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In the midst of the ongoing political turmoil in Andhra Pradesh, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) finds itself embroiled in a high-stakes showdown with the ruling YSR Congress Party (YSRCP). The focus of this latest episode is Nara Lokesh, TDP’s national general secretary and son of former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, who is currently incarcerated in connection with an alleged skill development scam case. Here’s what you need to know:

TDP’s Delhi Maneuvers:

• Nara Lokesh has been in Delhi for approximately a week, conducting interviews with national media outlets and rallying support for his jailed father, Chandrababu Naidu.
• The YSRCP has issued a stark warning to Lokesh, indicating that his arrest is inevitable, though they have denied any active pursuit by the police.

Fibernet Scam Allegations:

• Amidst these political maneuvers, rumors have circulated that Lokesh may also face arrest in the alleged AP Fibernet Scam. This case revolves around allegations that officials of the e-Governance Authority under the previous TDP government colluded with Tera Software Limited, resulting in the improper awarding of a Rs 321 crore tender to the company.

YSRCP’s Open Threat:

• On September 20, the YSRCP posted a cryptic message on social media, likening Lokesh to a ‘rat’ hiding in a hole, destined to face the consequences sooner or later.
• The YSRCP emphasized that regardless of Lokesh’s efforts to garner national support, the law would ultimately catch up with wrongdoers.

Police Pursuit Claims:

• Senior TDP leaders assert that a team of policemen, consisting of three Inspectors, five Sub-inspectors, and two Deputy Superintendents of Police, has been tracking Lokesh for the past couple of days with the intent to arrest him.
• The YSRCP has refuted these claims, maintaining that there is no current information regarding Lokesh’s impending arrest.

Impact on TDP Morale:

• While the absence of both Naidu and Lokesh has yet to significantly affect the morale of the TDP cadre, an extended absence could potentially impact the party’s decision-making processes.

Party’s Resilience:

• TDP leaders reassure that the party remains resilient, with divisions in Andhra Pradesh overseen by senior leaders to maintain general functionality.
• They believe the party will not crumble, even without Naidu and Lokesh, but acknowledge that prolonged absences could affect party activities.

Jana Sena Party’s Alliance:

• In a surprising turn of events, Pawan Kalyan’s Jana Sena Party (JSP) announced its alliance with TDP for the upcoming 2024 Assembly elections, further complicating the political landscape.
• Pawan Kalyan, flanked by Lokesh and TDP MLA Nandamuri Balakrishna, called for TDP, Jana Sena, and BJP to unite against the YSRCP’s rule in the state.

As this political drama unfolds, all eyes remain on Nara Lokesh, who continues his activities in Delhi amidst the looming uncertainty of his arrest, while the TDP and YSRCP engage in a high-stakes battle for political dominance in Andhra Pradesh.

News Summary:

• TDP leader Nara Lokesh faces potential arrest amidst political turmoil in Andhra Pradesh.
• YSRCP issues a warning, asserting that Lokesh’s arrest is inevitable.
• Allegations of his involvement in the AP Fibernet Scam add to the drama.
• Conflicting claims about police pursuit of Lokesh arise from TDP and YSRCP.
• The TDP remains hopeful of a swift resolution, while Pawan Kalyan’s Jana Sena Party announces an alliance with TDP for the 2024 Assembly elections.

In a significant development for the steel industry, Tata Steel has unveiled plans to establish a 3-million-tonne-per-annum Electric Arc Furnace at its Port Talbot steelmaking facility, with a capital expenditure of GBP 1.25 billion. The ambitious project has garnered substantial support from the UK government, which is set to provide a grant of GBP 500 million, equating to 40% of the total project cost. This initiative aims to facilitate a seamless transition to green steel production within the competitive landscape of the United Kingdom.

While the initial phase of the project has been formalized, consultations with involved unions are expected to conclude within the next three months. The capital expenditure will be distributed over the next three years, contingent on successful consultations and the acquisition of pertinent regulatory approvals.

