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<keyword id="21244010" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="government-measures" source="keywords">Government measures</keyword> such as mandatory quality control orders and increasing customs duty have helped boost exports of <keyword id="25284" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="toys" source="Orion">toys</keyword> from India, but there is a need to do much more for the sector, a top official said on Wednesday. Secretary in the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) Rajesh Kumar Singh also indicated that they are diligently pursuing the proposal of extending fiscal incentives under the production-linked incentive scheme for the sector. He said that the industry is wondering about one proposed major policy intervention and "let me assure you that we are still pursuing that". In the interim Budget in February, the Commerce and Industry Ministry has recommended an outlay of Rs 3,489 crore for the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for toys to boost domestic manufacturing of the sector. As the scheme is yet to be cleared by the Union Cabinet, the interim Budget has made a token provision of Rs 1 lakh towards the scheme for 2024-25. The scheme aims to attract investments in key sectors and cutting-edge technology; ensure efficiency, bring economies of size and scale in the manufacturing sector and make Indian companies and manufacturers globally competitive. Singh said that the country's <keyword id="21563576" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="toy-exports" source="keywords">toy exports</keyword> have jumped to USD 325.72 million in 2022-23 from USD 96.17 million in 2014-15 as the government is providing all-around support for creating a conducive manufacturing ecosystem for the toy industry. Imports of toys dipped by 52 per cent from USD 332.55 million in 2014-15 to USD 158.7 million in 2022-23. "The national action plan for toys and other initiatives has had a good impact, but we need to do much more," Singh said, adding the sector holds huge exports and job potential. In order to make India a global hub for toy manufacturing, the government has undertaken a series of initiatives including the formulation of a comprehensive National Action Plan for Toys (NAPT) to promote the designing of toys, using toys as a learning resource, monitoring quality of toys, and promoting indigenous toy clusters. The secretary was speaking at a toy workshop in New Delhi. In order to enable further growth, increased market access and development of new-age marketing skills, DPIIT conducted a workshop with Flipkart and the Indian Toy Industry. Flipkart, Walmart and the Toy Association of India participated in the event. Joint Secretary in the DPIIT Sanjiv said that the workshop was aimed at enhancing India's position and capabilities in the global toy supply chain. It will help the toy manufacturers understand the nuances of online selling which shall in turn help in the growth of sales and market access, Sanjiv said. The issues figured out in the workshop included ways to increase sourcing by online platforms, onboarding of manufacturers on the Flipkart platform and upskilling. It was also aimed at supporting online selling, scaling domestic consumption and upskilling/reskilling workforce. Last year, Flipkart informed toy makers about their requirements and expected quality standards, as it is directly engaging with domestic toymakers for sourcing. The online platforms provide greater access to a much wider customer base across India, expanding their market reach significantly. E-commerce eliminates the need for physical stores, reducing operational costs. It also provides valuable brand exposure to a large audience. Additionally, e-commerce platforms offer data on consumer buying habits and preferences, allowing manufacturers to develop products that cater to market demands. India raised import duties on toys beginning in February 2020. The basic customs duty was increased from 20 per cent to 60 per cent and then to 70 per cent in July 2021.

Govt steps have boosted toy exports from India, but more work still needed: DPIIT Secretary

<keyword id="19930802" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Jay-Shah" source="keywords">Jay Shah</keyword>, the current Secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), has been elected unopposed as the new <keyword id="19901179" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="International-Cricket-Council" source="keywords">International Cricket Council</keyword> (ICC) Chairman. Shah, who will officially take up the role on December 1, 2024, is set to make history as the youngest individual to ever lead the global governing body for cricket. "I am humbled by the nomination as the Chair of the International Cricket Council. I am committed to working closely with the ICC team and our member nations to further globalise cricket," Shah stated in a release issued by the ICC. In his statement, Jay Shah highlighted the goals he has planned to set for his tenure. “We stand at a critical juncture where it is increasingly important to balance the coexistence of multiple formats, promote the adoption of advanced technologies, and introduce our marquee events to new global markets. Our goal is to make cricket more inclusive and popular than ever before," he said. Jay Shah’s involvement in <keyword id="22941138" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="cricket-administration" source="keywords">cricket administration</keyword> spans over ten years. He previously served as joint secretary of the Gujarat Cricket Association before being elected unopposed as <keyword id="20593546" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="BCCI-Secretary" source="keywords">BCCI Secretary</keyword> in October 2019. Since 2021, he has also held the position of Chairperson of the Asian Cricket Council. The appointment of Shah as the <keyword id="22895734" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="ICC-chairman" source="keywords">ICC chairman</keyword> has sparked controversy due to his connections. His father, <keyword id="19899491" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Amit-Shah" source="keywords">Amit Shah</keyword>, is India’s Home Minister and a close associate of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Critics argue that this raises concerns about nepotism and the merging of cricket with politics in India. Shah's own rise within cricket administration in Gujarat, where his father previously held the role of president of the Gujarat Cricket Association, further fuels these concerns. It will be interesting to see how, under the chairmanship of Jay Shah, cricket grows on a higher level on the global pedestal.

