THE HEADLINES:
- Government approves two infrastructure projects worth over 7,600 crore rupees including doubling of railway line and four-lane greenfield highway in Bihar.
- Security enhanced along India-Nepal border in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand amid unrest in neighbouring country.
- Nepal’s Gen-Z protesters propose name of former Chief Justice Sushila Karki to head interim government.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi discusses Ukraine conflict and India-EU trade agreement with his Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni over phone.
- Poland claims shooting down Russian drones violating its airspace during strikes on Ukraine; Russia rejects allegations.
- In Men’s T20 Asia Cup Cricket, Group A match between India and hosts UAE underway in Dubai.
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The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved two major infrastructure projects worth a total of 7,616 crore rupees for the construction of a four-lane greenfield highway and doubling of 177-kilometre-long railway line.
Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw made the announcement about the CCEA’s decisions while briefing media in New Delhi today. Mr Vaishnaw said, CCEA has approved the 177-kilometre-long doubling of the Bhagalpur-Dumka-Rampurhat single railway line section across Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal. The project has been cleared with a total cost of approximately 3,169 crore rupees.
The Minister said, the CCEA has also approved the construction of a four-lane greenfield highway access-controlled Mokama-Munger section of the Buxar-Bhagalpur High-Speed Corridor in Bihar on Hybrid Annuity Mode. The total length of the project will be over 82 kilometres with total capital cost of over 4,447 crore rupees.
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Security has been heightened along the India-Nepal border in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand in the wake of violent clashes and protests in the neighbouring country. Special vigilance is being maintained at trade checkpoints and other entry points, with Police and the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) closely monitoring cross-border movement.
In Bihar, Madhubani Superintendent of Police Yogendra Kumar said all border police stations have been placed on alert, while he personally inspected the area with senior officials.
West Champaran Superintendent of Police Dr. Shaurya Suman said, joint patrolling by police and SSB is underway in the area.
Rail services between Nepal’s Janakpur and India’s Jaynagar have been suspended till further notice on the request of Nepalese authorities.
The Uttar Pradesh government has declared a round-the-clock alert in all districts. Additional police forces have been deployed to reinforce security in the border areas. To help the Indian citizens trapped in Nepal, a special control room has been set up in the Law and Order Branch at Police Headquarters in Lucknow.
In Uttarakhand, Champawat District Magistrate Manish Kumar said surveillance along the international border has been further tightened to ensure law and order.
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In view of the ongoing unrest in Nepal, India’s Ministry of External Affairs has advised its citizens to defer travel to the country until the situation has stabilised. The Ministry has urged citizens to take shelter in their current places of residence, avoid going out onto the streets and exercise all due caution.
Meanwhile, Embassy of India in Beijing has issued an advisory for Indian citizens currently stranded in Tibet Autonomous Region while undertaking the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra organized by private tour operators through Nepal. Indian citizens have been advised to exercise due caution in view of the ongoing developments.
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In Nepal, a group of Gen Z representatives today proposed the name of former Chief Justice Sushila Karki to lead the interim government during a gathering in Kathmandu this evening. However, the proposal sparked discontent, with many youths gathering outside the venue to protest against the decision. Our correspondent reports that after days of violent protests, relative calm has returned to the capital city as discussions around forming an interim government gained momentum. It comes after the country witnessed chaos and deadly violence, which claimed the lives of several people over the past two days, triggered by a government ban on major social media platforms and anger over corruption. It also led to the resignation of KP Sharma Oli as Nepal’s Prime Minister.
Several political figures have also been seen at Army Headquarters, Jangi Adda, in Bhadrakali. Dharan Mayor Harka Raj Sampang Rai and businessman Durga Prasai met with Nepali Army Chief Ashokraj Sigdel. Mr. Prasai, claimed that his visit was only to discuss the country’s current state and emphasized the need for a broadly accepted civilian government. Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah’s name has gained traction among the youth on social media. However, sources said that Mr Shah insists Parliament must first be dissolved before he considers joining any interim leadership.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni today reaffirmed joint commitment to deepen India-Italy Strategic Partnership. In a telephonic conversation, both the leaders also reaffirmed commitment to their shared interest in bringing an early end to the conflict in Ukraine. Prime Minister Modi said in a social media post that he was thankful for Italy’s proactive support for concluding a mutually beneficial India-EU trade agreement and promoting connectivity through the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor initiative.
