The Report comprises of 18,626 pages and is an outcome of extensive consultations with stakeholders, experts and research work over 191 days, since its constitution on September 2, 2023.

The committee submitted the report in the presence of all committee members including Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) chief Gulam Nabi Azad and others.

Recently the High Level Committee also met and interacted with representatives of several Political parties including BJP, Trinamool Congress, Samajwadi Party, CPI, CPI(M), AIMIM, RPI, Apna Dal etc.

Representatives of these parties also handed over their suggestions in writing to the committee.

The High-Level Committee relating to the holding of simultaneous elections in the country has initiated a consultation process under the chairmanship of Ram Nath Kovind, former President of India.

The High-Level Committee recently also sought public opinion regarding the one nation, one election issue. The public notice issued stated, “Notice for inviting suggestions from members of the general public for making appropriate changes in the existing legal administrative framework to enable simultaneous elections in the country.”

The central government in September last year constituted a high-level Committee to examine the issue of ‘One Nation, One Election’ and make recommendations for holding simultaneous elections in the country.

The central idea behind ‘One Nation One Election’ is to synchronize the timing of Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections across all States to reduce the frequency of polls throughout the country.

This concept was the practice till 1967, but it was disrupted due to various reasons such as defections, dismissals, and dissolutions of government. (ANI)

This growth forecast by the global rating agency is 20 basis points higher than the government’s estimate of 7.6 per cent.

India’s economic growth has continued to outperform forecasts; real GDP rose by 8.4 per cent year-on-year in the October-December quarter, a much stronger increase than Ficth said what it had expected.

India’s GDP grew at a massive 8.4 per cent during the October-December quarter of the current financial year 2023-24 and the country continued to remain the fastest-growing major economy.

The Indian economy grew 7.8 per cent and 7.6 per cent during the preceding two quarters – April-June and July-September. The strength of domestic demand has driven the economy to a 7 per cent plus growth rate in the last three years. India’s economy grew 7.2 per cent in 2022-23 and 8.7 per cent in 2021-22, respectively.

For 2024-25, Ficth expects the Indian economy to continue its strong expansion, with real GDP forecast to increase by 7.0 per cent in 2024-25, a 0.5 percentage points upward revision from its December forecasts.

“Domestic demand, especially investment, will be the main driver of growth, amid sustained levels of business and consumer confidence,” Fitch said.

Delving upon consumer price inflation, it outlined how it picked up in the last months of 2023 driven by food prices. CPI inflation reached 5.7 per cent in December, before falling to 5.1 per cent in February.

“We expect headline inflation to steadily decrease to 4 per cent by calendar year-end on the assumption that recent food price volatility will subside,” Fitch said.

“The RBI has kept its key policy rate at 6.5%, and in its communication has focused on confirming its hawkish policy stance of “withdrawal of monetary accommodation” and the need to bring inflation down towards target. We now think that the RBI will cut rates only in 2H24 and by 50bp (revised from 75bp in December) in view of the stronger growth outlook.”

The retail inflation in India though is in RBI’s 2-6 per cent comfort level but is above the ideal 4 per cent scenario.

Barring the recent pauses, the RBI has raised the repo rate by 250 basis points cumulatively to 6.5 per cent since May 2022 in the fight against inflation. Raising interest rates is a monetary policy instrument that typically helps suppress demand in the economy, thereby helping the inflation rate decline.

At the latest monetary policy meeting, the RBI pegged India’s retail inflation projections for 2024-25 at 4.5 per cent, with Q1 at 5.0 per cent, Q2 at 4.0 per cent, Q3 at 4.6 per cent, and Q4 at 4.7 per cent, with risks evenly balanced.

Meanwhile, Fitch Ratings has raised its 2024 global GDP growth forecast by 0.3 percentage points to 2.4 per cent in its latest Global Economic Outlook (GEO), arguing that the prospects for growth world over in the near-term have improved and.

This reflects a sharp upward revision to the US growth forecast to 2.1 per cent, from 1.2 per cent in the December 2023 estimates.

The revision to the US outweighs a marginal cut to its China 2024 growth forecast – to 4.5 per cent from 4.6 per cent – and a small revision to its eurozone forecast, to 0.6 per cent from 0.7 per cent.