Jay Shah elected unopposed as the new ICC chairman

In a massive move for the country’s growing climate woes, India is aiming to control weather phenomena like rainfall, lightning, and hail within five years. Dubbed "<keyword id="23131560" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Mission-Mausam" source="keywords">Mission Mausam</keyword>," this government-backed initiative includes the development of <keyword id="23148975" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Mausam-GPT" source="keywords">Mausam GPT</keyword>, a weather AI model designed to enhance prediction accuracy and even manipulate the weather. This would make India one of the first countries to experiment with <keyword id="21369368" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="weather-modification" source="keywords">weather modification</keyword> on a significant scale. <h2>Mission Mausam</h2>India’s "Mission Mausam" aims to reshape the future of weather management by using technology to control rain. Over the next 18 months, the government will start with lab simulations to either enhance or suppress rainfall. The ultimate goal, as outlined by Earth Sciences Secretary M. Ravichandran, is to roll out full-scale weather modification within five years. He stated that the initiative could even target events like Independence Day, where “one can think about suppressing rain.” By deploying <keyword id="20644540" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="cloud-seeding" source="keywords">cloud seeding</keyword> techniques alongside AI-driven weather prediction tools like "Mausam GPT," the mission seeks to significantly improve India’s ability to manage extreme weather conditions. A key aspect of the plan involves building a robust system of advanced radars, supercomputers, satellites with high-performance sensors, and GIS-based decision support systems. This cutting-edge tech is expected to boost India’s short- and medium-range weather forecasting accuracy by 5-10%, ensuring no event — such as cloudbursts — goes undetected. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="113251187" title="India braces for an intensely harsh winter as La Niña takes hold" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>India is not new to weather manipulation efforts. The government has been running pilot projects, such as the Cloud Aerosol Interaction and Precipitation Enhancement Experiment (CAIPEEX) in Maharashtra, to study cloud properties and enhance rainfall. <h2>Why is weather manipulation necessary and is it safe?</h2>Extreme weather events in India, like deadly floods, droughts, and hailstorms, have noticeably increased in frequency due to <keyword id="19907392" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="climate-change" source="keywords">climate change</keyword>. Mission Mausam could potentially give India an edge in combating these disasters. For example, imagine preventing a flood by suppressing rain or creating artificial rain during a drought. India’s investment of Rs 2,000 crore over two years certainly reflects the seriousness of the mission, which is expected to expand further as research progresses. However, weather modification, including cloud seeding, is not without controversy. Globally, cloud seeding has had limited success, with countries like the US, Russia, and China also experimenting with these methods but facing inconsistent results. Even former MoES Secretary Madhavan Rajeevan has noted that “the technology is complex” and still in its developmental stages. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="112825937" title="Shivaji Maharaj Statue collapse: Identifying 5 reasons behind the accident" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>Further, the potential downsides can't be ignored. While controlling the weather could save lives, meddling with natural processes is risky. Weather manipulation might have unintended ecological consequences, like shifting rainfall patterns that could harm ecosystems and agriculture. It may also pose geopolitical risks, as neighbouring countries could accuse India of altering weather systems that affect their own climates. Ultimately, while the idea of managing the weather may seem appealing, it opens up a Pandora’s box of environmental and ethical challenges that need careful consideration.

The Indian government is taking steps to control rainfall and weather within five years — is it too risky of a move?

