PM Modi US Visit Highlights: Bilateral meeting between Modi & Biden begins

Bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and United States President Joe Biden has commenced at Greenville, Delaware.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweets, “The Indian community has distinguished itself in the USA, making a positive impact across diverse sectors. It’s always a delight to interact with them. At around 9:30 PM India time on Sunday, 22nd September, I will address the Modi and US programme in New York City...”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, “Landed in Philadelphia. Today’s programme will be focused on the Quad Summit and the bilateral meeting with US President Joe Biden. I am sure the discussions throughout the day will contribute to making our planet better and addressing key global challenges.”

The pilgrimage to Kedarnath by road was put on hold on Saturday after part of the trek route caved in near Jungle Chatti leaving thousands of pilgrims returning from the Himalayan temple stranded.

The helicopter service remains functional, officials said.

Rudraprayag Superintendent of Police Akshay Prahlad Konde said 10-15 metre stretch of the trek route caved in suddenly, making movement along the route impossible. Thousands of pilgrims on their way back from the temple got stranded due to it.

“It’s quite sad what happened here. It’s deeply painful for me at a personal level. Without knowing and being such ardent devotees of Lord Balaji, we all had consumed ‘prasad’ mixed with fish oil and animal fat. Personally, I have taken 'prashcit deeksha' for what happened and I’ll do it for eleven-days,” says Andhra Pradesh Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan

Official Spokesperson, Ministry of External Affairs, Randhir Jaiswal tweets, “PM Narendra Modi arrives in the historic city of Philadelphia. An action-packed day with engagements in bilateral and Quad formats in Wilmington, Delaware lies ahead.”

United States President Joe Biden tweets, “Today, I'll welcome Prime Ministers Albanese, Modi, and Kishida to my home: Delaware. These leaders aren't just essential to ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific – they're friends of mine and friends of our nation. I look forward to all we'll accomplish in the Summit ahead.”

PM Modi US Visit Live Updates: Narendra Modi meets members of Indian community

One person has died in a gas leakage in a factory at Domoria Bridge in Jalandhar, Punjab.

SDM Balbir Singh says, “One person was rescued unconscious. He has lost his life. SDM has marked a magisterial inquiry and has asked to file a report within 15 days...”

A magisterial probe has been ordered into the incident.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives US as his three-day visit to the United States begins today.

He will be attending the QUAD Leaders' Summit and the Summit of the Future (SOTF) at the United Nations in New York. Along with that, he will hold some key bilateral meetings during his visit.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives in the United States to participate in President Biden-hosted Quad Leaders' summit and to address an event at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

-- Delhi Chief Minister Atishi will head the 13 existing departments (that she had, earlier) including Education, Finance, Power, Water.

-- Saurabh Bharadwaj will take charge of eight departments including Health, Urban Development and Social Welfare.

-- Gopal Rai will have three departments including Environment.

-- Kailash Gehlot to take charge of four departments including Transport, WCD.

-- Imran Hussain will head the Food Supply and Election Department.

-- Mukesh Ahlawat will become Delhi's SC/ST Minister, along with four more departments including Labour.

"First of all, I would like to thank Arvind Kejriwal for trusting me and giving me such a big responsibility to serve people of Delhi. I have taken oath as Delhi Chief Minister, however, it is a very emotional moment for us as Arvind Kejriwal is no longer CM. He is a person who has changed the image of Delhi in the last 10 years," says Delhi CM Atishi

“When BJP forms government, PM Modi will provide financial assistance of Rs 18,000 every year to the oldest woman of the family. Women will get free gas cylinders on Raksha Bandhan and Diwali. Farmers are getting Rs 6,000, which will be increased to Rs 10,000,” says Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

Union Minister Harsh Malhotra says, “I congratulate Atishi and I hope that she and the AAP govt will now work for the people of Delhi... I hope she will implement the Ayushman Bharat Yojna in Delhi which Arvind Kejriwal promised during the 2020 elections so that the people of Delhi can get the benefit of health insurance up to Rs 5 lakhs that other people in the country are getting...”

