1. PM Modi concludes ‘substantive and productive’ visit to the US; PM Modi brings tariff ‘gift’
2. President’s rule imposed in Manipur four days after resignation of CM Biren Singh
3. Parliament Budget Session Day 9: Income Tax Bill 2025 introduced, Lok Sabha adjourned
4. ‘India not neutral’, says PM Modi on Ukraine-Russia conflict, thanks Trump for initiative to end war
5. Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama gets Z-category security from Indian govt: Report

What Else

1. Switzerland says ratification of key trade pact with India under process
2. Assam Cabinet to probe MP’s alleged ties to national security threats on Feb 16
3. India begins biometric tracking at Myanmar border; 7,000 crossers registered
4. Touhid, Jaishankar likely to hold talks in Muscat
5. Pakistan: Imran’s attempts to engage military draw cold shoulder
6. Two soldiers hurt in Indian firing at LoC
7. Bangladesh: Khaleda Zia likely to return home after Eid-ul-Fitr: UK BNP leader
8. Dr Yunus joins interactive plenary session of WGS in Dubai
9. Yunus and Elon Musk discuss bringing Starlink to Bangladesh

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PM Modi concludes ‘substantive and productive’ visit to the United States

• India and the U.S. are strengthening their strategic ties in several key areas, including defense, energy, and technology.
• President Donald Trump announced plans to sell F-35 fighter jets to India, a significant move in their military cooperation.
• This development is part of a broader effort to increase military supplies to India by billions of dollars.
• During their talks, PM Modi welcomed Trump’s efforts to resolve the Russia-Ukraine conflict, reiterating India’s stance that negotiations should resolve the conflict.
• Modi emphasized India’s commitment to peace, noting his previous meetings with leaders from both Russia and Ukraine.
• The two nations also discussed cooperation in energy, critical technologies, and connectivity.
• Trump highlighted the “special bond” between the world’s oldest and largest democracies, emphasizing the importance of a level playing field on trade issues.
• Other notable developments from the meeting include:
• Extradition of Tahawwur Rana: Trump approved the extradition of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack accused to India, where he will face justice.
• Meetings with U.S. officials and business leaders: Modi met with Tulsi Gabbard, the U.S. Director of National Intelligence, and billionaires Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy. (more)
• PM Modi brings tariff ‘gift’ to Trump talks: According to reports, India has prepared several economic and trade-related promises, often referred to as “tariff gifts,” to discuss with President Trump.
• These promises include potential deals to increase liquefied natural gas purchases, along with combat vehicle and jet engine acquisitions.
• India is also considering trade negotiations, possible deals on US agriculture exports, and investment in nuclear energy, as well as tariff cuts in sectors like electronics and chemicals.
• It seems PM Modi is keen on strengthening India’s trade ties with the US, and these “tariff gifts” are a step in that direction.
• The visit has also seen discussions on other key areas, including defense cooperation, with President Trump announcing plans to sell F-35 fighter jets to India. (more)
• Strategic Partnership: The US and India aim to expand and deepen their strategic partnership, focusing on combating terrorism, promoting stability in the Indo-Pacific region, and increasing free and fair trade.
• Defense Cooperation: The US recognized India as a Major Defense Partner, and they agreed to work together on advanced defense equipment and technology.
• Terrorism: Both leaders condemned terrorism and pledged to work together to counter terrorist threats.
• Global Governance: The leaders supported a UN Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism and India’s early membership in the Nuclear Suppliers Group.
• India and the US plan to boost trade to $500 billion by 2030 with new pact (more)

India: President’s rule imposed in Manipur four days after resignation of CM Biren Singh

• Manipur, a northeastern hill state in India, has been placed under President’s Rule due to a constitutional crisis and ongoing ethnic violence.
• This decision comes after Chief Minister N Biren Singh resigned amid massive dissidence and a Congress threat of a no-confidence motion.
• The state has been experiencing ethnic conflict between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities since May 2023, resulting in over 200 deaths.
• [The violence results from a dispute between the Meitei and Kuki Zo communities, in which the former demand their premerger status of Scheduled Tribe status.]
• The situation worsened after leaked audio tapes suggested Singh’s alleged involvement in instigating the violence.
• President Droupadi Murmu imposed President’s Rule, citing a situation where the state government cannot function according to the Constitution.
• This is the 11^th time Manipur has been under President’s Rule since 1951.
• Reason for President’s Rule: Constitutional crisis and ongoing ethnic violence
• Resignation of CM: N Biren Singh stepped down amid dissidence and Congress threat
• Ethnic Conflict: Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities have been clashing since May 2023 (more)

Parliament Budget Session Day 9: Income Tax Bill 2025 introduced, Lok Sabha adjourned

