Govt invites over 1,000 farmers to special prog on I-Day, to launch AI-powered pest mgmt system
The ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare has invited over 1,000 farmers and their spouses to the National Capital for a two-day event coinciding with the 78th Independence Day celebrations. The beneficiaries of schemes like PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi and PM Fasal Bima Yojana will meet Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on August 15. During the event, Chouhan will launch the National Pest Surveillance System (NPSS), a digital tool using AI and machine learning to provide pest management advisories. The NPSS aims to minimize crop losses and enhance productivity with real-time data and advanced analytics. Key Points
Economic TimesIndia reaches out to multilateral development banks to draw road map for becoming developed nation by 204
The finance ministry held a meeting with multilateral lenders on March 7 and sought their inputs on what it termed a budget-plus and finance-plus strategy, which would essentially cover the entire spectrum of project execution and go beyond just planning and financing, people aware of the details told ET. The ministry has reached out to various multilateral bodies to help mobilise other development finance institutions (DFIs) and investors, they said. Key Points
Economic TimesFY25 outlook bright, need to watch out for CAD: Finmin
India's economic outlook for FY25 is positive with strong growth, stable inflation, and robust external account. The government's capital push boosts private investments. Focus needed on increasing domestic savings, monitoring global challenges, and attracting foreign investments for sustainable growth. Key Points
Economic TimesGovt to expedite inspection of crisis-hit Byju’s accounts
Prompted by fresh troubles hitting the edtech major BYJU’S, the Corporate Affairs ministry said it has asked its field officers to expedite and... Key Points
The Tribune India'The ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare': First official trailer, release date, how Henry Cavill outfoxes N
In real life, the group of rogues and mavericks under Churchill helped turn the tide of the war with their ungentlemanly tactics. But, Guy Ritchie's film, 'The ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare' will highlight the dangers of their mission while also reveling in the slight silliness of a ministry dedicated to underhanded operations. Know in detail and watch its first official trailer. Key Points
Economic Times
'Operating illegally': India's Financial Intelligence Unit asks IT ministry to block URLs of Binance, 8 others
Besides Binance, notice has been issued to Kucoin, Huobi, Kraken, Gate.io, Bittrex, Bitstamp, MEXC Global, and Bitfinex. Key Points
Business TodayIndia records 628 fresh Covid-19 cases, active caseload jumps to 4,054, says Health Ministry
Number of people who have recuperated from the disease has risen to 4.44 crore while national recovery rate stands at 98.81%, according to health ministry website. Key Points
ThePrintSports ministry suspends newly-elected Wrestling Federation of India (WFI)
The Wrestling Federation of India's newly-elected body has been suspended by the Union Sports ministry due to concerns that it is being controlled by former office bearers and not following the Sports Code. The ministry has sent a letter informing them of the suspension. Key Points
Economic TimesFraud alert: Govt warns of work abroad scams, shares tips to identify fake job offers
In its latest advisory, the ministry of External Affairs mentioned that “many illegal agents operate through Facebook, Whatsapp, text message and other such mediums”. The ministry also shared tips on how to avoid falling prey to fake job offers. Key Points
mintIndian government blocks 100 websites for offering fake jobs, here are the details
In a robust response to the escalating threat of cybercrime, the ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) in India has implemented stringent measures to block more than 100 websites involved in task-based part-time job scams. Here are the details. Key Points
India Today
Defence ministry denied Rahul's aircraft permission to land at Kochi naval airport, says Congress
Local Congress leader alleges that ministry initially granted landing permission but later withdrew it. As a result, the aircraft was directed to Cochin International Airport. Key Points
ThePrintMeitY asks Health ministry to conduct internal audit for data protection
MeitY has asked to initiate the exercise on priority , one of the people said. The health ministry is contemplating engaging a third-party assessor for a comprehensive examination and assessment of its security system, sources told ET. Key Points
Economic TimesStrong private consumption major driving force of India’s eco growth: Fin Min Eco Review
The Indian economy is experiencing strong private consumption, which is driving economic growth. Two new drivers of growth have also emerged: a gradual strengthening of investment demand and firming up of industrial activity. However, there are downside risks from global headwinds and uncertainties in weather conditions. The government aims to contain the budgeted fiscal deficit to 5.9% of GDP by FY24. Key Points
Economic TimesSpending so much on highways and trains, but is it helping people? Govt wants to know
The finance ministry has proposed productivity tests for railways, road transport, shipping, and metro rail projects to evaluate their impact on the economy and people's lives. The Niti Aayog will monitor the data generated by these tests and provide recommendations. A study will also be conducted to assess the optimal share of different modes of transportation for freight and develop a plan to rationalize it. Key Points
Economic TimesDrinking water to 4G — Modi govt to launch Rs 15,000-cr mission for vulnerable tribal groups
Union tribal ministry is ‘in the process’ of sending a proposal for Pradhan Mantri Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups Mission to cabinet. Comes ahead of this year’s assembly polls. Key Points
ThePrint
National Highways to be pothole free by December this year: Nitin Gadkari
The ministry of road transport and highways plans to shift from engineering, procurement and construction (EPF) model to build-operate-transfer (BOT) model and the hybrid annuity model (HAM) for government projects as the maintenance responsibility lies with the contractor in BOT mode. However, this will be applicable for projects above Rs 500 crore while the EPC mode will continue for construction of small patches. Key Points
Economic TimesIndia's govt, RBI need to step up vigilance on higher inflation expectations, Finance ministry says
