1. PM Modi inaugurates 2nd phase of Ahmedabad Metro Rail Project
2. Women, youth, minorities, farmers: Focus of first 100 days of Modi 3.0
3. Kolkata Doctors meet Mamata at her Residence after CM agreed on Some Demands
4. 104 workers from Samsung’s Chennai factory detained for planning protest march
5. Can’t be oblivious to the suffering that a Muslim is enduring in Myanmar, Gaza, India: Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

What Else

1. VP Dhankhar warns against undermining institutions after SC’s ‘caged parrot’ comment on CBI
2. Satellite launching spree to tie-ups with 60+ countries, why India is scaling up its space diplomacy
3. After long negotiations, BJP concedes chair of 4 Parliamentary Standing Committees to Congress
4. India raises vandalism of New York’s Swaminarayan Temple with US: Unacceptable
5.  ‘No trade, talks with Pakistan till …’: Amit Shah accuses NC, Congress of ‘nurturing’ terrorism
6. Bangladesh: US commits $202 million in aid to support economic growth and stability
7. Bangladesh: Former Rajshahi MP Enamul arrested in Adabor
8. Pakistan: Constitutional amendment in limbo as govt again postpones cabinet meeting
9. Pakistan: Dar, US undersecretary of state discuss bilateral relations
10. China: How to take Taiwan: mainland China show imagines what a PLA attack may look like

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PM Modi inaugurates 2nd phase of Ahmedabad Metro Rail Project

• PM Modi Ahemdabad visit:
• Ahmedabad Metro Rail Project Phase-II Inauguration: PM inaugurated the project, which connects 21 km between Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium and Gandhinagar Sector 1, covering 8 stations.
• Key Locations Linked: The project links major locations like Gujarat National Law University, Pandit Deendayal Energy University, and GIFT City.
• Network Expansion: The Ahmedabad Metro Rail now has a 68 km network with 54 stations, four of which are underground.
• Vande Bharat Metro Launch: Modi will inaugurate the country’s first Vande Bharat Metro, renamed Namo Bharat Rapid Rail, connecting Bhuj and Ahmedabad.
• PM Surya Ghar Scheme: Modi met beneficiaries of the free electricity scheme in Gandhinagar.
• RE-INVEST Expo: Modi inaugurated the 4^th Global Renewable Energy Investor’s Meet and Expo at Mahatma Mandir. (more)

Women, youth, minorities, farmers: Focus of first 100 days of Modi 3.0

• PM Modi-led NDA govt has completed its first 100 days after coming to power for a historic 3^rd term.
• Infrastructure Development: Projects worth Rs 3 lakh crore approved; National high-speed road corridors and Wadhavan Mega Port approved
• Boost to Farmers’ Income: Rs 20,000 crore distributed to 9.3 crore farmers; Minimum Support Price for Kharif crops increased
• Relief to Middle Class: No tax on income up to Rs 7 lakh; Standard deduction increased to Rs 75,000
• Women Empowerment: 11 lakh new ‘Lakhpati Didis’ awarded certificates; Empowerment of Minorities, Tribals: 63,000 tribal villages approved for development; Namaste scheme extended to include waste pickers;
• Ease of Doing Business: Angel tax abolished, corporate tax reduced; Venture capital fund for space sector startups
• Youth Empowerment and Skill Development: Rs 2 lakh crore package announced; 15,000 new appointments, incentive for first-time employees;
• Focus on Healthcare Services: Ayushman Bharat Scheme expanded; 75,000 new medical seats added; National Medical Register to be created. (more)

Kolkata Doctors meet Mamata at her Residence after CM agreed on Some Demands

• West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee invited protesting doctors to her residence for a meeting to resolve the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital impasse.
• The meeting aimed to address the doctors’ demands, including justice for the murdered medic, removal of Kolkata’s Police Commissioner, and senior state health officials.
• Meeting Details: Date and Time- Mon, Sept 16, 5 pm, at CM’s Kalighat residence
• Agenda: Discussion with an open mind, no live streaming or videography
• Doctors’ Demands: Justice for the murdered medic
• Removal of Kolkata Police Commissioner
• Removal of senior state health officials
• The doctors have been on cease work for 36 days, protesting outside Swasthya Bhawan, the Health department headquarters, seeking resolution to the crisis. (more)

