News Highlights: West Bengal Junior Doctors to end strike, to return to work on Saturday

US State Department Hindustani spokesperson, Margaret MacLeod says "QUAD since its inception has been working to better the lives of people in the Indo-Pacific region. President Biden decided to host the QUAD leaders summit in Delaware because it's his state and he wanted to show the importance of his personal relationship with QUAD leaders. India and America have a wider range of cooperation including education, space cooperation and technology. I'm saying with full confidence that this partnership is bipartisan, whoever will become the president of the US, the relationship with India will remain important. This meeting is not about individual interest but our collective interests are also high, in the days to come we will see the areas in which we will be cooperating."

West Bengal Junior Doctors front to call off their strike tomorrow. To return to work on Saturday. Emergency services will resume but OPD services to remain suspended.

Stéphane Dujarric, spokesperson for United Nations Secretary-General says, "What is clear to the Secretary-General is that the Security Council, as it is today, is representative of the world of 1945 not of 2024. So many countries, when the Security Council was established, when the Charter was established, were not even at the table. India was not at the table. There are so many regions, so many countries that are under-represented, whose voices are not heard. We very much hope that Member States will find the path forward to ensure that we have a Security Council that is much more reflective of the world we live in."

On the ongoing conflicts and India's role, Stéphane Dujarric, spokesperson for United Nations Secretary-General says, "The voice of PM Modi, the voice of India in diplomacy is a very loud one and very important one. I think we all share the goal, to find an end to these conflicts in line with the Charter of the United Nations, in line with international law, in line with territorial integrity of nations."

"I hope that those, with whose support they (BJP) are standing, will take the side of those in the Parliament who want to strengthen the diversity of the nation and want to strengthen the country. The country cannot be strong if even one community is weak," said National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah on 'one nation, one election' earlier today.

"Honourable Union Home Minister (Amit Shah) will arrive in Santhal Pargana tomorrow to flag off BJP's 'Parivartan Yatra', which will begin the countdown of the Hemant Soren government. The BJP will return to power and form the next government (in Jharkhand)," says Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma

The Israeli military said two soldiers were killed near Israel's northern the border with Lebanon, where Israeli forces are engaged in near-daily clashes with the Lebanon-based group Hezbollah.

Reservist Major Nael Fwarsy, 43, and Sergeant Tomer Keren, 20, "fell in combat," in separate incidents, a military statement said.

Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah acknowledged his powerful group had suffered an "unprecedented" blow when thousands of operatives' communication devices exploded in attacks it blamed on Israel.

Delivering a speech after the attacks on Tuesday and Wednesday, which plunged Lebanon into panic, Nasrallah struck a defiant tone, warning that Israel would receive "just punishment" for the attacks.

Describing the attacks as a possible "act of war", he said Israel would face "tough retribution and just punishment, where it expects it and where it does not".

Israel has not commented on the attacks that killed 37 people and wounded nearly 3,000 across Lebanon over two days but has said it will widen the scope of its war in Gaza to include the Lebanon front.

Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah announced the launch of an internal probe into the explosion of hundreds of communication devices used by group operatives across Lebanon.

The pager and walkie-talkie explosions on Tuesday and Wednesday killed 37 people and wounded nearly 3,000. Hezbollah blamed Israel for the unprecedented attacks, which dealt a huge blow to the powerful movement.

Lebanon's powerful Hezbollah chief said that Israel will receive "just punishment" for communications device explosions that killed 37 people and wounded nearly 3,000 over two days.

Israel will face "tough retribution and just punishment, where it expects it and where it does not," Hassan Nasrallah said in his first speech since the blasts, adding that he would not give further details of the place, timing or nature of Hezbollah's response.

BJP leader Locket Chatterjee says, "Sandip Ghosh has been involved in such a big corruption racket for the last so many years. Today when the people of West Bengal and the junior doctors have come out on the streets, the pressure was created and CBI finally arrested him. All people in the list should be suspended."

Lab report of samples sent from Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam that were sent to National Dairy Development Board in Gujarat for testing.

TDP spokesperson Anam Venkata Ramana Reddy says, "The lab reports of samples certify that beef tallow and animal fat - lard, and fish oil were used in the preparation of ghee which was supplied to Tirumala and also the S value is only 19.7"

We have seen the Reuters report. It is speculative and misleading. It implies violations by India, where none exist and, hence, is inaccurate and mischievous. India has an impeccable track record of compliance with international obligations on the export of military and dual-use items. India has been carrying out its defence exports taking into account its international obligations on non-proliferation and based on its own robust legal and regulatory framework, which includes a holistic assessment of relevant criteria, including end-user obligations and certifications: MEA

On PM Modi's rally in Katra, BJP candidate from Udhampur West Assembly constituency, Pawan Kumar Gupta says, "PM Modi's arrival has given us a boost. Everyone here understands that he wants to make a new J&K which is free from terrorism, where there is development and no discrimination."

