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India Considering Lowering Personal Tax Rates to Boost Consumption

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The Indian government is contemplating lowering personal tax rates for certain categories of individuals in the upcoming Budget 2024, potentially boosting consumption in Asia’s third-largest economy. This plan might be announced in July when Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government presents its first federal budget after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) failed to secure a majority on its own. A post-poll survey revealed voter concerns about inflation, unemployment, and declining incomes. Despite the Indian economy growing at an impressive 8.2% in 2023-24, consumption only grew at half that rate. Prime Minister Modi, while claiming to form the National Democratic Alliance government, emphasized focusing on raising middle-class savings and improving their quality of life. A reduction in personal tax could enhance consumption and increase middle-class savings, according to sources, who spoke anonymously due to the confidentiality of budget discussions. The finance ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The tax relief may target individuals earning over Rs 15 lakh annually, with specifics yet to be determined. The changes might affect a tax scheme introduced in 2020, where income up to Rs 15 lakh is taxed at 5%-20%, and earnings over Rs 15 lakh are taxed at 30%. The government may also consider lowering rates for annual incomes of Rs 10 lakh and discussing a new threshold for the highest tax rate of 30%. Any loss of tax revenue from these cuts could be partially offset by increased consumption among higher income earners. The federal government aims for a fiscal deficit of 5.1% of GDP by March 2025. Strong tax collections and a substantial dividend from the central bank will provide the government flexibility in planning the new budget.

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Arunachal CM Pema Khandu Brings Reforms 3.0 with Focus on Governance, Data Digitisation

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Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has introduced Reforms 3.0, aimed at enhancing governance and accelerating the digitisation of administrative processes. The initiative includes 24 citizen-centric measures as part of a transformative journey impacting citizens’ lives and aspirations. Pema Khandu was sworn in for his third consecutive term as Chief Minister on Thursday. During a cabinet meeting chaired by CM Khandu, it was resolved that governance reforms would be a top priority. The cabinet decided to achieve 100 percent digitisation of the Finance and Planning Departments to ensure all government payments are made digitally. Among the approved decisions, a policy think tank named the Institute for Transforming Arunachal (ITA) will be established to foster innovation in governance and facilitate socio-economic transformation. Additionally, a Digital Asset Inventory will be created for all public infrastructure, including schools, hospitals (SHCs, PHCs, District Hospitals), and Anganwadi Kendras, to ensure efficient planning and utilisation of public assets. The cabinet also resolved to establish an Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC) to provide recommendations for improving organizational structure, recruitment, and staffing policies. The goal is to build a lean, efficient, and agile administrative structure with maximum technology adoption. According to a release from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), the Cabinet resolved to ensure 100 percent physical and digital connectivity to all unconnected villages and administrative headquarters. A detailed action plan will be prepared to enhance citizens’ quality of life through improved connectivity.  

Arunachal CM Pema Khandu Brings Reforms 3.0 with Focus on Governance, Data Digitisation Read More »

Odisha Swearing-in Highlights: Mohan Majhi Takes Oath as CM, K.V. Singh Deo and Pravati Parida as Deputy CMs

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In a historic moment, Mohan Charan Majhi, a four-time MLA and tribal leader, was sworn in as the first Chief Minister of Odisha under the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) at a grand ceremony in Bhubaneswar. The event was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and several Chief Ministers from BJP-ruled states. Majhi, who is also the first tribal leader to hold the position, took the oath of office along with his two deputies, K.V. Singh Deo and Pravati Parida. The ceremony was held at Janata Maidan, where hundreds of people gathered to witness the historic event.Governor Raghubar Das administered the oath of secrecy and office to the new Chief Minister and his deputies. The event marked the end of the 24-year rule of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) led by Naveen Patnaik. Majhi, who was accompanied by his deputies, paid floral tributes to various statues across the city, including those of Utkala Mani Gopabandhu Das, Utkal Gourav Madhusudan Das, and Parala Maharaja Krushna Chandra Gajapati. The new government has 16 Ministers, including 11 Cabinet Ministers and five Ministers of State with independent charge. The Ministers include four from the tribal community and two from the Scheduled Castes. The event was attended by several notable figures, including Chief Ministers Yogi Adityanath (Uttar Pradesh), Mohan Yadav (Madhya Pradesh), Bhupendrabhai Patel (Gujarat), Himanta Biswa Sarma (Assam), Vishnu Deo Sai (Chhattisgarh), Pushkar Singh Dhami (Uttarakhand), Bhajan Lal Sharma (Rajasthan), Pramod Sawant (Goa), and Manik Saha (Tripura).Union Ministers Dharmendra Pradhan, Nitin Gadkari, Ashwini Vaishnaw, and Jual Oram were also present at the ceremony. Former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, who was personally invited by Majhi, attended the event along with his family. The swearing-in ceremony marked a significant milestone in Odisha’s political history, as it marked the first time the BJP has come to power in the state.  

