1. Eye On Bihar Election, PM Modi Targets Lalu Yadav Over Fodder Scam, Kumbh
2. FY25 imports from China may cross record $101 billion
3. UN adopts resolution demanding Russia immediately withdraw troops from Ukraine; India abstention
4. Indian companies added to list as U.K., EU announce new Russia-related sanctions
5. US imposes new sanctions on Iran’s Shadow Oil Fleet, Tanker Operators, Managers in India on List

What Else

1. NSA Ajit Doval visits exhibition on minorities in Bangladesh, organiser sees a message
2. Maha Kumbh 2025: UP police on alert since ‘objectionable video’ of women surfaced
3. EAM S Jaishankar and Ambassadors of 45 countries take Elephant safari in Kaziranga National Park
4. Bangladesh: Proportionate use of force must be ensured
5. BUET students protest following news of death row convict’s prison escape
6. 1 killed in clash near air base in Cox’s Bazar
7. Pakistan: Country’s trade with Bangladesh surpasses $1bn: report
8. 10 terrorists killed in intelligence-based operation in KP’s Khyber district: ISPR

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Eye On Bihar Election, PM Modi Targets Lalu Yadav Over Fodder Scam, Kumbh

• PM Modi targeted Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Lalu Yadav at a rally in Bhagalpur, Bihar, saying those involved in the “fodder scam” can’t genuinely care about farmers’ welfare.
• He also criticized RJD leaders for opposing the Ram temple and disrespecting India’s heritage.
• Modi highlighted the govt’s focus on farmers’ welfare, citing the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme, which has benefited over 11 crore farmers with disbursals exceeding Rs 3.46 lakh crore.
• Additionally Modi also announced that India’s agricultural exports have grown significantly, with foxnuts (Makhana) from Bihar set to be exported globally.
• A Makhana board will be established to promote this superfood. (more)
• PM Modi rescheduled his departure to prevent inconvenience for Bhopal’s Class 10 and 12 exam takers.
• This ensures that students can focus on their exams without any disruptions.
• The CBSE Class 10 and 12 exams are currently underway, with the exams scheduled from Feb 15 to Apr 4, 2025 (more)

FY25 imports from China may cross record $101 billion

• India’s goods imports from China are expected to surpass $100 billion in February and may exceed $101.73 billion by the end of the financial year 2024-25.
• This represents a 10.6% growth compared to last year’s period.
• Key imports from China include electronic components, computer hardware, and pharmaceutical ingredients.
• India’s exports to China have contracted by 14.85%, leading to a widening trade deficit of $83.52 billion in the first 10 months of 2024-25.
• Officials attribute the import growth to the need for raw materials and intermediary inputs to support the ‘Make in India’ program. (more)

UN adopts resolution demanding Russia immediately withdraw troops from Ukraine

• The UN General Assembly has adopted a resolution demanding Russia’s immediate withdrawal from Ukraine.
• The resolution, which was introduced by Ukraine and European countries, calls for an end to Russia’s aggression and respect for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
• The resolution was adopted with 93 votes in favor, 18 against, and 65 abstentions.
• The countries that voted against the resolution were the US, Belarus, North Korea, Eritrea, Russia, and Syria.
• The resolution also calls for the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure, as well as the delivery of humanitarian assistance to those affected by the conflict.
• Additionally, it urges the international community to support diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict peacefully.
• The adoption of the resolution is a significant move by the international community to condemn Russia’s actions in Ukraine and to call for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
• India, continuing its traditional position abstained. (more)
• Indian companies added to list as U.K., EU announce new Russia-related sanctions: The EU has imposed new sanctions on Russia, targeting 200 companies and individuals, including those from India and China.
• This 13^th package of sanctions aims to degrade Russia’s military capabilities and restrict its access to drones.
• The sanctions list includes 3 Chinese companies and an Indian company, along with entities from Sri Lanka, Turkey, Thailand, Serbia, Kazakhstan, N Korea, and Belarus.
• These companies are accused of supplying equipment and components that support Russia’s military efforts. The EU has also expanded its sanctions to include:
• Energy sector restrictions: a ban on re-exports of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) in EU waters.
• Transportation restrictions: measures against Russia’s “shadow fleet” that moves Russian oil outside the price cap set by the G7 nations.
• Import-export controls: further restrictions on exports of goods that contribute to Russia’s industrial capabilities.
• These sanctions are part of the EU’s efforts to pressure Russia to end its aggression against Ukraine. (more)

