Top Headlines: PM Modi heads to France on Monday for AI Summit

  1. PM Modi heads to France on Monday for AI Summit
  2. Biren Singh Resigns, Manipur Governor Asks Him To Continue As Caretaker CM
  3. Delhi Election Results 2025: BJP asks Delhi L-G for meeting with newly elected MLAs, likely to stake claim to form govt soon
  4. Trump claims George Soros used USAID grants to destabilize India, Bangladesh and other nations:
  5. ‘Sheikh Hasina’s statement is based on her own capability, we have nothing to do,’ sharp response to Yunus from India

What Else

  1. 31 Naxalites, 2 cops killed in encounter
  2. ‘India’s defence exports to cross Rs 30,000 cr in 2025-26’—Rajnath Singh ahead of Aero India take-off
  3. Bangladesh: BNP to bar if reform commission proposals obstruct fair elections
  4. Command centre established to monitor law and order situation: CA press secretary
  5. 40 arrested in ‘Operation’ Devil Hunt  in Gazipur; police call them fascist govt associates 
  6. Pakistan-Backed Terror Groups Finding Relevance in Israel-Gaza Issue
  7. Trump’s Gaza plan ‘deeply troubling, unjust’: FO
  8. Three cops, soldier martyred in KP

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PM Modi heads to France on Monday for AI Summit

  • PM Modi is heading to France today (Mon) to attend the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Action Summit, his first foreign visit of 2025.
  • He’ll be co-chairing the summit with French President Emmanuel Macron, focusing on governance and rules for AI.
  • The summit aims to create a joint road map for AI, announce an AI foundation, and discuss AI’s impact on the job market and safety.
  • Other world leaders attending the summit include German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Canada’s outgoing PM Justin Trudeau, and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
  • Tech giants like Google’s Sundar Pichai and OpenAI’s Sam Altman will also participate.
  • During his visit, PM Modi and President Macron will inaugurate the Indian Consulate in Marseille, which will provide consular support to Indians in southern France.
  • This consulate is also expected to play a key role in the India-Middle East Europe corridor, announced during the Delhi 2023 G20 summit. (more)

Biren Singh Resigns, Manipur Governor Asks Him To Continue As Caretaker CM

  • Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh resigned on Sunday due to the possibility of a no-confidence motion and a floor test by the Congress-led opposition, despite having a comfortable majority in the state assembly.
  • Singh has been asked to continue as Caretaker CM until a new appointment is made.
  • The Congress party was confident of garnering support from BJP MLAs unhappy with Singh’s leadership, partly due to his anti-narcotic drive launched in 2018, which led to the arrest of high-profile individuals connected to the ruling party.
  • Some speculate that the central govt might have been unhappy with Singh’s aggressive approach to tackling the narcotics issue, contributing to his resignation.
  • The Manipur Assembly will now be under suspended animation, and the state is likely to be under the governor’s rule until the next state assembly elections in 2027. (more)
  • The Governor of Manipur, Ajay Kumar Bhalla, has canceled the upcoming 7th session of the 12th  Manipur Legislative Assembly, which was scheduled to start today, Feb 10.
  • This decision was made using the powers granted by Article 174 of the Indian Constitution, which allows the Governor to summon, prorogue, or dissolve the Legislative Assembly ¹.
  • In essence, the Governor has declared the previous order to convene the assembly session “null and void,” meaning it is no longer valid or effective.
  • This cancellation takes immediate effect, and it’s unclear when or if the session will be rescheduled.