Global and regional uncertainties and domestic disruptions may keep inflationary pressures elevated in India for the coming months, the Finance ministry said in a report. Retail inflation in India has surged to 7.4 per cent in July from 4.9 per cent in June. The latest rise in inflation could partly be attributed to the current spurt in tomato and other vegetable prices across India. Key Points
Economic TimesMCA21 portal receiving more forms this year than a year ago: ministry
More than 3.5 million forms have been filed on the revamped version of the portal (called v3) since its launch, the ministry said. Key Points
mintIndia poised to sustain growth momentum, but no time to rest on laurels: Fin Min report
The comments from India's finance ministry came in an annual economic report that flagged risks in FY2024 stemming from geopolitical issues and the impact of the El Nino weather phenomenon. India's rural demand is on the path to recovery, the report said. On what is working for Indias economy, the ministry said that it sees strength in the countrys domestic demand. Key Points
Economic TimesNCST chairman Chouhan resigns eight months before end of term
Harsh Chouhan, chairman of the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST), has resigned from his position with eight months remaining in his term. This has resulted in the tribal rights body being left with only one member. Chouhan's resignation comes after a disagreement with the environment ministry over the Forest Conservation Rules 2022, which he believed violated the Forest Rights Act. Key Points
Economic Times
Union Environment ministry grants final approval for Kalaignar pen monument in Bay of Bengal; lays down 15 conditions
The Union ministry of Environment has provided Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) clearance for the Tamil Nadu government’s proposal to construct Muthamizh Arignar Dr .Kalaignar pen monument in Bay of Bengal, off the Marina beach near Triplicane in Chennai, with 15 conditions. Key Points
The HinduMCA21 portal issue: Corporate affairs secretary to hold stakeholders' consultations in Chennai, Hyderabad
The ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) secretary Manoj Govil on Sunday took to Twitter and said that the ministry will hold consultations with stakeholders on issues related to MCA21 portal in Chennai and Hyderabad next week. The move by the ministry comes amid stakeholders facing various issues with respect to the portal, which is the key platform for submitting statutory filings under the companies law. Key Points
Economic Times88 pc wage payment under MNREGS done through ABPS in May: Govt
The ministry added that job cards cannot be deleted on the basis that a MGNREGS worker is not eligible for ABPS."Mahatma Gandhi NREGA is a demand driven Scheme and is affected by various economic factors. Key Points
FinancialexpressActive Covid cases in India fall to 4,709
The national COVID-19 recovery rate was recorded at 98.80 per cent, the ministry said. The latest case fatality rate stood at at 1.18 per cent. Key Points
Economic TimesChinese technicians, engineers may get faster visas for work
There are some sectors which require technicians to come to set up plants here and that's a good idea as it will benefit our manufacturing and exports. We will raise it with the external affairs ministry, said an official, who did not wish to be identified. Exporters have raised the issue of delay in visas to Chinese technicians, which is affecting companies such as those making non-leather footwear and sports shoes in commencing their operations. Key Points
Economic Times
Express View: Government has a lot to answer for its inaction on harassment complaints against WFI president
The ministry claims the seriousness of the allegations means it requires more time to “examine” the probe committee’s report before initiating action. But there is a history of public authorities dragging their feet on complaints of sexual harassment. Key Points
The Indian ExpressGovt plans to introduce bills to amend companies, insolvency laws in Parliament's monsoon session
The IBC, which came into force in 2016, provides for a market-linked and time-bound resolution of stressed assets. It has already undergone various amendments. On January 18, the ministry proposed a raft of changes to the IBC, including fast-tracking the process, expanding the scope of the pre-packaged framework and developing an electronic platform with minimal human interface. Key Points
Economic TimesNepal reports first COVID-related death in three months, logs in over new daily 100 cases
Nepal reports first COVID-19-related death in the last three months with 106 new cases of the virus in the past 24 hours, a week after confirming the detection of the new Omicron variant XBB1.16 . The country-wide death toll stands at 12,021, and currently, there are 469 active COVID-19 cases across the country. Nepal confirmed the detection of the XBB1.16 variant on April 3, which has been identified and spreading in neighboring India. Key Points
Economic TimesRussia says it has test-fired missiles in the Sea of Japan
Russia’s Defense ministry said Moscow has test-fired anti-ship missiles in the Sea of Japan. The ministry said the target was successfully hit by two Moskit cruise missiles. Key Points
The HinduCurrent COVID-testing levels insufficient as compared to WHO standards in some states: Health Ministry
Amid rising cases of COVID-19 and seasonal influenza, the government is planning a nationwide mock drill on April 10 and 11 to take stock of hospital preparedness. According to a joint advisory issued by the Union Health ministry and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) on March 25, both public and private health facilities in all the districts are expected to participate in the exercise aimed at taking stock of availability of medicines, hospital beds, medical equipment and medical oxygen. Key Points
The Hindu
Expect action, not assurances on incidents of vandalism at Indian missions: MEA
Addressing the weekly briefing, External Affairs ministry spokesman Arindam Bagchi said New Delhi also expects the host governments to take measures to prevent recurrence of such incidents. Indian missions in London, British Columbia, and San Francisco were vandalised recently, allegedly by pro-Khalistan activists following the police action against radical preacher Amritpal Singh in Punjab. Key Points
Economic TimesSouth Korea moves to 'normalise' military pact with Japan
South Korea and Japan have agreed to fully implement a military intelligence-sharing pact, which was agreed to at a fence-mending summit between the neighbours last week. South Korea is keen to end the spat with Japan and present a united front against the nuclear-armed North, and has been increasingly seeking to bury the hatchet with its neighbour. Following the summit, South Korea's foreign ministry is expected to send a formal letter to its Japanese counterpart soon. Key Points
Economic Times