National news
J&K Launches ‘Vote Ka Tyohar’ Theme Song
In an effort to boost voter participation for the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Elections, starting on 18 September 2024, the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), J&K, has launched a theme song titled ‘Vote Ka Tyohar’. The song was released by CEO Pandurang K Pole, who emphasized the significance of voter turnout and the involvement of the youth in ensuring a robust electoral process.
- Involvement: The students and Principal of Padma Shri Padma Sachdev Government PG College for Women, Gandhi Nagar, Jammu, played a crucial role in the success of the song.
- Production: The song was produced by Rangyug, a performing arts organization, under the SVEEP (Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation) campaign.
- Key Contributors:
- Director: Deepak Kumar
- Lyrics: Dr. Liaquat Jafri
- Music: Pankaj Pardhan, S. Amarjeet Singh
About SVEEP:
SVEEP is the Election Commission of India’s flagship program aimed at promoting voter education, awareness, and literacy, with the goal of creating a participative democracy by encouraging all eligible citizens to vote.
Previous Efforts by the Election Commission:
- Campaigns like ‘Chunav Ka Parv, Desh Ka Garv’ and ‘Turning 18’ in preparation for the 18th Lok Sabha Elections.
- ‘You Are The One’ was another impactful campaign to encourage voter participation.
This initiative is part of a broader effort to engage voters in Jammu and Kashmir, ensuring a high turnout in the 2024 Assembly Elections.
Jammu and Kashmir:
Rashtrapati Nilayam to Host Bhartiya Kala Mahotsav in Late September
The inaugural Bharatiya Kala Mahotsav will be held from September 29 to October 6, 2024, at Rashtrapati Nilayam, in collaboration with the Ministry of Development of North-East Region and the Ministry of Culture.
Highlights:
- Showcase: The eight-day event will highlight the cultural heritage of North-Eastern states including Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura.
- Participants: Over 300 artists and artisans will present their art, culture, crafts, and cuisine.
- Inauguration: President Droupadi Murmu will inaugurate the Mahotsav on September 28, 2024.
Rashtrapati Nilayam:
- Location: One of India’s three Presidential retreats, the only one in Southern India.
- History: Built in 1860 with 90 acres of land, it was acquired by the Nizam of Hyderabad post-independence.
- Usage: The President of India visits Rashtrapati Nilayam annually in December.
International news
Cambodia’s Angkor Wat: Most Photogenic UNESCO Site in Asia
- Angkor Wat was recognized as Asia’s most photogenic UNESCO World Heritage site by Times Travel (announced by Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet on September 15, 2024).
- Other Sites on the List:
- India: Taj Mahal, Hampi
- China: Great Wall
- Myanmar: Ancient city of Bagan
- Indonesia: Borobudur
- Vietnam: Ha Long Bay
- Japan: Historic Monuments of Kyoto
- Jordan: Petra
- Philippines: Rice Terraces of the Cordilleras
- Angkor Wat: Located in the 401 sq. km Angkor Archaeological Park (Siem Reap province), built between the 9th and 13th centuries. It attracted 651,857 visitors in early 2024, generating $30.3 million in revenue.
Cambodia Overview:
- Capital: Phnom Penh
- Prime Minister: Hun Manet
- Language: Khmer
- Currency: Cambodian Riel (KHR)
Economy news
Haryana Overtakes Punjab in GDP, West Bengal’s Decades-Long Economic Decline
Authored by Sanjeev Sanyal, a member of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM), the working paper titled “Relative Economic Performance of Indian States: 1960-61 to 2023-24” examines the economic trajectories of Indian states over more than six decades.
West Bengal’s Decline:
- Historical Context: West Bengal held a 10.5% share of India’s GDP in 1960-61.
- Current Performance: The state’s share has decreased to 5.6% by 2023-24.
- Per Capita Income: Dropped from 127.5% of the national average in 1960-61 to 83.7% in 2023-24.
- Economic Shift: Once a major industrial hub, West Bengal now lags behind other states such as Rajasthan and Odisha.
