1. PM Modi to Meet President Trump in Washington during 2-Day US Visit From Feb 12
2. Maha Kumbh: ‘Operation Eleven’ To Manage Crowd During Basant Panchami Amrit Snan
3. Parliament Budget Session Day 3: Motion of Thanks on President’s Address to be taken up
4. US deports Indian migrants on C-17 military aircraft, first since Donald Trump’s return
5. India, Russia in ‘active discussion’ over RuPay & MIR mutual transactions

What Else

1. Motion of Thanks on President address: Make in India has failed, says Rahul Gandhi in Lok Sabha:
2. ‘Deliberately spoke falsehood’: Jaishankar responds to Rahul Gandhi’s remarks on Trump inauguration invite
3. Indian Navy drops plans of third aircraft carrier, second IAC will replace Vikramaditya
4. Suspected Guillain-Barre Syndrome cases rise to 163 in Maharashtra
5. Pakistan ISPR releases new anthem marking Kashmir Solidarity Day
6. Pakistan President on five-day China visit from today
7. Bangladesh: A young adviser may resign to lead a new political party
8. Bangladesh: 8 hurt, 30 houses vandalized as AL, BNP clash in Faridpur
9. Bangladesh: UK rights envoy meets BNP leaders
10. Denmark, Bangladesh sign project to promote safer, sustainable food production
11. Pakistan: Five security men hurt, four militants killed in KP ops

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PM Modi to Meet President Trump in Washington during 2-Day US Visit From Feb 12

• PM Modi is scheduled to visit the United States for 2 days, starting Feb 12.
• During his visit, he will hold comprehensive talks with President Donald Trump.
• The meeting between PM Modi and President Trump is expected to cover a range of topics, including:
• Trade and tariffs: President has imposed tariffs on several countries, including India.
• PM Modi likely discuss ways to resolve trade differences and promote bilateral trade.
• Immigration: The US has been pushing for stricter immigration laws, and India has agreed to accept thousands of unlawful migrants from the US.
• Global issues: The two leaders will likely discuss pressing global issues, such as the situation in West Asia and Ukraine.
• In recent weeks, India has made several concessions to the US, including:
• Reducing levies on heavy-duty motorcycles: India has reduced tariffs on imported motorcycles, a move that is expected to benefit US companies like Harley-Davidson.
• Accepting unlawful migrants: India has agreed to accept thousands of unlawful migrants from the US, a move that is seen as a significant concession.
• The visit highlights the growing ties between India and the US.
• The two countries have been cooperating in several areas, including:
• Defense: India and the US have been strengthening their defense ties, with several joint military exercises and defense deals.
• Technology-sharing: The countries have been cooperating in areas like technology-sharing, with several US companies setting up research and development centers in India.
• Nuclear cooperation: India and the US have been cooperating in the field of nuclear energy, with several joint projects and agreements.
• Despite the growing ties, there are still several sticking points between the two:
• India’s import of crude oil from Russia: The US has sanctioned Russia for its invasion of Ukraine, and India’s continued import of crude oil from Russia is a point of contention.
• US indictment of Indian govt official: The US has indicted an Indian govt official on allegations of organizing a conspiracy to murder an American citizen on US soil. (more)

Maha Kumbh: ‘Operation Eleven’ To Manage Crowd During Basant Panchami Amrit Snan

• In Maha Kumbh 2025, ‘Operation Eleven’ was devised to Manage Crowds During Basant Panchami Amrit Snan in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh.
• Eleven Zones: The Kumbh Nagari area will be divided into 11 zones.
• Crowd Control Measures: Each zone will have designated entry and exit points, barricades, and crowd barriers.
• Intelligence Gathering: Police will gather intelligence on potential troublemakers.
• Police Preparedness:
• 30,000 Personnel: Over 30,000 police personnel will be deployed.
• Specialized Units: PAC and RAF units will be deployed to deal with emergencies.
• Additional Measures:
• Parking and Medical Facilities: Designated parking areas and medical facilities will be set up.
• Food and Water: Provisions will be made to provide food and water to pilgrims. (more)