Prabhudas Lilladher, a prominent brokerage firm, weighed in on the significance of this endeavor. “We believe that the Tata Steel UK (TSUK) transition is EPS accretive,” the firm stated, listing key reasons for their optimism:

1. Termination of Cash Losses: With the importation of substrate instead of producing it in old facilities, the company will cease incurring current cash losses.
2. One-Time Costs: While there will be initial one-time costs, TSUK is expected to find itself in a better financial position compared to the previous scenario of recurring cash burn.
3. Reduced Vulnerability to Coking Coal Price Volatility: The project is expected to mitigate the impact of fluctuating coking coal prices on TSUK earnings.
4. Potential Decrease in Energy Costs: As the UK pivots towards renewable energy sources, there may be a reduction in energy costs, further boosting the project’s profitability.

As a result of these factors, Prabhudas Lilladher has raised its FY25E EBITDA estimates by 5% to Rs 411 billion and introduced FY26E earnings estimates. They maintain a ‘Buy’ rating for Tata Steel at a revised target price of Rs 144, based on an EV/EBITDA multiple of 5x for FY25E EBITDA.

Furthermore, the brokerage firm incorporated a TSUK capital expenditure of USD 1.55 billion (GBP 1.25 billion) over FY25-27E, along with a reduction in maintenance capex due to the discontinuation of maintenance for old assets. They believe that achieving a sustainable EBITDA per tonne of USD 100 for consolidated Tata Steel Europe (TSE) appears attainable, especially as importing substrate is set to resume from FY25, Tata Steel Netherlands remains profitable, and production from the new TSUK project is anticipated to commence in FY28.

In the technology sector, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) is also making waves. Sharekhan, another renowned brokerage firm, highlighted TCS’s strong performance in the face of uncertainty. “Despite the uncertain environment, deal momentum for TCS has been robust,” they stated, citing an average of $8.9 billion in deal wins from Q1FY23 to Q1FY24, including significant deals with JLR/NEST and BSNL.

TCS’s ability to leverage its domain expertise, global presence, and cross-selling capabilities has positioned it favorably during these challenging times. The revamp of the organizational structure, spearheaded by the new CEO, is expected to allay concerns and stimulate growth.

Sharekhan maintains a ‘Buy’ rating on TCS with a revised price target of Rs. 4,200. At the current market price, the stock is trading at 25.5x/22.8x its FY25/26E EPS. They anticipate a 9% and 11.2% Sales and PAT CAGR over FY23-26E, underlining TCS’s potential for robust performance.

Summary:

• Tata Steel plans to invest GBP 1.25 billion in a 3-million-tonne Electric Arc Furnace project at its Port Talbot facility.
• The UK government is offering a GBP 500 million grant (40% of the project cost) to support the green steel transition.
• Consultations with unions are expected to conclude within three months, and the capital expenditure will be spread over the next three years.
• Prabhudas Lilladher believes the project will be EPS accretive, citing the cessation of cash losses, reduced vulnerability to coking coal price fluctuations, and potential energy cost savings.
• The brokerage maintains a ‘Buy’ rating for Tata Steel with a revised target price of Rs 144.
• Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has secured significant deals and is well-positioned for growth, according to Sharekhan, which maintains a ‘Buy’ rating with a revised price target of Rs. 4,200 for TCS stock.

In a significant development, the United States Ambassador to Canada, David Cohen, has confirmed the existence of “shared intelligence among Five Eyes partners” that played a pivotal role in Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s recent controversial statement regarding the potential involvement of Indian agents in the killing of a Khalistani extremist. This revelation sheds new light on the ongoing diplomatic tension between Canada and India.

Trudeau’s statement, made on September 18, accused Indian agents of a possible link to the murder of Canadian citizen Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey, British Columbia, on June 18. The Five Eyes network, consisting of the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, is known for its intelligence-sharing collaboration, particularly in the realm of surveillance and signals intelligence (SIGINT).

