Vice-Presidential Election Today; Trump's Alleged Letter To Epstein Revealed; And More

Kick-start your morning with Swarajya’s Morning Brief – your news fix, curated for clarity and insight.

Voting today to select new Vice President

Members of the Parliament will vote today to elect a new Vice President. The candidate from the NDA side is current Maharashtra Governor and former Coimbatore MP, C P Radhakrishnan. The INDI alliance candidate is B Sudershan Reddy, former judge of the Supreme Court.

The results to the election will be declared today as well. Only Members of Parliament vote in the Vice Presidential election, unlike the election for the President, where members of State Assemblies also vote.

The election is necessitated by former incumbent Jagdeep Dhankhar's resignation on 21 July. Dhankhar cited health reasons for vacating the post but reports across media suggested irreconcilable differences with the government as the reason for his resignation.

Supreme Court Directs Election Commission to Accept Aadhaar as Valid Identity Document for Bihar Voter Registration

The Supreme Court on Monday ordered the Election Commission of India to accept Aadhaar cards as a valid identity document for voter registration during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in Bihar.

A bench comprising Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi ruled that Aadhaar should be treated as a "12th document" that citizens can present as proof of identity when seeking inclusion in the revised voters' list.

However, the court emphasized an important distinction: while Aadhaar can serve as standalone identity verification, it cannot be used as evidence of citizenship. The judges noted that although Section 23(4) of the Representation of People's Act recognizes Aadhaar as a valid identity document, the Aadhaar Act explicitly states that it does not constitute proof of citizenship.

The Supreme Court's intervention followed complaints from petitioners, including the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), who alleged that Electoral Registration Officers and Booth Level Officers were rejecting Aadhaar cards despite previous court orders. These officials had been insisting that applicants provide only one of the 11 documents specifically listed in the Special Intensive Revision notification.

Other developments

US House Democrats Release Disputed Letter Allegedly From Trump to Jeffrey Epstein

House Oversight Committee Democrats on Monday released a sexually suggestive letter purportedly signed by President Donald Trump and addressed to convicted sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein, which Trump vehemently denies writing.

The letter, part of a 2003 birthday album compiled for Epstein, features text framed by a hand-drawn outline of a curvaceous woman. It reads: "A pal is a wonderful thing. Happy Birthday — and may every day be another wonderful secret."

Trump has categorically denied authoring the letter or creating the accompanying drawing, calling reports about it "false, malicious, and defamatory." He has filed a $10 billion defamation lawsuit against The Wall Street Journal over their coverage of the alleged correspondence.

"These are not my words, not the way I talk. Also, I don't draw pictures," Trump stated.

The document was among materials from Epstein's estate provided to the committee as part of their investigation.

While Trump's past social relationship with Epstein is well-documented, he claims they had a falling-out two decades ago and has not been accused of misconduct related to their association.

China's Export Growth Slows as Trade Tensions Persist

China's export growth decelerated in August, reflecting continued uncertainty over US-China trade relations. Outbound shipments rose 4.4% year-on-year, down from July's 7.2 per cent growth and below forecasts.

Exports to the United States plummeted 33.1 per cent as the front-loading effect from earlier tariff avoidance strategies faded. However, China's trade diversification strategy showed results, with strong performance in alternative markets.

Nepal Lifts Social Media Ban After Violent Protests

Nepal restored access to major social media platforms Tuesday following violent protests that reportedly left 19 people dead over the government's restrictions on Facebook, YouTube, and X.

Communication Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung announced the ban's withdrawal after an emergency cabinet meeting, according to local media reports.

The government had blocked 26 unregistered social media platforms last Friday, sparking widespread anger, particularly among younger citizens.

The restrictions deepened public resentment amid Nepal's economic struggles. Citizens viewed the ban as evidence of leaders' misplaced priorities and disconnect from ordinary people's hardships.

From the states

PM Modi Likely To Visit Manipur on September 13

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to visit Manipur on September 13, marking his first trip to the northeastern state since ethnic violence erupted in May 2023.

Governor Ajay Bhalla has reportedly instructed ruling alliance legislators to engage with their constituencies and maintain calm ahead of the visit. According to reports, on Sunday, Bhalla met with over 20 MLAs at Raj Bhavan, including former Chief Minister N Biren Singh and other senior leaders.

According to the tentative itinerary, PM Modi will first address an event in Mizoram before arriving in Manipur's Churachandpur at noon. At 2 pm, he will helicopter to Kangla Fort in Imphal for another address, before departing for Assam via Imphal Airport at 3:30 pm.

Karnataka: Stone Pelting On Ganesh Procession, Hindu Organisations Protest

Eight people were injured after stone-pelting from a mosque disrupted a Ganesh idol immersion procession in Maddur town, Karnataka's Mandya district, on Sunday.

The violence erupted in Ram Rahim Nagar when youths from two communities clashed during the procession, forcing police intervention as tensions escalated rapidly.

Pro-Hindu organisations staged protests Monday, prompting police to use lathi charge and impose Section 144 prohibitory orders. Karnataka Home Minister G. Parmeshwara confirmed arrests were made and the situation is under control.

Karnataka BJP President B Y Vijayendra criticized the Congress government, calling it a "total collapse of law and order." Opposition Leader R. Ashoka claimed "Hindus are no longer safe" celebrating festivals under Congress rule.

India's First Vande Bharat Sleeper Express Likely Between Delhi and Patna Before Diwali

Indian Railways is expected to launch the country's first Vande Bharat Sleeper Express connecting Delhi and Patna via Prayagraj ahead of Diwali 2025, according to reports.

The premium overnight train will reduce travel time to 11.5 hours, significantly faster than the current 12-17 hours and much quicker than Rajdhani Express's 23-hour journey on the same route.

Built with advanced Integral Coach Factory technology, the train can reach 180 km/h and features aircraft-style interiors, CCTV cameras, LED screens, automatic doors, and modern fire safety systems.

The proposed schedule shows departure from Patna at 8 pm, arriving in Delhi by 7:30 am. Fares will be 10-15 per cent higher than Rajdhani Express but officials argue faster travel and modern amenities justify the premium pricing.

You’re all caught up—until next time.