Odisha Swearing-in Highlights: Mohan Majhi Takes Oath as CM, K.V. Singh Deo and Pravati Parida as Deputy CMs Read More »

Punjab Labour Department Rescues 99 Child Labourers in Statewide Raids

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The Punjab labour department announced on Wednesday the rescue of 99 child labourers following raids conducted across the state. These raids were part of the Child Labour Eradication Week campaign, launched by labour minister Anmol Gagan Maan, which will run from June 11-21. District-level teams, comprising officials from various departments, have targeted industrial units and workplaces in Ludhiana and Bathinda. In Ludhiana, 95 child labourers were rescued from various industrial units, while in Bathinda, four child labourers were rescued from a hotel, an eatery, and a pagari (turban) shop. The minister directed officials to eradicate child labour in the state and conduct further raids to enforce strict action against violators. On the occasion of World Day Against Child Labour 2024, child rights activists from Tamil Nadu, including TNCRW and CACL-TN, have urged newly elected MPs to take definitive steps to end child labour.

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Modi 3.0: Full List of Ministers and Their Portfolios in the New BJP Government

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The new council of ministers led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi includes 61 members from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and 11 leaders from the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) allies. Of the 72 ministers, 43 have served three or more terms in Parliament, and 39 were ministers in the previous Union government. Full List of Ministries and Ministers in Modi 3.0 Government Here is a look at the top ministers and the portfolios they held in the previous Narendra Modi-led government: Prime Minister Narendra Modi Portfolios: Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, all important policy issues, and portfolios not allocated to any minister Ministry of Home Affairs Union Minister: Amit Shah Ministers of State: Nityanand Rai, Bandi Sanjay Kumar Ministry of Cooperation Union Minister: Amit Shah Ministers of State: Krishan Pal, Murlidhar Mohol Ministry of Defence Union Minister: Rajnath Singh Minister of State: Sanjay Seth Ministry of External Affairs Union Minister: S Jaishankar Ministers of State: Kirtivardhan Singh, Pabitra Margherita Ministry of Finance Union Minister: Nirmala Sitharaman Minister of State: Pankaj Chaudhary Ministry of Corporate Affairs Union Minister: Nirmala Sitharaman Minister of State: Harsh Malhotra Ministry of Road Transport and Highways Union Minister: Nitin Gadkari Ministers of State: Ajay Tamta, Harsh Malhotra Ministry of Health and Family Welfare Union Minister: JP Nadda Ministers of State: Anupriya Patel, Prataprao Ganpatrao Jadhav Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers Union Minister: JP Nadda Minister of State: Anupriya Patel Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports Union Minister: Mansukh Mandaviya Minister of State: Raksha Nikhil Khadse Ministry of Labour and Employment Union Minister: Mansukh Mandaviya Minister of State: Shobha Karandlaje Ministry of Food Processing Industries Union Minister: Chirag Paswan Minister of State: Ravneet Singh Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Union Minister: Shivraj Singh Chouhan Ministers of State: Ram Nath Thakur, Bhagirath Choudhary Ministry of Rural Development Union Minister: Shivraj Singh Chouhan Ministers of State: Dr. Chandra Shekhar Pemmasani, Kamlesh Paswan Ministry of Power Union Minister: Manohar Lal Khattar Minister of State: Shripad Naik Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs Union Minister: Manohar Lal