The central government has prohibited as many as 156 <keyword id="22893276" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="combination-drugs" source="keywords">combination drugs</keyword> that are often administered as painkillers, multivitamins, and antibiotics, for fever and cold, among others. In a gazette notification dated August 21, the government said that the use of the drug Fixed Dose Combination of Amylase, Protease, Glucoamylase, Pectinase, Alpha Galactosidase, Lactase, Beta-Gluconase, Cellulase, Lipase, Bromelain, Xylanase, Hemicellulase, Malt diastase, Invertase, Papain is likely to involve risk to human beings whereas safer alternatives to the said drug are available. Upon recommendations of the <keyword id="20092000" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Drugs-Technical-Advisory-Board" source="keywords">Drugs Technical Advisory Board</keyword>, the central government, in the greater interest of the public, has prohibited the manufacture for sale, sale, and distribution for human use of those drugs across the country with immediate effect. The move from the government comes after the matter was examined by an expert committee appointed by the central government, and the said expert committee considered the administration of this Fixed Dose Combination as "irrational". The Drugs Technical Advisory Board also examined the said FDC and recommended that "there is no therapeutic justification for the ingredients contained in this FDC. The FDC may involve risk to human beings. Hence in the larger public interest, it is necessary to prohibit the manufacture, sale or distribution of this FDC under section 26 A of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act 1940. In view of above, any kind of regulation or restriction to allow for any use in patients is not justifiable," the notification read. The list of banned drugs also includes drugs used for hair treatments, antiparasitic, skincare, anti-allergic. The medicines combined in more than one drug in a single pill are Fixed dose combination drugs FDC, these drugs are also known as cocktail drugs. The Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance supports the decision of the government. Sudarshan Jain, Secretary General, IPA told that, "this has been going for many years and there was a committee which reviewed the whole thing... This is a right step in the interest of patients and all aspects have been taken into consideration." "They have given the opportunity to give the data to support their products, so the right products will continue and when there is no data to support then companies have to withdraw it," Jain added. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/webstories/2024-tvs-jupiter-vs-honda-activa-6g-which-110cc-scooter-should-you-buy/slidelist/112730069.cms">2024 TVS Jupiter vs Honda Activa 6G – which 110cc scooter should you buy?</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/how-to/how-to-add-music-to-instagram-profile/articleshow/112732934.cms">You can now add music to your Instagram profile – here's how</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/audi-q8-facelift-launched-in-india-with-a-1-17-crore-price-tag/slidelist/112707701.cms">Audi Q8 facelift launched in India with a ₹1.17 crore price tag</a>

India bans 156 commonly used combination drugs citing possible risks to humans

The newly-elected <keyword id="22895734" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="ICC-Chairman" source="keywords">ICC Chairman</keyword> <keyword id="19930802" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Jay-Shah" source="keywords">Jay Shah</keyword>'s efforts as <keyword id="20593546" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="BCCI-secretary" source="keywords">BCCI secretary</keyword> in giving equal priority to men's and <keyword id="20018767" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="womens-cricket" source="keywords">women's cricket</keyword> have made the Indian board a "pioneer" for other governing bodies of the game to follow, reckoned legendary <keyword id="19919207" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Sachin-Tendulkar" source="keywords">Sachin Tendulkar</keyword> on Wednesday. Shah will leave <keyword id="19901245" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="BCCI" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="BCCI" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="BCCI">BCCI</keyword> after a five-year stint, which began in October 2019, to take over as the independent chairman of the <keyword id="19901179" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="International-Cricket-Council" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="International Cricket Council" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="International Cricket Council">International Cricket Council</keyword> from December 1. Tendulkar joined many former and current players to extend his wishes to Shah, who will be the youngest ICC chairman in history at the age of 35. "Being enthusiastic and having the drive to do something good for cricket are essential qualities for a cricket administrator. @JayShah displayed these traits wonderfully during his stint as @BCCI secretary," Tendulkar wrote on X. "His endeavours towards prioritising both women's cricket and men's cricket have made the BCCI a pioneer that other boards can follow. I wish him the very best of luck towards the next phase of his journey, as he becomes the youngest chairman of the @ICC," he said. Shah will be the fifth Indian to head the ICC and Tendulkar hoped that he would be able to carry the legacy forward. "India has sent several luminaries to lead the ICC as administrators: Mr. Jagmohan Dalmiya, Mr. Sharad Pawar, Mr. N. Srinivasan, and Mr. Shashank Manohar. I am sure he will build on their legacy and take the game of cricket forward," he added. Former India skipper <keyword id="19951519" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Sourav-Ganguly" source="keywords">Sourav Ganguly</keyword>, who was the BCCI president during Shah's first term wrote, "Congratulations to Jay Shah @JayShah on his new role as ICC chair.. wish him a great journey ahead .." (sic) India's batting mainstay Virat Kohli also congratulated Shah for his new role. "Many congratulations @JayShah on being elected as the ICC chairman. Wishing you great success ahead," he wrote. India's Test and ODI skipper Rohit Sharma wrote, "Heartiest Congratulations @JayShah." Jasprit Bumrah also extended his wishes, "Congratulations @Jay Shah bhai! Your passion for the game will ensure it's taken to the next level. Wishing you lots of luck!"

