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Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh assassinated in Tehran
Budget
Haniyeh, has been assassinated in Tehran, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said in a statement on Wednesday.
Haniyeh was killed alongside one of his bodyguards at his residence in the Iranian capital while he was in the town to attend Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian's swearing-in ceremony on Tuesday.
There are no further details on the killing from the IRGC.
As per several television analysts
to benefit
in Iran, the blame has been put on Israel.
Reacting to the news, Israel War Room posted a video on X showing Haniyeh celebrating the October 7 attack on Israeli citizens.
"This was Hamas chief Haniyeh's reaction to the Hamas massacre on October 7. He's not celebrating anymore," it captioned the video. Haniyeh was the face of Hamas and was active in several peace negotiations.
all segments of society, says PM Modi
Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said the Union Budget 2024-25 would ensure inclusive growth, benefiting every segment of society and pave the way for a developed India.
"This is a Budget that will take the country's villages, poor and farmers on the path of prosperity.
In the last 10 years, 25 crore people have come out of poverty,"
PM Modi said.
"This Budget is also a Budget for the continuation of the empowerment of the newly emerged Neo Middle Class," he said.
PM Modi said the Budget would be a catalyst for making India
Paris Olympics Medal Tally: Japan remain on top, China 2nd, India on 33rd
Paris, July 31 (IANS) Coming into Day 5 of the Paris Olympics, Japan maintained its top spot in the medal tally with seven gold, two silver, and four bronze medals, taking their total count to 13.
China is close, sitting second, with six gold medals, maintaining their upper hand in shooting and diving. They have also six silver and two bronze medals for a total count of 14 medals. Australia
Wayanad landslide: Death toll reaches 153, search for missing continues
Kozhikode, July 31 (IANS) A day after the massive landslides struck Kerala's Wayanad, desperate scenes were witnessed with the rescue teams reaching
the destroyed houses and frantically searching for missing people, even as the death toll on Wednesday reached 153, with 98 still missing.
The worst affected areas include Churalpara, Velarimala, Mundakayil and Pothukalu. The locals from these areas, who managed to escape, are deeply
Outrageous allegation: Sitharaman blasts Oppn over claims of ‘biased’ Budget
New Delhi, July 24 (IANS) Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, in a strong rebuttal to the
Opposition’s charge of the Union Budget being ‘politically biased’ towards the non-NDA states, said that all states have got equal and dedicated funds allocation.
“If any state is not named in the Budget speech, this doesn’t mean that they have been left out,” the Finance Minister said in Rajya Sabha.
Amarnath Yatra 2024 breaks records with 4.71 lakh devotees in 32 days
pilgrims as another batch of 1,654 pilgrims left Jammu for the Valley on Wednesday, said officials.
“This number is more than last year’s total pilgrim number of 4.45 lakh who went to Amarnath cave shrine during the entire Yatra period. Yesterday, 5,000 devotees performed the Yatra while a new batch of 1,654 left Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu for the Valley in two escorted convoys.
New Delhi, July 23 (IANS) Prime
Tel Aviv, July 31 (IANS) The political head of Hamas, Ismail
Jammu, July 31 (IANS) Over 4.71
lakh devotees had ‘darshan’ during the ongoing Amarnath Yatra so far breaking last year’s entire Yatra record of 4.45 lakh
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Amarnath Yatra 2024 breaks records with 4.71 lakh devotees in 32 days
Continued from Page 1
Both convoys left for the Valley at 3.20 a.m.," the officials said.
“First escorted convoy of 17 vehicles carrying 456 pilgrims left for the North Kashmir Baltal base camp. The second escorted convoy of 34 vehicles carrying 1,198 Yatris left for the South Kashmir Nunwan (Pahalgam) base camp”, officials said.
Arrangements of security, community kitchens (Langars), transit and base camps and the ubiquitous presence of security forces all along the highway from Jammu to Kashmir have ensured a safe, smooth and hassle-free Yatra this year.
The most important helping hand to the Yatris is provided by the locals. These locals employ ponies and work as porters for the pilgrims often carrying the weak and infirm devotees on their back up and down the treacherous mountain route on both sides of approach.
The cave shrine houses an ice stalagmite structure that wanes and waxes with the phases of the moon. Devotees believe that this ice stalagmite structure symbolises the mythical powers of Lord Shiva.
The cave is situated at an altitude of 3,888 metres above sea level in the Kashmir Himalayas. Devotees approach the cave shrine either
from the traditional South Kashmir Pahalgam route or the North Kashmir Baltal route.
The Pahalgam-Cave shrine axis is 48 Km long and takes Yatris 4-5 days to reach the shrine. The Baltal-Cave shrine axis is 14 Km long and takes one day for the pilgrims to have ‘darshan’ and return to the base camp.
Helicopter services are also available for the pilgrims both at Baltal on the North Kashmir route and at Chandanwari on the South Kashmir route.
This year’s Yatra will conclude after 52 days on August 19 coinciding with Shravan Purnima and Raksha Bandhan festivals.
Budget to benefit all segments of society, says PM Modi
Continued from Page 1
the third-largest economy in the world and for laying the strong foundation for the 'Viksit Bharat'.
PM Modi underlined that the budget with its new schemes is aimed at strengthening the lives of the middle class, tribals, Dalits and Backward Classes.
He further emphasised that this year's Budget would ensure economic partnerships for women while also laying down a new path for small businesses and MSMEs.
Reiterating the government's commitment to employment and self-employment, the Prime Minister noted the success of the PLI scheme and highlighted the Employment Linked Incentive scheme announced in the budget which will create crores of jobs.
Emphasising the commitment to creating entrepreneurs in every city, every village and every household, PM Modi talked about raising the limit of collateral-free loans under the
Mudra Loan from Rs 10 lakh to 20 lakh which will greatly benefit small businessmen, women, Dalits, Backward Classes and the deprived.
Asserting the commitment to make India the manufacturing hub of the world, the Prime Minister emphasised the links of MSME with the middle class of the country and its employment potential for the poor segment.
"The announcements in the Budget will take manufacturing and exports to every district," he said, adding: "e-Commerce, export hubs and food quality testing will give new momentum to One District-One Product programme."
PM Modi also underlined that the Union Budget 2024-25 brings numerous opportunities for India's startup and innovation ecosystem.
He gave examples of a Rs 1,000 crore corpus fund to vitalise the space economy and the abolition of the angel tax.
"Record high capex will become a driving force of the economy," the Prime Minister said, mentioning the development plans for 12 new industrial nodes, new satellite towns and transit plans for 14 big cities.
He said that it would enable the development of new economic hubs in the country and create numerous jobs.
Highlighting the record defence exports, the Prime Minister mentioned that this year's Budget consists of numerous provisions to create an 'Aatmanirbhar' defence sector.
PM Modi also underlined the emphasis on tourism in this year's Budget and said that the tourism industry brings numerous opportunities for the poor and the middle-class. The Prime Minister said that in the last 10 years, the government has ensured tax relief for the poor and the middle class, while decisions were made in this year's Budget to reduce income tax, hike standard deduction and simplify TDS rules. He said that these reforms would allow
Amarnath Yatra 2024 breaks records with 4.71 lakh devotees in 32 days
New Delhi, July 31 (IANS)
Customer service calls on hold resulted in a massive loss of 15 billion hours for Indians last year, resulting in likely $55 billion in economic loss output, a report revealed on Wednesday.
An average person spends more than one day each year on hold to address an issue or complaint
(30.7 hours), according to new research from the AI platform ServiceNow.
Slow service solutions mean the average employee is spending 3.9 days to resolve each customer issue, the report noted.
"Indian businesses are at risk of losing two-thirds of their customer base in 2024 due to slow service solutions," said Sumeet Mathur, SVP and Managing Director, ServiceNow India Technology and Business Centre.
Structural problems are pushing wait times further with 48 per cent of Indians identifying inefficient internal communication as a major issue
Outrageous allegation: Sitharaman blasts Oppn over claims of ‘biased’ Budget
Continued from Page 1
Further, hitting out at the Opposition parties, she said that a deliberate attempt was made by parties including Congress to give an impression that nothing is being given to states ruled by non-NDA parties.
"I would challenge the Congress party, in each of their budget speeches, have they named every state of this country. This is an outrageous allegation," Sitharaman said.
Notably, the INDIA bloc leaders described the Budget as antipeople and discriminatory towards non-NDA states. They claimed that the Budget was not a ‘BJP document’ and it must cater to all states while referring to the bonanza given to Bihar and Andhra Pradesh.
FM Sitharaman took exception to these charges and cited the example of Maharashtra to counter the Opposition’s claims of discrimination.
"The cabinet, under the leadership of PM Modi, took the decision to set up a very big port in Vadhavan in Maharashtra. Did
Maharashtra get ignored because I did not mention the name? Rs 76,000 crore has been announced for the project," she said.
"If the speech does not mention a particular state, does it mean that the schemes and programmes of government don't extend to these states?" she asked.
Doubling down her attack, she said that the Congress party having stayed in power for a very long time has presented many budgets and they know it very well that you don't get an opportunity to name every state in the Budget speech.
She said that a deliberate attempt was being made to mislead the people.
As some members of Trinamool Congress returned to the House during her speech, the Finance Minister said, "Yesterday, TMC questioned the Budget, saying nothing has been given to Bengal. Several schemes given by the Prime Minister in the last 10 years have not been implemented in West Bengal. And, you have the audacity to ask me now?"
Wayanad landslide: Death toll reaches 153, search for missing continues
Continued from Page 1
shattered by the extent of the devastation.
The rescue teams from the Army, Air Force, Navy, NDRF, police, Fire Force and locals were engaged in the operations till late into Tuesday night and were back early on Wednesday.
The rescue teams are now trying to search the destroyed homes to look for survivors.
Anxious relatives are waiting in Mundakayil in front of some destroyed homes hoping that the rescue team will find some alive.
Rain continues to play spoilsport at the affected spots as the whole area is filled with a slurry, big and small boulders.
for customer service delays, while 47 per cent say customer service staff lack decision-making power.
About 66 per cent of respondents said they would consider switching to another company if their issue is not resolved within three working days.
"Businesses that can't meet that standard must act, installing AI-powered self-service options available at the consumers' fingertips," Mathur added.
Over half of Indians say their trust in chatbots (55 per cent) and selfhelp guides (56 per cent) has also increased.
Meanwhile, the police have stopped people from travelling to Wayanad without a reason as most of the roads to the affected places are getting crowded hampering the movement of the rescue vehicles.
On Wednesday, the rescue teams are being reinforced with more trained people joining to speed up the rescue operations.
The NDRF and defence rescue teams had been able to transport more than 500 people holed up in certain areas of the affected spots by late Tuesday night Bailey bridges and ropeways have been set up by the forces thereby speeding up the rescue efforts.
Paris Olympics Medal Tally: Japan remain on top, China 2nd, India on 33rd
Continued from Page 1
placed third with total of 11 medals, including six golds.
Hosts France continued to surprise, placing in fourth place with 18 medals, comprising of five gold, nine silver, and four bronze medals. Despite winning their second medal -- a bronze that came via Manu Bhaker and Sarabjot Singh, India slipped to 33rd position in the table.
Gautam Adani amazed at US envoy Eric Garcetti’s love for kadak chai, chole bhature
Ahmedabad, July 16 (IANS)
Gautam Adani, Chairman of the Adani Group, on Tuesday said he is amazed to see the adoption of Indian culture by Eric Garcetti, the United States Ambassador to India -- from drinking kadak chai to savouring chole bhature.
Earlier in the day, Garcetti visited the Adani Group’s Khavda Renewable Energy Facility in Gujarat, saying it was a learning experience on how the company is helping India advance towards
its zero-emissions goals.
In a post on social media platform X, Gautam Adani said he is grateful for the US envoy’s visit to Adani's 30 GW Renewable Energy site at Khavda, as well as the flagship Mundra Port.
"Invaluable insights on geopolitics, energy transition and India-US relations in an open and candid Q&A with Adanians," said Gautam Adani.
"Amazing to see his adoption of Indian culture, from kadak chai to celebrating holi, to playing cricket to speaking in Hindi and eating chole bhature every day," he added.
The Adani Group is developing the world’s largest renewable energy project of 30,000 MW on barren land at Khavda in Kutch, Gujarat. Built across 538 sq km, it is five times the size of Paris and almost as large as Mumbai city.
"Inspired by my visit to the Khavda Renewal Energy Facility in Gujarat, where I learned about @AdaniGreen’s innovative projects advancing India’s zero-
emissions goals," Garcetti earlier posted on X.
He said that sustainable energy is a cornerstone of environmental stewardship.
"Our bilateral partnership is key to shaping the solutions for a cleaner and greener future for the region and the world," Garcetti noted.
The commissioning of the first 2 GW at the world’s largest renewable energy plant in Khavda within 12 months of breaking ground has set a record.
Spanning over 8,000 hectares, the Mundra Economic Hub offers investment options as the largest multi-product SEZ, Free Trade and Warehousing Zone (FTWZ) and Domestic Industrial Zone. Mundra, the first port of APSEZ, welcomed its maiden ship in 1998. Since then, the company has built a network of 15 ports and terminals on the east and west coasts of the country. The flagship port Mundra became the first in India to handle 16 MMT cargo in a single month (October 2023).
Adani Green’s innovative projects advancing India’s zero-emissions goals: US envoy Garcetti
Ahmedabad, July 16 (IANS) The United States' Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti, on Tuesday, said the visit to Adani Group’s Khavda Renewal Energy Facility in Gujarat was a learning experience on how the company is helping India advance towards its zero-emissions goals. The Adani Group is developing
the world’s largest renewable energy project of 30,000 MW on barren land at Khavda in Kutch, Gujarat.
Built across 538 sq km, it is five times the size of Paris and almost as large as Mumbai city.
“Inspired by my visit to the Khavda Renewal Energy Facility in Gujarat, where I learned about @AdaniGreen’s innovative projects advancing India’s zeroemissions goals,” Garcetti posted on X social media platform. He said that sustainable energy is a cornerstone of environmental stewardship.
“Our bilateral partnership is key to shaping the solutions for a cleaner and greener future for the region and the world,” Garcetti noted.
The commissioning of the first 2 GW at the world’s largest renewable energy plant in Khavda within 12 months of breaking ground has set a record.
Given renewable energy’s growth potential, Adani Green Energy has revised its FY 2029-30 target from 45 GW to 50 GW.
In FY24, the company added 2.8 GW, 15 per cent of India’s total renewable capacity addition.
Vizhinjam Port a perfect example of PM Modi’s ‘Maritime Amrit Kaal 2047’ vision: Karan Adani
Thiruvananthapuram, July 12 (IANS) Vizhinjam Port is a perfect example of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's triple focus - Ports for Prosperity, Ports for Progress and Ports for Productivity -- Karan Adani, Managing Director of Adani Ports and SEZ Ltd (APSEZ) said on Friday, adding that the company has fulfilled the promise to convert Vizhinjam into a world-class port. Addressing the gathering after officially receiving the first mothership
at the country's first transshipment port near Kovalam Beach in Kerala, Karan Adani said that every aspect that they had planned for "is coming together".
"We are privileged to have been given this opportunity to use our expertise to transform this part of India, in line with 'Maritime Amrit Kaal 2047', our Prime Minister's vision for the maritime sector," said the Adani Ports Managing Director. He said that today is the day when a 33-year-old dream has finally come true for "Vizhinjam, for Kerala and for India".
The company has already created over 2,000 direct and indirect jobs in construction, operations and other segments and now, with these wide-ranging developments, "we will create more than 5,500 additional
Adani Green begins wind generation from Khavda renewable energy plant
Ahmedabad, July 24 (IANS)
Adani Green Energy Limited (AGEL) on Wednesday said it has operationalised the first 250 MW wind capacity at the world’s largest 30,000 MW (30 GW) renewable energy plant at Khavda, Gujarat.
With this milestone, 2,250 MW of cumulative capacity has been made operational at the Khavda plant, strengthening AGEL’s leadership in India with the largest operational portfolio of 11,184 MW.
“Khavda has one of the best wind resources in India, with speeds of 8 metres per second making it an ideal location to harness wind energy. The Khavda Renewable Energy plant is equipped with one of the world’s largest and most powerful onshore wind turbine generators (WTG) of 5.2 MW capacity each,” according to India’s largest renewable energy (RE) company.
The 5.2 MW turbine features a rotor diameter of 160 metres and a tip height of 200 metres, equivalent to the Statue of Unity, the world’s tallest located in Gujarat.
The 5.2 MW WTGs installed at
Adani
direct and indirect employment opportunities right here in Vizhinjam".
On Thursday, 'San Fernando', a vessel of the world's secondlargest shipping company Maersk, arrived at the port country with over 2,000 containers on it. With the arrival of the first mothership, Adani Group's Vizhinjam Port has catapulted India into the world port business as globally this port will rank 6th or 7th.
Speaking in the presence of Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, and state Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Karan Adani said that 'San Fernando', is a symbol of a new, glorious achievement in Indian maritime history.
Khavda are built with superior German technology and manufactured at Adani New Industries Limited’s (ANIL) integrated manufacturing ecosystem strategically located near the Mundra port.
AGEL has transformed the Khavda barren wasteland into a hub of clean and affordable energy. The energy from the Khavda RE plant can power 16.1 million homes each year.
The world’s largest renewable energy plant at Khavda, stands a beacon of accelerating the global decarbonisation efforts and India’s sustainable progress.
On Tuesday, Bhutan King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay visited the world's largest RE site at Khavda in Gujarat.
Gautam Adani, Chairman of the Adani Group, said he was immensely grateful to them for visiting the Khavda RE plant and Mundra Port.
The commissioning of the first 2 GW at the world’s largest renewable energy plant in Khavda within 12 months of breaking ground has set a record.
Given renewable energy’s growth potential, Adani Green Energy has revised its FY 2029-30 target from 45 GW to 50 GW.
In the fiscal FY24, it added 2.8 GW, 15 per cent of India’s total renewable capacity addition.
Group to provide 11 lakh saplings to MP as part
of sustainable future goal
Ahmedabad, July 15 (IANS) The Adani Group on Monday said it has joined hands with the Madhya Pradesh government to provide 11 lakh saplings -- out of 51 lakh trees to be planted in Indore -- in line with the Group's commitment to a sustainable future by planting and nurturing 100 million trees by FY30.
The initiative is part of the larger 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign initiated by Prime Minister
Narendra Modi with a target to plant 1.4 billion trees nationwide.
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav and state Cabinet Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya had taken a pledge to plant 5.5 crore trees across 55 districts in the state.
The saplings given by the Adani Group would be of 25 different species to help create biodiversity in the city’s green zone.
The Adani Group has pledged to grow 100 million trees by 2030 on 1t.org, the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) "Trillion Trees Platform". This commitment makes it one of the most ambitious corporate commitments ever made on 1t.org so far. This includes 29.52 million trees which the group has already planted and has pledged to conserve. This pledge will support Adani Group’s action towards addressing climate change and its ambition to transition to a lowcarbon and subsequently carbonneutral and net-zero business.
President Murmu’s customary ‘dahicheeni for FM Nirmala Sitharaman
New Delhi, July 23 (IANS) Ahead of presenting the Union Budget in Parliament, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman met President Droupadi Murmu in the Rashtrapati Bhawan on Tuesday. The President fed her 'dahicheeni', a ritual performed by elders in Indian families to bestow good luck before undertaking important tasks. This year's Budget is the seventh
consecutive Budget for Finance Minister Sitharaman and the Modi government's 13th straight Budget since 2014. She also makes history as the first finance minister to present seven consecutive Budget speeches, surpassing former Prime Minister Morarji Desai's record of six consecutive Budgets between 1959-64.
Earlier in the day, FM Sitharaman and her team posed for a traditional picture outside the Finance Ministry. She wore an off-white colour saree with a magenta border and displayed the red 'bahi-khata' tablet with the national emblem.
In 2019, FM Sitharaman broke the long-standing tradition of a Budget briefcase with a 'bahi
khata,' a red-coloured Indian accounting ledger. In 2021, the Finance Minister presented the Budget in a paperless format, using a 'Made in India' tablet. The Budget Session began on July 22 and, according to schedule, will end on August 12. On Monday, the Finance Minister presented the Economic Survey in Parliament. The Survey projects India’s GDP growth rate at 6.5 to 7 per cent for 2024-25 as it sees the economy on a strong wicket. However, achieving a 7 per cent GDP growth rate "is doable" for India despite the global environment has become more challenging since the beginning of the year, according to Chief Economic Adviser, V. Anantha Nageswaran.
‘Expansion of B’luru-Hyderabad highway to 12lane expressway will boost regional economy’
Bengaluru, July 24 (IANS) BJP MP and former Karnataka Cabinet minister K. Sudhakar on Tuesday said that the announcement in the Budget to convert the BengaluruHyderabad highway to a 12-lane expressway will boost the regional economy.
Speaking to the media, Sudhakar said: "The expansion of the Bengaluru-Hyderabad Highway to a 12-lane expressway will boost the economy in the region and will specifically benefit my constituency, Chikkaballapura.
"When I recently met Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and requested to take up this project, he immediately agreed and promised to take it up soon. I thank Gadkari ji for the announcement of this project in the Budget."
Sudhakar further said that the Union Budget clearly reflects Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for Viksit Bharat where the farmers prosper, poor lead a life of dignity, the middle class get the due for their hard work and Indian enterprise gets a boost. "The Budget has laid out a clear roadmap to build on the momentum gained in the last 10 years. This is truly a Budget of hope and empowerment. PM Modi has always put national interests before political interests," he said.
SCs, STs facing social-economic boycott in Andhra’s Palnadu region: BSP leader
Amaravati, July 29 (IANS)
Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Backward Classes are facing a social-economic boycott in the Palnadu region of Andhra Pradesh, said Bahujan Samaj Party's state leader and former DGP J. Poornachandra Rao. He alleged that many communities in the region were on the verge of political extinction.
Addressing a BSP Palnadu district meeting in Macherla on Monday, he said that the Palnadu region, which once held historical significance with the Palnadu battle, has now become synonymous with drought and political conflicts.
"Since Independence, the Bahujans and other marginalised
communities in Palnadu have been trapped under the dominance of Reddy and Kamma leaders. This toxic culture of internal conflicts and violence among marginalized communities has forced many to abandon villages and migrate as labourers," said the BSP's state coordinator.
"In recent years, Reddy and Kamma leaders have represented both the ruling and main opposition parties. As a result, communities like Yadavs, SCs, and others are pitted against each other, leading to internal clashes and violence. For instance, in Atmakur of Durgi mandal, SCs have driven out other SCs from the village, and in Gullapadu, one Pereka group has ousted another. Several other atrocities were reported in sensitive villages like Tumrukota, Gottipalli, Rayavaram, and Palvai Gate," he said.
The BSP leader alleged that these political conflicts have resulted in loss of lives, properties, and future prospects for these communities. Despite the geographical advantages like proximity to Hyderabad and Vijayawada, being the
Retired soldier kills five family members in Haryana
Chandigarh, July 22 (IANS)
An ex-serviceman killed five members of his family by slitting their throats with a sharp-edged weapon in Haryana’s Ambala district, police said on Monday.
