India Roundup: Samsung workers protest, renewable energy, donor support
Renewable energy pathway
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has emphasised India's commitment to a future powered by renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, hydro, and nuclear power. He made this pledge during the 4th Global Renewable Energy Investor’s Meet in Gandhinagar, Hindustan Times reports. According to him, India aims to become a developed nation by 2047, relying on non-fossil fuels due to limited oil and gas reserves. The initiative is also expected to create jobs with a focus on training three hundred thousand youth as skilled manpower, including a thousand Solar PV Technicians.
India rejects U.S. request to ban Russian news organisation
India has rejected a U.S. request to ban Russia's RT News, affirming its stance of not adhering to unilateral sanctions, according to Times of India. Meanwhile, leaders Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping criticised NATO during the Xiangshan Forum, advocating for a multipolar world. In other developments, a NATO member's request for BRICS membership was mocked by Russia, and NATO relationships continue to shift, with one member's foreign minister resigning after controversial comments on Putin. Additionally, India is playing a mediator role in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, while incidents of diplomatic tensions and local unrest continue in various regions, including a violent car incident in Delhi.
Delhi Chief Minister elects successor
Arvind Kejriwal will resign as Delhi Chief Minister on Tuesday, following which the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) will elect his successor within a week. This announcement came after the Supreme Court granted him bail in the excise policy case. Delhi minister Saurabh Bharadwaj stated that once Kejriwal's resignation is accepted, a meeting will be held to elect the new leader who will form the government. Hindustan Times reports that there are no specifics on who will succeed him, and Bharadwaj dismissed BJP claims regarding Kejriwal's resignation being influenced by bail conditions. AAP holds a majority with 60 MLAs in the 70-member assembly, and assembly polls are expected early next year.
Samsung India workers protest
Samsung India workers at the Sriperumbudur factory have been on strike for a week, demanding higher pay, balanced work hours, and recognition of their Left-affiliated Workers Union. The protest has disrupted production of home appliances, including TVs and refrigerators, Wionews reports. Police detained several union members to prevent a planned march to the Kanchipuram District Collector's Office. Union leaders allege that management is not engaging in discussions and has formed a rival committee to undermine the union. Samsung stated they comply with laws and actively address worker grievances. The protests occur during a crucial sales period for the Indian consumer appliance market.
India supports Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar
India has launched 'Operation Sadbhav,' sending humanitarian aid worth thousands of dollars to Vietnam, Laos, and Myanmar following the devastation caused by Typhoon Yagi. This initiative, aligned with India's "Act East Policy," aims to enhance disaster relief efforts in the ASEAN region, according to Wionews.