The rating agency its latest report also revised upwardly the growth forecast for emerging markets excluding China by 0.1 percentage point to 3.2 per cent, with forecasts raised for India, Russia and Brazil.

Fitch expects world growth in 2025 to edge up to 2.5 per cent (unchanged from before) as the eurozone finally recovers on a pick-up in real wages and consumption – but US growth slows.

“And with lagged effects from last year’s monetary tightening still to come through as real interest rates rise (in the US), we expect quarter-on-quarter growth to slow to a significantly below-trend rate later this year,” Fitch said.

The eurozone continues to stagnate, with Germany’s recession weighing on France and the rest of the bloc, it said.

“The German economy faces structural growth constraints but it has also been hit by a string of major shocks that are unlikely to be repeated. Growth should pick up in the medium term as the ECB cuts rates, world trade recovers and the impact of the energy shock fades.”

“China’s property collapse continues unabated – housing sales now look likely to fall sharply again this year – and evidence of deflationary pressures is rising. But fiscal easing is being stepped up materially and this has cushioned the impact on the GDP forecast.”

On the monetary policy side, Fitch expects both the US Federal Reserve and ECB to cut rates three times, by a total of 75 basis points, by year-end.

“But both central banks want to see more evidence that recent disinflation progress is durable before starting out on the policy-easing process. We have pushed back the date of the first Fed cut to July from our previous expectation of June. We have also pushed back the date of the first ECB cut to June from April,” Fitch said. (ANI)

]]> https://indiapost.com/fitch-raises-india-2023-24-growth-forecast-above-government-estimates/feed/ 0 https://indiapost.com/mha-to-launch-helpline-numbers-to-assist-applicants-for-indian-citizenship-under-caa/ https://indiapost.com/mha-to-launch-helpline-numbers-to-assist-applicants-for-indian-citizenship-under-caa/#respond Wed, 13 Mar 2024 12:55:22 +0000 https://indiapost.com/?p=190755 NEW DELHI: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said on Wednesday that helpline numbers will be launched soon to assist applicants for Indian citizenship under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 (CAA-2019).

According to MHA, the applicants will be able to get information related to CAA-2019 by calling free of cost.

“Helpline number to assist applicants for Indian citizenship under CAA -2019 will be launched soon. Applicants will be able to get information related to CAA-2019 by calling free of cost from anywhere in India. The service will be available from 8 am to 8 pm,” MHA posted on X.

The MHA on Monday notified CAA Rules, 2024 removing legal barriers to rehabilitation and citizenship to such persons, and will give a dignified life to refugees who have suffered for decades.

Earlier, the MHA provided a web portal on which eligible non-Muslim migrants from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan fleeing religious persecution can now seek Indian citizenship.

A mobile app ‘CAA-2019’ will also be launched very soon to facilitate applications through mobile app.

Now, the persons persecuted from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh on religious grounds of six minority communities – Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians– can apply for the grant of Indian citizenship on portal https:/indiancitizenshiponline.nic.in.

The portal was made available on Monday night soon after the MHA notified the rules under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 (CAA-2019), now called the Citizenship (Amendment) Rules, 2024. The rules grant Indian citizenship to these refugees who had sought shelter in India before December 31, 2014.

This is a specific portal on which the people persecuted from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh on religious grounds can apply for Indian citizenship. All the six minority communities– Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians– persecuted from the three countries, who had sought shelter in India before December 31, 2014, can submit applications in a completely online mode on the web portal named “Indian Citizenship Online Portal”.

An application will be submitted to an Empowered Committee through the District Level Committee headed by a designated officer. All documents along with photographs are to be uploaded online and the applications will be processed after a background check by security agencies.

As the CAA is for undocumented people from the six communities, a clutch of documents including those issued by Government authorities in Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh to be uploaded by CAA applicants to get citizenship.

As per the rules, the applicant will have to appear in person to subscribe the application and take oath of allegiance, failing which the district-level committee may recommend refusal.

The applicants will have to produce an “eligibility certificate” issued by a “locally reputed community institution” confirming that he or she belongs to “Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi and Christian community and continue to be a member of the above mentioned community.