India swiftly rejected Trudeau’s allegations, labeling them as “absurd” and “motivated.” This led to a diplomatic tit-for-tat, with both nations expelling each other’s diplomats over the case.

The revelation about shared intelligence came during an exclusive interview on CTV’s program ‘Question Period with Vassy Kapelos,’ set to air on Sunday. Cohen stated, “There was shared intelligence among Five Eyes partners that helped lead Canada to make the statements that the Prime Minister made.”

While the specific nature of the intelligence was not disclosed, it remains unclear whether it included human intelligence, surveillance-based data, or SIGINT related to Indian diplomats. Cohen’s statement marks the first admission by a US government official regarding intelligence sharing with Canada on this matter.

Reports from the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) and The Associated Press suggest that the intelligence Trudeau referred to did not originate solely from Canada but also included information from an unspecified member of the intelligence-sharing alliance.

Cohen also addressed allegations that Ottawa had sought public condemnation of the murder from its allies, including the US, which was reportedly declined. He remarked, “Very bluntly, I will say that – and you know me well enough – that I’m not in the habit of commenting on private diplomatic conversations.”

Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed deep concern about Trudeau’s allegations and emphasized close coordination with Canada. Blinken stated, “It is critical that the Canadian investigation proceeds, and it would be important that India work with the Canadians on this investigation. We want to see accountability, and it’s important that the investigation run its course and lead to that result.”

As diplomatic tensions continue to escalate, questions persist about the nature of the shared intelligence and its implications on the ongoing investigation.

News Summary:

• US Ambassador to Canada confirms “shared intelligence among Five Eyes partners” in connection with Trudeau’s allegations about Indian involvement in a Khalistani extremist’s murder.
• Trudeau’s statement had accused Indian agents of potential links to the killing of a Canadian citizen, leading to diplomatic tensions between Canada and India.
• The nature of the shared intelligence, whether human, surveillance-based, or signals intelligence, remains undisclosed.
• Reports suggest that the intelligence was not limited to Canadian sources alone.
• Secretary of State Antony Blinken expresses deep concern and emphasizes close coordination with Canada for a thorough investigation and accountability.

Poverty in Pakistan has witnessed a dramatic increase, soaring to 39.4% during the last fiscal year, according to a report released by the World Bank. The alarming rise has pushed an additional 12.5 million people below the poverty line, bringing the total number of impoverished Pakistanis to approximately 95 million.

Tobias Haque, the World Bank’s lead country economist for Pakistan, expressed deep concern over the country’s economic trajectory, stating that “Pakistan’s economic model is no longer reducing poverty, and the living standards have fallen behind peer countries.”

To address this pressing issue, the World Bank has called on Pakistan to take immediate measures to achieve financial stability. The lender has outlined a series of recommendations aimed at remedying the dire economic situation.

One of the key suggestions put forth by the World Bank is the urgent need to tax Pakistan’s agriculture and real estate sectors, which have largely remained untaxed. Additionally, the report advises the government to curtail wasteful expenditures.

To achieve financial security, the World Bank has proposed specific measures, including an immediate increase in the tax-to-GDP ratio by 5% and a reduction in expenditures by approximately 2.7% of GDP.

Najy Benhassine, the country director for Pakistan at the World Bank, emphasized the significance of these reforms, stating, “This may be Pakistan’s moment for significant policy shift.”

The World Bank’s concerns come as Pakistan grapples with an alarming inflation rate of 27.4% in August, following the disbursement of USD 1.2 billion from the International Monetary Fund in July as part of a USD 3 billion bailout program spanning nine months.

In light of these challenges, Pakistan faces a critical juncture that demands immediate and strategic actions to stabilize its economy and improve the living conditions of millions of its citizens.

