1. Jammu and Kashmir Assembly polls: 57% turnout in peaceful Phase 2 polling
2. A major train accident was averted in Maharashtra
3. India rises in Asia Power Index, clinches third spot after surpassing Japan
4. No basis: Manipur officials reject report on Kuki militant influx from Myanmar
5. Jawan kidnapped by ‘illegal Bangladeshis’, returns safely after BSF’s protest

What Else

1. Temple Defaced With Anti-Hindu Grafitti In US, Second Time In 8 Days
2. J&K HC Orders 29 Politicians, Including Lone, EX-Dy CM Gupta, to Vacate Govt Bungalow
3. ‘West Armed Pakistan for 40 Years’: S Jaishankar’s Sharp Rejoinder at US Event
4. Prof Yunus seeks Pakistan’s support to revive Saarc
5. Bangladesh: IMF and WB to provide more loans on a fast track
6. IMF approves much-needed $7bn bailout package for Pakistan
7. Japan vessel joins Australia and New Zealand in its first Taiwan Strait transit

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Jammu and Kashmir Assembly polls: 57% turnout in peaceful Phase 2 polling

• J&K witnessed a historic voter turnout of over 56% in the 2^nd phase of Assembly elections, with some districts recording up to 74% participation.
• Highest voting percentage: Reasi (74.14%), Poonch (73.78%), Rajouri (69.85%)
• Srinagar saw a marginal increase from 2014 (27% to 29.24%)
• No incidents requiring repolling; all 3,502 polling stations had double-digit voting percentages
• Long queues outside polling stations in Rajouri, Poonch, Reasi, Budgam, and Ganderbal
• Reactions:
• Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar: “Elections are history in the making, marking a shift from fear to democratic participation.”
• Omar Abdullah (NC): Expects NC-Congress alliance government after Oct 8
• Tariq Hameed Karra (Congress): Growing anger over the removal of Statehood evident
• Voter Concerns: Higher electricity bills due to smart meters; Reduced ration quotas; Unfilled government posts; Unemployment and economic struggles.
• The enthusiastic voter turnout reflects the region’s commitment to democratic processes and its desire for change. (more)

A major train accident was averted in Maharashtra

• A major train accident was averted on Monday when an alert engine driver applied emergency brakes after spotting cement blocks and rocks on rail tracks in Karmad.
• Unidentified individuals had placed obstacles on the tracks, damaging the Nandigram Express’s cattle guard and partially damaging the track.
• The train was traveling from Aurangabad to Jalna at 100 km/h.
• A case has been registered under various sections of the Indian Railway Act and other laws, with authorities suspecting foul play and intent to harm passengers and property.
• Investigations are underway to identify the culprits. (more)

India rises in Asia Power Index, clinches third spot after surpassing Japan

• India has surpassed Japan to become the third-largest power in the Asia Power Index, according to the Lowy Institute think tank’s annual report.
• India’s rise driven by dynamic growth, an expanding economy, a youthful population, and a solidified regional position.
• Asia Power Index measures resources and influence across 27 Asia-Pacific countries.
• India’s economic capability rose 4.2 points, with strong GDP growth and a massive population.
• Limited ability to project power east of Malacca Strait, but potential for further growth.
• Reactions: Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri attributes India’s rise to PM Modi’s visionary leadership and aggressive diplomatic strategy.
• Ministry of I&B emphasizes India’s growing influence and post-pandemic economic recovery.
• Ranking: United States, China, India (surpassed Japan), Japan, Australia
• The Asia Power Index reflects India’s increasing geopolitical stature and potential for further growth as a major power. (more)

No basis: Manipur officials reject report on Kuki militant influx from Myanmar

• Senior officials in Manipur dispelled fears after unverified reports surfaced regarding the infiltration of 900 trained Kuki militants from Myanmar.
• In a joint statement, the state’s Chief Security Advisor, Kuldip Singh, and Director General of Police, Rajiv Singh, clarified that the intelligence inputs, which had earlier caused alarm, could not be substantiated.
• “There is no basis currently to believe in any such input,” the officials said in their statement, assuring the public that the report had been thoroughly investigated.
• The initial alert, which originated from Thoubal district police, warned of possible militant infiltration from Myanmar to the valley on Sept 28.
• The Chief Minister’s office had also forwarded similar concerns to top security officials on Sept 16, leading to a heightened state of alert across Manipur.
• However, addressing the unrest and growing fears, both Kuldip Singh and Rajiv Singh reassured residents that there was no verified threat. (more)

