ModiWatch: Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed sorrow over the loss of lives in a building collapse in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. He announced an ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh for the families of the deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured.

At the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, is on an official visit to India from 9-10 September 2024. This marks his first visit to India as Crown Prince, accompanied by UAE Ministers and a business delegation.

India's technical textile industry set to soar: Union Minister of Textiles, Giriraj Singh, expressed confidence that India's technical textile industry would exceed its $10 billion target for 2030 during a conference in New Delhi. He highlighted the government's commitment to the sector through initiatives like the National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM) and the PLI Scheme for MMF fabric, apparel and technical textiles. Singh emphasised the potential of Meditech and hygiene products, as well as the development of high-performance fibres for industries like aerospace, automobile and construction. The minister launched the NTTM Compendium and awarded certificates to 11 approved start-ups, reaffirming the government's support in making India a global leader in technical textiles manufacturing and consumption.

Successful launch of Agni-4 ballistic missile: On Friday, India’s Strategic Forces Command successfully conducted the launch of the Agni-4 Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile from the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur, Odisha. The test validated all operational and technical parameters.

Enhancing India-Mediterranean cooperation for economic growth: Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Piyush Goyal, highlighted the importance of lower logistics costs, faster connectivity, and secure goods movement through enhanced cooperation under the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). He stated that initiatives like the PLI scheme and the government's efforts in Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) through free trade agreements and economic partnerships, have strengthened India's manufacturing and agri-value chains. Goyal proposed establishing a working group on tourism between India and Mediterranean nations to maximise mutual benefits. He also underscored the shared interests in the shipping sector, including shipbuilding, maritime, and the cruise industry, with plans to double port capacity within the next five years. Goyal said he is optimistic about IMEC, envisioning economic prosperity, sustainability, and resilience for both regions.

Strengthening India-Japan digital and strategic ties: Information and Broadcasting, and Electronics and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw met with Japan's Digital Transformation Minister Taro Kono in Tokyo to explore collaboration in digital innovation. He also met with Tadashi Maeda, Chairman of the Japan Bank for International Cooperation, to discuss the India-Japan strategic partnership. Additionally, Vaishnaw held talks with Masafumi Mori, Special Advisor to Japan's Prime Minister, and Japan's Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism, Tetsuo Saito, focusing on enhancing railway cooperation and strengthening bilateral ties.

Suspected Mpox case in India: A young man who recently returned to India from a country with active Mpox transmission has been identified as a suspected case. He is currently isolated in hospital and stable. Indian health authorities are testing samples to confirm the diagnosis, whilst conducting contact tracing. India’s Ministry of Health and Family Welfare assures the public that there is no cause for alarm, as India is well-prepared to handle such cases.

India is open to dialogue with Pakistan if terrorism ends, says defence minister: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, while addressing an election rally in Jammu and Kashmir's Ramban district, stated that India is ready to engage in dialogue with Pakistan, provided it stops supporting terrorism in the region. Singh emphasised that the revocation of Article 370 aimed to end the people's suffering and boost prosperity in Jammu and Kashmir. He expressed India's desire for improved relations with its neighbour, acknowledging that while friends can be changed, neighbours cannot. However, Singh asserted that once Pakistan discontinues sponsoring terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, India would be prepared to initiate talks.

NSA Doval heads to Moscow: National Security Advisor Ajit Doval is set to visit Russia this week for a BRICS security conclave, amidst growing interest in India's potential role as a mediator in the Ukraine conflict. The trip follows Prime Minister Modi's recent visits to both Moscow and Kyiv, sparking speculation about India's diplomatic efforts. Whilst primarily attending the BRICS meeting, Doval is expected to engage in talks with his Russian counterpart, potentially exploring avenues for peace in the region.

Jaishankar arrives in Riyadh for the first India-GCC foreign ministers' meeting: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar arrived in Riyadh on Sunday, marking the start of his three-nation tour, which includes stops in Germany and Switzerland. In Riyadh, he will attend the inaugural India-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Foreign Ministers' Meeting and hold bilateral talks with GCC counterparts.

Quad summit swapped to Delaware, India to host in 2025: The United States and India have agreed to swap hosting duties for the upcoming Quad Summit, allowing U.S. President Joe Biden to host the meeting in his hometown of Delaware on September 21. Originally scheduled to be held in India, the summit will now be hosted by India in 2025, bringing together Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida alongside President Biden.

Delhi Today: Partly sunny with widely separated thunderstorms

Rajya Sabha: Not in session.

Lok Sabha: Not in session.