Parliament Budget Session Day 3: Motion of Thanks on President’s Address to be taken up

• The Budget Session of the Parliament is currently underway, and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is presenting the Budget for 2025.
•  The session, which commenced on Jan 31, has seen the introduction of several bills, including 7 in the Lok Sabha and 3 in the Rajya Sabha.
• Mon’s session is being held in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, with Sitharaman presenting the Budget.
• The session is expected to continue until the Budget is passed.
• Introduction of Bills: Ten bills have been introduced in the Parliament, seven in the Lok Sabha and three in the Rajya Sabha.
• Bills passed: 12 bills have been passed by the Lok Sabha, while 12 bills have been passed or returned by the Rajya Sabha.
• White Paper on Indian Economy: Sitharaman presented a White Paper on the Indian Economy, which provides an overview of the country’s economic performance. (more)

US deports Indian migrants on C-17 military aircraft, first since Donald Trump’s return

• A US military plane, specifically a C-17 aircraft, has departed with illegal migrants bound for India, marking the first deportation to India since President Trump’s return.
• This move is part of Trump’s immigration agenda, which includes using military aircraft to deport migrants and opening military bases to house them.
• Deportation flights have previously carried migrants to Guatemala, Peru, and Honduras, but India is the farthest destination so far.
• The Trump administration has been assisting his immigration agenda, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio raising concerns about illegal immigration by Indians into the US during conversations with PM Modi and EAM S Jaishankar.
• It’s worth noting that between Oct 2023 and Sept 2024, the US deported over 1,100 illegal immigrants from India, with a “steady increase” in deportations in recent years.
• The Ministry of External Affairs has termed these deportations as an outcome of “regular consular dialogue and arrangement” with the US. (more)

India, Russia in ‘active discussion’ over RuPay & MIR mutual transactions

• India and Russia are negotiating the use of their respective payment systems, RuPay and MIR, in both countries.
• This move aims to facilitate seamless transactions for Russian visitors in India and vice versa, amidst Western sanctions on Russian financial systems.
• The MIR payments system, owned by a subsidiary of the Central Bank of Russia, was created as a replacement for Visa and Mastercard following Moscow’s invasion of Crimea in 2014.
• China’s UnionPay is currently one of the few operational payment systems in Russia.
• The Indian Ambassador to Russia stated that discussions are underway to establish mutual acceptance of the MIR payment system alongside India’s RuPay cards.
• This development comes as Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to visit India for the annual India-Russia summit.
• However, any potential deal may face scrutiny from Western nations, which have imposed sanctions on Russia’s financial systems. (more)

Motion of Thanks on President address: Make in India has failed, says Rahul Gandhi in Lok Sabha:

• Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, claimed that nearly 70 lakh new voters were added to Maharashtra’s electoral rolls between the Lok Sabha elections and the Assembly elections in 2024.
• This, he said, is equivalent to the entire voting population of Himachal Pradesh.
• Gandhi made these remarks during a speech in the Lok Sabha, where he criticized the govt on various issues, including unemployment, Make in India, and China’s alleged transgression into India.
• He also called for a defense of democratic institutions and transparency in the electoral process.
• The Congress leader’s speech was met with relatively fewer protests compared to previous occasions, and he ended by thanking PM Modi for listening to his address. (more)

‘Deliberately spoke falsehood’: Jaishankar responds to Rahul Gandhi’s remarks on Trump inauguration invite

• External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has refuted Gandhi’s claims that he visited the US to secure an invite for PM Modi to attend Trump’s inauguration.
• He clarified that he met with the Secy of State and NSA of the Biden Admin, and chaired a gathering of Consuls General, with no discussion of an invitation for PM Modi.
• While saying that “at no stage” was an invitation in respect of PM Modi discussed, Jaishankar added that it was common knowledge that the PM “does not attend such events”.
• The EAM further said that India is generally represented by Special Envoys. (more)

Indian Navy drops plans of third aircraft carrier, second IAC will replace Vikramaditya

