TDP Leaders Placed Under House Arrest Following Naidu’s Detention:
Numerous leaders affiliated with the Telugu Desam Party (TDP)were subjected to house arrest after the party’s leader and former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Chandrababu Naidu, was detained in connection with an alleged skill development scandal.
TD Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs) Nimmakayala China Rajappa (Peddapuram), Gorantla Buchaiah Chowdary (Rajamahendravaram Rural), Adireddy Bhavani (Rajamahendravaram Urban), Vegulla Jogeswara Rao (Mandapeta), as well as all constituency representatives and TD district presidents in the former East and West Godavari regions, have been placed under house arrest following Naidu’s apprehension.
TDP Leaders Placed Under House Arrest Following Naidu’s Detention
Similarly, Kuna Ravi Kumar in Srikakulam, Gana Babu, MLA from Visakhapatnam (West), Bendalam Ashok in Ichapuram, and former minister Devineni Uma in Vijayawada were also confined to their residences. In Gudivada, former minister Kala Venkat Rao and senior leader Venigandla Ramu were arrested when they attempted to stage a protest against Naidu’s detention.
Modi and Biden Pledge to Strengthen and Expand Defense Ties:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden have pledged to enhance and broaden their bilateral defense partnership. This commitment comes as they welcome progress in India’s acquisition of 31 drones and the joint development of jet engines.
The two leaders met for approximately 50 minutes shortly after President Biden arrived in New Delhi for the G20 summit. Their discussions covered India’s role in the G20 presidency, collaboration in nuclear energy, critical technologies like 6G and artificial intelligence, and efforts to reshape multilateral development banks fundamentally.
They also explored ways to strengthen the Comprehensive Global and Strategic Partnership (CGSP), emphasizing its broad scope.
Following their meeting, a joint statement was issued, highlighting advancements in defense cooperation, including the completion of the Congressional notification process on August 29. Negotiations have now begun for a commercial agreement between GE Aerospace and Hindustan Aeronautical Limited (HAL) to manufacture GE F-414 jet engines in India. President Biden welcomed India’s letter of request to procure 31 General Atomics MQ-9B remotely piloted aircraft along with associated equipment.
President Biden commended India’s leadership during its G20 presidency, demonstrating the forum’s effectiveness in achieving important outcomes. Both leaders expressed their commitment to the G20 and their confidence in the summit’s ability to advance shared objectives.
They also reiterated the significance of the Quad in supporting a free, open, inclusive, and resilient Indo-Pacific. Modi invited Biden to the next Quad Leaders’ summit scheduled to be hosted by India in 2024.
Additionally, the leaders called for continued efforts to enhance the India-US strategic partnership across various dimensions and emphasized their support for building robust global semiconductor supply chains.
They underlined the importance of shared values, including freedom, democracy, human rights, inclusion, pluralism, and equal opportunities for all citizens, which strengthen the relationship between their countries.
Following their productive meeting, Prime Minister Modi expressed his satisfaction with the discussions and highlighted the role of India-US friendship in advancing global welfare.
Reports suggest that Modi hosted President Biden for dinner during his visit to India. President Biden was warmly welcomed upon his arrival in New Delhi by Union Minister of State Gen. V.K. Singh (retd).
The leaders also discussed 5G and 6G technologies, highlighting the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Bharat 6G Alliance and Next G Alliance, facilitating deeper cooperation between vendors and operators. They acknowledged the establishment of two Joint Task Forces focused on Open RAN collaboration and research and development in 5G/6G technologies. A 5G Open RAN pilot project will be conducted by a leading Indian telecom operator in partnership with a U.S. Open RAN manufacturer before field deployment.
Modi and Biden Pledge to Strengthen and Expand Defense Ties
Furthermore, they expressed their support for building resilient global semiconductor supply chains, citing investments by Microchip Technology, Inc., and Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) in expanding their research and development operations in India. Microchip plans to invest approximately US$300 million, while AMD intends to invest US$400 million in India over the next five years.
KTR Ensures Fool-Proof and Transparent Selection Process for 2BHK Beneficiaries:
K.T. Rama Rao (KTR), the Municipal Minister, emphasized that the selection process for 2BHK beneficiaries is transparent and free from public representatives’ involvement. He announced that the state government is set to distribute 13,300 free housing units on September 21 in the GHMC limits as part of the second phase.
