Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena introduced a scheme training 200 women to fly drones, providing pilot licences. Named 'Namo Drone Didi', it aims to empower rural women and involves drone demonstrations in city villages. Trainees get drones for jobs in surveys, event shoots, and agriculture, funded through Corporate Social Responsibility.
The Union Cabinet approved the Unified Pension Scheme, which ensures pensions and family benefits for government employees. The scheme, effective April 1, 2025, allows employees to choose between the National Pension Scheme and the new Unified Pension Scheme. State governments can also opt for this scheme, potentially benefiting 90 lakh people.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari pledged to expedite the construction of a double-decker cable-stayed bridge over the Krishna River, connecting Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. The project, delayed for two years, will see tenders initiated by September end. It is expected to boost tourism and shorten travel duration between the two states by 90 minutes.
Mehbooba Mufti of the PDP expressed support for the Congress-NC coalition in the Jammu and Kashmir elections, provided their agenda on Kashmir is accepted. She ruled out partnering with the BJP. The PDP manifesto emphasizes restoring statehood, cross-Line of Control trade, and revoking stringent laws. Elections will take place in September and October.
A group of around 300 drivers from app-based cab services in Kolkata held a rally against the alleged rape and murder of a woman doctor at a state-run hospital. Organized by CITU, the demonstration called for speedy justice and a safer environment for women. The drivers temporarily suspended their trips to participate.
Monsoon Alert: India has been facing severe disruptions due to persistent heavy rains. Now, IMD has issued a red alert for Gujarat and Raigad in Maharashtra. Mumbai and its neighboring areas received a yellow alert, while Palghar, Thane, and Ratnagiri got an orange alert. The IMD also forecasted heavy rainfall for Vidarbha, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra.
Most management commentaries from within the space are indicating a significant amount of rural discretionary spending coming back in the second half with better crop produce and better crop realisation and so on and so forth, according to Mayuresh Joshi, Head Equity, Marketsmith India
General Upendra Dwivedi, the Chief of Army Staff, visited Manipur for a security review, meeting Chief Minister N Biren Singh. He stressed the goal of fostering trust, peace, and tranquillity. Dwivedi discussed internal security, lauded the coordination among security forces, and confirmed the Indian Army's dedication to the state's stability and harmony.
Amidst his cancer struggle, Queen Camilla and insiders at Buckingham Palace are growingly concerned about King Charles III's unrelenting work schedule, believing it could impede his recuperation. Charles is determined to carry out his royal duties in spite of their worries.
Amit Shah, Union Home Minister, conducted a review meeting in Raipur to evaluate anti-naxal strategies and infrastructure development in affected areas. The discussion included ensuring comprehensive execution of government schemes and overcoming project challenges. Shah stressed the urgency for a decisive strategy to eliminate naxalism.
Real Madrid versus Real Valladolid in La Liga match will be played on Sunday. Viewers in the US can watch the match.
The Central government ordered an insurance company to settle pending crop insurance claims worth up to Rs 225 crore for approximately 2 lakh farmers in Maharashtra's Parbhani district. The directive followed issues raised during Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan's interaction with farmers. The insurance company must pay the dues within seven days, providing financial relief to affected farmers.
The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) found Mercedes-Benz India's Pune plant violating environmental guidelines. An inspection revealed non-compliance, leading to the forfeiture of Mercedes-Benz's bank guarantee of Rs 25 lakh. The company denied receiving formal notice but pledged to work with authorities and implement necessary corrective actions.
Assam's Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, said no Hindus have tried to enter India from Bangladesh amid the country's instability. However, he noted that 35 Muslims were arrested for crossing over to seek jobs in India's textile sector. Sarma requested the Prime Minister to ensure the safety of Hindus in Bangladesh.
Rahul Gandhi emphasized the significance of a caste census for Congress's policy-making. Highlighting the exclusion of 90% of the population from the system, he stressed the need to understand wealth distribution and representation of OBCs, Dalits, and workers in key sectors. Gandhi said the caste census would be a priority task if Congress is elected.
Democrats were worried that their euphoria over the past few weeks would turn into complacency. This is going to be a close election in a closely divided country. In certain states, the winner could be determined by a mere handful of votes cast in each precinct.
Two Bangladeshi nationals were apprehended at Badarpur railway station in Assam. The Assam Police pushed them back across the border. Previously, several other Bangladeshi nationals and Rohingyas were detained in the region. The BSF has heightened border vigilance due to ongoing unrest in Bangladesh, with increased coordination with Border Guard Bangladesh.
The Met Department forecasted heavy rainfall in south Bengal districts until August 26, driven by a cyclonic circulation over the north Bay of Bengal. Affected districts include South and North 24 Parganas, East and West Midnapore. Kolkata saw waterlogging due to sharp showers. Fishermen were advised to avoid the sea during this period.
In Kashmir's Watergam, Sopore, security forces responded to a militant attack, leading to ongoing operations. Increased terror activities prompted Home Minister Amit Shah to call for intensified counter-terror efforts. Recent attacks have resulted in significant casualties among security forces and civilians, highlighting an uptick in violence in Jammu and Kashmir.
Indian telecom companies aimed for 10% of 6G patents and substantial global standards contributions within three years, aligning research to national needs. This was discussed in a meeting chaired by telecom minister Jyotiraditya Scindia. Industry leaders also highlighted the necessity for a supportive policy framework to achieve full broadband coverage in the country.
Air Force General C.Q. Brown's unannounced Middle East visit aimed to prevent tensions from escalating into a broader conflict. He visited Jordan and planned trips to Egypt and Israel to discuss deterrence strategies with military leaders. His visit came as the U.S. seeks a Gaza ceasefire-for-hostages deal with Hamas amid increased regional tensions.
Commerce minister Piyush Goyal announced the government's support for MSMEs via Quality Control Orders (QCOs) at the 10th India International MSME Startup Expo & Summit 2024. QCOs aimed to protect MSMEs from unfair competition and help them compete nationally and internationally. Goyal also emphasized the significant role MSMEs play in exports, tourism, and infrastructure.
The offer is being conducted through the book-building process, with up to 50% allocated on a proportional basis to qualified institutional buyers, at least 15% allocated to non-institutional investors, and at least 35% allocated to retail individual investors.
