Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is gearing up for a high-profile trip to the US capital next week, set to join President Donald Trump's inaugural Board of Peace meeting focused on stabilizing Gaza and beyond. Meanwhile, India is taking a measured approach, carefully reviewing a similar invitation from Washington amid complex regional dynamics.

Sharif, who received a personal invite from Trump, will land in Washington on February 18 alongside Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar for the February 19 gathering at the US Institute of Peace. Pakistan's Foreign Office hailed the opportunity as a platform to advocate for Palestinian rights under UN resolutions, marking a swift acceptance that underscores Islamabad's bid to strengthen ties with the Trump administration. This comes after Trump's earlier praise for Pakistan's role in regional de-escalations, including last year's fragile India-Pakistan ceasefire, which he often credits to his direct interventions via tariff pressures.

In contrast, New Delhi confirmed receipt of the US invitation but offered no firm commitment. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated the proposal is under review, reaffirming India's longstanding support for peace in West Asia without specifics on participation. Sources suggest Delhi's hesitation ties into broader US expectations, such as limits on Russian oil purchases, even as trade pacts advance. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government has voiced general backing for Gaza reconstruction but appears wary of sharing the stage with Pakistan so soon after past tensions.

Launched by Trump at Davos last month, the Board of Peace—chaired by the US President—aims to guide Gaza's post-ceasefire rebuild, demilitarization, and governance following a UN-backed stabilization force. With about 27 nations on board, including key Arab states like Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, the initiative sidesteps traditional UN channels in favor of Trump's deal-maker style. Western holdouts like the UK and Germany have declined, highlighting divides in global buy-in.

The summit spotlights Trump's leverage over South Asia, where he has positioned himself as a mediator in India-Pakistan flare-ups. For Sharif, attendance could yield diplomatic wins and economic perks; for India, joining might boost its Middle East clout but risks awkward optics—or strained US relations if it opts out. As energy deals and security talks loom, all eyes are on whether New Delhi shifts stance before the meeting.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Hindustan Times.

Odisha Police are gearing up for a decisive strike against lingering Maoist insurgents in the dense Gandhamardan hills, a notorious hideout spanning Bolangir and Bargarh districts near the Chhattisgarh border. Senior officials, including Anti-Naxal ADG Sanjeeb Panda, have vowed to eradicate the Naxal threat from the area by March 31, aligning with the state's ambitious goal to become completely Naxal-free.

Intelligence reports indicate a small group of Maoists has regrouped in the hills after a period of relative calm, raising alarms about potential cross-border activity. "Gandhamardan has been a Maoist stronghold since 2008, but we're closing in with coordinated operations," Panda stated during a recent meeting with local superintendents. The terrain's rugged forests have long shielded rebels, but intensified patrols aim to change that.

The offensive will deploy additional CRPF battalions alongside Odisha's Special Operations Group (SOG), District Voluntary Force (DVF), and precise intel-led teams. Tightened security along the Odisha-Chhattisgarh border is also part of the strategy to prevent escapes or reinforcements. Past encounters here, like firefights and camp busts, underscore the risks involved.

Odisha has already neutralized Maoist presence in five districts—Nuapada, Nabarangpur, Malkangiri, Koraput, and Boudh—through surrenders and operations. In the last 70 days, 45 rebels have surrendered under a revamped policy offering rehabilitation benefits, even to Odia Maoists active outside the state. Similar drives target tri-junctions in Kandhamal, Rayagada, and Kalahandi next. Panda urged remaining insurgents to surrender, promising support for reintegration. Success here could pave the way for development in these remote areas, long hampered by violence.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Hindustan Times.

Veena Sikri, former High Commissioner of India to Bangladesh, has said that India need not be concerned about the newly signed reciprocal trade agreement between Bangladesh and the United States. Speaking to ANI, Sikri explained that the deal is unlikely to negatively impact India’s economic interests.

She noted that Bangladesh’s potential access to zero tariffs in the US market would likely be linked to its imports of man-made yarn, cotton yarn, and possibly cotton from the United States. However, she pointed out that India already supplies these materials to Bangladesh at very competitive prices and with faster delivery timelines. According to Sikri, Bangladeshi exporters can source such goods from India within a week, making Indian suppliers a more practical and efficient option despite the US agreement.

Sikri also expressed concerns about Bangladesh’s reported plans to purchase a large number of Boeing aircraft. She questioned how Bangladesh would finance such costly acquisitions, suggesting that the country might need to rely on loans from institutions such as the International Monetary Fund or other sources. Taking on significant debt for these purchases, she warned, could put additional strain on Bangladesh’s economy.