US imposes New Sanctions on Iran’s Shadow Oil Fleet, Tanker operators, Managers in India On List

• The US Dept of the Treasury’s Office, along with the US State Dept, has imposed fresh sanctions on Iran’s shadow oil industry, targeting over 30 individuals and vessels across multiple jurisdictions.
• This move aims to disrupt Iran’s oil sales and revenue used to fund its destabilizing activities.
• The sanctioned entities include:
• Tanker operators and managers in India and China
• Oil brokers in the UAE and Hong Kong
• Head of Iran’s National Iranian Oil Company
• Vessels responsible for shipping tens of millions of barrels of crude oil valued in hundreds of millions of dollars
• US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant emphasized that Iran relies on a “shadowy network” to facilitate its oil sales and fund destabilizing activities.
• The US will use all available tools to target Iran’s oil supply chain, warning that anyone dealing in Iranian oil exposes themselves to significant sanctions risk.
• These sanctions build upon existing ones imposed by the Trump administration and the previous Biden administration, aiming to bring Iran’s crude exports to zero and prevent the country from obtaining a nuclear weapon (more)

NSA Ajit Doval visits exhibition on minorities in Bangladesh, organiser sees a message

• National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval attended an exhibition and panel discussion in New Delhi, highlighting the plight of minorities in Bangladesh.
• The event, organized by the Vivekananda Int’l Foundation, focused on the systemic discrimination and violence faced by religious and ethnic minorities in Bangladesh.
• Doval’s presence emphasized India’s deep concern over the issue, particularly since the ouster of Sheikh Hasina’s govt in Aug.
• Relations between India and Bangladesh have been strained since then.
• The panel discussion featured experts like former deputy NSA Satish Chandra and former envoy to Bangladesh Veena Sikri.
• They discussed the historical and ongoing persecution of minorities in Bangladesh, highlighting the human rights crisis in the country.
• The exhibition, curated by the Foundation Against Continuing Terrorism, showcased visual documentation of human rights violations, forced displacements, and attacks on religious minorities in Bangladesh. (more)

Maha Kumbh 2025: UP police on alert since ‘objectionable video’ of women surfaced

• The Uttar Pradesh Police are on high alert at the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 site after an objectionable video of women surfaced.
• The police have increased security measures and surveillance to prevent any untoward incidents and ensure the safety of devotees, especially women.
• The authorities are taking all necessary steps to maintain law and order and prevent any misbehavior or harassment.
• The Maha Kumbh Mela is a significant religious event, and the police are working to ensure a safe and peaceful experience for all attendees. (more)

EAM S Jaishankar and Ambassadors of 45 countries take Elephant safari in Kaziranga National Park

• External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar and ambassadors of 45 countries embarked on an elephant safari in Kaziranga National Park, Assam.
• This unique diplomatic outreach initiative aimed to showcase India’s rich cultural heritage and biodiversity.
• The event was part of a two-day diplomatic conclave, where EAM Jaishankar engaged with foreign ambassadors to strengthen bilateral ties and promote cultural exchange.
• The conclave provided a platform for discussions on various topics, including trade, commerce, and people-to-people connections.
• Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to the endangered one-horned rhinoceros and other exotic wildlife.
• The elephant safari offered a unique opportunity for the diplomats to experience India’s natural beauty and rich wildlife heritage. (more)

[Neighborhood]

