1. ‘Back where I was’: Nitish Kumar, now with NDA, denies chance of flipping again
2. President Macron’s India visit: A synthesis of symbolism and substance
3. ‘CAA to be implemented across India in 7 days’: Union Minister’s big ‘guarantee’
4. Houthi attack: Navy sends INS Visakhapatnam to help burning vessel with 22 Indians on board in Gulf of Aden
5. Russian President Putin hails India’s foreign policy

What Else

• Jaishankar meets Texas governor, says impressed by his commitment for stronger India-US ties
• Thai PM attends India’s Republic Day celebrations in Bangkok; Ramayana performance showcased
• Afghan-Pak relations: Bridging the divide
• Pakistan: Nine Pakistanis killed in Iran ambush
• Two injured in grenade attacks on PPP, NP election offices in Balochistan
• Maldives: Lawmakers indulge in scuffle ahead of key parliamentary vote

——————-

‘Back where I was’: Nitish Kumar, now with NDA, denies chance of flipping again

• After taking oath as the CM of Bihar on Sun, 3^rd time in this term, the 9^th time as such, Nitish Kumar said that he is ‘back to where he was’.
• Reacting to former dy CM and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav’s statement that the JDU would be “finished in 2024”, Nitish said, “We work for the development and progress of Bihar. We will keep doing the same, nothing else. Tejashwi was not doing anything.”
• BJP leaders Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Sinha took oath as the dy CM of Bihar.
• Janata Dal (U) leaders Vijay Kumar Chaudhary, Bijendra Prasad Yadav, and Shrawon Kumar took oath as cabinet ministers.
• BJP leader Dr Prem Kumar, HUM president Dr Santosh Kumar Suman, and MLA Sumit Kumar Singh (Independent) also took oath as cabinet ministers. (here)
• Political strategist Prashant Kishor on Sun made a big claim, saying that this JDU-BJP alliance formed in Bihar will not last long.
• His remarks came hours after Nitish Kumar resigned as the Bihar Chief Minister and rejoined the BJP-led NDA to form a new govt in the eastern state. (here)
• [Besides, getting power in the state, ahead of the General election, BJP also established that INDI Alliance is not workable, as Nitish was instrumental in the Alliance]

President Macron’s India visit: A synthesis of symbolism and substance

• Before President Emmanuel Macron’s nearly 32-hour visit to India (25–26 Jan), which some observers speculated merely symbolic.
• Highlights from India-France joint statement: Adopt defense industrial roadmap: for co-design, co-developed, and co-produced Safran establishes Maintenance, Repairs, and Operations (MRO) for LEAP engines in India by Safran.
• A comprehensive helicopter partnership with a JV for IMRH engine between HAL and Safran, and the Scorpene submarines constructed in India, including indigenization. 
• Early conclusion of Arrangement MoU between DRDO, India, and French DGA for the jet engine, which will power indigenous AMCA.
• Airbus Helicopters and Tata Advanced to assemble H125 civil helicopters, 1^st Pvt sector Helicopters assembly to increase finding of aircraft parts in India for assembly plants in Europe
• India-France defense or security initiatives: New triservice exercise; Expand coop in Southwest Indian Ocean, expanding on joint patrols conducted in 2020 and 22; Discussing specific opportunities for using India as a base for manufacture and export of defense equipment for friendly countries
• Trilateral and multilateral efforts: Revitalizing trilateral cooperation with Australia, deepening the one with UAE, and exploring new ones; Cooperation between India’s NSG and France Groupe d’intervention de la Gendarmerie nationale in CT
• Space cooperation: Conclude Letter of Intent on Defence Space Coop; To expand space coop through co-development, manufacture, and launch of satellites and payloads; research in new launch vehicle technology and reusable launch vehicles; MoU NSIL and Arianespace on satellite launches
• Connectivity: PM Modi welcomed the appointment of President Macron’s Special Envoy for the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor, IMEC; 2 leaders further recalled discussions on July 23 on connectivity projects from SE Asia to ME and Africa, to explore specific projects
• Civil nuclear coop: Both acknowledged India-France civil nuclear ties… notably about the Jaitapur Nuclear Power Plant Project; Agree to convene a special task force on nuclear energy within 3 months in the framework of the IFSD (here)

‘CAA to be implemented across India in 7 days’: Union Minister’s big ‘guarantee’

