Budget: Chandrababu Naidu meets FM Nirmala Sitharaman, seeks financial aid for debt-ridden Andhra Pradesh
Budget 2024: According to the state government data, the public debt of Andhra Pradesh has increased from 31.02 per cent of the Gross state Domestic Product (GSDP) in 2019-20 to 33.32 per cent in 2023-24 fiscal, indicating deterioration in the fiscal health of the state in the last five years. Key Points
Economic TimesHimalayan region landslides kills 10, leaves 2,400 tourists stranded in northeastern India
At least 10 people have died in flooding and landslides across Himalayan regions of India and Nepal following heavy rainfall on Thursday, according to local officials. The severe downpours have also left 2,400 tourists stranded in the northeastern Indian state of Sikkim. Key Points
CNNZombie Fire Season Is Here in the Arctic
Every year, peatlands in the Arctic suddenly ignite. Smoldering subterranean fires from the previous summer were thought to be to blame, but now modeling suggests a worrying new cause. Key Points
WIREDIn a historic move, Norway, Ireland and Spain recognise Palestinian as a state
Israel orders recall of ambassadors to Ireland and Norway. Norway, Ireland and Spain recognised a Palestinian state on Wednesday in a historic move that... Key Points
The Tribune IndiaLok Sabha polls: Congress releases list of 40 star campaigners for Chhattisgarh
The list of star campaigners was shared on Saturday by the state unit of the Congress. Others on the list include the party's state in charge Sachin Pilot, Rajani Patil and three chief ministers, namely Siddaramaiah (Karnataka), Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu (Himachal Pradesh) and Revanth Reddy (Telangana). Haryana leader Kumari Selja, actor-turned-politician Raj Babbar, Odisha leader Bhakta Charan Das, poet and Rajya Sabha MP Imran Pratapgarhi and former student leader Kanhaiya Kumar have also been named as star campaigners. Key Points
Economic Times
168 roads closed as snow, rains lash parts of Himachal Pradesh
A total of 168 roads, including three National Highways, were closed for vehicular traffic in the state on Friday night as per the data of the state emergency operation centre. Most of these roads are in a difficult terrain in Lahaul and Spiti, where 159 roads are still to be opened. Key Points
India Today‘Call Narendra Modi ‘28 paisa PM..’,’ Udhayanidhi Stalin slams BJP-led Centre, stirs another controversy
Tamil Nadu Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin criticized the Centre for allocating only 28 paise for every rupee the state paid as tax. He accused the BJP of bias against Tamil Nadu and slammed the National Education Policy, calling PM Modi '28 paisa PM'. Key Points
mintDMK releases 16-candidate list for Lok Sabha polls, vows not to implement CAA, UCC and NEP in manifesto
Stalin also launched the party's manifesto for the polls, which included promises to not implement the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), the National Educational Policy (NEP) and the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the state. The manifesto also made myriad other promises, including the appointment of 'good Governors,' granting statehood to Puducherry and a ban on the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET). Key Points
Economic TimesPlan to amend lottery rules was junked after lobbying by companies
Union home ministry faced opposition from market players like Future Gaming after proposing Lotteries Regulation Act amendment following CAG reports. Violations found in Sikkim, Mizoram, Nagaland. Ministry reviewing revenue receivables linking to sales turnover. Key Points
Economic TimesKovind panel suggests 18 amendments to Constitution, other statutes for simultaneous polls
A high-level committee on simultaneous elections in India has proposed 18 amendments to the Constitution and other statutes to implement the proposal. The panel, led by former president Ram Nath Kovind, recommends simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha and state assemblies as the first step followed by synchronised local body polls within 100 days. Key Points
Economic Times
UCC in Uttarakhand gets President's assent, becomes law
Uttarakhand has become the first state in India to adopt the Uniform Civil Code Bill, after being approved by President Droupadi Murmu. The state government aims to protect citizens' interests and maintain the essential character of Uttarakhand, in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision. The Uniform Civil Code will provide equal rights to all citizens, curbed the oppression of women, and promote social equality. Key Points
Economic TimesINDIA bloc names former JMM MLA Sarfaraz Ahmad as Rajya Sabha candidate from Jharkhand
Ahmad's candidacy was confirmed following a meeting between CM Champai Soren and senior Congress leaders. He will be fighting against BJP's state general secretary Pradeep Verma. Key Points
ThePrintDonald Trump, Joe Biden trade barbs over economy
US President Joe Biden and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump campaigned on Saturday in the critical battleground state of Georgia in... Key Points
The Tribune IndiaCBIC working to weed out duplicate notices
Courts have made adverse comments in many such cases of parallel investigations. The matter was discussed at a recent meeting of enforcement officials from the central and state GST departments, chaired by union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman. There are instances where both the Centre and states have issued notices or have started investigations in the same case. We are working on a detailed directive on that, a senior official told ET. Key Points
Economic Timesstate of the Union 2024: Time, date, where to watch US President Joe Biden's address live?