The deceased comprised his mother, brother, sister-in-law and two children. Two injured have been admitted to hospitals.
After the crime, the accused tried to cremate them at midnight when the police reached the spot and recovered the halfburnt bodies. The retired soldier, however, managed to flee from the spot.
The crime was reported in
the Narayangarh area over a dispute over two acres of land.
The victims were identified as 35-year-old Harish, his 32-yearold wife Sonia, his 65-year-old mother Saropi, five-year-old daughter and six-month-old son.
The injured father, Om Prakash, has been admitted to the Civil Hospital in Narayangarh, some 35 km from the state capital.
One of the daughters of the victim has been referred to the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGI) in Chandigarh with critical injuries.
The police have kept all bodies in the mortuary of the Civil Hospital.
On receiving the information about the crime, Superintendent of Police Surendra Singh Bhauria reached the spot at 3 a.m. and started investigating the case. Also, teams have been formed to arrest the accused.
India’s Forex reserves surge to lifetime high of $670.86 bn
Mumbai, July 26 (IANS) India's foreign exchange (Forex) reserves rose for the third-consecutive week to touch a new lifetime high of $670.86 billion as of July 19, according to the latest data released by the RBI on Friday.
The reserves surged by $4 billion during the week after increasing by a cumulative of $14.9 billion in the preceding two weeks.
riparian region of the Krishna river, Palnadu still remains underdeveloped due to this political stranglehold.
"As long as Bahujans lack political representation, these conditions will not change. Take the Macherla constituency for example. Out of the last 17 assembly elections, Reddys won 13 times, Kammas twice, BCs once, and STs once. These major parties only give tickets to Reddys and Kammas," said the BSP leader. Poornachandra Rao also expressed strong displeasure over the delay in the caste census.
"Despite the many benefits of a caste census, the ruling parties are limiting it to mere announcements because it challenges the survival of castebased political parties. A caste census would undoubtedly alter the political landscape. The TDP's recent gimmick of a 'Skill Census' is another distraction. Without a caste census, how did the TDP announce 34 per cent reservations for backward classes in local bodies and 33 per cent in the Assembly in their manifesto?" he wondered.
An increase in the Forex reserves reflects strong fundamentals of the economy and gives the RBI more headroom to stabilise the rupee when it turns volatile.
A strong Forex kitty enables the RBI to intervene in the spot and forward currency markets by releasing more dollars to prevent the rupee from going into a free fall.
Conversely, a declining Forex kitty leaves the RBI less space to intervene in the market to prop up the rupee.
RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das had recently said that India’s external sector remains resilient and overall the central bank remains confident of meeting the country’s external financing requirements comfortably.
India’s Current Account Deficit (CAD) declined to $23.2 billion (0.7 per cent of GDP) during 2023-24 from $67.0 billion (2.0 per cent of GDP) during the previous year due to a lower merchandise trade deficit which reflects a robust external balance position, according to RBI data released on June 24 this year.
The RBI data also showed that India’s CAD recorded a surplus of $5.7 billion (0.6 per cent of GDP) in the January-March quarter (Q4) of 2023-24 as against a deficit of $8.7 billion (1.0 per cent of GDP) in the preceding October-December quarter of 2023-24.
Navi Mumbai girl murder case: Police nab prime suspect from Karnataka
Navi Mumbai, July 30 (IANS) In a major breakthrough, the Navi Mumbai Police has managed to track and arrest prime suspect in the gruesome murder of a 22-year-old Belapur girl, from his hideout in Karnataka, an official said here on Tuesday.
The absconder, Dawood M. Shaikh was traced to the Shahapur Hills in Gulbarga district, said Navi
Mumbai Police Crime Branch Deputy Commissioner of Police Amit Kale.
The investigators were hot on the trail of Shaikh after the brutal murder of the girl, Yashashri Shinde, came to light on July 27 when her mutilated body was found in some bushes near the Uran railway station.
The murder assumed political overtones after the Bharatiya Janata Party labelled it as a 'love-jihad' case and demanded stringent against Shaikh, a history-sheeter.
‘Vikas bhi, Virasat bhi’, PM Modi shares India’s vision at World Heritage Committee meet
New Delhi, July 21 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday inaugurated the 46th session of the World Heritage Committee here at Bharat Mandapam during which he said that India's vision is development as well as heritage - 'Vikas bhi, Virasat bhi'.
Speaking on the occasion, PM Modi noted the auspicious occasion of Guru Purnima and conveyed his best wishes to all citizens.
PM Modi expressed delight that the World Heritage Committee meeting is commencing on such an auspicious day and India is hosting the event for the first time, the PMO said in a statement.
The Prime Minister extended a warm welcome to all the dignitaries and guests from around the world, especially the Director General of Unesco, Audrey Azoulay and expressed confidence that the World Heritage Committee meeting will script new records in history similar to other global meets in India, the statement noted.
Referring to the artifacts returned from abroad, PM Modi mentioned that more than 350 heritage items have been brought back in recent times.
"This return of ancient heritage artifacts is a display of global generosity and respect for history," the Prime Minister said. He also pointed out the growing research and tourism opportunities in the field as the technology progresses.
Applauding the World Heritage Committee, the Prime Minister said that hosting this programme is a matter of pride for India. He highlighted that Northeast's historic Maidam has been nominated to enter Unesco's popular World Heritage List.
"This is India's 43rd World Heritage Site and Northeast's first heritage to get the status of Cultural World Heritage," PM Modi said, expressing belief that Maidam with its unique cultural significance will become more popular and gain more traction after bagging a place in the list, the PMO statement said.
PM Modi said that the presence of experts from all around the world showcases the scope and capability of the Summit. He
emphasised that the organisation is being hosted on the land which is one of the oldest living civilizations in the world.
The Prime Minister threw light on India’s ancient eras and said: "India is so ancient that every point of time in the present moment is a reflection of its glorious past."
Referring to the national capital (Delhi), PM Modi said that it is the centre of thousands of years of heritage and one can find heritage and history at every step of the way.
He gave the example of the 2,000-year-old Iron Pillar which has been rust-resistant and gives a glimpse of India's metallurgical prowess in the past.
"India's heritage is not merely history, but also science," PM Modi said.
He also noted that India's heritage is witness to the journey of top-notch engineering as he mentioned the 8th century Kedarnath temple situated at an altitude of 3,500 meters which remains a challenging place for infrastructure development today due to incessant snowfall during winter.
He also touched upon Brihadeeswara Temple in the South of India built by Raja Chola and its marvelous architectural layout and idol.
The Prime Minister also mentioned Dholavira and Lothal in Gujarat. Dholavira, famed for its urban planning and water management systems as ancient as 3,000 BC to 1,500 BC.
PM Modi said: "India's history and sense of history are older and more elaborate than the normal, leading to the need for new perspectives to witness the past with technological developments and new discoveries."
He mentioned findings of Sinauli in Uttar Pradesh, where copper age findings are closer to Vedic Age rather than the Indus Valley Civilization.
He talked about the discovery of a 4,000-year-old horse-driven chariot. Such discoveries stress that in order to know India, there is a need for prejudice-free new concepts, the Prime Minister said, inviting the gathering to be part of this new stream.
Underlining the significance of heritage, PM Modi said: "Heritage is not only history. Rather a shared consciousness of humanity. Whenever we look at historical sites, it lifts our mind from the current geo-political factors."
The Prime Minister also encouraged people to use this potential of heritage for the betterment of the world, using them to connect hearts.
"It is India's clarion call to the world to come together to promote each others' heritage
and amplify the spirit of human welfare, encourage tourism and create more job opportunities through the 46th World Heritage Committee meeting," PM Modi added.
Recalling a time when heritage was ignored in the pursuit of development, the Prime Minister said that "today, India's vision is development as well as heritage - Vikas bhi Virasat bhi".
Elaborating on the pride in heritage pledge during the last 10 years, the Prime Minister mentioned unprecedented steps such as Kashi Viswanath Corridor, Ram Mandir, Modern Campus of ancient Nalanda University.
"This resolve of India regarding heritage is linked with the feeling of serving the entire humanity. Indian culture talks about us, not just about self," PM Modi added.
The Prime Minister reiterated that India considers the preservation of global heritage as its responsibility.
Concluding the address, PM Modi urged all foreign guests and dignitaries to explore India and informed them about a tour series for iconic heritage sites for their convenience.
He expressed confidence that their experiences in India would make for a memorable trip.
External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar; Union Minister for Culture and Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat; Director General of Unesco, Audrey Azoulay, and Chairperson of World Heritage Committee, Vishal Sharma were present on the occasion among others.
India is hosting the World Heritage Committee Meeting for the first time.
It will take place from July 21 to 31 at Bharat Mandapam in Delhi.
The World Heritage Committee meets annually and is responsible for managing all matters on World Heritage and deciding on sites to be inscribed on the World Heritage list.
During this meeting, proposals for nominating new sites on the World Heritage list, State of Conservation reports of 124 existing World Heritage properties, International Assistance and Utilisation of World Heritage Funds, etc. will be discussed.
The meeting will be attended by more than 2,000 international and national delegates from more than 150 countries.
Along with the World Heritage Committee Meeting, the World Heritage Young Professionals' Forum and World Heritage Site Managers' Forum are also being held on the sidelines.
Andhra
government sets target of houses for all poor by 2029
Amaravati, July 29 (IANS) The Andhra Pradesh government announced on Monday that it will build 1.25 lakh in the coming 100 days and 8.25 lakh houses in a year as part of its efforts to achieve the target of houses for all poor by 2029.
The government also decided to give house sites to new beneficiaries.
While beneficiaries in villages will be given three cents of land, those in urban areas will be allotted two cents each.
In the lands acquired by the previous government for house sites, the beneficiaries will be allotted three cents each.
These decisions were taken at a review meeting of the Housing Department, which was chaired by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu.
Housing and Information & Public Relations Minister K. Parthasaradhi told media persons that the meeting had a detailed review of the current status of the housing programme and decisions were taken to fulfil the promises made in the elections.
The meeting also set the goals
to achieve the target. It was decided to build affordable houses for people from the middle class, lower middle class, and journalists under the Central scheme Asra. These affordable housing projects will be designed on the lines of Sanjeeva Reddy Nagar and Kukatpally Housing Board in Hyderabad. A survey will be conducted to prepare an action plan in this regard.
The meeting noted that the previous government showed discrimination towards beneficiaries under the NTR housing scheme and despite the completion of houses, payments were not made to them. The Chief Minister directed officials to make payments immediately to all such beneficiaries. Naidu also responded positively on entrusting the task of building houses under Polavaram R&R. The previous government did not provide basic amenities after allotting house sites. The Chief Minister asked officials to provide basic amenities at all such places. He said that during the last five years, injustice was meted out to the poor to the tune of Rs 9,000 to Rs 10,000 crore in housing schemes. The YSRCP government claimed that it was a people's government but imposed an economic burden on the poor, he said, adding said former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy denied benefits to SCs, STs and BCs despite making tall claims.
India now home to more than 1.4 lakh startups: Union Minister
New Delhi, July 26 (IANS) India now has more than 1.4 lakh startups, as the government continues to nurture innovation and encourage investments in the ecosystem, Union Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, Jitin Prasada, informed on Friday.
In a reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha, the minister said that under the ‘Startup India’ initiative, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has recognised 1,40,803 entities as startups (as of June 30).
Over 55 regulatory reforms have been undertaken by the government since 2016 – when the ‘Startup India’ initiative was launched -- to enhance ease of doing business, ease of raising capital and reduce compliance burden for the startup ecosystem.
In the Union Budget 2024-2025, the Centre has abolished the angel tax on startups, paving the
way for more foreign capital to be pumped into the ecosystem and further easing the funding winter.
Under the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS), Rs 945 crore was sanctioned for a period of 4 years starting from 2021-22, informed the minister.
The government also established the Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS) scheme with a corpus of Rs 10,000 crore, to meet the funding needs of startups.
DPIIT is the monitoring agency and the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) is the operating agency for FFS.
The Centre also established the credit guarantee scheme for startups for providing credit guarantees to loans extended to DPIIT-recognised startups by scheduled commercial banks, Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) and venture debt funds (VDFs) under SEBIregistered alternative investment funds.
According to reports, the Indian private equity and venture capital investments in 2023 stood at $39 billion compared to $62 billion in 2022.
Union Budget gives major push to job creation with focus on youth, women & farmers
New Delhi, July 23 (IANS) Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday presented the Union Budget 2024 in Parliament aimed at giving a major push to job creation with a focus on the country’s youth, empowering women and improving the incomes of farmers.
The Finance Minister announced a Prime Minister’s package of five schemes aimed at facilitating employment and skilling, with an allocation of Rs 2 lakh crore.
The budget has allocated as much as Rs 3 lakh crore in programmes that will enable more women to enter the workforce and contribute to the country’s inclusive development aligned with the Viksit Bharat goal, the Finance Minister said.
Similarly, a robust allocation of Rs 5.2 lakh crore has been made for the agriculture and allied sectors to enhance the earnings of farmers. The Finance Minister said that the government will undertake a comprehensive review of the agricultural research setup to increase productivity and develop climateresilient varieties. Domain experts will oversee the conduct of this research to ensure its effectiveness and relevance.
“We need to focus on the garib, mahilaye, yuva, and annadata. For annadata, we announced higher MSP a month ago for all major crops, delivering on our promise.
The PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana was extended for five years, benefiting more than 80 crore people. Administrative actions for the approval and implementation
of various schemes announced in the interim budget are well underway,” FM Sitharaman observed.
She said that job creation in the manufacturing sector will be incentivised through a scheme linked to the employment of firsttime employees. The government will reimburse employers up to Rs 3,000 per month for two years towards EPFO contributions for each additional employee. This initiative aims to incentivise the additional employment of 50 lakh people.
The Finance Minister announced employment-linked skilling through schemes as part of the PM's package.
“First-timers will receive one month's wage upon entering the workforce in all formal sectors.
A direct benefit transfer (DBT) of one month's salary, up to Rs 15,000, will be provided in three instalments. The eligibility limit for this benefit will be a salary of Rs 1 lakh per month, and it is expected to benefit 2.1 lakh youths.”
The budget has also accorded high priority to micro small and medium enterprises as they have the capacity to create a large number of jobs.
“To facilitate term loans for MSMEs for the purchase of machinery and equipment without collateral and guarantee, a new scheme will be introduced.
This guarantee fund will provide guarantees of up to Rs 100 crore,”
the Finance Minister said.
She also said that the government will endeavour to maintain strong
fiscal support for infrastructure as the sector has a multiplier effect on job creation and pushes up the growth rate. This year, Rs 11.11 lakh crore has been allocated for capital expenditure, which amounts to 3.4 per cent of India’s GDP.
The Finance Minister further stated that under PM Awas Yojana, Urban 2.0, the housing needs of the urban poor and middle class will be addressed with an investment of Rs 10 lakh crore.
She also announced the setting up of new power projects including setting up of a new 2400 MW power plant at Pirpainti in Bihar will be taken up at the cost of Rs 21,400 crores. New airports, medical colleges and sports infrastructure in Bihar will be constructed. The requests of the Bihar government for external assistance from multilateral development banks will be expedited.
The Finance Minister also said that the govt has made efforts to fulfil the commitments in the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act.
“Recognising the state's need for capital, we will facilitate special financial support through multilateral agencies. In the current FY, Rs 15,000 crore will be arranged with additional amounts in future years. Our govt is fully committed to the early completion and financing of the Polavaram irrigation project which is the lifeline for Andhra Pradesh and its farmers,” she added.
FICCI-NEAC says budget announcements will boost linkages of NE with rest of India
Guwahati, July 23 (IANS) Leading industry body FICCI North East Advisory Council (NEAC) on Tuesday hailed the Union budget saying that it has taken positive steps towards the holistic development of the northeastern states.
FICCI-NEAC Chairman Ranjit Barthakur said that significant allocations for infrastructure and connectivity, particularly the Rs 1.11 lakh crore for capital expenditure and specific assistance for flood management in Assam in the budget would bridge the regional disparities and enhance the connectivity of the northeast with the rest of the country.
“This budget truly recognizes and addresses the unique needs of
our region. We need substantial investment in connectivity infrastructure in the northeast, particularly in riverways, international road and rail connectivity as well as airways,” Barthakur told the media.
He said that the allocation of Rs 1.52 lakh crore for agriculture and allied sectors, along with the targeted support for shrimp production and the creation of large-scale vegetable clusters, is poised to transform the agricultural landscape of the northeastern states.
The emphasis on natural farming and increased agricultural credit would improve the overall agricultural output and the northeast would benefit from this.
Noting that the focus on green growth, including the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, highlights the importance of integrating environmental considerations into economic development, the FICCI-NEAC Chairman said that the northeastern states, with their rich biodiversity and unique ecosystems, would benefit greatly
Budget
will steer
India towards sustainable path: Experts
New Delhi, July 23 (IANS) The Union Budget 2024-25 presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday included several key initiatives like energy transition pathways, climate finance, improving water resources management, and measures related to irrigation and flood management that will boost India's fight against impacts of climate change, say climate and energy experts.
While the budget lacked details on crucial announcements related to carbon pricing, the use of nuclear power or even how its plan the PM Awas Yojana Urban 2.0 will help build heat-resilient cities, they say.
It has focused on building capacity for each aspect of climate change: mitigation, adaptation and loss and damage.
With barely four months to go before the United Nations Climate Change Conference, commonly known as COP, will be held in Baku, Azerbaijan, here’s a look at how the world’s fifth-largest economy has prioritised in its national budget:
venture between NTPC and BHEL will set up an 800 MW commercial plant using Advanced Ultra Super Critical technology, aiming for higher efficiency in thermal power generation.
Support for traditional industries: Financial support will be provided for energy audits and cleaner energy transitions in 60 clusters of traditional micro and small industries. This initiative aims to help these industries adopt more sustainable practices.
For climate-resilient agriculture, the government will release 109 high-yielding, climate-resilient crop varieties. Additionally, one crore farmers will be encouraged to adopt natural farming practices with support for certification and branding.
Responding to the Budget, Aarti Khosla, Director, of Climate Trends, said: “The Budget 2024-25 reflects India’s commitment to sustainable development with significant allocations like Rs 1.52 lakh crore for climate-resilient agriculture and the introduction of initiatives like the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana for rooftop solar.
from these initiatives.
Barthakur said: “The next generation reforms outlined in the budget are crucial for the northeastern states. Collaboration with states for land-related reforms and urban planning will address our unique challenges and improve productivity and market efficiency. This will drive overall economic development in the region.”
Ravi Patwa, Chairman FICCI Assam State Council, said that the budget's support for MSMEs, including credit guarantee schemes and financial support for food irradiation units, would significantly benefit the northeastern states. Special financial incentives for MSMEs in the northeastern states would enable them to compete globally and contribute to the region’s economic growth, he said.
Speaking on the tourism sector, Joydeep Gupta, Co-Chairman of the FICCI Assam State Council, said that the promotion of tourism in the northeastern states is a welcome move.
Under the mitigation category, the Budget introduces the Critical Mineral Mission to enhance domestic production, recycling, and overseas acquisition of critical minerals necessary for various strategic sectors. This mission will focus on technology development, workforce training, extended producer responsibility, and establishing financing mechanisms.
PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana: This initiative aims to install rooftop solar plants for one crore households, providing free electricity up to 300 units per month. The program, which has been allocated Rs 6,250 crore is expected to reduce reliance on non-renewable energy sources and promote renewable energy adoption.
Pumped storage projects: The government plans to promote pumped storage projects to facilitate electricity storage and manage the variable nature of renewable energy, ensuring a more stable integration into the power grid.
Nuclear energy development: The budget outlines plans to partner with the private sector in developing Bharat Small Reactors and Bharat Small Modular Reactors. It also includes research and development for new nuclear technologies, supported by government funding.
Advanced ultra-supercritical thermal power plants: A joint
She said that the focus on critical minerals, a policy for pumped storage projects and the decision to develop a policy document on energy transition pathways are laudable too. However, what remains to be seen is how the role of nuclear power in India’s energy mix takes shape.
“The budget lacks timelines for announcements on taxonomy, carbon pricing mechanisms and detailed strategies for mobilising climate finance for adaptation and mitigation efforts in vulnerable communities.”
Calling the Union Budget forward-looking, Vibha Dhawan, Director General, TERI, said:
“The Budget is more substantial in terms of the direction it sets for the next five years than the numbers presented. I am pleased to see that adaptation and mitigation both will be the focus of Green Taxonomy.”
He said that the funding for the agriculture sector is to cover the entire ecosystem, particularly R&D, infrastructure, and supply chain, very crucial for food security in the context of rising climate vulnerability. The continuity of the biofuel agenda and push for renewable energy and green hydrogen are aligned with the long-term priorities of energy security and climate mitigation. Arunabha Ghosh, CEO, of the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW), said: “The Budget has several promising provisions to build a sustainable economy. It addresses not only India’s clean energy ambitions (with a focus on rooftop solar and pumped hydro storage) but also outlines actions on water treatment, air quality, and recovery from riverine floods.”
Budget empowers middle class, paves way for ‘Viksit Bharat’: PM Modi
New Delhi, July 23 (IANS)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday hailed the Union Budget 2024-25 as ‘holistic and all-inclusive’ and said that it will empower every section of the society while paving the way for ‘Viksit Bharat’.
“This budget will empower all sections of the society. It will take the farmers on a path to prosperity. It will unveil new opportunities for the youth.
Thrust on Education and skills training will open these sectors for the next level of growth,” said the Prime Minister, in his first reaction to the Union Budget.
“It will give strength to the middle class. Backward classes will also be strengthened while women’s economic participation in the country’s growth will also be ensured. Small traders as well as MSMEs will find adequate support for fast-paced growth,” he added.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday presented the first Budget of Modi 3.0, showcasing nine priorities of the government.
PM Modi further said that the Budget will give an
unprecedented push to job generation and self-employment in the country.
“NDA government in last 10 years ensured that those in the lower and middle-income tax category get relief. Revision in tax slabs and increase in Standard deduction is a step in this direction. Every taxpayer stands to benefit from this,” PM Modi said.
He said that the Budget will act as a catalyst in taking forward the India growth story and make India the third largest country in next few years.
“It will lay a strong foundation for the emergence of Viksit Bharat,” PM Modi stated.
Budget 2024: Good at macro level but fails to address concerns of middle-class
New Delhi: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the first budget of Modi 3.0 and middle-class taxpayers were expecting some tax cuts. Their expectations were genuine because the government got bumper non-tax revenue in the form of dividends from RBI and GST collections are also rising. The central government is no longer under any obligation to meet the GST revenue shortfall even if it goes down and the government is in a better fiscal situation.
If we decipher the budget proposals, it appears to be good for macro-economic stability and there is stress on infrastructure development push, skill development, employment generation, climate change, ease of doing business, promoting Research & Development (R&D) etc. which are very much needed and FM deserves the applause.
The economic survey highlighted that though there has been improvement over a decade but still only 51.25 per cent of college pass-out is deemed employable. Similarly, artificial intelligence is the next big opportunity as well as a threat for India and therefore creating a pool to promote R&D in collaboration with the private sector was desired.