The online application process provides multiple categories under which an applicant can seek Indian citizenship. These include: (i) a person of Indian origin (ii) a person married to a citizen of India (iii) a minor child of an Indian citizen (iv) a person whose parents are Indian citizens (v) a person who or either of parents was a citizen of Independent India (vi) a person registered as Overseas Citizen of India Cardholder (vii) a person seeking citizenship by naturalisation – an adult registered as overseas citizen of India for five years, and who has been living in India for a year.

The applicant can submit any of the following documents while applying for Indian citizenship under CAA: (i) Copy of passport issued by Afghanistan, Bangladesh or Pakistan government (ii) birth certificate issued by a government authority in these countries (iii) educational certificate from a school/college/board or university in Afghanistan, Bangladesh or Pakistan (iv) identity document of any kind issued by government authorities in these countries (v) residential permit issued by Foreigners Regional Registration Officer or Foreigners Registration Officer in India (vi)any licence issued by government authorities in these three countries (vii) land or tenancy records in these countries (viii) Any document that shows that either of the parents or grandparents or great-grandparents of the applicant is or had been a citizen of these countries. In effect, any document issued by a government authority in Afghanistan or Bangladesh or Pakistan to establish that the applicant is from either of these countries is valid for the citizenship process. This applies even if the document is past its validity period.

The applicant will also need to prove that he or she entered India before the cut-off date of December 31, 2014. (ANI)

A bench of justices Surya Kant and KV Viswanathan’s suggestions came while dealing with the matter relating to Kerala’s plea against Centre over financial matters.

The court remarked to the Centre that they can be slightly liberal, give a one-time package as a special case and apply more rigid conditions in future budgets.

The court also suggested giving the special package to Kerala by March 31 subject to harsher conditions than other States. For the existing States you will be liberal next time, the court remarked

Senior advocate Kapil Sibal mentioned Kerala’s suit the matter before the Supreme Court on Tuesday and apprised the court that Centre is not releasing any money to the tune of 19000 crore.

The court suggested the Centre and Kerala to try and work out.

The court said that it will hear the matter tomorrow.

Earlier the Supreme Court had directed the Kerala Govt to hold a meeting with Centre and state officials to resolve the financial issues arising between them.

Earlier in its affidavit, the Kerala Government said that the Central Government accounts for approximately 60 per cent of the total debt or outstanding liabilities of India.

In an affidavit, the Kerala Government said that the Centre can’t control the debt of state and the justification put forth by the Union Government to control the borrowings of the Kerala State are fallacious, exaggerated and unjustified.

Responding to the notes filed by the Attorney General, Kerala Government made submission and said, “The Central Government accounts for approximately 60 per cent of the total debt or outstanding liabilities of India. All the states put together account for the rest (approximately) 40 per cent of the total debt of the country. In fact, the Plaintiff State accounts for a miniscule 1.70-1.75 per cent of the total debt of the Centre and the States put together for the period 2019-2023.”

Kerala’s financial health and debt situation have attracted adverse observations from successive Finance Commissions (12th, 14th and 15th) as well as the CAG and it is one of the most financially unhealthy states as its fiscal edifice has been diagnosed with several cracks, Attorney General said in a note submitted before the Supreme Court.

Responding to Kerala’s government suit, the Centre in its affidavit, apprised the Supreme Court that Kerala has been one of the most financially unhealthy states, and its fiscal edifice of Kerala has been diagnosed with several cracks.

The Attorney General for India has filed a written note in the suit filed by Kerala Government where he said that debt of states affects the credit rating of the country.

The note was filed in response to the Kerala Government petition against Centre’s alleged interference in states’ finances and said that due to such interference the state is not able to fulfil the commitments in its annual budgets.

In a suit filed by Kerala government, it stated that state government deals with the executive power conferred on the Plaintiff State under Article 293 of the Constitution of India to borrow on the security or guarantee of the Consolidated Fund of the State in alignment with the fiscal autonomy of the Plaintiff State as guaranteed and enshrined in the Constitution.

Kerala Government, through its petition, said Centre through the Ministry of Finance (Public Finance-State Division), Department of Expenditure letters dated March 2023 & August 2023 and by amendments made to Section 4 of the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act, of 2003 sought to interfere with the finances of the state by imposing a net borrowing ceiling on the State.

