Daily Briefing: Row over PM Modi’s remarks, Vinesh Phogat’s ordeal for Olympics, and more

🗳️ Decision 2024

A day after his remarks on the Congress and Muslims stirred up a row, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in Aligarh, listed his initiatives for the Muslim community — from doing away with triple talaq to increasing the Haj quota.

The Congress party, meanwhile, said it was a trial for the Election Commission (EC) too, asking it to take action against PM Modi for his “divisive, objectionable and malicious” speech, saying he levelled “blatantly defamatory”, “false” and “unverified allegations” against it.

In Kerala, various castes and communities play a crucial role in driving the politics, from the selection of candidates to the framing of planks of political parties. Take a look at the 5 key groups behind Kerala’s perennial power play.

⚡Only in Express

Last Saturday, Vinesh Phogat competed in her first international tournament since September 2022 and, without conceding a single point, secured a Paris Olympics quota place for India. To be ready for that, the wrestler had to endure an hours-long ordeal. Here’s all that she told The Indian Express.

Gyanesh Chaudhary, Chairman and Managing Director of Vikram Solar, one of India’s largest solar photovoltaic manufacturers, speaks to The Indian Express about India’s solar potential and the need for changes in the sector.

From the Front Page

If anyone still had any doubts about this, the era of the Indian teenage prodigy is here. D Gukesh, the 17-year-old from Chennai has become the youngest ever to secure a spot at the World Chess Championship. What separates him from the rest of the world’s teenage prodigies? Read Amit Kamath’s report.

Aligarh Muslim University has its first woman Vice-Chancellor – Naima Khatoon. Besides a PhD in psychology from AMU and years of teaching experience in the college and at the National University of Rwanda, Khatoon is also the author of six books and numerous research papers.

Threat to Abhishek Banerjee’s life? Kolkata police say they arrested a person with links to the 26/11 terror attack-accused David Headley for allegedly conducting a recce around the TMC MP’s residence and offices.

👩‍💻Must Read

A “cumbersome” administrative structure and lack of experienced engineers are among the top issues flagged by a Taiwanese official ahead of India’s chip push. Taiwan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Joseph Wu details the challenges.

IRDAI has lifted the age ceiling of 65 years for buying a medical insurance policy, a move that widens the insurance net and provides huge relief to senior Indians. Here’s what you must know about the decision.

In the Opinion section, Bijal Vachharajani chronicles the impact of climate change on kids. “We pass on many things to our children — property, genes, traits, et al. But we are also the generation that passes on a climate-changed planet,” he writes.

⌛And Finally…

Delhi Confidential: There was a surprise visitor at BJP headquarters yesterday – actor Kangana Ranaut, who is the party’s candidate from Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi Lok Sabha seat.

In today’s episode of ‘3 Things’, we discuss the Manipur poll violence, D Gukesh’s historic win, and the Shiv Sena theme song.

Until tomorrow,

Sonal Gupta and Navmi Krishna