Southern and Western States’ Growth:
- Post-Liberalization Surge: Southern states (Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Kerala, Tamil Nadu) and Delhi and Haryana have seen significant economic growth.
- GDP Contribution: Southern states contributed to 30% of India’s GDP by 2023-24.
- Per Capita Income: These regions have surpassed the national average.
Regional Divergence:
- Maharashtra: Maintains steady economic performance.
- Tamil Nadu: Experienced a rebound post-1991 economic liberalization.
- Bihar: Despite stabilization, remains economically underdeveloped compared to other states.
Haryana:
- Chief minister: Nayab Singh Saini
- Capital: Chandigarh
Windfall Tax on Crude Petroleum Slashed to Zero
The Indian government has scrapped the windfall tax on domestically produced crude oil, making the tax zero as of September 18, 2024.
What is the Windfall Tax?
- Definition: A tax imposed on industries that experience unexpectedly high profits due to external factors.
- Purpose: It redistributes unexpected gains to benefit consumers and fund social welfare schemes. The tax is also a source of supplementary revenue for governments and helps narrow trade deficits.
- Imposition: Windfall taxes are typically levied when profits spike due to external events like wars or commodity shortages, unrelated to a company’s own business activities.
India’s Windfall Tax Introduction
- When: Introduced on July 1, 2022, and effective from September 1, 2022.
- Reason: The tax was initially imposed on oil and gas to curb domestic shortages, as companies sought to export for higher profits.
With the recent decision, the tax on crude oil production is now set to zero.
Banking news
LIC Appoints Infosys for NextGen Digital Platform
The Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) has chosen Infosys to develop its next-generation digital platform under the DIVE (Digital Innovation and Value Enhancement) programme. This platform will streamline customer services, manage the business lifecycle, and improve operations for sales intermediaries and branch employees. The deal was secured through a request for proposal (RFP) process, marking a shift from LIC’s previous IT partnerships with Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and Tech Mahindra. The financial details of the agreement remain undisclosed.
Key Project Features:
- End-to-End Digital Solution: Enhances customer services, business operations, and branch digital interfaces.
- High-Value Business Applications: Includes customer and sales super apps, portals, and digital branches.
- Modular, Cloud-Native Design: Built to adapt to emerging technologies.
DIVE Programme Objectives:
The DIVE programme is aimed at modernizing LIC’s digital infrastructure from customer onboarding to claims settlement. Siddhartha Mohanty, LIC’s Managing Director and CEO, highlighted the partnership as pivotal in LIC’s transition to a technology-driven organization, better equipped to meet the needs of today’s digital-first customers.
Financial Performance (Q1 FY25):
- Net Profit: ₹10,461 crore (+9.61%)
- Premium Income: ₹1.13 trillion (+15.66%)
- Individual Premiums: ₹67,192 crore (+7.04%)
- Group Premiums: ₹46,578 crore (+30.87%)
- LIC shares closed at ₹1,027.75, down 0.60% on the BSE.
LIC:
- Founded: 1 September 1956
- Headquarters: Mumbai
- Head: Shri. Siddhartha Mohanty
Banks and FIs to Invest Rs 32.5 Trillion in Renewable Energy by 2030
- Event Overview: Hosted by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) and Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).
- Total Commitments: Nearly $386 billion (Rs 32.45 trillion) pledged for renewable energy (RE) projects by 2030.
Renewable Energy Goals:
- Target: Build 500 gigawatts (Gw) of RE capacity by 2030.
- Current Pledges: Solar industry commitments exceed 570 Gw.
Major Commitments:
- Reliance Industries (RIL): 100 Gw RE capacity.
- NTPC: 41.3 Gw.
- ReNew: 40 Gw, plus 6 Gw for solar manufacturing.
- Torrent Power: 10 Gw.
- Adani New Industries Ltd (ANIL): 3.9 Gw for wind turbine manufacturing.
- Suzlon Energy: 2.8 Gw for wind turbines.
‘Shapath Patra’ Initiative:
- Solar Module Manufacturing: 338 Gw.
- Solar Cell Manufacturing: 239 Gw.
