citizens of India.
• The program is broadcast on All India Radio, DD National, and DD News, and is also available on the official website and mobile app of the PM’s Office. (more)

Donald Trump likely to visit China, India after he assumes office: Report

• Donald Trump’s planned trip to China within the first 100 days of his presidency aims to deepen his relationship with Chinese President Xi Jinping and address strained relations between the two nations.
• Aims to deepen relations with Chinese President Xi Jinping
• Key issues to be discussed: trade, tariffs, and economic cooperation
• Trump’s approach is expected to be more ‘assertive’, focusing on countering Chinese advances in the Indo-Pacific region
• Quad Summit in India: May attend the Quad Summit in India, scheduled for Apr or later this year
• The summit aims to promote cooperation and stability in the Indo-Pacific region
• Leaders from Australia, Japan, and the US will participate in the summit
• Key issues to be discussed: regional security, economic cooperation, and climate change
• Meeting with PM Modi
• Possibility of inviting PM Narendra Modi to the White House for a meeting this spring
• The meeting would aim to strengthen bilateral relations and discuss key issues such as trade, defense, and counter-terrorism (more)

MEA: S Jaishankar, Army chief on same page on China disengagement

• The Ministry of External Affairs has denied any contradiction between the Army chief’s statement on disengagement with China in eastern Ladakh and EAM S Jaishankar’s earlier statement in Parliament.
• The MEA maintains that disengagement at friction points Depsang and Demchok has been completed, while Army Chief Upendra Dwivedi said there’s still a “degree of standoff” left between the militaries.
• Dwivedi described the situation as sensitive but stable, with corps commanders delegated to resolve minor frictions relating to patrolling and grazing.
• The MEA spox emphasized that there’s no contradiction, as the goal is to ensure patrolling and grazing while addressing de-escalation. (more)
• Jaishankar claimed the disengagement process with China is complete, but the army chief disagreed, saying the standoff persists.
• China still has 110,000-120,000 troops deployed along the Indian border, and the patrolling “deal” doesn’t fully restore India’s rights.

Jaishankar holds bilateral meetings with counterparts from Japan, Australia in Washington

• External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had a productive Sun in Washington, engaging in bilateral meetings with his Australian and Japanese counterparts.
• These discussions focused on bilateral issues and topics related to the Quad, a grouping that also includes the United States.
• Jaishankar’s meeting with Australian FM Penny Wong covered the state of the world, while his discussion with Japanese FM Takeshi Iwaya reviewed bilateral cooperation progress and Quad-related developments.
• These meetings hold significance, especially with the Quad ministerial being a priority for Marco Rubio, the upcoming US Secretary of State.
• Rubio aims to elevate the India-US relationship, potentially leading to a bilateral meeting with Jaishankar.
• Jaishankar also highlighted global challenges posed by the “weaponization of market instruments and financial institutions.”
• He emphasized the link between economic growth and strategic autonomy, noting that India is trying to disentangle itself from post-2020 border complications with China.
• Regarding India’s relationships with key countries, Jaishankar emphasized a more realistic approach, overcoming past hesitations.
• He also discussed the need for careful consideration of China’s growing capabilities and their impact on Indian interests.
• In a separate context, Jaishankar stated that trade is not just globalized but also weaponized, with nations using economic measures as tools to achieve geopolitical objectives.
• This highlights the complex interplay between economics, politics, and international relations in today’s world. (more; more)

Amit Shah forms inter-ministerial team to probe 16 ‘mysterious’ deaths in J&K village