Jay Shah's endeavours as BCCI secretary made it a pioneer for others to follow: Sachin Tendulkar

As <keyword id="19895063" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="India" source="keywords">India</keyword>'s <keyword id="19916774" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="exports" source="keywords">exports</keyword> in the first quarter of 2024-25 (April-June) crossed the $200 billion mark, the government has expressed its optimism about reaching its full-year target of $800 billion. "We are quite optimistic and it gives us optimism that we'd be crossing our <keyword id="19944038" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="USD" source="keywords">USD</keyword> 800 billion of trade this year," Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal said on Monday while releasing India's trade data for June. India's overall exports, merchandise and services combined in the month of June were to the tune of $65.47 billion, a 5.4% rise on a yearly basis, commerce ministry data showed. Same month last year it was at $62.12 billion. In break up, <keyword id="22419320" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="exports-of-merchandise-goods" source="Orion">exports of merchandise goods</keyword> rose from $34.32 billion to $35.20 billion, and exports of services rose from $27.79 to $30.27 billion. In May, merchandise and services exports combined were to the tune of $68.29 billion, a 10.2% rise on a yearly basis. The country's <keyword id="19933566" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="imports" source="keywords">imports</keyword> too increased year-on-year in June, data showed today. The same was the case in May. The overall imports, both merchandise and services combined, increased from $69.12 billion to $73.47 billion, a rise of about 6.3%, in June. In the recently concluded financial year 2023-24, India registered record exports at $778 billion. In 2022-23, the country exported goods and services combined at $776.3 billion. In break up, services exports rose from $325.3 billion to $341.1 billion in 2023-24. Merchandise exports though marginally declined from $451.1 billion to $437.1 billion. Among various steps the government took was to launch a <keyword id="8870884" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Production-Linked-Incentive" source="Orion">Production Linked Incentive</keyword> (PLI) scheme in varied sectors, including electronic goods, to make Indian manufacturers globally competitive, attract investments, enhance exports, integrate India into the global supply chain and reduce dependency on imports. These seemed to have reaped dividends. China, Russia, Iraq, <keyword id="19908927" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="uae" source="keywords">UAE</keyword>, and Singapore were among the countries where India's exports in the just-concluded financial year have risen substantially, though with a low base. The other countries in the Top 10 list are the UK, Australia, Saudi Arabia, the Netherlands, and <keyword id="19899437" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="south-africa" source="keywords">South Africa</keyword>. Overall imports declined from $898.0 billion in 2022-23 to $853.8 billion. Both merchandise and services exports declined during the financial year. Overall trade deficit significantly improved from $121.6 billion in 2022-23 to $75.6 billion in 2023-24.

India's Apr-Jun quarter exports cross $200 bln, government optimistic of reaching  $800 bln annual target

