Morning Brief: Meltdown Over Modi's Ganpati Puja Visit To Chief Justice’s Home; Doval To Meet Chinese Foreign Minister; India To Pull Up Amazon For Competition Law Violations

Dear reader, here’s your snapshot of today’s top headlines to stay on top of the news.

Meltdown Over Modi's Ganpati Puja Visit To Chief Justice’s Home

Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended Ganpati Puja celebrations at Chief Justice DY Chandrachud's residence in New Delhi on Wednesday. This has caused an uproar in the far-left, with many alleging it indicates a compromised judiciary. Lawyer and activist Indira Jaising, a prominent far-left figure, criticized the event, stating, "Chief Justice of India has compromised the separation of powers between the Executive and Judiciary," and called on the Supreme Court Bar Association to "condemn this publicly displayed compromise." Ironically, many Congress members have jumped on the condemnation bandwagon, blissfully oblivious to their party's cozy relationships with past Chief Justices.

Doval to Meet Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi 

National Security Adviser Ajit Doval is scheduled to meet Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on Thursday at a Brics meeting in Russia, with the border standoff expected to be a key topic. Doval is in St Petersburg for the Brics NSAs and senior officials' meeting on security. He had a brief encounter with Wang, who is also China's foreign minister and a member of the Communist Party’s central committee. Recent weeks have seen some improvement in relations, with India approving a few Chinese investment proposals. The meeting will likely address ongoing border issues and potential for further cooperation.

India To Pull Up Amazon for Competition Law Violations

India is preparing to take action against Amazon for alleged breaches of competition law under stricter new regulations. The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has confirmed charges of anti-competitive behavior by Amazon Seller Services and is poised to issue a notice to the company. The Director General of Investigation has submitted a report backing these charges. The CCI will review the findings and grant Amazon a hearing before issuing a final order and potential penalty. CCI can impose fines of up to 10 per cent of a company’s global turnover for anti-competitive practices.

Other Developments

SC To Decide Fate Of Rs 23,000 Crore Tax Notices Pending For 18 Years

The Supreme Court is set to rule on the fate of Rs 23,000 crore worth of tax notices issued by the Department of Revenue Intelligence, pending for 18 years. The case will determine if the DRI has the authority to issue these notices, following a 2021 ruling that limited its powers. A three-judge bench, led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, is reviewing a government petition to revisit this decision. Additional Solicitor General N. Venkatraman stressed the case’s importance, noting that Delhi alone has around 800 pending cases. He argued that the 2021 judgment was flawed, seeking to revalidate the notices. The hearings will be crucial in determining the future of these tax demands.

Government Approves Rs 10,900 Crore For New EV Subsidy Scheme

The government has approved a Rs 10,900 crore subsidy scheme under PM e-drive. This initiative will target electric buses, trucks, e-two and three-wheelers, and charging infrastructure. The scheme will allocate Rs 4,300-4,400 crore for electric buses, making it the largest segment of the subsidy outlay. Funds will also be allocated for electric trucks and cars. Development of charging infrastructure is anticipated to get a significant boost of Rs 1,000-1,200 crore, addressing a major challenge in EV deployment.

Ayushman Bharat Cover For All Aged 70 And Above

The government has approved the expansion of the Ayushman Bharat health scheme to include all citizens aged 70 and above, no matter their income. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that this change will provide Rs 5 lakh in health coverage to an extra 6 crore seniors in the country. The scheme previously only helped the poorest 40 per cent of people. Seniors already enrolled will get an extra Rs 5 lakh coverage each year. New cards will be issued to those eligible under this expansion.

Israel Dismisses Concerns About Jobs Scheme For Indians

Israel has dismissed concerns about its jobs scheme for Indian workers, which The Indian Express reported was 'unraveling'. The Israeli immigration authority acknowledged "initial difficulties" due to cultural differences and language barriers as Indian workers entered the construction sector under a bilateral agreement. However, it stressed that most employers are now satisfied with the workforce. In response to these early challenges, Israel's Population and Immigration Authority (PIBA) temporarily allowed construction workers to register for industrial jobs. Moreover, new reports suggest Israel is launching a recruitment drive to hire 10,000 more construction workers and 5,000 caregivers.

From The States

Clashes In Mandya As Stones Disrupt Ganpati Procession

Tensions flared in Karnataka's Mandya district, after clashes broke out between two groups during a Ganpati procession. Stones were reportedly thrown at the procession from near a mosque, leading to widespread unrest. Shops and businesses were set on fire, prompting the police to impose restrictions in the area. Hindu protesters demanded the immediate arrest of those responsible for the incident.

Doctors Demand Live Telecast Of Meeting With Mamata Banerjee

Doctors protesting the RG Kar case have agreed to meet with the government but insist on a live telecast and a 30-member delegation. The Mamata Banerjee-led government had initially requested a 10-15 member team for the meeting at the state secretariat. The meeting was prompted by ongoing protests by doctors, who have ignored a Supreme Court order to return to duty by September 10. Doctors have also demanded the removal of the Health Secretary, who sent the meeting request.

Clashes In Shimla Over 'Illegal' Mosque 

Protesters demanding the demolition of an allegedly illegal mosque clashed with police in Shimla's Sanjauli area on Wednesday, despite prohibitory orders. The mob, which included members of the Hindu Jagran Manch, overturned barricades and threw stones, prompting police to use lathi charges and water cannons. Himachal Pradesh Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh stated that the mosque would be demolished if deemed illegal by the Shimla municipal commissioner's court. Former Himachal CM Jai Ram Thakur criticised the use of force, accusing the state government of insensitivity.

Keep an eye out—more exciting stories are on the horizon!