Morning Brief: PM Modi Pens Tribute To Vajpayee On His 100th Birth Anniversary; Taliban Promises Retaliation Over Pakistani Airstrikes; UK Denies Soldier's Role In Punjab Terror Attacks

Dear reader, catch up on the day’s must-read stories with Swarajya's roundup of the morning's headlines.

PM Modi Pens Tribute To Vajpayee On His 100th Birth Anniversary

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has penned a tribute to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his 100th birth anniversary, reflecting on his enduring legacy and contributions to India. Here ate the key highlights from the article:

1. Governance and Stability: Modi describes Atal ji as the leader who brought much-needed stability to India, saying, "Atal ji provided stable and effective governance when the nation needed it most," after years of political instability marked by frequent elections and changing governments.

2. Technological Progress: Vajpayee’s government is credited with spearheading India’s technological revolution. "His era marked a gigantic leap in the world of information technology, telecom, and communications, making technology accessible to citizens across the country."

3. The 1998 Pokhran Tests: Modi recalls Atal ji’s resolute leadership during the 1998 Pokhran nuclear tests, stating, "India stood firm despite international sanctions, asserting its right to safeguard its sovereignty, while also advocating for world peace."

4. Education for All: Atal ji’s commitment to education is highlighted through the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, where Modi remarks, "Atal ji dreamt of an India where modern education is accessible to all, especially the poor and marginalized sections of society."

5. Cultural Pride on the World Stage: Atal ji’s pride in India’s heritage was unmistakable, as Modi recalls, "He was the first Indian leader to speak in Hindi at the United Nations, showcasing his immense pride in India’s language and culture on the global stage."

Taliban Promises Retaliation Over Pakistani Airstrikes

Pakistani airstrikes in Afghanistan's Paktika province have reportedly killed at least 15 people, including women and children, with the toll expected to rise. Local sources attributed the attack to Pakistani jets targeting alleged Taliban hideouts near the border, though Pakistan has not officially confirmed its involvement. The strikes come amid heightened tensions, with Pakistan accusing the Afghan Taliban of sheltering Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants, who have escalated attacks on Pakistani forces. Taliban Ministry of Defence spokesperson Enayatullah Khwarazmi condemned the attack, claiming the victims were primarily Waziristani refugees displaced by Pakistan's military operations. The Taliban has vowed to retaliate.

UK Denies British Soldier's Role In Punjab Terror Attacks

The UK Ministry of Defence has rejected the Punjab Police’s claim about a British Army soldier’s involvement in terror activities in Punjab. The Punjab DGP, Gaurav Yadav, had linked a soldier, Jagjeet Singh, who allegedly used the pseudonym Fateh Singh Baaghi, to the Khalistan Zindabad Force (KJF). In response, the Ministry of Defence stated that there is no record of anyone by that name or pseudonym serving in the British Army. They also confirmed that no Indian authorities had approached them regarding the soldier’s involvement. This denial is part of a larger pattern where the West actively shields Khalistani terrorists despite their role in orchestrating violence in India.

Other Developments

ICC Unveils Champions Trophy 2025 Schedule

The ICC has released the schedule for the 2025 Champions Trophy, confirming Pakistan and the UAE as co-hosts under a hybrid model agreed upon by the PCB and BCCI. The tournament begins on February 19 with Pakistan vs New Zealand in Karachi and concludes on March 9, with semi-finals and the final having reserve days. India’s league-stage games, including their marquee clash against Pakistan on February 23, will be held in Dubai, which will also host the final if India qualifies. Pakistan will host 10 matches, while Dubai will stage three of India’s matches, one semi-final, and potentially the final. If India fails to reach the final, the championship decider will instead take place in Lahore.

India’s Insurance Penetration Declines, Density Increases

India's insurance penetration dropped to 3.7 per cent in 2023-24, down from 4 per cent in the previous fiscal year, marking a second consecutive decline, according to IRDAI’s Annual Report. Despite this setback, insurance density saw a modest increase, rising to $95 from $92 in the previous year, driven by a growth in non-life insurance density, which increased from $22 to $25. Life insurance density remained stable at $70. The insurance regulator’s "Insurance for All by 2047" vision continues to face challenges in boosting penetration. However, India’s penetration and density levels remain significantly lower than the global averages of 7 per cent and $889, respectively.

Jaishankar In US To Discuss Key Issues With Biden, Trump Teams

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is currently on a visit to the United States, engaging with members of both the outgoing Biden administration and key figures from the incoming Trump 2.0 team to discuss India's priorities for the next four years. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri had earlier held meetings with senior US officials, including Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell and Richard Verma, ahead of Jaishankar's visit.

The discussions are expected to cover several key topics, including the upcoming Quad Summit, the iCET initiative, South Asia's situation, Khalistani extremism, and defense collaboration. Talks with the Trump administration will likely focus on trade, technology, and partnerships amid the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict and the Russia-Ukraine war.

Additionally, US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan reached out to Bangladesh's interim regime chief adviser to emphasize the importance of protecting human rights amid growing attacks on minorities.

From The States

Congress Fields Ex-AAP Leaders In Second Delhi Polls List

The Congress released its second list of 26 candidates for the Delhi Assembly elections, including ex-AAP leaders Asim Ahmed Khan and Devinder Sehrawat, who recently joined the party. With this, the Congress has announced a total of 47 candidates, following its first list of 21 names. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), contesting solo, has already declared candidates for all constituencies, including Chief Minister Atishi from Kalkaji and Arvind Kejriwal from New Delhi. Delhi Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj will run from Greater Kailash, while Sandeep Dikshit, son of former CM Sheila Dikshit, will contest from New Delhi. The elections are scheduled for February 2025.

Rijig At Raj Bhawans

Ajay Bhalla, the former Union Home Secretary, has been appointed the new Governor of Manipur as part of a recent reshuffle by President Droupadi Murmu. In addition, former Union Minister General V.K. Singh (Retd.) has been named the Governor of Mizoram, while Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan has been moved to Bihar. The President also accepted the resignation of Odisha Governor Raghubar Das, with Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati replacing him. The appointment of Bhalla to Manipur is particularly significant, as the state has been grappling with ethnic violence between the Meitei community and Kuki tribes since May 2023. Since July, Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya had been holding additional charge of Manipur.

Stay tuned for more insights throughout the day.