Ammo Prices Spike, Security Concerns

Good Afternoon ☕

Picture this: a world where the cost of bullets is making military bigwigs break a sweat. That's right, folks, we're talking about NATO, where the price of pew-pew is giving them a case of the budgetary blues. In a twist that even the wackiest scriptwriters couldn't conjure, a top NATO brass has declared that skyrocketing ammo prices are like a cosmic banana peel, sending their security aspirations slipping and sliding. It turns out, just tossing a boatload of cash at defense doesn't guarantee an impenetrable fortress of safety. Who would've thought?

Important News of the Day

1. NATO official warns rising ammunition prices hinder security

A top NATO military official has warned that rising ammunition prices are setting back the alliance's efforts to boost security. The official stated that the increase in prices means that higher defence spending by allies does not necessarily translate into greater security. The official called for more private investment in defence companies to help address the issue. NATO has been pressing for a boost in defence production to satisfy a demand for weapons and equipment that has soared since Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

2. PM Modi turns 73, BJP to launch slew of welfare schemes

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi turned 73 on September 17, 2023. To celebrate his birthday, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is launching a series of welfare schemes and programs as part of the "Sewa Pakhwara" initiative. The government's ambitious scheme, "PM Vishwakarma," will also be launched on the same day, which is aimed at promoting the development of small and medium enterprises.

3. Delhi Metro increases speed to 120kmph on Airport Line

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has announced that it will operate the Airport Express Line at a speed of 120 kmph from Sunday, reducing the travel time on the route. The approximate travel time between New Delhi and Terminal 3 Airport will be about 15 minutes and 30 seconds, down from over 18 minutes previously. . The journey time from New Delhi to Yashobhoomi Dwarka Sector-25 will now be approximately 21 minutes, reducing the travel time by about three minutes.

4. First meeting of committee on simultaneous polls to take place on 23 September

The first meeting of the high-level committee, chaired by former President Ram Nath Kovind, to examine and make recommendations for holding simultaneous elections in India, will be held on September 23, 2023. . This committee is responsible for studying the feasibility of conducting simultaneous polls for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies, also known as "one nation, one election." The meeting is expected to discuss various aspects of the proposal, including legal, logistical, and constitutional issues.

5. Plans to buy 100 more made-in-India fighter jets, says Indian Air Force chief

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has announced plans to buy around 100 more made-in-India LCA Mark 1A fighter jets to replace the MiG-series fighter jets in its fleet. The announcement was made by Indian Air Force chief Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari in Spain, soon after receiving the first C-295 transport aircraft in Spain in an exclusive interaction with ANI.

6. 'YashoBhoomi': PM to inaugurate one of world's largest MICE facility

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Phase 1 of India International Convention and Expo Centre, also known as 'Yashobhoomi', in New Delhi on his 73rd birthday, September 17, 2023. The convention center is one of the world's largest MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) facilities with a seating capacity of over 11,000 delegates. It has been built at a cost of Rs. 5400 crore.

7. India hosts inaugural UNCITRAL South Asia Conference

India hosted the inaugural United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) South Asia Conference, jointly hosted by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), UNCITRAL, and the UNCITRAL National Coordination Committee of India. The conference aimed to strengthen India's role in international trade law and investment law. The event was inaugurated by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Dr Justice DY Chandrachud, and prominent figures like the Minister of Law and Justice, and the Attorney General of India were present. The conference discussed India's unique relationship with UNCITRAL and the role of Indian women in international arbitration panels.

8. India to import more Cheetahs despite mysterious deaths of 9 big cats in MP

The Indian government is planning to import cheetahs from South Africa to reintroduce them in Madhya Pradesh's Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary despite the mysterious deaths of nine big cats in the state. The director of Project Cheetah, SP Yadav, announced that the cheetahs will be imported from South Africa, but he did not share any specific date when the cheetahs will be imported to India. He said that by the end of this year, the big cats may come into India.

9. India-Canada ties hit a new low as trade minister Mary NG postpones India trip

Canadian Trade Minister Mary NG has postponed a trade mission to India that was planned for October, amid strained relations between the two countries. The trade mission was part of a broader effort to strengthen economic ties between Canada and India. The postponement comes after tensions arose between the two countries at the recent G20 summit. NG's office has not provided details on when the trade mission will be rescheduled.

World News 🌎

• Libya floods: Death toll reaches 11,300, over 10,000 still missing, says UN

• Plane crash in Brazil's Amazon state claims 14 lives

• China detains Evergrande staff

• Tropical storm Lee hits Canada's Nova Scotia with high winds and heavy rains

• Elon Musk's alleged affair causes divorce of Google Co-Founder Sergey Brin

• ECB hikes, cuts growth outlook

• US core inflation remains bit firmer

• Impasse over dispute settlement system likely to end: WTO deputy director-general Angela Ellard

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