104 workers from Samsung’s Chennai factory detained for planning protest march

• Over 100 workers detained for attempting to protest without permission
• Workers on strike since last week, demanding higher wages and better working conditions
• Demands include recognition of their union, Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU)
• Samsung refuses to recognize CITU-backed union
• [The CITU is a national trade union in India that was founded in 1970.
• It’s affiliated with the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and is one of the largest trade union federations in India.
• The CITU has a strong presence in Tripura and a good presence in WB and Kerala, and also has some presence in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.]
• 1,000 workers protesting, factory generates 1/3 of Samsung’s India revenue ($12 bn)
• Talks with Samsung and state officials failed, leading to a protest march attempt
• 12 union groups to stage supporting protest in Chennai on Wed. (more)

Can’t be oblivious to the suffering that a Muslim is enduring in Myanmar, Gaza, India: Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

• Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Mon included India in the list of places where Muslims are suffering.
• In a comment sent out on social media, Khamenei referred to India, Gaza, and Myanmar and said the Islamic world should not be unaware of it
• “We cannot consider ourselves to be Muslims if we are oblivious to the suffering that a Muslim is enduring in Myanmar, Gaza, India, or any other place,” said Khamenei in a message that was also interpreted in Bengali.
• He argued for unity between the Shia and Sunni sects of Islam and said, “The concept of an ‘Islamic Ummah’ must never be forgotten.”
• On these comments, the MEA said “We strongly deplore the comments made regarding minorities in India by the Supreme Leader of Iran. These are misinformed and unacceptable. Countries commenting on minorities are advised to look at their own record before making any observations about others.” (more)

VP Dhankhar warns against undermining institutions after SC’s ‘caged parrot’ comment on CBI

• Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar emphasized the importance of being cautious when commenting on institutions like the Election Commission and investigative agencies, as they operate under challenging conditions and negative remarks can be discouraging.
• He stressed that these institutions are robust, independent, and guided by the rule of law, with necessary checks and balances in place.
• The comments came after a Supreme Court Justice criticized the CBI for being a “caged parrot” and noted that Delhi CM Kejriwal’s arrest in the excise policy was unjustified.
• The Vice President urged that all branches of the govt – the Legislature, Executive, and Judiciary – should work together to promote democratic values and constitutional ideals, rather than sparking inflammatory debates that harm established institutions.
• In essence, Dhankhar is advocating for a balanced approach that respects the independence of institutions while promoting constructive dialogue. (more)

Satellite launching spree to tie-ups with 60+ countries, why India is scaling up its space diplomacy

• India aims to increase its space prowess 10-fold, signing agreements with 61 countries and 5 multilateral organizations.
• The country seeks to become a global superpower, enhancing its space manufacturing, launching capabilities, and geo-intelligence gathering. India’s space economy is projected to grow from $8.4 billion to $44 billion by 2033.
• India now has diverse global partnerships with countries such as the UK, Luxembourg, Lithuania, Spain, Israel, Brazil, Singapore and Switzerland, among others.
• Between 2019 and 2024, a total of 163 satellites built by the aforementioned countries were launched from India. (more)

After long negotiations, BJP concedes chair of 4 Parliamentary Standing Committees to Congress

