India's women's team set a national record by making 435-5 during its massive win over Ireland in a one-day cricket international on Wednesday. It was India's highest score in ODIs by either its men's or women's team. It was the fourth highest total in the history of women's ODI's, with New Zealand scoring more on three occasions. Two of those came against Ireland, including a women's world-record 491-4 in Dublin in 2018. Pakistan recalls opening batter Imam for two test matches against West Indies Pratika Rawal (154) and Captain Smriti Mandhana (135) both scored centuries in their 233-run partnership for the opening wicket in Rajkot after India won the toss and chose to bat. India then dismissed Ireland for 131 to clinch a 304-run win and a 3-0 series victory.

In a significant move to bolster its presence in the Indian Ocean, India’s navy simultaneously launched a submarine, a destroyer, and a frigate at a state-owned shipyard on Wednesday. This step highlights the strategic importance of the Indian Ocean, through which 95% of India’s trade passes, amid increasing Chinese naval activities. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized the shifting focus from the Atlantic Ocean to the Indian Ocean, describing the region as a pivotal center of global power competition. "India is prioritizing the enhancement of its navy to safeguard national interests," he stated. Two private lunar landers embark on roundabout moon journey Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while commissioning the vessels at the Mazagon dockyard in Mumbai, called the development a milestone in India's quest to become a global leader in defense manufacturing and maritime security. Defense expert Rahul Bedi noted that China’s rapidly expanding navy presents challenges in the Indian Ocean. The newly launched submarine, INS Vagsheer, is the sixth in the French-designed Kalvari (Scorpene)-class diesel-electric series. It aims to replace India's aging submarine fleet and address critical capability gaps. Currently, India operates 16 submarines. The P75 Scorpene project, developed in partnership with France's Naval Group, marks India's growing competence in submarine construction. The defense ministry is expected to finalize a deal for three more Scorpene submarines during Prime Minister Modi's anticipated visit to Paris next month for the Artificial Intelligence Action Summit hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron. However, the first of these submarines is not expected to be operational until 2031. Blue Origin attempts rocket launch again after last-minute delay India’s indigenous defense efforts received a boost in 2022 with the commissioning of its first home-built aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, to counter China's larger naval fleet and enhance local shipbuilding expertise. The INS Vikrant, meaning "powerful" or "courageous" in Sanskrit, is India’s second operational carrier, joining the INS Vikramaditya, which was purchased from Russia in 2004.

Members of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) on Tuesday arrested an Indian national along with 18 gold bars from Mujibnagar bordering area in Meherpur district. The arrestee was identified as Nur Hossain, 48, son of Sonai Sheikh of India’s Nadia district. Tipped off, a team of BGB-6 Battalion of Chuadanga conducted a drive in Mujibnagar filed near 104/5 no pillar around 10:30 am and arrested Nur while he was trying to flee the scene sensing the presence of the border guards, said Commanding officer of BGB-6 Lieutenant Colonel Syed Mohammad Zahidur Rahman. Bangladeshi man injured in BSF firing along Patgram border Later, the BGB men recovered 18 gold bars worth Tk 2 crore kept in three packets. A case was filed with Mujibnagar Police Station. The seized gold bars were deposited to the Meherpur Treasury office.

Millions of Hindu pilgrims and ascetics gathered in northern India on Tuesday for the first major bathing ritual of the Maha Kumbh festival, the world’s largest religious gathering. Pilgrims took dips in the freezing waters at the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati rivers in Prayagraj, marking the beginning of the grand event, AP reports. At sunrise, large groups of ash-smeared Hindu holy men, known as Naga Sadhus, marched and rode in chariots toward the river. Holding tridents, swords, and drums, they chanted hymns in praise of Lord Shiva as they made their way to the bathing site in a festive procession. Their followers, millions of devotees, joined them in the river, seeking spiritual cleansing. India's Modi marks the opening of a strategic tunnel in disputed Kashmir The Maha Kumbh festival, held once every 12 years, began on Monday, attracting over 15 million pilgrims for the first major bath. Over the next six weeks, officials expect more than 400 million people to visit Prayagraj, participating in religious rituals and bathing in the holy rivers. Hindus believe that immersing in the confluence purifies the soul, washing away sins and freeing individuals from the cycle of rebirth. Venkatesh Ramaling, a tech specialist from Pune, spoke of the inspiring faith of the pilgrims. “People have such strong belief here. It’s amazing how they dive into such cold water,” he said, sharing his own feeling of positivity after the ritual. The Kumbh festival is rooted in a Hindu myth involving the god Vishnu, who is said to have wrested a golden pitcher containing the nectar of immortality from demons. A few drops of this nectar are believed to have fallen at four sacred sites — Prayagraj, Nasik, Ujjain, and Haridwar — where the Kumbh festival is held.

