Top Headlines: I pray that you keep 40 seats with you: PM Modi’s jibe at Congress

  1. I pray that you keep 40 seats with you: PM Modi’s jibe at Congress
  2. Uttarakhand Assembly passes historic Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill
  3. Sikh man shot dead by terrorists in Srinagar city, another injured: J&K Police
  4. Bangladesh FM discusses regional security cooperation with NSA Ajit Doval
  5. Pakistan Election (selection) 2024: Internet suspended, 128 mn voters cast vote 90,675 PS

What Else

  • India Eyes $100 Billion Investment Deal With Switzerland, Norway
  • Foreign Secretary meets Japanese ministers; discusses bilateral trade, defense cooperation
  • New Delhi to host first ever EU-India roundtable on countering terrorist exploitation of drones
  • Australian envoy champions robust space collaboration with India at DefSAT conference
  • India: First patient declared ‘cancer-free’ using indigenous CAR-T cell therapy
  • Pakistan: At least 24 killed as twin bombings rock Balochistan’s Pishin, Qilla Saifullah
  • Rights group World Uyghur Congress nominated for Nobel Peace Prize 2024
  • China inflation: consumer prices suffer steepest fall since 2009 in Jan, adding to deflation woes
  • US researcher Chenguang Gong arrested for stealing trade secrets, including missile-tracking tech

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I pray that you keep 40 seats with you: PM Modi’s jibe at Congress

  • PM Modi on Wed launched a scathing attack on the opposition using West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee’s remarks on differences in the I.N.D.I.A bloc over seat-sharing.
  • While replying to the Motion of Thanks to the President’s address in Rajya Sabha, during the ongoing interim Budget Session.
  • The PM took a swipe at Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge for his ‘400 paar’ speech and referring to TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee’s recent statement that the Congress may not cross 40 seats in the 2024 Lok Sabha election, PM Modi said, “I pray that you keep 40 seats with you.
  • He also accused the party of trying to create a “north-south divide” in the country.
  • PM Modi emphasizes how former Congress governments handed over large chunks of territories to enemies of the country.
  • PM Modi further said, “Congress does not have the guarantee of its leaders and policies but is questioning Modi’s guarantees.” (here)

India: Uttarakhand Assembly passes historic Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill

  • In India, the Uttarakhand Assembly on Wed passed the historic Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill introduced by CM Pushkar Singh Dhami-led state govt.
  • After passing the UCC Bill in the Assembly, Uttarakhand became the first state in the country to implement the UCC.
  • It is expected that the same might be followed in other BJP states
  • CM Dhami said in the assembly, “After the independence, the makers of the Constitution gave the right under Article 44 that the states can also introduce the UCC at appropriate time.”
  • In videos shared on social media forums, Uttarakhand Assembly MLAs were seen celebrating and sharing sweets.
  • The CM was seen greeting people as they showered flower petals on him and burst crackers.
  • The UCC offers a common law on marriage, divorce, land, property, and inheritance for all citizens, regardless of faith, in the state, except the Scheduled Tribes. (here)

Sikh man shot dead by terrorists in Srinagar city, another injured: J&K Police

  • Terrorists shot dead a worker from Punjab while another sustained injuries in the Habba Kadal area of the city on Wed.
  • Amritpal Singh, a resident of Amritsar, was shot from point-blank range with an AK rifle at Shalla Kadal locality in Habba Kadal around 7 pm, the officials said.
  • They said Singh died on the spot while another non-local worker identified as Rohit, aged 25, from Amritsar sustained injuries in the incident.
  • He was hit by the bullets in the abdomen and is undergoing treatment at SMHS hospital
  • The police have taken cognizance of the incident and cordoned off the area to track down the assailants this is the 1st attack by terrorists on a non-local this year.
  • Last year, the terrorists carried out several attacks on non-local workers in the valley including in Anantnag and Shopian districts. (here)

Bangladesh FM discusses regional security cooperation with NSA Ajit Doval

  • Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister, Hasan Mahmud, met with NSA Ajit Doval, and the two held discussions on exploring avenues for enhanced regional cooperation to ensure security and foster greater stability not only within the region but also beyond.
  • He arrived in Delhi on Wed, at the invitation of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar
  • Notably, this is Mahmud’s first foreign visit after being sworn into the new Bangladesh govt following Sheikh Hasina’s historic victory, securing a consecutive 4th term as PM.
  • During his Feb 7-9 visit to the country, Mahmud will meet and hold talks with Jaishankar, where they will review progress in a wide range of bilateral relations and chart out the agenda for future engagement.
  • They will also exchange views on sub-regional, regional, and multilateral issues of common interest, the MEA said.
  • Earlier this Jan, EAM Jaishankar met his Bangladesh counterpart Mahmud on the sidelines of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Summit in Kampala, Uganda.
  • Mahmud said he had valuable talks with EAM to strengthen India-B’desh ties. (here)
  • Mahmud discussed the Rohingya issue, “We have given refuge to 1.2 million Rohingyas. And every year 35,000 newborn children from the Rohingya “.  (here)

