Prime Minister Modi Unveils Development Projects in Bihar, Addresses Combined Commanders' Conference
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday, September 15, 2025, inaugurated development projects worth approximately Rs 36,000 crore in Bihar. Key initiatives include the launch of the National Makhana Board, the inauguration of a new terminal building at Purnea Airport, and the foundation stone laying for a 3x800 MW ultra-supercritical thermal power plant in Pirpainti, Bhagalpur. This power plant represents Bihar's largest private-sector investment. Additionally, Phase 1 of the Kosi-Mechi Intra-State River Link Project, valued at over Rs 2,680 crore, was initiated to enhance irrigation and flood control in northeastern Bihar. Rail connectivity also received a boost with the launch of the Bikramshila–Katareah rail line, the inauguration of the Araria–Galgalia line, and the flagging off of new Vande Bharat and Amrit Bharat Express trains.
Earlier, PM Modi inaugurated and addressed the 16th Combined Commanders' Conference-2025 in Kolkata. The biennial forum, themed "Year of Reforms – Transforming for the Future," brings together India's top civilian and military leadership to deliberate on national security and strategic planning, with a focus on strengthening defense preparedness and advancing a self-reliant military framework.
Supreme Court Rulings on Waqf Act and Aadhaar
The Supreme Court of India on Monday, September 15, 2025, declined to stay the entire Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, stating that the presumption is always in favor of the constitutionality of a law passed by the legislature. However, the court did impose partial restrictions on certain provisions of the Act, including the clause requiring a person to have practiced Islam for five years to create a waqf.
In another significant ruling, the Supreme Court clarified that Aadhaar is part of the right to vote statute and can be utilized by voters for verification purposes to the extent permitted by law. This statement came in response to submissions questioning Aadhaar's standing compared to other documents listed by the Election Commission of India for voter verification in Bihar's ongoing Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.
India to Host US Trade Negotiators; Punjab Launches Antibiotic Resistance Plan
India is scheduled to host US chief negotiator Brendan Lynch on September 16, 2025, for a one-day meeting with India's chief negotiator Rajesh Agrawal. These discussions are a "continuation" of ongoing trade talks between the two nations, aimed at addressing recent high tariffs and fostering a stronger economic relationship.
Domestically, Punjab has launched a new State Action Plan to combat antibiotic resistance. This policy, under the "One Health" approach, aims to tackle the misuse of antibiotics across human, animal, and agricultural sectors.
Other Key Developments
- The Indian Navy has received an indigenous anti-submarine warfare ship named 'Androth'.
- In Jharkhand, a Maoist commander carrying a reward of Rs 1 crore was among three killed in an encounter.
- Mohammed Siraj was declared the ICC Men's Player of the Month for August 2025.
- The Delhi government has begun demarcating the Yamuna floodplain from September 15 to prevent encroachments.