Xi to Host Modi, Putin in Tianjin: SCO Summit Signals Global South Solidarity

Pointers by Amit Dutt

26-Aug-2025

This is PM Modi’s first visit to China in over seven years, signaling a diplomatic thaw and offering opportunities to ease India-China tensions following the 2020 border clash.
Xi Jinping will host over 20 world leaders, using the event to project a united Global South and challenge Western-dominated international structures.
Russia, led by Vladimir Putin, aims to leverage the summit to break diplomatic isolation amid sanctions and reinforce ties with China and India.
The 2025 summit is the largest since the group's founding, featuring expanded membership and a broad agenda covering trade, security, and economic cooperation.
PM Modi is expected to hold bilateral meetings on the sidelines, with leaders discussing trade, connectivity, climate, and ways to boost Eurasian cooperation.

Maruti Suzuki’s Hansalpur EV Plant: A Global Leap for India’s Green Mobility

Pointers by Amit Dutt

26-Aug-2025

PM Modi inaugurated Maruti Suzuki’s Hansalpur plant in Gujarat, set to become one of the world’s largest automobile manufacturing facilities.
The plant will export the made-in-India e-Vitara EV to over 100 countries, significantly boosting India’s footprint in the global EV market.
This launch is a cornerstone in India’s push toward clean, sustainable transportation and aims to strengthen the domestic EV ecosystem through local battery electrode manufacturing.
Suzuki Motor will invest $8 billion in India over the next 5-6 years for EVs and related technology, cementing the company’s long-term commitment.
The plant positions Maruti Suzuki as a future-ready, global brand, signaling a strategic shift towards innovation, sustainability, and international leadership in EVs.

Pointers by Amit Dutt

26-Aug-2025

On July 26, the officer, scheduled to fly to Delhi, was stopped for carrying cabin luggage well over the 7 kg limit; the airline staff requested applicable fees.
The officer refused payment, forcefully entered the aerobridge, and physically assaulted four SpiceJet employees, causing severe injuries including a spinal fracture and jaw injuries.
His actions violated aviation security protocols, prompting intervention by CISF personnel who escorted him back to the gate.
Following an internal review under Civil Aviation Rules, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) placed the officer on a five-year no-fly list for all SpiceJet flights.
A FIR was filed against the officer, and both the airline and the army confirmed cooperation with the investigation—he retains the right to appeal the ban

Pointers by Amit Dutt

25-Aug-2025

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed deep regret over the tragic incident at Nasser Hospital in Gaza that killed 20 people, including five journalists.
The attack involved a double missile strike hitting the hospital’s fourth floor while rescue teams were attending the injured.
Among the deceased journalists were members from Reuters, Associated Press, Al Jazeera, and NBC.
Netanyahu emphasized that Israel values journalists, medical staff, and civilians, and said Israel’s war is against Hamas terrorists, aiming to bring hostages home.
The incident received global condemnation, with calls for impartial investigation and ceasefire to protect civilians and press freedom.

Pointers by Amit Dutt

25-Aug-2025

PM Modi launched development projects worth Rs 5,400 crore in Gujarat across railways, roads, power, housing, and urban infrastructure.
Key railway projects include doubling Mahesana-Palanpur line and gauge conversions to improve connectivity.
Road projects include widening roads and building overpasses to ease traffic and boost trade.
Power sector upgrades focus on distribution efficiency and outage reduction in Ahmedabad, Mehsana, and Gandhinagar.
Social welfare projects include slum rehabilitation with 1,500 homes for urban poor under PMAY (U).