India Eyes $100 Billion Investment Deal With Switzerland, Norway

  • Bloomberg (sources): India is close to finalizing a first-of-its-kind trade deal that could see a small group of European nations invest as much as $100 billion over 15 years in exchange for easier trade access to the world’s most populous nation
  • The European Free Trade Association, which comprises Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein, committed to investing as part of a trade pact that’s in the final stages of negotiations.
  • The contours of the deal have been agreed and deliberations currently center on the final investment amount, which could be as much as $100 billion over 15 years.
  • While India wants the commitment to be legally binding, one of the European officials said the amount will likely be framed as a goal, with no legal means to claim it included in the language of the agreement. (here)

Foreign Secretary meets Japanese ministers; discusses bilateral trade, defense cooperation

  • Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra held discussions with Japanese Vice Ministers Shin Hosaka and Kiyoshi Serizawa in Japan’s capital city Tokyo on Wed.
  • Shin Hosaka, the Vice Min of It’nal Affairs, Min of Economy, and Kiyoshi Serizawa is the Vice Minister of International Affairs, Ministry of Defence.
  • During the meeting, Kwatra and Hosaka agreed to facilitate bilateral trade and investment between the two countries and build resilient supply chains.
  • During his meeting with Kiyoshi Serizawa, Kwatra took stock of the defence cooperation between the two nations emphasizing defence industry and technology collaboration aiming for a “free, open, peaceful and prosperous” Indo-Pacific.
  • Last month, PM Modi said that India is looking forward to the cooperation between the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency and the Indian Space Research Org. (here)

New Delhi to host first ever EU-India roundtable on countering terrorist exploitation of drones

  • The 1st-ever EU-India Track 1.5, a day-long dialogue on countering the use of UAVs by extremists and non-state actors will take place in New Delhi on Thu
  • The roundtable seeks to better understand the range of current and emerging threats particularly involved with consumer-grade UAS technology.
  • Participants from the EU and India will also discuss best practices regarding regulatory, tactical, and investigative responses to addressing UAS threats in both regions.
  • Commercial UAS has been developing rapidly in recent years, both in terms of technological sophistication and consumer availability.
  • Violent extremists have exploited these inexpensive and adaptable consumer devices for different purposes, including reconnaissance and violent attacks. (here)

Australian envoy champions robust space collaboration with India at DefSAT conference

  • High Commissioner of Australia to India, Philip Green expressed his pleasure at representing Australia and acknowledged the conference’s significance in discussing crucial elements of India’s space industry.
  • At the DefSAT conference, Green highlighted the cutting-edge aspects under thought, setting the stage for a landmark announcement.
  • Green also underscored the importance of the MoU in fostering collaboration between the two nations, saying, “It’ll discuss some really crucial and cutting-edge elements of the space industry in India.”
  • He emphasized Australia’s unique capabilities stemming from its robust mining industry and prowess in robotics, making it a valuable partner for India’s vibrant space sector. (here)

India: First patient declared ‘cancer-free’ using indigenous CAR-T cell therapy

  • A few months ago, India’s drug regulator Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), approved the commercial use of CAR-T cell therapy.
  • This includes genetically reprogramming a patient’s immune system to fight cancer.
  • Today, the therapy has turned out to be a lifesaver for many patients, including for Dr (Col) V K Gupta, a Delhi-based GI with 28 years of experience working in the Army.
  • He accessed the therapy by paying just $50,000, whereas a similar therapy costs up to $480,000 abroad.
  • Doctors at the Tata Memorial Hospital, where Gupta underwent the procedure, said he is “currently free of cancer cells.”
  • Still premature to tell success rate: However, the doctor added that it was still premature to tell about the success rate of the therapy.
  • He said the initial findings suggest “better survival chances and lower remission rates” for patients in the early stages of cancer.
  • The CDSCO approved its commercial use in October 2023. (here)

 [Neighborhood]

Pakistan Election (selection) 2024: Internet suspended, 128 mn voters cast vote 90,675 PS