The Kerala government said that such interference with the finances of the state was caused by imposing a net borrowing ceiling on the plaintiff state in the manner deemed fit by the defendant union, which limits borrowings from all sources, including open market borrowings. (ANI)

]]> https://indiapost.com/sc-suggests-centre-to-be-liberal-on-relaxing-borrowing-conditions-to-kerala/feed/ 0 https://indiapost.com/this-is-a-khela-to-take-away-your-rights-mamata-banerjee-attacks-centre-over-caa-move/ https://indiapost.com/this-is-a-khela-to-take-away-your-rights-mamata-banerjee-attacks-centre-over-caa-move/#respond Tue, 12 Mar 2024 09:37:21 +0000 https://indiapost.com/?p=190746 NORTH 24 PARAGANAS: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday attacked the Centre over the timing of its decision to notify the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA), saying that she doubts the legality of CAA and she said that there is no clarity from the side of the Central government.

“Central Government implemented CAA yesterday, I am doubtful of its legality. There is no clarity from the Government over this. In 2019, names of 13 Lakh Hindu Bengalis, out of the total 19 Lakh, were removed from the list in Assam in the name of NRC. Several people died by suicide,” said West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee.

“Will they (whose names were removed) be granted citizenship if they seek?… What would be the future of their children? What about their property?… All your rights would be snatched, you would be branded ‘illegal’. This is a game (Khela) to strip you of your rights…You will be taken to detention camp…You (Centre) hear me, I will not let anyone be taken away from Bengal,” Mamata Banerjee asserted.

After the Bhartiya Janata Party-led Centre announced the CAA notification on Monday (March 11), Opposition parties strongly criticised the move, calling it an action by the Centre to create division and polarise the upcoming general elections.

Several leaders from the Opposition bloc have expressed their disappointment over the Centre’s decision.

Meanwhile, on Tuesday, Shiv Sena (UBT) Spokesperson Anand Dubey questioned the timing of the recent Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) notification, suggesting that the government had a decade to introduce it.

Dubey expressed his concerns, stating, “We are sitting in March 2024, if you wanted to bring a law, you had ten years, you could have brought the law. Now when the code of conduct will be imposed in 2-4 days, then you are bringing the law…Today you have implemented the Citizenship Amendment Act CAA, what will happen from this? There are elections ahead, that’s why you are doing all these things.”

Dubey suggested that the motive behind the sudden implementation is to create an atmosphere of anarchy in the country, influencing the electoral landscape.

“BJP can do anything to win the elections. They don’t care about the promises made by them to the people, this is all Jumlabazi. They don’t want to address the main issues such as inflation and unemployment in the country,” Dubey said.

Training guns at the BJP, he said, “Do you know the meaning of Ram Rajya? Shri Ram went to exile to fulfil the promises made by him, and you break parties, put people in jail?, talk about Vipaksh mukt Bharat? These (implementation of CAA) are all tactics to win the elections, but the people of the country know everything.”

Also, AAP leader and Delhi Minister Atishi suspected a political motive behind the implementation of the act just before the elections.

“Just a few days before the Lok Sabha elections, CAA is being brought. What does this show? This shows that Modi govt knows that they haven’t done any work in the last 10 years,” AAP leader Atishi said.

“The youth today is unemployed, there are no homes for the poor, and inflation is increasing. Rather than bringing people from the neighbouring countries, why doesn’t he offer employment, provide home to the people of this country?” she said.

On Monday evening, the Union Home Ministry notified rules for implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), days ahead of the announcement of the Lok Sabha elections schedule.

The CAA, introduced by the Narendra Modi government and passed by Parliament in 2019, aims to provide Indian citizenship to persecuted non-Muslim migrants – including Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, Parsis, and Christians – who migrated from Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan and arrived in India before December 31, 2014. (ANI)

Making the announcement after a meeting of the BJP legislators in Chandigarh, Haryana BJP MLA Krishan Lal Middha says, “Nayab Singh Saini to be next CM of Haryana. All people are now going to meet the Governor.

The BJP and its allies, 6 independent MLAs will now meet the governor. The new Chief Minister is expected to be sworn in later today. In the 90-member Haryana Assembly, the BJP has 41 MLAs. It also enjoys the support of 5 independent MLAs and the Haryana Lokhit Party MLA Gopal Kanda.