The <keyword id="19987636" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Bihar-government" source="keywords">Bihar government</keyword> is making serious efforts to give a fillip to <keyword id="23049947" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="small-scale-and-medium-enterprises" source="Orion">small-scale and medium enterprises</keyword> which would play a crucial role in the overall <keyword id="352701" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="economic-development" source="Orion">economic development</keyword> of the state, a top official of the Industries department said. Around Rs 2,900 crore have been disbursed to nearly 74,540 beneficiaries under two schemes, one of which was launched only last year, for promoting Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises ( <keyword id="19910977" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="MSMEs" source="keywords">MSMEs</keyword>) in the state, the official said. <keyword id="19903647" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="bihar" source="keywords">Bihar</keyword> has a strong MSME base. To promote innovation ecosystem and unlock the enormous entrepreneurial potential of the state, the Mukhya Mantri Udyami Yojana (MMUY) and <keyword id="23049946" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Bihar-Laghu-Udyami-Yojana" source="keywords">Bihar Laghu Udyami Yojana</keyword> (BLUY) were launched in 2018 and 2023 respectively focusing on promotion of MSMEs in the state. "A total of Rs 2,697 crore was disbursed to 34,441 beneficiaries from 2018 till now under MMUY. Similarly, till date Rs 200 crore of the first instalment has been disbursed to 40,099 beneficiaries under BLUY", Secretary, Department of Industries, Bandana Preyashi told PTI. On the one hand, Bihar is getting big ticket investments for major manufacturing units and on the other hand, the state government is also enabling an ecosystem where the MSMEs can thrive on the ground level for the benefit of the rural economy, Preyashi said. The Bihar Laghu Udyami Yojana aims to provide job opportunities to at least one member of poor families whose monthly income is less than Rs 6,000 a month, she said. The state government is providing Rs 2 lakh to each beneficiary in three instalments to set up and run micro and small industrial and processing units, Preyashi said. The government's objective is promotion of MSMEs through awareness, training and handholding support, the Industries secretary said. The state government is encouraging entrepreneurs and investors through the provision of a safe and sound work environment and basic infrastructural facilities which include land, roads, electricity, and water availability, she said. The Industries secretary further said, "With new policies of the state government, Bihar is witnessing significant investment promotion activities, reinforcing its position as an emerging business and industrial hub in the country. During the Bihar Business Connect 2023, 278 companies signed MoUs, committing to investments totalling Rs 50,530 crore." the secretary said. The state government has implemented the Bihar Industrial Investment Promotion Policy (BIPP), Bihar Logistics Policy 2023, Ethanol Production Incentive Policy 2021 and Textile and Leather Policy 2022 to promote industrial growth and investment in the state. "Under these policies, stage-1 clearance was given to 481 applications, with a proposed investment amount of Rs 4,512.85 crore. A total of 175 units were given clearance for financial incentives with an investment of Rs 2,195.10 crore, an all-time high, since the inception of the state investment promotion policies," she said. In 2023-24, 255 startups were recognized in the state and a total of Rs 11.92 crore has been disbursed as seed funding to these startups. From April 2023 to January 2024, Bihar Industrial Area Development Authority (BIADA) allotted plots/sheds to 427 units having a total investment size of Rs 6,145 crore covering 492 acres of land and also creating 35,224 employment in the state, said the secretary. "Infrastructure development in industrial areas was given top priority. Funds of Rs 409.33 crore were approved under Part I and Rs 212.68 crore for construction of unity mall under special assistance to states in 2023-24. In the current financial year of 2024-25,149 units have been granted stage I clearance for a proposed investment amount in Rs 3,950.48 crore in Bihar State Investment Promotion Board", she said. At present, Bihar's proposal to establish a multi-sector Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Nawanagar and Kumarbagh has been approved by the Government of India. "Authorities concerned are also working on the establishment of Export Promotion Councils (EPCs) in Bihar that will help Bihari Exporters to expand their businesses to international markets", said the secretary. Bihar Chief Minister <keyword id="19907431" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="nitish-kumar" source="keywords">Nitish Kumar</keyword> on August 3 this year laid the foundation stone for Rs 1,600 crore cement grinding unit of Ambuja Concrete North Private Limited, a subsidiary of Adani group's Ambuja Cements, in Warisaliganj block in Nawada district. This is considered the largest investment in the state by a cement industry player. "The project is expected to create 250 direct jobs and 1,000 indirect jobs on the site. The project will meet the growing infrastructure needs of Bihar. Adani Group has decided to invest additional Rs 5,500 crore in Bihar in various sectors, including cement manufacturing (in Muzaffarpur), logistics (near Patna) and projects related to agro-industry in Araria, Kishanganj and Begusarai. A total of 40,000 employment will be generated by these investments", said the statement issued by the CMO after the conclusion of the event on August 4.

Bihar government disburses Rs 2,900 crore to 74,540 beneficiaries for promoting MSMEs: Official

