The week of September 15th to 21st was a whirlwind of political activity, both on the global stage and within national boundaries. Here’s a breakdown of the key events that shaped the week:
Global Diplomacy: Quad Summit in Wilmington
President Joe Biden hosted the Quad Summit in his hometown of Wilmington, Delaware, marking the first time he’s invited a foreign leader to his hometown as President. The summit brought together leaders from India, Australia, and Japan, signifying the importance of the Quad alliance in the Indo-Pacific region. Bilateral meetings between Biden and each of the Prime Ministers were also held, highlighting the strong relationships between the United States and its key allies.
Manipur Crisis Escalates: Foreign Hand Alleged
The ongoing crisis in Manipur took a dramatic turn as Chief Minister N Biren Singh accused foreign involvement. The arrest of a Myanmar national, Thanglinkap, a member of the Kuki National Army (Burma), who was allegedly conducting reconnaissance missions, fueled the allegation. Singh expressed gratitude to the Assam Rifles for apprehending the individual and reiterated his belief that the crisis is fueled by external forces.
Delhi’s Political Landscape Shifts: Kejriwal Resigns, Atishi Takes Over
The political landscape of Delhi experienced a significant shift as Arvind Kejriwal submitted his resignation as Chief Minister. This move comes after a Supreme Court order granting him bail in a money laundering case related to Delhi’s excise policy. Atishi, a close confidante of Kejriwal, was nominated by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) legislators to succeed him, setting the stage for a new chapter in Delhi’s governance.
Kolkata’s Medical Strike Ends After 42 Days
Junior doctors in Kolkata partially lifted their 42-day cease-work agitation after assurances from the West Bengal government. Emergency services resumed on Saturday, and the doctors will conclude their protest with a rally from their protest site to the CBI office. The decision to end the strike was influenced by the ongoing flood situation in the state.
Supreme Court’s YouTube Channel Hacked
In a concerning incident, the official YouTube channel of the Supreme Court of India was hacked, leading to the display of cryptocurrency videos during court proceedings. The videos promoted a cryptocurrency developed by Ripple Labs, a US-based company. The channel was taken down immediately after the breach was identified.
Tirupati Laddu Controversy Heats Up
A political row erupted over allegations of ghee adulteration in the famed Tirupati laddu. YSRCP leader Jagan Mohan Reddy denied the allegations, while Union Ministers JP Nadda and Pralhad Joshi called for an investigation into the matter. The YSRCP filed a petition in the Andhra Pradesh High Court seeking a probe into the claims made by the ruling party.
India Extends Budgetary Support to Maldives
India has extended crucial budgetary support to the Maldives government by rolling over a USD 50 million Treasury Bill for another year. This generous gesture was made at the request of the Maldivian government, demonstrating India’s commitment to its neighboring nation.
These events highlight the complex interplay of global diplomacy, domestic politics, and social issues. From international alliances to local governance, the week was filled with developments that will shape the future of both nations and individuals.
