1. Ukraine ready to talk peace with Donald Trump, looks to India for support
2. Soldier Dies In Action During Encounter With Terrorists In J&K’s Sopore
3. Kazakhstan’s Rare Earth Resources to Boost India’s Renewable Energy Goals
4. Kar Rape-Murder Case: Bengal Govt to Plead for Roy’s Capital Punishment at High Court
5. Kerala woman sentenced to death for poisoning boyfriend

What Else

1. With ceasefire in effect, Palestine seeks Indian support for reconstruction of Gaza
2. Tibetan MPs embark on Nordic advocacy tour for Tibet from January 22-30
3. In Final Act, Biden Pardons Fauci, Milley And Members of Jan 6 Panel Amid Fears of Trump’s ‘Revenge’
4. Hyderabad Man Ravi Teja Shot Dead in US Was Looking for a Job
5. Richest 10% got over half of $64.82 trillion UK extracted from India during colonialism: Study
6. B’Desh: US Coast Guard team to visit Ctg port today
7. B’Desh: Muhammad Yunus Heads to Davos, Switzerland
8. Pakistan: Morocco boat tragedy survivors say smugglers threw non-payers into sea
9. Pakistan: Govt rejects PTI’s demand for May 9 judicial commission
10. Pakistan: Conviction aimed at forcing political deal: Imran Khan
11. Pakistan Foils Infiltration Attempt: 5 Terrorists Killed

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Ukraine ready to talk peace with Donald Trump, looks to India for support

• Ukraine is seeking to start talks with the Trump administration to bring peace.
• Andriy Yermak, Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, stated that Ukraine is looking positively towards the US and the Trump administration to end the war.
• Ukraine is also open to involving non-West countries like India and South Africa in the peace process.
• Yermak emphasized India’s significant influence on Russia and expressed hope for India’s participation in bringing back Ukrainian children who have been forcibly displaced or deported.
• The issue was previously discussed between Ukrainian President Zelenskyy and PM Modi during Modi’s 2024 visit to Kyiv.
• The humanitarian crisis in Ukraine has led to devastating consequences, particularly for children.
• According to Baroness Helena Kennedy, between 10,000 to 19,000 Ukrainian children have been taken by Russian forces under the pretense of safety, leading to severe psychological impacts and loss of identity. (more)

Soldier Dies In Action During Encounter With Terrorists In J&K’s Sopore

• An Indian Army soldier was killed in an encounter with terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir’s Sopore district.
• The soldier, identified as Pangala Kartheek, was injured during an exchange of fire at a terrorist hideout in Zaloora Gujjarpati and succumbed to his injuries while being evacuated.
• The encounter began when security forces noticed fire while busting a militant hideout on Sun.
• They laid out a cordon and maintained a tight vigil throughout the night, intensifying their search for suspected terrorists in the area on Mon morning. (more)

Kazakhstan’s Rare Earth Resources to Boost India’s Renewable Energy Goals

• India is transitioning to renewable energy but faces a challenge in meeting its growing demand for rare earth elements.
• To reduce its reliance on China, India is diversifying its supply sources, and Kazakhstan has emerged as a strategically valuable partner.
• Key Points: Kazakhstan has abundant rare earth resources and is close to India, making it an attractive partner.
• India lacks advanced extraction technologies, making it vulnerable to supply chain disruptions.
• Kazakhstan’s vast reserves and proximity to India make it well-positioned to supply critical materials.
• Rare earth metals are essential for industries like renewable energy, electronics, and defense.
• India has proposed the establishment of an India-Central Asia Rare Earths Forum to foster transparent and mutually beneficial partnerships.
• Benefits of Partnership: Reduced reliance on China for rare earth elements
• Strengthened bilateral ties between India and Kazakhstan
• Support for the global push for a sustainable energy future
• Addressing critical gaps in India’s rare earth supply chain (more)

Kar Rape-Murder Case: Bengal Govt to Plead for Roy’s Capital Punishment at High Court

• West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has expressed dissatisfaction with the RG Kar Hospital Rape-Murder Verdict, which sentenced Sanjay Roy to life imprisonment.
• Banerjee believes the case deserves capital punishment and has announced that the state will appeal to the High Court.
• The verdict has sparked widespread outrage, with many calling it a “travesty of justice.”
• The BJP demanded an appeal and accused the WB govt of destroying evidence and weakening the case.
• The court’s decision was based because the case was not considered “rarest of the rare,” despite the Central Bureau of Investigation advocating for the death penalty.
• The victim’s family has also refused to accept compensation, stating that they only want justice.
• Banerjee has questioned the court’s decision, citing recent cases where capital punishment was granted for similar crimes.
• She has vowed to pursue justice and ensure the convict receives the maximum punishment.  (more)

