1. India celebrates its 76th Republic Day
2. Indonesia’s President Subianto has ‘Indian DNA’, presses on nation’s cultural influence
3. India, EU looking to firm up security, defense partnerships
4. Foreign Secretary Misri in Beijing for talks with Chinese officials
5. Assam is developing Dibrugarh as second capital

What Else

1. India’s forex reserves continue to fall, hitting 11-month low
2. CIA Shifts Stance on COVID-19 Origins, Claims Lab Leak More Likely
3. Tory MP Bob Blackman raises storming of Harrow cinema in UK Commons, brands protestors as ‘Khalistani terrorists’
4. U.S. Halts Aid to Bangladesh in Trump’s Foreign Aid Review
5. China can be alternative to India for medical treatment
6. Two injured in firing on AJK speaker’s convoy
7. 2 dead, 7 injured after explosion near bus travelling from Khuzdar to Rawalpindi: official
8. US may put ‘very big bounty’ on Taliban leaders, Secretary of State Rubio says
9. China tells Rubio to behave himself in veiled warning

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India celebrates its 76^th Republic Day

• India’s 76th Republic Day celebrations are underway, and this year’s chief guest is Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto.
• Interestingly, Indonesia has been invited as the chief guest four times, with previous invitations in 1950, 2011, and 2018.
• The parade features 31 tableaux representing various states and government services, centered around the theme ‘Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas’ (Golden India: Heritage and Development).
• For the first time, a tri-service tableau was included, showcasing the spirit of unity and collaboration among India’s Armed Forces.
• Regarding international participation, military contingents from Indonesia also participated in the march-past along Kartavya Path.
• This year’s celebrations aim to showcase India’s cultural diversity, unity, equality, development, and military strength. (more)
• The US extended greetings to India on its 76^th Republic Day, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasizing the importance of India-US ties and calling them a “defining relationship of the 21^st century.”
• Military prowess, cultural diversity, development on show at Republic Day fete: Missile systems at the R Day parade capture evolving long-range tactical strike options of the military. BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles upgraded Pinaka Multi-Rocket Launch System (MRLS) with a range of 75 km, BM-21 Grad, which is a 122mm MRLS, and Pralay quasi-ballistic missile system are among the systems showcased
• The Pralay weapon system also displayed during the parade celebration
• 77,000 witness Republic Day parade; Delhi covered in thick security blanket
• Republic Day 2025 tableaux: Cheetahs from Kuno, Statue of Unity, Mahakumbh, 75 years of the Constitution and many more decorate Kartavya Path

Indonesia’s President Subianto has ‘Indian DNA’, presses on nation’s cultural influence

• Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto revealed that a recent genetic sequencing test showed he has “Indian DNA”.
• He shared this during an ‘at-home’ reception hosted by President Droupadi Murmu at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, on the occasion of India’s 76^th Republic Day.
• Subianto highlighted the influence of ancient Indian civilization on Indonesian culture, language, and genetics.
• He mentioned that many Indonesian names are derived from Sanskrit and that Indian music resonates with him deeply.
• The Indonesian president also praised PM Modi’s leadership and commitment to reducing poverty and helping marginalized communities.
• He expressed his admiration for India’s rich cultural heritage and wished prosperity, peace, and greatness for the Indian people.
• During his visit, Subianto was accompanied by a high-level delegation, and 5 MoUs were signed and renewed between India and Indonesia, covering sectors such as health, traditional medicine, and maritime security. (more)
• India, Indonesia call for resolution of maritime disputes in South China Sea in message aimed at China: India and Indonesia have joined forces to call for a resolution to maritime disputes in the South China Sea, urging all parties to follow international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
• This move is seen as a message directed towards China, given its increasing assertions in the disputed waters.
• The two have jointly called for the full implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea and an early conclusion of a substantive Code of Conduct, following international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS. (more)

India, EU looking to firm up security, defense partnerships

• India and the European Union are strengthening their ties in defense and security, with several proposals on the table.
• These include a new strategic dialogue on foreign policy issues and elevating security and defense partnerships to the level of defense secretary.
• President of the EU Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, announced plans to upgrade the strategic partnership with India, highlighting the country’s significance as the largest democracy in the world.
• India’s trade minister, Piyush Goyal, has already met with EU officials in Brussels to discuss a free trade agreement.
• Areas of Cooperation: Naval Cooperation: The EU plans to place a liaison officer at India’s Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region.
• Homeland Security: Both sides are exploring cooperation on counter-terrorism and cybersecurity.
• Trade and Connectivity: Plans are underway to link India’s UPI with a proposed European digital wallet and develop the India-Middle East-Europe corridor.
• Green Energy and Technology: Cooperation on green hydrogen, EV batteries, semiconductors, space, and water management technology is also in the works. (more)