News Summary:

• Pakistan’s poverty rate has surged to 39.4%, with an additional 12.5 million people falling into poverty, warns the World Bank.
• The World Bank calls on Pakistan to take urgent measures to stabilize its financial situation.
• Recommendations include taxing agriculture and real estate, reducing wasteful expenditures, and increasing the tax-to-GDP ratio.
• Low human development, fiscal sustainability, and issues in agriculture and energy sectors are identified as priority areas for reform.
• Inflation in Pakistan has risen to 27.4% in August following a USD 1.2 billion disbursement from the International Monetary Fund

A video depicting a woman physically abusing a man in Aims Golf Avenue Society, Noida, has ignited outrage on social media. The footage, which rapidly circulated across various platforms, shows a woman aggressively confronting a man, pulling his hair, and slapping him during a dispute over a missing dog poster.

The incident occurred between the president of Aims Golf Avenue Society and one of its residents, sparking concerns about civility and decorum within the community.

The video begins with the woman grabbing the man’s t-shirt collar and questioning, “Is AOA (Apartment Owners Association) bigger than the Supreme Court?” As the confrontation escalates, she continues to push the man and resorts to physical violence, including hair-pulling and slapping.

In response to this disturbing incident, the local police department swiftly initiated an investigation. A case has been registered at Noida Sector-113 Police Station, and preventive action has been taken to address the situation.

Police Statement: The Police Commissionerate Gautam Buddh Nagar addressed the incident on social media, stating, “In the said incident, there was a dispute between the president of the society and a woman in AIMS GOLF AVENUE Society Sector-75 regarding the poster of a missing dog. A case has been registered at Police Station Sector-113 Noida, and preventive action has been taken.”

Public Outcry: X users have expressed their outrage over the altercation, demanding accountability for the woman’s actions. One user stated, “Clearly the woman is misbehaving, and she must be booked.” Another user added, “This lady should be put behind bars with the other guy who is holding that hand at the end.” Numerous others echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the need for a legal response to the incident.

This viral video serves as a stark reminder of the importance of maintaining composure and resolving disputes amicably within residential communities. Authorities continue to investigate the matter, ensuring that appropriate legal actions are taken to address the disturbing altercation.

Summary Bullet Points:

• A viral video shows a woman abusing a man in Aims Golf Avenue Society, Noida, over the removal of a missing dog poster.
• The altercation involved the society’s president and a resident.
• Local police have registered a case and taken preventive action.
• X users express outrage and demand accountability for the woman’s actions.
• The incident highlights the importance of maintaining decorum within residential communities

Amidst the escalating diplomatic tensions between India and Canada over the assassination of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) have reportedly visited individuals associated with Khalistani elements in the United States to caution them about potential threats to their lives, as reported by The Intercept.

Hardeep Singh Nijjar, the leader of the banned Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF), was fatally shot by two unidentified assailants outside a gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada, on June 18. This incident ignited a diplomatic feud between India and Canada, with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau suggesting New Delhi’s involvement in the matter.

India swiftly rejected Canada’s allegations, labeling them as “absurd” and “motivated.” In response, India expelled a Canadian diplomat in a reciprocal move following Ottawa’s removal of an Indian official in connection with the case.

Pritpal Singh, a coordinator for the American Sikh Caucus Committee, disclosed to The Intercept that he, along with two other Sikh Americans residing in California, received visits and calls from FBI agents shortly after Nijjar’s assassination. Singh stated, “I was visited by two FBI special agents in late June who told me that they had received information that there was a threat against my life. They did not tell us specifically where the threat was coming from, but they said that I should be careful.”

The other two Sikh Americans, who chose to remain anonymous, corroborated Singh’s account, confirming that FBI agents had contacted them during the same timeframe. As of now, the federal agency has not officially commented on this development.

Prior to Nijjar’s killing in June, Canadian intelligence officials had also issued warnings to Khalistani elements, alerting them to potential threats to their lives. Moninder Singh, a spokesperson for the British Columbia Gurdwaras Council, revealed, “They told us that we were at imminent risk of assassination, but they would never say specifically that the threat was from Indian intelligence or give us enough information to tell us where it was coming from.” It was noteworthy that agents from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police had separately warned Nijjar about the risk to his life.

