1. PM Modi Launches National Makhana Board in Bihar with ₹475 Crore Plan to Boost Production and Exports
2. SC Halts Key Waqf Act Provisions Amid Govt-Oppn Showdown
3. Kuki-Zos Demand Separation from Manipur, Calling for Union Territory with Legislature
4. US-India Trade Talks Resume Amid Tariff Tensions
5. Donald Trump Invited Dalai Lama to White House, Says Tibetan Politician Lobsang Sangay

What Else

1. Rahul Gandhi Barred from Visiting Flood-Hit Punjab Village, Questions “Is It Not India?”
2. Pakistan: PM Shehbaz Calls for Arab Unity Against Israeli Aggression
3. PM Shehbaz to Meet President Trump at UNGA Sidelines
4. Pakistan-Afghanistan Relations Hit New Low Over TTP Threats
5. Pakistan Conducts Anti-Terror Ops, Baloch Activist Slams Govt Crackdown
6. Bangladesh’s Yunus to Discuss Further IMF Support
7. BSF Hands Over 15 Bangladeshi Nationals at Satkhira Border

PM Modi Launches National Makhana Board in Bihar with ₹475 Crore Plan to Boost Production and Exports

• PM Modi launched the National Makhana Board in Purnea, Bihar, aiming to scale up production, processing, and exports of makhana, also known as fox nut.
• The govt has approved a substantial development package worth nearly ₹475 crore for the sector. Key Objectives of the National Makhana Board
• Production Enhancement: Encourage advanced agricultural practices and technologies to boost yield.
• Post-Harvest Management: Improve storage, processing, and transportation to reduce losses.
• Value Addition: Develop products with higher market value.
• Market Expansion: Facilitate national and international market access, including branding and exports.
• Why Makhana is a Superfood: Makhana is low in calories and fat, rich in plant-based protein, dietary fibre, and minerals like magnesium and potassium.
• It’s also gluten-free, vegan-friendly, and contains antioxidants, making it popular among health-conscious consumers.
• Bihar’s Makhana Dominance: Bihar produces around 90% of India’s makhana, with key districts including Madhubani, Darbhanga, Purnea, and Katihar.
• The Mithila variety has a GI tag, enhancing its market value and export potential.
• Government Support and Plans
• Funding: ₹475 crore package for modernizing processing, storage, and packaging.
• Farmer Support: Assistance for farmer-producer organisations and access to central schemes.
• Exports: Promoting Mithila Makhana to countries like the UAE, US, New Zealand, Canada.
• Economic Impact for Bihar: Formalizing value chains and improving branding could lift farmer incomes, positioning Mithila Makhana as a premium export.
• The initiative is expected to create employment opportunities and empower local communities (more)

SC Halts Key Waqf Act Provisions Amid Govt-Oppn Showdown

• The Supreme Court has stayed certain provisions of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, while refusing to stay the entire Act. Here are the key points:
• Practicing Islam Clause: The court stayed the provision requiring a person to practice Islam for at least five years to create a Waqf, citing potential arbitrariness without a statutory mechanism.
• Collector’s Powers: The court limited the collector’s powers, stating that they cannot adjudicate property rights, which violates the separation of powers.
• No third-party rights can be created without Waqf tribunal orders.
• Non-Muslim Members: The court allowed non-Muslim members in Waqf boards but with limitations:
• Central Waqf Council: Not more than four non-Muslim members out of 20.
• State Waqf Boards: Not more than three non-Muslim members out of 11.
• Chief Executive Officer: Preferably a Muslim, as far as possible.
• Waqf by User: Determination by government officials will be subject to jurisdictional High Court orders.
• The court’s decision aims to balance the Act’s implementation with concerns over certain provisions’ constitutionality and potential impact on Waqf properties and Muslim representation. (more)

Kuki-Zos Demand Separation from Manipur, Calling for Union Territory with Legislature

• The Kuki-Zo community is seeking a political solution to the ongoing ethnic conflict in Manipur, with their leader, Ginza Vuelzong of the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC), emphasizing the need for separation from Manipur.
• The community is demanding a Union Territory with a legislature, citing past marginalization and violence.
• PM Modi’s recent visit to Churachandpur has given the Kuki-Zos renewed hope, but they stress that peace must be backed by substantive action and a just political settlement.
• It said that it will not declare the reopening of the highway till a settlement is reached between the two communities.
• Key points from the KZC’s stance include:
• Rejection of Local Governance: The community has lost trust in local governance structures, feeling they’ve been held hostage by the Meitei majority.
• Demand for Separation: Kuki-Zos seek a separate administration under Article 239A of the Indian Constitution, not independence.
• Recent Agreement: On Sept 4, 2025, the SoO groups signed an agreement with the Govt of India for a time-bound political settlement.
• Disappointment with Development Allocation: Only Rs 23 crore out of Rs 8,500 crore announced projects were allocated for the Kuki-Zo areas in Churachandpur.
• Call for Meaningful Dialogue: The community hopes for recognition of their plight and a just political settlement within the Constitution’s framework. (more)