Jawan kidnapped by ‘illegal Bangladeshis’, returns safely after BSF’s protest

• The Border Security Force lodged a strong protest with Bangladesh’s Border Guard Bangladesh after one of its jawans was abducted by a group of 15-20 Bangladeshi miscreants while patrolling the India-Bangladesh border in West Bengal.
• The jawan was kidnapped near the Biral border in Dinajpur and taken into Bangladesh, where he was handed over to the BGB.
• Fortunately, the BSF successfully negotiated the jawan’s safe return through a flag meeting between the two forces.
• The BSF condemned the act and emphasized the importance of maintaining peaceful border relations, urging the BGB to prevent such incidents.
• Incident Location: Biral border, Dinajpur, West Bengal
• The incident highlights tensions along the 4,096 km India-Bangladesh border, especially since the fall of the Sheikh Hasina govt in Dhaka on Aug 5. (more)

Temple Defaced With Anti-Hindu Grafitti In US, Second Time In 8 Days

• The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in California was recently desecrated with anti-Hindu messages, marking the second such incident in the US in just 8 days.
• The temple in Sacramento was vandalized with a disturbing “Hindus go back” message and the perpetrators also cut water lines at the premises.
• The Sacramento Police are investigating this hate crime, with detectives and crime scene investigators on the scene.
• This incident follows another vandalism incident at the BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in Melville, New York, on Sept 16, where expletives were sprayed on the road and signage outside the temple.
• Community leaders gathered at the Sacramento temple for a prayer ceremony, calling for peace and unity.
• Indian-American Congressmen Ami Bera and Ro Khanna have strongly condemned these acts, emphasizing that there’s no place for religious bigotry and hatred in the community.
• Consulate General of India in New York: Labelled the vandalism in Melville “unacceptable” and a “heinous act.”
• These incidents highlight a concerning trend of anti-Hindu hate crimes in the US.
• The Hindu American Foundation is urging temples to increase vigilance and security. (more)

J&K HC Orders 29 Politicians, Including Lone, EX-Dy CM Gupta, to Vacate Govt Bungalow

• The Jammu and Kashmir High Court ordered 29 prominent politicians to vacate govt bungalows, citing upcoming Assembly polls.
• Key Figures Affected: Sajad Lone (People’s Conference Chief); Kavinder Gupta (Former Deputy CM); Sat Sharma (BJP Working President); Abdul Rahim Rather (Former Minister); MY Tarigami (Former MLA)
• Context: Assembly polls are scheduled in 3 phases (Sept 18, 25, and Oct 1); Counting and results on Oct 4
• Court Order: Issued by Chief Justice Tashi Rabstan and Justice Puneet Gupta
• Directs politicians to vacate government accommodations (more)

‘West Armed Pakistan for 40 Years’: S Jaishankar’s Sharp Rejoinder at US Event

• External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar criticized the West for supporting Pakistan for 40 years, highlighting India’s historical ties with Russia as a military partner during that period.
• Speaking at a US event, he emphasized India’s positive experiences with Russia and noted the significance of their bilateral relationship.
• Regarding India’s partnership with the US, Jaishankar pointed out the geopolitical, military security, and economic benefits.
• On the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Jaishankar stated that India believes wars aren’t the solution and is engaging with both governments to facilitate negotiations.
• India is exploring ways to end the conflict, without imposing a peace plan, and is having conversations with both sides, which they appreciate.
• India’s Historical Ties with Russia: 40-year partnership due to Western support for Pakistan
• India-US Partnership: Geopolitical, military security, and economic benefits
• Russia-Ukraine Conflict: India advocates for dialogue and diplomacy, engaging with both governments
• India’s Role: Exploring solutions without imposing a peace plan, facilitating negotiations between Russia and Ukraine (more)