Sukhman Dhami, co-director of Ensaaf, a California-based NGO, affirmed the reports, stating, “We have also received messages that certain community leaders associated with the politics of Sikh self-determination have recently been visited by law enforcement and warned that they may be targets.”

Hardeep Singh Nijjar had been designated by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in July 2020, and the National Investigation Agency (NIA) had announced a cash reward of Rs 10 lakh for his capture. The NIA had also filed a chargesheet against the Khalistani terrorist in its court in Mohali.

In a related development, the NIA recently seized two properties and 45 kanals of agricultural land belonging to Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the US-based chief of Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), in Chandigarh and Amritsar. Pannun is designated as a terrorist under Section 51A of the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

News Summary:

• The FBI has reportedly warned Khalistani elements in the United States about potential threats to their lives following the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada.
• Nijjar, the leader of the banned Khalistan Tiger Force, was assassinated in June, leading to a diplomatic dispute between India and Canada.
• India rejected allegations of involvement in Nijjar’s killing as “absurd” and expelled a Canadian diplomat in response.
• Sikh Americans in California, including Pritpal Singh, received visits and calls from FBI agents who conveyed information about potential threats.
• Canadian intelligence officials had previously warned Khalistani elements about threats, but the source of the threats remained unspecified.
• The NIA had designated Nijjar and announced a cash reward for his capture, while also filing a chargesheet against him.
• The NIA recently seized properties and agricultural land belonging to Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a designated terrorist associated with Sikhs for Justice

A 28-year-old politically active man in Delhi’s Greater Kailash area succumbed to a gunshot wound to the head at a private hospital in Saket, two days after being admitted. The incident, initially reported as a bathroom slip and fall, has raised suspicions of a possible suicide due to financial debt.

The man, whose identity remains undisclosed, was found in his bathroom by his father, who alerted authorities. Upon examination, doctors discovered a bullet entry wound on his right temple and an exit wound on the left side of his head, confirming that he had been shot. The Delhi Police have since seized the licensed firearm used in the incident and launched a comprehensive investigation.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (South) Chandan Chowdhary stated, “Enquiry conducted so far revealed that the man was politically active and he was in need of money.” This financial distress is being considered as a possible motive for the alleged suicide. The police are also scrutinizing unverified information regarding a heated argument over money between the deceased and a police officer just minutes before the incident.

DCP Chowdhary emphasized that it is crucial to verify these claims and investigate how the man obtained the licensed gun belonging to his Personal Security Officer (PSO). The PSO is currently being questioned regarding this matter.

The man’s mobile phone, which was found factory reset with all data erased, has added another layer of intrigue to the case. “He did it himself,” noted Chowdhary, suggesting a potential attempt to destroy evidence.

This tragic incident has left the community in shock and raised questions about the mental health challenges faced by individuals involved in political activities. Further details are expected to emerge as the investigation continues.

Summary:

• A 28-year-old politically active man in Delhi died from a gunshot wound to the head, initially reported as a slip and fall.
• The police suspect financial debt as a possible motive for the alleged suicide.
• The incident took place two days before the man’s death, with the firearm belonging to his PSO.
• Unconfirmed reports suggest an argument over money with a police officer moments before the incident.
• The deceased’s mobile phone was found factory reset, potentially erasing vital evidence.

In a heartfelt gesture, Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the tireless efforts of 3,000 ground-level functionaries who played a pivotal role in ensuring the success of the recently concluded G20 Summit. During an interaction at Bharat Mandapam in Pragati Maidan, the Prime Minister expressed his gratitude and encouraged these unsung heroes to document their experiences, which will be uploaded on a forthcoming government website.