Rupee appreciated 7 paise to 84.22 against the US dollar in morning trade on Tuesday, on a sharp rebound in domestic equities amid improved investor risk appetite. Forex traders said the <keyword id="21663515" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="MSCI-equity-index" source="keywords">MSCI equity index</keyword> rebalancing significantly boosted sentiment for Indian equity markets as <keyword id="19932515" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="foreign-institutional-investors" source="keywords">foreign institutional investors</keyword> broke a 40-session streak of net selling by purchasing Rs 9,947 crores on Monday, lending robust support to the rupee. Moreover, the win by the incumbent government in Maharashtra, further fueled investor confidence in economic stability, sparking a rally in equity markets. At the interbank foreign exchange, the rupee opened at 84.27 and moved in a tight range and touched an early high of 84.22 against the greenback, registering a gain of 7 paise over its previous close. On Monday, the rupee appreciated 12 paise to close at 84.29 against US dollar. "While Donald Trump's aggressive trade policies loom large, the rupee's outlook remains cautiously optimistic. The <keyword id="19899810" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Reserve-Bank-of-India" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Reserve Bank of India" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Reserve Bank of India">Reserve Bank of India</keyword>'s projection of a GDP growth rebound to 7.6 per cent in Q3 has infused fresh confidence in India's economic trajectory. Additionally, a surge in capital inflows is likely to provide robust support," CR Forex Advisors MD Amit Pabari said. Pabari further said that the RBI's vigilant stance will be critical in managing volatility, with interventions likely at key levels to maintain stability. "Given the factors, the USDINR pair appears to face resistance around the 84.50 level, with expectations of trading within a range of 83.80 to 84.50, leaning toward a downside bias," he said. On the global front, US Treasury Secretary nominee Scott Bessent's fiscal deficit reduction agenda capped US Treasury yields, Pabari said. The dollar index, which gauges the greenback's strength against a basket of six currencies, was trading higher by 0.28 per cent at 107.11. Brent crude, the global oil benchmark, rose by 0.33 per cent to USD 73.25 per barrel in futures trade. In the domestic equity market, the 30-share equity benchmark Sensex jumped 167.76 points or 0.21 per cent to 80,277.61 points in early trade, while Nifty jumped 55.80 points or 0.23 per cent to 24,277.70 points. Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) turned net buyers in the capital markets on Monday, purchasing shares worth Rs 9,947.55 crore, according to exchange data. SEE ALSO:<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/oneplus-open-oxygenos-15-update-now-rolling-out-with-flux-themes-improved-ai-features-and-more/articleshow/115657313.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/oneplus-open-oxygenos-15-update-now-rolling-out-with-flux-themes-improved-ai-features-and-more/articleshow/115657313.cms" target="_blank">OnePlus Open OxygenOS 15 update now rolling out with Flux Themes, improved AI features and more</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/microsofts-ai-powered-recall-feature-is-now-rolling-out-to-copilot-pcs/articleshow/115654136.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/microsofts-ai-powered-recall-feature-is-now-rolling-out-to-copilot-pcs/articleshow/115654136.cms" target="_blank">Microsoft’s AI-powered Recall feature is now rolling out to Copilot+ PCs</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/telecom/news/jio-airtel-and-vi-lost-nearly-11-million-subscribers-in-september-2024/articleshow/115565541.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/telecom/news/jio-airtel-and-vi-lost-nearly-11-million-subscribers-in-september-2024/articleshow/115565541.cms" target="_blank">Jio, Airtel and Vi lost nearly 11 million subscribers in September 2024</a>

Rupee rises 7 paise to 84.22 against US dollar in early trade

The just-announced <keyword id="22906567" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Unified-Pension-Scheme" source="keywords">Unified Pension Scheme</keyword> for central <keyword id="19933272" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="government-employees" source="keywords">government employees</keyword> will be available only for those who are currently subscribers of the New Pension Scheme (NPS), including retirees. The new scheme guarantees employees 50% of their average basic pay over the last 12 months before retirement, as a pension for a minimum qualifying service of 25 years against a market returns linked payout under the NPS. According to the scheme approved by the Union Cabinet, the pension will be proportionate for a lesser service period of up to a minimum of 10 years. Also, assured pension of Rs 10,000 per month on superannuation after a minimum of 10 years of service will be provided. The scheme has been brought out to address the concerns of government employees over NPS, which came into effect from January 1, 2004. Under the <keyword id="3246232" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Old-Pension-Scheme" source="Orion">old pension scheme</keyword> (OPS), effective before January 2004, employees got 50 % of their last drawn basic pay as pension. Unlike the old pension scheme, UPS is contributory in nature, wherein employees will be required to contribute 10% of their basic salary and dearness allowance while the employer's contribution (the central government) will be 18.5%. Under the NPS, the employer contribution is 14%, and the employee contribution is 10%. However, the eventual payout depends on the market returns on that corpus, mostly invested in government debt. Employees, under the OPS, were not required to make any contribution. They, however, contributed to the General Provident Fund (GPF). The accumulated amount, along with interest, was paid to the employee at the time of retirement. As the NPS was less attractive than the OPS, several non-BJP-ruled states decided to go back to the old pension scheme, which offered a DA-linked benefit. This prompted the Centre to constitute a committee in April 2023, under former Finance Secretary and now Cabinet Secretary-designate TV Somanathan to suggest improvement in the NPS architecture. Fulfilling the long pending demands of government employees ahead of assembly elections in Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir, the Union Cabinet on August 24 approved the UPS, which will provide assured pension to 23 lakh eligible central government employees. Those opting for the UPS will not be able to switch back. The UPS will put an additional burden of Rs 6,250 crore on the exchequer per year. The expenditure will vary every year according to variations in the number of employees. In addition, there will be an arrear of Rs 800 crore that has to be paid under the National Pension System (NPS) to employees retiring before March 31, 2025. If these retirees opt for UPS, they will receive arrears. "UPS is being implemented by the Central Government, benefitting 23 lakh central government employees," Information &amp; Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said on X on Sunday. If states also adopt the UPS architecture, a total of over 90 lakh government employees, who are presently on NPS, would be benefitted, he added. On Sunday, Maharashtra, where assembly elections are due later in the year, became the first state to announce the adoption of the UPS for its employees. RSS-affiliate Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) said though the government has attempted to overcome the shortcomings of the NPS, there are still some issues compared to OPS. BMS will decide its future course of action only after a detailed study of the UPS after it is notified. All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) said it is nothing but an extension of the existing NPS. The trade union expressed apprehensions that UPS will have a lot of aberrations once implemented. AITUC reiterated that it will continue to fight for the restoration of the non-contributory OPS. ICRA Chief Economist Aditi Nayar said assured pensions will add to the government's committed expenditure in the future while reducing the uncertainty for employees. "This will have to be built into the fiscal consolidation roadmap going ahead," Nayar added. The UPS reflects a thoughtful approach to long-term social security, addressing concerns about the adequacy and sustainability of pension benefits in a rapidly changing economic landscape, said Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas &amp; Co Partner Dorothy Thomas. "This move signals the government's commitment to providing robust support for its workforce, enhancing financial stability for millions of government employees across the country," Thomas said.