• Union Minister Shantanu Thakur has claimed that the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) would be implemented across India within the next 7 days.
• “I can guarantee that in the next seven days, not just in West Bengal, but the CAA will be implemented across India,” Thakur said in Bengali in a public gathering
• Shantanu Thakur, BJP’s Lok Sabha MP from Bangaon, Bengal, reiterated Union Home Minister Amit Shah in his CAA statement.
• In Dec last year, Amit Shah asserted that the BJP-headed central govt would implement the CAA and “no one can stop it”.
• His remarks were targeted at Trinamool Congress supremo and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who has been staunchly opposed to the CAA.
• He had also clarified the intended beneficiaries, saying they have as much right to citizenship as anyone else. (here)

Houthi attack: Navy sends INS Visakhapatnam to help burning vessel with 22 Indians on board in Gulf of Aden

• The Navy on Sat said that it has deployed its guided-missile destroyer Visakhapatnam in the Gulf of Aden in response to a distress call from MV Marlin Luanda on Jan 26.
• The British oil tanker Marlin Luanda has 22 Indian and 1 B’deshi crew onboard.
• It added that the Indian Navy remains steadfast and committed to safeguarding Merchant Vessels and ensuring the safety of life at sea.
• According to The Guardian, Houthi have claimed that their naval forces carried out an operation targeting “British oil tanker Marlin Luanda” in the Gulf of Aden.
• Houthi military spox Yahya Sarea in a statement said that the group used “appropriate naval missiles” and that the “strike was direct”.
• The United States has also confirmed the Houthis strike on MV Marlin Luanda.
• The incident is the latest in a series of drone and pirate attacks on merchant vessels in the region, including the Red Sea and parts of the Arabian Sea.
• The Indian navy has stepped up surveillance in the troubled region substantially and deployed task groups consisting of around 10 warships in the face of the recent attacks on India-bound merchant vessels. (here)

Russian President Putin hails India’s foreign policy

• Russian President Vladimir Putin praises PM Modi’s leadership and credited India for pursuing an ‘independent’ foreign policy which is not easy in today’s world -RT
• Putin was interacting with students in Kaliningrad region on the occasion of ‘Russian Student Day’ on Thu.
• “India has one of the highest rates of economic development and growth in the world, and that too is due to the leadership qualities of the incumbent PM,” Putin said.
• He added that Russia can rely on India and its leadership because it is assured that New Delhi won’t play ‘games’ against them on the international stage.
• “India is pursuing an independent foreign policy, which is not easy,” he said.
• Putin also lauded India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative and said that Russia is looking forward to making huge investments there. (here)

Jaishankar meets Texas governor, says impressed by his commitment for stronger India-US ties

• External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met the visiting Governor of Texas, Greg Abbott, and said that he was “impressed by his commitment and energy for stronger India-US ties” and appreciated the “contribution of Texas to the growth of the relationship”.
• Abbott’s visit to India comes at a time when his govt is at odds with the Biden admin over illegal immigration along the US-Mexico border.
• The difference between Texas and the US federal govt over the control of the US-Mexico border has further intensified after Abbott announced he would defy the Biden admin and US SC by ordering the installation of even more razor wire to deter migration.
• On Mon, the SC voted 5-4 in favor of the federal govt’s power to remove the controversial concertina wire installed along the stretches of the border
• Despite this, Abbott, a hard-right Republican, is intensifying his plans to try and fence off parts of the US border with Mexico.
• He is visiting to promote Texas’s economy; encourage continued trade, job creation, and capital investment by Indian companies; and deepen the strong partnership between India and Texas.
• In the last decade, companies from India have invested $1.4 billion through 59 projects in Texas, creating more than 10,300 jobs.
• In 2022, Texas’s total trade with India totaled $20.4 billion, making India the state’s 11^th-largest total trade partner.
• That same year, Texas exports to India totaled $13.3 billion. Texas exports account for 28% of all US exports to India. (here)

Thai PM attends India’s Republic Day celebrations in Bangkok; Ramayana performance showcased

• In a remarkable departure from the convention, Thailand’s PM Srettha Thavisin graced India’s Republic Day reception in Bangkok, an event hosted by the Indian embassy.
• This unprecedented presence not only underscores the special gesture extended by Thailand but also signifies a rare occasion where a Thai PM attends such events.
• The notable attendance at a National Day event reflects Thailand’s earnest desire to bolster engagement with India and elevate this relationship to greater heights. 
• Both countries see each other as civilizational neighbors.
• The reception witnessed the participation of over a thousand guests from various sectors including the Royal Thai Govt, businesses, media, academia, the diplomatic corps, and members of the Indian community in Thailand.
• Sermsak Pongpanit, Thailand’s Culture Min, graced as the Chief Guest. (here)

 [Neighborhood]

