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On Saturday, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) unveiled its manifesto for the upcoming Assembly elections, promising to restore Jammu and Kashmir to its “original status” and advocate for regional cooperation between India and Pakistan. PDP president Mehbooba Mufti presented the manifesto at the party headquarters in Srinagar, alongside senior leaders. The manifesto emphasizes the party’s commitment to reinstating the constitutional guarantees that were previously removed, ensuring the protection of the region’s rights, and addressing the concerns of its people. This release marks a significant step in the PDP’s electoral strategy, reflecting its focus on regional autonomy and diplomatic engagement. Dig Deeper
Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav addressed Congress leader Jairam Ramesh’s concerns about the Great Nicobar mega infrastructure project in a letter dated August 21. Yadav assured that “exemplary mitigation measures” have been implemented to minimize environmental impact, while balancing strategic, national, and defense interests. He responded to worries about forest diversion by highlighting that despite the project’s impact, 82% of Great Nicobar remains under protected forests, eco-sensitive zones, and biosphere reserves. This, Yadav noted, exceeds the norm of maintaining two-thirds of the area under forest cover, reinforcing the project’s adherence to environmental regulations. Dig Deeper