On Pakistan Defence Minister reportedly backing Congress-NC alliance's stand on Article 370, he says, "Congress has never been able to understand the people of Kashmir. Congress, PDP and NC have always misused Article 370...You cannot have a nation within a nation...Their demand is irrelevant. Those who were most troubled by the abrogation of Article 370, it was China and Pakistan. If Congress and NC are troubled by this on the same note, then there is no place for such parties in the politics."

BJP leader and West Bengal LoP Suvendu Adhikari says, "... The only solution is that Mamata Banerjee should step down. The priority to tackle the flood situation is the involvement of the NDRF and providing relief to the victims. She has stopped all relief work and is roaming around for photographs."

"BJP's direct and indirect efforts to influence the Assembly election here will fail miserably. BJP is only contesting the elections here to scatter the votes, they will not win here," says Congress leader Sachin Pilot.

Ambassador of Ireland to India, Kevin Kelly says, "We have proposed to our Indian partners that it would be great if we have a joint economic commission. It is an opportunity for the two governments to get together and talk about what are the opportunities for partnership and engagement. India is a huge, massive economy on the rise. It's shortly going to be the third-largest economy in the world. However, we've gone from being the poorest country in Europe when we joined the European Union in 1973 to the richest country in Europe in 2024."

On India's role in the Asia-Pacific region, he says, "India is a leader within this region, and it's only getting stronger, in terms of the size of the economy and the size of the population. India is always going to play a very important role both within this region and internationally in terms of the United Nations. We would like to see India use that influence as much as it can in terms of helping to resolve issues and conflicts that emerge within the neighbourhood, but also abroad."

On One Nation One Election, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav says, "This is a beginning to end the process of election. RSS and BJP have always wanted to finish the constitution and democracy. When the bill is tabled, we will see about the shortcomings. They'll later talk about, one election one party and then no election one leader. They want to finish everything."

Congress MP Randeep Singh Surjewala says, "What Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has said - 300 units free electricity, a pension of Rs 6,000 and Rs 2,000 to the eldest women of the family - this a part of Congress' system to fight against inflation. He has given this new equation and I believe that it will be decisive in changing the lives of the people."

On 'One Nation One Election', CPI(M) leader Brinda Karat says, "CPI(M) has strongly opposed it. When the committee under the chairmanship of Ramnath Kovind was formed, we had said it would be a direct attack on our parliamentary process and structure. Local elections, which come under the jurisdiction of the state government, will also be centralised. This report is against the constitution."

Delhi HC issues notice to ED on AAP MLA Amanatullah Khan''s plea challenging his arrest in money-laundering case

On Pakistan Defence Minister reportedly backing Congress-NC alliance's stand on Article 370, BJP leader Shazia Ilmi says, "This is no secret that how National Conference and Congress have always stood with secessionist forces. That is why, National Conference manifesto clearly mentions that Articles 370 and 35A will be restored. They have made such announcements and Rahul Gandhi is silent. Now, Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif says that as far as restoration (of Article 370) and Statehood are concerned, they stand with National Conference and Congress and are on the same page. It means he has a mindset same as National Conference and Congress when it comes to Kashmir. It has now become clear that together with National Conference, Congress party is seeking support from Pakistan and Pakistan is extending them the support.

MP & BJP national spokesperson Sambit Patra says, "The way Defence Minister of Pakistan have supported Congress and said that Pakistan has the same stand as of Congress concerning Article 370 and 35A - to restore them. Pakistan is a terrorist state and a minister of the terrorist country is openly supporting Congress. It's not new, when the Union HM had tabled the bill to abrogate Article 370, the leader of Congress in the House said that it's a bilateral issue, and even Sonia Gandhi was directing him to say so. Not only Pakistan but Pannun has also supported Rahul Gandhi, he said that our intentions are same as of Rahul Gandhi. I want to ask Rahul Gandhi what is the reason that be it Pakistan or Pannun, all the terrorists support him... What kind of coalition is there between Congress and Pakistan? They have named their alliance as INDIA - INDI alliance but they are maligning the name of our country."

Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Andrii Sybiha tweets, "I spoke with EAM Dr S Jaishankar to build on PM Narendra Modi’s historic visit to Kyiv and talks with Volodymyr Zelenskyy. We agreed to take our bilateral relations forward in all promising areas of cooperation. We exchanged views ahead of UNGA and coordinated next steps in political dialogue."

Congress MP Pramod Tiwari says, "Yesterday's poll percentage was a clear expression of anger against the snatching away of statehood. The voting was done in favour of Congress and National Conference. Congress promises that when we come to power, our first and top priority would be to restore the statehood."