• The Indian govt has introduced a new income tax bill as part of the Budget Session 2025.
• The bill proposes significant changes to the income tax slabs, aiming to simplify the tax structure and provide relief to taxpayers.
• New Income Tax Slabs for FY 2024-25 & FY 2025-26: Up to Rs 3 lakh: NIL
• Rs 3 lakh – Rs 7 lakh: 5%; Rs 7 lakh – Rs 10 lakh: 10%; Rs 10 lakh – Rs 12 lakh: 15%; Rs 12 lakh – Rs 15 lakh: 20%; Above Rs 15 lakh: 30%.
• Additionally, individuals earning up to Rs 12,00,000 will have zero tax liability under the new regime, thanks to the increased rebate of Rs 60,000.
• For salaried individuals, the tax liability will be zero for incomes up to Rs 12,75,000, considering the Rs 75,000 standard deduction.
• The new tax regime offers lower tax rates without exemptions, while the old regime allows various deductions and exemptions.
• Taxpayers can choose between the two regimes, with the new regime being the default option. (more)

‘India not neutral’, says PM Modi on Ukraine-Russia conflict, thanks Trump for initiative to end war

• PM Modi has reaffirmed India’s stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, emphasizing that India is “on the side of peace” and promoting dialogue, diplomacy, and negotiations between Russia and Ukraine.
• This stance is consistent with Modi’s previous statements, including his remarks during a visit to Kyiv, Ukraine, where he emphasized India’s commitment to peace and its willingness to contribute to finding a solution.
• Modi’s position is not neutral, but rather focused on promoting peace, and he has appreciated US President Donald Trump’s efforts to resolve the conflict.
• However, concerns have been raised about a potential “dirty deal” between the US and Russia, which could sacrifice Ukrainian interests.
• The situation is complicated, with Russia demanding that Ukraine cede more land and be rendered permanently neutral, while Ukraine insists on Russian troop withdrawal and security guarantees comparable to NATO membership.
• The Munich Security Conference is crucial for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to reaffirm Ukraine’s position and rally support from European leaders.
• India’s Stance: India is “on the side of peace” and promotes dialogue, diplomacy, and negotiations between Russia and Ukraine. (more)
• Modi’s Position: Modi’s stance is consistent with his previous statements, emphasizing India’s commitment to peace and its willingness to contribute to finding a solution.
• Concerns: Concerns have been raised about a potential “deal” between the US and Russia, which could sacrifice Ukrainian interests.
• Complications: The situation is complicated, with Russia demanding that Ukraine cede more land and be rendered permanently neutral, while Ukraine insists on Russian troop withdrawal and security guarantees comparable to NATO membership. (more)

Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama gets Z-category security from Indian govt: Report

• The Dalai Lama, the Tibetan spiritual leader, has been granted Z-category security by the Indian government, according to a recent report.
• This security detail includes 22 personnel, comprising 4-6 commandos from the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and police personnel.
• The Z-category security also entails protection by the Delhi Police or ITBP or CRPF personnel, along with one escort car.
• It’s worth noting that the Indian government provides security details to high-risk individuals, categorizing them into six tiers: SPG, Z+, Z, Y+, Y, and X.
• The Z-category security is considered a significant layer of protection, but it’s one level below the Z+ category, which includes 36 personnel and 10+ CRPF commandos. (more)

Switzerland says ratification of key trade pact with India under process

• Switzerland has announced that the ratification of a key trade pact with India is currently underway.
• The agreement, known as the Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (BIPPA), aims to strengthen economic ties and promote investments between the two countries.
• Key Highlights:
• The Swiss govt has confirmed that the ratification process for the BIPPA is in progress.
• The agreement is expected to enhance bilateral investments and economic cooperation between Switzerland and India.
• Switzerland is one of India’s key trading partners in Europe, with bilateral trade valued at over $20 billion.
• The development is seen as a positive step in boosting economic relations between India and Switzerland. (more)

Assam Cabinet to probe MP’s alleged ties to national security threats on Feb 16

• The Assam Cabinet will convene on February 16 to discuss the alleged links of Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi to national security concerns.
• Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has made allegations that Gogoi’s wife, Elizabeth Colbourn, has connections to the Pakistani govt and George Soros’s Open Society, potentially compromising national interests.
• Sarma has demanded that Gogoi and his wife answer questions about their alleged links to the ISI and their involvement in taking young minds to the Pakistan High Commission for “brainwashing and radicalization.”
• Gogoi has fired back, saying Sarma has been “restless” and has “doubts” about his chair.
• The meeting will focus on assessing the implications of the alleged links to national security and taking necessary actions from a nonpartisan standpoint. (more)

India begins biometric tracking at Myanmar border; 7,000 crossers registered

• India is strengthening its border security with Myanmar, particularly in the northeastern region.
• The Ministry of Home Affairs has instructed the Assam Rifles to create a list of Myanmar villages within 10 km of the Indian border to monitor entries into India.
• To enhance security, face-recognition systems and biometric data collection will be implemented at 43 newly identified checkpoints along the 1,643-km border.
• This move aims to track and regulate the movement of Myanmar residents crossing into India.
• The India-Myanmar border Free Movement Regime allows for relatively easy movement between the two countries.
• Under this regime, the Assam Rifles collects biometric data, records entries, and issues a border pass with a photograph and QR code to Myanmar residents.
• This pass must be deposited upon return within 7 days. (more)

