Politics

In a letter to Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena proposed linking vehicle insurance premiums to the number of traffic violations recorded against each vehicle. Highlighting alarming statistics from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, which reported over 437,000 road accidents in 2022 and around 155,000 fatalities, Saxena emphasized the need for a tiered insurance system. He noted that vehicles with multiple violations have a 40% higher risk of fatal accidents and urged discussions with the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India to implement this framework. Saxena argued that such a system would promote responsible driving, reduce road accidents, and better manage insurance claims.

The second phase of voting in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections began on September 25, covering 26 seats in six districts. With security heightened in areas like Rajouri, over 2.5 million voters will decide the fate of 239 candidates, marking the first assembly election in a decade following the abrogation of Article 370. The first phase saw a voter turnout of 61.13%, and the third phase is scheduled for October 1. Key candidates include Omar Abdullah from the National Conference and Ravinder Raina from the BJP. The Election Commission has established 157 special polling stations to enhance voter accessibility.

Congress responded sharply on Tuesday after BJP MP Kangana Ranaut expressed support for the reinstatement of the controversial farm laws, referring to them as “black laws.” Sharing a clip of her statement, Congress challenged the BJP to bring back the laws, emphasizing their commitment to farmers and condemning the Modi government's previous actions that led to the deaths of over 750 farmers. Ranaut, aware her comments might provoke controversy, suggested that farmers should demand the laws be reinstated. This incident follows a warning to Ranaut regarding her earlier remarks about the potential for a Bangladesh-like situation in India amid the farm law protests.

In a recent address to BJP workers in Maharashtra, Union Home Minister Amit Shah sharply criticized Congress, likening it to a student who, despite improving from 20 to 30 marks, still fails to pass. He emphasized the stark difference between BJP and Congress as the 2024 Lok Sabha elections approach. Shah also took aim at Rahul Gandhi's remarks made in the U.S. about India no longer needing reservations, asserting that the BJP would not allow such changes. He highlighted the importance of Karyakartas in the party's success and urged workers to engage with farmers about government welfare schemes, reinforcing the BJP's commitment to cultural nationalism and grassroots involvement.

During their meeting in New York, Prime Minister Modi expressed India’s continued support for peace and stability in Ukraine. He emphasized the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in resolving the ongoing conflict, reiterating India's commitment to humanitarian aid and cooperation in international forums to address the crisis. Modi highlighted the need for a balanced approach to foster lasting peace in the region.