🇮🇳 India Domestic

1. Projects in Assam

   • PM Modi inaugurated the Assam Bioethanol Plant (~₹5,000 crore), which is India’s first bamboo-based bio-refinery.

   • He also laid the foundation stone for a Polypropylene plant (₹7,230 crore) at Numaligarh Refinery Ltd., Golaghat.

2. Stocks Rise on Trade Talk Optimism
   Indian stock benchmarks opened higher on expectations of positive developments in trade discussions with the United States. There is also anticipation around upcoming U.S. Federal Reserve policy decisions.

3. PM Modi’s 75th Birthday Celebrations & Related Initiatives

   • The country observed various ceremonies (Ganga Aarti, rangoli, etc.) to mark PM Modi’s 75th birthday.

   • Uttar Pradesh launched a two-week plantation drive (“Sewa Parv”) starting 17 September, aiming to plant saplings (geo-tagged) across Nagar Vans, degraded lands, rivers etc. UP’s target is 15 lakh saplings.

   • Gujarat initiated a statewide health campaign from 17 September to 2 October, offering free health services (screening, specialist consultations, etc.) in all government health institutions.

4. Strong Words on National Security

   • In a speech in Dhar, Madhya Pradesh on 17 September, PM Modi said that “New India” no longer fears threats, and emphasised that in case of cross-border terrorism, India will strike back decisively.

5. Strategic / Infrastructure Plans

   • Announcement that PM Modi will lay the foundation stone for the Mahi Banswara Rajasthan Atomic Power Plant on 25 September. The plant is planned to have 4 indigenous PHWR units (700 MWe each), total capacity ~2,800 MW. Estimated cost ~₹50,000 crore.

   • Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Piyush Goyal, is set for a two-day visit to UAE from 18-19 September to co-chair the 13th India-UAE High Level Joint Task Force on Investments, to review trade agreement progress and seek new opportunities.