Touhid, Jaishankar likely to hold talks in Muscat

• Bangladesh Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain is set to meet Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on the sidelines of the Indian Ocean Conference in Muscat, Oman, from Feb 16-17.
• The agenda for the bilateral talks is yet to be finalized.
• Hossain will also meet with key Omani govt leaders and other participating countries.
• The conference will focus on maritime partnerships, amplifying the Global South’s voice, protecting maritime economic interests, and strengthening maritime supply chains.
• This meeting comes as part of efforts to prevent further strains in bilateral ties between India and Bangladesh.
• The Indian Ocean Conference has been held annually since 2016, with Bangladesh hosting the 6^th edition in 2023. (more)

[Neighborhood]

Pakistan: Imran’s attempts to engage military draw cold shoulder

• Imran Khan’s attempts to engage with Pakistan’s military have been met with a cold shoulder.
• The military has been critical of Khan, and the recent convictions of 25 civilian supporters of Khan by military courts have drawn international criticism.
• The US and UK have expressed concerns over the convictions, stating that military courts lack judicial independence, transparency, and due process guarantees.
• The EU and domestic human rights activists have also criticized the convictions.
• Khan’s party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has rejected the convictions, demanding that the supporters be tried in civilian courts instead.
• The PTI has also accused the government of silencing Khan and his supporters.
• The tensions between Khan and the military have been escalating since his ouster as prime minister in 2022.
• Khan has been a vocal critic of the military’s involvement in politics, and the military has accused him of inciting violence and undermining national security. (more)

Two soldiers hurt in Indian firing at LoC

• Two Pakistani soldiers were injured in a ceasefire violation by India along the Line of Control (LoC) on Wed, according to state-run PTV News.
• The incident occurred in the Deva and Bagsar sectors, with Pakistan claiming it was an unprovoked attack.
• Pakistan has also accused Indian agencies of spreading unrest in peaceful areas of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB).
• Additionally, security sources claim that Indian forces are attempting sabotage by transporting and using Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) in the region.
• It’s worth noting that despite recent minor incidents, the bilateral ceasefire on the LoC remains operational, according to the Indian Army. (more)

Bangladesh: Khaleda Zia likely to return home after Eid-ul-Fitr: UK BNP leader

• BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia may return to Bangladesh after Eid-ul-Fitr, according to UK BNP president MA Malek.
• Her health condition has improved significantly since undergoing treatment in London, where she was taken by air ambulance on January 8.
• Khaleda Zia, 79, has been suffering from various ailments, including liver cirrhosis, kidney, heart, diabetes, and arthritis.
• She is currently under the supervision of doctors at The London Clinic, including professors Patrick Kennedy, Jennifer Cross, and Dr. Barred.
• Malek expressed hope that Khaleda Zia would spend Eid with her family in Bangladesh, adding that she is now much better than before.
• Her physician, Professor AZM Zahid Hossain, has also sought prayers for her recovery (more)

Dr Yunus joins interactive plenary session of WGS in Dubai

• Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus joined the World Governments Summit (WGS) in Dubai, UAE, on Thu, participating in an interactive plenary session moderated by CNN’s Becky Anderson.
• Yunus arrived in Dubai on Wed night, received by UAE’s Minister of Sports, Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi.
• The WGS brings together global leaders to foster cooperation and innovative solutions for future challenges.
• This year’s program focuses on shaping a better future for humanity, highlighting six key thematic conversations:
• Effective Governance and Accountability
• Financing the Future and the Global Economy
• Climate, Crisis Mitigation, and Resilient Cities
• Human-Centric Futures and Capacity Building
• Global Health Transformations
• Emerging Frontiers and the Future (more)

Yunus and Elon Musk discuss bringing Starlink to Bangladesh

• Principal Advisor Muhammad Yunus and Elon Musk discussed the launch of Starlink satellite internet service in Bangladesh, emphasizing its transformative impact on the country’s youth, women, and remote communities.
• They explored how low-cost, high-speed internet can empower underdeveloped regions, providing access to education, healthcare, and economic development.
• Key discussion points included:
• Starlink’s Potential: Creating new opportunities for millions, integrating Bangladesh into the global digital economy, and pioneering rural connectivity.
• Grameen Bank Partnership: Building on the bank’s microfinance model to connect rural women and youth to the world.
• Elon Musk’s Visit: Professor Yunus invited Musk to visit Bangladesh for the potential launch of Starlink services, to which Musk responded positively.
• This initiative marks a significant step toward fostering economic growth, digital inclusion, and innovation in Bangladesh. (more)