Over 23 lakh govt employees under NPS get option to choose unified pension scheme

Dhaka: People in <keyword id="19919639" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Bangladesh" source="keywords">Bangladesh</keyword> have welcomed the new <keyword id="21030472" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="interim-government" source="keywords">interim government</keyword> led by <keyword id="19931890" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Nobel-laureate" source="keywords">Nobel laureate</keyword> <keyword id="20024384" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Muhammad-Yunus" source="keywords">Muhammad Yunus</keyword>, hoping it would restore order, end repression and hold a fair election to facilitate a democratic transition of power. Yunus, 84, on Thursday took oath as the head of an interim government, replacing <keyword id="20024637" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Sheikh-Hasina" source="keywords">Sheikh Hasina</keyword> who abruptly resigned and fled to India leaving the country in turmoil following deadly protests against her government over a controversial quota system in jobs. He was sworn in as the chief advisor - a position equivalent to prime minister. Women's rights activist Farida Akhtar, right-wing party Hefazat-e-Islam's deputy chief AFM Khalid Hossain, Grameen Telecom trustee Nurjahan Begum, freedom fighter Sharmeen Murshid, chairman of Chittagong Hill Tracts Development Board Supradip Chakma, Prof Bidhan Ranjan Roy and former foreign secretary Touhid Hossain are among the advisory council members. Dhaka University Professor Emeritus Serajul Islam Choudhury said that one of the duties of the interim government would be to restore order, which has been disrupted over the last few days following the fall of Hasina. "The other task is to ensure the safety of citizens," The Daily Star newspaper quoted Choudhury as saying after the oath-taking of the interim government. The government would also need to eliminate all forms of oppression and the culture of fear prevailing across the country, he said. However, the main responsibility of the government, he emphasised, would be to hold a fair and acceptable election to facilitate a democratic transition of power. Eminent jurist Kamal Hossain said, "The change that has happened was welcomed by everyone. There has been an extraordinary turnout at the event. Everyone feels that change has come. "We hope they [members of the advisory council] will be able to address the new crises. People will expect a meaningful change -- let this be that change," he said. Barrister Sara Hossain said: "My main expectation from this government is that it will enable substantial reforms to institutions in Bangladesh and clear the path for truth-telling about what has happened not only in the immediate past or the past few weeks but even over the last 14 years and before that." The students' anti-discrimination movement was for reforms and against repression and these should be the interim government's main themes, she told the newspaper. "What I perhaps am a bit troubled by is that, unlike previous years, there is no balance of political background and police. We obviously have no representation from (Hasina-led) Awami League. This absence of balance could cause a problem," she said, Bangladesh has a secular Constitution, history and tradition, which has not denied any faith but encouraged pluralism, but the swearing-in today did not reflect that, she said, expressing hope that "it is not a sign of things to come." The inclusion of students is of course unprecedented, she said, adding, "But I think it can only add energy to the whole process ... I believe they can be a part of keeping the interim government in the right direction and keep it within the demands of the students and general people. We need to remember that even post-Liberation in 1971, we had many young leaders." Samina Luthfa, associate professor at Dhaka University, said, "While I welcome the interim government, it is to be noted that many of them are from non-government organisations and require a specific kind of skill set. However, there is much work to be done to reform the nation, whether they have the skills for that remains a question. I think including the students [leaders of the anti-discrimination student movement] in the government brings hope." Asked whether minority and women representation were enough, she said, "I believe those could be higher. Many other women and actors from religious minority backgrounds are skilled and have been supporting the movement, they too could have been included. More people from these segments of society could have ensured a higher possibility of a 'discrimination-free' country." She added that since the Jamaat-e-Islami was banned, the Hefazat Ameer may have been included to balance out participation from all religious backgrounds. "We are in an extraordinary situation and of course, we cannot expect everything to be perfect already, it will all take time. "However, at this moment, the first thing the interim government must look after is the safety of all citizens, justice, the economy, and restoring law and order."