Karnal BJP MP Sanjay Bhatia said, “…It is the CM’s right to choose his cabinet and he will do so in consultation with the party…We will win all 10 Lok Sabha seats of Haryana…

In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP had won all 10 parliamentary seats while JJP, which had contested the elections in alliance with AAP, could not put up a fight on 7 seats it contested.

Kurukshetra MP Nayab Singh Saini, was appointed Haryana BJP state president in October last year. Nayab Singh Saini won the Kurukshetra constituency in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections by more than 3.83 lakh votes over his nearest challenger, Nirmal Singh of the Indian National Congress (INC).

Saini, who was elected MLA for the first time in 2014 and has since served as a minister, is regarded as Manohar Lal Khattar’s confidante. The Saini caste accounts for around 8 per cent of the Haryana population, with a substantial presence in pockets of Kurukshetra, Yamunanagar, Ambala, Hisar, and Rewari districts which will have significant impact on Lok Sabha election.

Saini’s involvement with the BJP began in 1996, when he joined the Haryana BJP’s organisational structure, serving alongside the state general secretary until 2000. He rose through the ranks to become the district general secretary of the BJP Youth Wing in Ambala in 2002, followed by his appointment as district president in 2005.

Earlier, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Tuesday resigned from the state Chief Minister hours after the BJP alliance with the Jannayak Janata Party (JJP) broke. The JJP led by Deputy CM Dushyant Chautala had 10 MLAs in the Haryana Assembly. Manohar Lal Khattar submitted his resignation letter to Haryana Governor Bandaru Dattatreya. (ANI)

Both aircraft carriers showcased the growing capabilities of the Navy to safeguard India’s maritime interests. The demonstration served as a powerful testament to the crucial role of sea-based air power in maintaining maritime superiority.

Rajnath Singh commended the Indian Navy for increasing its multi-dimensional capabilities in the Indian Ocean region and continuously emerging in a leadership role.

He appreciated the Navy’s efforts to work towards peace and prosperity across the Indo-Pacific region, in line with Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) as envisioned by Prime Minister Modi. He lauded the anti-piracy operations of the Indian Navy in the Indo-Pacific region which, he said, is being appreciated not only in India but across the globe.

“If India’s reputation has increased in the Indian Ocean Region and wider Indo-Pacific, it is due to the bravery and promptness of our Navy. It has become synonymous with credibility in the Indo-Pacific region. The Navy is a reflection of India’s growing stature on the global canvas,” he said.

The Raksha Mantri underscored the importance of the jointness and synergy of the three services amidst the constantly evolving geopolitical scenario.

He also spoke about the increasing use of drones in modern-day warfare and various maritime operations. He urged the commanders to remain prepared to deal with all kinds of challenges, assuring the government’s all-possible support.

The Naval Commanders’ Conference, this time around, is being held in a hybrid format. It serves as a platform for Naval Commanders to deliberate on strategic, operational, and administrative matters concerning maritime security.

Held against the backdrop of evolving geopolitical dynamics, regional challenges and the current volatile maritime security situation in the region, the conference plays a pivotal role in shaping the future course of the Indian Navy. (ANI)

Also Read: In a first, Indian Navy women officers to join warships crew

Taking to X, PM Modi shared pictures from her meeting with Vyjayanthimala. In one of the images, PM Modi can be seen greeting Vyjayanthimala with folded hands.

“Glad to have met Vyjayanthimala Ji in Chennai. She has just been conferred the Padma Vibhushan and is admired across India for her exemplary contribution to the world of Indian cinema,” he wrote.

Recently, veteran actress Hema Malini also met Vyjayanthimala at her residence.

Taking to Instagram, Hema Malini shared a series of pictures of herself with the ‘Jewel Thief’ star.

Vyjayanthimala looked as evergreen as ever in a yellow saree. On the other hand, Hema Malini was dressed in a green suit.

