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.
The installation of an Ashoka emblem at a religious shrine in Kashmir has sparked controversy and sparked calls for action against Waqf Board chairperson and BJP leader Dr Darakhshan Andrabi. Opponents argue that the use of the emblem, which is typically reserved for government functions, is a form of idol worship and goes against Islamic beliefs. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and former CM Mehbooba Mufti are among those calling for an apology and potential legal action against Andrabi, while the National Conference is urging the Lt Governor to dismiss her.
President Droupadi Murmu, a former teacher herself, urged educators to focus on educating girls and pay special attention to students from underprivileged backgrounds. She highlighted the provisions of the National Education Policy 2020 to support girls' education and emphasised the role of teachers in promoting women-led development. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also interacted with the National Award-winning teachers and encouraged them to promote "Make in India" and "Vocal for Local" campaigns among their students.
The recent natural disasters in Jammu and Kashmir have not been the only cause of concern for the region's residents. With communication lines once again down, 31-year-old bride-to-be Nazra Mushtaq fears that her upcoming wedding may be in vain. As rumors of JKLF chief Yasin Malik's potential death sentence circulated, many in the area suspected that the communication outage was politically motivated. This is not the first time that Kashmir has experienced communication blackouts, leading to concerns over freedom of speech and political motivations for such disruptions.
A heated debate has erupted at Srinagar's Hazratbal Shrine over a controversial Ashoka emblem engraved as part of a recent renovation project. The uproar stems from differing interpretations of Tawheed, the principle of oneness that strictly prohibits figurative depictions in sacred places. While some see the emblem as a deviation from Islamic beliefs, others view it as a symbol of national pride. The vandalism has led to political sparring and accusations from both sides, with demands for strong action and interventions from top government officials.
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.
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.
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.