During a review meeting at Talasani Srinivas Yadav’s office regarding the 2BHK distribution program, Rama Rao highlighted the success of the first phase, where 11,700 houses were provided to the underprivileged without any complications. He underlined the government’s commitment to providing high-quality, 560-square-foot double-bedroom houses, each valued at Rs 50 lakh in the market, free of charge to those in need. The total cost of constructing one lakh such houses in the city amounts to Rs 9,100 crore, with a market value of approximately Rs 50,000 crore. Rama Rao emphasized the transparency of the beneficiary selection process, which is computer-based and conducted in front of the media.
He stated that MLAs and public representatives have no role in selecting eligible beneficiaries, as the government has entrusted this responsibility to relevant authorities. The minister warned that officials responsible for irregularities in double-bedroom house construction will face consequences, and collectors are responsible for ensuring a flawless process.
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Additionally, he mentioned the upcoming Grihalakshmi scheme and ongoing efforts to finalize guidelines for notarial properties in Hyderabad. Rama Rao highlighted the positive impact of various programs, such as double-bedroom houses and notarial properties, benefiting up to 20,000 people in each Assembly constituency. He also expressed readiness to address encroachments in the Musi catchment area to facilitate the construction of double-bedroom houses
Modi Addresses China Regarding Freedom of Navigation:
In a diplomatically firm message, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed China, represented by Premier Li Qiang at the East Asia summit in Jakarta, advocating for the “positive agenda” of the Quad (comprising four nations) and emphasizing the crucial role of ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations).
During the ASEAN-India summit, held concurrently in Jakarta, the Prime Minister outlined a 12-point proposal aimed at strengthening India-Asean cooperation.
At the East Asia summit, the PM stressed the importance of an Indo-Pacific region where international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) from 1982, is universally applicable. He called for freedom of navigation, unimpeded lawful commerce, and a code of conduct for the South China Sea that adheres to UNCLOS and considers the interests of non-participating nations.
Modi’s reference to the Quad, a group advocating for a free and open Indo-Pacific, highlighted ASEAN’s central role in its vision. He emphasized the need for a rules-based international order, multilateralism, and international laws to address challenges like terrorism, extremism, and geopolitical conflicts. He advocated for dialogue and diplomacy as the primary means of resolving conflicts in the contemporary era.
Modi presented a 12-point proposal for enhancing India-Asean cooperation during the Asean-India summit, covering areas like connectivity, digital transformation, trade, economic engagement, and strategic ties.
Additionally, Modi announced plans to establish an Indian embassy in Timor-Leste, potentially the 11th member of the Asean bloc, and called for increased collaboration on maritime safety, security, and domain awareness.
He acknowledged the impact of climate change, cybersecurity, food security, health, and energy challenges on the Global South, emphasizing India’s focus on these issues during its G-20 presidency.
Modi Addresses China Regarding Freedom of Navigation
Regarding Myanmar and ASEAN member nations, Modi stated that India’s Myanmar policy considers ASEAN’s perspectives while also prioritizing peace, security, and connectivity along the borders.
He underscored the importance of a rule-based post-Covid world order, the advancement of a free and open Indo-Pacific, and elevating the voice of the Global South for the collective benefit.
Modi also stressed the need for a timely review of the Asean-India free trade agreement, affirmed Asean’s centrality in India’s Act East policy, and expressed full support for Asean’s outlook on the Indo-Pacific.
Tabreed Commits to Invest Rs 1,600 Crore in Telangana, Says KTR:
On Wednesday, Information Technology Minister K.T. Rama Rao held meetings with prominent business leaders in Dubai and reached agreements with Dubai-based companies to establish their business units in Telangana.
Simultaneously, the Telangana state government has joined forces with Tabreed, a prominent cooling utility company, to enhance cooling infrastructure in industrial parks, including Hyderabad Pharma City.
Over time, Tabreed is set to invest Rs 1,600 crore in the state, developing 125,000 refrigeration tons (RT) of district cooling plants and networks, with an investment of up to $200 million. This initiative will offer sustainable long-term cooling services through a utility cooling-as-a-service model for the cooling and storage needs of industrial facilities.
The government has signed an MoU with Tabreed to explore district cooling infrastructure in existing and upcoming commercial districts in Cyberabad and other mixed-use development areas. This initiative has the potential to reduce over 200 MW of peak electricity demand annually, resulting in an annual reduction of 18 million tonnes of CO2 emissions over a 30-year period. It will also help mitigate the heat island effect, further enhancing Hyderabad’s reputation as one of the best cities to live and work in Asia.