If we compare our R&D spend then we lag far behind the
US, China etc. and if India were to grow then we must spend more on innovation. From a perspective, our exports have a very low value-add component and though on the face of it, the numbers may look nice but corresponding economic indicators will not move.
Major initiatives taken in the past are yielding consistent returns.
For example, IBC has helped in the recovery of ~Rs. 3.3 lakh crore to lenders and cases involving ~Rs. 10.2 lakh crores were settled at the pre-admission stage itself. Similarly, more than Rs. 38 lakh crores have been transferred since 2013 under the direct benefit transfer (DBT) scheme. Free rationing and other social schemes have helped ensure food security and reduce multidimensional poverty. There is a continued focus on social welfare in the budget.
DBT scope is now expanded to accelerate employment generation which has always been a point of debate. Economic survey shows that there is job loss in the MSME sector and budget proposals widening the scope of MSME credit. Only time will tell how efficiently these schemes are implemented and what outcome they generate.
Earlier RBI and now economic surveys have highlighted that massive tax cut given to the corporate sector in 2019 is yet to show any impact on the economic activity. Corporate profit has quadrupled from FY20 to FY23 and corporate profit to GDP ratio is at 15 years high in FY24.
Tax rate reduction is a major contributor to healthier corporate balance sheets but there is no commensurate increase in employment or investment.
Capex push for the last few years is shouldered alone by the government and private sector spending is muted.
Union Budget 2024: Govt announces over Rs 3 lakh crore for schemes benefiting women & girls
New Delhi, July 23 (IANS)
Focussing on women-led development, the government on Tuesday announced more than Rs 3 lakh crore for schemes benefiting women and girls.
"Increasing the participation of women in the workforce will be a priority," said Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman while presenting her seventh Budget.
"This will be facilitated by
setting up hostels and creating partnerships to organise womenspecific skilling programmes and promotion of market access for women Self Help Group enterprises," she said.
She said, "We need to focus on the poor, women, youth and farmers."
Further, the allocation for women's welfare and empowerment saw a 218.8 per cent jump from FY14 to FY25.
"The growth is indicative of India's determination to shift from women-led development to women's development, as stated in the Economic Survey 2023–2024," the Finance Minister said.
Kharge blasts budget, accuses government of throne-saving priorities
Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF) for the private sector has picked up pace but we do not know how much of it is maintenance capex and how much is related to an increase in capacity which will help job creation.
Of course, capex is dependent on the demand scenario and the government should understand that tax cuts are just one of the many factors which influence the investment. This was a time to look back and link the incentive with economic contribution. Even in this budget, many tax concessions are given to the corporate sector. Abolition of angel tax which was often criticized by start-ups and was initially introduced to curb the round-tripping, withdrawal of equalization levy (often called as Google tax), reduction in the tax rate of foreign companies from 40 per cent to 35 per cent, rationalising income escaping assessment etc. are good steps and government must do everything to lure the investors.
However, there is a genuine concern that what constrains the government from giving out any benefit to the middle class when doles are given to corporations? There has been no revision in the tax rate in the old tax regime, section 80C benefits have remained at the same level for the last 10 years and people know that the new tax regime is like an eyewash.
The short-term capital gain tax rate has been raised and the indexation benefit has been withdrawn on LTCG which will further hurt the middle class (later FM issued a clarification on grandfathering the indexation for the period up to March 2001 and we will have to wait for the final bill passed by the parliament).
New Delhi, July 23 (IANS)
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge criticised the Union Budget on Tuesday, describing it as "disappointing" and suggesting it was crafted primarily to maintain political power and "save the throne". He also flayed the budget allocations, claiming these prioritised political survival over the needs of the nation.
According to Kharge, the Budget appeared to satisfy only a select few, neglecting the broader interests of India's 140 crore people.
Speaking to reporters following the presentation of the Union Budget by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in Parliament, the Congress chief slammed the Budget for neglecting various sections of society, including the middle class, farmers, youth, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and others. He alleged that the Budget was tailored to appease just two associates of the Prime Minister, a fact he claimed would soon become evident.
Kharge expressed disappointment that the budget did not address longstanding issues of farmers, such as legal guarantees for Minimum Support Prices (MSP), fertiliser subsidies, and other
concerns, which the party had anticipated.
He noted the absence of any provisions in the budget for passenger safety or the filling of vacant positions in the railways, a concern he raised given his prior role as Railway Minister.
The Congress President criticised the budget for lacking provisions to handle recurring natural disasters like devastating floods, citing recent incidents in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Bihar, Karnataka, Kerala, and Maharashtra. He questioned the government's preparedness and special measures taken in response.
He accused the BJP government of neglecting Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and backward classes, suggesting retribution due to their significant support for the opposition bloc in recent elections.
Kharge also noted the absence of budgetary allocation for a caste census. Highlighting the issue of inflation affecting the entire nation, he criticised the budget for failing to address rising prices that are causing widespread suffering.
Regarding social welfare schemes, he contrasted the current government's record unfavourably with that of the previous UPA government, which implemented initiatives such as MGNREGA, the Food Security Act, the Health Mission, the Right to Education, and the Mid-Day Meal Scheme.
He questioned whether the BJP government had introduced any comparable schemes over the past decade. Kharge also announced his intention to expose what he described as ten major falsehoods by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whom he accused of habitual dishonesty.
Lingering effects of IT outage to last weeks: Australian Home Affairs
Canberra, July 21 (IANS)
Disruptions linked to the CrowdStrike global IT outage will continue for several weeks, Australia's Home Affairs Minister Clare O'Neil said.
The Minister on Sunday warned that it could take up to two weeks
for sectors affected by the outage to get back to normal, reports Xinhua news agency.
The Microsoft Windows outage, which was triggered by a software update deployed by cyber security firm CrowdStrike on Friday, caused major disruptions to banks, airlines and businesses around the world.
On Sunday, O'Neil convened a National Coordination Mechanism meeting, bringing together government agencies and representatives from affected industries to discuss the outage.
In a statement posted on social media after the meeting, she said it would be some time before all systems were fully operational.
"There has been a huge amount of
work over this weekend to get the economy back up and running. However, it will take time until all affected sectors are completely back online," she said.
"In some cases, we may see teething issues for one or two weeks. There is no impact on critical infrastructure or government services."
Representatives from CrowdStrike told the meeting that they were close to rolling out an automatic fix for the issue, which O'Neil said would increase the speed at which systems are brought back online. She urged Australians to be extremely cautious of scams and phishing attempts trying to capitalize on the outage.
Australians advised to be cautious of scams following major health info data breach
Canberra, July 19 (IANS)
Australians have been urged to be wary of scams following a major data breach involving a medical prescription provider.
Electronic prescription provider MediSecure on Thursday night revealed that the personal and health-related data of approximately 12.9 million Australians who used the service between March 2019 and November 2023 was stolen during a cyber-attack earlier this year, Xinhua news agency reported.
In a statement on social media, the National Cyber Security Coordinator, Lieutenant General Michelle McGuiness, urged Australians to be wary of scams.
"I understand many Australians will be concerned about the scale of this breach. I encourage everyone, whether impacted in this incident or not, to be alert to being targeted in scams," she said.
"If contacted by someone claiming to be a medical or other service provider, including financial service provider, seeking personal, payment or banking information, you should hang up and call back on a phone number you have sourced independently."
Administrators for MediSecure, which entered voluntary administration in June after the
federal government rejected a request for a financial bailout, said the stolen data included names, home addresses, phone numbers, dates of birth, insurance numbers, and sensitive health information.
A hacker claiming to possess 6.5 terabytes of MediSecure data in May published a small sample of the information on the dark web and listed the larger data set for sale for $50,000, but McGuiness said the government was not aware of the publication of the full data set. She warned Australians against trying to search for or access the stolen information from the dark web, saying that doing so would feed the business model of cyber criminals and could be a criminal offence.
Australian PM announces major ministry reshuffle
Canberra, July 28 (IANS)
Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has reshuffled his cabinet, with the ministers for home affairs and immigration both reassigned.
Albanese on Sunday announced his first reshuffle of ministry and cabinet since the governing Labor Party won power in 2022, coming into the lead-up to the next general election, which must be held by May 2025, Xinhua news agency reported.
Under the changes, Clare O'Neil and Andrew Giles have been moved out from their respective positions as the Minister for Home Affairs and Cyber Security, and Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs. O'Neil will become the Minister for Housing and Homelessness, and Giles the Minister for Skills and Training.
Tony Burke will take over the portfolios of home affairs, cyber security, immigration and multicultural affairs on top of his existing position as the Minister for Arts.
"Good governments aim high, they work out of a drawer on a diversity of talent, and that certainly is what drives me, and that's what drives the changes I'm announcing today," Albanese told reporters in Canberra.
"I would expect that this is the team that I will take to the election when it is held sometime
Sydney Airport records 6.4 per cent rise in passenger traffic
Sydney, July 23 (IANS) Australia's Sydney Airport has seen 9.7 million travelers passing through its terminals in the second quarter (Q2) of this year, representing a 6.4-per cent increase from the same period last year, but still falling short of its pre-Covid levels.
Released on Tuesday, the latest report suggested that 3.8 million passengers traveled through the international terminal in the second quarter, rising 12.1 per cent year-on-year and reaching a 94.3-percent recovery rate compared to Q2 2019.
Domestic and regional traffic rose 3 percent from the same period last year, with 6 million passengers coming through the domestic terminals. It also marked a 90.5-percent recovery rate on Q2 2019.
According to Sydney Airport Chief Executive Officer Scott Charlton, the seat capacity growth across the markets of Japan, South Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam led to strong international passenger volumes.
"This was underpinned by increased frequencies including Thai Airways adding a second
daily service to Bangkok, Jetstar putting on a new, three-weekly service to Osaka and VietJet Air adding a twice-weekly service to Hanoi," he said, Xinhua news agency reported.
As for the domestic front, Charlton touched upon "a lag relative to international" with higher airfares, a lack of capacity, and a downturn in discretionary business travel affecting demand. Charlton revealed that the airport is focusing on the government's implementation of the Harris Review Recommendations to optimize its reliability and passenger service.
"Airservices Australia had a 'ground delay protocol' in place due to weather on 41 out of 91 days during Q2. We know that on each day we are on ground delay, we see on average a 21-percent increase in cancellations. Over time, that adds up to a lot of canceled flights that could have potentially been avoided with a recovery mechanism," said Charlton.
"Last Friday's global technology outage is another good example. It took some airlines a number of days to recover their schedules, and perhaps the impact wouldn't have been as severe with a recovery mechanism, which is why we are looking forward to working with the government to implement it as soon as possible," he added.
Australian govt launches campaign to end elder abuse
in the future."
The overhaul was triggered after government ministers Linda Burney and Brendan O'Connor announced they will retire from politics at the next election.
Northern Territory (NT) Senator Malarndirri McCarthy will take over from Burney as the Minister for Indigenous Australians.
Senator Murray Watt will take over Burke's former portfolio of employment and workplace relations while his previous position as the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry will be filled by Julie Collins.
Pat Conroy has been elevated to the cabinet in his roles as the Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery, and Minister for International Development and the Pacific.
Canberra, July 22 (IANS) The Australian government has launched a new campaign to end elder abuse.
In a speech to the National Elder Abuse Conference in Adelaide on Monday, Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus described the exploitation of older Australians as a shameful and often hidden form of cruelty and mistreatment, Xinhua news agency reported.
He announced 4.8 million Australian dollars ( $3.2 million) in funding for a national advertising campaign to raise awareness about elder abuse.
According to a government study published in 2021, one in six older Australians had experienced abuse in the previous 12 months but over 60 per cent did not seek help or advice.
"If an older person does not feel that they can reach out for
help, then we have failed them," Dreyfus said on Monday.
"In addition to physical abuse, elder abuse can involve psychological or emotional abuse, financial abuse, sexual abuse or neglect. It is ugly, it is unacceptable and it must be eliminated."
The advertising campaign, which will run on television, online and in health clinics around the country, will encourage Australians to have conversations about elder abuse to increase awareness of the issue and available support measures.
Dreyfus said Australia's ageing population brings greater urgency to addressing elder abuse.
Australia's Age Discrimination Commissioner Robert Fitzgerald, in June, called for the country's retirement living industry to implement new nationwide strategies to better identify and respond to the abuse of residents.
He cited a 2023 study conducted by the New South Wales Retirement Village Residents Association that found the most common form of abuse in retirement villages is residenton-resident.
Quad ministers welcome India hosting upcoming summit
New York, July 30 (IANS) The Quad foreign ministers have said that they look forward to India hosting the Quad Leaders' Summit later this year – a meeting with added symbolism because it will be one of Joe Biden's last presidential travels abroad.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and Foreign Ministers Penny Wong of Australia and Yoko Kamikawa of Japan welcomed the holding of the Quad summit in India in a joint
statement after their ministerial meeting in Tokyo on Monday.
This year’s summit, which is India's turn to host, was originally expected to be held in January, but did not happen because Biden reportedly wasn't able to make it at that time.
White House National Security Spokesperson Advisor John Kirby confirmed last week that Biden would attend the upcoming summit in India.
"We're still committed to there being a Quad leader summit this year, but there's nothing on the calendar right now for it," he said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will host the summit with the participation also of Prime Ministers Anthony Albanese of Australia and Fumio Kishida of Japan.
The timing and venue of the
last summit in 2023 were also disrupted by Biden's travel plans. By rotation, it was scheduled to be held in Australia, but was cancelled when Biden pulled out at the last minute citing domestic compulsions as he was in the middle of negotiations with Congress on raising the government limits on borrowing. It was later moved to Hiroshima, but with Australian Albanese acting as the host and held on the sidelines of a summit of the major industrialised countries, the G7. Biden, who announced this month that he will not be seeking another term as president, last visited India in September for the summit of the major economies, the G20 hosted by Prime Minister Modi.
(Arul Louis can be contacted at arul.l@ians.in and followed at @ arulouis)
PM Modi to visit Kyiv in August, his first since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022
New Delhi, July 27 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be travelling to Kyiv in August, his first visit since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 24, 2022, sources said.
July saw high-level exchanges between the two nations with
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and his Ukraine counterpart Dmytro Kuleba and NSA Ajit Doval and his Ukrainian counterpart Andriy Yermak holding telephonic talks.
EAM Jaishankar, on his social media platform X, had shared that he spoke about furthering the bilateral relationship between the two nations.
PM Modi met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in June on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Italy.
On June 4, when PM Modi recorded the third straight victory in the general elections, Zelensky congratulated him and invited him to visit the war-ravaged country.
In a telephone conversation with Zelensky in March, PM Modi discussed ways to strengthen India-Ukraine partnership. While reiterating the nation's people-centric approach, PM Modi had assured Zelensky that India would continue to do everything within its means to support a peaceful solution.
PM Modi, during his two-day Moscow visit earlier this month, stressed, "There is no solution on the battlefield. Dialogue and diplomacy is the way forward."
The Prime Minister said India has always called for respecting the United Nations Charter, including territorial integrity and sovereignty.
Leonardo DiCaprio lauds expedition for rediscovering 21 species in Madagascar forest
Los Angeles, July 31 (IANS)
Hollywood star and environment activist Leonardo DiCaprio has applauded the efforts in searching for lost species in a natural park in Madagascar in eastern Africa. DiCaprio took to his Instagram, where he shared a reel video about how in 2023, a team set out to Makira, Madagascar and
is tagged as “a first of its kind expedition to find 30 lost species.”
Lauding the efforts on finding 21 species, the 'Titanic' star wrote:
“The #SearchforLostSpecies in Madagascar’s Makira Natural Park successfully rediscovered 21 species that were lost to science, including flowering ant-like beetles, three small iridescent fish, five jumping spiders, and a giant millipede that had not been documented since 1897.”
He said that this was in “addition to the surprising discoveries of species entirely new to science.”
“Makira is the largest and most intact forest in Madagascar— and many of the species here can’t be found anywhere else.
US national debt surpasses $35 trillion for first time
Washington, July 30 (IANS) The US federal government's total public debt has surpassed $35 trillion for the first time, again sparking concerns about the nation's escalating debt problem and its implications for the US economy.
The total public debt outstanding climbed to $ 35 trillion on Friday, according to the newly released Daily Treasury Statement released by the Treasury Department Monday. The data is updated at the end of each business day with data from the previous business day, Xinhua news agency reported.
Just seven months ago, the US national debt surpassed $ 34 trillion in late December 2023. Three months before that, the United States reached a historic milestone by passing $ 33 trillion.
"The borrowing just keeps marching along, reckless and unyielding," said Maya MacGuineas, president of the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, in a statement.
"Yet despite all the risks and warning signs, these alarm bells seem to be falling on deaf ears."
"We are going to have to get serious about the debt, and soon. Election years cannot be an exception for trying to prevent completely foreseeable dangers -- and the debt is one of the major dangers we are facing," said MacGuineas.
According to the Peter G Peterson Foundation, a nonpartisan organisation focused on
addressing US long-term fiscal challenges, the national debt of $35.001 trillion translates to nearly $104,000 of debt per person in the United States.
"Our deficits are caused mainly by predictable structural factors: our ageing baby-boom generation, rising healthcare costs, and a tax system that does not bring in enough money to pay for what the government has promised its citizens," the foundation said.
Desmond Lachman, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and a former official at the International Monetary Fund, told Xinhua earlier that "there can be no question that the US budget deficit is on an unsustainable path."
The "dangerous trajectory" poses "serious questions for the dollar" and inflation's long-run outlook, Lachman said.
Analysts have joined the chorus of voicing serious concerns about the US debt problem. Economist E J Antoni, a research fellow of the Heritage Foundation, reports that based on the Fed's June numbers, interest on the national debt is the equivalent of 76 per cent of all personal income taxes collected by the government.
"America is going bankrupt btw," American billionaire Elon Musk wrote in a recent post on the social media platform X.
BlackRock CEO Larry Fink told media: "This is my message not just to the US but to every country right now, We have rising deficits, no one is spending enough time talking about deficits, the US deficits are the largest in the world -- growing at the fastest rate in the world -- and we need to be finding ways to minimise the role of the deficit on the economy, on interest rates, on
2 children dead, nine injured in UK knife attack
The expedition team included @rewild Lost Species Officer Christina Biggs, as well as scientists from Madagascar, international scientists and local guides.”
Heaping praise on surveying the long-lost gems in the forest, he added: “Together, they surveyed rivers for lost fish, used light traps to attract and survey insects and searched the forest and rocky river beds for the recently rediscovered Dusky Tetraka.”
“The Search for Lost Species’ expedition to Makira was supported by the @ ridgesfoundation," he added.
"Forests across Madagascar are being destroyed for agriculture, logging and charcoal - conservationists fear that under-explored areas such as Makira could experience wildlife declines before scientists are able to describe, study, and protect the species that live in them,” DiCaprio concluded.
London, July 30 (IANS) Two children are confirmed dead in a knife attack on Monday in Southport, Merseyside, in northwest England, according to local police.
Nine other people have been injured, six of whom are in critical condition, Chief Constable Serena Kennedy was quoted as saying by Xinhua news agency.
It is understood that the children were attending classes at the "Taylor Swift Yoga and Dance Workshop" for minors aged seven to 11 when the attacker entered. Among the injured are two adults who were intervening in the attack. "We believe that the adults
who were injured were bravely trying to protect the children who were being attacked," the police said.
A 17-year-old boy from Banks in Lancashire has been arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder.
The motivation behind the attack remains unclear as the investigation is still in its early stages, the police said.
Police declared the stabbing a "major incident," adding that it is not being treated as terrorrelated at this time.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the attack is "truly awful" and the "whole country is deeply shocked."
The knife attack was reported at around 11:50 a.m. in a property on Hart Street, Merseyside Police said in a statement earlier on Monday.
Kim Jong-Un’s daughter being groomed as successor: lawmakers
Seoul, July 29 (IANS) North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's daughter, Ju-ae, is being groomed to succeed her father, though the selection is not final and he could ultimately choose someone else, two lawmakers quoted South Korea's spy agency as saying Monday.
The National Intelligence Service (NIS) made the report to the parliamentary intelligence committee, saying North Korea has suggested Ju-ae is a strong candidate to succeed her father by adjusting the frequency of her public appearances to gauge public sentiment, Rep. Lee Seongkweun of the ruling People Power Party and Rep. Park Sun-won of the main opposition Democratic Party said during a press briefing.
The NIS said it determined that Ju-ae is being groomed as Kim's successor by studying the appellations North Korea uses to refer to her, how frequently she has appeared in public and at which events, according to the lawmakers, reported Yonhap news agency.
The NIS said in the past, around 60 percent of Ju-ae's public activities involved accompanying her father to military events with some others economy-related, but North Korea's use of the
word "hyangdo," which translates as "guide," in reference to her suggested she was on the path to becoming the next leader.
The word "hyangdo" means to light the path forward in a revolutionary fight and is used for leaders or their successors, Lee explained.
Still, the NIS said it does not rule out the possibility Kim will choose someone else as his nextin-line, given his other children could step forward or that North Korea has not finalized who the successor will be.
Meanwhile, the North Korean leader appears to have health issues, weighing 140 kilograms and at high risk of heart disease, likely due to stress, smoking and drinking, the NIS was quoted as saying.
Kim is believed to have shown systems of high blood pressure and diabetes since his early 30s, it said.
The NIS further reported signs Kim is looking for alternative medicinal substances, leading to speculation he could have conditions that are difficult to deal with using his current medicine.
On the pace of Pyongyang's nuclear and missile development, the NIS counted a total of 48 missiles being launched on 14 occasions this year, according to Lee, reported Yonhap.
The spy agency also reported a total of some 3,600 trash-filled balloons launched toward South Korea this year, which the North
has claimed is retaliation for South Korean activists sending propaganda leaflets across the border.
Since last month's summit between North Korean leader Kim and Russian President Vladimir Putin, the two countries have been speeding up the implementation of follow-up measures especially in the military and economic fields, the NIS was quoted as saying.
For example, Russia has sent a military delegation and its top prosecutor to the North, while more than 300 Russian tourists have visited the North's border city of Rason following the resumption of tours previously suspended due to COVID-19.
The NIS also dismissed concerns that the recent indictment of Sue Mi Terry, a renowned Korean American foreign policy expert, could hurt the South Korea-U.S. alliance.
Terry was indicted this month on charges of acting as an unregistered agent for the South Korean government from 2013 until last year.
"There are no major problems in intelligence cooperation between South Korea and the U.S., and in fact, it is only expanding," the NIS was quoted as saying. "There are no problems at all in security cooperation."
Terry's case has started discussions in South Korea about the need to create a law that punishes people for divulging state secrets and other sensitive information to foreign countries.
Union Budget 2024-25 earmarks Rs 4,883 crore as aid to neighbouring countries
New Delhi, July 23 (IANS) India has allocated Rs 4,883 crore as aid to foreign countries in the Union budget tabled by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in Parliament on Tuesday.
This year's allocation marks a decrease from Rs 5,408.37 crore designated in the fiscal year 202324.