• A notification is expected shortly.
• In 2014, with the Congress tally at just 44 MPs, the party held the chair of parliamentary panels on External Affairs and Finance.
• The Congress had begun negotiations demanding External Affairs, Finance, Defence and Home Affairs.
• The govt had refused to hand over even 1 of these four panels.
• It argued that since Congress as the principal Opposition party heads the Public Accounts Committee, which audits all govt expenditures, it need not be given finance.
• (sources)- the BJP is likely to lead the panels on Finance and Defence.
• It is also likely to accommodate its two key allies, Telugu Desam Party and JD(U), though based on its numerical strength the TDP is not eligible to head the panel.
• Other parties: the SP will be heading Health. Samajwadi, DMK, and the TMC will head one panel each.
• There are 24 Dept -related Parliamentary Standing Committees.
• Out of these, 16 committees come within the ambit of the Lok Sabha and are chaired by a Lok Sabha member and the rest are under the Rajya Sabha. (more)

India raises vandalism of New York’s Swaminarayan Temple with US: Unacceptable

• India has strongly condemned the vandalism of the BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in New York’s Melville, calling it “unacceptable” and demanding swift action.
• The Indian Consulate in New York is working closely with the local community and US law enforcement to ensure prompt action against those responsible.
• Vandalism Details: Expletives were sprayed on the road and signage outside the temple, which is located about 28 km from the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, where PM Modi is scheduled to address a mega community event on Sept 22.
• Temple’s Response: Despite the incident, the temple will proceed with its scheduled prayer meeting.
• Condemnation: The Hindu American Foundation has also condemned the attack, citing recent threats to Hindu and Indian institutions.
• Investigation Call: The Foundation’s executive director, Suhag Shukla, urged the Justice Department and Department of Homeland Security to investigate the attack.
• Similar to recent attacks in California and Canada and has raised concerns about hate-fueled violence against Hindu-Canadian communities. (more)

‘No trade, talks with Pakistan till …’: Amit Shah accuses NC, Congress of ‘nurturing’ terrorism

• Union Home Minister Amit Shah stated that India won’t engage in trade or talks with Pakistan until terrorism is completely eradicated from J&K.
• He made these remarks during an election rally in Ramban, J&K, criticizing opposition parties NC and Congress for allegedly fostering terrorism.
• Shah emphasized that: No dialogue or trade with Pakistan until terrorism is eradicated.
• BJP will prevent reinstatement of Article 370
• Congress-National Conference alliance nurtured terrorism
• PM Modi strengthened democracy and provided benefits to J&K residents
• This comes ahead of J&K’s Assembly elections, with voting starting Sept 18. (more)

[Neighborhood]

Bangladesh: US commits $202 million in aid to support economic growth and stability

• The US has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Bangladesh’s comprehensive economic growth, institutional development, and overall progress as it announced an additional $202 million in aid on Sun.
• US Pledges $202M in Aid to Bangladesh.
• The US has reaffirmed its support for Bangladesh’s economic growth and development, announcing an additional $202 million in aid.
• Key Highlights: US delegation visits Bangladesh, 1^st-high-level visit since interim govt took office
• Aid to promote good governance, social, human, and economic opportunity
• Bangladesh sought $5 billion in international aid to stabilize the economy
• USAID (US Agency for “International Development”) previously pledged $954 mn (2021-26), with $425 million already provided [See the last newsletter for prospective]
• Discussions focused on economic reforms, investment, labor issues, the Rohingya crisis, and the upcoming UNGA visit.
• US Support: Technical and financial assistance for reform efforts
• Backing for Bangladesh’s pursuit of an “equitable and inclusive future”
• Donald Lu, assistant secretary for South Asia, who arrived in Dhaka after wrapping up his India tour, was part of the delegation. (more)
• US diplomat stresses support for Bangladesh’s democratic transition: Richard Verma, deputy secretary of State for Management and Resources, said this at the Hudson Institute in Washington yesterday.
• Verma said the timing of fresh elections and the duration of the interim govt is for the people of Bangladesh to decide. (more)

