India’s January 12, 2025: Chhattisgarh Anti-Naxal Operation, Delhi Congress Job Pledge, and EAM Jaishankar’s US Visit for Trump Swearing-in

NEW DELHI – January 12, 2025, marked a day of significant developments across India, encompassing a security operation in the central state of Chhattisgarh, a key political promise from the Congress party in the nation’s capital, and a high-level diplomatic agenda announcement regarding India’s representation at the upcoming U.S. presidential inauguration.

Security Forces Engage Maoists in Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur

A major anti-Naxalite operation unfolded in the heavily forested region of Bijapur district in Chhattisgarh on January 12, 2025. A joint team of security personnel engaged Maoist insurgents within the confines of the Indravati National Park area. The exchange resulted in casualties among the Naxalite ranks.

According to an official statement provided by Inspector General of Police, Bastar Range, Sundarraj P., the security forces conducted a targeted operation deep inside the forest terrain known for insurgent activity. The operation successfully neutralized several Maoists. Preliminary reports confirmed that at least three Maoists were killed during the encounter with the joint security team.

The anti-Naxalite campaign in Chhattisgarh, particularly in the Bastar region which includes Bijapur, remains a critical focus for security forces. Operations like these are part of a broader strategy aimed at curbing the influence of Maoist groups, who continue to pose a significant security challenge in several parts of central and eastern India. The terrain within and around the Indravati National Park presents unique operational difficulties, underscoring the challenging nature of this security engagement.

Delhi Congress Pledges Annual Aid to Unemployed Youth

In a move aimed at addressing unemployment among the educated youth, the Congress party in Delhi announced a new scheme should they be elected to power. The party leadership outlined a proposal to provide financial assistance under a program explicitly named the ‘Yuva Udaan Yojana’.

Under this proposed scheme, the Congress party committed to providing ₹8,500 annually to educated unemployed youths residing in Delhi. The financial support is intended to be disbursed for a period of one year, offering temporary relief and assistance to those seeking employment opportunities after completing their education. This policy promise, made on January 12, 2025, signals the party’s focus on youth empowerment and employment generation as key planks of its potential future governance agenda in the capital territory.

The announcement comes amidst ongoing political discussions and preparations for future elections in Delhi. Schemes targeting specific demographic groups like educated unemployed youths are often central to party manifestos, aiming to garner support by addressing pressing social and economic issues.

EAM Jaishankar Slated to Attend Trump Swearing-in in Washington DC

Looking ahead to significant international engagements, India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar, was officially announced as the representative of the Government of India at the upcoming swearing-in ceremony of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump. The ceremony is scheduled to take place on January 20 in Washington DC.

The invitation for the inauguration ceremony was extended to several heads of government and state from around the world, highlighting the diplomatic significance of the event. Minister Jaishankar’s attendance underscores the importance of the strategic partnership between India and the United States. His representation signifies India’s engagement at the highest level with the incoming U.S. administration.

This diplomatic engagement provides an opportunity for India to engage early with the leadership of the new U.S. government, potentially facilitating discussions on bilateral relations, regional security, trade, and other areas of mutual interest. External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar’s visit to Washington DC for this specific purpose reflects the priority India places on its relationship with the United States and its commitment to participating in key international events.

Collectively, these events on January 12, 2025, from internal security challenges and domestic policy proposals to international diplomatic representation, painted a varied picture of the key issues confronting India.