“The objective in front of all of us now is to take forward the work that was started in Delhi under the leadership of Arvind Kejriwal to new heights by the time of next elections. Along with this, we will work as a team to control pollution that increases during the winters. We will also work on other pending work,” says AAP MLA Gopal Rai.

On Atishi Marlena being sworn-in as Delhi Chief Minister, LoP Delhi Assembly Vijender Gupta said, “It is a dummy government and a dummy chief minister. It will be a remote-control run govt....”

AAP leader Imran Hussain says, “In another 4-5 months, Delhi Assembly elections will be held and Delhi will make Arvind Kejriwal the CM again.  The work is being done under the guidance of Arvind Kejriwal - be it the education model, free water, free bus travel for women and others...”

Addressing a public rally in Rajouri, J&K, Union Home Minister Amit Shah says, “... Gurjars and Pahadis did not get a reservation. We gave reservation to Gurjars. When we spoke of giving it to Pahadis, Abdullah Sahab objected saying that it would affect Gurjars. We did it without affecting Gurjars...”

After taking oath as Delhi Minister, AAP MLA Mukesh Ahlawat says, “It's all because of Arvind Kejriwal and Baba Saheb that people like me become the Minister. We will work as much as possible - the priorities will be to work for the people of Dalit and backward communities...”

After being inducted as Minister in Delhi cabinet, AAP leader Kailash Gahlot says, "Arvind Kejriwal's guidance as party's national convenor will remain. Our only goal is to continue to work for the people of Delhi like before and to bring back Arvind Kejriwal."

Atishi has taken oath as the new Chief Minister of Delhi.

AAP Convenor and former CM Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia were among leaders present at her oath taking ceremony. Atishi's parents Tripta Wahi and Vijay Singh were also present at Raj Niwas to attend the swearing in ceremony.

AAP leaders Saurabh Bharadwaj, Gopal Rai, and Kailash Gahlot were among other ministers who took oath of office as in the Atishi-led Delhi government.

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Atishi to take oath as Delhi Chief Minister, shortly.

Five ministers are to be sworn in along with her on September 21.

AAP leader Manish Sisodia, Delhi Police Commissioner Sanjay Arora and other leaders arrive at Raj Niwas to attend the oath taking ceremony of Delhi CM-designate Atishi.

President Joe Biden has selected his hometown of Wilmington, Delaware, to host a Quad Summit with leaders from Australia, India, and Japan. This marks the final summit of his presidency following his decision to step back from the 2024 election, handing Democratic leadership to Kamala Harris. Biden will later host an “intimate” dinner and a formal four-way summit at his former high school.

In a one-on-one meeting on Friday, Biden and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese discussed diplomatic efforts and expressed concerns about China's coercive actions, as confirmed by the White House.

At least 31 people, including three children and seven women, were killed in an Israeli airstrike on Beirut's suburbs on Friday, according to a statement from the Lebanese health ministry. The tragic death toll was shared during a televised news conference on Saturday, highlighting the ongoing escalation in the region.

Jayen Mehta, Managing Director of GCMMF (Amul), has clarified that Amul was wrongfully linked to a misinformation campaign involving adulterated ghee in the Laddu Prasad at Tirupati Devasthanams. Mehta stated, "We have never supplied ghee to Tirupati Devasthanams." He emphasized that Amul has no connection to the issue and has lodged an FIR with the Ahmedabad Crime Branch against those responsible for spreading false claims.

Air Marshal Amar Preet Singh, currently serving as Vice Chief of the Air Staff, has been appointed as the next Chief of the Air Staff, with the rank of Air Chief Marshal. He will assume the position from the afternoon of September 30, 2024, following the retirement of the current Chief, Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari, who steps down on the same day.