US-India Trade Talks Resume Amid Tariff Tensions

• The US and India have resumed trade talks in New Delhi, with US Trade Representative Brendan Lynch meeting Commerce Ministry officials. This comes after the US imposed a 50% tariff on Indian goods, including a 25% tariff on Russian oil purchases.
• Despite tensions, Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal expressed a “positive frame of mind” on trade issues.
• India’s exporters are facing losses due to cancelled orders, prompting the government to consider a relief package. Key discussion points include:
• Tariffs: The US imposed tariffs on India for purchasing Russian oil, which India has described as “unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable”.
• Trade Deal: Both countries aim to conclude a bilateral trade agreement, with the first phase expected to be finalized by November 2025.
• Agriculture: India is resistant to opening its agricultural market to American genetically modified products, prioritizing farmer welfare.
• Russian Oil: India will continue buying Russian oil, driven by economic and commercial considerations. (more)
• India-US corn trade: The US and India are at odds over corn trade.
• India imported only 1,100 tonnes of US corn in 2024-25, preferring Myanmar and Ukraine as major suppliers. Two key reasons for low imports are:
• Tariffs: India imposes 15% duty on up to 0.5 million tonnes of corn imports and 50% beyond that.
• Genetically Modified (GM) Corn: India doesn’t permit GM corn imports, while 94% of US corn is GM.
• The US wants to tap India’s growing demand for corn, driven by increasing consumption of animal products. However, India prioritizes its agricultural sector and farmer welfare. (more)

Donald Trump Invited Dalai Lama to White House, Says Tibetan Politician Lobsang Sangay

• According to Dr. Lobsang Sangay, a top Tibetan politician and former President of the Tibetan govt in exile, Donald Trump invited the Dalai Lama to the White House in a letter sent in 2020 on the occasion of the Dalai Lama’s 85^th birthday.
• Sangay stated that Trump was the first US President to write such a letter to the Dalai Lama, and the invitation still stands. Key points from Sangay’s statements include:
• Invitation Details: The letter was a birthday greeting and an invitation to the White House during Trump’s first term.
• Previous Interactions: Sangay noted previous U.S. presidents had met the Dalai Lama, contrasting with President Biden’s commitment during his election campaign, though no visit occurred.
• USAID Funding: The US Agency for International Development funding for Tibetan refugees was cut under Trump but partially reinstated ($7 million restored), though some programs like Radio Free Asia’s Tibetan language service remain suspended.
• Dalai Lama’s Reincarnation: The 14^th Dalai Lama announced the institution would continue via reincarnation, decided by the Gaden Phodrang Trust; there’s a likelihood of the next Dalai Lama being born in India, per Sangay.
• Tibetan Flag Standardization: Efforts are underway to formalize the Tibetan Flag’s design for global use by the Tibetan community in exile. (more)

Rahul Gandhi Barred from Visiting Flood-Hit Punjab Village, Questions “Is It Not India?”

• Rahul Gandhi, the Congress leader, was stopped by Punjab Police from visiting Toor, a flood-affected border village across the Ravi river in Gurdaspur district, Punjab.
• Gandhi was in the state to interact with people hit by floods in Amritsar and Gurdaspur districts, having already visited Ghonewal village in Amritsar and Gurchak village in Gurdaspur
• Police cited security reasons for denying access, which Gandhi and other Congress leaders like Amrinder Singh Raja Warring and Partap Singh Bajwa criticized as politically motivated.
• In a confrontational exchange captured on video, Gandhi questioned police, “Is it not India?” pointing to the village across the Ravi river, emphasizing the contradiction in citing security concerns within Indian territory.
• Congress leaders accused the AAP government of using “flimsy security pretexts” to block Gandhi’s visit, alleging avoidance of accountability.
• They stressed the villagers’ need for help, criticizing both AAP and BJP for not visiting the affected border areas.
• Gandhi’s visit aimed to assess the situation and meet with affected families, highlighting the ongoing impact of the flood crisis in Punjab’s border regions. (more)

[Neighborhood]

Pakistan: PM Shehbaz Calls for Arab Unity Against Israeli Aggression

• Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif addressed the Emergency Arab-Islamic Summit in Doha, calling for Arab unity and immediate measures against Israel.
• He proposed forming an “Arab task force” to counter Israeli aggression and accused Israel of violating Qatar’s sovereignty and sabotaging peace efforts.
• Shehbaz condemned Israel’s actions in Gaza, describing them as “genocide” and advocating for a two-state solution with Palestine as an independent state.
• He also met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, discussing regional issues and reaffirming Pakistan’s support for Saudi Arabia.
• The summit was convened in response to Israeli airstrikes on Qatar, which were widely condemned.
• Pakistan has proposed a 7-point response, including a joint task force and suspension of Israel’s UN membership. Shehbaz emphasized the need for unity to hold Israel accountable. (more)