Foreign Secretary Md. Jashim Uddin on Sunday called upon the government of India to advise all the authorities concerned in India to refrain from “any provocative actions” that could escalate tensions along the shared border. He conveyed Bangladesh's deep concern to High Commissioner of India Pranay Verma during a meeting at his office at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs over the recent activities of the Border Security Force (BSF) of India along the Bangladesh-India border. Earlier in the day, Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury indicated that the Indian High Commissioner in Dhaka might be summoned to discuss the border issues. High Commissioner Verma was seen entering the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building at around 3pm on Sunday, following reports of heightened tensions along the shared border of the two neighbouring countries. India’s envoy Verma calls for joint efforts to combat border crimes “We have an understanding with regard to fencing the border for security. Our two border guard enforcements - BSF and BGB - have been in communication in this regard,” the High Commissioner told reporters in his brief statement after the meeting that lasted over half an hour. Verma expressed the hope that the understandings that the two border forces have will be implemented in a cooperative approach in combating the crimes along the border. The High Commissioner said he met the Foreign Secretary to discuss India's commitment to ensuring a crime-free border and effectively addressing the challenges of smuggling and trafficking. The Foreign Secretary stressed that such activities particularly the unauthorised attempt to construct barbed wire fencing and the related operational actions by BSF, have caused tensions and disturbances along the border. Make Bangladesh a distribution hub for Asia: CA urges Norway He said that the construction of barbed wire fences without proper authorisation undermines the spirit of cooperation and friendly relations between the two neighboring countries. The Foreign Secretary hoped that the upcoming BGB-BSF DG level talks would be able to discuss the matter at length. Referring to the recent killing of a Bangladesh citizen at Sunamganj by BSF, the Foreign Secretary expressed deep concern and disappointment over such repetition of border killings. He strongly resented these acts of killing and called for urgent action by the Indian authorities to stop recurrence of such incidents and conduct enquiries into all these border killings and take actions against those responsible. Jashim Uddin mentioned that it is also a matter of grave concern that despite repeated firm commitments from the Indian authorities to pursue non-lethal strategy and to stop killings such incidents of killing have been continuing. The Foreign Secretary also mentioned that Bangladesh believes that such issues should be resolved through constructive dialogue, in accordance with existing bilateral agreements, and in a way that upholds peace and tranquility along the border. Ensure inclusive regional participation in rebuilding Bangladesh: Seminar The India-Bangladesh border, one of the longest international borders in the world, has often been a point of contention, with incidents ranging from border security issues to the movement of people.  

Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma on Sunday expressed the hope that the understandings that the two border forces have will be implemented in a cooperative approach in combating the crimes along the border. He had a discussion with Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on India's commitment to ensuring a crime-free border and effectively addressing the challenges. Referring to an understanding in regards to fencing the border, the High Commissioner said the two border forces- BSF and BGB - have been in communication. BGB's firm stand forces India to halt border fence construction: Home Adviser He also talked about addressing the challenges of smuggling. In a move to address escalating tensions along the Bangladesh-India border, the Indian High Commissioner had a meeting with Foreign Secretary Jashim to discuss recent border-related issues. The Indian High Commissioner was seen entering the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building at around 3pm on Sunday, following reports of heightened tensions along the shared border of the two neighbouring countries. He made a brief statement after the meeting that lasted over half an hour. India extends Hasina’s visa amid Bangladesh’s extradition demand Earlier in the day, Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury said that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been informed and the Indian High Commissioner may be summoned soon to discuss the matter. "Work at all disputed points has been halted and we will not allow further activities." The India-Bangladesh border, one of the longest international borders in the world, has often been a point of contention, with incidents ranging from border security issues to the movement of people.

Chattogram, Jan 12 (UNB)-Another consignment of 26, 935 metric tonnes of Indian rice arrived at the country’s premier sea port Chattogram on Sunday morning. With this, the second consignment of rice came from India since the interim government took over the power in August last year. The Panama flag carrying ‘MV SDR Universe’ loaded with the rice anchored at a jetty of Chattogram port via Karnaphuli Channel during a tide around 11:30am, said the port’s Secretary Md Omar Faruk. Fog disrupts ferry services on two key waterways Earlier on January 8, the vessel left Kakinada sea port of Andhra Pradesh State of India. The country received the first consignment of rice from neighbouring India on December 26. Bangladesh will import one lakh metric tonnes of rice from India in the first phase as per a Government to Government contract. Death toll from Munshiganj speedboat accident reaches four