  • The people have started casting their votes as nationwide polling commenced at 8 am this morning and will continue till 5 pm as authorities endeavor to ensure a smooth and uninterrupted electoral process.
  • As many as 128 million registered voters will have their say in today’s much-awaited general elections that will elect the 16th legislative assembly in the center.
  • People will be casting their votes at 90,675 polling stations for a total of 5,121 candidates contesting for the 266 seats of the constituent assembly.
  • The last polls were held in July 2018 in which PTI secured the majority and formed the govt in the center led by Imran Khan, who is currently in jail.
  • Out of the total 90,675 polling stations, 46,065 (>50%) have been labeled as sensitive and 18,437 others as highly sensitive, according to ECP data.
  • The authorities vowed all arrangements for peaceful elections, just hours after deadly blasts rocked Balochistan, killing nearly 30 people and injuring dozens of others (here)
  • Karachi police arrest 39 Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf workers as crackdown continues ahead of general elections: The Pakistan police have intensified the crackdown on PTI leaders and workers and have picked up over 3 dozen more party workers for being allegedly involved in violence during a rally at Teen Talwar over the weekend (here)

Pakistan: At least 24 killed as twin bombings rock Balochistan’s Pishin, Qilla Saifullah

  • At least 24 people were killed and scores injured in 2 bomb explosions in Pishin and Qilla Saifullah on Wed, raising concerns over security to elections to be held on Feb 8th
  • The explosion in Pishin claimed the lives of at least 14 people and 10 people people succumbed to the terrorist attack in Qilla Saifullah.
  • Khanzai Hospital, close to the site of the explosion, gave the death toll as 14 and said more than 2 dozen were injured.
  • Maulana Abdul Wasay, the JUI-F candidate from Qilla Saifullah, was present inside the party’s electoral office at the time of the explosion.
  • The attack came as political parties wrapped up their campaigning in the quiet period mandated by electoral rules the day before the election.
  • Denouncing the attack as an attempt by the “country’s enemies” to create instability, Jamali maintained that the election process would continue.
  • Domki maintained that the attacks were a “conspiracy to undermine the process of peaceful elections” and said the elements involved would be brought to justice.
  • Kakar expressed grief on the loss of lives and said the govt is resolute in ensuring the electoral process is concluded peacefully. (here)
  • 1 killed, 3 injured in grenade attack in Karachi’s Gulshan-i-Iqbal
  • One person was killed while three were injured after a hand grenade exploded near Haji Limo Goth in Karachi’s Gulshan-i-Iqbal, according to police.
  • Police said the police and bomb disposal team had reached the spot to collect evidence. Further investigation is underway, he added.
  • The incident was reported soon after JUI-F’s Hafiz Hamdullah survived a gun attack on his convoy in Balochistan. (here)

Rights group World Uyghur Congress nominated for Nobel Peace Prize 2024

  • The World Uyghur Congress, a Germany-based rights organization, that voices for the human rights and freedom of the Uyghurs through peaceful means, was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize 2024 on Wed.
  • Notably, this is the second consecutive Nobel Prize nomination for the Uyghur rights group after being nominated in 2023 as well.
  • The WUC informed the nominations for the Nobel Prize were submitted by Canadian MP, Vice-Chair of the Subcommittee on International Rights, and Senator of the Italian Republic and former Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Giulio Terzi.
  • Isa further said that the nomination sends a ‘powerful message’ highlighting the urgent need to act against the Uyghur genocide being committed by China. (here)

China inflation: consumer prices suffer steepest fall since 2009 in Jan, adding to deflation woes

  • China’s consumer prices suffered their steepest fall since Sept 2009 in Jan, with the 4th consecutive monthly decline adding to concerns that deflationary risks are becoming an increasing threat to the overall economic recovery.
  • The consumer price index (CPI) fell by 0.8%/year on year in Jan, the National Bureau of Statistics said on Thu, compared to a 0.3% fall in Dec.
  • The reading was worse than the expected fall of 0.5% predicted by Chinese data provider Wind.
  • Non-food prices, however, rose by 0.4% year on year.
  • NBS chief statistician Dong Lijuan attributed the YOY decline in CPI to a high base from 2023.
  • Food prices continued to be the main drag on CPI, as per the NBS, with the price of pork, fresh vegetables, and fresh fruit plunging by 17.3%, 12.7% and 9.1%, respectively. (here)

US researcher Chenguang Gong arrested for stealing trade secrets, including missile-tracking tech

  • A US researcher has been arrested on charges of stealing trade secrets, including technology used to detect nuclear missile launches, the Justice Department said Wed.
  • Chenguang Gong, 57, of San Jose, California, was arrested on Tue, the department said in a statement.
  • Chinese-born Gong, who became a US citizen in 2011, is accused of transferring more than 3600 files from the R&D company where he briefly worked to personal storage devices. The company was not identified.
  • As per court docs, the files included blueprints for infrared sensors used in space-based systems to detect nuclear missile launches and track ballistic and hypersonic missiles.
  • The files also allegedly included blueprints for sensors designed to enable US military aircraft to detect heat-seeking missiles and take countermeasures. (here)

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