Khattar Minister of State: Tokhan Sahu Ministry of Tourism Union Minister: Gajendra Singh Shekhawat Minister of State: Suresh Gopi Ministry of Culture Union Minister: Gajendra Singh Shekhawat Minister of State: Rao Inderjit Singh Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Union Minister: Ashwini Vaishnaw Minister of State: L Murugan Ministry of Railways Union Minister: Ashwini Vaishnaw Ministers of State: Ravneet Singh, V Somanna Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology Union Minister: Ashwini Vaishnaw Minister of State: Jitin Prasada Ministry of Civil Aviation Union Ministers: Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, Murlidhar Mohol Ministry of Education Union Minister: Dharmendra Pradhan Ministers of State: Sukanta Majumdar, Jayant Chaudhary Ministry of Women and Child Development Union Minister: Annapurna Devi Minister of State: Savitri Thakur Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Union Minister: Bhupendra Yadav Minister of State: Kirtivardhan Singh Ministry of Jal Shakti Union Minister: CR Paatil Ministers of State: V Somanna, Raj Bhushan Choudhary Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs Union Minister: Kiren Rijiju Ministers of State: L Murugan, Arjun Ram Meghwal Ministry of Minority Affairs Union Minister: Kiren Rijiju Minister of State: George Kurian Ministry of Heavy Industries Union Minister: HD Kumaraswamy Minister of State: Bhupathi Raju Srinivasa Varma Ministry of Steel Union Minister: HD Kumaraswamy Minister of State: Bhupathi Raju Srinivasa Varma Ministry of Communication Union Minister: Jyotiraditya Scindia Minister of State: Dr. Chandra Shekhar Pemmasani Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region Union Minister: Jyotiraditya Scindia Minister of State: Sukanta Majumdar Ministry of Textiles Union Minister: Giriraj Singh Minister of State: Pabitra Margherita Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Union Minister: Prahlad Joshi Ministers of State: BL Verma, Nimuben Jayantibhai Bambhaniya Ministry of New and Renewable Energy Union Minister: Prahlad Joshi Minister of State: Shripad Naik Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas Union Minister: Hardeep Singh Puri Minister of State: Suresh Gopi Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Union Minister: Jitan Ram Manjhi Minister of State: Shobha Karandlaje Ministry of Panchayati Raj Union Minister: Lallan Singh Minister of State: SP Singh Baghel Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Union Minister: Lallan Singh Ministers of State: SP Singh Baghel, George Kurian Ministry of Commerce and Industry Union Minister: Piyush Goyal Minister of State: Jitin Prasada Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Union Minister: Sarbananda Sonowal Minister of State: Shantanu Thakur Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment Union Minister: Dr. Virendra Kumar Ministers of State: Ramdas Athawale, BL Verma Ministry of Tribal Affairs Union Minister: Jual Oram Minister of State: Durgadas Uikey Ministry of Coal Union Minister: G Kishan Reddy Minister of State: Satish Chandra Dubey Ministry of Mines Union Minister: G Kishan Reddy Minister of State: Satish Chandra Dubey Ministers of State (Independent Charge) Rao Inderjit Singh: Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, Ministry of Planning, Ministry of Culture Dr. Jitendra Singh: Ministry of Science and Technology, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Minister of State in the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space Arjun Ram Meghwal: Ministry of Law and Justice Prataprao Ganpatrao Jadhav: Ministry of Ayush

Modi 3.0: Full List of Ministers and Their Portfolios in the New BJP Government Read More »

Congress Reaches Out to Naidu, Nitish as NDA Attempts to Form Alliance Government