Twelve Bangladeshis, who had illegally entered India two years ago, returned home on Friday after serving time in prison there. The returnees, who were lured by brokers promising better job opportunities, crossed into India through various borders. Eleven of them are men, and one is a woman. According to the Benapole Immigration Police, the individuals were handed over by the Petrapole Immigration Police at around 9pm on Friday through a special travel permit. They were brought across the border to Bangladesh’s Benapole check post, where they were formally received. Benapole Immigration Police Officer-in-Charge (OC) Imtiaz Bhuiyan said that the group was handed over to the Benapole Immigration Police around 9pm. BSF hands over body of Bangladeshi found on border After completing necessary paperwork, they were transferred to the Benapole Port Police Station. Today, a local NGO, Rights Jashore, took the returnees under their care, he added. The returnees are Ashiqur Rahman (25), Sumon Sarkar (30), Omar Faruk (25), Mizan Sheikh (28), Riazul Islam (25), Belal Molla (28), Sagari Fakir (28), Rabiul Hawlader (25), Moksed Hawlader (30), Rubel Gazi (25), Khalid Hossain (25) and Mosha Regina Khatun (25). They are residents of different districts, including Gazipur, Narsingdi, Chapainawabganj, Madaripur, Satkhira, Narail, Khulna and Bagerhat. Rights Jashore’s Psychosocial Counselor Md Mamun said that the individuals had been lured by brokers seeking employment opportunities, but once in India, they faced detention and imprisonment. With the cooperation of the Indian and Bangladeshi embassies, the Indian government issued special travel permits, allowing the Bangladeshis to return home. On Saturday morning, they were handed over to Rights Jashore, who will provide shelter and eventually reunite them with their families, said Mamun.

Apparently referring to deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s reported visa extension, the interim government on Thursday said visa issue does not exist once passport is cancelled. “I would give you general answer – if passport is cancelled, no visa issue remains there,” Spokesperson at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mohammad Rafiqul Alam told reporters while responding to a question at a weekly briefing at the ministry. Hasina’s visa extension not taken positively by people: Rizvi He also said the passport cancellation issues are notified through Bangladesh Missions abroad so that the countries which have diplomatic relations with Bangladesh know about the cancellation. “As we don’t have additional information, we would not speculate,” Alam added. Earlier, the Department of Immigration and Passports revoked the passports of 97 people, including Hasina, due to their alleged involvement in the July killings and alleged involved in enforced disappearances. However, the Hindustan Times, a major national daily of India, reported that Sheikh Hasina’s visa extension was recently approved, facilitated by India’s Union Home Ministry through the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO). India extends Hasina’s visa amid Bangladesh’s extradition demand Hasina, 77, has been residing in India since fleeing her country in August last year, following widespread protests that culminated in her resignation. "Like you, I too came to know about this (extension of Sheikh Hasina's visa) through the newspaper. What can we do?" Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain posed a counter question when journalists approached him at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday. He also said they have not yet received a response to the letter (note verbale) sent to India requesting Sheikh Hasina's extradition. “At this moment, we are waiting for India’s reply,” Spokesperson Alam said on Thursday, adding that there is no relation between former Prime Minister’s status in India and Dhaka’s request for her extradition. The Spokesperson said everyone knows that she in India and Bangladesh requested her extradition as a citizen of Bangladesh. BFIU summons bank transaction details of Sheikh Hasina, Sheikh Rehana, their children The interim government in Bangladesh, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, formally requested Hasina’s extradition through a note verbale sent to India’s Ministry of External Affairs on December 23.

The body of a Bangladeshi man was found in the Gournagar area of India’s Tripura, two days after he went missing from his home in Habiganj.  Zahur Ali (60), son of Mansub Ullah of Paschim Dulna village in Chunarughat upazila, was found dead on Monday, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) confirmed on Tuesday.  BGB Habiganj battalion Commander Lt Col Tanzil said that Zahur Ali, who reportedly had mental health issues, crossed into India through the Manikbhandar area near the Guibil border outpost on Monday.  Later that day, locals in Gournagar area in Tripura spotted a body lying by the roadside and informed Indian police. Officers from Khowai police station recovered the body and transported it to Khowai District Hospital, where doctors declared him dead.  Tension erupts between BGB and BSF over fence construction at Chouka Border Zahur’s family and locals said he worked as a security guard for a company in Dhaka and had returned to his village on leave on January 4. The next day, he left home with clothes, saying he intended to sell them, but never returned. Indian media outlets reported the discovery of Zahur's body on Monday and locals in his village identified him from social media posts on Tuesday morning.  Khowai Police Station in India has launched an investigation regarding the cause of his death.  BGB said that Zahur’s body would be handed over to Bangladeshi authorities following the investigation.