Kerala woman sentenced to death for poisoning boyfriend

• A 24-year-old woman, Greeshma, has been sentenced to death in Kerala for poisoning her boyfriend, Sharon Raj, in 2022.
• The court found her guilty of murder under the Indian Penal Code and described the crime as “premeditated” and “rarest of the rare”.
• Greeshma had plotted the murder after Raj refused to end their relationship when her marriage was arranged with another man.
• The prosecution relied on circumstantial, digital, and scientific evidence to prove the crime.
• Greeshma’s uncle was sentenced to 3 years in prison for destruction of evidence.
• The court rejected Greeshma’s plea for leniency, citing the severity of the crime. (more)

With ceasefire in effect, Palestine seeks Indian support for reconstruction of Gaza

• Palestine is seeking India’s support for the reconstruction of Gaza following the recent ceasefire.
• Abed Elrazeg Abu Jazer, Palestine’s top diplomat in Delhi, emphasized India’s potential role in providing medical aid, building schools and hospitals, and offering expertise in various fields.
• India has historically supported Palestine, advocating for a two-state solution and providing financial assistance.
• Recently, India has increased its annual contributions to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East from $2.5 million to $5 million.
• Some potential areas of cooperation between two include:
• Medical Aid: India can provide medical assistance, including specialized doctors and field hospitals.
• Education: India can help build new schools and educational institutions in Gaza.
• Infrastructure Development: Indian companies can participate in the reconstruction of Gaza, including building hospitals and other essential infrastructure.
• Capacity Building: India can offer training and capacity-building programs for Palestinian professionals in various fields.
• Overall, India’s support can play a significant role in the reconstruction and development of Gaza. (more)

Tibetan MPs embark on Nordic advocacy tour for Tibet from January 22-30

• A parliamentary delegation from the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile is all set to visit Denmark, Norway, and Sweden from Jan 22 to 30, as part of their Europe Tibet advocacy program.
• The delegation, consisting of parliamentarians Geshe Monlam Tharchin, Lhagyari Namgyal Dolkar, and Konchok Yangphel, aims to raise awareness about the ongoing struggles of Tibetans under Chinese rule, including human rights violations, cultural erosion, and the need for international support.
• They will arrive in Copenhagen on Jan 22 and have scheduled programs there for three days, followed by visits to Stockholm and Oslo, where they will engage with various groups and individuals to garner support for the Tibetan cause.
• This advocacy tour is a significant step towards highlighting the plight of Tibetans and seeking global support for their autonomy and human rights.
• The delegation’s efforts will undoubtedly contribute to the ongoing discourse on Tibet’s freedom and self-determination (more)

In Final Act, Biden Pardons Fauci, Milley And Members of Jan 6 Panel Amid Fears of Trump’s ‘Revenge’

• US President Joe Biden has granted pardons to several individuals, including Dr. Anthony Fauci, retired Gen Mark Milley, and members of the House committee that investigated the Jan 6 attack on the Capitol.
• This move protects against potential “revenge” from the incoming Trump administration.
• Biden’s decision is unusual, as it pardons individuals who haven’t been investigated or accused of crimes.
• The president emphasized that these pardons shouldn’t be seen as an admission of wrongdoing.
• In India, the president also has the power to grant pardons, reprieves, and remissions under Article 72 of the Constitution.
• However, this power is typically exercised on the advice of the govt.
• Biden’s move has sparked interest in the comparison between the US and Indian presidential pardon systems.
• While both countries have provisions for presidential pardons, the context and exercise of this power differ significantly. (more)

Hyderabad Man Ravi Teja Shot Dead in US Was Looking for a Job

• A 32-year-old Indian man, Ravi Teja, from Hyderabad, was shot dead in the United States while he was on a phone call with his father, according to a report by NDTV.
• Ravi Teja was walking home from a grocery store in Chicago when he was shot.
• He was on a phone call with his father at the time of the incident.
• The police are investigating the case and have not yet made any arrests.
• Victim’s Background: Ravi Teja had moved to the US in 2018 and was working as a delivery driver.
• He was looking for a better job and had recently completed his master’s degree.
• He is survived by his parents and a younger brother in Hyderabad.
• Family’s Reaction: Teja’s father expressed shock and grief over his son’s sudden death.
• The family is seeking help from the Indian govt to bring Teja’s body back to Hyderabad for the last rites.
• This incident highlights the concerns about safety and security for Indian nationals living and working abroad. (more)
• More than a dozen Indian or Indian-origin nationals have been killed in North America in the last year, and over 100 in the past five years.

