ModiWatch: Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy before departing New York for New Delhi. The two leaders discussed enhancing collaboration in international forums, particularly the UN and the G20, while also focusing on implementing the Peace Formula and preparing for the second Peace Summit. Although it was expected that India’s purchase of Russian oil would be addressed, the foreign ministry denied this.

Additionally, PM Modi held talks with To Lam, the President of Vietnam, aiming to strengthen bilateral ties in areas such as connectivity, trade, and culture.

G4 Security Council Permanent Seat Bids

S. Jaishankar meets foreign ministers of G4 nations: During his official visit to the U.S., Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar met with his counterparts from the G4 nations (Brazil, Germany, India, Japan) to discuss supporting each other's bids for permanent seats on the United Nations Security Council. Jaishankar also held talks with Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil, focusing on potential areas of energy, health and economic cooperation between the two countries.

Power and Energy

$107.06 billion investment plans by the ministry of power: While addressing a press conference in Delhi, Union Power Minister, Manohar Lal announced India’s strategy for achieving the 458GW demand by 2032. The National Electricity Plan 2023-32 involves attracting $107.6 billion in investments to meet future demands while incorporating emerging technologies like renewable energy and green hydrogen into grids.

Manufacturing and Exports

India to export locomotives to Africa from Marhowra plant: Wabtec Locomotive Private Limited, a joint venture with Indian Railways, is set to export Evolution Series ES43ACmi locomotives to Africa, marking the first time its Marhowra plant will supply to a global customer. The plant, which has manufactured around 650 locomotives for Indian Railways since 2018, will begin exports in 2025. This aligns with the “Make in India” and “Make for the World” initiatives to strengthen India's position as a global locomotive manufacturing hub. 

Spices Board aims for $25 billion in exports by 2047: The Spices Board is targeting $25 billion in annual exports of spices and spice-based products by 2047, up from the current $4.4 billion, according to Director of Development Dharmendra Das. Speaking at the United Planters Association of Southern India (UPASI) annual conference in Coonoor, Das noted that annual production needs to rise to 17 million tonnes to satisfy domestic demand of 13 million tonnes and exports of 2.7 million tonnes by 2047. Currently, India consumes 10 million tonnes and exports 1.42 million tonnes of spices. Ginger exports are surging, boasting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 27%, while chilli remains the top earner at $1.1 billion.

Industry and Commerce

Piyush Goyal urges realtors to ensure ESIC and PF registrations: Addressing an event organised by The Confederation of Real Estate Developers' Associations of India (CREDAI), Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, asked the real estate industry to provide guaranteed Employees' State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) and provident fund (PF) registration for 70 million people working in the sector. In an attempt to make India self-reliant, he also asked India Inc., including realty firms, to set up manufacturing facilities for construction equipment.

India participates in the third IPEF ministerial meeting: Union Commerce and Industry Minister, Piyush Goyal, along with 13 other ministers, virtually attended the third Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) ministerial meeting. IPEF partners welcomed the upcoming implementation of the Clean Economy Agreement, Fair Economy Agreement, and the IPEF Overarching Agreement. The meeting highlighted the potential for improved economic cooperation and the tangible benefits these agreements could bring under IPEF for Prosperity.

JP Morgan eyes expansion in southeast asia: JP Morgan is ramping up its investments in Southeast Asia with a strong focus on India and Japan. Sjoerd Leenart, CEO of JP Morgan Asia Pacific, said that the bank is “investing on all fronts in India,” with expectations of 30% growth in the region over the next few years.

Consumer Affairs

Centre forms committee to develop mobile repairability index framework: The Department of Consumer Affairs (DoCA) has established a committee of experts, chaired by Bharat Khera, Additional Secretary of DoCA, to create a framework for a repairability index in the mobile and electronics sector. The committee will recommend policies, rules, and guidelines to promote the repair of electronic devices to help consumers make informed choices. 

Delhi Today: Humid with intervals of clouds and sunshine; a thunderstorm in spots in the afternoon.

Delhi experienced poor air quality on Tuesday, with a smoky haze engulfing the city. The Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 169, with PM2.5 levels 5.9 times above the World Health Organization's (WHO) recommended guidelines for 24-hour air quality. The onset of the stubble burning season has been confirmed by satellite imagery, revealing 124 agricultural fires in neighbouring states from September 15 to September 23.

Rajya Sabha: Not in session.

Lok Sabha: Not in session.