Addressing a public rally in Katra, PM Narendra Modi says, "We will not let Pakistan's agenda be imposed in J&K. No power in the world can bring back Article 370 in J&K."

FIR registered against Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu at High Grounds Police Station in Bengaluru, on the complaint filed by Congress leaders for his statement against LoP in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi.

Deputy chief of Israel mission in India, Fares Saeb says, "The idea is to use virtual reality as a new emerging technology in different fields, for example, medicine. Translating this new, very important technology into different fields, especially in education is an important step because it's not only making education much more fun and visual for kids and children in the big cities, but it might be the next step in making education affordable and accessible in rural areas. We see India as a very important power - regionally and globally and we are very happy that we have this small part of this advantage of India and this movement forward that you have now."

Addressing a public rally in Katra, PM Narendra Modi says, "2 Vande Bharat trains reach Katra from Delhi. The condition of Katra and Reasi Railway station has drastically improved. With the construction of the Chenani Nashri tunnel, the travel time from Jammu to Srinagar has been reduced. Many such tunnels are being constructed in J&K, making it one of the most connected areas. Delhi-Katra expressway is also fast being developed. It will open doors for the farmers of the region to bigger markets."

Finmin Additional Secretary Vivek Aggarwal:

-FATF has suggested to take more risk based measures to ensure prevention of terror financing through non profit organizations

-Any donation above Rs 2000 to non profit organizations in India cannot be in cash

Addressing a public rally in Katra, PM Narendra Modi says, "They do not see anything except their vote bank that is why they only deepened the divide between Jammu and Kashmir over the years. They have always discriminated against Jammu. We have brought Jammu to the mainstream."

Addressing a public rally in Katra, PM Narendra Modi says, "Congress can put our faith and culture at stake for a few votes anytime. Congress heir went abroad and said that our 'devi-devta' are not gods. It is an insult to our faith. Congress should be punished for this. They don't say all this just for the sake of it, or as a mistake. It is a planned conspiracy. It is a naxal mindset which has been imported from other religions and other countries. This naxal mindset of Congress insulted the Dogra culture of Jammu."

Addressing a public meeting in Rajouri, PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti says, "Mufti saheb (Mufti Mohammad Sayeed) tried a lot, raised Congress in 50 years (in J&K). When Congress was established here, Farooq Saheb shook hands with Rajiv Gandhi and put Congress in his pocket. What they have given to J&K after coming together? They just gave a death penalty and hanged one person to whom I won't name. They have rigged the elections in 1987 and made such a situation that people in J&K are still digging graves for the youths."

On Pakistan Defence Minister reportedly backing Congress-NC alliance's stand on Article 370, Union Minister Jitendra Singh says, "BJP has always said that there is a dubious nexus between militancy, terrorism, separatists and the so-called mainstream parties of the Kashmir valley and also the Congress party which practices separatism in the garb of so-called mainstream democracy. This did not begin today, even in the '60s-'70s NC leaders used to go to Pakistan and meet Amanullah Khan and they used to sit there and hatch plans for so-called freedom. In the 1987 elections, and the deterioration in the situation after that, NC leaders told their cadres to go to Islamabad and get arms training. For 30 years, this anarchy continued. It is not a simple coincidence that whenever election dates were decided for Kashmir valley, there used to be 8-10% voter turnout. There used to be a call for shutdown from Pakistan, shops used to shut in Srinagar. Polls were boycotted from Pakistan and with 8-10% voter turnout, dynasty was promoted generation after generation. Now, for the first time, there is a resurgence of democratic aspirations in Kashmir Valley. There is enthusiasm among voters and candidates. You can see the results. This is not only discouraging these parties but their intentions are also nearing end. That is why, Rahul Gandhi goes abroad and says not only for India but also criticises PM Modi and his government - that is never done from foreign land. You will find that there is a vested interest that doesn't want the situation to be normal in J&K."

The West Bengal Medical Council (WBMC) has cancelled the registration of Sandip Ghosh, former principal of RG Kar.

Ghosh’s registration was revoked due to his alleged involvement in the rape-murder case of a woman doctor, for which he is currently in CBI custody.

Ghosh has been removed from the list of Registered Medical Practitioners maintained by the WBMC.