Delhi Election Results 2025: BJP asks Delhi L-G for meeting with newly elected MLAs, likely to stake claim to form govt soon

  • The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has secured a landslide victory in the Delhi Assembly elections, winning 48 out of 70 seats.
  • This marks a significant comeback for the BJP, which had been out of power in Delhi for 27 years.
  • The BJP’s win has led to speculation about who will be the next Chief Minister of Delhi.
  • Possibilities include one of the BJP’s 7 Lok Sabha MPs from the national capital or a new legislator with a high victory margin, potentially a woman leader.
  • The party may also consider appointing more than one deputy chief minister.
  • PM Modi addressed BJP workers after the election results were announced, guaranteeing that the CAG report on Delhi would be tabled in the first Assembly session after the party forms the government.
  • Modi thanked the people of Delhi for their mandate and promised to repay their trust with development.
  • Meanwhile, outgoing Chief Minister Atishi has tendered her resignation, but the Lt-Governor has asked her to continue until the ruling party stakes its claim to form the govt. (more)

Trump claims George Soros used USAID grants to destabilize India, Bangladesh and other nations:

  • US President Donald Trump has alleged that George Soros’ organizations received $260 million from USAID to influence political affairs and destabilize multiple nations, including India and Bangladesh.
  • Reports suggest that over the past 15 years, USAID granted more than $270 million to organizations affiliated with Soros, fueling concerns over the US govt’s role in international political movements.
  • Trump’s claims have added to the growing scrutiny of US foreign aid, particularly as his administration has frozen USAID’s budget.
  • Elon Musk, head of DOGE, has supported Trump’s administration in highlighting USAID’s financial backing of “woke and controversial” projects, amplifying Republican criticisms of foreign aid being used for regime change and political influence.
  • In India, the ruling BJP has accused Soros of backing opposition groups and funding critics of PM Modi, claiming his initiatives aim to destabilize the Indian govt and interfere in national politics. (more)
  • Big Revelation came after President Trump ceased the function of USAID: Mike Benz, from the Foundation for Freedom Online, recently appeared on David Harris Jr’s Newsmax 2 show, “The Pulse,” where he shared some disturbing facts about USAID.
  • Benz described USAID as one of the most disturbing agencies in the federal govt, blaming it for international scandals.
  • According to Benz, USAID’s problems run deeper than just “wokeness.”
  • He claimed that the agency supports nearly 100% left-wing causes and is closely tied to the National Endowment for Democracy.
  • Benz blames the international scandals on USAID
  • He said the problem is far deeper than wokeness. He explained that the National Endowment for Democracy is the constant companion of USAID. …
  • He accused USAID of supporting the Youth and student groups to topple the Bangladesh govt. (more)
  • Making his remarks on Carlson Benz points to plans ‘to destabilize Bangladesh politics..’ and rap music was popular, so they ‘used US taxpayer funds..to fund Bangladesh rap groups to do produce songs and music video..people do street protest’ (more)
  • USAID funded Lashkar-e-Taiba proxy Falah-e-Insaniat Foundation: It was found that one of the beneficiaries of USAID, which funds non-govt organizations across the globe, was the Falah-e-Insaniat Foundation, a front of a UN-designated banned terrorist organization called the Lashkar-e-Taiba.
  • Lashkar-e-Taiba was behind the 26/11 Mumbai attacks.
  • Over $180,000 was allocated in 2021 and 2023, prompting concerns over US funding mechanisms and possible deep-state involvement. (more)

‘Sheikh Hasina’s statement is based on her own capability, we have nothing to do,’ sharp response to Yunus from India

  • The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has responded sternly to Bangladesh’s request to prevent former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from making public statements.
  • The MEA stated that Sheikh Hasina’s statements are her personal prerogative, and India has no role in them.
  • The MEA emphasized India’s commitment to maintaining a positive relationship with Bangladesh but expressed disappointment at recent statements from Bangladeshi authorities portraying India negatively.
  • The ministry called on Bangladesh to foster a cooperative environment and refrain from damaging actions.
  • The diplomatic exchange comes amid growing tensions between the two after Hasina’s televised address urging her supporters to resist the “unconstitutional” regime led by Yunus.
  • Her speech led to widespread protests in Dhaka, including an attack on her ancestral home, a historic museum. (more)
  • ‘Unexpected and unwanted’ says Bangladesh’s installed Govt: has termed New Delhi’s statement on the demolition of Bangabandhu’s house on Dhanmondi 32, as “unexpected and unwarranted”.
  • This response came after Indian MEA spox expressed regret over the destruction of the historic residence, emphasizing its importance to Bangladesh’s national consciousness.
  • Alam emphasized that Bangladesh doesn’t comment on other countries’ internal affairs and expects the same courtesy in return.
  • The demolition of the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum on Feb 5 was widely condemned, as many viewed it as an attack on Bangladesh’s history and identity.
  • Last Thu, the foreign ministry in Dhaka summoned India’s acting high commissioner and handed over a formal protest letter.
  • The day after summoning India’s acting high commissioner, Bangladesh’s acting high commissioner was summoned in Delhi on Fri. (more)