India has allocated Rs 2,068.56 crore to Bhutan, down from Rs 2,400.58 crore allocated last year, of which Rs 2,398.97 crore was used. Afghanistan sees an allocation of Rs 200 crore, the same as the fiscal year 2023-24, however, last year an extra Rs 20 crore was used. Bangladesh will receive Rs 120 crore, a decrease from Rs 200 crore allocated last year, with only Rs 130 crore used. Nepal was allotted Rs 700 crore, up from Rs 550 crore allocated,
and an extra Rs 100 crore used in the previous year. Sri Lanka received an increased allocation of Rs 245 crore, up from Rs 150 crore allocated last year. India continues to extend support of Rs 400 crore to the Maldives, consistent with the previous year's allocation, though actual usage last year was Rs 770.90 crore.
Allocation to Myanmar is Rs 250 crore, down from Rs 400 crore allocated last year, with Rs 370 crore used. Mongolia received Rs 5 crore, down from last year, which was Rs 7 crore, but only Rs 5 crore was used. Chabahar Port is to get Rs 100 crore, the same amount as last year.
India has allocated Rs 370 crore to Mauritius, down from Rs 460.79 crore allocated last year, with Rs 330 crore used. Seychelles was allocated Rs 40 crore, up from Rs 10 crore allocated last year, with Rs 9.91 crore used.
African countries received Rs 200 crore, down from Rs 250 crore allocated last year, with Rs 180 crore used. India has allocated Rs 20 crore to Eurasian countries, down from Rs 75 crore allocated
18 killed as plane crashes in Nepal
Kathmandu, July 24 (IANS)
Eighteen people were killed after a plane crashed during take-off at the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu on Wednesday, local media reported.
The incident occurred around 11 a.m. when the Pokhara-bound plane of Saurya Airlines crashed
shortly after taking off from the runway, TIA spokesperson Premnath Thakur said, The Kathmandu Post reported. Of the 19 on board the plane, 18 bodies have been recovered, Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) said.
Plane's Captain Manish Shakya was rescued and rushed to hospital, according to the police, The Himalayan Times reported. Eyewitnesses said shortly after take-off, the plane plunged to the ground and exploded in a ball of fire.
Firefighters, Nepal Police, and Nepali Army are conducting the rescue operation. Details are awaited.
Death toll in Ethiopia landslide rises to 229
Addis Ababa, July 24 (IANS) The death toll from the landslide in southern Ethiopia has risen to 229, the local government said.
The deadly landslide occurred on Monday morning at around 10:00 a.m. local time in southern Ethiopia's Geze Gofa district, Xinhua news agency reported.
The deaths include 148 males and 81 females, according to a
statement issued by the Gofa Zone Government Communication Affairs Department.
As part of rescue efforts, the Ethiopian Red Cross Association and professionals from neighbouring regions and zones are currently at the site, helping the victims.
The deadly landslide occurred as Ethiopia is in the midst of a rainy season, which started in July and is expected to last until midSeptember.
Seasonal rains occasionally cause deadly landslides in some parts of the East African country.
Suspected case of bubonic plague reported in Mongolia
last year, with only Rs 20 crore used.
Latin American countries will receive Rs 30 crore, down from Rs 50 crore allocated last year, with Rs 32 crore used.
Meanwhile, aid for other developing countries and disaster relief is Rs 125 crore and Rs 10 crore, respectively.
It is worth noting that aid for Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Seychelles increased in the new Budget, while allocations for Bhutan, Myanmar, Mauritius, Bangladesh, and Mongolia decreased compared to 2023.
Aid to Afghanistan and Maldives remained unchanged.
Additionally, the aid allocation to Chabahar Port also remained unchanged.
This was the Modi government's first Budget for its third term, with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman making history by presenting her seventh consecutive budget, surpassing the record held by former Prime Minister and Finance Minister Morarji Desai.
Ulan Bator, July 30 (IANS) A suspected bubonic plague case has been reported in the western Mongolian province of GoviAltai, according to local media on Tuesday.
The individual from the Taishir soum (administrative subdivision) in the province has been recently hospitalised after consuming marmot meat, Xinhua news
agency reported.
In response, at least 13 people who were in close contact with the patient are being isolated, and the soum has been placed under quarantine.
Although hunting marmots is illegal in Mongolia, many Mongolians regard the rodent as a delicacy and ignore the law.
The National Centre for Zoonotic Diseases has indicated that 17 out of Mongolia's 21 provinces are at risk of bubonic plague infection. Bubonic plague, a bacterial disease spread mostly by fleas on wild rodents and other animals, can kill an adult in less than 24 hours if not treated in time, according to the World Health Organisation.
113 schools closed in Myanmar due to severe flooding
Yangon, July 31 (IANS) A total of 113 basic education schools were temporarily closed due to massive flooding in Pantanaw and Kyonpyaw townships of Ayeyarwady region in recent days, the state-run daily Myanmar Alinn reported on Wednesday. In Pantanaw township, 97 schools, including 67 primary schools, have been closed since July 18 due to heavy rain and the rising water level of Ayeyarwady River, the report said, Xinhua news agency reported.
From the editor’s desk
Unplugging to recharge: Australia’s right to disconnect
Australia's government has passed a historic ruling that is aimed at promoting employee health through the establishment of the "right to disconnect." Employees will now be able to decline work related communication beyond working hours without any implications commencing 26 August 2024 as per this notable alteration to the Fair Work Act. This progressive legislation places Australia on equal footing with countries such as France, Spain, Portugal and Italy where there are already laws aimed at shielding employees from intrusive occupational demands in their private lives. Disconnecting from work is more than a legal procedure; it is rather an intense revolution in our understanding of what constitutes a healthy interaction between jobs and private life, conditions of employment as well as interpersonal relations between employers and workforce.
The right to disconnect is not just a welcome relief but one of the basic interventions in an era when the boundaries between work and life are fast becoming blurred. The umbilical connection of employees to their jobs has resulted in employees strapping themselves to their jobs throughout the day and night and has increased cases of stress, burnout, and related health issues. This perpetual connectivity, intensified by the COVID-19 pandemic, has brought with it an everpressing need for boundaries. The right to disconnect provides those boundaries, whereby employees can totally shut off from work during off-duty hours and spend their time at rest, with family, and in personal interests. It is imperative to underscore the value of life outside of work for every employee and to acknowledge its necessity.
According to one study, Australian workers work for an average of 5.4 hours of unpaid overtime every week which is equivalent to an extra 281 hours a year. All these extra overtime hours are not only time-consuming but also exploitation that encroaches into one's private life and decreases work productivity and job satisfaction over time. Australia is very serious when it comes to the enforcement of such a right to disconnect, most especially against such an exploitative practice that results in workers' being
overworked but underpaid. This law marks a firm statement that the welfare of the workforce is paramount and their time off from work is worth appreciation and respect. This right to disconnect can also change relationships between employers and employees. Traditionally, there has been an expectation for employee availability, which more often than not ends in resentment and dissatisfaction. The right to disconnect creates boundaries within which respect for the relationship between employer and employee can be constructed. It gives a very clear message to the employers that the employees' private time is something to be respected, and rest and recuperation are an important part of work. This legislation further fosters a culture of mutual trust. Employees whose personal time is respected will be found to be more loyal and attached to their employer. This could result in higher morale, reduced turnover rates, and a better work atmosphere. Employers who respect the right to disconnect demonstrate that they value their employees' well-being, which tends to have its reflections in the general reputation of the company and makes it attractive to some of the best talent. This shift is not just beneficial for the employees but actually brings a strategic advantage to employers who want to have more motivated and productive staff.
The right to disconnect also integrates dispute-resolution mechanisms. If there are disputes over the application of this right, in the first instance, it encourages workplacelevel discussions to resolve conflicts. If discussions at the workplace level fail, there can be an approach for intervention by the Fair Work Commission, either by employees or employers. This roadmap guarantees that any dispute will be dealt with in a manner that is not only fair but also transparent, thus giving a defined way of conflict resolution. Additionally, from August 26, 2024, every award in the workplace will have a right-to-disconnect term. In other words, it will be customized based on industry and occupation so that the legislation can apply to a wide variety of industries. No worker will be left behind with this holistic approach, and benefits from this legislation will thus be felt across the whole workforce.
Australia and India’s strategic partnership has recently seen a significant milestone with the signing of a free trade agreement. It was announced on July 29th, 2024. The agreement aims to enhance their cooperation in critical minerals and their processing with an elaborate treaty to be signed later. This cooperation has much promise for both the countries, particularly in the area of assisting India in its renewable energy shift, and it has important consequences for their economies, technologies and environmental objectives. Green energy is the main component of this agreement. For example, solar panels, wind turbines, electric car batteries and other renewables depend on critical minerals like lithium and cobalt as well as rare earth elements. Therefore, acquiring these precious materials would quicken India's endeavor for new energy sources hence decrease the use of fossil fuels more so attaining sustainability objectives. The significance of this cooperation is hard to exaggerate. The world’s escalating impacts due to climate change make it necessary to switch over to cleaner forms of energy instead. This partnership would greatly benefit India which has high ambitions for increasing its renewable power base. With improved availability of key minerals, it could broaden its green-electrics infrastructure working significantly in line with a 2030 target to generate 450 gigawatts from renewables alone. Furthermore, the pact paves way for Australia–India collaboration in transfer of technology and knowledge. Collaborative research and development may promote innovation, generate energy-efficient technologies and give birth to new avenues of economic progress. A possible collaboration between Australia’s expertise in mining critical minerals and India’s advancing renewable energy technologies would lead to major breakthroughs that are mutually beneficial.
This agreement is likely to benefit both nations economically. For instance, it will facilitate an increase in trade and investments aimed at boosting India’s clean energy sector through inflow of foreign direct investment as well as improvements in technology. Conversely, Australian companies would tap into one of the world’s fastest growing markets thereby creating fresh business opportunities as well as enhancing their economic relationships.
The framework for the intensifying relationship was set up by the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) which was founded in June 2020. Both nations have agreed that global collaboration especially in solving issues such as COVID-19 should be prioritized embracing science
and medical research, healthcare system building and encouraging innovation. In this line of thought, clean energy sector collaborations can result in enormous outcomes.
The Australia-India alliance has always revolved around economic cooperation and trade. The Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (AI ECTA) strives to diversify supply chains for essential goods and services, thereby creating resilience against worldwide disruptions.
This interim free trade agreement focusing on critical minerals is a natural progression from these initiatives emphasizing on both economic resilience as well as sustainability.
The relationship between the two nations has also significantly improved through regular joint naval tasks such as AUSINDEX which enhances military cooperation. This robust defense alliance emphasizes the mutual trust among them as well as their strategic alignment which has gone beyond just defense to include economic and environmental dimensions.
Cultural links add more weight to the link Australia shares with India. In addition to trade and immigrants, similar interests in arts, music or sports give a solid base on which friendship can be built. Cricket and tennis are some of the widely followed games thus representing a deeply rooted connection between Australia and India.
India’s clean energy ambitions are greatly influenced by this agreement. Securing a consistent supply of critical minerals would eliminate one of the obstacles to renewable energy expansion in India. Therefore, it will aid in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving air quality and promoting sustainable development while at it. In addition to this, India intends to invest in renewable energy resources more so than any other nation due to technological advancements and economic benefits.
Australia will, however, be required under this agreement to diversify its export markets and foster stronger ties with one of Asia’s biggest economies. In search of global clean energy transition, Australia could position itself as India’s mainstream importer of minerals that are crucial to the manufacture of batteries for electric cars. The move would not only benefit the Australian economy but also reiterate the nation’s commitment to environmental preservation and international partnerships. The interim trade agreement is meant to serve as a precedent for forthcoming global collaborations. In an attempt to tackle both economic growth and environmental sustainability, countries across the globe have looked at how Australia-India
partnership can be applied strategically so as to make progress. The accord underscores reciprocal advantages, shared objectives as well as comprehensive frameworks that can handle modern trade and environmental policies’ complexities.
Larger than the Indo-Pacific context, this agreement has strengthened strategic ties between Australia and India. Both countries are pivotal players in ensuring security in their respective regions and fostering a rules-based system of international relations. Moreover, clean energy collaboration and critical minerals have deepened this partnership by underscoring their desire to make the IndoPacific region peaceful, stable and prosperous.
The journey ahead consists of multiple stages, one of which is the conclusion of a comprehensive trade agreement. Nevertheless, the interim pact establishes a robust foundation, exhibiting the political determination and strategic alignment required to realize these objectives. As the particulars of the comprehensive pact are being negotiated, both countries should continue to emphasize mutual benefits, fair terms, and an enduring vision for sustainability.
The Australia-India interim free trade agreement is not merely a commercial agreement; it is a strategic partnership that addresses some contemporary challenges. By emphasizing clean energy and critical minerals, the deal places both nations at the forefront of international efforts to fight climate change and foster sustainable development. In doing so, as Australia and India deepen their relationship, benefits are likely to extend beyond their borders in the form of a greener or more resilient world economy. Furthermore, the pact may act as a stimulus for other nations to follow in its footsteps. The pressing need to tackle climate change as well as the advantages of renewable energy provide an overwhelming impetus for countries to forge partnerships that boost their access to vital resources and technologies. A case in point is Australia and India which have shown how strategic partnerships can effectively combine environmental sustainability with economic growth thereby setting a tone for global collaboration.
More so, this alliance can promote technological progress in clean energy. Collaborative research projects backed by technology transfers could result in more efficient and cost-effective renewable power sources. Such innovations would have a cascading effect not just on Australia or India but beyond, benefiting states seeking to migrate towards cleaner forms of electricity.
A Budget for employment generation
Mumbai, July 23 (IANS) The 202425 Budget, unveiled by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday, strategically aims to boost India's economic landscape, focusing on job creation, fiscal consolidation, and infrastructure development.
It reflects the government's resolve to build a resilient economy capable of withstanding global challenges.
This Budget not only aims to stimulate growth across diverse sectors, but also includes a comprehensive plan prioritising the welfare of the underprivileged, women, youth, and farmers (Garib, Mahila, Yuva, and Annadata), aligning with
the goal of inclusive economic development.
One of the standout features of the Budget is its robust emphasis on creating employment opportunities. It actively encourages the involvement of the private sector in conjunction with governmental efforts to enhance job prospects.
The notable initiatives include subsidies for the first month's wages, internships in the top 500 companies, and covering EPFO contributions to increase employment, and support women, which is expected to significantly impact job growth.
The Budget also cements India's
position as a burgeoning hub for startups by easing the angel tax and doubling the cap for Mudra loans to Rs 20 lakh per individual. These measures are designed to nurture entrepreneurship and provide a fertile ground for startups, thus promoting innovation and contributing to economic expansion, and making India the No 1 startup hub globally.
Skill development is addressed as a crucial component for economic growth, with the budget introducing innovative strategies for skill enhancement across various levels of the workforce. This focus is expected to bridge the skill gap and enhance employability.
Highlighting the demographic potential of India, the budget includes targeted measures to boost female participation in the workforce. Initiatives such as setting up working women’s hostels and childcare facilities are aimed at empowering women economically and facilitating their active involvement in the labour market.
Infrastructure development has been the sine qua non of PM Modi government’s long-term economic strategy for the past 10 years and remains so. The budget
proposes a sweeping plan for both urban and rural development, designed to transform cities into growth engines and ensure comprehensive development of rural areas. This includes significant projects across sectors such as transportation, housing, and sanitation.
The allocated capital expenditure of Rs 11.1 lakh crore, or 3.4 per cent of GDP, represents the highest investment in infrastructure in the past 26 years, underscoring the government's commitment to this sector.
Fiscal consolidation has been a consistent theme over the past 10 years and continues with this budget. The fiscal deficit is projected to decrease to 4.9 per cent in FY25, down from 5.1 per cent in the interim budget, with further reduction planned for the following year. This fiscal prudence is achieved without modifications to the existing tax structures, ensuring a stable tax environment conducive to improving India’s credit rating. Further enhancements to the taxation system are evident in both direct and indirect taxes. The budget proposes more attractive terms for the new tax regime, including higher deductions and broader, lower tax slabs. Indirect tax changes aim to support domestic manufacturing,
address rate inversions, and simplify the overall tax process. Adjustments to the capital gains tax structure have also been introduced to streamline taxation and encourage investment.
Environmental sustainability and climate finance are other critical areas addressed by the budget, recognising the importance of ecological considerations in sustainable economic planning.
The government views these initiatives as crucial for ensuring that economic progress does not compromise environmental goals. Technology plays a pivotal role in all major governmental initiatives, with the budget emphasizing its importance in achieving sustainable development goals.
The FY2024-25 Budget lays down a robust blueprint for India's future economic direction. It balances economic growth with fiscal discipline and social welfare, ensuring a stable foundation for sustainable development.
The Budget's strategic focus on job creation, infrastructural investment, and fiscal consolidation is poised to significantly shape India's economic landscape in the coming years, steering the country towards achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047. Through these measures, the budget ensures long-term growth and resilience.
FairPoint: You are a woman; you can be the US President!
New Delhi, July 28 (IANS) It’s something the US never had since it adopted the Declaration of Independence in 1776 -- a 248year history! A stunning fact about a country that has a strongly propagated image of being very democratic, standing for freedom and equal rights.
Over these 24 decades, several countries, including the underdeveloped, have elected women Presidents or Prime Ministers, but America has never done so.
The first woman elected as Prime Minister of a country was Sirimavo Bandaranaike of Sri Lanka when she led her party to victory in 1960. India elected Indira Gandhi as the Prime Minister in 1966. Golda Meir became Israel’s Prime Minister in 1969. In the UK, Margaret
Thatcher was the PM from 1979 to 1990. She also was Europe’s first female prime minister. Corazon Aquino became President of the Philippines in 1986.
Even Islamic countries like Pakistan had a woman PM when Benazir Bhutto took the top job in 1988. Tansu Ciller was Turkey’s first female PM (1993–96).
Finland and New Zealand have elected women top leaders thrice each. Poland, Ireland, Lithuania, France, Finland and Canada have also had women in lead roles.
Angela Merkel became Chancellor of Germany in 2005 and was the longest-serving woman leader of her country. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf became president of Liberia in 2006 and ruled till 2018.
More recently, Giorgia Meloni became the Prime Minister of the Italian Republic, the first female
PM for her country.
The world has seen over 55 countries being led by women at various points in time since 1960.
And the US stands with countries like China, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia and others who never had a female leader in all these decades.
If even underdeveloped countries can elect women to top jobs, why hasn't the US had a female head of state? This question may be baffling, but the answers are not difficult to find.
The answers lie in the various surveys and research conducted over the years during election periods that highlight the gender bias existing in American society.
In the 2020 US presidential campaign, several women senators were vying for the top job, but one by one, they dropped
out of the race. One of the dropped-out candidates, Senator Elizabeth Warren was later asked whether gender affected the race, she told the media that if she acknowledged that sexism was there then everyone would say that she was a “whiner” and if she mentioned otherwise then many women would say she was not right.
Various research over the years has found that voters rank male candidates as more effective than their female counterparts who may even be similarly qualified. Most voters also feel that men make superior political leaders.
And if women are of colour, they are likely to be targeted with misinformation and disinformation.
Nikki Haley, who was aspiring to be the Republican presidential nominee, however, suspended her bid in March 2024 for various reasons. Apart from several electoral factors contributing to her dropping out of the race, she also faced intense personal scrutiny. Her qualifications were questioned, comments on her appearance were made and was mocked for having an absentee husband, who is deployed overseas.
The challenges faced by women candidates were best described by Hillary Clinton in 2016 after losing the presidential bid. She became the first woman to secure the backing of a party in the race for the US President’s post. During the campaign, she frequently
faced sexist remarks. After losing the election to Donald Trump then, Clinton said in an interview with TIME magazine, “…But we face what is a pernicious double standard that is aided and abetted by the idea of perfectionism.”
Is this double standard the real cause of -- why the US has not elected a female head of state?
After much struggle, women in America were given the right to vote in 1920. Since then, women have fought elections successfully but have not reached the top level.
From Victoria Woodhull, the first-ever woman candidate to run for the presidential race in 1872 to Kamala Harris in 2024, the women in the US have had one of the most difficult journeys to reach the positions they are in today.
The American dream, first mentioned in the 1931 book ‘The Epic of America’ by James Truslow Adams, talks about "a dream of a social order in which each man and each woman shall be able to attain to the fullest stature of which they are innately capable".
A woman's dream to become the US President has remained unfulfilled so far. But, this time, overcoming all odds, including sexism and racism, the US may as well see its first woman President in Kamala Harris, who has a strong India connect.
(Deepika Bhan can be contacted at deepika.b@ians.in)
Realty sector hails Union Budget, calls it vibrant & visionary
Mumbai, July 23 (IANS) The Indian realty sector has largely given a thumbs up to the Union Budget 2024-2025 presented in the Parliament on Tuesday by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, terming it visionary and vibrant which will sustain India’s growth story over the next five years.
The President of the Confederation of Real Estate Developers Association of India, Boman Irani, said that with the PM Awas Yojana-Urban, the housing needs of one crore poor and middle-class families will be addressed with an outlay of Rs 10 lakh crore, including central assistance of Rs 2.2 lakh crore in five years.
The Chairman of the National Association of Realtors-India (NAR), Sumanth Reddy, lauded the move to slash capital gains tax from 20 to 12.5 per cent which will attract greater investment into the realty sector, but said that reducing GST on real estate brokerage services to 5 per cent remains pending.
Giving a score of 8/10 to FM Sitharaman, Niranjan Hiranandani, Chairman, National Real Estate Development Council (NAREDCO), said that a monumental allocation of Rs 10 lakh crore for PMAY-Urban for three crore houses, 12 new industrial parks, and focus
on rental housing through dormitories in industrial parks would boost affordable rental homes for industrial workers, and underscore a robust vision for urban development.
Maharashtra NAREDCO
President Prashant Sharma said the comprehensive approach to job creation and boosting consumption are positive signs for the realty sector, while the other initiatives will create a ripple effect enhancing the economic landscape and boosting demands for residential and commercial properties.
“Significant infrastructure investments continuing over the next five years, including a provision of Rs 11,11,111 crore for capex, will have a multiplier effect that will drive private investment in infrastructure.
The introduction of a marketbased financing framework and simplified rules for Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) will further facilitate economic growth and stability,” Sharma said.
The President of CREDAIMaharashtra Chamber of Housing Industry, Domnic Romell, said the proposal to reduce stamp duty for women house buyers is a progressive step, especially in places like Mumbai where realty prices are among the highest, besides “promoting gender equity through lower duties for women purchasers is a socially responsible move, which we have been advocating for long”.
CREDAI-MCHI Vice President Pritam Chivukula said that keeping in mind the Viksit Bharat initiative, the Budget will give a significant boost to housing both
in rural and urban areas, and help the people get a roof over their heads, particularly the one crore poor and middle-class sections. Similarly, the Rs 2.66 lakh crore for rural infra development will help the people in Mofussil India become self-reliant and uplift their living standards while discouraging the rural migration to urban centres, thus ensuring overall development, Chivukula said.