Bangladesh welcomes new interim government led by Muhammad Yunus with hope for normalcy

The parents were right, folks; we should have been looking out for a government job, especially if you reside in the startup capital of India. In a move that has left <keyword id="19974189" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="private-sector" source="keywords">private sector</keyword> employees green with envy, the <keyword id="19896017" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="karnataka" source="keywords">Karnataka</keyword> cabinet on Monday decided to implement the recommendations of the <keyword id="20985744" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Seventh-Pay-Commission" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Seventh Pay Commission" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Seventh Pay Commission">Seventh Pay Commission</keyword>, resulting in an impressive 27.5% hike in the basic salary of state government employees. <h2><keyword id="20727223" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="pay-hike" source="keywords">Pay hike</keyword> like few others</h2>The Chief Minister is expected to make the official announcement in the Legislative Assembly, detailing how over seven lakh state government employees will benefit from this substantial increase starting August 1, as per sources. The Seventh Pay Commission, chaired by former chief secretary K Sudhakar Rao, has recommended this hefty pay rise, which will cost the state exchequer an additional Rs 17,440.15 crore annually. This move comes on the heels of the interim 17% salary hike given by the former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai in March 2023, to which the current administration is adding another 10.5%, making the total hike 27.5%. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="111663090" title="The latest trick companies could be using to pay workers less" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>The decision for this remarkable pay raise wasn't just an act of benevolence, however. The Karnataka State Government Employees Association had announced plans to go on an indefinite strike starting August, pressuring the Siddaramaiah government to act decisively. With this hike, the state administration aims to not only meet the demands of its employees but also to bolster morale and productivity within its workforce. <h2>Miles above the average</h2>To put this in perspective, let's compare the raise to the private sector. HR research firm Aon's latest survey indicates that while India Inc. is set to offer an average hike of 9.5% in 2024, the manufacturing sector is expected to be the most generous with a 10.1% increase. Financial institutions come close with a 9.9% hike, and Global Capability Centres (GCCs) of multinational firms are likely to offer 9.8%. Even tech product companies, known for their competitive salaries, are projected to give an average hike of 9.5%. Yet, all these figures pale in comparison to the Karnataka government's increment. <h2><keyword id="21315567" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="employee-retention" source="keywords">Employee retention</keyword></h2>As private companies grapple with attrition rates that have almost reached pre-pandemic levels, the Karnataka government's move could be seen as a strategic effort to attract and retain talent. Aon's study shows that attrition in 2023 was 18.7%, a decrease from over 21% in 2021 and 2022. By offering a significant pay hike, the Karnataka government is positioning itself as an attractive employer in a competitive <keyword id="19916569" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="job-market" source="keywords">job market</keyword>. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="111115782" title="Flexibility, salary key jobseeker parameters for new roles in India: Report" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>However, even if you look at salary increments across Asia Pacific countries, India's expected average hike of 9.5% is significantly higher than its neighbours. Bangladesh follows at 7.3%, China at 5.7%, and Japan at a modest 3.6%. Karnataka's 27.5% hike, therefore, is not just a national highlight but an extraordinary figure in the broader regional context. In an era where private sector employees are often seen as the beneficiaries of generous pay hikes, Karnataka's state government has flipped the script. With this 27.5% salary hike, the allure of a government job in Karnataka has never been stronger.

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