31 Naxalites, 2 cops killed in encounter

  • In a significant crackdown on Left Wing Extremism, security forces eliminated 31 Naxalites, including 11 women, in a fierce encounter in Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur on Sun.
  • The operation, which involved over 650 security personnel, resulted in the deaths of 2 security personnel and injured 2 others.
  • The encounter took place in the Indravati National Park area, where a joint team of personnel from different security forces launched an anti-Naxalite operation.
  • The security forces recovered a large cache of weapons, including AK-47 rifles and explosives, from the site.
  • Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai expressed confidence that Naxalism will be eradicated from the country and the state by March 2026.
  • Union Home Minister Amit Shah reiterated this commitment, stating that Naxalism will be completely eradicated by Mar 31, 2026.
  • This operation is part of a broader effort to combat Naxalism in Chhattisgarh.
  • So far this year, 81 Naxalites have been gunned down by security forces in separate encounters in the state. (more)

‘India’s defence exports to cross Rs 30,000 cr in 2025-26’—Rajnath Singh ahead of Aero India take-off

  • India’s defense exports are expected to cross ₹30,000 crore in 2025-26, with defense production projected to exceed ₹1.6 lakh crore by the end of the next financial year.
  • India’s defense exports have surged to $2.5 billion in the financial year 2023-24, marking the country’s highest-ever defense exports
  • The govt aims to increase defense exports to $50,000 crore (approximately USD 6.5 billion) in the next five years.
  • The country aims to increase its annual production capacity of Tejas MK1A jets to 16-24 starting from 2025-26.
  • This announcement was made by Defense Minister Rajnath Singh on the eve of Aero India 2025, one of the largest aviation exhibitions in the country.
  • The Defense Ministry is committed to the ‘Make in India’ initiative, investing in domestic projects like the Tejas MK 1A and the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft.
  • Aero India 2025 will feature over 900 exhibitors, including 150 foreign companies, and representatives from more than 90 countries
  • The event will showcase India’s aerial prowess, indigenous innovations, and global aerospace products.
  • In terms of defense production, India has set a goal of reaching $25 billion in defense manufacturing in the next five years
  • The country’s defense production has already clocked an all-time high of Rs 1.27 trillion in 2023-24.
  • India’s trade surplus with the US was estimated at $35 billion in 2023/24, with the country’s crude oil and LNG imports from the US valued at about $6.5 billion. (more)

[Neighborhood]

Bangladesh: BNP to bar if reform commission proposals obstruct fair elections

  • The Bangladesh Nationalist Party has stated that it will block any proposals from reform commissions that could hinder fair elections.
  • Nazrul Islam Khan, a BNP standing committee member, made this statement after a meeting with the Election Commission (EC) in Dhaka.
  • According to Khan, the EC is prepared to hold parliamentary elections in May or June, but the BNP did not receive any information on a tentative election date.
  • The party also did not make any proposals during the meeting.
  • The BNP has been advocating for free and fair elections, and its 31-point agenda for state reform and national renewal includes proposals for electoral reforms, like the creation of a “Non-partisan Caretaker Govt” system during election periods
  • The amendment of the “Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners Appointment Act, 2022”.  (more)

Command centre established to monitor law and order situation: CA press secretary