Other top realtors and industry experts like Tribhuwan Adhikari, MD & CEO, LIC Housing Finance; Amit Sinha, MD & CEO, Mahindra Lifespace Developers Ltd; Sandeep Runwal, MD, Runwal Group; Kamal Singal, MD & CEO, Arvind SmartSpaces Ltd; Dhaval Ajmera, Director, Ajmera Realty & Infra India Ltd; Atul Bohra, Group CEO, Kolte-Patil Developers Limited; Shashank Paranjape, MD, Paranjape Schemes Construction Ltd; Ramesh Nair, CEO, Mindspace Business Parks REIT; and Nagaraju Routhu, CEO, Experion Developers, also hailed various other facets of the Budget. These include the proposed industrial corridor that will spur employment, industrial growth and economic progress, the digitalisation of urban land records with GIS mapping and an IT-based system that will enhance transparency and efficiency while reducing risks linked with unclear titles or property disputes, the capital gains tax adjustments proposals, the tax incentives under Section 80EEA, GST reliefs, etc., which herald a progressive future for the industry and the country.
Budget heralds big bang tax reforms, simplifies long term capital gains: Experts
New Delhi, July 24 (IANS) The Union Budget under Prime Minister Narendra Modi 3.0 contains some big bang tax reforms and the government is sticking to its path of simplifying and streamlining the entire tax regime, experts said on Wednesday.
Allaying the fears of investors on long-term capital gains (LTCG) tax, they said the whole idea of the government is to simplify the capital gains framework.
There are multiple holding periods and tax rates which are there in the current LTCG framework that have been
reduced and streamlined, so now, it's very simple.
“There are only two holding periods which you have to look out for -- 12 months for listed securities and 24 months for nonlisted securities, including real estate. So even debt instruments which had a holding period of 36 months have been reduced to 24 months,” Harsh Bhuta, Partner, Bhuta Shah and Co, told IANS.
For listed securities, the LTCG tax rate has increased from 10 per cent to 12.5 per cent which is a marginal hike.
“For assets which are not listed in the markets, which include immovable property, the tax rate has been reduced from 20 per cent with indexation to 12.5 per cent without indexation,” explained Bhutan.
According to him, this may not have a significant impact because the “idea of the government is not to complicate things with the taxation. So, if you have
Experts clarify new capital gains tax regime for realty sector
New Delhi, July 23 (IANS)
Amid the confusion over the government eliminating the indexation benefit on calculating long-term capital gains tax (LTCG) on property which led to real estate stocks nosediving, some experts tried to assuage people, saying even in property, new tax rate at 12.5 per cent (without indexation) would be better than previous regime (20 per cent with indexation) if property is held longer as an asset than used just to rotate money every few years.
The LTCG on property sales has been reduced from 20 per cent to 12.5 per cent. However, the Union Budget’s fine print revealed that indexation benefits on real estate have been removed, along with gold and other unlisted asset classes.
"With the rationalisation of rate to 12.5 per cent, indexation available under the second proviso to Section 48 is proposed to be removed for calculation of any long-term capital gains, which is presently available for property, gold and other unlisted assets. This will ease computation of capital gains for the taxpayer and the tax administration," the budget document read.
Indexation adjusts the purchase price of an asset for inflation, reducing taxable profits and
tax liabilities. Without this adjustment, taxpayers may face increased taxes despite the lower LTCG rate.
According to experts, the whole idea is to simplify the capital gains tax regime. “Interestingly, the rate for LTCG for other securities (non-listed) has reduced from 20 per cent (with indexation) to 12.5 per cent. This will be a big impetus to the sale of immovable properties as longterm capital gains tax would significantly reduce," Harsh Bhuta, Partner, Bhuta Shah and Co LLP, told IANS.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the government wants to simplify the approach to taxation, especially for capital gains.
"The average taxation has come down. When we say it is 12.5 per cent, it is because we have calculated it for each of the different classes. We have brought it down to 12.5 per cent, which is the lowest in several years, encouraging investment in the market," she said.
According to experts, the taxation of capital gains has undergone significant streamlining in the Union Budget 2024 with respect to holding period and tax rates. There will only be two holding periods -- 12 months (for listed securities) and 24 months (all other securities) to determine short-term and long-term capital gains. Thus, the holding period for bonds and debt mutual funds for being classified as long-term has been reduced from 36 months to 24 months.
India the most exciting economic story in world: UKIBC on Union Budget
purchased a property in the 1970s, you can take the fair market value of the property as of 2001. You will not get indexation from 2001 till 2024 so this is the only thing you are losing on.”
It means if you bought a property before 2001, you can still use the property valuation from April 2001 to calculate the indexed price.
The tax rates on these gains will be lower at 12.5 per cent instead of 20 per cent.
The LTCG tax rate is now lower and around 95 per cent of sellers will not be negatively affected.
Ridhima Bhatia, DGM of Taxmann, told IANS that there will now be only two classifications for holding periods in LTCG tax -- 12 months for listed securities and 24 months for unlisted securities.
“The Budget removed indexation for LTCG and also reduced the tax rate from 20 per cent to 12.5 per cent,” she said.
New Delhi, July 24 (IANS) Calling India the most exciting economic story in the world, The UK India Business Council on Wednesday congratulated Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and the government for an emphasis on facilitating foreign investments and commitment towards fiscal stability in the Union Budget 2024-25.
The UKIBC hailed the Modi government’s proposal to reduce the corporate tax rate on foreign companies from 40 to 35 per cent and looks forward to continued progress towards parity.
“UKIBC welcomes the announcement on corporate tax reduction for foreign firms, which provides great encouragement to foreign investors. Continued progress towards a level
playing field for all investors will help unlock higher levels of international investment in India,” said Richard McCallum, Group Chief Executive Officer, UK India Business Council (UKIBC).
The policy advocacy group said it is also encouraged to note the announcement on foreign direct investment (FDI) and look forward to the details once finalised and published.
“The Indian government has laid down an ambitious plan for ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India) by 2047.
The UKIBC and our members strongly support this agenda and can play a strong role across key priority areas such employment and skilling, energy transition, manufacturing, and R&D, among others,” the Council noted.
These are areas in which many UK companies are already invested and actively engaged in India, often working with brilliant Indian partners. A continued focus on policy and ease of doing business-related reform will help unlock increased private investment, including from the UK.
Phase five of Stop it at the Start campaign aims to explain hidden trends in violence against women
Canberra, 17 June: The Australian Government has launched phase five of the Stop it at the Startcampaign with an aim to re-establish how adults and influencers of young people can help break the cycle of violence against women.
Violence against women and children is at epidemic proportions in Australia and it
starts with disrespect.
There are new hidden trends of disrespect online and in the real world, which young people are exposed to. There are conversations happening online with our young people that we as adults are missing out on, creating a knowledge gap between parents and young people.
"As parents, carers, and
family members, we all have a responsibility to build a society free from disrespect and violence against women,” said Minister for Social Services, Amanda Rishworth.
“For this, it is crucial to address the new and powerful influences that are present both online and in the real world, that are impacting young people’s attitudes towards gendered disrespect,”she adds.
Respect can and must be nurtured from an early age. Young minds, aged 10-17, are easily influenced by what they see and hear around them, especially what is served to them online. Many online platforms servedisrespectful content and violence supportive attitudes to young people, due to inbuilt algorithms designed to favourprovocative and polarising
content. This exposure can easily affect young minds, ultimately shaping the type of person and partner they become.
Whilewe may not be able to censor or moderate the disrespect young people are exposed to,if we start understanding it, we can empower them, help them navigate it, and reject disrespect before it leads to violence.
“We as individuals and as a community, need to take steps to understand the information our young people are engaging with online and the disrespectful world they may be exposed to,’ said Minister Rishworth.
“It’s up to us to start those conversations with our young people about these negative influences online and offline, so that we can shape the next respectful generation.”
A suite of translated tools and resources includingA Pocket Guide to Respectful
Conversations, a Hidden Trends of Disrespect Guide, and an Issues Guide are available in Arabic, Cantonese, Filipino (Tagalog), Hindi, Hazaragi, Korean, Mandarin, Nepali, Punjabi, Thai, and Vietnamese; to support parents, families, and other role models learn more about the new and powerful influences of disrespect young people are seeing every day and guide them accordingly.
To view and download the translated information, please check: www.respect.gov.au/ translated
If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit www.1800RESPECT.org.au.
Learn the hidden trends of disrespect before they lead to violence at respect.gov.au
We can all help Stop it at the Start.
New national campaign and supports to quit vaping and smoking
The Australian Government is providing support for Australians to quit vaping and smoking, with new advertising campaigns and updated quit support services.
The $63.4 million ‘Give Up For Good’ campaign includes four separate but complementary creative approaches which will raise awareness of the health harms of smoking and vaping, and encourage Australians to take advantage of newly expanded quit support services.
Four streams of advertising target key audiences:
• Young people who vape: ‘Why Are We Still Doing This?’
• Adults who vape: ‘Vaping. Are You Really Choosing Anymore?’
• Adults who smoke: ‘Choose Your Hard’
• First Nations adults who smoke:
‘Keep At Quitting’
The ‘Give Up For Good’ campaign is historic. This is the first time that the Australian Government has advertised to the public about the risks and harms of vaping, the first time in nearly 10 years that it has produced a national population-wide smoking campaign, and the first time that TikTok will be used in an Australian Government campaign.
The campaigns will run across television, digital video and audio, social media, gaming, radio, cinema and out-of-home channels like billboards, shopping centres and bus shelters.
The advertising will run until December 2024 and is part of a multi-year investment, with future phases planned.
For more information on the national campaigns, visit: health.
gov.au/GiveUpForGood / health. gov.au/vaping Resources for media are available on request, including information, statistics, and links to download high resolution campaign assets. Campaign materials and support resources have been developed in Arabic, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese and are available to download at: health.gov.au/ GiveUpForGood/translated. Youth vaping materials and support resources are available in those 5 languages as well as Greek and Thai at: health.gov.au/vaping/ translated
Alongside the public health campaigns, the Australian Government has launched expanded and nationally consistent support services to
help Australians quit nicotine addiction caused by vaping and smoking.
This includes:
• development of an online cessation hub that is now live at quit.org.au;
• redevelopment of the My QuitBuddy app to provide new features and support;
• funding to expand and ensure nationally equitable access to Quitline services;
• dedicated resources to support parents and carers; and
• updated clinical guidance for health practitioners.
Approximately 3.3 million Australians reported vaping and/ or smoking in 2022, though rates vary across the population and may be higher among young Australians, First Nations people,
those in in low socioeconomic areas, people in rural and remote areas, LGBTQIA+ Australians, and some multicultural communities.
The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Health and Aged Care, said “Nicotine is highly addictive and before you know it, what starts as an occasional thing becomes something much more serious. But it’s never too late to quit. If you are worried about the hold that nicotine has over you, remember that help is there.”
For support to stop smoking and vaping, call Quitline on 13 7848, visit quit.org.au, talk to a health professional, or download the My QuitBuddy app.
If you require language support, call Quitline on 13 7848, and they will connect you with an interpreter via TIS National.
Indian Consulate welcomes NSW & SA residents at Open House
Sydney, July 23 (Australia India News Newsdesk)
On July 15, 2024, the Consulate General of India in Sydney hosted
an 'Open House' event, welcoming Indian nationals from New South Wales (NSW) and South Australia (SA) to the Consulate. The gathering provided an
opportunity for community members to interact with consular officials, address their concerns, and seek assistance with consular services.
This event was designed to enhance communication and support between the Consulate and the Indian diaspora, underscoring the Consulate's
dedication to serving its community in Australia.
Indian High Commission hosts students for ANU Research program
Canberra, July 24 (Australia India News Newsdesk)
The High Commission of India welcomed nearly 60 Indian students as part of the prestigious Future Research Talent (FRT) program at the Australian National University (ANU) recently. This short-term research engagement saw the High Commissioner emphasizing the role of such initiatives in bolstering Australia-India relations and promoting global progress.
The FRT awards, jointly administered by the ANU College of Science, ANU College of Health and Medicine, and ANU College of Engineering, Computing, and
Cybernetics, aim to attract toptier international students from leading Indian institutions. These awards provide students with exposure to ANU’s cutting-edge research in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine (STEMM) fields. This program offers a valuable platform for India’s emerging research talent to establish international linkages and develop their research expertise at a globally esteemed university. Notably, ANU is ranked 34th in the QS World University Rankings 2024, underscoring the prestigious nature of this opportunity.
FICQ hosts warm welcome for new CGI & farewell for Archana Singh
Brisbane, July 29 (Australia India News Newsdesk)
The Federation of Indian Communities of Queensland (FICQ) organized a special event recently to honour Neetu Bhagotia’s appointment as
Brisbane’s first Consul General of India (CGI) and bid a heartfelt farewell to Archana Singh, the outgoing Honorary Indian Consul General who has served for over a decade.
The occasion featured a warm
welcome for Bhagotia, a tribute to Singh’s contributions, interactive Q&A sessions, and the launch of a new Diwali poster, celebrating the enduring cultural connections between the Indian community and Brisbane.
AIBC hosts welcome reception for new Indian Consul General
Brisbane, July 24 (Australia India News Newsdesk)
The Australia India Business Council (AIBC) Queensland
chapter hosted a welcome reception for the new Indian Consul General to Queensland, Neetu Bhaagotia, at the Stamford Plaza Hotel recently. The event
attracted a distinguished group of business and community leaders.
Speeches by Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner and Consul General
Bhaagotia highlighted the importance of strengthening Australia-India relations and exploring collaborative opportunities across various
sectors, reinforcing the commitment to a strong bilateral partnership.
High Commissioner pushes for enhanced Australia-India education ties
Melbourne, July 22 (Australia India News Newsdesk)
High Commissioner Gopal Baglay, along with Consul
General Dr. Sushil Kumar, visited the Bendigo TAFE Health and Community Centre of Excellence on July 22, 2024. During the visit,
Baglay highlighted the growing importance of educational and vocational training collaborations between Australia and India.
Baglay engaged with Sally Curtain, CEO, and other faculty members to explore ways to enhance bilateral cooperation in the skills sector.
The visit emphasized a mutual commitment to fostering robust educational and vocational partnerships.
Ambassador Chinoy visits Indian Consulate in Perth
Perth, July 29 (Australia India News Newsdesk)
Ambassador Sujan R. Chinoy, Director General of the Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (MP-IDSA) and former Ambassador of India to Japan, visited the Indian
Consulate in Perth recently. During his visit, he interacted with consulate officials, sharing insights and discussing various topics.
Ambassador Chinoy attended the Indian Ocean Defence and Security (IODS) Conference,
where he contributed to panel discussions and engaged with participating ministers and dignitaries, providing his perspectives on key defence and security issues.
Indian Consulate leads Yoga Day celebrations across NSW & South Australia
Sydney, July 23 (Australia India News Newsdesk)
The Consulate General of India in Sydney, in collaboration with the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre, celebrated the International Day of Yoga 2024 at various locations across New South Wales (NSW) and South Australia, recently. The event was supported by
numerous organizations, including Sri Om Care, Harman Foundation, Art of Living Adelaide, BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Adelaide, Nirup Cultural Tours of India, Heartfulness Institute, Australasian Association of Ayurveda, Mita Wellness & Meditation, Brahma Kumaris, SRMD, Hindu Council, and Art of Living Sydney. These
partnerships facilitated a diverse range of activities, promoting the practice and benefits of yoga for physical and mental health. The celebrations aimed to enhance awareness and practice of yoga within the Indian diaspora and the broader Australian community, reinforcing cultural and health connections between India and Australia.
Indian defence firms explore partnerships at Perth Defence Expo
Perth (Australia India News Newsdesk)
The Indian defence industry participated for the first time in the Indian Ocean Defence and Security Expo in Perth recently. The event presented numerous opportunities for establishing close defence
industry partnerships to enhance the capabilities of Defence Forces in the region. Leading Indian defence companies, including Larsen & Toubro (L&T), Bharat Dynamics Ltd (BDL), Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL), and Hindustan Aeronautical Ltd (HAL), were represented at the expo.
The 2024 Indian Ocean Defence and Security Conference, which was hosted by the Western Australian Government in Perth from July 24-26, highlighted the important role of the Indian Ocean and Western Australia in regional stability in the coming decades.
High Commissioner boosts ties with Bendigo through key meetings
Melbourne, July 22 (Australia India News Newsdesk)
On July 22, 2024, High Commissioner Gopal Baglay made his first visit to the City of Greater Bendigo, where he engaged in
meaningful discussions with Jacinta Allan, Premier of Victoria, to strengthen cooperation in education, trade, and tourism.
Baglay was warmly received by Cr Andrea Metcalf, Mayor, and
Andrew Cooney, CEO of the City of Greater Bendigo. His visit included a scenic Bendigo Tram ride and a Civic Reception at the Bendigo Art Gallery. He also connected with the local Indian diaspora.
Additionally, Baglay met with Prof Theo Farrel, Vice Chancellor of La Trobe University, Bendigo, to explore opportunities for enhancing
educational partnerships. The visit was organized by the City of Greater Bendigo and the Indian Association of Bendigo Inc.
Bendigo hosts grand opening of Indian Film Festival of Melbourne 2024
Melbourne, July 22 (Australia India News Newsdesk)
On July 22, Bendigo hosted the grand opening of the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) 2024 with the Regional Rhapsody
event. High Commissioner Gopal Baglay and Premier of Victoria Jacinta Allan were in attendance for the premiere of the film ‘Chandu Champion,’ marking the start of this year’s festival.
The 15th edition of IIFM will take place from August 15 to August 24, 2024. Since its establishment in 2010, the IFFM has become a prominent global stage for Indian cinema, celebrating its
rich diversity and creativity. The festival showcases a wide array of films, from regional language productions to Bollywood blockbusters, reflecting the depth and variety of Indian storytelling.
IFFM continues to be a key cultural event, connecting filmmakers, artists, and audiences worldwide and highlighting the vibrant cinematic heritage of India.
As countdown begins, excitement builds for inaugural Empowering Migrants Expo
As the clock ticks and the days go by, the countdown to August 4, 2024, has officially begun.
With just six days left until the Inaugural Empowering Migrants Expo, Brisbane is buzzing with anticipation. It’s like the whole city is on the edge of its seat, eagerly awaiting a day that promises to be nothing short of spectacular.
The preparations have been done meticulously attending to each of the details. The team has been working tirelessly, making sure
every detail is spot on. Brisbane City Hall is slowly transforming into a vibrant celebration of cultures. Volunteers are busy setting up booths, and there’s a sense of excitement in the air as colourful banners and decorations are put up.
The community’s response has been amazing. Local volunteers have poured their energy and enthusiasm into making this event a success. It’s heartwarming to see people from all walks of life coming together, eager
to contribute to something so meaningful. From setting up stalls to preparing for performances, everyone’s been pulling together, and it’s clear that this is a community effort at its finest.
The Expo isn’t just an event; it’s a glimpse into the future of our multicultural landscape. With a packed schedule of activities, from traditional dances and music performances to interactive workshops and art exhibitions, there’s something for everyone. The organizers
have worked hard to ensure that every culture is represented authentically, allowing visitors to dive deep into the diverse experiences on offer.
The excitement isn’t just confined to the organizers. The public’s enthusiasm is palpable, with social media abuzz with countdowns and posts about the upcoming event. The Expo has become a hot topic, with people eagerly discussing their plans and looking forward to exploring the rich array of cultures, cuisines,
and experiences that will be showcased.
As the big day approaches, the final touches are being added. Organizers are busy with lastminute preparations, ensuring everything will run smoothly. So, mark your calendars and get ready, Brisbane. The Inaugural Empowering Migrants Expo is just around the corner, and it’s set to be a day filled with celebration, connection, and discovery.
Celebrating Diversity: How Bhartiya Samaj enhances Australia’s multicultural fabric
Australia has always stood for multiculturalism. People from across the world, representing diverse cultures, have come to Australia where they have been welcomed and given opportunities to progress. This policy of Australia to welcome diversity has enriched the country, culturally paving the way for celebrations of festivals throughout the year. This is where Bhartiya Samaj steps in to contribute to the alreadyculturally rich society of the country. Australia’s multicultural approach promotes harmony and inclusiveness. With strong policies and initiatives, the country has built a robust social fabric. Celebrating cultural festivals, linguistic diversity, and traditional practices enriches Australian society, fostering a sense of belonging and mutual respect.
The diverse cultures in Australia have deeply influenced its artistic and cultural scene. From Indigenous art and stories to contemporary works with global influences, Australia’s artistic
landscape showcases its cultural diversity. Culinary traditions, music, dance, and festivals from around the world thrive here, offering continuous cultural experiences.
The Australian government and various community organizations support multiculturalism through policies, programs, and initiatives that promote diversity and inclusivity. These endeavours comprise language services, resettlement support for newcomers, multicultural celebrations, and educational initiatives that are essential in bringing home the point to everyone residing in Australia that cultural diversity ought to be respected in this country. Since globalization is the international trend now, cultural diversity in a globalized world is relevant and will pave the way for Australia’s further progress in an increasingly competitive world.
In this regard, Bhartiya Samaj Brisbane has had a major role to play in enhancing Australia’s multicultural ethos through its programs and policies. These
activities not only support the South Asian community but also enhance the broader multicultural fabric.
During Diwali, Bhartiya Samaj Brisbane teamed up with The Seva Project to provide clothing, blankets, toiletries, and other essentials to disenfranchised and homeless people in Brisbane, showing their commitment to community welfare.
At the Shri Krishna Janmashtami celebration on August 20, 2022, Bhartiya Samaj Brisbane supported multiple charitable organizations, demonstrating their dedication to cultural and community engagement.
During a Diwali event, Bhartiya Samaj Brisbane supported Merciful Servants Au by providing hot meals and essentials to those in need, reinforcing their commitment to social service.
Representatives attended the flag unfurling ceremony at the Consulate of India with other community organizations, celebrating India’s national pride and cultural unity.
Bhartiya Samaj representatives participated in the Australia-India Day 2024 celebrations at Sunpac Stadium, organized by FICQ, furthering their engagement with the broader multicultural community.
Launched on September 23, 2023, in Brisbane, the Empowering Migrants Workshop series provides essential support, guidance, and resources to new migrants, especially international students, aiding their settlement and integration.
On February 19, 2024, Bhartiya Samaj supported the T20 Harmony Shield match hosted by Queensland Cricket, featuring Queensland Multicultural XI vs Queensland Indigenous XI, promoting unity through sports.
In March 2024, Bhartiya Samaj representatives attended the FICQ-organized International Women’s Day event, connecting with community leaders and discussing important initiatives, highlighting their advocacy for gender equality and multicultural integration.
On March 3, 2024, Bhartiya Samaj
hosted a workshop focused on health and wellbeing for senior migrants, featuring distinguished medical professionals and attended by over 150 people, providing crucial insights and support for senior community members.
At the previously organized Health & Wellbeing workshop, Bhartiya Samaj showcased the initiatives it is capable of in ensuring migrants’ health and welfare. This workshop could well be seen as a precursor to the upcoming Empowering Migrants Expo, scheduled for August 4, 2024, at Brisbane City Hall. This event will feature over 30 indigenous and ethnic cultures showcasing their heritage through art, music, dance, and handicrafts, promoting cultural integration and celebration.