“Most memorable day of my life – meeting my role model, the icon Vyjayanthimala along with her lovely family at her Chennai residence yesterday. She is so full of life, still so full of dance in her. She talks dance, lives dance and has a glow and aura around her. I was in as much awe as I was many years ago! Had a nostalgic discussion about her stint in films and her experiences in the industry. One has to learn a lot from her. It was a great moment for me to have been given so much love by this lovely lady – beautiful inside and out,” Hema Malini captioned the post.

Vyjayanthimala made her screen debut at the age of 16 with the Tamil film Vaazhkai (1949). ‘Devdas’, ‘Sangam’, ‘Madhumanti’ and ‘Naya Daur’ are some of her iconic films.

On the eve of Republic Day 2024, Padma Awards 2024 were announced. Vyjayanthimala was conferred the Padma Vibhushan, the nation’s second-highest civilian award. (ANI)

Also Read: Trinamool Congress attacks Centre ahead of PM Modi visit to West Bengal

Addressing a public rally in Dhanbad’s Sindri, PM Modi underlined that the growth rate of 8.4 percent registered during the financial quarter from October to December 2023 showcases India’s growing potential and fast-paced development towards realising the goal of Viksit Bharat.

“In the last 10 years, we have worked for Jharkhand while prioritizing the development of the tribal community, poor, youth and women. We have to make our country ‘Viksit’ before 2047. India is among the fastest-moving economies in the world… India has performed better than all expectations. The economic growth rate for the quarter of Oct-Dec was 8.4 per cent… For a ‘Viksit Bharat’, making Jharkhand a developed state is equally important,” the Prime Minister said.

“It is equally important to make Viksit Jharkhand for the creation of Viksit Bharat”, the Prime Minister said, highlighting the government’s all-round support to the state in its endeavor to become developed.

PM Modi expressed confidence that the land of Bhagwan Birsa Munda will become the source of energy for the resolutions of Viksit Bhart.

The Prime Minister made a short speech as he had to proceed to Dhanbad. He said that dreams and resolutions will get further strengthened and concluded with best wishes and congratulations for the people of Jharkhand.

Meanwhile, at a public rally in Dhanbad’s Sindri Chief Minister Champai Soren said, “We have to prosper Jharkhand. In Sindri, we need to enhance the irrigation facilities…Today is a special day for the state as the Prime Minister is here…The production of the Sindri plant will benefit the agriculture sector in the state and our farmers in many ways.”

Union Minister Arjun Munda said that agriculture produce in 2013-14 was 265 million tonnes, and it was 329 million tonnes in 2022-23.

“In 2013-14, budget allocation in the agriculture sector was Rs. 21,933 crore. Today in 2023-24, it is Rs.1,15,531 crores… Agriculture produce in 2013-14 was 265 million tonnes, and it was 329 million tonnes in 2022-23,” he added.

India’s GDP grew at a huge 8.4 per cent during the October-December quarter of the current financial year and the country continued to remain the fastest-growing major economy.

The Indian economy grew 7.8 per cent and 7.6 per cent during the preceding two quarters – April-June and July-September, data released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation on Thursday showed.

India’s real GDP growth for the current financial year ending in March 2024 is also pegged at 7 per cent by the Reserve Bank of India. It is 30 basis points lower than the National Statistics Office’s first estimates 7.3 per cent.

The strength of domestic demand has driven the economy to a 7 per cent plus growth rate in the last three years. India’s economy grew 7.2 per cent in 2022-23 and 8.7 per cent in 2021-22, respectively. (ANI)

Also Read: India growing faster than many major economies: Chouhan

Sources reveal that the rate of 19 kg commercial LPG gas cylinders has been raised by Rs 25.50, impacting consumers across various metro cities.

The revision in prices comes amid ongoing fluctuations in fuel costs and market dynamics.

According to the latest updates, the retail sales price of a 19 kg commercial LPG cylinder in Delhi will stand at Rs 1795 from March 1 onwards. This adjustment reflects the evolving landscape of fuel pricing and its implications for consumers.

Comparing the revised prices with previous rates offers insights into the extent of the increase. In metro cities like Kolkata, Mumbai, and Chennai, the prices of 19 kg Indane gas cylinders have also been revised upwards.

Kolkata will witness a price hike to Rs 1911, while Mumbai and Chennai will see prices rise to Rs 1749 and Rs 1960.50, respectively.