Foreign Secretary Misri in Beijing for talks with Chinese officials

• Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri’s 2-day visit to Beijing, which began on Jan 26, 2025, marks the 2^nd high-profile visit from India to China in less than one-and-a-half months.
• This visit is significant, coming on the heels of Republic Day and ahead of China’s Spring Festival and Chinese New Year celebrations.
• Misri met with Liu Jianchao, head of the International Department of the Communist Party, to discuss implementing the consensus reached by Indian and Chinese leaders.
• The visit aims to revitalize bilateral ties, strained since the 2020 Ladakh military standoff. China has welcomed Misri’s visit, expressing optimism about its outcome.
• The two sides are expected to discuss de-escalation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh, resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, and other issues.
• Border Disputes: Finding a mutually acceptable solution to the boundary dispute between India and China.
• Trade and Economic Cooperation: Enhancing trade and economic ties, including the resumption of direct flights and facilitation of visas.
• People-to-People Exchanges: Promoting cultural and educational exchanges to foster greater understanding and cooperation.
• The visit is a follow-up to the meeting between PM Modi and President Xi Jinping in Oct 2024, where they agreed to improve and grow bilateral relations. (more)

Assam is developing Dibrugarh as second capital

• Assam’s Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, has announced that Dibrugarh will become the state’s second capital within the next three years.
• This decision aims to decentralize power and promote development in other parts of the state.
• Key Developments: Dibrugarh, located on the banks of the Brahmaputra river, will host one session of the state assembly every year, starting in 2027.
• Infrastructure Development: Construction of a permanent building for the Assam assembly will begin on Jan 25, 2026.
• Other Cities to be Developed: Tezpur will be developed as the cultural capital, while Silchar will have a secretariat and chief secretary’s office to bridge the gap between Barak Valley and Guwahati. (more)

India’s forex reserves continue to fall, hitting 11-month low

• India’s foreign exchange reserves have been declining for four months, with a drop of $1.88 billion to $623.983 billion in the week ending Jan 17.
• This decline is likely due to the Reserve Bank of India’s intervention to prevent a sharp depreciation of the Rupee, which is now at or near its all-time low against the US dollar.
• The reserves have fallen in 15 of the past 16 weeks, hitting an 11-month low.
• They are now over 10% lower than the peak of $704.89 billion in Sept.
• Despite this decline, India’s foreign exchange reserves are still sufficient to cover approximately one year of projected imports.
• Foreign Currency Assets (FCA): $533.133 billion
• Gold Reserves: $68.947 billion, with a $1.06 billion jump in the past week
• Previous Year’s Performance: India added $58 billion to its foreign exchange reserves in 2023, contrasting with a decline of $71 billion in 2022
• The RBI closely monitors FX reserve markets and intervenes to maintain orderly market conditions and curb excessive volatility in the Rupee exchange rate. (more)

CIA Shifts Stance on COVID-19 Origins, Claims Lab Leak More Likely

• The US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) has revised its stance on the origins of COVID-19, suggesting that a lab leak is now considered a more plausible explanation.
• This update comes after a thorough review of new intelligence and evidence.
• The agency’s revised assessment has sparked renewed debate and speculation about the true origins of the pandemic.
• The lab leak theory proposes that the virus accidentally escaped from the Wuhan Institute of Virology in China, rather than originating from an animal source.
• The CIA’s shift in stance is significant, as it adds to the growing body of evidence and expert opinions on the matter.
• However, it’s essential to note that the agency’s revised assessment is ‘not conclusive’, and the origins of COVID-19 remain a topic of ongoing investigation and debate (more)

Tory MP Bob Blackman raises storming of Harrow cinema in UK Commons, brands protestors as ‘Khalistani terrorists’

• Harrow East MP Bob Blackman has condemned the storming of Harrow Vue cinema by masked Khalistanis, describing them as “terrorists” in the UK Parliament.
• The incident occurred during a screening of the film “Emergency,” which some deem anti-Sikh.
• Blackman called on Home Secretary Yvette Cooper to ensure the British public can watch films without intimidation.
• However, the Sikh Federation UK has reported Blackman to the parliamentary commissioner for standards, citing “unacceptable conduct” for his description of the protesters as “terrorists.”
• They claim the protesters were “peaceful” and objecting to the film’s content. (more)