  • A command center has been established to intensively monitor the country’s law and order situation, and it began operations on Sun at 6 pm.
  • This move is part of the govt’s efforts to improve the law and order situation and respond quickly to any threats.
  • The command center will be staffed by members of law enforcing agencies and representatives of the armed forces.
  • Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus directed the creation of the command center on Feb 3, emphasizing the need for skillful and intensive communication with all security agencies and police stations across the country.
  • The command center’s launch coincides with the start of “Operation Devil Hunt,” which aims to coordinate the work of law enforcement agencies.
  • The government hopes that the command center will help improve the law and order situation and enable quick responses to any threats. (more)

40 arrested in ‘Operation’ Devil Hunt  in Gazipur; police call them fascist govt associates 

  • In Gazipur, 40 people have been arrested under Operation Devil Hunt, a nationwide operation launched on Sat to ‘restore law and order’.
  • The arrests were made during an overnight operation, and those arrested were allegedly associated with the ‘fallen fascist govt’, according to Gazipur Police
  • Operation Devil Hunt was announced in response to a recent terrorist attack on students and civilians in Gazipur.
  • The joint forces are conducting the operation to bring perpetrators to justice and restore order in affected areas.
  • Similar operations are also underway in other parts of the country, such as Rajshahi, where law enforcement has set up multiple checkpoints across the city. (more)
  • As we reported last Sept leaked docs reveal that before the toppling of Bangladeshi PM Sheikh Hasina, the US govt-funded International Republican Institute trained an army of activists including rappers and “LGBTQI people,” even hosting “transgender dance performances,” to achieve a national “power shift.”
  • Institute staff said the activists “would cooperate with IRI to destabilize Bangladesh’s politics.”

Pakistan-Backed Terror Groups Finding Relevance in Israel-Gaza Issue

  • Pakistan-backed terror groups have released three booklets aiming to recruit Kashmiris to fight in the Israel-Hamas war.
  • These booklets, particularly from Hizbul Mujahideen, use propaganda to draw parallels between the Israel-Gaza conflict and Kashmir, despite the two being unrelated.
  • The booklets employ several tactics, including:
  • Using Occupier-Occupied Rhetoric: HM and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) booklets repeatedly use terms like “occupier” and “occupied,” commonly used in the Israel-Gaza context, to describe the Kashmir situation.
  • Threatening Demographic Change: All three booklets threaten demographic changes, aiming to instill fear and recruit Kashmiris.
  • Linking Development to Military Presence: One booklet shows an old image of tanks being transported in Punjab, omitting recent development projects in Kashmir, such as new trains, bridges, and tunnels, which have boosted the local economy and attracted tourists.
  • These tactics align with the Pakistan Army’s agenda to exploit Kashmiris for their terror activities.
  • The recent recruitment drive in Rawalakot on “Kashmir Solidarity Day” by terror groups like JeM, LeT, and HAMAS further highlights Pakistan’s intentions to turn PoJK into a terror hub. (more)

Trump’s Gaza plan ‘deeply troubling, unjust’: FO

  • US President Donald Trump’s proposal for Gaza has been widely criticized by Pakistan and other countries.
  • Pakistan’s Foreign Office rejected the plan, stating that it is “deeply troubling” and “unjust”.
  • The plan has been deemed unacceptable due to its failure to address the root causes of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
  • The proposal has also been criticized for its potential to perpetuate Israel’s occupation and human rights abuses in Gaza.
  • The Palestinian territory has been under Israeli blockade since 2007, leading to widespread poverty, unemployment, and humanitarian crises.
  • Pakistan has called for a just and lasting resolution to the conflict, based on international law and UN resolutions, which recognize the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and statehood. (more)

Three cops, soldier martyred in KP

  • Three policemen and a soldier were martyred, while six others were wounded in separate incidents in Karak and North Waziristan, Pakistan, over the past two days.

This surge in violence is part of a larger trend, as Pakistan has witnessed an increase in terrorist activities, especially in regions like Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, following the cessation of a ceasefire between the govt and the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militant group in November 2022. (more)

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