Bangladesh: Proportionate use of force must be ensured

• Bangladesh Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman emphasized the importance of maintaining law and order in the country until a new government is elected.
• He urged army personnel to exercise patience and fulfill their professional responsibilities with dedication.
• The general also stressed that the army must avoid engaging in any unruly behavior and minimize the use of force.
• The comments came during a prize distribution ceremony for a firing competition at Savar Cantonment.
• He also participated in the competition, showcasing his commitment to the army’s preparedness.
• The Bangladesh Army has been working to maintain stability in the country since Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s resignation and departure to India.
• The army chief has been coordinating with the interim govt, led by Muhd Yunus, to ensure a smooth transition.
• In a separate statement, Gen Waker-Uz-Zaman assured that soldiers will return to their barracks once the police resume normal operations
• He emphasized the importance of improving the law and order situation, particularly in protecting minority communities.
• The army chief’s mention of protecting minority communities implies that there are concerns about their safety and well-being in the current political climate. (more)

BUET students protest following news of death row convict’s prison escape

• Hundreds of Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) students protested after learning that Muntasir Al Jemi, convicted of murdering BUET student Abrar Fahad, had escaped from prison.
• The protest march began at BUET Shaheed Minar and concluded at Dhaka University’s Raju Memorial Sculpture, where students held a press conference.
• They condemned Jemi’s escape as a “betrayal of martyr Abrar Fahad” and demanded swift action from the government.
• Abrar Fahad was brutally beaten to death by Chhatra League members in 2019.
• Twenty members were sentenced to death, and five received life imprisonment for their involvement in the murder.
• The protesters and Abrar’s family are seeking accountability and justice, calling for Jemi’s immediate arrest and punishment for those who aided his escape. (more)

1 killed in clash near air base in Cox’s Bazar

• A clash between locals and air force personnel near Cox’s Bazar airport in Bangladesh resulted in the death of 30-year-old Shahab Kabir Nahid and injuries to several others.
• The incident began with an argument between a motorcyclist, Jahedul Islam Jahed, and air force personnel at a checkpoint over wearing a helmet.
• The situation escalated when Jahed was taken inside the base camp, prompting his associates and relatives to hurl brick chips at the under-construction base and its personnel.
• Gunshots were heard during the half-hour clash
• Joint forces have been deployed to prevent further escalation.
• The Inter-Services Public Relations Directorate (ISPR) stated that Air Force personnel fired blank rounds, not live ammunition, at the locals.
• The Bangladesh Air Force expressed deep sorrow over Nahid’s death and extended condolences to his family (more)

Pakistan: Country’s trade with Bangladesh surpasses $1bn: report

• Bilateral trade between Pakistan and Bangladesh has surpassed $1 billion, according to Bangladesh High Commissioner to Pakistan Mohammad Iqbal Hussain Khan.
• This significant milestone comes after a thaw in ties between the two countries following the ouster of India-aligned premier Sheikh Hasina.
• Khan noted that trade between the two sides is expected to increase, driven by a keen interest in enhancing cooperation.
• The countries have witnessed improved relations since Hasina’s govt was toppled in Aug, with Yunus expressing interest in maintaining cordial ties with Pakistan.
• Some key areas of trade between Pakistan and Bangladesh include:
• Pakistani Exports: cotton, sugar, rice, apparel, and fruits like mangoes
• Bangladeshi Exports: pineapple, jute, pharmaceuticals, and garments
• The two countries have also resumed direct trade after a 15-year hiatus, with Pakistan exporting 26,000 metric tons of rice to Bangladesh in a recent agreement. (more)

10 terrorists killed in intelligence-based operation in KP’s Khyber district: ISPR

• Security forces in Pakistan have killed 10 terrorists in an intelligence-based operation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Khyber district.
• The operation, conducted on Sunday night, was based on reported terrorist presence in the area.
• This comes after 7 terrorists were killed in two separate operations in Dera Ismail Khan district a day earlier, and 30 terrorists were killed in South Waziristan district last week.
• Pakistan has seen a surge in terror activities, especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, since the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan group broke a ceasefire agreement with the government in 2022.
• According to a security report, over 95% of terrorist attacks in 2024 were concentrated in these two regions, with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa recording 295 attacks. (more)