Organizations like the Bhartiya Samaj have a great role to play in implementing Australia’s vision of becoming a country that offers opportunities to diverse population regarding education, jobs, business, and community service.
WA’s
first Sikh mural unveiled at Gurdwara Sahib Canning Vale
Perth, July 16 (Australia India News Newsdesk)
The first-ever WA Sikh Mural was unveiled at Gurdwara Sahib
Canning Vale. The ceremony was attended by Consul General Amarjeet Singh Takhi, Yaz Mubarakai MLA, Terry Healy
MLA, Mayor Terresa Lynes of the City of Gosnells, several councillors including newly appointed Councillor Balli
Singh, community leaders, and Harbhajan Singh Bejawn, president of the Sikh Association of Western Australia.
Adelaide, July 23 (Australia India News Newsdesk)
The Australia India Business Council (AIBC) South Australian Chapter, in conjunction with the AIBC Defence & Security Industry Chapter and the AIBC Make with India Chapter, hosted a landmark event titled “Bilateral Opportunities in Defence & Space '' at ThincLabs, University of Adelaide recently.
President of the AIBC South Asia Chapter Deepa Mathew set the stage for the event, emphasizing
its strategic significance as it coincided with the Australian Space Forum. This timing offered a prime opportunity to explore and discuss the growing opportunities in the space sector and bilateral defence initiatives.
The event featured an esteemed roster of speakers and panellists who provided deep insights into the evolving defence and space cooperation between Australia and India. Ms. Patricia Smith, Assistant Secretary at the Department of Foreign Affairs
and Trade (DFAT), highlighted India's role as a key partner for Australia, underlining the shared strategic and economic goals in these sectors.
Keynote speaker Dr. Vinod Kumar, Director of INSPACe, India, outlined recent reforms in the Indian space sector and discussed market opportunities for Australian space industries. His address focused on the importance of collaborative development and skill enhancement through technical
partnerships.
CEO of the Centre for AustraliaIndia Relations (CAIR) Tim Thomas spoke about the critical need for strengthening bilateral ties in defence and space, and the potential for increased business collaboration.
An insightful panel discussion followed, moderated by Mr. Joe Williams, AIBC Defence & Security Industry Chapter Lead.
Panelists included Tim Thomas, Dr. Vinod Kumar, Lloyd Jacob Lopez (CEO of Hex20), Dr. Tony
AIBC Adelaide event spotlights defence & space opportunities with India FICQ president joins GOPIO to welcome new CG
Brisbane, July 29 (Australia India News Newsdesk)
The Federation of Indian Communities of Queensland (FICQ) president Anoop Nannuruaa joined the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) Queensland to honour the newly appointed Consul General of India (CG) in
Brisbane, Neetu Bhagotia, and her team. The event also marked a heartfelt farewell to Archana Singh, who has served as the Honorary Consul of India in Brisbane for over a decade.
In a warm and gracious ceremony, FICQ president expressed the organization's pride and pleasure in welcoming
Bhagotia, the first Consul General of India in Brisbane. The event was an opportunity for the Indian community to engage with the new Consul General and her team, fostering a sense of unity and cooperation.
The ceremony also paid tribute to Archana Singh, acknowledging her significant contributions
Scoleri (CEO of AI Craft), and Stan Astachnowicz (Program Director, Global Executive MBA in Defence and Space at the University of South Australia). The session offered a thorough exploration of the space programs of both countries.
In his closing remarks, Vish Viswanathan, AIBC Make with India Industry Chapter Lead, highlighted emerging prospects for small to medium enterprises in the space industry.
and dedicated service to the Indian community in Brisbane.
Her tenure as Honorary Consul has been marked by numerous achievements and a strong commitment to strengthening Australia- India relations.
The gathering underscored the collaborative spirit between FICQ and GOPIO Queensland,
highlighting their joint efforts in supporting and celebrating the Indian diaspora in the region. The event not only marked a transition in leadership but also reinforced the ongoing commitment to fostering strong ties between the Indian community and their representatives.
‘I could have done better’, says 14-yearold World No. 2 golfer Neil Jolly
New Delhi, July 28 (IANS) He is happy but not elated. And definitely not content by finishing as the runner-up in FCG World Junior Golf Championship held in California recently. This Chandigarh-based 14-year-old golfer said: “I honestly think I could have done better. Right now is the time to analyse the shortcomings.”
Neil Jolly, who faced the challenge of playing on two different golf courses over three rounds (Marriott Desert Springs and Valley Springs) and carded an overall six under-par finishing second behind J Hu, started playing golf at the age of four.
“I cannot pinpoint what attracted me towards the game when I was four years old, but there was a peculiar fascination towards it. However, after a few years, I focussed on other games like cricket. During the COVID-19 Pandemic, I returned to golf and picked it up again -- this time, very seriously. What I like most about it is that it is highly competitive and there is no politics -- it’s just you and the
course,” said Jolly. In fact, Chandigarh is called the ‘Cradle of Indian Golf’. Not just Jeev Milkha Singh, the first Indian to qualify for the European and Japanese PGA Tours, the Chandigarh Golf Club has been a playing field to some of India’s top golfers including Shubahkar Sharma, Gaganjeet Bhullar, Ajitesh Sandhu, Harinder Gupta, Ranjit Singh, Sujjan Singh, Akshay Sharma, Karandeep Kochhar, Adil Bedi, Harmeet Kahlon, Amandeep Johl, Gurbaaz Mann, Irina Brar and Parneeta Garewal.
Jolly agrees that living in Chandigarh has been a great help to his training. “The distances are less and golfing facilities are top of the line. One has players to look up to while training. Most importantly, my coach Jaskirat (Jesse) Singh Grewal lives here. I can approach him anytime. Even when I am travelling abroad for a tournament, and ask him a question, there is an immediate revert,” said the player who is currently placed second in the IGU category B rankings.
For this youngster studying in class IX, the day starts at 4:30 a.m., and there are alternate days of practice and fitness. Ask him how he balances academics and sports, and he smiles: “Well, even I do not know that, but I do manage. The authorities at Strawberry Fields High School, where I study, have been extremely cooperative.”
Adding that his parents, Vikrum and Seema Jolly, have been a source of strength, he said: “Not only do they support -- they are always honest with me. They will tell me if I am not putting in enough work, or overdoing things.”
Currently focussing on College Golf, he said: “If I am really good by the time I am 17 years old, I will
turn pro.”
Speaking to IANS from Paris, coach Jaskirat Singh (Jesse) Grewal, who is at the Olympic Games with the golfers he has trained -- Shubhankar Sharma, Gaganjit Bhullar, Aditi Ashok and Diksha Dagar -- who are participating in the games, said about Jolly, who he has been coaching for four years now: “He is a hard-working sportsman who is very focussed on his game. The kind of effort he puts in every tournament is commendable -- his performance at FCG World Junior Golf Championship proves that. Also, he has been doing extremely well in the IGU circuit.”
Stressing that Chandigarh has always boasted of a good sports culture -- be it golf, shooting, tennis, or other games, Grewal said: “The distances in this city are relatively less, so it is not a hassle to drop kids for training. Also, the Golf Club here is now focussing on juniors. In many Golf Clubs in the country, children are not even allowed on the greens. The Chandigarh Golf Association (CGA) has an excellent range and provides all facilities for juniors to play. Overall, Chandigarh is a great city for golfers. No wonder, many young golfers from across the country have been shifting here.”
Neil’s father, Vikrum Jolly said that the young golfer has had a competitive spirit since childhood. “He must be five or six years old, and we took him for a tournament at the Forest Hill Golf & Country Club resort in Chandigarh, where he came second. He was so disappointed that he started crying. He would come to our room early in the morning, and wake us up so we could take him for practice,” shared his father.
Paris Olympics: Proud to perform at biggest stage: Manu on making history by winning 2nd
Chateauroux (France), July 30 (IANS) On Tuesday, Manu Bhaker made history once again in less than 48 hours by becoming the first Indian athlete to win two medals in a single edition of the Olympic Games. After her dual podium finish, the sharpshooter is on cloud nine and said she is 'proud to perform at the biggest stage' for her country.
Manu made history on Sunday by becoming the first Indian female shooter to win an Olympic medal, bagging a bronze in the Women's 10m Air Pistol Individual event.
She then added more lustre to her success by securing her second bronze in the 10m Air Pistol Mixed Team competition with Sarabjot Singh earlier on Tuesday, becoming the first Indian to win multiple medals in one edition of the Games.
The duo showcased resilience and composure, overcoming a slow start to open up a big lead before emerging 16-10 winner against South Korean pair, Lee Won Ho and Oh Ye Jin 16-10 in a thrilling match.
Paris Olympics: Farmer’s son Sarabjot reaps bronze medal on Olympic debut
Chateauroux, July 30 (IANS) When 13-year-old Sarabjot Singh first told his farmer father that he wanted to stop playing football and take up shooting, Jatinder Singh dissuaded him as it cost a lot to pursue the expensive sport.
But Jitender Singh eventually relented when his son continued to urge him for the next few months, asking to be allowed to pursue his new-found hobby.
The hard work and sacrifice by the father with modest means eventually paved the way for a historic moment as Sarabjot on Tuesday bagged a bronze medal for India in the 10m Air Pistol Mixed Team event at the Paris Olympic Games, becoming part of the first Indian pair to win an Olympic medal in the team event. Sarabjot's journey to an Olympic medal is one littered with setbacks and disappointments. But he persisted and now is reaping the reward for his perseverance and hard work.
If his journey to the Olympics was marked by sweat and toil, his time at the Games was not easy either.
medal
"Extremely humbled by the support and wishes that have been pouring in. This is something that I've always dreamt of. Proud to perform at the biggest stage for my country," Manu wrote on X on Tuesday.
Manu became the second Indian woman to win two Olympic medals after shuttler PV Sandhu, who clinched consecutive medals in the 2016 (silver) and 2020 (bronze) Olympics.
Manu still has the 25m pistol event left to compete in, where she will compete alongside Esha Singh, giving her a chance to win a hat-trick of medals in Paris. With several records broken, this accomplishment represents a critical turning point in Indian sports history.
Disappointed after finishing ninth in the men's 10m Air Pistol Individual event, India's Sarabjot Singh on Tuesday bounced back to clinch his maiden Olympic bronze medal in the 10m air pistol mixed team event, partnering with Manu Bhaker. In the individual event, Sarabjot, who hails from Dheen village of Ambala district in Haryana, was edged out by German Robin Walter by the slimmest of margins in the men's 10m Air Pistol event, just one inner 10 shot less.
But Sarabjot made sure his next outing in Paris didn't go to waste. Manu and Sarabjot qualified for the bronze medal match with a score of 580 in the 10m Air Pistol Mixed Qualification Round, finishing third overall.
In the 10m Air Pistol Mixed Team bronze medal match, Sarabjot and Manu faced the South Korean duo of Oh Ye Jin and Lee Won Ho at the Chateauroux Shooting Range. The match saw some tense moments, particularly when the Koreans mounted a comeback, but the Indian pair held its nerves to secure a 16-10 victory. This win not only secured India a bronze medal but also marked a significant milestone in Sarabjot's burgeoning career.
The 22-year-old Sarabjot took to shooting on seeing a few kids playing with air guns at a makeshift range during a summer camp. He was 13 then and harboured hopes of becoming a footballer.
But seeing the kids aiming at paper targets with pistols stayed in his mind and changed the course of his life.
Paris Olympics: Neeraj Chopra arrives in Games village with eye on consecutive gold
Paris, July 30 (IANS) Defending Olympic champion javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra arrived in Paris Olympic Games village on Tuesday and joined his fellow teammates in the French capital. Neeraj, who won the historic gold medal in Tokyo Olympics, took to social media to share the news of his arrival in Paris.
"Namaskar, Paris! Excited to finally reach the Olympic Games village," Neeraj wrote on his X post.
The 26-year-old also wrote an inspiring message for the Indian athletes on the 'Wall of Positivity'. "This is the time for the performance," he wrote on a sticky note, pasted on the wall. Neeraj will compete in the Men's Group A Javelin Throw Qualification Round at Stade de France on August 6. The countrymen are hoping of another podium finish for the star athlete in the Olympics. In Tokyo, he became the first track and field athlete to win an individual gold medal for the country. He was the second Indian athlete to win an Olympic gold after Abhinav Bindra, who won the gold in 2008 Beijing Olympics in 10m air rifle competition.
Sukanya Ghosh explores belonging, identity as Artist-in-Residence at Royal College of Art
By Sukant Deepak
One look at the diverse works produced by her over the last few years, and it is not tough to decipher that at the very soul, her engagement with the world comprises layering, erasure, and collage.
Sukanya Ghosh, the Artistin-Residence at the Senior Artist Residency Programme launched by the Serendipity Arts Foundation and the Royal College of Art (RCA), works through a trajectory of image fragments and tonal complements.
It is the first time in its 120 years of existence that the Royal College of Art, London, has opened its studios to an artist of South Asian origin.
“By juxtaposing different parts of the image and reducing them to a play of line, tone, and colour, I reach a position of abstraction -new landscapes of crisscrossing meanings and overlapping connections.
"While I have been preoccupied with working with discarded photographs from my family archive, I have often used both analogue and digital photographs in my work. I enjoy building up textural and semiotic layers through the use of physical materials such as cloth, paper, paint, thread, plastic, etc,” Ghosh told IANS from London.
Her practice spans painting, photography, animation, and moving images, as her storytelling explores questions of belonging, identity, and place.
For the residency project, Ghosh is using everyday household
and grocery lists from her grandmother’s notebooks as a starting point to deliberate on the larger exploration of travel, displacement, and being somewhere else while deciphering the things that ground individuals.
Memory and found objects have always fascinated Ghosh. She feels that what is remembered is a fragile notion, and she likes to play with this to press forward into thinking about the world around us today.
“Found images and objects carry that slight sense of intrigue and excitement because they are ‘found’, which may mean they might have been lost somehow. I like the mystery of this, and the idea that I can play around with the essential meaning of these things,” said the artist who lives and works between Delhi and Kolkata.
Stressing that her ongoing residency experience has been stimulating and invigorating, she added that it is enjoyable being amid a bustling student community and teaching environment.
“I have used some of the splendid facilities that RCA has and most of all I have found so many new and fresh ideas on artistic practice and the making of work. Besides, I have never believed in adopting a competitive mindset.
“There is a place in the world for all artists. Some take time to flower or gain enough confidence in their work. To expose everyone to a sense that one must immediately find a gallery and
sell work creates a precarious and dangerously fragile ecosystem,” said the occasional design teacher and arts programme manager. For Ghosh, spending time at any residency is always enriching, primarily because it provides an immersion into a different space. This difference can be at diverse levels -- a different country, a different cultural context, a different working process, or even a different way of looking at things.
“This provides a critical breathing space in one’s practice - to step back and look at one’s work in another light,” she said. The artist is spending her time at the residency ruminating on the idea of home, belonging, and identity.
"I am thinking of 'being away' and what it means in various contexts, and trying to chart a path that looks outwards at the larger implications of ‘away’. Who becomes a migrant, a settler, or a traveller? And what are the things that denote ‘home’," she said. Ghosh, who has always believed in the importance of looking inward to look forward, feels that the intimate and the personal are vital to understanding or even approaching larger ideas. And that artists do not live in a vacuum - and sometimes the way of processing the things that occur around them in the world is to examine the minutiae of their lived experience.
“The path forward is to take these learnings to examine the larger implications of what could be. The past... well, it takes us forward into a new fictional space to think of other things like location and identity,” she added.
While India is witnessing the setting-up of several private art foundations and museums, Ghosh feels considering the size of this country, we need many more public and private ones.
“Only then can there be a discourse on fair practices and equal opportunities. There are certainly many more chances that have opened up because of private foundations and museums. But again, we need more,” she concluded.
Breaking Free from Professional Habits
Asseasoned professionals, we often pride ourselves on our expertise and accumulated knowledge. However, what if some of that knowledge is holding us back? What if the habits we've developed over decades are actually hindering our progress rather than propelling us forward? My own journey in unlearning, particularly through the lens of my experience with swimming, sheds light on the importance of breaking free from ingrained habits and embracing change in our professional lives. Allow me to share a personal anecdote that resonates deeply with the concept of unlearning. Despite my passion for swimming, I found myself struggling to improve for over four decades. It wasn't because of a lack of effort or determination, but rather because I had learned the wrong techniques at an early age. Swimming alongside friends in a river, I absorbed habits that stuck with me throughout my life, hindering my progress despite my best intentions.
Finally acknowledging the need for change, I enrolled in a beginner's swimming course. The process of unlearning was arduous; it required me to confront not only physical challenges but also the mental resistance to change. Watching others progress while I struggled to undo years of ingrained habits was a humbling experience. Yet, with perseverance and dedication, I began to see incremental improvements.
The parallels between my swimming journey and professional life are striking. Just as I had unknowingly absorbed detrimental habits in swimming,
so too can we pick up negative behaviours in our careers. Our first job, our initial experiences with bosses and colleagues— they all shape our professional identity. Yet, over time, some of these habits can become obstacles to growth and success.
Too often, we attribute our professional challenges to external factors—the current workplace culture, our managers, or the industry itself. Yet, true growth requires introspection and a willingness to unlearn ingrained behaviours that no longer serve us. It's about challenging the status quo, breaking free from the comfort of familiarity, and embracing the discomfort of change.
Unlearning is not a one-time event but an ongoing process— one that demands resilience, humility, and self-awareness. It requires us to confront our own limitations and biases, to question long-held assumptions, and to embrace new perspectives and ways of working. It's about recognizing that the path to success is not always linear, and that failure is an essential part of the learning process.
In today's rapidly evolving business landscape, the ability to unlearn and relearn is more critical than ever. The skills and knowledge that brought us success in the past may not be sufficient to navigate the challenges of tomorrow. By embracing the art of unlearning, we open ourselves up to new possibilities, innovation, and growth.
Business leaders, I urge you to reflect on your own professional journey.
‘Plays were part of the air we breathed’: Amal Allana remembers Ebrahim Alkazi
As his daughter, he treated her with the utmost care and was loving and protective. As a student, he was a hard, even harsh, taskmaster and pushed her to give her very best. But when she designed costumes for some of his productions, he treated her
as a professional and gave her complete freedom to express her creative ideas.
Former Chairperson of the National School of Drama (NSD) Amal Allana, who recently wrote 'Ebrahim Alkazi: Holding Time Captive' (Penguin), told IANS that in all these associations, her relationship with the father of modern Indian theatre altered, thus giving her an insight into different aspects of his character, personality, and sense of
aesthetics.
Alkazi was not just the founding director of NSD but also someone who lent new metaphors to Indian theatre and metamorphosed it through his unique vision, as through his production of Girish Karnad's 'Tughlaq' at Delhi's Purana Qila in 1972, which is considered to be one of the finest theatre productions till date, and trained a generation of theatre persons who have been instrumental in breaking new
grounds in every sense of the word.
Allana said that in writing this biography, she has had the opportunity to study her father's life and work in greater detail, albeit more dispassionately.
"Also, yet another aspect of my research included studying his artworks, leading me to curate several projects on him," she said. "Working on these projects has helped me clarify and gain a fuller, overall perspective of
what he aspired for and set out to achieve throughout his life."
One wonders if the daughter was under any 'pressure', considering she was writing about such a towering personality. She confessed that unconsciously she may have felt the pressure, though her father allowed her the greatest freedom to find herself as a theatre artiste.
"Once I left NSD, he never offered any criticism of my work but was supportive of it from a distance.
What’s new in luxury travel in California Explore the treasures of Qatar
With its many art galleries, storybook architecture and proximity to the ocean
By IANSlife
Vacation is the time to splurge.
From staying at that fancy hotel you’ve always dreamed of to dining at that Michelin-star restaurant you’ve seen all over Instagram, California is the place to live out your luxury fantasy.
Throughout the state, new luxury experiences await.
Imperial Renovation
If your idea of luxury is an intimate, boutique hotel nestled in California’s Sierra Gold Country, the newly renovated
Food and wine are the perfect pairing in Napa, and Charlie’s is the year’s hottest new restaurant. Chef Elliot Bell is an alum of the venerable French Laundry, so expect exquisitely crafted seasonal eats featuring the area's bounty.
Garden Goodness
If you wonder how chefs create such amazing flavors, Garden Hour at Napa’s Silverado Resort will pull back the curtain on such chef secrets. Led by Chef Patrick Prager or a culinary team member, guests are taken on a culinary journey from roots to glass during a tour of the resort’s culinary gardens. You’ll also enjoy a cocktail and small bites inspired by the garden's bounty.
Laid-back Luxury
Life is laid-back in SLO CAL, but that doesn’t mean it can’t have touches of luxury, too. The area has some outstanding wineries, and it’s hard to beat a helicopter wine-tasting tour of the beautiful Paso Robles wine region. If water is more your speed, get out on the Pacific Ocean with a luxury yacht excursion embarking from Morro Bay Harbor.
Courtesy of Le Petit Pali (Instagram- @lepetitpali)
Imperial Hotel in Amador is waiting to charm you. The sixroom property brings modern style and creature comforts to the delightful red brick hotel that dates to the 1870s.
Courtesy of Sushi Note (Instagram- @sushinotela)
Hotel Highs
With its many art galleries, storybook architecture and proximity to the ocean, Carmel-by-the-Sea is a perennial favorite for luxury lovers. With two new boutique hotels, travelers have even more to love.
In the heart of the village, Le Petit Pali is an elegant 58-room property serving champagne breakfast, complimentary bicycles and Diptyque amenities.
Located near Carmel Beach, the Carmel Beach Hotel has 26 rooms spread over seven historic buildings. With Michelin-star Chef Justin Cogley helming the kitchen, dinner here is a must.
Historic Hotels with Luxury Amenities
The Kirkwood Collection, known for reimagining the bed and breakfast concept, recently acquired three historic hotels in downtown Palm Springs. La Serena Villas is an 18-bungalow Spanish hacienda-style property with a great rooftop bar. The 17-room Del Marcos Hotel has garnered numerous architectural awards and became an official historic site in 2012.
The Three Fifty Hotel gives its ten rooms a midcentury modern spin that Palm Springs is known for.
European Sophistication
If time doesn’t allow a trip to Italy, head to Temecula Valley instead. Opening in late 2023, Vienza at Europa Village is set to wow wine country. Joining the French and Spanish winery and hotel already on property, Vienza brings la dolce vita with a winery opening this year and a hotel, restaurant and luxury spa opening in 2024.
A Perfect Family Destination
By IANSlife
Nestled along the glittering shores of the Arabian Gulf, Qatar is a mesmerising blend of tradition and modernity. Its capital city Doha is a testament to the nation's rich heritage and dynamic present. This gem of the Middle East beckons travellers with its plethora of offerings, making it an ideal destination for families seeking an unforgettable getaway.
Open Display of Art, History, Culture and more Doha's allure lies in its cultural offerings, and a tapestry woven with historical landmarks, awe-inspiring architecture from ultramodern skyscrapers to traditional Islamic structures, and a global culinary scene.