• Union Home Minister Amit Shah has formed an inter-ministerial team to investigate the mysterious deaths of 16 people in a village in Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri district.
• The team will probe the cause of the deaths, which have been attributed to unknown reasons.
• The deaths occurred in the Badhaal village, where 15 people have died under mysterious circumstances over the past one-and-a-half months.
• The victims showed similar symptoms, including vomiting and loss of consciousness.
• A special team has also been formed to investigate the deaths, which includes experts from various fields, such as forensic medicine, toxicology, microbiology, and pathology.
• The J&K govt has ruled out the possibility of a mysterious disease being the cause of the deaths, as all tests conducted have returned negative results.
• The govt has also assured that all necessary measures are being taken to investigate the cause of the deaths and prevent such incidents in the future. (more)
• Firing has been reported during a search operation in Sopore, Kashmir: The operation was conducted by the police, but details on casualties or arrests are not available so far.
• This incident comes amid a recent surge in terrorist activity in Jammu and Kashmir.
• Security forces have been engaging in encounters with terrorists, and there have been reports of neutralized terrorists and recovered arms and ammunition. (more)

Amid efforts to end Meitei-Kuki conflict, Manipur resume drive against poppy cultivation on the hills

• Security forces in Manipur have resumed their drive against illegal poppy cultivation, mainly in the hill districts, to end the Meitei-Kuki conflict.
• The state govt claims that poppy cultivation was a major trigger of the ongoing conflict.
• Special squads have been formed, comprising personnel from the Assam Rifles, CRPF, state police, and forest department.
• These squads have destroyed poppy plantations in Kuki-dominated Churachandpur, Kangpokpi, and Naga-dominated Ukhrul district.
• According to official sources, over 100 acres of poppy fields have been destroyed in these districts since Dec.
• The drive is being intensified daily, with central forces accompanying teams to prevent attacks from those involved in the illegal drugs business. (more)

Flight disruptions at Delhi Airport from Jan 19-26: Check timings and updates

• Flight operations at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi Int’al Airport will be suspended for 2 hours and 25 mins daily from Jan 19 to 26 due to Republic Day preparations and celebrations.
• The restrictions will be in place from 10:20 AM to 12:45 PM, affecting around 1,336 domestic and international flights.
• Flight Rescheduling: Air India has rescheduled and canceled several domestic flights between Jan 19 and 26.
• International Flights: While international flights have not been canceled, they have been rescheduled to accommodate the airspace restrictions.
• Airspace Restrictions: The restrictions will be in place from Jan 19 to 29, with non-scheduled and chartered flights restricted from 10 AM to 1:15 PM from Jan 19 to 25.
• Passenger Advisory: Check with your airline for updates on flight schedules and rescheduling.
• Plan your travel accordingly to minimize disruptions.
• Visit the airport’s official website or contact your airline for further assistance. (more)

Rajnath says India didn’t use 1965 war’s ‘strategic advances’ to end infiltration: story of Pakistan’s Operation Gibraltar

• The 1965 India-Pakistan war was fought over the disputed Himalayan region of Kashmir.
• Pakistan’s Operation Gibraltar aimed to incite a rebellion in Kashmir, but it failed as locals didn’t revolt and instead informed the Indian Army about the infiltrators.
• During the war, Indian troops captured the strategic Haji Pir Pass, which is a mountain pass at a height of 8,661 ft on the western fringe of the Pir Panjal range.
• This pass provides a strategic geographical advantage and facilitates infiltration.
• The war ended with the Tashkent Declaration on Jan 10, 1966, where both sides agreed to withdraw to their pre-August positions.
• India returned Haji Pir and other captured areas to Pakistan, which re-gained its strategic advantage along the LoC in Jammu.
• Defence Minister Rajnath Singh recently stated that if India had converted its strategic advances into strategic advantages during negotiations, the problem of cross-border infiltration could have been solved. (more)

Cylinder Blast Sparks Blaze at Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, PM Modi Speaks To CM Yogi

• The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 is a massive spiritual gathering held in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, from Jan 13 to Feb 26.
• This 45-day event is expected to attract over 400 million devotees, making it one of the largest peaceful congregations in the world.
• The festival is celebrated at the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers, known as the Triveni Sangam.
• The main event is the Shahi Snan, or “Royal Bath,” where devotees take a holy dip in the sacred waters to purify their souls and attain spiritual liberation.
• The Kumbh Mela is held every 12 years, and its significance is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology and astrology.
• The festival is a testament to the human quest for divine and spiritual liberation, representing the belief in freedom from the continuous cycle of birth, death, and rebirth.
• For safety and security, the UP govt has made extensive arrangements, including deploying a National Disaster Response Team and setting up surveillance systems to track potential dangers.
• The govt has also allocated a budget of ₹2,500 crore for the event. (more)