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In a strategic move to counter the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) from forming a coalition government, the Congress party has reached out to Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief Chandrababu Naidu and Janata Dal United (JDU) chief Nitish Kumar. Sources indicate that the outreach has been conducted through multiple channels, including Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, a former TDP member. While immediate action from the TDP or JDU is not anticipated, Congress views maintaining communication lines as crucial, given the potential for these NDA allies to reconsider their positions in the coming months. A Congress leader mentioned that if a move happens, Nitish and Naidu would likely act together as a ‘package’ within a few months. This development comes as the BJP, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, faces an unexpected challenge. With the BJP securing 240 seats, significantly short of their anticipated 400, Modi now navigates the complex path of coalition politics for the first time in his 23-year political career. Political analysts question Modi’s ability to manage allies like Nitish and Naidu, both of whom have previously exited the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Sources suggest that Naidu may leverage this opportunity to demand a special financial package for Andhra Pradesh. Meanwhile, the INDIA bloc, a coalition of opposition parties led by Congress, plans to engage with Nitish and Naidu either immediately or within the next six months, potentially leading to a significant political shift. Modi’s post-election speech highlighted the BJP’s historic win in Odisha and notable gains in Telangana. The NDA also made inroads into Andhra Pradesh with the help of its allies TDP and Jana Sena. The BJP celebrated opening its account in Kerala for the first time with actor-turned-politician Suresh Gopi’s win in Thrissur. However, setbacks in key states like Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and Rajasthan loom large. In Uttar Pradesh, the BJP’s dominance waned as the Samajwadi Party claimed 37 out of 80 seats, a stark contrast to the BJP’s previous tally. West Bengal also delivered a blow, with the Trinamool Congress retaining 29 out of 42 seats, reducing BJP’s count to 12 from 18. Similarly, in Rajasthan and Karnataka, Congress made significant inroads, capturing several seats from the BJP.

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Andhra Pradesh Assembly Election Results 2024: Key Insights and Analysis

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The counting of votes for the Assembly elections in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, along with the counting of the Lok Sabha Elections 2024, is taking place today (June 4). The Assembly elections in Andhra Pradesh were held on May 13. There are 175 Assembly constituencies in the Andhra Pradesh Assembly with 29 seats reserved for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and another 7 for Scheduled Tribes (STs). The term of the present Andhra Pradesh Assembly is from June 12, 2019 to June 11, 2024. The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) of Chandrababu Naidu and the Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP) of Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy are the two main political parties in Andhra Pradesh. Pawan Kalyan-led Jana Sena Party (JSP), the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and the Congress are the other important parties in the state.Key candidates in Andhra Pradesh include Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy (YSRCP), N Chandrababu Naidu (TDP), Pawan Kalyan (JSP), Killi Kruparani (Congress), Dharmana Prasada Rao (YSRCP), and others.Key constituencies in Andhra Pradesh include Pulivendula, Kuppam, Pithapuram, Mangalagiri, Hindupur, Vijayawada West, Narasannapeta, Srikakulam, Tekkali, Gajuwaka, Undi, Gannavaram (Krishna), Atmakur, Proddatur, and Jammalamadugu. Andhra Pradesh recorded 80.66 per cent of voting in the Assembly Election 2024, which was 80.39 per cent in the Assembly Election 2019.In the 2019 Andhra Pradesh Assembly Election, the YSRCP emerged victorious with a massive 151 seats and YS Jagan Mohan Reddy became the Chief Minister. The incumbent TDP managed to win just 23 seats. The JSP won a single seat while neither the BJP nor the Congress couldn’t open their account. To form the government in Andhra Pradesh, every party or coalition must reach the majority mark in the Legislative Assembly. The majority mark in each state Assembly depends upon the total number of seats in the Legislative Assembly of a particular state. The majority mark in any state is half of the number of total Assembly seats plus one more seat. The Andhra Pradesh Assembly has 175 seats and the majority mark is 88.

Andhra Pradesh Assembly Election Results 2024: Key Insights and Analysis Read More »

Delhi Government Moves Supreme Court Seeking Relief Amid Water Crisis During Heatwave

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The Delhi government has taken the issue of the water crisis amidst scorching heatwave conditions in the national capital to the Supreme Court. In its plea, the AAP-led government has appealed for the release of additional water from neighboring states like Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Himachal Pradesh for a month to address the water shortage. The soaring temperatures in Delhi, with some areas reaching up to 50 degrees Celsius, have escalated the demand for water, prompting urgent action from the Delhi government. Emergency measures have been implemented, including banning the use of potable water for car washing and construction activities. The Delhi Jal Board (DJB) has announced stringent penalties, with fines of Rs 2,000 for wastage of water. Additionally, a war room has been established by the DJB to manage water tanker supply, with citizens urged to contact 1916 for assistance. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has called for political cooperation, emphasizing the need to prioritize the welfare of Delhi’s residents over partisan interests. He stressed the importance of securing water resources from neighboring states and urged the BJP leaders to collaborate in resolving the crisis. Amid the heatwave, Delhi has also witnessed a record peak power demand, surpassing 8,300 MW for the first time in its history. Despite the unprecedented demand, the power situation in Delhi remains stable, distinguishing it from neighboring areas where residents are grappling with prolonged power cuts. As protests erupt in Noida and Ghaziabad over power outages, Kejriwal highlighted the nationwide challenge posed by the heatwave, emphasizing the need for collective action to mitigate its impact. He underscored Delhi’s relatively stable power supply amidst the crisis, attributing it to effective management by the government. The plea filed by the Delhi government underscores the severity of the situation and seeks urgent intervention to alleviate the water shortage, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts to ensure the well-being of Delhi’s residents during the ongoing heatwave.  

