Express daily briefing: WhatsApp sent September alert on 121 Indians breached; PM Modi on RCEP; and more

PM Modi on RCEP: Tap vast Indian market but our businesses need benefits too

As Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Thailand’s capital, India made it clear that addressing its concerns over “unsustainable trade deficits” and its demands over access to the “services sector” hold the key for it to join the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement. RCEP is an umbrella trade agreement involving 16 countries, which include 10 ASEAN countries and China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand and India. 

In alert on Chhath Puja, Bihar district administration names Muslims

In an order to the local police and administration, Madhepura District Magistrate Navdeep Shukla has warned against attempts by “mischievous elements from Muslim community (to) cause tension” during the ongoing Chhath festival. Frowning at the order, the state home department said it would look into the issue.

Fifth column: Losing the Kashmir narrative

“India has compelling reasons for the abrogation of Article 370. But, so far, they have been put before the world so badly that it is Pakistan that has taken control of the narrative,” writes Tavleen Singh.

On Pakistan, we’ve issues… won’t act contrary to Olympic Charter: Kiren Rijiju

In Idea Exchange with The Indian Express, Union minister Kiren Rijiju talks about playing Pakistan, the “silent preparation” for 2024 Olympics, says sports is crucial for “alienated” regions like J&K, N-E, promises action on a sports education board after  Parliament’s Winter Session, and confirms BCCI will be under uniform sports code. 

Rohit Sharma – India’s outstand-in skipper 

India’s stand-in skipper Rohit Sharma is in the midst of a stellar run as a batsman — from notching up five centuries at the World Cup in England to making a seamless transition as a Test opener against the Proteas. Amidst all the plaudits he has been receiving for his batsmanship, Rohit’s captaincy is an area that often gets overlooked. 

In cyclone-prone Odisha district, women learn to save themselves, others

Odisha’s Ganjam district, battered by three cyclones in five years — Phailin in 2013, Hudhud in 2014 and Titli in 2018 — is taking the next step in disaster management through Swayamsiddha, a scheme that aims to impart rural women with life-saving skills and information in the event of a natural calamity.

And finally… 

Andaman delivery man Amrit Kujur recounts his incredible story of survival: of the 58 days he spent lost at sea, 28 of those “without food or water”, on a battered dinghy as the waves tossed it around from the Andaman Islands to Myanmar to Odisha coast. While Kujur’s is a story of human grit in the face of unimaginable odds, it has raised its share of questions and scepticism.