Travellers can dive into the city's past by exploring its myriad of museums that unveil Qatar's evolution from its nomadic roots to its current modern incarnation. Like the National Museum of Qatar designed by the renowned architect Jean Nouvel, narrates Qatar's history through immersive exhibits and stunning displays while the Museum of Islamic Art stands as an architectural masterpiece that houses a collection spanning 1,400 years of Islamic art along with MIA Park with temporary installations. The eco-futuristic Msheireb district is a mustvisit for travellers wanting to understand the different phases of the country’s history that have been meticulously showcased in restored Qatari houses.
Unveiling the Wonders Beyond Doha
Beyond Doha lie hidden treasures of Qatar that make for some invigorating day trips. Accessible by a short ferry ride, the Banana Island resort is a luxurious retreat that offers a spectrum of family-friendly activities, including water sports, a private beach, and a fantastic pool complex. Nature enthusiasts will find solace in the serene Purple Island, which boasts of mangrove forests perfect for kayaking, birdwatching, and peaceful picnics amidst natural beauty.
Al Zubarah Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a carefully
preserved fort that offers a glimpse into Qatar's history through its ancient ruins, giving visitors a tangible connection to the past.
Accommodation for everyone
In Qatar, an array of accommodation options caters to diverse budgets, ranging from lavish five-star retreats such as The Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, Raffles and Hilton Salwa to more budget-friendly accommodations. This variety ensures that every visitor, regardless of their spending limit, enjoys comfort, convenience, and the quintessential essence of Arabian hospitality.
Bravo Charlie
Budget 2024: Rs 1,000 crore VC fund to take Indian space startups to a higher orbit
Chennai, July 23 (IANS) In order to take the Indian space sectors to a higher orbit, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday said the government will set up a Rs 1,000 crore venture capital (VC) fund.
Presenting her seventh budget for the country, she said the Union government will set up a Rs 1,000 crore venture capital fund to finance the space economy.
Reacting to the announcement,
Vishesh Rajaram, Managing Partner, Speciale Invest said: "We strongly believe that an INR1000 crore fund for space startups and space economy will catalyse India's dominance in the global space market!"
"We believe the trust and focus from the government combined with the FDI policy announced earlier this year will lead to more investment participation in the sector from India and internationally," Rajaram added.
Speciale Invest is an early investor and has been one of the most active investors in this domain since 2018. Its portfolio includes investments in rocket maker Agnikul Comos, satellite manufacturing & earth observation companies Galaxeye Space, Kawa Space,
communication player Astrogate Labs, and in-orbit economy InspeCity.
Welcoming the Union Finance Minister's announcement, Lt. Gen. (Retd) AK Bhatt, Indian Space Association (ISpA) Director General, said: "The Union Budget's vision to grow India's space economy by fivefold in the next decade demonstrates the government's strong commitment to this sector."
He also stated that establishing 12 industrial parks across India would substantially boost the space and satellite manufacturing industry, which has long called for creation of space parks.
He said these measures are crucial for the growth and development of India's space ecosystem.
Scientists urge world leaders for unified approach to tackle climate, biodiversity crises
New Delhi, July 23 (IANS) Global scientists on Tuesday urged world leaders to develop a unified approach to tackle climate change and biodiversity loss, warning that addressing these crises in isolation could hinder progress. In a paper published in the Journal of Applied Ecology, they proposed a joint work programme between the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change
(UNFCCC) and the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).
The researchers from the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) in the UK and York University, Canada, outlined the critical issues and offered recommendations for successful implementation.
“We urgently need a global approach that addresses the nature and climate crises together because they are intrinsically connected,” said Professor Nathalie Pettorelli, a researcher at ZSL’s Institute of Zoology.
The forthcoming Conferences of the Parties of the UNFCCC and CBD present an opportunity
for world leaders to introduce a formal governance structure that integrates biodiversity and climate change agendas.
Professor Idil Boran, coauthor, and researcher at York University's Faculty of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies, stressed the importance of a coordinated approach to avoid actions that could harm one crisis while addressing the other. The paper calls for reallocating resources to address imbalances in funding and support for climate change and biodiversity loss, highlighting the need for nature-based solutions to tackle both crises simultaneously.
Earth life-environment interactions dating back 500 million years studied
New Delhi, July 30 (IANS) Over the past 500-plus million years, the interactions between the Earth's atmosphere, oceans, and life have created favourable conditions for early organisms. An interdisciplinary team of scientists has explored this co-evolutionary history in a perspective article published in the National Science Review. The team from Syracuse University, Oxford University, and Stanford University focussed on the Phanerozoic Eon, which began around 540 million years ago.
At that time, high carbon dioxide and low oxygen levels in the atmosphere posed challenges for
life.
However, ocean algae played a crucial role in transforming these conditions by absorbing carbon dioxide and producing oxygen through photosynthesis.
“One of our tasks was to summarise the most important discoveries about carbon dioxide and oxygen in the atmosphere and ocean over the past 500 million years,” said Zunli Lu, a Syracuse University geochemistry professor and the paper's lead author.
“We reviewed how those physical changes affected the evolution of life in the ocean. But it’s a two-way street. The evolution of life also impacted the chemical environment.”
The study highlighted how these changes influenced animal life in the ocean.
“The ability of animals to live in an ocean environment was affected by oxygen levels,” noted Jonathan Payne, a co-author and
Nuclear power plants at Kudankulam delivers 100 billion kWh
Chennai, June 26 (IANS) The two 1,000 MW nuclear power plants at Tamil Nadu's Kudankulam have delivered 100 billion kWh to the Indian power grid, Russian integrated atomic power major Rosatom said.
According to Rosatom, the two units are operating in the routine mode and demonstrating efficiency above the rated values.
"The effective operation of the Kudankulam NPP (nuclear power plant) has been achieved owing to the application of proven design solutions, the use of reliable equipment, high-quality construction and installation, and commissioning work. Throughout the stages of design and up to operation, all works are conducted in close
and comprehensive cooperation between the Indian customer and the Russian contractor. Each party contributed its own expertise to the project, which culminated in a technologically complex and efficient industrial project meeting the most stringent requirements of both quality and process safety," ASE JSC's First Vice President for Construction, Alexey Zhukov, said.
India's atomic power plant operator Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL) has two functional 1,000 MW plants (Units 1 and 2) at Kudankulam, while four more similar plants (Units 3, 4, 5 and 6) are under construction. All six units are built with Russian technology and equipment supplied by Rosatom. Major equipment for building the third and fourth units has reached Kudankulam from Russia. Rosatom is providing fuel to the nuclear power units in Kudankulam throughout their entire life cycle.
India-made telecom equipment now being exported to more than 100 nations
professor of Earth and planetary sciences at Stanford University.
Payne examined ancient animals' metabolic requirements and their survival patterns in the fossil record.
As photosynthetic algae adapted to changing environmental conditions, they developed more efficient ways to perform photosynthesis, creating internal compartments to control the chemistry.
“For algae, it is changes in the environmental ratio of O2/ CO2 that seems to be key to driving improved photosynthetic efficiency,” explained co-author Rosalind Rickaby, a professor of geology at Oxford University. The study emphasises the need for future research to map spatial patterns of ocean oxygen, biomarkers for photosynthesis, and metabolic tolerance in the fossil record to understand the interplay between life and the environment.
New Delhi, July 30 (IANS) Designed and manufactured in India, telecom equipment are now being exported to over 100 countries, the Centre has informed.
Last year, the country exported telecom equipment and services worth more than $18.2 billion.
“Many of our homegrown telecom companies have made their mark in Western nations, including the US, despite fierce global competition,” said Madhu Arora, Member (Technology), Digital Communications Commission, Department of Telecom.
“The Indian Army has recently integrated its first indigenous chip-based 4G mobile base station, developed by our own R&D firms,” she informed.
Addressing the ‘Defence Sector ICT Conclave’ in the national capital where 18 companies showcased their products, Arora said Information and communications technology (ICT) forms the backbone of defence operations.
“India’s vibrant ICT sector, marked by innovation and integrity, has established a
significant presence over the past decades. The Indian ICT industry is providing solutions to the world, showcasing India’s leadership in this domain,” the senior official remarked.
Abhishek Singh, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs, said the MEA is actively working to enhance cooperation with Africa in the ICT sector.
“By focusing on emerging technologies like AI and blockchain, we aim to address specific challenges faced by African countries,” he noted. India has emerged as one of the top five investors in Africa, with cumulative investments of around $75 billion.
Several Indian companies have been instrumental in driving digital transformation across the continent.
According to Sandeep Aggarwal, Immediate Past Chairman, Telecom Equipment & Services Export Promotion Council (TEPC), ICT is critical for maintaining the sovereignty and integrity of India.
India, with its long-standing cooperation and respect for African sovereignty, is a reliable partner in this field.
“Our expertise in data analytics and artificial intelligence empowers our defence forces with predictive insights and actionable intelligence, enhancing decision-making and operational effectiveness in the front,”
Aggarwal mentioned.
Healthy lifestyle, awareness key to combat rising brain stroke, diseases: Experts
New Delhi, July 22 (IANS) A healthy lifestyle, with proper diet and exercise along with increased awareness, is crucial to tackle the rising cases of brain strokes and other related diseases in the country, said experts on World Brain Day on Monday.
World Brain Day is observed every year on July 22 to amplify awareness and shed light on crucial aspects of brain health. The theme this year is ‘Brain Health and Prevention’.
Neurological disorders include stroke, headache disorders, epilepsy, cerebral palsy, Alzheimer’s disease, and other dementias, brain and central nervous system cancer, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, motor neuron diseases, and other neurological disorders.
"There’s a concerning rise in brain strokes among the young population in India, with a 25 per cent increase in cases over the past five years. This surge is predominantly seen in people aged 25-40. The factors that contribute to the rise are majorly sedentary lifestyles, poor dietary habits, smoking, and high-stress levels associated with urban living,” Dr Vikram Huded, HOD and Director & Clinical Lead, Interventional Neurology, Narayana Health told IANS.
The doctor also pointed at the prevalence of hypertension
and diabetes in increasing the risks. In addition, genetic predispositions, even sleep disorders, or undiagnosed heart conditions, high stress levels, and environmental factors like pollution also significantly contribute to this alarming rise.
“It's imperative for youngsters to adopt healthier lifestyles, engage in regular physical activity, and manage stress effectively to avoid these risks. Early intervention and lifestyle modifications are crucial in combating this alarming trend and safeguarding the health of our younger population," Dr Huded said.
As per the estimates of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), neurological disorders contribute 10 per cent of the total disease burden in India. The growing burden in the country is mainly attributable to the ageing population.
“With advancing age, especially after 50 years, neurodegenerative changes occur in brain areas due to less dopamine secretion in the brain,” Dr AK Sahani, Director and Chief of Neurology, at Indian Spinal Injuries Centre, New Delhi told IANS.
He noted that “chronic anxiety may lead to persistent neuroinflammation, linked to Parkinson’s pathogenesis.
Dr Arindam Ghosh, ConsultantNeurologist, Narayana Hospital, Kolkata called for increasing “measures such as avoiding head trauma, eating a balanced diet rich in nutrients and antioxidants, avoidance of smoking, measures to relieve
stress like meditation, exercises or walking and taking adequate care of comorbidities including diabetes, obesity, hypertension, and dyslipidemia”.
These simple measures may go a long way in preventing or delaying the progress of several debilitating neurological illnesses, the doctor told IANS.
In India, approximately 185,000 strokes occur annually, translating to one stroke every 40 seconds and one stroke-related death every 4 minutes.
Despite these alarming figures, many Indian hospitals lack the necessary infrastructure for effective stroke treatment or there is a lack of stroke-ready hospitals in the country. Neurologists emphasise the importance of people adopting healthier lifestyles to prevent strokes and other brain disorders.
“There is a need to strengthen neurology services and experts call for effective curative actions. Neurological treatments are highly individualised, depending on the patient's condition. Common therapeutic approaches include rehabilitation, assistive devices, and self-care strategies,”
Dr Rajul Aggarwal, Director Neurology, Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute, Delhi, told IANS.
"Recent technological breakthroughs, such as advanced imaging techniques, brain-machine interfaces, and deep brain stimulation, are transforming diagnostics and treatments, offering new hope for those affected by complex neurological disorders," he added.
Study shows how cancer cells evade drug treatments
Delhi, July 20 (IANS) US researchers have found during a study how cancer cells manage to evade despite treatment.
Published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the study delves into the cellular processes that allow cancer cells to proliferate even when targeted by anticancer drugs.
Cancer cells exploit cell cycles to multiply rapidly, a process known as proliferation. Cancer drugs aim to halt this growth by initiating a complex sequence of genetic and cellular events. However, these treatments often yield mixed results.
The team led by Jean Cook of the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics at University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, identified a crucial enzyme that plays a key role in stopping cancer cell proliferation, particularly during treatment with anti-cancer drugs.
This enzyme's function varies among individuals. The researchers also discovered mechanisms through which cancer cells evade therapies designed to inhibit them.
Cells regulate protein expression by turning genes "on" and "off".
Some proteins ensure precise and effective cell division, akin to musicians in an orchestra guided by a conductor.
Cells can deactivate these regulatory proteins, allowing uncontrolled division and DNA replication.
To explore protein degradation's role in halting cell growth, Cook and graduate student Brandon Mouery treated cultured human cells with palbociclib, a metastatic breast cancer drug.
Using microscopy, flow cytometry, and proteomics, they found that the enzyme APC/C, which targets proteins for degradation to regulate the cell cycle, enhances the effectiveness of palbociclib.
This finding suggests that APC/C levels in tumours could help predict patient responses to
New tool
shows promise in reducing depression risk in elderly
New Delhi, July 23 (IANS) US researchers have developed a novel tool that can help reduce the onset of depression in individuals over 60.
Researchers from Mass General Brigham, in collaboration with Yale University, have shown that a higher Brain Care Score (BCS) is associated with a lower risk of late-life depression.
The findings, published in Frontiers in Psychiatry, highlight the potential of the BCS in helping patients make lifestyle changes to improve brain health.
“The Brain Care Score is a simple tool designed to help anyone in the world answer the question, ‘What can I do to take better care of my brain?’” said Jonathan Rosand, co-founder of
Experts
palbociclib and similar drugs.
Reduced APC/C activity might indicate poor treatment response or a higher relapse risk.
The researchers also observed that both cancerous and noncancerous cells can bypass druginduced proliferation arrest.
These escapee cells struggle to replicate DNA independently, likely delegating DNA replication to proteins that initiate cell division later in the cell cycle.
This indicates that cells can use alternate pathways for uncontrolled growth.
"Cell proliferation has been intensively studied for decades, yet we can still be surprised," Cook noted. "Sometimes our textbook understanding is still quite incomplete, so we need to keep an open mind and continually challenge paradigms."
These findings could lead to new interventions that induce longlasting proliferation arrest by exploiting this escape mechanism and cancer-associated DNA replication errors, potentially forcing cancer cells into a "selfdestructive" growth mode.
the McCance Center for Brain Health at Massachusetts General Hospital.
The study indicates that raising the BCS can lower the risk of depression, dementia, and stroke. It also highlights a bright opportunity to prevent these conditions.
The BCS focuses on modifiable risk factors: Physical (blood pressure, haemoglobin A1c, cholesterol, BMI), lifestyle (nutrition, alcohol intake, smoking, physical activity, sleep), and social/emotional (stress, relationships, life purpose).
The study, based on data from over 350,000 participants, found that a five-point increase in BCS was associated with a 33 per cent lower risk of late-life depression, although researchers found a significant link between baseline BCS and depression risk in under-50s, contrary to expectations. They are now investigating the neurobiological basis of this association in younger individuals, although much remains to be learnt.
stress need for boosting preventive health as lifespan is set to increase
New Delhi, July 20 (IANS)
There's an urgent need to boost preventive health to prevent a large burden of diseases, even as a recent study showed an increase in lifespan by 2050, said experts on Saturday.
According to the latest findings from the Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD) 2021, published recently in The Lancet journal, global life expectancy is expected to increase by 4.9 years in men and 4.2 years in women by 2050. This is despite the geopolitical, metabolic, and environmental threats.
However, people are expected to spend more years in poor health with cardiovascular diseases, cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and diabetes.
"Unless we take preventive health more seriously, our health systems will not be able to cope with the huge burden of the disease," said Lancelot Pinto, Consultant Pulmonologist and Epidemiologist, P. D. Hinduja Hospital and MRC, Mahim.
"Historically, as countries prosper, nutrition gets better and vaccination programmes get robust, infectious diseases tend to decline. However, with prosperity comes the dietary and lifestyle changes that can harm," Pinto said.
The study predicted that like today, ischemic heart disease will continue to be the number one cause of mortality globally. Strokes will continue to be the number two cause of mortality, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease will be the third most common cause of mortality worldwide even in 2050. As far as the Indian population is concerned, the study predicted an increased burden of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) -- a common lung disease.
"India is one of the leading producers and consumers of tobacco in the world, and COPD, often associated with smoking, is likely to manifest strongly as the population gets older," Pinto said, while adding air pollution, use of indoor biomass fuels and poor lung development in childhood as added risk factors.
"Overall chest disease burden in India will be much higher than what the West because we continue to struggle with the earlier problems of infectious diseases, including tuberculosis, and we have started seeing a massive increase in the new age diseases like lung cancer," said Arvind Kumar, Chairman, Institute of Chest Surgery, Chest Onco Surgery and Lung Transplantation, Medanta Hospital, Gurugram.
He said, "COPD burden overall may be much higher than what this report has predicted".
New
Sara Tendulkar, social media sensation and youth icon and the new face of Laneige, one of the most popular Korean beauty brands in the world. Known for her authenticity, charm and influential presence on social media, Sara has embarked on this new venture with the brand to support the its mission in the country.
She gracefully represents the brand's values of natural and sustainable beauty, while bringing to life the brand belief that everyone should shine with a unique inner and outer glow that is as distinct as their individuality. Along with the announcement of a new Brand Ambassador, the brand unveiled its Bouncy and Firm Sleeping Mask.
An elated Sara Tendulkar, Brand Ambassador, Laneige India, commented, “I am thrilled to be part of Laneige's family. As
someone with a biomedical background that makes way for a keen understanding of quality as well as a personal passion for skincare, I admire the brand's commitment to innovation and have been using their products for quite a while. It brings me immense excitement and humility to partner with Laneige, as their core belief in the radiance of each person's unique individuality resonates deeply with me."
At the launch, Paul Lee, Managing Director & Country Head of Amorepacific India, added, "Laneige proudly announces Sara Tendulkar as its Brand Ambassador, embracing her vibrant energy. Sara symbolizes the modern, self-assured youth advocating that beauty transcends mere appearances. With Sara onboard, Laneige aims to connect with a broader audience."
Mini Sood Banerjee, Assistant
Hydration is Key
Combat the drying effects of summer heat by regularly applying moisturising lotion or oil to your nails and cuticles. This simple step will help maintain their strength and flexibility, reducing the risk of breakage.
Summeris all about fun in the sun, beach outings, and showing off those fabulous nails! With the sunny season upon us, it's essential to step up our nail care game to keep our nails looking fresh and vibrant.
Experts in nail care from Tip and Toe Salon share with IANSlife
Protect from the Sun
Protect your nails from the sun's harmful UV rays, just as you would protect your skin. Consider using a nail polish with UV protection or applying a clear topcoat containing SPF. When engaging in outdoor activities, wearing gloves can also provide an additional layer of protection against sun damage.
Director & Head of Marketing and Training Amorepacific India said, "As Laneige's journey evolves, we are thrilled to welcome Sara Tendulkar into our family as the embodiment of timeless grace and modern elegance. Her vibrant spirit and innate charm perfectly resonate with Laneige's commitment to empowering individuals to embrace their unique beauty. Together, we embark on a new chapter, celebrating authenticity and the transformative power of skincare."
Social media sensation Sara Tendulkar for Korean Beauty Brand Laniege Summer nail care secrets
"We are delighted to announce Sara Tendulkar as the new Brand Ambassador for Laneige," said Sally Lee, Brand General Manager of Laneige India. Sara's luminous charm and timeless elegance resonate deeply with our brand's values. Sara's deeper integration into the Laneige experience marks a remarkable milestone, fostering deeper connections with a burgeoning generation of consumers."
Laneige is a brand that specializes in moisture research. They have developed advanced water complexes that are dedicated to creating intelligent skincare solutions for all skin types. With a range of products developed to address different skin concerns due to stress and a hazardous environment, Laneige offers solutions that awaken your skin’s ultimate moisture potential.
the importance of maintaining healthy and beautiful nails, especially during the summer months. Don't let the sun and heat take a toll on your nail health; follow these expertrecommended tips to keep your nails looking fabulous.
Use the Right Tools
Using the right tools is crucial for maintaining nail health. Avoid metal cuticle pushers, as they can cause damage and increase infection risks. Instead, opt for wooden or rubber cuticle pushers. Additionally, always use sharp, clean nail clippers and files to prevent nail splitting and peeling.
Chase the sun, not the damage: Smart skin care choices for summer
As the days grow longer and the sun shines brighter, many of us eagerly embrace the warmth of summer. However, the need for diligent skin care comes with the joys of outdoor activities and beach vacations.
Before diving into skin care tips, it's essential to understand the damaging effects of the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays. Prolonged exposure to UV radiation can lead to many skin concerns, including sunburn and premature ageing.
"One of the most effective ways to shield your skin from sun damage is sunscreen. Look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF (Sun Protection Factor) rating to ensure comprehensive protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Apply sunscreen generously to all exposed areas of skin, including your face, neck, and ears, and remember to reapply every two hours, especially if you're swimming or sweating," says Mansi Sharma, founder of The Honest Tree by Boddess.
Hydration is key. Summer heat can take a toll on your skin, leading to dehydration and a loss of moisture. Mansi recommends
to combat the heat by staying hydrated from the inside out. She says, "Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your skin hydrated and plump. Additionally, incorporate hydrating skincare products into your routine, such as lightweight moisturizers and serums formulated with hyaluronic acid or glycerin."
While sunscreen provides crucial protection, it's not the only line of defence against the sun's rays. "Consider covering up with lightweight, breathable clothing, hats, and sunglasses to provide additional protection for your skin and eyes. Opt for tightly woven fabrics and dark colours for optimal sun protection," adds Mansi. "When possible, seek shade during the sun's peak hours, typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. This is when UV radiation is at its strongest, increasing the risk of sunburn and skin damage. Take breaks from direct sunlight by relaxing under a beach umbrella or finding shelter in a shaded area."
The founder of The Honest Tree by Boddess also suggests that while selecting skincare products for summer, opt for formulations that cater to the specific needs of sun-exposed skin. Mansi says, "Look for products enriched with antioxidants like vitamins C and E, which help neutralize free radicals generated by UV exposure. Incorporating a gentle exfoliant into your routine can also help slough off dead skin cells, revealing a fresh, radiant complexion."
