FirstUp: Modi in Gujarat, Germany implements its widely-criticised border restrictions… Top headlines today

September 16, Monday is turning out to be a busy day.

Let’s delve into news all around the world as it makes headlines on the first day of this week:

Germany to introduce border controls at all land borders

Germany announced last week that it would extend temporary border controls to all land borders, starting on September 16, 2024, for six months. These controls impact the normally free-movement Schengen zone and are aimed at addressing irregular migration.

Berlin also introduced proposals to strengthen enforcement of EU asylum rules, which include detaining asylum seekers while authorities assess if Germany is responsible for their cases.

Police will use tools like the Eurodac fingerprint database to assist in this process. However, the government rejected opposition calls for automatic asylum rejections at the border, citing incompatibility with EU law.

Previously, tighter checks were only implemented along its southern and eastern borders, but these will now be expanded to borders with Belgium, Denmark, France, and the Netherlands. The controls are expected to remain in place until at least March 2025, though extensions or adjustments could be made depending on the situation.

PM Modi’s agenda in Gujarat

Today, on September 16, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will have a packed schedule during his visit to Gujarat. His day will begin at 9:45 am in Gandhinagar, where he will engage with beneficiaries of the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, a programme aimed at providing solar energy to households. Following this, he will inaugurate the 4th Global Renewable Energy Investor’s Meet and Expo (RE-INVEST) at Mahatma Mandir.

Around 1:45 pm, Modi will inaugurate the Ahmedabad Metro Rail Project, and take a ride from Section 1 to GIFT City. Later in the day, at 3:30 pm, he will lay the foundation stone for several development projects in Ahmedabad, collectively worth more than Rs 8,000 crore. These projects include key railway upgrades, such as the quadrupling of the Samakhiali-Gandhidham and Gandhidham-Adipur lines, and improvements to roads and flyover bridges across the city.

Modi will also inaugurate renewable energy projects, including a 30 MW solar power system and a 35 MW Battery Energy Storage Solar Project in Kutch, and the construction of 220 kV substations in Morbi and Rajkot.

The PM will launch the Single Window IT System (SWITS), streamlining financial services at the International Financial Services Centre (IFSC). He will also sanction and inaugurate over 30,000 homes under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), handing over completed homes to beneficiaries.

Finally, Modi will flag off India’s first Vande Metro, linking Bhuj to Ahmedabad, alongside several new Vande Bharat trains on important routes, such as Nagpur-Secunderabad, Pune-Kolhapur, Agra Cantt-Banaras, and others, including the country’s first 20-coach Vande Bharat train from Varanasi to Delhi.

iOS 18 to be available for all compatible Apple devices

Apple has revealed a detailed overview of the new and enhanced features coming to iOS 18 and iPadOS 18, both set for release today. The company has published comprehensive documents — 22 pages for iOS 18 and 20 pages for iPadOS 18 — outlining approximately 250 updates.

The update includes new features focusing on AI-driven functionality, privacy enhancements, and cross-device integration. Users with compatible iPhones, iPads, and iPods will be able to download and install the update.

Hearing into the 115 charges against Manchester City

A hearing into the 115 charges against UK Football club Manchester City, related to alleged breaches of Premier League financial regulations, will begin today.

The charges, brought against the reigning English champions in February 2023, focus on violations concerning sponsorship income and financial disclosures.

Additionally, the club is accused of failing to fully cooperate with the league’s investigation into these allegations, which could have major implications for their standing in English football. An independent commission will oversee the proceedings.

The case, which has been under investigation since 2022, revolves around alleged violations related to sponsorship income, player contracts, and financial fair play rules.

US court to hear challenges to potential TikTok ban in the US

On Monday, a US federal appeals court will hear arguments in TikTok’s challenge to a US law that mandates either a sale or a potential ban of the app due to national security concerns.

TikTok, owned by China-based ByteDance, along with a group of its users, will argue before the DC Circuit Court that the law violates their free-speech rights and unfairly targets the platform.

Passed earlier this year, the legislation requires that TikTok’s US operations be separated from its Chinese ownership or face a ban. TikTok asserts that divestment is “technologically, commercially, and legally infeasible.” This case could have broader implications for Congress’ ability to regulate foreign-owned tech companies.

Mexican Independence Day

Today marks Mexican Independence Day, celebrating the beginning of the struggle for independence from Spain, which started on September 16, 1810. The event commemorates “El Grito de Dolores”, the historic call to arms by Miguel Hidalgo, a Roman Catholic priest, which initiated the rebellion.

Across Mexico, the day is celebrated with fireworks, parades, music, and traditional food, while political and military leaders deliver speeches honouring the nation’s history and progress.

The celebration begins on the evening of September 15, with the President of Mexico ringing the bell of the National Palace, symbolising Hidalgo’s call for independence. The festivities continue throughout September 16 with vibrant cultural displays and remembrance of the heroes of the Mexican War of Independence.

Eid-e-Milad-Un-Nabi

Muslims around the world are celebrating Eid-e-Milad-Un-Nabi today, the observance of the birth of the Prophet Muhammad. This day is considered especially sacred in the Islamic calendar and is marked by various traditions.

Sunni and Shia communities celebrate it in slightly different ways, but it generally includes gatherings for prayers, sermons, recitations of poetry, and reflections on the Prophet’s teachings. The holiday is an opportunity for Muslims to focus on unity, compassion, and charitable deeds, often featuring processions and the decoration of mosques.

While some communities may celebrate it with grand ceremonies, others look to personal reflection and study of the Prophet’s life. It’s also a public holiday in several Muslim-majority countries.

With inputs from agencies