Trump Unveils 20-Point Peace Plan For Gaza; US Sanctions On Chabahar Port Take Effect; And More

Trump Unveils 20-Point Gaza Peace Plan, Proposes 72-Hour Hostage Release

President Donald Trump on Monday released a comprehensive peace plan aimed at ending the Israel-Hamas conflict, proposing the return of all hostages within 72 hours of Israeli acceptance.

The 20-point proposal establishes a temporary governing board headed by Trump, including former British Prime Minister Tony Blair. Under the plan, Gaza residents would be encouraged to remain, while Israeli forces would withdraw in phases following a hostage release.

"If both sides agree to the proposal, the war will immediately end," the White House stated. The plan calls for Hamas's disarmament and an end to its rule in Gaza, replaced by an international security force for law enforcement and a Palestinian technocratic committee overseeing civilian affairs.

Trump emphasized Israel has "full backing" to defeat Hamas if the militants reject the deal. The proposal includes exchanging all hostages for 250 Palestinians serving life sentences and 1,700 Gaza detainees, while offering amnesty to Hamas members who commit to peace and disarm.

Economic revival features prominently, with plans for a special economic zone and investment initiatives to rebuild Gaza. "New Gaza will be fully committed to building a prosperous economy and peaceful coexistence," the plan states, while acknowledging Palestinian aspirations for self-determination and eventual statehood.

Hamas negotiators reportedly told mediators they would review the plan "in good faith." World leaders, including France's Macron and Britain's Starmer, welcomed the initiative, urging immediate implementation and hostage release.

In India, PM Narendra Modi welcomed US President Trump's peace proposal.

India's Industrial Growth Rises 4 Per Cent In August, Mining Surges Despite Manufacturing Slowdown

India's industrial production grew 4 per cent in August 2025, driven by a robust mining sector recovery, though manufacturing momentum weakened, National Statistics Office (NSO) data showed Monday.

The Index of Industrial Production (IIP) was propelled by a 6 per cent surge in mining, a sharp turnaround from last year's 4.3 per cent contraction. Manufacturing expanded 3.8 per cent, up from 1.2 per cent year-on-year but significantly lower than July's 6 per cent. Electricity generation recovered 4.1 per cent after contracting 3.7 per cent in August 2024.

Sector-wise performance showed divergence. Basic metals manufacturing jumped 12.2 per cent, while motor vehicles, trailers and semi-trailers rose 9.8 per cent. Infrastructure and construction goods demonstrated strength with 10.6 per cent growth, compared to 2.7 per cent previously. Capital goods increased 4.4 per cent and intermediate goods expanded 5 per cent.

However, consumer segments weakened notably. Durables slowed to 3.5 per cent growth, while non-durables contracted 6.3 per cent.

The NSO revised July's IIP growth upward from 3.5 per cent to 4.3 per cent. Despite individual monthly gains, cumulative April-August growth slowed to 2.8 per cent from 4.3 per cent in the corresponding period last year, signalling broader economic challenges.

Other developments

US Sanctions Hit India's Chabahar Port Project in Iran, Ending 2018 Waiver

US sanctions on India's Chabahar port project in Iran officially took effect, ending a waiver granted since 2018 and placing New Delhi in a strategic bind between regional interests and American penalties.

The move forms part of President Donald Trump's "maximum pressure" campaign against Tehran. State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott said the exemption, originally carved out for Afghanistan's reconstruction, was "no longer justified" after the Taliban takeover, adding the revocation aligns with efforts to "isolate the Iranian regime."

Chabahar was India's gateway to Afghanistan, bypassing Pakistan and countering China's nearby Gwadar port. Despite reduced relevance post-2021, India signed a $370 million, 10-year expansion agreement last year, underscoring the port's strategic value.

Indian entities, including state-run India Ports Global Limited, now have 45 days to exit or face asset freezes and exclusion from US financial systems.

Former sanctions official Joshua Kretman warned entities needing "access to major banks or dollar clearing" face "legitimate reason for concern."

Foreign ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India is "examining the implications." Analysts suggest New Delhi will adopt a cautious "wait-and-watch approach," though some see potential leverage in maintaining Iran ties for broader geopolitical negotiations.

Tamil Nadu: NDA Delegation To Visit Karur After Stampede

An eight-member NDA delegation led by BJP MP Hema Malini will visit Karur to assess circumstances surrounding Saturday's stampede at actor-politician Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) rally that killed 41 people and injured over 60.

The delegation, constituted by BJP chief JP Nadda, includes Anurag Thakur, Tejasvi Surya, Aprajita Sarangi, Rekha Sharma, Shiv Sena's Shrikant Shinde, and TDP's Putta Mahesh Kumar. They will submit a detailed report after meeting affected families.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman met bereaved families Monday, telling reporters: "I can't describe their sorrow. I am shattered."

Chief Minister MK Stalin called it "a cruel tragedy that should never happen again," stressing responsible organisation of public events.

TVK district secretary Mathiazhagan was arrested near the Karur-Dindigul border, booked under BNS sections 105, 110, 125, and 223. Two other TVK office bearers were also named in the FIR.