 "FirstUp: PM Modi to address Summit of the Future at UN and other big news")
September 23, Monday, is going to be an eventful day.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to address the Summit of the Future at the UN General Assembly in New York as part of his US visit from September 21 to 23.
A Delhi court is expected to resume its hearing in the sexual harassment case filed by several female wrestlers against former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.
The judicial custody of the former principal of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, Sandip Ghosh, who has been arrested in connection with the rape and murder case of a postgraduate trainee doctor in Kolkata and financial irregularities, is set to end today.
US President Joe Biden is set to hold talks with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan at the White House on key issues including the Gaza conflict, Sudan, and responsible AI development.
The ninth round of talks for the India-European Union (EU) free trade agreement (FTA) is likely to take place from September 23-27 in New Delhi.
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Amanatullah Khan’s judicial custody will conclude today, and he is expected to appear in court in connection with a money laundering case linked to alleged irregularities in the Delhi Waqf Board.
Here’s a look at the events taking place today.
PM Modi’s US Visit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on a visit to the United States from September 21 to 23. His trip began with the Quad Leaders’ Summit, hosted by US President Joe Biden in Wilmington, Delaware. The summit was also attended by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of Australia and Prime Minister Kishida Fumio of Japan.
On Monday, the prime minister will address several global leaders at the Summit of the Future at the UN headquarters in New York. Following this, he will participate in a round table discussion with CEOs from American companies specialising in AI, quantum computing, and semiconductors.
According to the UN, the Summit of the Future is aimed at bringing together world leaders to build a new international consensus focused on creating a “better present and safeguard the future.”
Brij Bhushan’s hearing in sexual harassment case
A Delhi court is set to resume the hearing of a sexual harassment case filed by several female wrestlers against former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh today. Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Priyanka Rajpoot was scheduled to record the testimony of one of the complainants earlier, however, the session was adjourned due to the wrestler’s absence.
On May 10, the court ordered that sexual harassment and other charges be framed against Brij Bhushan based on “sufficient evidence” provided by the six female wrestlers. The charges against him include IPC sections 354 (assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty), 354A (sexual harassment) and 506 (criminal intimidation).
Notably, star wrestlers Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik, and Vinesh Phogat led a protest accusing Brij Bhushan of sexual harassment last year. Since then, Singh’s attempts to quash the charges have been met with resistance from both the complainants as well as the Delhi Police.
Earlier this month, Brij Bhushan, addressing a rally in Uttar Pradesh’s Gonda, said, “When allegations were put against me, I said that it’s a conspiracy by Congress, Deepender Hooda, and Bhupinder Hooda. I have said it earlier, the country is saying it today. Now, I needn’t say anything about it.”
Sandip Ghosh’s judicial custody ends
The judicial custody of Sandip Ghosh, the former principal of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, who was arrested in connection with the rape and murder of a doctor as well as financial irregularities at the college, is set to end today.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is probing both the financial discrepancies and possible links to the doctor’s death in this case. Nationwide protests erupted after a postgraduate trainee doctor was raped and murdered at RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata on August 9, 2023. The medical community, along with doctors and nurses across India, has rallied for justice across the country.
A day after the incident, the Kolkata Police arrested a civic volunteer. However, due to dissatisfaction with the local investigation, the Calcutta High Court handed over the case to the CBI for further inquiry.
Joe Biden-UAE President To Hold Key Talks
US President Joe Biden is set to welcome UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to the White House for discussions on the Gaza conflict, Sudan, and responsible artificial intelligence development.
White House spokesperson John Kirby confirmed that this will be the first official visit of a UAE president to Washington. In addition to meeting Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris will hold a separate meeting with the UAE leader.
The discussions will focus on further strengthening the historic ties between the UAE and the US, which date back over 50 years. Both leaders will explore new opportunities for collaboration, particularly in areas such as the economy, technology, artificial intelligence, space, renewable energy, climate action, and other aspects that focus on a prosperous future for both nations.
India-EU FTA Negotiations
The ninth round of negotiations for the India-European Union (EU) free trade agreement (FTA) is scheduled to take place between September 23-27 in New Delhi. Notably, the progress regarding these talks has already been reviewed at various levels, including secretaries and ministers from both sides.
This round of talks is likely to focus on key trade issues, including goods, services, investment, and government procurement. Other important aspects might include rules of origin, sanitary and phytosanitary measures (SPS), technical barriers to trade (TBT), and trade remedies.
Earlier this year, Union Minister Piyush Goyal pointed out that while India-UK FTA negotiations may take longer, the agreement is expected to boost Indian exports while safeguarding the interests of key sectors like PLI scheme beneficiaries, farmers, and industries.
The Indian businesses are pushing for more access for skilled workers in fields like IT and healthcare in the UK, while Britain seeks reductions in import duties for scotch whiskey, electric vehicles, and certain food products. Further, the UK is also aiming to expand its services sector, especially in telecommunications, legal, and financial services.
Amanatullah Khan’s judicial custody set to end
The judicial custody of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Amanatullah Khan is set to expire today. He is set to appear in court in connection to a money laundering case linked to alleged irregularities involving the Delhi Waqf Board.
Khan was arrested on September 2 following a raid by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) at his residence under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The probe agency’s counsel has challenged the admissibility of the petition, arguing that Khan withheld information regarding the dismissal of his anticipatory bail by a different high court bench.
The same materials had been presented before, and the case was later withdrawn after the Supreme Court declined to intervene. On the other hand, the counsel representing the AAP leader stated that full disclosure of facts was made in the petition and nothing was concealed.
The charges against Khan are based on a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) FIR and three complaints lodged by the Delhi Police. The probe agency has named five people, including three of Khan’s associates—Zeeshan Haider, Daud Nasir, and Jawed Imam Siddiqui—in its prosecution complaint.
The case involves alleged illegal recruitment and “illegitimate” personal gains made by Khan through Delhi Waqf Board properties during his tenure as chairperson from 2018 to 2022.
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