Finance Ministry Additional Secretary Vivek Aggarwal:

-FATF recognised NIA expansion with 40% increase in manpower in last 3 years

-India receives high rating by FATF in Risk assessment both in domestic and international cooperation

-FATF said India has achieved remarkable improvements in financial inclusion

-Reduced involvement of cash in real estate, says FATF

Finance Ministry Additional Secretary Vivek Aggarwal:

-FATF notes regional variation in types of money laundering and terror financing risks faced within India

-FATF says India is not attractive destination for criminal proceeds

-FATF highlights high-level commitment in India to address anti money laundering

-India was given a high rating for immediate outcome on anti money laundering and terror financing

-Measures taken for financial transparency through JAM trinity recognised by FATF

-India's risk assessment will be done every three years by FATF, next one in 2025

-FATF recognised steps taken against risks from cash based economy

-FATF recognised 4 lakh companies deregistered between 2017-2021 to remove shell companies

On designated terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun filed lawsuit against Indian govt in US over 'assassination' attempt, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri says, "As we've said earlier, these are completely unwarranted and unsubstantiated imputations. Now that this particular case has been lodged. It doesn't change our views about the underlying situation. I would only invite your attention to the person behind this particular case whose antecedents are well known. I would also underline the fact that the organization so-called that this person represents is an unlawful organization, has been declared as such under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act of 1967 and it has been done so on account of its involvement in anti-national and subversive activities aimed at disrupting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of India."

When asked if he regrets his statement against LoP in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu says, "Why should I regret? We in Punjab have lost our generations. The Gandhi family burnt Punjab. My pain is as a Sikh. I am a minister later, a Sikh first. If (Gurpatwant Singh) Pannu endorses it (Rahul Gandhi's statement) what will you say? When asked if he would apologise for his statement, he says, "Kharge sahab should apologise. He should clarify if he thinks that Sikhs are not allowed- whatever Rahul Gandhi said in the speech."

National Conference candidate Omar Abdullah says "BJP does not have anything to show from the last 5 years. I do not know what PM Modi said today in Srinagar but I can say with a guarantee that he must have spoken on the three families but not how the last 5-6 years have been wasted in J&K. When was the last time PM Modi gave an answer to a question in the Parliament? We are the people who give answers to all the questions after winning, we do not hide anywhere."

On One Nation One Election, Congress MP Syed Naseer Hussain says, "...It is impractical. It cannot be implemented in India. India is a multi-party democracy and a strong federal country. If a state government dissolves and the president's rule is implemented, then what do they (the Centre) want? Do they want to rule the state through the Governor?... They should not tamper with the democratic setup of the nation."

"The manifesto covers everything, especially regarding youth training and skilling. It includes provisions for free dialysis in every district hospital. There's a promise to provide scooties to girls who achieve top grades. Athletes will receive training from the nursery level to prepare them for international competitions. There are many benefits and opportunities for the youth in this manifesto," says Union minister and former Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar on the BJP's manifesto for Haryana Assembly polls.

Congress leader Pawan Khera says, "Kharge Sahab wrote a letter to PM Modi on a very serious issue. BJP leaders are threatening to kill Rahul Gandhi and PM Modi is silent. This silence only means that the entire BJP is behind this conspiracy. Those who are silent are in support of those statements."

"AAP is contesting elections in Haryana with full strength. By the blessings of you God, Arvind Kejriwal has come out of BJP's conspiracy and ready for election campaigning in Haryana. Arvind Kejriwal's campaigning schedule will begin from tomorrow, September 20. We have prepared schedule for 13 events covering 11 districts. We will share the next schedule later," says AAP MP Sandeep Pathak.

On Pakistan Defence Minister reportedly backed Congress-NC alliance's stand on Article 370, National Conference candidate Omar Abdullah says "What does Pakistan have to do with us? We are not even a part of Pakistan, let them take care of their country. I don't think they should interfere in our elections or comment on our elections. They should save their democracy, we are participating in ours."

"On September 23 as I said, the PM will address the 'Summit of the Future' at the United Nations General Assembly, and there are a few more bilateral meetings that are being fixed up on that day. As you can imagine, several parts of this visit are still a work in progress and some meetings are being fixed up... The Quad Summit, as I said, is being hosted by President Biden in his hometown in Wilmington, Delaware. It was India's turn to host the Quad Summit this year, but we had discussions with our US colleagues and at the request of the US side, we agreed to exchanged it. As you probably know, India will host the next Quad Summit in 2025," says Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri says: "The PM's first stop will be in Wilmington, Delaware, which is the hometown of President Biden. It is also the venue of the sixth Quad Summit. It also happens to be the fourth in-person summit between the Quad leaders. From Wilmington, the PM will travel to New York to attend the 'Summit of the Future' at the United Nations General Assembly."

"The PM will be visiting the US from September 21-23. This visit combines many aspects, it has a very important bilateral aspect to it, very important unilateral aspect to it and an equally important multilateral aspect to it. There will be interaction with variety of foreign partners at the level of the PM. There will be interaction with large Indian diaspora in the US and there will be engagement with a host of business and industry leaders," says Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on PM Modi's US visit scheduled from September 21-23.