The Karnataka BJP has lodged a formal complaint with the High Ground PS Police Inspector against Congress MP and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition, Rahul Gandhi. The complaint accuses Gandhi of making divisive and provocative remarks that allegedly target the SC, ST, and OBC communities, claiming that these statements jeopardize India's internal security, unity, and sovereignty. The state BJP is seeking an investigation and legal action against him for these remarks.

The Karnataka BJP has lodged a formal complaint with the High Ground PS Police Inspector against Congress MP and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition, Rahul Gandhi. The complaint accuses Gandhi of making divisive and provocative remarks that allegedly target the SC, ST, and OBC communities, claiming that these statements jeopardize India's internal security, unity, and sovereignty. The state BJP is seeking an investigation and legal action against him for these remarks.

BJP leader Prakash Javadekar took to X (formerly Twitter) to criticize the Congress and opposition parties for their opposition to simultaneous elections. He pointed out that during the tenures of former Prime Ministers Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi, elections in 1952, 1957, 1962, and 1967 were held simultaneously. Javadekar accused opposition parties of "double standards" and "opportunism," stating that while they supported the concept in the past, they now oppose it when Prime Minister Modi proposes the idea. He added, "The country wants simultaneous elections!"

RJD MP Manoj Jha has called on the BJP to launch an immediate investigation into the Tirupati laddu controversy. "Their objective should be to conduct an immediate investigation and to find out who the real culprits are," Jha said, emphasizing the need for swift action to identify those responsible.

On the Tirupati Prasadam row, Congress MP Pramod Tiwari expressed his disappointment, stating, "From the time I have heard about it, I am very sad." Tiwari pointed out that the allegations regarding the sacred prasadam's quality were made by Andhra Pradesh CM and TDP National President N Chandrababu Naidu, a party seen as an ally of the BJP in both the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha. Tiwari held the BJP, TDP, and YSR Congress Party responsible, questioning why the BJP, after 10 years in power, failed to act on this issue. He also condemned those invoking Sanatan Dharma, calling the matter a "sin that will not be forgiven."

The Karnataka BJP has lodged a formal complaint against Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, with the High Ground PS Police Inspector. The complaint accuses Gandhi of making divisive and provocative statements that allegedly target the SC, ST, and OBC communities, posing a threat to India's internal security, sovereignty, and unity. The state BJP is calling for a thorough investigation and legal action in response to these remarks.

The Secret Service admits to communication failures following a July shooting at a Trump rally in Pennsylvania, pledging accountability and enhanced security measures amid ongoing threats to the former president's safety.

AAP MLA Prakash Jarwal has approached the Rouse Avenue Court to submit new evidence related to the Doctor Rajender Singh suicide case. He aims to highlight mitigating circumstances in his application. The court has instructed his counsel to present the application in the correct format. A hearing is scheduled for September 30 at 11:30 AM, as Jarwal's case progresses to the argument stage concerning the charges against him.

A potential train derailment was averted on Saturday when miscreants removed fishplates and keys from a railway track near Kim Railway Station in Surat. According to Western Railway, unidentified individuals tampered with the UP line track, placing the removed components back onto the same track. Fortunately, services were quickly restored following the discovery.

In a related development, the foundation work for eight stations of the bullet train project in the state was completed on September 19. Bullet Train Project Director Pramod Sharma emphasized the significance of this advancement, stating, "The bullet train technology has come to India... we are going forward through the 'Make in India' initiative." He highlighted the importance of keeping the media informed to garner positivity and support for the project.

The Rouse Avenue court has granted additional time to submit the Delhi High Court's judgment regarding the recruitment irregularities case involving former Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) head Swati Maliwal. The court has scheduled the next hearing for October 1. Maliwal had previously challenged the order concerning the framing of charges in this case.

A fire erupted early Saturday morning at a furniture market in the Nabi Karim area of Central Delhi. The Delhi Fire Service received the emergency call at 3:20 AM and dispatched seven fire tenders to the scene. It took four hours to control the blaze. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, though significant damage was caused to furniture and wooden items. Preliminary investigations suggest that a short circuit may have sparked the fire, with further inquiries ongoing.

Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep S. Puri visited Brazil from September 19 to 21, invited by Brazil's Minister of Mines and Energy, Alexandre Silveira. During this official visit, both sides reviewed their existing collaboration in the energy sector, focusing on Indian upstream investments, bilateral trade, and cooperation in sustainable fuels, particularly biofuels.

The discussions highlighted the potential for India and Brazil, both prominent biofuel producers, to work together on the production and utilization of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF). By leveraging their established ethanol and biodiesel production infrastructure, expanding aviation markets, and utilizing vast agricultural resources, the two nations are well-positioned to enhance their cooperation in this critical area.

As Sri Lanka prepares for its presidential election today, security measures have been heightened outside the residence of incumbent President Ranil Wickremesinghe. The 75-year-old leader is vying for a five-year term as an independent candidate, leveraging his administration's success in navigating the country through a severe economic crisis. His recovery efforts have been praised by many experts as one of the fastest turnarounds in the world, making this election a critical moment for both Wickremesinghe and the nation.

Congress MLA Sofia Firdous has voiced concerns over the law and order situation in Odisha following the alleged assault of an Army officer and his fiancée at the Bharatpur Police Station in Bhubaneswar. After visiting the victims in the hospital, Firdous criticized the state government and demanded immediate action.

"This is a very sad incident. Immediate action should be taken against this; merely suspending them (police officers) is not enough... they should be arrested, and an investigation should be done," Firdous told ANI. She also expressed concern over the rising crime rate in the state, stating, "When the new government came, people thought there would be some change, but with the increasing crimes, everyone is scared."

After casting his vote in Colombo, Sri Lanka's incumbent President Ranil Wickremesinghe described the ongoing presidential election as a critical moment for the country's future. "It's a turning point for Sri Lanka to get away from conventional politics which destroyed the country and the conventional economy which destroyed the country," Wickremesinghe remarked, emphasizing the need for "a new social system, and a political system."

Wickremesinghe, 75, is seeking re-election for a five-year term as an Independent candidate, leveraging his success in steering Sri Lanka out of its worst economic crisis. Despite the challenges tied to his IMF-linked reforms, experts have praised the speed of the nation’s recovery under his leadership.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has left for the United States for a three-day visit, where he will participate in the QUAD Leaders' Summit and the Summit of the Future at the UN in New York. He is also set to engage in important bilateral meetings during his trip.

Ahead of Sri Lanka's presidential election today, security has been intensified around President Ranil Wickremesinghe's residence. The 75-year-old incumbent is campaigning for re-election as an independent candidate, promoting his success in addressing the country’s economic crisis, which experts have recognized as one of the fastest recoveries globally.

The UN condemned the recent blasts in Lebanon, labeling them a possible war crime. The detonations, which killed at least 37 and injured nearly 3,000, targeted communication devices used by Hezbollah. Lebanon's foreign minister accused Israel of orchestrating the attacks, which caused widespread panic among civilians. The explosions occurred in everyday settings, including supermarkets and funerals, highlighting the devastating impact on the local population.

Indian and US troops engaged in various drills at Mahajan firing ranges in Rajasthan during the ongoing 'Exercise Yudh Abhyas.' The exercises focused on enhancing interoperability, featuring counter-terrorism drills and demonstrations of advanced weaponry, including Apache helicopters and armoured vehicles.

Atishi will take oath as Delhi's Chief Minister at 4:30 pm at Raj Bhavan. She becomes Delhi's third woman CM, following Sushma Swaraj and Sheila Dixit, after Arvind Kejriwal resigned post-bail in the liquor policy case.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the importance of the Quad in fostering peace, progress, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific as he departed for a three-day US visit. He will attend the Quad Summit in Wilmington, hosted by President Joe Biden, alongside leaders from Australia and Japan. Modi will also meet with President Biden to discuss strengthening the India-US strategic partnership. Additionally, he will address the 'Summit of the Future' at the UN General Assembly and engage with the Indian diaspora in New York.

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