1. PM Modi, Qatar’s Amir condemn terrorism in all forms, agree to cooperate in combating menace
2. Pakistan parliament passes resolution urging India to hold plebiscite in Kashmir
3. Trump defends $21 million DOGE cut; ‘Have lot of respect for India, but…’
4. Security alert: Suspicious objects found in South Kashmir, bomb disposal squads deployed
5. India envoy to UN calls Pakistan global epicentre of terrorism

What Else

1. Punjab leads tally of Indians who joined Russian Armed forces; Kerala fourth
2. After BJP uproar over Telangana’s Ramzan order, similar move by ally in Andhra
3. BJP sweeps Gujarat local body polls; PM Modi hails victory
4. 12 yrs since FIR, 3 yrs since 3rd chargesheet—crawling pace of CBI probe in AgustaWestland scam
5. ‘I’ll Return, Avenge Our Martyrs’: Sheikh Hasina Calls Yunus ‘Terrorist’ in Address to Awami Workers
6. Bangladesh: Teesta plan with China gains pace
7. Awami League leader found beheaded with hands and feet tied near railway tracks
8. Taliban leadership rift widens as key figures stay abroad: Sources

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PM Modi, Qatar’s Amir condemn terrorism in all forms, agree to cooperate in combating menace

• PM Modi and Qatari Amir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani have made a significant move in strengthening their countries’ relationship, with a strong focus on combating terrorism and promoting regional stability.
• They’ve agreed to work together to fight terrorism in all its forms, including cross-border terrorism, through bilateral and multilateral mechanisms.
• This partnership is a big step towards creating a more peaceful and stable world.
• Their discussions covered trade, investments, technology, energy, and people-to-people ties, aiming to deepen the traditional relationship between India and Qatar.
• They’ve also planned to enhance cooperation in areas like information and intelligence sharing, law enforcement, anti-money laundering, and cybersecurity, which will help prevent the use of cyberspace for terrorism and radicalization.
• The two countries have signed a Strategic Partnership Agreement and a Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement, which will help boost trade and investments.
• Qatar has announced a commitment to invest USD 10 billion in India.
• They’ve also agreed to explore the settlement of bilateral trade in their respective currencies, which will help reduce dependence on other currencies.
• India and Qatar have elevated their existing Joint Working Group on Trade and Commerce to a Joint Commission, which will help increase trade and economic cooperation between the two countries.
• Additionally, India will roll out its Unified Payments Interface (UPI) in Qatar, which will make it easier for people to make transactions between the two countries.
• Overall, this renewed partnership between India and Qatar is expected to benefit the people of both countries and contribute to regional and global stability.

Pakistan parliament passes resolution urging India to hold plebiscite in Kashmir

• Pakistan’s parliament has just passed a resolution urging India to hold a plebiscite in Kashmir, which is a pretty big deal.
• The resolution is calling for the United Nations to intervene and facilitate a free and fair vote to determine the future of the region.
• This move is seen as a way to pressure India into allowing the people of Kashmir to decide their fate, rather than having it imposed on them by the govt.
• The resolution also condemns the alleged human rights violations in Kashmir and demands that the UN Human Rights Commission send a fact-finding mission to investigate.
• It’s worth noting that this isn’t the first time Pakistan has called for a plebiscite in Kashmir, but it’s a significant step in their ongoing efforts to bring attention to the issue.
• Pakistan’s parliament has been pretty vocal about its support for the Kashmiris and their right to self-determination, and this resolution is just the latest example of that.
• The Indian government, on the other hand, has been resistant to the idea of a plebiscite, and it’s unclear how they’ll respond to this latest development. (more)

Trump defends $21 million DOGE cut; ‘Have lot of respect for India, but…’

• US President Donald Trump has defended the decision to cancel a $21 million grant aimed at boosting voter turnout in India.
• Trump questioned the necessity of this financial aid, citing India’s economic growth and high tariffs as reasons why US taxpayer money shouldn’t be used for this purpose
• Trump expressed his respect for India and its Prime Minister but emphasized that the US needs to prioritize its own voter turnout initiatives.
• The funding cut is part of a broader rollback of US international aid initiatives, with the Department of Govt Efficiency targeting projects deemed unnecessary or inefficient.
• However, Trump and DOGE’s leader, Elon Musk, remain committed to curbing what they see as unnecessary expenditures of US taxpayer money. (more)