Prime Minister Modi also spoke with Amir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani and expressed deep concern at the attacks in Doha. In a social media post, Prime Minister Modi said India condemns the violation of the sovereignty of Qatar. He said New Delhi supports resolution of issues through dialogue and diplomacy, and avoiding escalation. Mr Modi stated that India stands firmly in support of peace and stability in the region, and against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand tomorrow. During his visit to Uttar Pradesh, Mr Modi will host the Prime Minister of Mauritius, Navinchandra Ramgoolam in the spiritual city of Varanasi. Mauritius Prime Minister is on a state visit to India till the 16th of this month. He reached Varanasi this evening. More from our correspondent:
“During the bilateral discussions, the two leaders will review the full spectrum of cooperation, with particular focus on development partnership and capacity building. oth leaders will discuss opportunities for expanding collaboration in health, education, science & technology, energy, infrastructure, as well as in emerging domains such as renewable energy, digital public infrastructure and the blue economy. As a close maritime neighbour in the Indian Ocean Region, Mauritius is key to India’s MAHASAGAR Vision and the ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy. Alok Rai, Akashvani News, Varanasi.”
Later in the evening, Prime Minister Modi will undertake an aerial survey of the flood-affected areas in Uttarakhand. Mr Modi will also chair a high-level review meeting with officials.
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The Election Commission has certified election of CP Radhakrishnan as the next Vice President. The Certification of the Election of Mr Radhakrishnan as the fifteenth Vice President was signed by the Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, and Election Commissioners Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Dr. Vivek Joshi.
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The Central Government has permitted manufacturers, packers, and importers of pre-packaged commodities to revise Maximum Retail Price, or MRP, on unsold stock in line with recent changes in goods and services tax (GST) rates. According to the notification from the Consumer Affairs Ministry, companies can revise MRPs on old stock by stamping, using stickers, or online printing. However, the original MRP must remain visible and no overwriting will be allowed.
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On the occasion of Independence Day this year from the ramparts of the Red Fort, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the Next Generation of GST reforms. Mr Modi’s vision was realised on 3rd of September with the GST Council reducing tax rates in many sectors to ease the life of citizens. Today, our correspondent takes a look at the reforms aimed at boosting the Drones ecosystem in the country. A report:
“Under the Next Generation GST reforms, the Government has announced a big relief in the area of Drones. It has reduced the GST rates on drones to 5 percent, regardless of use or camera type. Earlier, the rates were 18 per cent for drones with integrated cameras, and 28 per cent for drones classified for personal use. Similarly, flight and motion simulators for pilot training have also been exempted, encouraging the training ecosystem in the country. The tax reduction in the Civil Aviation sector will support India’s rapidly growing drone ecosystem, accelerating drone adoption in areas such as agriculture, mining, logistics and defence surveillance. It will also help in creating jobs in manufacturing, software, and field operations-positioning India as a global leader in drone technology. With Saumya, Shivang for Akashvani News, Delhi.”
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Benchmark domestic equity indices ended around 0.4 per cent higher today. The Sensex gained 324 points, to close at 81 thousand and 425. Similarly, Nifty added 104 points, to settle at 24 thousand 973.
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Poland and NATO today shot down several Russian drones in alleged violation of Polish airspace during Moscow’s aerial attack on neighbouring Ukraine. Poland Prime Minister, Donald Tusk claimed that the airspace violation in the early hours today amounted to an intentional provocation from Moscow. Mr Tusk said it forced the NATO and European Union member state to close its airspace and order citizens in the eastern part of the country to stay indoors. He said there were no casualties. The Polish Prime Minister also said his government is seeking NATO consultations on a potential response, a procedure known as Article 4. On the other hand, Russia rejected Polish accusations calling Warsaw’s statements unfounded. Talking to media, Moscow’s charge d’affaires Andrei Ordash said no evidence has been presented that these drones are of Russian origin.
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In Men’s T20 Asia Cup Cricket, hosts UAE were all out for 57 in 13.1 overs against India in their first Group A encounter in Dubai a short while ago. Earlier, India won the toss and opted to bowl. In the opening fixture yesterday, Afghanistan registered a 94-run victory over Hong Kong in Abu Dhabi in Group B game.
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THE HEADLINES ONCE AGAIN:-
- Government approves two infrastructure projects worth over 7,600 crore rupees including doubling of railway line and four-lane greenfield highway in Bihar.
- Security enhanced along India-Nepal border in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand amid unrest in neighbouring country.
- Nepal’s Gen-Z protesters propose name of former Chief Justice Sushila Karki to head interim government.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi discusses Ukraine conflict and India-EU trade agreement with his Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni over phone.
- Poland claims shooting down Russian drones violating its airspace during strikes on Ukraine; Russia rejects allegations.
- In Men’s T20 Asia Cup Cricket, Group A match between India and hosts UAE underway in Dubai.
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