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Karnataka Government Funds Diverted: FIR Filed Against Union Bank of India Officials

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The managing director of the Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribe Development Corporation has filed a case against Union Bank of India officials, alleging fraudulent diversion of approximately Rs 94.73 crore of the corporation’s funds. This development follows the suicide of an official who cited irregularities involving substantial sums of money. Incident Details Allegation: The MD, A Rajashekar, claims that Union Bank officials fraudulently diverted Rs 94.73 crore of the corporation’s funds to other accounts. Timeline: On February 26, bank officials moved the corporation’s primary account from the Vasanthnagar branch to the MG Road branch with auditors’ and MD’s permission. Between March 4 and May 21, Rs 187.33 crore was deposited in the corporation’s account from the state treasury. Discovery: The MD discovered the fraudulent transactions on May 22 when informed by the bank that documents were allegedly sent by post, which the corporation never received. Signatures were reportedly forged to transfer funds, and no transaction alerts were sent via SMS or email. Follow-Up Actions Immediate Action: The chief manager of the MG Road branch returned Rs 5 crore to the corporation on May 23. Suicide Incident: On May 26, Chandrashekaran P, involved in auditing and coordinating with the bank, committed suicide, leaving a note implicating senior officials and mentioning instructions from a minister. Complaint and FIR: On May 28, Rajashekar filed a complaint at the High Grounds police station in Bengaluru, accusing six bank officials of the fraud. The police have registered a case under various sections of the Indian Penal Code related to criminal breach of trust, cheating, and forgery. Investigation and Political Reactions Investigation: Home Minister G Parameshwara confirmed the detection of irregularities and mentioned that the funds were diverted to 8-10 bank accounts. The CID is investigating the case. Minister’s Denial: Youth Empowerment, Sports, and Tribal Welfare Minister B Nagendra has denied any involvement, stating that no such instructions were given from his end. Opposition Demand: The BJP has demanded the resignation of Minister B Nagendra, with state president B Y Vijayendra calling for a judicial probe by a sitting high court judge into the incident. The case has drawn significant attention due to the scale of the alleged fraud and the tragic suicide of an official, highlighting serious concerns about financial governance and accountability within both the bank and the government corporation.

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Assam Government Compensates Families Affected by Bulldozer Justice with Rs 30 Lakh

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The Assam government has provided compensation of Rs 30 lakh to five families whose homes were bulldozed two years ago in Nagaon district. This action followed their alleged involvement in torching a police station, an incident triggered by the death of Safikul Islam, a fish-seller, while in police custody. Additionally, the government sanctioned Rs 2.5 lakh for Islam’s family. However, the payment is pending until the family provides a next-of-kin certificate, as per the statement submitted by the Assam government’s counsel to the Gauhati High Court. The compensation disbursement marks a significant development in a case that garnered attention after a mob from Salonabari village torched part of the Batadrava police station following Islam’s death. The subsequent demolition of homes belonging to alleged participants of the incident was deemed “illegal” by the court. Last year, the High Court had criticized the police superintendent for the demolitions and urged the state government to compensate those affected. The recent compensation, totaling Rs 30 lakh, covers the demolition of two pucca houses and four kutcha houses. Moreover, the court has requested information on actions taken against the responsible officers. The affidavit submitted by the current Nagaon SP highlights that the demolitions were part of search operations for concealed weapons and narcotics. Despite initial searches yielding no contraband, the affidavit claimed the use of excavators was necessary, leading to the seizure of a revolver and tablets. The compensation and ongoing legal proceedings underscore efforts to address past injustices and uphold the rule of law in Assam.  

Assam Government Compensates Families Affected by Bulldozer Justice with Rs 30 Lakh Read More »