Telecom Dept hauls up Vodafone Idea for not complying with KYC rules
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is behind Vodafone Idea (Vi) for providing mobile connections to corporate customers without following the mandatory 'know your customer' (KYC). DoT rules for telecom companies state that all business SIMs issued to any company must remain in a deactivated state. Key Points
Economic TimesCommercial LPG gets costlier by Rs 209, effective October 1; domestic prices unchanged
This increase in LPG prices comes on the heels of the Union Cabinet's approval of approximately 75 lakh new LPG connections under the Ujjwala Yojana in September. The initiative aims to provide these connections over the next three years at an estimated cost of Rs 1650 crore. Key Points
Economic TimesA power trip for rooftop solar, home EV charging
Amendments to electricity rules aim to accelerate rooftop solar projects, streamline EV charging connections, and expedite new electricity connections. Changes include waiving feasibility study for rooftop solar up to 10 KW and faster approval process. Key Points
mintBSNL’s rural broadband pilot to be extended to 5 lakh homes amid strong demand
The government is utilising BharatNet optical fibre network in collaboration with BSNL to provide the connections. “Such kind of arrangement benefits both BSNL as well as utilisation of BharatNet,” an official told ET. Key Points
Economic TimesGovt cuts LPG cylinder prices by Rs 200, 75 lakh free connections soon under Ujjwala
At present, a domestic LPG cylinder costs Rs 1,053 in Delhi, Rs 1,052.50 in Mumbai, Rs 1,068.50 in Chennai and Rs 1,079 in Kolkata. Key Points
ThePrint
Centre discontinues bulk SIM connections to curb cyber frauds, blacklists 67,000 SIM dealers
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the government was focused on reducing cyber fraud and it had detected and deactivated 52 lakh fraudulent connections. He informed 67,000 SIM card dealers have also been blacklisted. Key Points
Business TodayPost Covid pandemic, power theft increased by 33% in 2022-23: PGVCL
Among the 12 circles of PGVCL, the highest theft, worth Rs 25.65 crore, was detected in Bhavnagar circle — irregularities in 9,015 of the 51,409 connections checked. Key Points
The Indian ExpressCooking gas LPG rates for Ujjwala consumers cheapest in India compared to neighbouring nations: Govt
Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri informed the Rajya Sabha that the price of domestic cooking gas (LPG) for a 14.2 kg cylinder under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) at Rs 603 is the cheapest in India compared to rates in neighboring countries. Key Points
Economic TimesCyber frauds: Verification now mandatory for SIM card dealers, no bulk connections
The telecom operators will do mandatory registration of franchisee, point of sale (PoS) agents and distributors. This will help in eliminating the rogue PoS who by fraudulent practices issue SIMs to anti-social/anti-national elements. The PoS registration process includes indisputable verification by telcos. Key Points
Economic TimesInstallation of rooftop solar units now easier & quicker
The government has amended the electricity rules to exempt households from a technical feasibility study for power systems up to 10 kW capacity. Consumers can obtain separate electricity connections for charging electric vehicles. The time frame for obtaining a new electricity connection has been reduced. An additional meter will be installed for verifying consumption and ensuring accuracy in billing. Key Points
Economic Times
India, Bhutan to expand cross-border linkages
India and Bhutan have decided to strengthen their cross-border ties by expanding bilateral cooperation in various areas. During a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, they discussed enhancing collaboration in trade, technology, cross-border connectivity, mutual investments, education, and people-to-people connections. Key Points
Economic TimesGovt hikes LPG subsidy for Ujjwala beneficiaries to Rs 300 per cylinder
The government has increased the LPG subsidy for Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana beneficiaries from Rs 200 to Rs 300 per cylinder. This comes after the Union Cabinet approved an additional 75 lakh LPG connections for women under the Ujjwala scheme. The first refill and stove will also be provided free of cost to beneficiaries. This move follows the recent decision to reduce the prices of LPG cylinders by Rs 200. Key Points
Economic TimesLaid off Swiggy employee says he applied for 100+ jobs every day and still didn’t get any job
A former Swiggy employee, who was part of the company's mass layoff, says he has been jobless for the past 3 months. He shares that he is applying for more than 100 jobs daily but receiving no responses. Key Points
India TodayTelecom Bill should be finalised by July: Vaishnaw
Mr. Vaishnaw was announcing the release of the Sanchar Saathi portal, a website that brings together initiatives the government has already released. Key Points
The Hindu