National Developments & Economy:
- India has achieved a significant milestone in food security, with government rice reserves reaching a record 48.2 million tonnes and wheat stocks hitting a four-year high of 33.3 million tonnes. Both figures are above target, indicating robust agricultural output and procurement.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on September 17, reiterated his call for citizens to prioritize 'made-in-India' products and urged traders to sell indigenously manufactured goods.
- Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal is scheduled to visit the UAE on September 18 to co-chair the India-UAE High Level Joint Task Force on Investments. The visit aims to deepen the existing trade agreement and explore new industrial and technological partnerships.
- In a positive environmental note, India's CO2 emissions from the power sector saw a dip in the January-June period.
Infrastructure & Development Projects:
- Prime Minister Modi is set to lay the foundation stone for the 2,800 MW Mahi Banswara Atomic Power Plant project in Rajasthan on September 25. This project will involve four indigenous Pressurized Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR) reactors, with completion anticipated by 2036.
- The Kumbh Mela Authority in Nashik has granted administrative approval for extensive road and bridge works totaling ā¹993 crore. This includes ā¹930 crore for 21 roads and ā¹62.8 crore for bridges and ramps, slated for completion by March 2027, in preparation for the upcoming Simhastha Kumbh Mela.
- Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed that all rain-damaged road repair work be completed before the festive season, issuing warnings against delays.
Legal & Governance:
- The Patna High Court, on September 17, directed the Congress party to remove an AI-generated video depicting Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his late mother from its social media handles. The court also issued notices to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and other relevant parties.
- Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, on September 17, virtually rejected claims by former US President Donald Trump regarding intervention to stop an Indo-Pak conflict following 'Operation Sindoor', asserting that action against terrorists was not suspended due to any third-party mediation.
- Chief Justice of India (CJI) Gavai emphasized the need to reimagine legal education by expanding its reach through technology during the Prof (Dr) N R Madhava Menon Memorial Lecture.
International Relations:
- On the occasion of Prime Minister Modi's 75th birthday, EU chief Ursula von der Leyen extended warm wishes over a phone call. The European Commission and the High Representative also adopted a 'New Strategic EU-India Agenda' aimed at deepening, broadening, and better coordinating bilateral cooperation.
- India's trade discussions with the United States were described as "positive and constructive" on September 17, focusing on tariff issues, technology partnerships, and boosting bilateral commerce.
- The US-based Khalistani outfit Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) has threatened to "siege" the Indian Consulate in Vancouver, Canada, on September 18, urging Indo-Canadians to avoid the premises.
- Dubai's iconic Burj Khalifa was illuminated with visuals of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to mark his 75th birthday on September 17.
Weather & Disaster Management:
- Dehradun schools and Anganwadis were shut on September 17 following a red alert issued by the IMD due to heavy rainfall, with officials warning of continued rain and potential floods and landslides.
- Heavy rains have led to flooding in Northern and Northeastern India, resulting in several villages being cut off and damage to roads and bridges. Relief teams have been dispatched to affected areas.
- Karnataka remains under a yellow alert, with the IMD forecasting heavy showers for the next 48 hours and advising commuters to plan ahead for potential transport disruptions.