[Neighborhood]

U.S. Halts Aid to Bangladesh in Trump’s Foreign Aid Review

• The US has halted aid to Bangladesh as part of President Trump’s foreign aid review.
• This move comes after Trump ordered a 90-day pause in US foreign assistance programs to review their efficiency and consistency with his foreign policy.
• As a result, the United States Agency for International Development has suspended all assistance to Bangladesh, directing its partners to immediately stop work on ongoing projects.
• This action aligns with a broader U.S. policy to freeze aid across various countries, affecting significant aid operations in Bangladesh led by Yunus’ interim govt.
• Notably, the US is the leading contributor of humanitarian assistance in response to the Rohingya crisis, having provided nearly $2.4 billion since Aug 2017.
• The suspension of aid may have implications for Bangladesh and the region.

China can be alternative to India for medical treatment

• China’s Kunming is being considered as an alternative to India for medical treatment due to its relatively low medical expenses and travel costs, according to Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain.
• This development comes after Hossain’s recent bilateral visit to China, where he discussed potential collaborations with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi.
• In addition to exploring medical tourism opportunities, Hossain also requested China to reduce interest rates, waive commitment fees, and extend loan repayment periods ¹.
• China has agreed in principle to extend the loan repayment period and is considering the interest rate reduction request. (more)

Two injured in firing on AJK speaker’s convoy

• The convoy of Azad Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Speaker Chaudhry Latif Akbar was attacked near Muzaffarabad, injuring two PPP workers.
• Fortunately, the speaker remained unharmed.
• The attack occurred while Akbar was en route to a political gathering, and he had reportedly received threats on social media just three days prior.
• PM Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari condemned the attack, calling it a cowardly act, and directed authorities to capture the attackers.
• Two were injured in the attack.
• The leaders termed the incident as “cowardly and despicable” and prayed for the early recovery of the injured.
• PM Sharif directed authorities to take immediate action and arrest those responsible.
• Bilawal Bhutto also demanded the immediate arrest of the perpetrators. (more)

2 dead, 7 injured after explosion near bus travelling from Khuzdar to Rawalpindi: official

• A passenger bus traveling from Khuzdar to Rawalpindi was hit by an explosion on Sun, killing a person and injuring 7 others, including a critical bus conductor.
• The blast occurred near Khori, 25 km from Khuzdar City, on the M-8 Highway.
• An investigation revealed that an improvised explosive device (IED) was planted in a parked Alto vehicle.
• No group has claimed responsibility for the attack, but Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have seen a surge in terrorism-related incidents in recent months.
• The injured were rushed to the Khuzdar Trauma Centre, and a heavy police contingent, Frontier Corps, and Levies forces cordoned off the area.
• An investigation is underway. (more)

US may put ‘very big bounty’ on Taliban leaders, Secretary of State Rubio says

• US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has announced that the US may place a “very big bounty” on top Taliban leaders, citing reports that the Taliban is holding more American hostages than previously thought.
•  Rubio stated that if these reports are true, the bounty could be even larger than the one placed on Osama bin Laden.
• This development comes after the recent prisoner swap between the US and the Taliban, in which two American citizens, Ryan Corbett and William McKenty, were released in exchange for an Afghan convict.
•  The Taliban took control of Afghanistan in 2021 following the US withdrawal. (more)

China tells Rubio to behave himself in veiled warning

• China’s FM Wang Yi has issued a veiled warning to US Secy of State Marco Rubio, telling him to “act accordingly” in their 1^st conversation since Rubio’s confirmation
• This phrase, typically used by a teacher or boss, is a polite way of saying “behave yourself.”
• The warning seems to be aimed at Rubio’s past criticism of China’s human rights record, which led to China imposing sanctions on him twice in 2020.
• The sanctions include a travel ban to China, and it’s unclear if Rubio will be allowed to visit the country for talks.
• Wang’s warning is a delicate balance of expectation and courtesy, necessary for further diplomatic engagement.
•  Rubio, on the other hand, has expressed “serious concern” over China’s actions in Taiwan and the South China Sea, indicating a potentially rocky start to their diplomatic relationship. (more)