Q3 FY25 results review: Little to cheer for in early-bird showing

• Several companies have recently reported their Q3 FY25 results, with mixed performances.
• HDFC Life reported a 13.65% year-on-year (Y-o-Y) rise in net profit to Rs 414.9 crore, driven by healthy persistency and a growing backbook.
• GTPL Hathway reported stable performance, with total revenue growing 4% Y-o-Y to Rs 8,957 million.
• Tata Elxsi delivered stable revenues, with operating revenue at Rs 939.2 Cr and EBITDA margin at 26.3%.
• Infosys is expected to report an average revenue of Rs 41,298 crore for Q3 FY25, reflecting a 6.3% Y-o-Y growth.
• Reliance Industries is expected to post strong earnings for Q3 FY25, driven by a favorable operating environment across its core segments.
• These results indicate a mixed performance across sectors, with some companies showing growth and others experiencing challenges. (more)

[Neighborhood]

B’desh: Foreign adviser’s china tour: Dhaka-Beijing relations to hit reset button

• Foreign Adviser Touhid Hossain’s 4-day visit to China is expected to hit the reset button on Dhaka-Beijing relations. Bangladesh is seeking several key concessions, including:
• Lower interest rates: Reducing interest rates on Chinese loans from 2-3% to 1%.
• Extended loan repayment: Extending the grace period for loan repayment from 15 to 30 years.
• Duty-free access: Securing duty-free access to Chinese markets for Bangladeshi products after graduating from the least-developed country bracket in 2026.
• Increased investments: Attracting more Chinese investments and boosting exports to China.
• In return, China may press Bangladesh to join the Global Development Initiative (GDI) and seek a clearer understanding of Bangladesh’s diplomatic positioning, particularly given the interim govt’s perceived pro-Western stance. (more)

Pre-Partition Ahmadi mosque demolished by Maryam govt Pakistanis call it ‘religious tyranny’

• The recent demolition of an Ahmadi mosque in Pakistan has sparked widespread outrage and condemnation.
• The mosque, built by Pakistan’s first foreign minister, Sir Zafarullah Khan, held historic significance and was razed due to an alleged “illegal” extension.
• However, many believe it was destroyed because of its association with the Ahmadi community.
• This incident highlights the ongoing persecution of Ahmadis in Pakistan, who are not recognized as Muslims by the state and face draconian blasphemy laws.
• The demolition is seen as a grave violation of constitutional protections and an escalation of intolerance towards marginalized communities.
• Human rights activists and journalists have condemned the incident, with one activist stating that Pakistan is becoming a “living hell” for minorities.
• The government’s failure to protect its minorities and its alleged sponsorship of extremist groups have been widely criticized.
• The incident has also raised questions about the country’s progress and development, with many asking how a nation can move forward when its citizens are deprived of religious freedom. (more)

44 incidents of violence against shrines reported in Bangladesh since Aug 4:

• Bangladesh has reported 44 incidents of violence against shrines since August 4, with the highest number of incidents occurring in the Dhaka Division.
• The incidents include vandalism, attacks on shrines and devotees, looting, and arson.
• The govt has reaffirmed its “zero-tolerance policy” towards attacks on shrines and has directed authorities to take stringent actions against those responsible.
• Total Incidents: 44 incidents of vandalism on 40 shrines reported
• Divisions Affected: Dhaka Division (17 incidents), Chattogram Division (10 incidents), and Mymensing Division (7 incidents)
• Actions Taken: 15 regular cases and 29 general diaries filed, 23 culprits arrested, and charge sheets submitted in 2 cases
• Govt Response: Zero-tolerance policy towards attacks on shrines, with emphasis on community policing and sensitization programs (more)