Afghan-Pak relations: Bridging the divide

• The recent meeting between Afghanistan PM Mullah Hasan Akhund and JUI-F Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman marks a critical juncture in Afghanistan-Pakistan relations.
• Akhund’s assurance that Kabul does not intend to harm Pakistan or any other country is a significant statement, underscoring a potential shift in regional dynamics.
• The recent deportation of Afghan nationals from Pakistan adds another layer to this already intricate relationship.
• Against this backdrop, the meeting between the Afghan leadership and the JUI-F delegation signifies more than a diplomatic courtesy; it represents a crucial step toward addressing longstanding grievances and misunderstandings.
• PM Akhund’s statement that the “Islamic Emirate will not allow anyone to pose a threat to any country” is pivotal.
• It addresses a core concern of Pakistan: the use of Afghan soil for terrorist activities against its interests.
• This assurance, if followed through, could pave the way for a new era of cooperation and trust between the two neighbors. (here)

Pakistan: Nine Pakistanis killed in Iran ambush

• Unidentified gunmen killed 9 people in southeastern Iran on Sat, reported Iranian media, with Islamabad’s ambassador identifying them as Pakistanis, as the neighboring countries sought to ease tensions after the recent deadly cross-border strikes.
• So far, no group claimed responsibility, the news agency added.
• The province’s Deputy Guv, Alireza Marhamati, told IRNA that the survivors of the incident, “3 armed people shot at the foreigners after entering their residence and fled the scene“.
• Marhamati confirmed the toll of 9 deaths, saying three others were wounded.
• The Pakistani Envoy to Tehran, , said on X, he was “deeply shocked by the horrifying killing of 9 Pakistanis in Saravan”.
• “Embassy will extend full support to the bereaved families … we called upon Iran to extend full cooperation in the matter.”
• Pak FO condemned the attack as “horrifying and despicable”, asking the Iranian authorities to “investigate the incident and hold to account those who are involved in this heinous crime“.
• Last night at around half past 1, they said, 2 armed men entered their house and gathered 12 residents of Lodhran, Ahmedpur Sharkia, and Alipur – who were sleeping in rooms – in 1 room, they opened fire at them, killing 9 and seriously injured 3 (here)

Two injured in grenade attacks on PPP, NP election offices in Balochistan

• Ahead of nationwide elections scheduled for Feb 8, [if happens] miscreants targeted the election offices of the PPP and the National Party in Balochistan on Sun.
• Two grenade blasts raise alarm bells over the security measures ahead of the general polls next month and election campaigns are in full swing across the country.
• In the run-up to elections in Pakistan, a disturbing trend emerges with violence infiltrating the political sphere.
• Politicians find themselves in the crosshairs, subjected to threats and attacks.
• Unknown men lobbed a grenade at the NP, election office in Mastung, leaving 2 persons wounded following its explosion at Muhammad Shahi Road, police said, noting that the attackers managed to flee from the scene.
• The injured persons were immediately shifted to the hospital, police said. The police force launched a search operation in the area to catch the culprits.
• The country has witnessed a significant surge in terrorist attacks with the last year’s terror-related casualties reaching a 6-year high with more than 1,500 civilians, security forces, and militants killed. (here)

Maldives: Lawmakers indulge in scuffle ahead of key parliamentary vote

• Dramatic visuals emerged from Maldives parliament on Sun after the ruling alliance’s lawmakers disrupted parliamentary proceedings ahead of a key vote crucial for President Muizzu’s govt.
• The visuals showed lawmakers engaged in a fierce altercation.
• The govt’s lawmakers of the PPM and President Muizzu’s PNC disrupted the proceeding over parliament and the speaker’s functioning.
• Notably, former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s MDP is in control of the parliament and the ruling PPM-PNC does not have a parliamentary majority.
• A special session was called to get the approval of the parliament for the ministers in President Mohamed Muizzu’s cabinet.
• Of the 22 names, the 18 named managed to get parliamentary approval to continue as cabinet ministers while four names were not approved.
• Consequently, the lawmakers from the ruling PPM-PNC alliance stopped the parliament’s functioning and a fierce altercation ensued.
• Subsequently. the microphones installed in the parliament were taken away to prevent their potential use amid the physical altercation between the lawmakers. (here)
• Clashes erupt in Maldives Parliament during crucial vote: The MDP decided to withhold parliamentary approval for 4 members of President Muizzu’s Cabinet ahead of the voting on the Cabinet.
• Subsequently, pro-government MPs initiated a protest, obstructing the parliamentary sitting from proceeding, according to local media reports. (here)
• Maldives MPs are protesting outside the Parliament now.