US President Joe Biden's state of the Union 2024 address will be delivered on Thursday night. We have all details pertaining to timing and live streaming. Key Points
Economic Times
UP Cabinet meeting: Two more 800MW power plants to come up in UP
“This initiative will advance through a 50-50 partnership between the state government and NTPC. The total project cost amounts to ₹8,624 crore, with the first unit expected to be operational in about 50 months, followed by the second unit in 56 months,” the minister said. Key Points
Hindustan TimesSandeshkhali: Shahjahan Sheikh probe handed over to CBI, NCW recommends President's rule amid protests
The NCW Chair's move is one of many developments to take place in connection with the West Bengal area, with the Calcutta High Court ruling that the investigation into Shahjahan Sheikh - one of the three accused of crimes in the Sandeshkhali region - be handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation. There can be no better case than the case on hand which requires to be transferred to be investigated by CBI, a high court division bench ruled. Key Points
Economic TimesAlcoholic beverage industry wants inflation-linked pricing model to offset rising input costs
In India, alcohol prices are controlled by individual states. Industry says it’s seeking the change to cover up its costs and not for commercial gains. Key Points
ThePrintTripura government presented ₹27,804 crore with focus on education, infra
Tripura govt presents tax-free budget of Rs. 27,804.67 cr for 2024-25 with deficit of Rs. 410.69 cr, focusing on education, skill development, and infrastructure. | Latest News India Key Points
Hindustan TimesHimachal Pradesh Assembly Speaker suspends 15 BJP MLAs, state minister Vikramaditya Singh steps down
Fifteen Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLAs from Himachal Pradesh were suspended by Assembly Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania for allegedly causing disruptions in his chamber. Among those suspended were prominent figures like Jai Ram Thakur and Vikramaditya Singh, who also resigned from his ministerial position citing dissatisfaction with the government's actions. Key Points
Economic Times
WB facing financial mismanagement, high debt leaving no fiscal room to implement any scheme: FM Sitharaman
FM said that the state government has not taken any step to reverse the downfall in capital formation, industrialization. Bengal played such a wonderful role for the country, all through history.. your thought leaders, your industry leaders, you stood out in culture, you stood out in music, you stood out in knowledge. Now one parameter you are standing out -- tolabaazi, she said, referring to the extortion racket that has allegedly flourished in the state. Key Points
Economic TimesHimachal Pradesh CM presents state Budget; hikes MSP for cow and buffalo milk
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister and Finance Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu presented his second state budget, raising the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for cow and buffalo milk to Rs 45 and 55 per litre, respectively. He also announced the Rajiv Gandhi Prakriyat Kheti Yojna, training 36,000 farmers in natural farming techniques. Key Points
Economic TimesAssam to get Rs 25000 crore semiconductor packaging unit
Assam is on the verge of welcoming its inaugural investment in a semiconductor packaging plant valued at approximately Rs 25,000 crore. This was announced by minister for state for electronics and IT Rajeev Chandrasekhar, while speaking at Digital India Future Skills Summit' in Guwahati. Key Points
Economic TimesManipur to 'deport' those who settled in state after 1961, says N Biren Singh
Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh has said that his government will "deport" those people who entered and settled in the state after 1961. His statement assumes significance as the state is engulfed in ethnic violence since May last year. Key Points
India TodayKerala one of the most financially unhealthy states: Centre to Supreme Court
The Centre has accused Kerala of negatively impacting India's credit rating due to its state debt. The government warned that any state defaulting on debt servicing could create reputation issues and a domino effect, threatening India's financial stability. Key Points
Business Today
MP cabinet approves proposal to call V-Cs 'kulgurus’. 'Will it improve education quality?' asks Congress
Vice-chancellors are currently referred to as 'kulpatis’. A Bill to amend the parent act — Madhya Pradesh Vishwavidyalaya Adhiniyam, 1973 — will be put up in the assembly. Key Points
ThePrintUnion government's attitude affected our finances: Kerala Finance Minister KN Balagopal
