Amid a heated controversy over the defacement of the national emblem on the foundation stone at the Hazratbal Shrine in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah questioned the use of such a sacred symbol at a religious place. He strongly condemned the act and questioned the authorities responsible for the decision to etch the emblem on the stone. BJP leader Darakshan Andrabi also condemned the vandalism as a terrorist attack and announced strict actions against the perpetrators.
Malaysia's Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin has announced that the country is considering alternative options for its delayed acquisition of F/A-18 Legacy Hornet fighter jets from Kuwait. The delivery has been postponed due to Kuwait's own delays in receiving fighter jets from the United States. With concerns about national security and airspace protection, Malaysia is now exploring other possibilities and weighing the cost-benefit and delivery timeline of each option. However, the state will be receiving 18 FA-50M Light Combat Aircraft from Korea in 2027, which could replace their Hawk fighter jets, but the need for Multi Role Combat Aircraft remains.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is set to inaugurate the Bhangel elevated road and the city’s first Waste-to-Wonder Park in Noida on 25 September, as reported by The Times Of India. The 5.5km-long elevated stretch, which was launched in June 2020 with a deadline of December 2022, will help decongest the busy Dadri-Surajpur-Chhalera Road. After over five years of construction, the project is finally completed, with the UP State Bridge Corporation Ltd (UPSBCL) completing the main carriageway and handing it over to the Noida Authority last month.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah of Jammu & Kashmir has voiced strong objections to the use of the national emblem on a foundation plaque installed at the Hazratbal Shrine, questioning the appropriateness of displaying a government symbol at a religious site. This comes amidst a viral video showing a mob defacing the emblem, which has sparked heated debates and counter-reactions from both political parties and religious leaders. While the CM asserts that such symbols have no place in religious sites, a BJP leader condemns the incident as a "terrorist attack" and an insult to the shrine's dignity.
The External Affairs Minister of India, Dr S Jaishankar, has reaffirmed Prime Minister Modi's appreciation for the partnership between India and the United States in response to US President Donald Trump's softened tone towards India. PM Modi had expressed his gratitude for Trump's positive assessment of the relationship, stating that the two countries have a "very positive and forward-looking Comprehensive and Global Strategic Partnership." Trump, who had previously made concerning comments about India, has now adopted a more conciliatory stance, admitting his disappointment with India's continued oil purchases from Russia but also calling Modi a "great Prime Minister" and saying he will always be friends with him.
A 51-year-old man from Uttar Pradesh, identified as Ashwini Kumar, has been arrested for sending a threat to the Mumbai Traffic Police's official WhatsApp number. The threat stated that multiple bombs were planted across Mumbai and warned of a large-scale attack involving 400 kg of RDX. Kumar claimed to be a member of a Pakistan-based jihadi group and also alleged that 14 terrorists had entered the city.
With the state assembly elections around the corner, a Marathi video song praising deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis as the "creator of modern Maharashtra" is gaining popularity in political circles. The four-minute long video showcases Fadnavis' achievements and developments in the state, along with his popularity among the youth and his dedication towards Maharashtra's festivals and communities. The song not only endorses Fadnavis as the leader of the BJP in the upcoming elections, but also draws comparisons to Prime Minister Narendra Modi being known as the "creator of modern India". With millions of views and likes, this video is stirring up the election buzz in Maharashtra.
In a surprising turn of events, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will not be speaking at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) debate this month. Instead, Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar will be addressing the Assembly on behalf of India on September 27. This decision marks a departure from the earlier plan of PM Modi addressing the UNGA on September 26. The revised speaker list for the UNGA debate was released on Friday, with US President Donald Trump scheduled to speak on September 23.
AAP MP Ashok Mittal, also Chancellor of Lovely Professional University, has announced that the university will provide permanent jobs to one family member of each of the 43 individuals who lost their lives in the recent Punjab floods. Mittal praised the efforts of the Punjab government and various volunteers and organizations involved in relief and rescue operations. He has also appealed for collective efforts and support in the long-term rehabilitation process. AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal has lauded this initiative by MP Ashok Mittal.
As floods continue to devastate Punjab, Rajya Sabha MP Vikramjit Singh Sahney has pledged Rs 5 crore for relief efforts, using his MPLADS allocation and personal funds. Meanwhile, the state remains on high alert as water levels in the Bhakra dam and Pong dam have almost reached maximum capacity. With authorities urging immediate evacuation and central aid, the disaster has claimed 43 lives and affected over 3.84 lakh residents. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan have announced measures to aid affected farmers and villagers.