Rao expressed, “As we move toward a more sustainable future, we are pleased to collaborate with Tabreed, demonstrating our commitment to environmental stewardship by adopting innovative and actionable solutions. By prioritizing cooling through cool-roof policies and energy-efficient district cooling, we are creating a greener and healthier environment for our communities, significantly contributing to our ambitious goal of making Telangana net-zero by 2047.”
Khaled Abdulla Al Qubaisi, Tabreed’s Chairman, described the partnership with the Telangana government as a significant milestone in sustainable infrastructure development. “We are bringing our expertise in district cooling to the world’s largest net-zero pharmaceutical cluster and the highly advanced industrial zone,” he stated.
Tabreed Commits to Invest Rs 1,600 Crore in Telangana, Says KTR
During his visit, Rao met Abdul Jabber, Managing Director of Hot Pack, one of the UAE’s largest manufacturers of hygienic disposable and packaging products made from paper, aluminum, foam, and plastics.
The company is planning to expand its operations in India. The minister highlighted Telangana’s investor-friendly policies, making it the preferred destination for foreign investments in India, and invited them to consider establishing their manufacturing operations in the state.
Rao also held discussions with a senior delegation from the UAE-India Business Council (UIBC), led by Faizal Kottikolan, the Founder and Chairman of KEF Holdings.
Telangana BJP Alleges Home Guard Ravinder’s Death as Murder by BRS Government:
A traffic home guard who had set himself on fire a few days ago and was undergoing treatment in a private hospital has tragically passed away, as confirmed by the police on Friday.
Telangana BJP President G. Kishan Reddy expressed deep sorrow over the death, describing it as a “murder” committed by the state’s BRS government, led by Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao.
The incident occurred when Ravinder visited the Home Guard Commandant’s office in Goshamahal, where he self-immolated. Passersby alerted the police, who promptly transferred him to a government-run hospital. He suffered severe burns, with over 50% of his body affected, and was later moved to another city hospital.
Ravinder’s wife reported that her husband had called her on Tuesday to inform her about ill-treatment by two senior police officials—an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) and a constable—when he had visited the commandant’s office. She demanded action against the ASI and constable.
Police denied claims that the incident was related to a delay in Ravinder’s salary.
Union Minister for Tourism and Telangana BJP President G. Kishan Reddy visited Ravinder during his hospitalization and expressed disappointment with the Telangana government’s failure to fulfill promises and commitments made to home guards regarding their working conditions. He urged home guards not to resort to such extreme measures.
Chandrababu Emphasizes the Importance of Happy Farmers in Society’s Progress;
Former Chief Minister and National President of the Telugu Desam Party, N. Chandrababu Naidu, emphasized that the well-being of farmers is crucial for the progress of society. During an interaction with farmers in Kalyandurg of Anantapur district as part of his Praja Vedika program, he questioned Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy’s ability to understand farmers’ concerns, highlighting that the Chief Minister has never visited agricultural fields.
Naidu stressed the significance of agriculture for the entire nation, emphasizing that if farmers face distress, it could lead to severe consequences for the country. He recalled the Telugu Desam Party’s commitment to the Anantapur district, particularly their initiation of the Handri-Neeva project, in light of the region’s vulnerability to drought.
Chandrababu Emphasizes the Importance of Happy Farmers in Society’s Progress
The Telugu Desam Party leader asserted that providing irrigation water is essential for a permanent solution to the drought problem. He advocated for the interlinking of rivers as a means to address drought issues across the country, simultaneously benefiting farmers and generating power. Naidu also expressed his commitment to addressing both local and non-local issues in the academic sector when his party regains power.
The G20 Leaders’ Summit, hosted by India in New Delhi on September 9-10, has been anticipated for the past nine months with both domestic and geopolitical significance. It coincides with India’s preparations for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, although the scheduling is determined by mutual agreement within a rotating group of nations.
The use of multilateral conferences like this for domestic political gain and image enhancement is not unique to the BJP. In the past, leaders like Prime Minister Indira Gandhi leveraged global events to boost their domestic and international profiles.
The G-20 has evolved considerably since its establishment in 2008, expanding its agenda from macroeconomic issues to encompass trade, sustainable development, health, agriculture, energy, environment, climate change, and anti-corruption. Various thematic groups and engagement groups aim to create a “sustainable, inclusive, and equitable” world.