Kerala Finance Minister KN Balagopal presented the state budget amid a poor financial situation caused by the Union government's attitude and a nation-wide slowdown. The budget focuses on new employment generation, developmental activities, and education facilities to attract talent back to the state. Balagopal emphasized the need to make Kerala an education hub and proposed developmental activities around the upcoming Vizhinjam port. He advocated for the creation of special economic zones to attract investments. The Finance Minister highlighted the difficulties faced by the state in receiving proper allocations from the Union government and called for a positive attitude and cooperative federalism. He expressed concern over the reduced revenue allocation and the impact of GST on state income. Key Points
Economic Times'Centre gives only Rs 21 per Rs 100' — Kerala minister questions 'neglect' of state in budget speech
Total tax revenue includes Kerala’s eligible tax share from tax collected by Centre, says finance minister. Compared to Kerala, UP gets Rs 46 out of Rs 100 from the Centre, he adds. Key Points
ThePrintSounding poll bugle, Sikkim CM says all govt staff working for over 4 years to be regularised
Sikkim Chief Minister announces regularisation of government employees with more than four years of service through a notification this month. 300 beneficiaries from each constituency to receive houses under Garib Awas Yojna. Chief Minister urges people to support him for a second term in office to fulfill his vision of a developed state. Key Points
Economic TimesTamil Nadu economy may grow to $2.6 trn by 2047-48: Report
Tamil Nadu's GSDP is projected to reach USD 2.6 trillion by 2047-48, requiring a capital expenditure of USD 111 billion. The state is the second-largest economy in India, contributing 8.8% to the nation's GDP. To achieve the projected growth, the state needs to increase its allocation for capital expenditure to 5.7% of GSDP. Key Points
Economic Times
Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Agent state Farm Trailer: Everything you may want to know
Arnold Schwarzenegger's Agent state Farm trailer is revealed as a commercial campaign for state Farm Insurance, exploring the character's heroic actions. Schwarzenegger also has legit film projects in the pipeline. Key Points
Economic TimesBribery probe against ED officer: In SC, Tushar Mehta & Sibal spar over ED's powers in 'certain states'
Enforcement Directorate wants the case to be transferred to CBI, but Tamil Nadu govt is opposed to. Bench has directed TN govt to respond to ED’s petition within two weeks. Key Points
ThePrintFrench tourist discovers massive 7.46-carat diamond on US road trip
A French tourist discovers a dazzling 7.46-carat diamond at Arkansas' Crater of Diamonds state Park, the largest one since 2020. Key Points
Hindustan TimesManipur still deep in conflict, CM Biren, security adviser face Meitei anger sparked by valley killings
Renewed demands for de-recognition of Kuki-Zo as Scheduled Tribes, attacks in Moreh & Imphal valley pushing Biren govt into a corner. CM needs more willpower, say Meitei groups. Key Points
ThePrintAs Manipur MLAs threaten 'appropriate action', Centre rushes 3-member team to 'manage situation'
In resolution adopted by assembly & signed by 35 MLAS, legislators demanded 'positive action' to control ongoing violence. MHA has sent team of senior Intelligence Bureau officers, it is learnt. Key Points
ThePrint
Ram Mandir and other tourism initiatives to add around Rs 25,000 crore to UP’s tax collections in FY25
Uttar Pradesh is projected to earn an additional Rs 20,000-25,000 crore in tax revenue from the completion of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya and other tourism initiatives. The state government's efforts to promote tourism could lead to a doubling of tourist spending by the end of this year, crossing the Rs 4 lakh crore mark. Key Points
Economic TimesCreating path to Palestinian state can isolate Iran: Blinken
Israel working with the region and creating a path to a Palestinian state is the best way to isolate Iran, US Secretary of state Antony Blinken said on... Key Points
The Tribune IndiaUP govt ends honorarium for Madrassa teachers
However, the move is expected to adversely impact over 21,000 madrassa teachers, who are already struggling with their livelihoods since 2017 when the Centre stopped releasing its share of funds for the scheme, leading the state too to freeze its share. In the absence of both Centre and state's honorariums, it was the additional pay being paid by the state government that kept the teachers somewhat afloat. Key Points
Economic TimesIn 1st Global Investors' Meet under DMK govt, Tamil Nadu secures investments of 'over Rs 6.64 lakh cr'
More than 14 lakh people will get direct employment under these projects, says Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, unveils investor-friendly policies. Key Points
ThePrint