Morning Brief: Mamata Blinks After 38-Day Doctors' Protest; Kejriwal Likely To Resign As Delhi CM; Apple Outpaces Samsung In Indian Smartphone Market

Dear reader, start your day informed with the latest updates and key takeaways.

Mamata Forced To Remove Top Officials Amid Doctor Protests

After over a month of protests sparked by the rape-and-murder of a junior doctor, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has announced the removal of senior police and health officials. The decision follows demands from protesting doctors and came after Banerjee's late-night talks with their delegation. The junior doctors described the talks as "positive" but will consult their colleagues before deciding on resuming work.

Mamata's announcement is viewed as a capitulation of sorts. After the doctors returned, the protest site took on a festive atmosphere. The junior doctors celebrated the state's acceptance of their demands as a significant victory after 38 days of protest. However, they stated that the protest and associated casework will only be lifted when the government delivers on its promises.

Kejriwal To Resign As Delhi CM, Successor To Be Decided Soon

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal will resign from his post on today (17 September), AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj confirmed. Kejriwal will meet Lt Governor VK Saxena at 4:30 pm to tender his resignation. Senior AAP leaders are currently meeting to discuss the party’s next steps and choose a successor, with a final decision expected at a legislative meeting tomorrow. Kejriwal has held individual discussions with top leaders to gather feedback on the next Chief Minister. Opposition parties have dismissed the Delhi CM's decision to resign as a "PR stunt" aimed at image correction. The decision has also led to widespread speculation about the possibility of early elections in Delhi.

Apple Outpaces Samsung In Indian Smartphone Market

Apple has outpaced Samsung in revenue in India, despite shipping fewer devices. In the first half of 2024, Apple shipped 4.8 million units, generating $4.56 billion in revenue. Samsung, on the other hand, shipped nearly double the number of units at 9.8 million but earned $3.43 billion. This represents a $1.13 billion revenue gap between the two companies. The surge in Apple's revenue comes amid a decline in Samsung's shipments, which fell by 15.4 percent year-on-year. Apple’s growth is driven by increased manufacturing in India and high average selling prices.

India Gets 14 Per Cent Surplus Rain In First Half of September

India experienced a 14 per cent surplus in rainfall during the first half of September. From September 1 to 15, the country received 108.5 mm of rain, exceeding the normal of 95.2 mm. This has contributed to an overall seasonal rainfall of 108 per cent of the long period average (LPA) from June 1 to September 15.

While June saw an 11 per cent rainfall deficit, July recorded a 9 per cent surplus, and August saw a 16 per cent surplus. The India Meteorological Department has forecasted above-normal rainfall (over 109 per cent of LPA) for September.

Other Developments

India Blasts Iran’s Supreme Leader For Hypocrisy On Minority Rights

India blasted Iran’s Supreme Leader Khamenei after he grouped the country with Gaza and Myanmar, claiming Muslims are suffering in these regions. In a post on X, Khamenei stated that Muslims cannot ignore the struggles faced in these areas. India swiftly condemned the remarks as “misinformed” and “unacceptable.”

The Ministry of External Affairs slammed Iran for its hypocrisy, telling Khamenei to look at his own record of poor treatment of minorities before making comments on others. Ironically, Khamenei’s statement came on the second anniversary of Mahsa Amini’s death, the 22-year-old Iranian woman who was beaten to death in police custody for protesting the hijab, sparking massive protests across Iran.

PLI Scheme For Containers Hits Rough Seas Over Costs

A government proposal for a production-linked incentive scheme for shipping containers is at risk due to cost concerns raised by NITI Aayog. The think tank has highlighted that the cost of manufacturing containers in India is significantly higher than global costs, with domestic prices ranging from Rs 3.5-4 lakh compared to Rs 1.5-2 lakh in China.

NITI Aayog suggested that the cost in India should be no more than 15-20 per cent above global levels, which would cap the price at Rs 2.4 lakh per container. The think tank has advised the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways to consider importing containers if domestic production remains uncompetitive.

27 SC Judges Report Assets, No Public Access

Out of 33 current Supreme Court judges, 27 have declared their assets and liabilities to the Chief Justice of India, but these details are not publicly available. This update follows a parliamentary recommendation for mandatory asset disclosures for Supreme Court and High Court judges. Previously, asset declarations of 55 former Supreme Court judges were publicly accessible, but they are now missing. A Supreme Court official explained that the removal of former judges' records and the voluntary nature of public disclosure are the reasons behind the missing information.

From The States

BJP's Bihar Allies Back 'One Nation, One Election' Plan

BJP allies from Bihar, the JD(U) and the LJP, have expressed their support for the "one nation, one election" plan. This follows the government's reaffirmation of its commitment to achieving synchronized elections during Prime Minister Modi's current term. JD(U) believes that returning to the synchronized polls system, used until 1967, will enhance development and cut election costs. LJP added that frequent elections disrupt government projects and incur high expenses, aligning with Modi's call for simultaneous elections to improve the government's functioning.

Congress Skips Article 370 In J&K Manifesto

The Congress released its Jammu and Kashmir Assembly election manifesto on September 18, the last day of campaigning for the first phase of voting. Notably, the manifesto does not address Article 370, a significant issue highlighted by regional parties and the National Conference. Instead, Congress promises to restore statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, pledging inclusive and accountable governance. Party spokesperson Pawan Khera emphasised that voting for Congress and its allies is the path to securing rights, while other choices might benefit the BJP. Experts suggest that Congress may not significantly alter its stance on Article 370 if it gains power.

Modi To Launch Odisha’s Subhadra Scheme

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Odisha on Tuesday to launch the state’s ‘Subhadra’ scheme. He will also lay the foundation stone and dedicate railway projects worth Rs 2,800 crore. The ‘Subhadra’ yojana aims to benefit over one crore women, providing Rs 50,000 each over five years. Modi will initiate the fund transfer to more than 10 lakh women on September 17.

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