Security alert: Suspicious objects found in South Kashmir, bomb disposal squads deployed

• Security personnel in South Kashmir found suspicious objects resembling explosives in Shopian’s Zainapora and Tral, and Pulwama districts.
• Timely action by the Indian Army, police, and CRPF ensured the objects were neutralized, and the areas were secured.
• Investigations are ongoing to determine the source of the threats.
• Meanwhile Indian security forces found another suspicious object resembling an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) in South Kashmir’s Pulwama District.
• The suspicious object was found at Pinglish Nagwadi in Tral following which security forces cordoned off the area.
• The Bomb Disposal Squad has been called in to destroy the object. (more)

India envoy to UN calls Pakistan global epicentre of terrorism

• India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Parvathaneni Harish, has strongly condemned Pakistan, calling it the “global epicenter of terrorism”
• This statement was made during an open debate at the UNSC, where Harish emphasized that Pakistan’s role in perpetuating terrorism is a major concern for India and the global community.
• Harish highlighted the irony of Pakistan’s claims of fighting terrorism, given its involvement in supporting and sponsoring terrorist activities.
• He reiterated that India has been a victim of terrorism perpetrated by Pakistan and emphasized that there can be no justification for terrorism, regardless of its form, type, or motive.
• In a separate statement, Harish also emphasized that the first issue in engaging with Pakistan is the cessation of terrorism.
• He noted that India has zero tolerance for terrorism and has been a long-standing victim of cross-border and global terrorism.

Punjab leads tally of Indians who joined Russian Armed forces; Kerala fourth

• A recent report reveals that Punjab, Haryana, and UP have the highest number of Indians who have joined the Russian armed services. Kerala ranks fourth on this list.
• Key Points:
• The Indian govt has expressed concern over the recruitment of Indian nationals into the Russian armed forces.
• The govt has taken up the issue of early discharge of Indian nationals from the Russian armed forces with the relevant Russian authorities.
• The safety and well-being of Indian nationals serving in the Russian armed forces are also being discussed.
• This development comes amid Russia’s ongoing conflict with Ukraine.
• The Indian government has maintained a neutral stance on the issue while emphasizing the need to protect the interests of Indian citizens. (more)

After BJP uproar over Telangana’s Ramzan order, similar move by ally in Andhra

• So, Andhra Pradesh (BJP collision Govt) has issued a Ramzan order allowing Muslim employees to leave offices an hour early, from 4:30 PM, during the Ramzan period.
• This move comes after a similar order was issued by the Telangana govt, which sparked an uproar from the BJP.
• The order is intended to facilitate Muslim employees in performing their necessary rituals during the holy month of Ramzan.
• According to the order, all Muslim employees of the state working in various govt departments, corporations, boards, and autonomous bodies are permitted to leave their offices early, except when their presence is required due to exigencies of service. (more)

BJP sweeps Gujarat local body polls; PM Modi hails victory

• The Bharatiya Janata Party has secured a resounding victory in the Gujarat local body elections, winning the Junagaka Municipal Corporation, 60 out of 68 municipalities, and all three taluka panchayats.
• This victory is seen as a testament to the party’s organizational strength and the leadership of PM Modi.
• BJP’s Dominance: The BJP won 48 out of 60 seats in the JMC, while the Congress managed to secure only 11 seats.
• Congress’s Poor Performance: The Congress could only manage to win one municipality, while the Samajwadi Party (SP) won two
• AAP’s Performance: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) won 13 out of 28 seats in the Salaya municipality in Devbhumi Dwarka district.
• PM Modi’s Reaction: PM Modi thanked the people of Gujarat for their support and said that the victory was a testament to the party’s commitment to development. (more)

12 yrs since FIR, 3 yrs since 3rd chargesheet—crawling pace of CBI probe in AgustaWestland scam

• The AgustaWestland VVIP chopper deal case has been ongoing for nearly 12 years, with the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) still investigating the allegations of corruption and irregularities in the procurement of 12 VVIP choppers.
• The case involves accused British national Christian Michel James, who was granted bail by the Supreme Court after being in custody for over six years.