The escalation in prices follows a series of consecutive revisions in recent months. Previous prices of 19 kg Indane gas cylinders on January 1 and February 1, highlight the upward trajectory of fuel costs.

On February 1, the prices of Indane gas cylinders varied across metro cities, with Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Chennai each having distinct rates.

In Delhi, the price stood at Rs 1769.50, while Kolkata recorded Rs 1887, Mumbai Rs 1723.50, and Chennai Rs 1937. These prices served as the baseline for consumers at the beginning of the month.

However, with the advent of March 1, consumers witnessed a notable increase in the prices of Indane LPG gas cylinders across all metro cities.

In Delhi, the price surged by 1.44 per cent (Rs 25.5), reaching a new rate of Rs 1795. Similarly, Kolkata experienced an increase of 1.27 per cent (Rs 24), resulting in a revised price of Rs 1911.

Mumbai saw a rise of 1.48 per cent (Rs 25.5), bringing the price up to Rs 1749, while Chennai witnessed an increase of 1.21 per cent (Rs 23.5), setting the new rate at Rs 1960.50.

The impact of these price hikes is felt across various segments of society, highlighting the broader economic ramifications of fluctuations in fuel prices.

The increases underscore the challenges faced by consumers amidst fluctuating fuel prices and economic uncertainties.

While the precise reasons behind the price hike remain undisclosed, various factors such as changes in international oil prices, shifts in taxation policies, and supply-demand dynamics likely contribute to such adjustments.

The consecutive revisions emphasize the volatile nature of the energy market and its implications for households and businesses reliant on commercial LPG cylinders. (ANI)

Also Read: Venezuela agrees to supply oil to India in lieu of pending dividend, says Petroleum Secy

Addressing the World Governments Summit here, PM Modi said he believes that it is the job of the government to ensure that government interference in people’s lives is minimal and he has been following the mantra of ‘minimum government, maximum governance’.

“Today, we are in the 21st century. On the one side, the world is moving towards modernity but the challenges of the previous century are getting intense. Whether it is food security, health, water security, energy security, education, making the society inclusive, every government is tied to responsibilities towards its citizens,” he said.

“Today this is the question before every government what is the approach with which it should move forward? I feel the world needs such governments which are inclusive, take everyone along,” he said.

The Prime Minister said the World Government Summit has become a great medium to bring together thought leaders from across the world on a common platform.

“The way Dubai is emerging is an epicentre of global economy, commerce and technology, it represents a splendid example before the globe,” he said.

PM Modi arrived in UAE on Tuesday on the first leg of his two-day visit. He will leave for Qatar later in the day. (ANI)

]]> https://indiapost.com/sc-bar-association-urges-cji-to-initiate-suo-motu-action-against-farmers-agitation/ Tue, 13 Feb 2024 06:03:57 +0000 https://indiapost.com/?p=190275 NEW DELHI: The President of the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) has written a letter to the Chief Justice of India (CJI) D.Y. Chandrachud to initiate suo motu action against the farmers for forcibly trying to enter Delhi.

In his letter to CJI, SCBA President Adish Aggarwala on Tuesday said that this is the right time when the Supreme Court should act suo motu (on its own motion) and ensure that these farmers don’t create any nuisance and cause huge inconvenience to the general public.

“It is suspected that this protest is politically motivated ahead of forthcoming Parliament election. Even if the farmers have genuine demands, they don’t have the right to put the general public to hardship,” said the letter.

It added that their right to protest should not be allowed to impede the common citizens’ right to lead their lives without any problem.

“By not accepting the offer of the Govt. of India, suggested at last night’s talks, the so-called leaders of the farmers have decided to move to Delhi only to create problems to people of Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh. If they are still adamant on protesting, they should protest in their native places,” further stated the letter.

Saying that lawyers who practice in the Supreme Court, the Delhi High Court, different Commissions and Tribunals and the District Courts will be facing huge challenges to attend court proceedings, SCBA President Aggarwala requested the CJI to issue instructions to all concerned not to pass any “adverse orders due to non-appearance in any matter” till there are obstacles in free movement of the public on Delhi borders due to farmers’ agitation.

Further, he requested the CJI “to take suo motu action against the erring farmers for forcibly trying to enter Delhi in a bid to create nuisance and disturb the daily life of citizens.”