PM Shehbaz to Meet President Trump at UNGA Sidelines

• Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is expected to meet US President Donald Trump on September 25 at the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.
• The meeting, backed by Saudi Arabia and Qatar, will also be attended by Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir. Key discussion topics will include:
• Pakistan’s Flood Situation: Recent floods and relief efforts
• Pakistan-India Relations: Ongoing tensions and potential diplomatic solutions
• Israeli Attack on Qatar: Repercussions and potential responses
• This meeting comes amid improving diplomatic relations between Pakistan and the US, highlighted by: A recent trade agreement aimed at boosting bilateral trade
• $500 million US investment in Pakistan’s critical minerals sector
• Multiple high-level visits between Pakistani and US officials, including Field Marshal Munir’s meeting with President Trump in June
• The meeting aims to strengthen Pakistan-US ties and cooperation in areas like trade, economy, investment, and counter-terrorism. (more)

Pakistan-Afghanistan Relations Hit New Low Over TTP Threats

• Pakistan and Afghanistan’s relations have deteriorated significantly due to Islamabad’s frustration over Kabul’s alleged failure to address security concerns, particularly regarding the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
• Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif warned Kabul to “choose between Pakistan and the TTP,” stating that Islamabad won’t tolerate cross-border attacks from Afghan soil.
• This warning follows accusations from Kabul that Pakistani airstrikes killed civilians, which Pakistan denies, claiming the strikes targeted militant hideouts.
• The TTP’s resurgence has led to increased violence in Pakistan, prompting Islamabad to deport nearly 1.2 million Afghan refugees and impose stricter trade controls.
• Officials hint at expanding aerial operations into Afghanistan, which analysts warn could escalate tensions and lead to wider conflict.
• Growing mistrust overshadows prospects for cooperation, straining fragile ties between the two nations. (more)

Pakistan Conducts Anti-Terror Ops, Baloch Activist Slams Govt Crackdown

• Security forces in Pakistan have killed dozens of terrorists in intelligence-based operations in Bannu and Lakki Marwat districts.
• According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), 31 terrorists were eliminated during the operations, which targeted militant hideouts and safe havens used by the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
• The military’s media wing reported that security forces effectively engaged terrorist locations, resulting in intense exchanges of fire.
• Meanwhile, local sources claimed fighter jets targeted militant hideouts, destroying a community hall and school used for storing explosives and ammunition.
• However, the ISPR statement didn’t mention aerial strikes.
• The operations aimed to disrupt terrorist movements and plans, with sanitization operations underway to eliminate remaining militants.
• In a separate incident, five security personnel, including an army captain, were martyred in an IED blast in Balochistan’s Kech district. (more)
• Baloch activist Mahrang Baloch slams Pakistan’s anti-terror amendments, calling them a tool to silence peaceful dissent and legitimize repression.
• She highlights a human rights crisis in Balochistan, citing enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and torture.
• Mahrang has also been added to Pakistan’s anti-terror watchlist, sparking concerns about her safety. (more)

Bangladesh’s Yunus to Discuss Further IMF Support

• Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus will hold discussions with IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva today to explore additional support for Bangladesh.
• The meeting follows an exchange of letters between the two in May, where Georgieva reaffirmed the IMF’s commitment to supporting Bangladesh’s development.
• The current IMF loan program stands at $5.3 billion, with $3.3 billion already disbursed in five tranches.
• Bangladesh might seek additional funds to mitigate climate-related risks, with Finance Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed estimating a need for $30 billion to tackle climate-induced disasters.
• The IMF will also provide technical assistance for reforms in the National Board of Revenue and banking sectors. Key areas of discussion will likely include:
• Climate Change Mitigation: Additional funding to address climate-related risks and disasters
• Economic Reforms: Technical assistance for reforms in the National Board of Revenue and banking sectors
• Loan Program: Potential expansion or modification of the existing $5.3 billion loan program (more)

BSF Hands Over 15 Bangladeshi Nationals at Satkhira Border

• India’s Border Security Force (BSF) handed over 15 Bangladeshi nationals, including five children and eight women, to the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) at the Hakimpur border in West Bengal on Monday evening.
•  The individuals were detained by BSF on Monday morning while attempting to enter India without passports in search of work.
• A flag meeting was held between BSF and BGB officials, led by BSF’s Amudia Company Commander Inspector Bikash Kumar and BGB 33 Battalion’s Taluigachha BOP Commander Naib Subedar Abul Kashem, resulting in the official handover.
• The returnees will undergo verification procedures before being released to their families.
• This incident highlights the ongoing efforts of BSF and BGB to manage border security and facilitate the repatriation of individuals who attempt to cross the border. (more)