Bangladesh: Former Rajshahi MP Enamul arrested in Adabor

• RAB today arrested former lawmaker of Rajshahi-4 Enamul Haque from Dhaka’s Adabor area.
• Lt Col Munim Fedous, RAB’s legal and media wing director, confirmed
• He was accused in a case filed with Baghmara Police Station over an attack on protesters during the anti-govt protests in Rajshahi on Aug 5.
• Munsur Rahman, a victim of the attacks who claims to have been shot in both of his legs and mugged by the attacks, filed the case on Sept 10.
• A total of 73 individuals were named as accused in the case, including Enamul, as well as 100-150 unnamed accused.
• Meanwhile, Madaripur district Awami League President Shahabuddin Ahmed was arrested by Border Guard Bangladesh from Bibir Bazar border in Cumilla (more)

Pakistan: Constitutional amendment in limbo as govt again postpones cabinet meeting

• Pakistan’s coalition government has postponed a cabinet meeting to discuss a constitutional amendment bill, likely due to insufficient support for its passage.
• The bill requires a two-thirds majority (224 votes) in the National Assembly, but the govt currently has only 213 votes committed.
• JUI-F chief Fazlur Rehman has refused support, suggesting a detailed debate instead.
• PTI backed JUI-F’s stance, cautioning against hasty legislation.
• The govt needs 11 additional votes to reach the required 224.
• Senate approval is also uncertain, with the govt requiring 9 more votes to reach 64.
• The delay underscores the challenges facing the coalition govt as it seeks to push through significant constitutional reforms. (more)
• Pakistan: Hamid Khan hints at lawyers’ movement from Sept 19: Hamid Khan, PTI leader and former Supreme Court Bar Association president, has announced a lawyers’ movement against Pakistan’s proposed constitutional amendments. Khan criticized the amendments as a “mockery” of the Constitution and opposed the creation of a federal constitutional court, stating it would undermine the Supreme Court’s authority.
• The movement begins on Sept 19 at Lahore High Court, with Khan urging lawyers nationwide to join and reject the proposed changes. (more)

Pakistan: Dar, US undersecretary of state discuss bilateral relations

• Acting Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs John Bass met with Pakistan’s Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and COAS Gen Asim Munir on Mon.
• US Under Secy of State John Bass and Principal Dy Assistt Secy, Elizabeth Horst Mon called on Deputy PM and FM, Mohammad Ishaq Dar in his office.
• In the meeting, they discussed Pakistan-US bilateral relations and ongoing collaboration projects, a FO statement said.
• The DPM underlined the importance of positive and productive engagement between Pakistan and the United States.
• Meanwhile, according to a press release issued on Mon by the US Embassy, John Bass met with DPM Ishaq Dar and Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir.
• They discussed approaches to expanding bilateral cooperation on economic and security issues, including countering terrorism and violent extremism, and the importance of fostering regional stability and prosperity.
• Bass expressed his gratitude for Pakistan’s continued cooperation in assisting Afghans in resettlement pathways to the US.
• In separate talks with Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch, Bass emphasized the US desire to partner with Pakistan in strengthening its economy.
• They also discussed upgrading bilateral mechanisms in economic and defense fields.
• Key discussion points included: Expanding Bilateral Cooperation: Economic and security issues, countering terrorism and violent extremism.
• Regional Stability: Fostering prosperity and stability in the region
• US-Pakistan Partnership: Strengthening and stabilizing Pakistan’s economy
• Bilateral Mechanisms: Upgrading cooperation in economic and defense fields (more)

China: How to take Taiwan: mainland China show imagines what a PLA attack may look like

• China’s state-run CCTV aired a documentary showing the People’s Liberation Army’s simulated amphibious assault on Taiwan, highlighting its military capabilities and strategies.
• The 20-minute program featured: Helicopter air assaults and reconnaissance drones
• Aircraft carrier strike group’s electronic countermeasures
• Long-range rocket fire drills
• Infrared decoys and avoidance maneuvers to evade enemy air defenses
• The documentary comes amid increased PLA training and tensions over Taiwan, which China claims as its territory.

The US has expressed opposition to any forced change in the status quo and remains Taiwan’s largest arms supplier. (here)