• The Indian Navy has shifted its focus from operating three aircraft carriers to building a 2^nd indigenous aircraft carrier (IAC), which will replace the aging INS Vikramaditya.
• This change in naval policy comes after the govt expressed concerns about the high costs associated with aircraft carrier construction and maintenance.
• The decision to drop plans for a third aircraft carrier was also influenced by the govt’s desire to prioritize submarines over aircraft carriers.
• Former Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat had publicly spoken against the need for 3 carriers, calling them “sitting ducks”.
• The 2^nd indigenous aircraft carrier, which will replace INS Vikramaditya, is expected to be a 65,000-tonne CATOBAR system with electric propulsion.
• The project study for this carrier was initiated during the tenure of former defense minister Manohar Parrikar.
• Meanwhile, the Modi govt has tweaked the 30-year-old submarine-building program, sanctioning 18 conventional diesel-electric submarines and six nuclear-powered ones, in addition to the nuclear ballistic missile submarine program. (more)

Suspected Guillain-Barre Syndrome cases rise to 163 in Maharashtra

• Maharashtra has seen a significant surge in suspected Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) cases, with the total count now at 163.
• GBS is a rare autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks the peripheral nerves, leading to muscle weakness and potentially paralysis.
• Breakdown of Cases: Pune Municipal Corporation: 29 cases
• Newly incorporated villages in Pune: 82 cases
• Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation: 17 cases
• Pune Rural: 13 cases
• Other districts: 8 cases
• The Indian Council of Medical Research is investigating the outbreak, and preliminary findings suggest a possible link to contaminated water sources, particularly in Pune.
• Campylobacter jejuni, a bacteria found in contaminated food and water, is believed to be associated with the outbreak.
• Health authorities have issued guidelines to safeguard citizens, emphasizing hand hygiene and caution against contaminated food and water.
• With 28 patients currently on ventilator support, the situation remains grave. (more)

Pakistan ISPR releases new anthem marking Kashmir Solidarity Day

• The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) has released a new anthem, “Kashmir Banay Ga Pakistan,” to mark Kashmir Solidarity Day on Feb 5.
• The 3.53 min song, featuring vocals by Ahmed Jahanzeb, music by Irfan Saleem and Kamran Khan, and lyrics by Imran Raza, conveys a strong message of unity and commitment to the Kashmiri cause.
• The anthem opens with a historic speech by late Hurriyat separatist Syed Ali Geelani, reinforcing Pakistan’s solidarity with the people of Kashmir. (more)

[Neighborhood]

Pakistan President on five-day China visit from today

• Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari is set to embark on a five-day visit to China, starting Tuesday, to discuss bilateral relations with Chinese leaders.
• This trip is particularly significant as Pakistan aims to revitalize its economy and strengthen regional connectivity through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.
• During his visit, Zardari will hold high-level meetings with President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang, and other senior officials to discuss a range of topics, including:
• Economic and Trade Cooperation: Strengthening economic ties and exploring new trade opportunities.
• Security Collaboration: Enhancing counter-terrorism efforts and security cooperation.
• CPEC and Future Connectivity Initiatives: Advancing the CPEC project and exploring new connectivity initiatives.
• Regional and Global Geopolitical Developments: Exchanging views on regional and global issues, including cooperation in multilateral forums.
• Zardari’s visit underscores the strong commitment between Pakistan and China to strengthen their all-weather strategic cooperative partnership.
• He will also attend the inaugural ceremony of the 9^th Asian Winter Games in Harbin, Heilongjiang province, at the special invitation of the Chinese govt. (more)

Bangladesh: A young adviser may resign to lead a new political party

• A new political party is set to launch in mid-February, backed by the Anti-Discrimination Movement (ADM) and the Jatiya Nagorik Committee.
• The party will be centrist, focusing on national interests rather than right or left ideologies.
• One of 3 young advisers, Mahfuj Alam, Nahid Islam, or Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain, representing students in the interim govt, may resign to lead the new party.
• The remaining 2 advisers may also quit the govt later, with one possibly resigning in June to join the party.
• The party’s name and symbol are still being discussed, and a formal announcement is expected in late Feb.
• The Jatiya Nagorik Committee will continue as a civil political platform, and the ADM will maintain its activities despite the new party’s formation. (more)