The United States and Bangladesh signed the United States-Bangladesh Agreement on Reciprocal Trade. The Office of the US Trade Representative described the agreement as a key step in strengthening bilateral trade and economic ties. The deal was signed by US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Bangladesh’s Adviser for Commerce, Textiles and Jute, and Civil Aviation and Tourism, Sheikh Bashir Uddin, in the presence of senior officials from both countries. Greer said the agreement reflects Washington’s commitment to advancing policies that benefit American workers and businesses while reinforcing international partnerships.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is set to face scrutiny over her promised tax cuts and spending initiatives on Monday (Feb 9) following her historic election victory, which has boosted expectations that she could push through stimulus measures that have unsettled financial markets. Takaichi’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) achieved a decisive win in Sunday’s election, aided by her pledge to suspend the eight percent food sales tax for two years — a plan she has called her “long‑cherished dream.”

Investors, however, remain wary about how Japan, already the most indebted developed nation, would fund the initiative. The uncertainty has triggered a selloff in government bonds and weakened the yen to historic lows against major currencies. Some analysts suggested that her strong mandate might allow her to scale back the plan, as opposition parties advocating even larger tax cuts were soundly defeated. But Takaichi dismissed this idea in several brief TV interviews on Sunday, affirming her intent to act quickly on the LDP’s promise.

Her strengthened position also diminishes resistance from fiscal conservatives within the party, analysts say. Takaichi is expected to hold her first major post-election press conference on Monday. “While some LDP members remain cautious, the election outcome raises the likelihood of a consumption tax cut,” said Ryutaro Kono, chief Japan economist at BNP Paribas. “The premier has repeatedly criticized past fiscal policy as too restrictive and clearly favors overhauling the system dominated by the finance ministry and party experts.”

Aware of the financial impact, Takaichi has emphasized that the tax cut will be temporary and has pledged to maintain responsible fiscal management. Following the LDP’s win, Japanese stocks rose, government bonds fell, and the yen regained some ground, reflecting market optimism that decisive fiscal action is now possible. Government spokesperson Minoru Kihara noted that Japan is monitoring foreign exchange markets closely due to concerns about rapid currency fluctuations.

The key challenge remains funding the tax suspension, which could cost roughly five trillion yen (S$40.55 billion) annually, about the size of Japan’s education budget. Takaichi has ruled out issuing new debt and offered few specifics on alternative sources, suggesting that cross-party discussions on social welfare and taxation will determine the details. Previous hints about tapping non-tax revenues have drawn attention to Japan’s US$1.4 trillion foreign exchange reserves, though heavy use could spark fears of selling US Treasury holdings, potentially unsettling markets and straining relations with Washington.

Prolonged uncertainty over funding could trigger further bond market selloffs. Rising government bond yields would increase the cost of servicing Japan’s massive debt, which is roughly double the size of its economy, and could weaken the yen further, raising import costs and potentially offsetting the benefit of tax cuts for households. Shinichi Ichikawa, senior fellow at Pictet Asset Management Japan, said, “She may have won the public mandate, but not the market’s yet. Concerns over finances and a weaker yen could push up food prices, which might hurt her popularity.”

Since taking office in October, Takaichi has already moderated earlier plans for large-scale spending and tax cuts to avoid market disruption. Despite the election victory, she appeared serious and measured in post-election interviews, reflecting awareness of the delicate balance between delivering on promises and maintaining market stability. Asked why she looked so stern after a landslide win and how she would take responsibility if her administration failed, she responded sharply: “It’s pretty mean to ask that of someone who’s about to give it everything.”
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s coalition secured a historic victory in Sunday’s (Feb 8) election, setting the stage for planned tax cuts that have rattled financial markets, as well as increased military spending to counter China. For insights into this outcome, Andrea Heng and Genevieve Woo consulted Dr. Lim Tai Wei, East Asia specialist and Professor at Soka University, Japan.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung will visit Japan on January 13–14 for a summit with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. The leaders are scheduled to meet in Nara City on January 13, followed by a dinner, where discussions are expected to cover regional and global matters, as well as economic and social issues. Andrea Heng and Hairianto Diman speak with Michiyo Ishida, CNA’s senior correspondent, for more details.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.

Singapore’s “dead birds” hotline recorded its highest number of reports last year, reflecting a growing toll of birds killed after colliding with glass surfaces on buildings. The museum notes that the problem is expanding beyond sheer numbers, now affecting newer and sometimes rarer species as urban development intensifies. The report explores the causes behind these collisions, the reasons bird-friendly architecture has yet to become common practice, and the practical solutions—such as specially treated glass and façade modifications—that could significantly reduce bird deaths. Andrea Heng and Rani Samtani discuss these issues with Dr Tan Yen Yi, Research Fellow at the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.

Thailand’s Pheu Thai Party has selected 46-year-old academic Yodchanan Wongsawat, a nephew of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, as its leading candidate for the premiership in the February election. The move brings the influential Shinawatra family back into focus as Thailand grapples with deadly border clashes with Cambodia and internal challenges within the party. Andrea Heng and Hairianto Diman discuss the implications of his candidacy for party cohesion, border security, and the country’s political trajectory with Kevin Hewison, Emeritus Professor at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.

Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from CNA.