[Neighborhood]

Prof Yunus seeks Pakistan’s support to revive Saarc

• Bangladesh Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Wed called for the revival of the Saarc as a top platform for regional cooperation in South Asia.
• The chief adviser made the call when he met Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly meeting at the UN headquarters in New York.
• During the meeting, the two leaders underscored the need to revitalise the bilateral cooperation between the two countries.
• Shehbaz Sharif promised his support for the initiative and suggested the countries move step by step in reviving the regional platform.
• Sharif said Bangladesh and Pakistan should open a “new page” in their relations to enhance cooperation in various aspects.
• “It’s very essential we revive our relations,” he said.
• Sharif expressed Pakistan’s interest in investing Bangladesh’s textile and leather sectors.
• Yunus proposed an exchange of youth programs between the two countries.
• The two countries also discussed renewing foreign secretary-level talks and reactivating the joint commission between the two countries.
• Foreign Adviser Touhid Hossain was also present during the talks. (more)

Bangladesh: IMF and WB to provide more loans on a fast track

• Bangladesh is set to receive: a $3 billion IMF loan on a fast-track basis, assured by IMF MD Kristalina Georgieva
• $3.5 billion from the World Bank to support interim government’s reforms, announced by World Bank President Ajay Banga
• The funds aim to boost Bangladesh’s depleting foreign currency reserves and support reforms in digitization, energy, power, and transport.
• For the latest updates and more information, you can check online news platforms.
• Bangladesh is expecting a $3 billion loan from the IMF on a fast-track basis.
• IMF MD Kristalina Georgieva assured Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser, Yunus, of the fund’s support during their meeting in New York. (more, more)

IMF approves much-needed $7bn bailout package for Pakistan

• The IMF has approved a $7 billion Extended Fund Facility for Pakistan to support the country’s economic stabilization and growth.
• This loan program agreed upon on July 12, is expected to improve Pakistan’s economic and foreign exchange reserves, reducing payment pressures. Key Details:
• First Tranche: Pakistan will receive $1.1 billion by September 30.
• Interest Rate: The IMF loan has an interest rate of less than 5%.
• Second Tranche: Expected within the same fiscal year.
• IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva expressed optimism about Pakistan’s economy, stating it’s moving in the right direction.
• Pakistan’s Fin Min, Muhammad Aurangzeb, also expressed confidence in the IMF program’s success, highlighting increased investor confidence and foreign investment.
• The approval of this loan is a significant step toward stabilizing Pakistan’s economy, and the govt is committed to providing favorable conditions for investors. (more)

Japan vessel joins Australia and New Zealand in its first Taiwan Strait transit

• Japan made a bold move on Wed by sailing its Maritime Self-Defense Force vessel, the Sazanami destroyer, through the Taiwan Strait for the first time, alongside Australian and New Zealand naval ships.
• This transit is likely to ruffle Beijing’s feathers, as China claims Taiwan as its own and views any military presence in the strait as a challenge to its sovereignty.
• The Japanese destroyer’s passage was part of a joint exercise with Australia and New Zealand, heading to the South China Sea.
• China’s PLA monitored the vessels, stating the situation was under control.
• This move comes on the heels of increased tensions between Japan and China, including a Chinese military aircraft entering Japanese airspace and Tokyo’s protest over China’s aircraft carrier Liaoning sailing through Japan’s contiguous zones.
• Key Points: First-Ever Transit: Japan’s Maritime Self-Defense Force vessel sailed through Taiwan Strait.
• Joint Exercise: With Australian and New Zealand naval ships.
• China’s Response: PLA monitored vessels, citing control.
• Regional Tensions: Japan-China relations are strained due to wartime grievances, territorial disputes, and US alignment.
• The US and other Western nations have also conducted “freedom of navigation” exercises in the Taiwan Strait, drawing Beijing’s ire.

This latest development highlights the complex web of alliances and rivalries in the Asia-Pacific region. (more)