Morning Brief: Netflix Series On IC 814 Hijacking Slammed For Distortion, Monsoon Fury In Andhra And Telangana, RRTS Set To Roll Into Delhi

Dear reader, dive into the day’s key updates and headlines.  

Netflix Series On IC 814 Hijacking Slammed For Distortion

Filmmaker Anubhav Sinha’s IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack Story on Netflix has ignited a firestorm of controversy since its August 29 premiere. The series, which claims to depict the 1999 hijacking of Indian Airlines Flight 814, seems to have missed the memo on accuracy and sensitivity. Instead of a gripping portrayal, viewers are treated to a glorified fantasy where terrorists are cast as misunderstood heroes and the Indian government as a bumbling mess. Critics have slammed the show for its ham-fisted attempt at ISI PR, accusing it of rewriting history to fit a convenient narrative. Despite a cast that delivers strong performances, the series spectacularly fails to convey the gravity of the crisis, leaving audiences with a distorted, and frankly, laughable depiction of a tragic event.

Monsoon Fury In Andhra, Telangana

Over 17,000 people have been evacuated from Andhra Pradesh as relentless rains cause severe flooding and property damage across the coastal state and neighboring Telangana. The downpour, driven by a low-pressure system, has led to widespread road closures, leaving thousands stranded. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reached out to Andhra CM Chandrababu Naidu and Telangana CM Revanth Reddy, offering assistance as more rain is anticipated. The rains have claimed at least nine lives in Andhra and ten in Telangana, with additional people reported missing. The Railways has canceled 140 trains and diverted 97, stranding nearly 6,000 passengers.

RRTS Set To Roll Into Delhi

The Anand Vihar RRTS is approaching completion, with final touches underway. The operational 42-km stretch from Meerut South to Sahibabad sets the stage for a new phase, with trial runs on the 6.5-km segment from Sahibabad to Anand Vihar scheduled to start in November. Anand Vihar's RRTS station is poised to enhance connectivity, seamlessly linking Delhi Metro, Indian Railways, and various bus networks. The Delhi section features a 9-km elevated viaduct and a 5-km underground stretch, with track laying, overhead electrification, and signaling progressing rapidly. The RRTS trains will run at speeds up to 180 km/h, promising faster travel across Delhi NCR. The first phase includes three prioritized corridors, with five more in the planning stages.

Other Developments

Centre May Double Coverage Under Its Insurance Schemes

Ahead of high-stakes state assembly elections, the central government is considering a major increase in its flagship life and accident insurance schemes. The life cover under Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY) could rise from Rs 2 lakh to Rs 5 lakh. Similarly, Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY) might see its cover increase from Rs 2 lakh to Rs 5 lakh for death or disability due to accidents. This push is part of the "insurance for all by 2047" initiative, addressing India's lower-than-global-average insurance penetration of 4 per cent.

Indian Troops Prepare For Fifth Winter On LAC

As Indian troops brace for a fifth winter in eastern Ladakh amidst the ongoing standoff with China, the Army is ramping up its logistics network. This includes upgrading last mile connectivity with trucks, all-terrain vehicles, and heavy cargo drones, while also monitoring stock levels twice daily. Additionally, efforts are underway to deploy exoskeleton suits and robotic mules, although traditional animal transport remains crucial in challenging terrains. The Army is also enhancing joint logistics nodes to ensure seamless support for troops in the harsh conditions.

Russia Could Lower Threshold For Use Of Nukes

Russia plans to revise its nuclear doctrine in response to what it perceives as Western escalation in the Ukraine conflict, according to Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov. The current doctrine, outlined in 2020, permits nuclear use in case of a nuclear or existential conventional threat. Some military analysts in Russia have urged for a lower threshold for nuclear use to deter the West. Putin recently hinted at the possibility of changes, and Ryabkov’s remarks confirm that adjustments are forthcoming.

"Far-Right" Set To Win German State For First Time Since WWII

Projections for Germany’s closely watched elections on Sunday (1 September) indicate that the anti-migrant Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, what has often been labeled as a "far-right" party, is poised to win a state for the first time since World War II. The AfD is leading in one state and running a close second in Saxony, a larger neighboring state. If these projections are confirmed by official results, it would mark the first time the AfD secures a state government in postwar Germany. With national elections just a year away, the AfD currently holds the second spot in national opinion polls.

From The States

Himachal: Sukhu May Roll Back Subsidies Amid Financial Strain

With Himachal Pradesh facing financial strain, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and the Congress government are set to review and potentially roll back various subsidies. The government is focusing on addressing the impact of costly initiatives such as Rs 1,500 monthly payments for women and the Old Pension Scheme. Plans include ending several subsidies, including free electricity for hotels and full subsidies for women’s bus travel, while introducing a 50 per cent bus travel subsidy and revising water supply policies.

Bihar: Prashant Kishor Dares RJD To Field 40 Muslim Candidates

Jan Suraaj chief Prashant Kishor on Sunday (1 September) accused the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) of exploiting Muslims as a vote bank, demanding that they be given election tickets proportional to their population in Bihar. Kishor argued that if RJD truly worked for the community's benefit, Muslims should be represented in at least 40 Vidhan Sabha seats. He criticized the party for taking votes without granting adequate representation. Kishor also claimed that Jan Suraaj would win the upcoming assembly elections, declaring that in 2025, a Jan Suraaj Chief Minister would be in power.

Fresh Violence Erupts in Manipur

Violence has erupted again in Manipur’s inter-district boundary areas, with two deaths and ten injuries, including two police officers and a TV reporter, from gunfire and bombings in Imphal West’s Koutruk. The Manipur police reported that alleged Kuki militants used advanced drones to deploy RPGs in the attack. This marks a significant escalation, as the use of drone-delivered explosives against civilians and security forces is unprecedented. The police suspect involvement of highly trained professionals with technical expertise.

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