Morning Brief: Controversy Over Netflix Series IC 814 Likely To Escalate, India's Fifth Semiconductor Fab Approved, SC Frowns On 'Bulldozer Justice'

IC 814 Series Row: I&B Ministry Likely To Summon Director

Following stern remarks to Netflix India regarding the controversy over IC-814, the government could summon Anubhav Sinha, the director of the series. On Monday, the I&B Ministry called in Netflix representatives on the issue of using “Hindu names” as aliases for the Pakistani terrorists involved in the 1999 hijacking. A Home Ministry statement from January 6, 2000, confirms that these were indeed the code names used by the hijackers. However, objections have been raised regarding the use of the aliases Shankar and Bhola. Critics argue that the ISI handlers of the terrorists used Hindu aliases to craft a misleading narrative of 'Hindu terror.' The director could have chosen a different set of names that represented the situation more accurately, rather than unwittingly reinforcing the message the ISI wanted to send by using Hindu names. 

Cabinet Approves India's Fifth Semiconductor Fab

The Union Cabinet has approved the establishment of India’s fifth semiconductor facility, to be set up by Kaynes Technology in Sanand, Gujarat, according to the Business Standard. The assembly, testing, marking, and packaging unit will involve an investment of Rs 3,307 crore and have a daily production capacity of 6.3 million chips. This approval follows the government's previous sanction of four facilities under the Rs 76,000 crore India Semiconductor Mission by Micron, Tata, and CG Power. Additionally, the Indian Express recently reported that the government is developing a new scheme to further boost chip manufacturing, potentially including incentives worth $15 billion.

SC Frowns On 'Bulldozer Justice' 

The Supreme Court criticised the "bulldozer justice" approach used by some states in criminal cases, indicating it would establish pan-India guidelines to prevent such actions. Justices BR Gavai and KV Viswanathan emphasized that demolishing a house merely due to an accusation, or even a conviction, is unacceptable. They called for clear guidelines to regulate demolitions while allowing for lawful procedures against unauthorized constructions. The court requested senior advocate Nachiketa Joshi to gather suggestions for these guidelines. This development follows petitions challenging demolitions carried out without notice and perceived as retaliatory.

Other Developments

PM Modi Begins Three-Day Visit to Brunei and Singapore

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has started a three-day visit to Brunei Darussalam and Singapore. In Brunei, he aims to deepen ties and celebrate 40 years of diplomatic relations with Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah. The visit will focus on enhancing cooperation in various sectors, including defense and trade. PM Modi will then head to Singapore, where he will meet with top leaders and business figures to review the India-Singapore Strategic Partnership and discuss regional and global issues.

Second Consecutive Javelin Gold At Paralympics

India's javelin star Sumit Antil clinched his second consecutive Paralympic gold medal with a stellar performance on September 2 in Paris. Antil, the favorite, broke his own Paralympic record twice during his six throws. He initially surpassed his Tokyo record with a throw of 69.11 meters, then extended his lead with an impressive 70.59 meters. His achievement solidified his position as a top competitor in the sport.

CBI Arrests Ex-Principal of RG Kar Medical College Over Corruption

The CBI's anti-corruption unit arrested Sandip Ghosh, former principal of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, on Monday for alleged financial irregularities. Ghosh was questioned for the 15th day in connection with the alleged rape and murder of a trainee. Also arrested were Afsar Ali Khan, Ghosh's "personal bouncer," and vendors Biplav Singha and Suman Hazara. Khan's arrest followed a viral video claiming his connection to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

India To Decide On Response If Europe Imposes Carbon Tax

India is preparing its strategy for the upcoming international climate conference as the European Union plans to impose a carbon tax on key imports, including those from India. The COP29 conference is critical for India, focusing on climate finance and the EU’s proposed carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM), which could impose a 25 per cent tariff on energy-intensive goods. India will decide its response if the EU implements the tax starting January 2026, potentially affecting 0.05 per cent of its GDP. India is also considering retaliatory tariffs on EU exports in response to the proposed carbon tax.

From The States

Congress Likely To Renominate Most Haryana MLAs

The Congress' election committee met on 2 September to finalise ticket allocations for the Haryana Assembly elections. Sources indicate that 41 seats are still undecided, but the party is expected to renominate most of its 28 sitting MLAs. The full list of 90 candidates is anticipated by 4 September. Rahul Gandhi suggested including some Congress workers alongside established leaders. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge will decide on the inclusion of MPs Randeep Singh Surjewala and Kumari Selja. AICC Haryana in-charge Deepak Babaria reported that 34 out of 49 proposed names have been cleared.

In New Bengal Bill, Death Sentence For Rape 

West Bengal's new anti-rape Bill, titled the ‘Aparajita Woman and Child Bill (West Bengal Criminal Laws and Amendment) Bill 2024,’ proposes the death penalty for rape convicts if their actions lead to the victim's death or a vegetative state. The Bill will be introduced in the Assembly on Tuesday following a special session prompted by the recent rape-murder of a trainee doctor in Kolkata. It also suggests life sentences for other rape and gangrape convictions. The draft aims to amend existing laws to enhance punishments and expedite trials for crimes against women and children.

Karnataka HC Extends Relief For CM Siddaramaiah

The Karnataka High Court has halted proceedings in a case against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah involving the alleged illegal allotment of plots to his wife until September 9. The court will review Siddaramaiah’s writ petition challenging the governor’s permission for his prosecution. A special court’s decision on a related private complaint is now pending the high court’s ruling. The case involves 14 plots in Mysuru allegedly exchanged for land acquired by the Mysuru Urban Development Authority.