Key Developments:

• CBI Investigation: The CBI has filed three chargesheets, listing 32 people as accused, including former chief of air staff S.P. Tyagi and firms like AgustaWestland.
• Christian Michel James’s Role: James is alleged to have colluded with officials to extract confidential information related to the procurement and shared it with his accomplices.
• Loss to Indian Government: The CBI claims that the entire offence caused a loss of roughly Rs 3,700 crore to the Indian govt.
• Deal Termination: India terminated the VVIP chopper procurement deal in late 2013.
• The case is still ongoing, with the CBI continuing its investigation to ascertain the end beneficiaries of the kickbacks.

[Neighborhood]

‘I’ll Return, Avenge Our Martyrs’: Sheikh Hasina Calls Yunus ‘Terrorist’ in Address to Awami Workers

• Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh’s ousted PM, has vowed to return to power and avenge the deaths of Awami League cadres and police officers in her second virtual address since being ousted on Aug 5.
• She connected with 5 widows and their children through a Zoom link, listening to their stories and offering solace.
• Sheikh Hasina accused Muhammad Yunus, the chief adviser of the interim govt, of heading a “terrorist” government, guilty of violence and injustice.
• She believes her survival is for a cause and promises to do justice and help the families of the deceased.
• The address comes amid ongoing turmoil in Bangladesh, with Hasina’s party facing opposition from the interim government.
• The international community is watching the situation closely, with some countries calling for a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
• Hasina’s statement signals her determination to reclaim power and bring justice to her supporters. (more)

Bangladesh: Teesta plan with China gains pace

• The Teesta River project has resumed its initial work, bringing new hope to communities along its banks.
• The project aims to curb bank erosion, reclaim land, and store floodwater for use during the dry season.
• An MoU was signed between the Bangladesh Water Development Board and POWERCHINA on Jan 29, paving the way for the project’s progress.

Key Components of the Project:

• Dredging and Land Reclamation: Dredging 140 million cubic meters of sediment and reclaiming 171 square kilometers of land.
• Embankment Repair and Construction: Repairing 110 kilometers of embankment and constructing 124 kilometers of new embankments.
• Road Development: Developing 224 kilometers of roads.
• Transportation and Jetty Facilities: Establishing transportation and jetty facilities at 82 locations.
• The project’s financing remains uncertain, with early estimates suggesting a cost of $1 bn
• POWERCHINA will prepare a concept paper by December and conduct a feasibility study in 2026 (more)

Awami League leader found beheaded with hands and feet tied near railway tracks

• A gruesome murder has shaken Dinajpur’s Parbatipur Upazila, where the beheaded body of Awami League leader Bharat Chandra was found near railway tracks.
• Chandra, 50, was a resident of Kalikapur village and worked as a railway wayman. His hands and feet were tied, and police believe he was murdered before his body was placed on the tracks.
• The victim’s son, Ripon Chandra, reported that his father left home on Monday morning, but his phone was switched off by evening.
• The motive behind the murder is still unknown.
• The Railway Police, CID, and other units are investigating the case to bring those responsible to justice.
• The body has been sent for post-mortem examination at Dinajpur Medical College Hospital. (more)

Taliban leadership rift widens as key figures stay abroad: Sources

• The prolonged absence of Sirajuddin Haqqani, the Taliban’s interior minister, has raised concerns over growing divisions within the Taliban’s leadership.
• Haqqani has been outside Afghanistan for nearly a month, despite his U.N.-approved travel exemption expiring on February 3.
• He was granted a temporary travel exemption to perform Umrah in Saudi Arabia from Jan 23 to Feb 3, but his failure to return has sparked speculation about his dissatisfaction with the leadership of Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada.
• Additionally, Abdul Ghani Baradar and Abbas Stanikzai, two other senior Taliban leaders, are also absent, with Baradar in Doha for medical treatment and Stanikzai in the UAE after criticizing Akhundzada.

These absences signal escalating tensions between the Kandahari faction and the Haqqani network, with sources suggesting that they are clear indications of intensifying leadership disputes (more)