Prime Minister Modi’s Appreciation: Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Modi emphasized the invaluable contributions of these individuals and compared their dedication to that of celebrated Olympians. He stated, “You (the functionaries) are the ones who worked day and night to make the G20 Summit a success and made the whole country proud, and some are unknown to many. If any Olympian wins a medal for the country and makes us proud, they are hailed for years. But many won’t know how many ground-level functionaries of the G20 Summit worked for the event and under what conditions. But you too made the country proud.”

Diverse Participants: The attendees at the interaction included cleaners, drivers, waiters, staff from the India Trade Promotion Organization (ITPO), and hotels where foreign dignitaries were accommodated. Additionally, representatives from various ministries and nearly 250 Delhi Police personnel and officers were present at the event. Prominent Union ministers Nirmala Sitharaman, Piyush Goyal, Smriti Irani, and Anurag Thakur also attended the function.

Encouraging Documentation: Prime Minister Modi urged the functionaries to share their experiences in their preferred languages, emphasizing that doing so would provide invaluable guidance for future events of similar magnitude. He noted, “Most of you must not have organized an event of this scale, and it must have been challenging. I am sure you must have had to evolve yourself accordingly to adapt to the work, and so I have a special request to all contributors. I urge them to share their experiences from day one of joining the work and upload it on the Centre’s website in any language of your choice. This will help make a better guideline for future works, and it can work as an institution to bolster future projects.”

India’s Capabilities on the Global Stage: In a veiled reference to the mismanagement of the 2010 Commonwealth Games during the previous Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) regime, Prime Minister Modi highlighted that the success of the G20 Summit showcased India’s capability to lead effectively in times of crisis, reaffirming the nation’s position on the global stage.

Summary:

• Prime Minister Modi commended 3,000 ground-level functionaries for their vital roles in the successful G20 Summit.
• He urged these unsung heroes to document their experiences for a government website.
• Participants included cleaners, drivers, waiters, ITPO staff, and Delhi Police personnel.
• Union ministers and prominent dignitaries attended the interaction.
• Modi encouraged sharing experiences in various languages for future event guidance.
• He indirectly referenced the 2010 Commonwealth Games mismanagement, emphasizing India’s global leadership capabilities.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday for not extending an invitation to President Droupadi Murmu to the inauguration of India’s new Parliament building. Kharge alleged that the BJP had invited film actors to the event while excluding the President, calling it an “insult to the president” and questioning the party’s motives.

Addressing a rally in the poll-bound state of Rajasthan, Kharge stated, “Congress has people from all communities. BJP doesn’t even let anyone come near.” He further emphasized the significance of President Murmu’s constitutional position and raised concerns about the exclusion.

Kharge also recalled a previous incident where the BJP allegedly did not invite then-President Ramnath Kovind to the foundation-laying ceremony of the new Parliament building. Kharge asserted that this omission was based on caste discrimination, stating, “If the foundation laying was done by an untouchable, then naturally it would have to be washed with Ganga water.”

The Congress leader questioned the Narendra Modi government’s intentions behind the women’s reservation bill, suggesting that the BJP was reluctant to provide reservations for women. He noted that the BJP’s interest in the bill coincided with upcoming elections and the formation of the INDIA bloc by several opposition parties.

In a separate event, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and party leader Rahul Gandhi laid the foundation stone for the new building of the Pradesh Congress Committee in Jaipur. The Congress announced that their office would be constructed in the Mansarover area of the city.

Summary:

• Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge criticized the BJP for not inviting President Droupadi Murmu to the inauguration of India’s new Parliament building.
• Kharge alleged that the BJP invited film actors to the event while excluding the President, calling it an insult.
• He questioned the BJP’s intentions behind the women’s reservation bill, suggesting it was a pre-election move.
• Kharge recalled a past incident where then-President Ramnath Kovind was allegedly not invited to the foundation-laying ceremony of the new Parliament building.
• In a separate event, Kharge and Rahul Gandhi laid the foundation stone for the new Pradesh Congress Committee building in Jaipur.