However, numerous geopolitical challenges complicate the G-20 summit. The absence of Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping underscores some of these difficulties. The Ukraine conflict has divided G-20 members, making consensus on resolutions challenging.
Furthermore, strained relations between India and China, as well as between the United States and China, add complexity to the summit. Xi Jinping’s decision to skip the G-20 could be attributed to domestic economic concerns and political pressure within China.
Additionally, the recent expansion of the BRICS group, driven by China, may signal a shift in China’s priorities away from the G20. This expansion has raised questions about India’s influence within BRICS.
In this uncertain global landscape, the G-20’s ability to reach consensus and take action on significant issues remains uncertain, despite India’s efforts to project its image and achievements on the international stage. Geopolitical factors, domestic political challenges in various countries, and economic uncertainties contribute to the uncertainty surrounding the G-20 summit’s outcome.
Telangana Assembly Elections See Surge in BJP Ticket Applicants:
The influx of applications for BJP tickets for the upcoming state Assembly elections in Telangana continues unabated at the party’s headquarters. Approximately 700 aspirants have submitted their requests for tickets as of the third day of the application process.
The party had earlier announced that it would accept applications until September 10, emphasizing that regardless of their status within the party, anyone aspiring to contest the elections must formally apply for the BJP ticket.
On Wednesday, notable applicants included Vikram Goud, the son of former Congress minister Mukesh Goud, who expressed his interest in contesting for the BJP from the Goshamahal constituency in Hyderabad. It’s worth noting that Goshamahal is currently represented by D Raja Singh, who won the 2018 elections on a BJP ticket but is presently suspended from the party.
Another candidate seeking a ticket, this time from the Khairatabad constituency, was NV Subhash, who serves as the party’s spokesperson and also happens to be the grandson of former Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao.
Telangana Assembly Elections See Surge in BJP Ticket Applicants
Party leaders have indicated that there is no clarity regarding whether the current BJP MPs from Telangana, including Union Minister and State BJP Chief G Kishan Reddy, along with Bandi Sanjay Kumar, Arvind Dharmapuri, and Soyam Bapu Rao, will enter the fray as candidates. “The decision rests with them and the party high command,” noted a senior BJP leader.
US President Joe Biden is set to arrive in New Delhi on Friday and is slated to hold a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as confirmed by the White House.
Biden’s busy itinerary spans three days, beginning with a brief stopover in Ramstein, Germany, before his arrival in New Delhi on Friday. On that day, the US President is scheduled to engage in a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as stated in a press release from the White House.
Saturday will see Joe Biden participate in an official arrival ceremony and a handshake with Prime Minister Modi. He will also take part in the G20 Leaders’ Summit Session 1 titled “One Earth.” Later in the day, he will join the G20 Leaders’ Summit Session 2 themed “One Family” and participate in an event focused on Partnerships for Global Infrastructure and Investment. The day will conclude with a dinner and cultural program attended by G20 Leaders.
On Sunday, President Joe Biden, along with other G20 Leaders, will visit the Raj Ghat Memorial. Subsequently, he is scheduled to depart from New Delhi for Hanoi, Vietnam.
In Vietnam, President Biden will partake in a welcome ceremony hosted by General Secretary Nguyn Phú Trng of the Communist Party of Vietnam. He will also hold a meeting with General Secretary Nguyn Phú Trng, during which both leaders will deliver remarks. Following this, President Biden will hold a press conference, as announced by the White House.
During the discussions between US President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the focus is expected to be on the G20 agenda, with particular emphasis on economic cooperation and multilateral investment opportunities. Biden is keen on advancing the cause of multilateral development bank reform and restructuring.
John Kirby, National Security Council (NSC) coordinator for strategic communications, noted that there is little likelihood of discussions between PM Modi and President Biden concerning climate issues and the ongoing Ukraine conflict.
Joe Biden to Meet PM Modi in Delhi tomorrow
India assumed the G20 presidency on December 1 last year, organizing approximately 200 meetings related to the G20 across 60 cities in the country. The 18th G20 Heads of State and Government Summit, set to take place in New Delhi, will serve as the culmination of these year-long G20 processes and meetings, which have involved, high officials, ministers, and civil societies.
The New Delhi Summit will conclude with the adoption of a G20 Leaders’ Declaration, affirming the leaders’ commitment to the priorities discussed and agreed upon during ministerial and working group meetings.