- Wind Turbine Manufacturing: 22 Gw.
Financial Commitments:
- Total: Rs 24.8 trillion.
- Major Contributors:
- REC: Rs 6 trillion.
- IREDA: Rs 5 trillion.
- Power Finance Corporation (PFC): Rs 3 trillion.
- SBI: Rs 5 trillion.
- PNB: Rs 79,000 crore.
- Brookfield: Rs 54,000 crore.
Appointment news
Senior IPS Officer Amrit Mohan Appointed SSB Chief
Amrit Mohan, a senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officer from the Odisha cadre, has been appointed as the Director General of Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB). Previously, he served as the Special Director General of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). His appointment, approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, is effective until his superannuation on August 31, 2025. He succeeds Dalit Singh Choudhary, the previous Director General of SSB.
About SSB:
- Role: The Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) is responsible for guarding India’s borders with Nepal and Bhutan.
- Established: In 1963.
- Primary Duties: Preventing cross-border crime, smuggling, and handling anti-national activities.
Atishi Marlena Set To Be New CM of Delhi
Atishi Marlena, a prominent leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), has been appointed as the new Chief Minister of Delhi, succeeding Arvind Kejriwal. The decision was made during a meeting of the Delhi Legislative Assembly members.
Significance
- Predecessor: Atishi will succeed Arvind Kejriwal, who has been Delhi’s Chief Minister since AAP’s victory in the Delhi Assembly Elections.
- Historical Context: She will be the third woman Chief Minister of Delhi, following Sheila Dikshit and Sushma Swaraj. She is also the second current female Chief Minister in India, after Mamata Banerjee of West Bengal.
Award news
Indian women’s contributions across UAE honored at Indian Women Dubai Awards 2024
The Indian Women Dubai Awards 2024 took place in Dubai, recognizing the exceptional contributions of Indian women across various fields in the UAE. This prestigious event highlighted the empowerment, resilience, and unity of women who are making significant impacts in their communities.
Award Categories:
The awards featured over 30 categories, including new recognitions for technology and innovation, alongside traditional categories celebrating:
- Artists
- Entrepreneurs
- Influencers
- Healthcare professionals
Chief Guest: The event was graced by Sameera Reddy, a Bollywood actress known for her influential roles and advocacy for body positivity and mental health. Her journey resonates with the event’s spirit of celebrating women’s achievements and perseverance.
About Indian Women in Dubai (IWD) and Reema Mahajan: Indian Women in Dubai (IWD) is a platform founded by Reema Mahajan, serving to empower and connect over 150,000 members of the Indian community in the UAE. Under her leadership, IWD has fostered an environment for networking, growth, and collaboration among women, making the Indian Women Dubai Awards a significant event in celebrating Indian women’s success across the UAE.
Aishwarya Rai Wins Best Actress at SIIMA 2024
At the South Indian International Movie Awards (SIIMA) 2024, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan was honored with the Best Actress (Critics) Award for her remarkable performance in Maniratnam’s epic “Ponniyin Selvan 2”.
Historical Background: The movie Ponniyin Selvan is based on the daily life and grandeur of the Chola Empire, adapted from the Tamil novel “Ponniyin Selvan” written by Kalki Krishnamoorthy.
Sports news
Saleema Imtiaz Makes History as First Pakistani Woman Nominated to ICC Development Umpires Panel
Saleema Imtiaz has become the first Pakistani woman to be nominated to the ICC International Panel of Development Umpires, as announced by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). In her remarks, she acknowledged the hard work and sacrifices that have led to this achievement, emphasizing that this is not just her personal victory but a milestone for all aspiring female cricketers and umpires in Pakistan. She hopes her success will inspire many other women to pursue careers in cricket.
About the ICC:
- International Cricket Council (ICC): The global governing body for cricket.
- Headquarters: Dubai, UAE.
- Members: 108 nations, with 12 Full Members and 96 Associate Members.
- Present Chairman: Greg Barclay (New Zealand).
- Upcoming Chairman: Jay Shah (starting December 1, 2024).
