Morning Brief: India Begins Approving Chinese Investments, Chandrayaan-3 Data Uncovers Ancient Moon Ocean, Census To Start In September

Dear Reader, here’s your morning briefing—fresh insights to kickstart your day.

1) India Begins Approving Chinese Investments 

India has started approving several investment proposals from Chinese companies in the electronics manufacturing sector, marking a notable shift given recent border tensions and increased scrutiny of Chinese investments. Among the approvals are Chinese electronics giant Luxshare, a vendor for Apple, and a joint venture between Bhagwati Products (Micromax) and Huaqin Technology, with the latter holding a minority stake. The approvals also include Taiwan-based firms with Hong Kong connections. This move reflects a significant policy shift by the government towards accepting Chinese investment despite ongoing geopolitical concerns.

2) CBI To Submit Status Report On Kolkata Rape Case

The CBI will submit a status report on the Kolkata rape-murder case to the Supreme Court today (22 August), following its transfer to the central agency on August 13. A bench led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud heard the case on August 20, after taking it up suo motu. The brutal rape and murder of the 31-year-old postgraduate doctor in Kolkata has ignited nationwide outrage and protests. On Wednesday (21 August), the Mamata Banerjee government, under fire for its ham-handed response to the protests, dismissed four top hospital officials, including the new principal, but appears more focused on managing the fallout than addressing the core issues.

3) Chandrayaan-3 Data Confirms Ancient Lunar Magma Ocean

Just ahead of Chandrayaan-3's first anniversary, data from the Pragyan rover has revealed that the Moon's regolith (outermost layer of lunar soil) at the landing site is primarily composed of ferroan anorthosite rock. This discovery strengthens the lunar magma ocean hypothesis, suggesting that the Moon's surface was once covered by a molten sea. This finding provides the first detailed analysis of the Moon's topsoil composition in the southern latitudes, offering significant insights into its early history. It’s a reminder that the Moon still holds many secrets, waiting to be uncovered.

4) Modi Government To Begin Delayed Census In September

The Modi government is set to commence the much-delayed population census in September, aiming to address significant data gaps. Initially scheduled for completion in 2021, the census was postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. According to two government sources, the new survey is expected to take around 18 months to complete, with results projected to be released by March 2026, covering a 15-year span. The Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation are overseeing the timeline and execution of the census.

Other Developments

1) NDA Heading For Much-Eluded Rajya Sabha Majority

The BJP-led NDA is on track to secure 11 out of 12 seats in the Rajya Sabha bypolls, inching closer to a long-sought majority in the Upper House. With eight vacancies still pending from Jammu and Kashmir and the nominated category, the NDA’s current support of 110 MPs—including six unaligned nominated members and an independent from Haryana—is set to increase to 121 in a House of 237.

2) Zomato To Buy Paytm's Ticketing Business For Rs 2,048 Crore

Zomato will purchase Paytm's entertainment and ticketing business for Rs 2,048 crore as it ventures into the 'going-out' segment. Paytm will keep the ticketing options on its app for 12 months, after which users will be redirected to Zomato's new app, 'District.' Zomato plans to offer incentives to encourage the switch.

3) Govt Plans Major Expansion For Ayushman Bharat Scheme

The Modi government could double the Ayushman Bharat insurance cover from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 10 lakh per family, with up to Rs 15 lakh for women. The scheme will also see an addition of 4 lakh private hospital beds and an increase in beneficiaries from 55 crore to 100 crore. The government's flagship health scheme currently provides annual coverage for secondary and tertiary care to families in the bottom 40 per cent of the population. The expansion is part of the NDA's third-term priorities.

4) Piyush Goyal Criticises Amazon's "Predatory Pricing"

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal has said that Amazon's $1 billion investment in India is an attempt to offset losses through "predatory pricing." He questioned the impact of e-commerce on small retailers and expressed concern about the potential social disruption from its rapid growth. Goyal said the investment might not serve the economy effectively.

From The States

1) Assam To Table Muslim Marriage Registration Bill

The Assam government will introduce a bill in the upcoming Autumn Session of the Assembly to make government registration of Muslim marriages and divorces compulsory, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said. He has announced that the bill will replace the previous system handled by Kazis.

2) Madras HC Approves Protests For Hindus In Bangladesh

The Madras High Court approved demonstrations by Hindu Munnani seeking protection for Hindus in Bangladesh, stating that if rallies can be held for Tamils in Sri Lanka, similar actions are justified for this cause. The DMK government faced embarrassment as a government advocate highlighted improvements in Bangladesh's situation and raised concerns about unrelated issues arising from the protests.

3) Maratha Quota Activist Says President’s Rule Likely

Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange has expressed concerns that the Union government might impose President’s rule in Maharashtra. He has also announced the postponement of an August 29 meeting to reveal their election strategy, stating that they will disclose plans only after the election schedule is set.

4) Karnataka Lokayukta Charge Sheet Against HD Kumaraswamy

The Karnataka Lokayukta has recommended filing a charge sheet against Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy over a 2007 mining lease case, alleging illegal approval of a 550-acre lease during his tenure as chief minister. The case follows a 2011 report by N Santosh Hegde highlighting illegal mining activities.

We’ll catch up with you shortly for more updates and in-depth analysis.