Bangladesh: 8 hurt, 30 houses vandalized as AL, BNP clash in Faridpur

• A clash between supporters of the Awami League and the BNP in Fushra village, Faridpur, left at least 8 people injured and 30 houses vandalized and looted.
• The injured included 3 who were hospitalized at Faridpur Medical College Hospital.
• The conflict reportedly started over a dispute about fishing rights in a local pond, which escalated into violence between the supporters of Akkas Matubbar, president of Ward 9 AL unit, and Hashem Khan, president of Ward 9 BNP unit.
• Despite police arbitration on Sunday night, the situation worsened on Mon morning when Hashem Khan’s supporters allegedly attacked Akkas Matubbar’s house, leading to retaliation and further violence.
• Police, army, and Rab personnel were deployed to bring the situation under control, with additional police forces stationed in the area to prevent further clashes. (more)

Bangladesh: UK rights envoy meets BNP leaders

• UK Human Rights Envoy Eleanor Sanders yesterday met with BNP leaders Abdul Moyeen Khan and Shama Obaed to discuss the human rights situation and upcoming national elections in Bangladesh.
• The meeting was held at the British High Commission in Dhaka at 3:30pm.
• A source present at the meeting said the UK rights envoy expressed concern over the deteriorating law and order situation in Bangladesh, as well as the ongoing rights issues, including the recent alleged extrajudicial killing of a Jubo Dal leader in Cumilla.
• The BNP delegation briefed Sanders on the background of the Jul-Aug uprising and the current political climate in the country.
• They stressed that the country’s rights situation is unlikely to improve until a political govt is elected through free and fair national elections.
• They assured that BNP would prioritize improving the human rights situation and ensuring better law and order if it comes to power (more)

Denmark, Bangladesh sign project to promote safer, sustainable food production

• Denmark and Bangladesh have strengthened their partnership to promote safe and sustainable food production in Bangladesh.
• The B’desh Food Safety Authority and the Danish Embassy signed a strategic sector assistance project focusing on food safety and the green transition of the dairy value chain.
• The project aims to address key challenges, including antimicrobial resistance and antibiotic misuse in food production.
• By enhancing food safety measures, Bangladesh will gain greater access to the international food market.
• The partnership solidifies the commitment of both nations to collaborate on food safety management and sustainable food production.
• The 3-year project brings together Danish and Bangladeshi experts to achieve 3 core objectives:
• Improving Food Safety: Strengthening regulatory frameworks and capacity building in the dairy value chain.
• Preventing Antimicrobial Resistance: Strengthening regulatory frameworks and capacity building in the livestock sector.
• Supporting Sustainable Dairy Production: Enhancing the capacity of authorities working with dairy farmers on extension services. (more)

Pakistan: Five security men hurt, four militants killed in KP ops

• Five security personnel, including an officer, were injured in a landmine explosion in Mir Ali, North Waziristan, on Mon.
• The explosion occurred during a clearance operation in the Muhammad Killay area.
• The injured personnel, including a captain, are in stable condition at a hospital.
• In a separate operation, security forces killed four alleged militants, including a commander, in North Waziristan. Additionally, police in Lakki Marwat gunned down an alleged militant commander involved in the killing of an army cadet last year.
• The militant commander, identified as Rehanullah alias Muntazir Aashna, was involved in various terrorist activities, including attacks on law enforcement personnel and extortion.
• Two villagers were injured in a clash between terrorists and local villagers before police arrived at the scene.
• In another incident, a policeman was injured when a police van was targeted with a roadside bomb in the Qeemat Manjiwala area.

The vehicle was damaged, but another improvised explosive device (IED) weighing 15kg was defused by the bomb disposal squad. (more)