Here are the top national and international news updates for September 19, covering key developments in politics, economy, diplomacy, and global events.
National Headlines
1. INDIAN STOCKS HIT 10-WEEK HIGHS AFTER FED RATE CUT, US TRADE OPTIMISM
Prices surged in IT and pharma sectors as the U.S. Federal Reserve cut rates. Indian benchmark indices like Nifty and Sensex opened higher amid hopes that easing trade tensions will boost exports.
2. US MAY EASE TARIFFS ON INDIAN GOODS, CHIEF ECONOMIC ADVISER SAYS
India could see reductions in U.S. import duties, including cutting reciprocal tariff levels to 10–15%. This move could ease export bottlenecks for key Indian industries.
3. MODI LAUNCHES ‘SWASTHA NARI SASHAKT PARIVAR’ HEALTH OUTREACH FOR WOMEN & CHILDREN
On his 75th birthday, PM Modi kicked off this nationwide health initiative focused on maternal and child health. The programme seeks to scale healthcare access in underserved communities.
4. TAMIL NADU UNDER HEAVY RAIN WARNING, 21 DISTRICTS ALERTED
IMD forecasts widespread and intense rainfall in many districts including Chennai, Kanchipuram, Vellore. Fishermen are urged to stay ashore; flooding and travel disruptions expected.
5. INDIA’S “MODI MODEL” LAUDED AS GLOBAL BENCHMARK BY UP CM YOGI
Inaugurating the Sewa Pakhwada campaign, Yogi Adityanath praised India’s development under PM Modi since 2014. He highlighted infrastructure, health, and spiritual rejuvenation projects as proof of progress.
International Headlines
1. FRANCE PROTESTS BUDGET CUTS TRIGGER WIDESPREAD STRIKES AND ARRESTS
Tens of thousands took to streets across France over cuts in education, healthcare, and other public services. Authorities arrested over 140 people amid clashes in Paris and other cities.
2. AUSTRALIA SETS AMBITIOUS EMISSIONS REDUCTION TARGET FOR 2035
The government pledged to cut greenhouse gases by 62–70% by 2035 from 2005 levels. Critics argue it’s either too weak against climate change or too costly in economic terms.
3. NASA CONFIRMS ASTEROID 2025 FA22 PASSES CLOSE TO EARTH, NO THREAT
The large asteroid narrowly escaped collision, zooming through space at ~24,000 mph. Scientists say the close pass offers an opportunity for observation rather than alarm.
4. GLOBAL MARKETS REACT WITH CAUTION AND OPTIMISM TO US RATE CUT
After the Fed reduced interest rates by 0.25%, markets around the world saw brief volatility but ended with overall gains. Emerging markets like India benefitted from weaker dollar and foreign funds flows.
5. TECH CONFERENCE ‘DINE WITH ALPHASEC II’ HIGHLIGHTS AI AND CYBERSECURITY CHALLENGES
Held in Mumbai, the event gathered cybersecurity experts to discuss AI’s dual role in enabling both innovation and risk. Key topics: zero-trust models, cloud security, and evolving privacy laws.
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