Richest 10% got over half of $64.82 trillion UK extracted from India during colonialism: Study

• The UK’s colonial exploitation of India has had a lasting impact on the country’s economy and society.
• According to Oxfam International’s latest report, the UK extracted a staggering $64.82 trillion from India between 1765 to 1900, with $33.8 trillion going to the richest 10% in the UK.
• This amount is equivalent to carpeting the entire surface area of London with 50-pound notes almost four times over.
• The report highlights how colonialism created a deeply unequal world, perpetuating the extraction of wealth from the Global South to benefit the richest people in the Global North.
• It also notes that the modern multinational corporation is a product of colonialism, with companies like the East India Company pioneering exploitation and plunder.
• The impact of colonialism can still be seen today, with many countries in the Global South struggling with poverty, inequality, and lack of access to basic services.
• Oxfam’s report is a stark reminder of the need for accountability and reparations for historical injustices. (more)

[Neighborhood]

B’Desh: US Coast Guard team to visit Ctg port today

• A US Coast Guard team, led by Lt Commander Khiem Nagy, is visiting Chattogram Port today to assess its security and operations-related facilities.
• The team will inspect various port facilities, including private off-docks, to ensure compliance with the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code.
• This visit is part of the US Coast Guard’s International Port Security (IPS) program, which aims to reduce risks to US ports, ships, and the global maritime transport system.
• The Chattogram Port Authority has been implementing measures to improve its security systems since 2004, and this visit will help identify areas for further improvement. (more)

B’Desh: Muhammad Yunus Heads to Davos, Switzerland

• Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Adviser of Bangladesh, has embarked on a 4-day official visit to Davos, Switzerland, to attend the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF).
• He’ll be leading the Bangladesh delegation and focusing on business and investment opportunities.
• During his visit, Yunus is expected to hold bilateral talks with prominent leaders, including German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Finnish President Alexander Stubb.
• A separate dialogue on Bangladesh will also take place, where global business leaders and CEOs of international organizations will participate.
• The goal is to showcase Bangladesh’s improved business and investment climate, attracting global investors and leaders to explore the country’s opportunities.
• Yunus will return home on Jan 25. (more)

Pakistan: Morocco boat tragedy survivors say smugglers threw non-payers into sea

• Pakistani survivors of the Morocco boat tragedy claim it was a premeditated massacre by human traffickers.
• According to their statements, traffickers stranded the boat in open waters, demanding ransom, and brutally attacked those who couldn’t pay.
• Many passengers died from harsh weather, starvation, and physical assault.
• The boat was allegedly controlled by an international trafficking ring involving smugglers from Senegal, Mauritania, and Morocco.
• A Pakistani investigative team is currently probing the incident in Morocco. (more)

Pakistan: Govt rejects PTI’s demand for May 9 judicial commission

• The Pakistan govt has rejected the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s demand for a judicial commission to investigate the May 9, 2023, violence following Imran Khan’s arrest.
• The govt has refused to form a judicial commission, despite PTI’s repeated demands.
• PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar had given the govt a 7-day ultimatum to form a judicial commission on the May 9 incidents.
• However, the govt has firmly rejected this demand, citing ongoing investigations.
• The govt’s decision is seen as a setback for PTI, which has been pushing for a judicial commission to investigate the violence that erupted after Imran Khan’s arrest. (more)

Pakistan: Conviction aimed at forcing political deal: Imran Khan

• Imran Khan, the founding chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has been sentenced in the £190 million Al-Qadir Trust case, along with his wife Bushra Bibi.
• Khan believes the sentence is politically motivated to force him into making a deal, but he has dismissed any negotiations or compromise.
• Khan’s sister, Aleema Khan, stated that he will continue to face the cases against him, regardless of the prison time.
• The PTI leadership is confident that higher courts will offer a fair hearing, and Khan’s legal team is preparing to challenge the conviction, alleging political biases within the judicial system.
• The PTI will appeal the ruling before the HC on Jan 21, calling it a “controversial” decision and claiming Khan and his wife were “wrongly” convicted. (more)

Pakistan Foils Infiltration Attempt: 5 Terrorists Killed

• According to reports, five terrorists were killed by Pakistani security forces while attempting to infiltrate from Afghanistan.
• The infiltration attempt was made from the Afghan side of the border
• Pakistani security forces engaged the terrorists, resulting in the killing of five militants
• The incident is a testament to the effectiveness of Pakistan’s border security measures
• The country has been working to strengthen its borders and prevent terrorist infiltration from neighboring Afghanistan
• Context: The country has been engaged in efforts to fence and monitor its border with Afghanistan to prevent militant movements
• The incident underscores the need for continued vigilance and cooperation between Pakistan and Afghanistan to address the shared threat of terrorism
• Implications: The successful foiling of the infiltration attempt is a significant achievement for Pakistan’s security forces
• The incident highlights the importance of continued efforts to secure Pakistan’s borders and prevent terrorist activities
• The country’s efforts to enhance its border security and prevent militant movements are crucial to maintaining regional stability and security. (more)