Beauty addicts can now get Kylie Cosmetics in India
Iamso excited to launch Kylie Cosmetics in India – I created Kylie Cosmetics to give my fans access to the makeup products that I use and love, and I can’t wait to share my collection with all my fans in India.", said Kylie Jenner, Founder of Kylie Cosmetics.
In 2015, Kylie Jenner embarked on her beauty business with the launch of Kylie Lip Kits - a collection of three liquid lipsticks with corresponding lip liners. Since then, Kylie supported by Global beauty powerhouse Coty, have continued to expand her beauty empire around the world in over 50 countries, and across eye, complexion, and countless innovations in lip. The beauty line is carefully crafted with clean formulations and vegan ingredients that deliver on trend, high-quality, high-pigment, and
high-performance formulations that fans around the world have come to love.
In a significant milestone in the brand’s global expansion Kylie Cosmetics, launches in India. Partnering with House of Beauty, the leading beauty specialty company which brings coveted international beauty brands to India, Kylie Cosmetics’ arrival has been long awaited by Indian beauty consumers. This partnership marks the first time the brand has partnered with an Indian omnichannel specialist like House of Beauty.
The launch collection includes the best-selling Matte and Velvet Lip Kits, as well as recent must-have launches such as Precision Pout Lip Liner, Power Plush Longwear Foundation, Kylash Volume Mascara, Power Plush Longwear Concealer and Tinted Butter Balm.
Starting 25th April 2024, Kylie Cosmetics will be available exclusively in 25 Sephora India stores nationwide and online on www.sephora.in
Sonam Kapoor: I did buy a lot, but borrowing clothes was more practical
Actress and fashionista Sonam Kapoor shared that while she bought a lot of clothes when she was younger, borrowing them from designers proved to be more practical, something which was common internationally but not in India.
Talking about her love for fashion and clothes, Sonam said: “I just
wanted to wear what I liked from the designers I knew. It was just me being myself, influenced by the education I got from my mom and my passion for fashion.”
The 39-year-old actress, who is the daughter of veteran star Anil Kapoor, revealed she considered designers as “stars.”
“I considered fashion designers,
both international and Indian, as stars because I grew up admiring them through my mom. This wasn't about projecting an image; it was about my genuine love for fashion,” she said.
The actress added: “I realised people didn't often borrow clothes, so I started borrowing them. It didn't make sense to buy everything all the time. I did buy a lot, but borrowing was more practical.”
Being fashionable wasn’t a “strategic intent” for Sonam. Sonam said: “This practice was common internationally but not in India, so I just did what felt right at the time. I was a 20-yearold girl, just following my passion for fashion without any strategic intent.”
The actress said she is privileged to represent the richness and diversity of Indian culture, whether through art, cinema, or fashion.
“To represent India to the world is something I am very proud of. South Asians I've met abroad also love representing their culture and appreciate when people recognise and understand it,” she said.
The actress added: “Whether it's through museums, red carpets, or any platform, I take every opportunity to showcase the beauty and richness of Indian culture.”
Rohit Purohit’s monsoon fashion ‘includes lighter fabrics, darker colours’
Neeta Lulla: Saree has always held a special place in my heart
Talking about his monsoon fashion, Rohit shared: “For the rainy season, my wardrobe includes lighter fabrics and darker colours to hide any potential splashes. Personally, I love layering -- stylish jackets and boots are my go-to.”
Offering style advice, he added: “My tip for everyone is to keep it comfortable and functional, but never compromise on style. Carry a trendy umbrella and always have a good pair of shoes to keep your feet dry."
Rohit, who is known for his role as Armaan in ‘Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai’, loves the monsoon season and is enjoying creating romantic scenes on-screen with his co-star.
The actor believes in keeping it natural and organically reacts to the moment.
Rohit said: “Creating that monsoon magic on screen is all about capturing the essence of romance and spontaneity. My costars and I focus on being present in the moment and reacting naturally to the rain and the environment.”
Celebrated designer Neeta Lulla has unveiled her latest concept saree collection, titled "Leher", and shared that the nineyard wonder has always held a special place in her heart.
Talking about her new collection, Lulla said: "The saree has always held a special place in my heart. Its grace and versatility are unparalleled."
The designer said that with the collection, she wanted to celebrate this timeless garment.
“With Leher, I wanted to celebrate this timeless garment while infusing it with youthful whimsy and modern sensibility. The new ‘Leher’ collection captures just that and makes for the perfect ensemble for the modern woman.”
The collection by NISSHK by House of Neeta Lulla is described as a love letter to the saree, reimagined for the modern woman, according to the statement.
The colour palette is designed to suit various occasions, from weddings and vibrant sangeets to colourful haldi ceremonies and dazzling parties. The collection features sarees with playful ruffles and intricately embellished bustiers. Notable new features include embellished mobile pockets, belts, and gold buckles.
In March, Lulla celebrated 40 years in the industry and shared with IANS that it has not been an easy journey.
“40 years in the industry has not been a cakewalk; it has been quite a struggle."
"Apart from being a fashion designer, I am also a costume designer, a housewife, and a mother. Being able to juggle these roles and seamlessly transition from one role to another was quite a task, Lulla told IANS.
Lulla has worked on over 300 films and has been designing wedding dresses since 1985.
Actor Rohit Purohit maintains his fashion sense even during the monsoon, opting for lighter
fabrics and darker colours to shield against potential splashes.
Minister of External Affairs S. Jaishankar with Prime Minister of Japan Fumio Kishida ,Japan Foreign Minister Yōko Kamikawa, United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong during the Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Tokyo on Monday, July 29, 2024
Delhi: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman along with Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary calls on President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan before presenting the Union Budget 2024 in New Delhi on Tuesday, July 23, 2024
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a meeting with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy in New Delhi on Wednesday July 24, 2024.
Ahmedabad: Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel receives King of Bhutan Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Prime Minister Lotay Tshering for a three-day visit to the state in Ahmedabad on Monday, July 22, 2024
New
Chateauroux: India’s Manu Bhaker poses with her two bronze medals won at the Paris 2024 Olympics, in Chateauroux, France, on Tuesday, July 30, 2024.
New Delhi: Members of CII (Confedration of Indian Industry) watch the live telecast of Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presenting the Union Budget 2024 during a programme organised at Le Meridien Hotel in New Delhi on Tuesday, July 23, 2024.
Patna: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar arrives to attend the monsoon session of state Assembly in Patna on Tuesday July 23, 2024.
Chateauroux : India’s bronze medalists Manu Bhaker and Sarabjot Singh pose for photos during a press conference following the 10m air pistol mixed team event, in Chateauroux, France on Tuesday, July 30, 2024.
New Delhi: A man whispers in the ear of Nandi seeking fulfilment of his wishes, after offering prayers at a Shiv temple on the first Somwar(Monday) of the holy month of Shravan at preet vihar, New Delhi on Monday July 22, 2024.
New Delhi: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MPs Raghav Chaddha, Sanjay Singh and others stage a protest at Parliament House during the Budget Session in New Delhi on Tuesday July 23, 2024.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari along with other world leaders at the swearing in ceremony of New Iran President Masoud Pezeshkian, in Tehran on Tuesday, July 30, 2024.
Rio de Janeiro: Secy (ER) Dammu Ravi led the Indian delegation during the G20 Development Ministers’ Meeting in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on Wednesday July 24 2024
Actors Vedant Raina and Khushi Kapoor showcase the creation of designer Gaurav Gupta as they walk the ramp during the FDCI India Couture Week 2024, in New Delhi on Monday, July 29, 2024.
AURON MEIN
KAHAN DUM THA
RELEASE DATE: 2 August 2024
LANGUAGE: Hindi (With English Subtitles)
PRODUCER: Narendra Hirawat, Kumar Mangat Pathak, Sangeeta Ahir & Shital Bhatia
DIRECTOR: Neeraj Pandey
CAST: Ajay Devgn, Tabu, Jimmy Shergill, Shantanu Maheshwari and Saiee Manjrekar
STREE2
RELEASE DATE: 15 August 2024
LANGUAGE: Hindi (With English Subtitles)
PRODUCER: Jio Studios, Maddock Films, Zeal Z Entertainment services
DIRECTOR: Amar Kaushik
CAST: Pankaj Tripathi, Rajkummar Rao, Tamannaah Bhatia
ULAJH
RELEASE DATE: 2 August 2024
LANGUAGE: Hindi (With English Subtitles)
PRODUCER: Vineet Jain
DIRECTOR: Sudhanshu Saria
CAST: Janhvi Kapoor, Gulshan Devaiah, Roshan Mathew, Meiyang Chang, Rajesh Tailang, Adil Hussain
DAARU NAA PEENDA HOVE
RELEASE DATE: 2 August 2024
LANGUAGE: Punjabi (With English Subtitles)
PRODUCER: Rhythm Boyz Entertainment
DIRECTOR: Rajiv Dhingra
CAST: Amrinder Gill, Zafri Khan, Sohaila Kaur, Pukhraj Sandhu
Shehnaaz Gill knows how to stay healthy, cooks meal for herself during US trip
Actress Shehnaaz Gill, who is known for 'Bigg Boss 13', 'Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan', and 'Thank You for Coming', is ensuring she stays fit by consuming healthy and clean food during her trip to the US.
The actress recently took to her Instagram stories and shared a boomerang video of herself cooking in the kitchen.
Shehnaaz is currently in Atlanta, Georgia, and is leaving no stone unturned in being consistent with her food intake.
In the video, the actress can be seen making rotis inside the kitchen as the pan heats up on the stove. An uttapam can also be seen next to the pan.
The actress was dressed in a red
shirt paired with black pants. Shehnaaz, who has been working in the Punjabi film industry for close to a decade, rose to prominence with the 13th season of the reality television show 'Bigg Boss'.
While she was in the 'Bigg Boss' house, her first single, 'Veham', was released, followed by other singles including 'Sidewalk', 'Range', and 'Ronda Ali Peti'.
Shehnaaz emerged as the second runner-up. Her chemistry with the late actor Sidharth Shukla on the show became the talk of the town.
In 2021, she appeared in the Punjabi film 'Honsla Rakh' opposite Punjabi superstar Diljit Dosanjh. She then collaborated with Bollywood superstar Salman Khan, the host of 'Bigg Boss', for the film 'Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan', and was later seen in 'Thank You for Coming'.
One is at his raw best during a live performance: Prateek Kuhad
Believeit or not, this songwriter and singer who studied math and economics at New York University and created a stir with his first EP, the self-titled ‘Prateek Kuhad’, and ‘Raat Raazi’ in 2013 never thought that music would be a full-time career for him. He always conceived it as a passion and something he would indulge in as a hobby.
“Then one thing led to another, and the more I immersed myself in music and wrote songs, the more I realised how much I loved it. After finishing college, I decided to give it a shot in India, thinking I would give it a year and see how it goes. If things went well -- I would keep doing it. And then... I never looked back,” Prateek Kuhad, best known for his album ‘Cold/Mess’ (2019) tells IANS.
With his latest single ‘I’m Someone New’, and set to perform in 10 Indian cities, Kuhad, who learnt to play the guitar at age 16 and started writing songs soon, says that his latest single was
written earlier this year over two different sessions in New York with producer and writer Greg Wattenberg.
“Working with Greg was an incredible experience. We wrote the song together and then produced it. It is about the transformative power of love and how it can intensely change a person. Considering it is a single, we wanted to create a different experience for our fans, other than the usual music video. So, we recently shot a live version of the song, and my entire band performed. We wanted to give a glimpse of the song at the tour this year, it is part of my setlist,” says the Jaipur-born Kuhad.
Ask him to rewind when his first album was released and compare it with current times, and the singer smiles that it has been a great decade of putting out music.
Recalling that when he started, the independent music culture in India was not this big, and even the concert culture was quite limited, he adds: “Today, an entire ecosystem thrives. The fact that I get to perform in countries across the globe, and the audience is always receptive is extremely rewarding. It has been a great decade of putting out and writing music, and I am honestly excited for the next decade now.”
Stressing that performing live has always promised a peculiar high, the singer-songwriter remembers his last long tour in India in the year 2022.
Adding that he is excited to get back and will be performing in several cities including Delhi, Bombay, Bangalore, Jaipur, Guwahati, Kolkata, Indore, Ahmedabad, and Pune this time.
Memers are very creative people, says ‘Meme king’ Pankaj Tripathi
Actor Pankaj Tripathi, who is gearing up for the release of his upcoming movie ‘Stree 2’, has shared his opinion about the memer community.
He says: “It is always an enriching experience visiting different states and meeting people across India. There is so much to take away each time. Performing live, one is unfiltered, raw, and honest self to the audience. I believe the audience has also evolved over the past few years; they recognise the effort and reciprocate. The energy at my concerts is pure, and there is always warmth.”
The songwriter and singer who has also worked on film projects like ‘Kho Gaye Hum Kahan’ and ‘Karwaan’ admits that right now, his focus is on his own projects.
“Frankly, it is never about the medium as I enjoy writing songs that are personal to me. I have enjoyed the movie projects I did and am happy to do more, but surely writing music for myself gets preference in the scheme of things.”
Giving ‘Cold/Mess’ one of his biggest hits a “fair amount” of credit to his popularity, he feels his career has been built over the years through diverse elements.
“A lot of touring, and different songs that, while maybe not as big as cold/mess have been important. Take for instance,
‘Tum Jab Paas’, ‘Tune Kaha’ and ‘Oh Love’ are tracks that built my community and fan base in small ways. But they did,” he stresses.
Currently in Los Angeles and working with musicians based here, he is trying to write songs to pick from for the next album and hopefully get it ready for release this year.
“But no promises — I'm still working on it, and we will see how it goes. Besides that, there's ‘The Silhouettes Tour’ happening. This year is all about touring.
Pankaj is one of the actors in Bollywood who enjoys a huge following of the memers. His memes from ‘Mirzapur’, ‘Stree’, ‘Gangs of Wasseypur’ and others are a rage on social media.
“Pehle mujhe lagta tha memes banaane waale log bahut khaali rehte hain fir samajh aaya ki ye nahi ye toh bade creative log hain (earlier, I thought the memers are people who have no work and spend their time on the Internet but I realised that these are very creative people),” Pankaj said the sidelines of the trailer launch in Mumbai’s Goregaon area.
Talking about ‘Stree 2’, Pankaj will be seen reprising his role of paranologist Rudra in the film. This time around, the people of Chanderi have a new enemy to fight in the form Sarkata, a male ghost with a severed head. While Stree targets the men in Chanderi, Sarakata is after the women of the town. In fact, Sarkata is the one who led to Stree becoming a ghost in the first place.
The trailer of ‘Stree 2’ also promises a face-off between Stree and Sarkata as Stree is also summoned by the people of Chanderi as they seek refuge in her supernatural powers. ‘Stree 2’ is all set to release theatrically on August 15.
The upcoming DC movie
‘Superman’, helmed by James Gunn, has wrapped up its filming. The writer-director announced the completion of the shoot on his social media accounts.
He wrote: “And that’s a wrap. God bless our cast and crew whose commitment, creativity, and hard work have brought this project to life. I set out to make a movie about a good man in a world that isn’t always so much. And the goodness and kindness and love I’ve encountered on a daily basis
on the set has inspired me and thrust me forward when I felt too spent to move on my own,” reports Variety.
He continued: “Thank you all from the bottom of my heart. It has been an honour. The destination has been Superman, but the journey has been the toil and the laughter and the emotions and ideas and magic we’ve shared together on set – and for that I am forever grateful.”
As per Variety, his ‘Superman’ movie will kick off the rebooted DC Universe under the supervision of him and his DC Studios co-boss Peter Safran. The superhero movie, originally titled ‘Superman: Legacy’, stars David Corenswet as the Man of Steel and ‘The Marvelous Mrs Maisel’ Emmy winner Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane.
Anna Faris is open to return to ‘Scary Movie’ franchise with two conditions
actress Anna Faris has no problem reprising her role as Cindy Campbell in the ‘Scary Movie’ franchise.
However, the actress has put forth a few conditions, reports ‘Variety’.
In an interview with ‘People’ magazine, Faris was asked what it would take for her to return to the
franchise for a new instalment. She emphatically replied, “Well, money.”
The actress added that she would “love to reprise her role” if she could star alongside her former ‘Scary Movie’ co-star, Regina Hall, who played Brenda in the horror parody film series.
According to ‘Variety’, Faris said: “I would love to work with Regina again. I just love her so much. We would make each other giggle all day long. Regina Hall would be my answer. And money. But mostly all Regina.”
Faris and Hall starred in the first four instalments of the spoof franchise. Despite their onscreen chemistry, neither Faris nor Hall appeared in 2013’s ‘Scary Movie 5’, which starred Simon Rex and Ashley Tisdale.
In April, Paramount and Miramax announced plans to reboot the franchise, tapping ‘Fast and Furious’ mega-producer Neal H. Moritz to resurrect the dormant series.
Faris, who got her big break with 2000’s ‘Scary Movie’, recalled how she learned her best comedy chops while working on those films.
The actress said: “If there is a high school comparison for my growth experience, those four movies played an important role in my life in terms of teaching me how to use props, how to fall, and how to get hit in the head with blood at a convenient time for the camera.”
Guns N’ Roses’ Slash pens heart-wrenching note on stepdaughter’s death at 25
N' Roses legend Slash is experiencing profound heartache following the death of his stepdaughter, Lucy-Bleu Knight, at the age of 25. He shared a heart-wrenching
Why
tribute to his stepdaughter, whose untimely passing has left him with a "permanently fractured" heart, reports Mirror.co.uk.
The 59-year-old guitarist took to Instagram to express his deep
grief over Lucy-Bleu's loss on July 19, posting a touching message alongside her photo.
According to Mirror.co.uk, Slash wrote: “My heart is permanently fractured. I will never ever stop missing you and remembering what a beacon of happiness, laughter, creativity, and beauty you have always been. And still are.” Slash concluded: "The brightest light in the lives of so many who loved you so much. I find solace in the hope that you are at peace now. I will love you eternally. #LBK.” His famous friends and fans were quick to comment on the post and send their condolences to the grieving guitarist. Lenny Kravitz wrote: "My deepest condolences, brother. And yes, she still IS! Love to the family."
Ryan Reynolds on getting Madonna’s permission to use ‘Like a Prayer’ in ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’
Hollywood star Ryan Reynolds and director Shawn Levy have shared how they managed to get the licence to use Madonna's 1989 hit 'Like A Prayer' in their upcoming superhero movie 'Deadpool & Wolverine'.
They revealed that they visited Madonna, 65, to ask her for permission to licence the song, reports ‘People’ magazine.
In an interview with Andy Cohen on SiriusXM, Shawn Levy said: "It did involve a personal visit to Madonna, where we showed her the sequence where 'Like a Prayer' would be used.”
"Also, let's preface it with the fact that they don't licence, that Madonna doesn't just licence the song, particularly that song. It was a big deal to ask for it, and certainly a bigger deal to use it. We went over and met with her and sort of showed her how it was being used, where, and why," Reynolds added.
According to ‘People’, Levy shared that it felt like the production team was "meeting royalty,” before Reynolds jokingly said that he asked one of the members of Madonna's team how to address her when meeting her.
"Like, am I allowed to just say, 'Madonna?'” he recalled.
"Like, 'Hello Madonna, I'm Ryan'.” Reynolds also said that not only did Madonna agree to let them use the track (and it helped that her son was a fan of the first two ‘Deadpool’ films), she also offered them notes on the scene where it would be used.
"She gave a great note," Reynolds said.
"She watched it, and I'm not kidding, said, 'You need to do this.’ And damn it, if she wasn't spot on.” Levy added: “We literally went into a new recording session within 48 hours to implement her note... It made the sequence better.”
Tusshar Kapoor prefers Mumbai local over fancy European trains
Actor Tusshar Kapoor has shared a throwback video from his European summer vacation, expressing how the Euro rail doesn't compare to the 'satisfaction of travelling in the gritty Mumbai local trains'.
The 47-year-old actor took to his Instagram, where he has 855K followers, and posted a reel video of himself enjoying a train ride in Europe.
In the video, the actor is seen wearing a white T-shirt and black jacket while filming a selfie video
that gives an overview of the inside of the train.
Tusshar captioned the post: "No matter what! Even the slick #eurorail doesn't compare to the satisfaction of travelling in the gritty Mumbai local trains! East or west, India is the best! #memoir #summer #vacation #throwback #break."
His elder sister and content czarina, Ektaa Kapoor, dropped a red heart emoji in the comment section.
Tusshar, who is the son of actor Jeetendra and producer Shobha Kapoor, worked as an assistant with filmmaker David Dhawan before starting his acting career.
The actor made his debut in 2001 with the romantic movie 'Mujhe Kucch Kehna Hai', a remake of the Telugu movie 'Tholi Prema'.
Directed by Satish Kaushik and produced by Vashu Bhagnani, the film featured Kareena Kapoor Khan in the lead.
Tusshar has since been part of projects like 'Jeena Sirf Merre
Liye', 'Kucch To Hai', 'Shart: The Challenge', 'Gayab', 'Khakee', and 'Kyaa Kool Hai Hum'.
He won the hearts of audiences with his portrayal of Lucky in the comedy film franchise 'Golmaal: Fun Unlimited'.
Tusshar also starred in movies like 'Good Boy, Bad Boy', 'Shootout at Lokhandwala', 'One Two Three', 'C Kkompany', 'Shor in the City', 'Kyaa Super Kool Hai Hum', 'The Dirty Picture', 'Mastizaade', among others.
Hollywood
Guns
Buyers L ike What They See at Brookwater.
Your minute neighb ourhood:
Just 35 minutes away from Brisbane CBD, the interest among buyers has been at a record level, according to Narendran Sinnathamby, the General Manager of Brookwater Residential. Brookwater ’ s current land release, The Dress Circle, is situated around the first nine holes of the championship golf course designed by Greg Norman. It is the only integrated golf community near Brisbane. “Discerning buyers are recognising that Brookwater is a premium lifestyle destination,’’Mr Sinnathamby said.
“ The Dress Circle, Brookwater is situated within Springfield City, one of Australia’s fastestgrowing regions. Springfield City sets the standard for world-class master-planned urban environments in the 21st centur y and has become a blueprint for nation-building,” he added.
“ The area boasts outstanding schools, and state-of-the-ar t health facilities, and is now home to the Brisbane Lions AFL Club Ever y thing you need is within reach ”
Within the Springfield City area, there are 12 schools, 22 childcare facilities, and the University of Southern Queensland providing a remarkable array of options for both private and public amenities, making it an ideal choice for growing families.
Springfield City is positioned as the gateway to the western corridor of Southeast Queensland. With an expansive area of 2,860 hectares, it is Australia’s largest master-planned city and the first of its kind since Canberra.
*
SOURCE: ECONISIS
- The wider Springfield Grow th Corridor including Springfield and Greater Springfield is currently home to 145,300 people.
- This is expected to grow rapidly to almost 200,000 people in 2026 and over 435,000 in 2041.
- Represents an annual grow th rate of 5.6% over the 20 years to 2041.
Prep to Year 12 Christian co-education.
Health City Springfield Central – home to Mater Private Hospital Springfield, Aveo Springfield and Quest Apar tment Hotel. major retail shops, restaurants, a movie theatre and food court.
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