ICC Development Umpires Panel:
- Established in 2005, the ICC Development Umpires Panel primarily consists of umpires from Associate Members of the ICC.
- It serves as a pathway to the Elite Panel of ICC Umpires.
- India’s Representatives: Narayanan Janani and Vrinda Rathi are also part of the panel for 2024-25.
ICC introduces equal prize money for men’s and women’s cricket World Cups
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has set a new precedent in sports equity by declaring that starting with the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup, men’s and women’s cricket teams will receive equal prize money in all World Cup events. This move makes cricket the first major team sport to implement equal prize money across genders.
Key Details:
- 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup:
- Prize Money Increase: The winning team will receive $2.34 million, marking a 134% increase from the $1 million awarded in 2023.
- Runners-Up Prize: $1.17 million, more than double the $500,000 given last year.
- Comparison with Men’s T20 World Cup: The recent winner of the Men’s T20 World Cup, India, received $2.45 million.
Significance:
- Strategic Alignment: This initiative aligns with the ICC’s strategy to prioritize and accelerate the growth of women’s cricket by 2032.
- Equity Achievement: The ICC has achieved its goal of prize money equity seven years ahead of the 2030 target. Teams will receive equal prize money for equivalent finishes and match wins in comparable events.
Previous Instances of Gender Pay Equity:
- BCCI: Announced equal pay for all centrally contracted men’s and women’s Team India cricketers in 2022.
- Other Boards: New Zealand Cricket, Cricket South Africa, and England Cricket have also adopted equal salary structures for their men’s and women’s teams.
Scheme news
NPS Vatsalya Scheme: A Pathway to Securing Children’s Financial Future
The NPS Vatsalya Scheme, introduced in the Union Budget 2024-25, is set to be launched by Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman on September 18, 2024, in New Delhi. The scheme allows parents to invest in pension accounts for their children, starting with flexible contributions from as low as Rs. 1,000 annually, encouraging long-term wealth building through the power of compounding. The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) will oversee the scheme.
Key Features of NPS Vatsalya:
- Flexible contributions: Families can invest small amounts, making it accessible across different economic backgrounds.
- Investment for minors: The scheme is designed to secure the financial future of children by fostering early investment habits.
- Compounding growth: Investments will grow through compounding, offering significant financial benefits over time.
Launch Event:
- The Finance Minister will unveil an online platform for NPS Vatsalya subscriptions, release a brochure detailing the scheme, and distribute PRAN (Permanent Retirement Account Number) cards to minor subscribers.
- The launch will be conducted virtually, with participation from 75 locations across the country.
This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to inclusive financial security and long-term financial planning for the next generation, aiming to foster financial independence from an early age.
Books and author news
The Book Titled ‘Sri Rama in Tamilagam – An inseparable bond’ Released by Governor of Tamil Nadu
On a momentous occasion for Tamil literature and cultural heritage, Thiru R.N. Ravi, the Honorable Governor of Tamil Nadu, presided over the release of the book “Sri Rama in Tamilagam – An Inseparable Bond.” Authored by Dr. D.K. Hari and Dr. D.K. Hema Hari, the book delves into the historical and cultural ties between Lord Rama and the land of Tamilagam, present-day Tamil Nadu.
Authors’ Vision:
- Dr. D.K. Hari and Dr. D.K. Hema Hari, respected scholars of Indian history and culture, have penned this work to showcase the connection between North and South India through the Ramayana.
- Their goal was to highlight the shared heritage and the profound influence of Lord Rama on Tamil culture, which is often underrepresented in mainstream narratives.
Tamilagam: A Living Heritage of Ramayana:
- The book emphasizes how Tamilagam is a living museum of the Ramayana. The land is home to countless temples where scenes from Lord Rama’s life are depicted in stone, chronicling his journey from birth to his departure. These temples, spanning the region, offer a unique and tangible rendition of the Ramayana for both devotees and history enthusiasts.
- Through this literary work, the authors hope to reinforce the inseparable cultural bond that Tamil Nadu shares with the Ramayana, contributing to the understanding of its importance in the region’s spiritual and historical landscape.
