Morning Brief: India Set To Regain Access To Key Patrolling Points Along LAC With China; Details About Modi's Peace Plan For Ukraine Emerge; IPOs Worth Over Rs 50,000 Crore Lined Up

Dear reader, here’s your quick and sharp news roundup to gear you up for the day ahead.

India Set To Regain Access To Key Patrolling Points Along LAC

India and China have reportedly made "significant progress" in resolving outstanding issues along the LAC in eastern Ladakh, a report in the Indian Express says. The discussions include potential solutions that take into account their respective positions prior to April 2020 and address current concerns in Arunachal. the report says that Indian troops may soon regain access to certain patrolling points along the LAC that had been obstructed by Chinese forces or due to established buffer zones.

EAM S Jaishankar recently said that nearly 75 per cent of the “disengagement problems” with China have been “sorted out.” Signs of improvement in ties have emerged in recent weeks, including India approving several investment proposals from Chinese companies that had been stalled for years. Additionally, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Russia earlier this month, while discussions were held in Delhi on resuming direct flights after a four-year hiatus.

Details About Modi's Peace Plan For Ukraine-Russia War Emerge

Ukrainian President Zelensky is betting on India to help secure a peace deal with Russia, a Politico report says. This marks the first confirmation of India’s potential role as a peace broker in the protracted European conflict. The news comes after Prime Minister Modi met Zelensky for the second time this month during his visit to the US.

The report also reveals key elements of India’s peace proposal, noting that Modi made it clear in discussions with Kyiv that while Ukraine may need to make some compromises to end Moscow's aggression, any resolution should not involve ceding territory to Russia. With strong relations with both Ukraine and its Western allies, as well as with Russia, India is being seen as the best bet for facilitating peace negotiations.

State Set For Mega IPOs Exceeding Rs 50,000 Crore This Festive Season

The stage is set for the launch of IPOs exceeding Rs 50,000 crore around Diwali in late October or early November, according to a report by Business Standard. Major offerings include Hyundai Motor India’s IPO, anticipated to be the largest ever at over Rs 25,000 crore, along with Swiggy’s issue, estimated at Rs 11,600 crore. Additionally, NTPC Green Energy is set to offer Rs 10,000 crore. The successful execution of these IPOs would solidify India’s status as a significant market player. This could encourage more companies to consider going public, despite the high valuations in the global market.

Other Developments

Israel’s Army Chief Signals Imminent Ground Invasion Of Lebanon

Israel's military chief has instructed troops to prepare for a potential invasion of Lebanon following extensive airstrikes targeting Hezbollah. The airstrikes reportedly aimed to degrade Hezbollah's capabilities, including its intelligence and weapon storage facilities. As diplomatic efforts for a 21-day ceasefire increase, the military has indicated that a ground invasion may be forthcoming, with a focus on ensuring safety of residents in northern Israel. However, there are currently no signs suggesting an immediate ground invasion is imminent, according to the US Pentagon.

BJP Is Gearing Up To Avenge Ayodhya Loss

Although the by-elections for the 10 vacant Assembly seats in Uttar Pradesh have yet to be announced, the contest for the Milkipur constituency is heating up, marked by allegations of assault and a related FIR. For both the BJP and the Samajwadi Party, winning Milkipur is a matter of prestige, especially after the BJP's loss in Faizabad, which holds the Ayodhya Ram Temple, during the recent Lok Sabha polls.

The SP's likely candidate, the son of Samajwadi Party's Faizabad MP, is facing an FIR accusing him of assault and kidnapping, which the BJP has labeled as an example of his "goondaism," emphasising the caste angle since the accuser is a Brahmin.

Centre Tells Energy PSUs To List Green Energy Arms

The Centre has told state-run energy companies to consider taking their renewable businesses public amid rising market interest in the sector. This strategy aligns with the government's goal of maximizing value for itself and shareholders, rather than selling assets to private entities. Notably, NTPC Green Energy Ltd has filed for a Rs 10,000 crore IPO, with other companies like SJVN Ltd and Solar Energy Corporation of India also planning public offerings. Experts believe that hiving off and listing green energy arms is a more effective way to raise funds in this growing sector, especially given the challenges conventional energy companies face due to their carbon footprint.

Yet Another Hindu Temple Vandalised In US

The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in the Sacramento area of California was vandalised with anti-Hindu messages on Wednesday (25 September) night, just days after a similar act at the BAPS temple in New York. One of the messages read "Hindus Go Back," which has left the local Hindu community deeply concerned. BAPS Public This incident is part of a worrying pattern, as Hindu temples in Canada have also been targeted with vandalism over the last two years, showing a rise in Hinduphobia in North America.

From The States

Himachal: Congress Cooks Up Yogi’s Idea After Criticising It

Congress-ruled Himachal has introduced a mandate requiring eateries and food stalls across the state to display the owner's ID card, following a similar directive in Uttar Pradesh. The decision was announced by Vikramaditya Singh, the state's Urban Development Minister and the son of six-time Himachal Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh. Singh emphasised that this move aims to enhance transparency and convenience for customers. The order mirrors the policy rolled out in BJP-ruled Uttar Pradesh during the Kanwar Yatra, which the Congress had vociferously opposed at the time.

Mahrahstra: Red Alert Issued As Mumbai Drowns In Downpour

Heavy downpour and thunderstorms have paralysed life in Mumbai and its suburbs, leading to severe water logging. Between 4 pm and 10 pm, some parts of Mumbai received more than 250 mm rain. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red warning for Mumbai and Thane, effective until Thursday (26 September) morning, causing schools and colleges to declare a holiday. This marks the first red alert for the city this month, following a previous warning on July 25. As rainfall continues, the water stock in Mumbai’s seven lakes has risen to 99.26 percent.

Bengal: More Trouble for Mamata in RG Kar Rape-Murder Case

The CBI, investigating the larger conspiracy behind the destruction of evidence related to the rape and murder of a 31-year-old intern at the R G Kar Medical College, has informed the court that false records were allegedly created at a local police station. The agency claimed that the former officer-in-charge of the station had multiple conversations with the former principal of the medical college on the day of the crime. This revelation is likely to place the Mamata Banerjee government in a difficult position, as it is already facing accusations of attempting to cover up the issue in the initial days.

On The Ground

Swarajya's Abhishek Kumar jumped into the action with Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraaj Yatra for a day, and he's got the inside scoop! From the buzzing atmosphere to the passionate supporters, he shares six standout observations that capture the heart of this political movement. If you’re curious about the real story behind the Kishor's Yatra across Bihar, you won’t want to miss this! Read the full report here.

Stay tuned for more updates and insights.