Also Read: Farmers protest: Massive traffic jams at Delhi’s exit & entry points

Long queues of vehicles were seen from 7 a.m. on the Gurugram- Delhi national highway. “I knew about the farmers coming towards Delhi today so I planned to go to office an hour earlier from my house in sector 32 Gurugram but seeing the traffic situation it seems that I will reach my office at Barakhamba road one hour late,” said Ankush, who was stuck in the jam for at least an hour.

A traffic official said that over two lakh people travel between Delhi and Gurugram each day during the working hours.

“It’s advisable to utilise the Metro for commuting as security measures have been implemented. Additionally, we’re continuously striving to redirect traffic through alternative routes,” said a traffic cop.

Another traveller, Julie Lawrance, said, “I’m employed in Delhi, and I aimed to arrive at the office by 9 a.m. I departed from Gurugram at 6 a.m., but I am stuck in traffic for the past two hours.”

Following the heavy barricading at the Singhu border, vehicles coming towards Delhi were also seen moving at snail’s pace.

At Tikri border, amid police checking and barricading, there were over two kilometres long queues of vehicles.

Similar scenes were also witnessed at the Ghazipur border with police blocking link roads and only allowing a single lane on highway on both carriageways for vehicles to enter and exit the national capital.

A significant traffic congestion also occurred near the Rajokri border, causing severe inconvenience to commuters who found themselves trapped in their vehicles for hours.

“Please be advised that due to the anticipated farmers’ protest at different Delhi borders starting on 13.02.2024, there will be traffic diversions in effect. For commercial vehicles, traffic restrictions and diversions will be implemented starting from 12.02.2024. We recommend planning your trip accordingly and staying informed about potential delays and alternative routes. To ensure timely arrival, we strongly encourage travelers to utilize the Magenta Line for Terminal 1 (T1) or the airport metro for Terminal 3 (T3) for convenient transportation options,” the Delhi airport said in its advisory.

To stop the farmers from entering the national capital, the police along with the paramilitary forces have been deployed as security measures on Delhi borders, including at Tikri, Singhu and Ghazipur, with cement blocks and pickets with nails installed on the approach roads.

Delhi Police implemented section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) citywide and fortified the borders as a precautionary measure. Delhi Police Commissioner Sanjay Arora issued these directives for the next 30 days to ensure law and order amidst planned farmer protests against the central government.

A total of 114 companies, including 64 from paramilitary forces and 50 from the Haryana Police, have been deployed across various districts. Equipped with anti-riot gear, these units are stationed in the border areas and sensitive districts. Additionally, surveillance technologies such as drones and CCTV cameras are being utilised to monitor any disruptive activities

Also Read: Farmers protest may impact economic recovery: CII

The Ministry of External Affairs announced early Monday morning the release of the Indian nationals who were detained in Qatar.

“The Government of India welcomes the release of eight Indian nationals working for the Dahra Global company who were detained in Qatar. Seven out of the eight of them have returned to India. We appreciate the decision by the Amir of the State of Qatar to enable the release and home-coming of these nationals,” the statement said.

The men- Captain Navtej Singh Gill, Captain Saurabh Vasisht, Commander Purnendu Tiwari, Captain Birendra Kumar Verma, Commander Sugunakar Pakala, Commander Sanjeev Gupta, Commander Amit Nagpal and Sailor Ragesh- were detained in August 2022.

On December 28, 2023, Qatar’s Court of Appeal commuted the death penalty awarded to all eight men in October, 2023.

As the former Indian Navy personnel landed in Delhi, their happiness could not be contained. They said that they wouldn’t have been freed had it for the sustained diplomatic efforts at Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s behest to secure their release.

On the sidelines of the COP 28 climate sustainability summit in Dubai in December last year, PM Modi met the Emir of Qatar, Tamim Bin Hamad and had a ‘good conversation’ about the well-being of the Indian community in Qatar. In a post on social media platform X, PM Modi posted a picture with Qatar’s Emir and wrote, “On the sidelines of the #COP28 Summit in Dubai yesterday, had the opportunity to meet HH Sheikh @TamimBinHamad, the Amir of Qatar. We had a good conversation on the potential of bilateral partnership and the well-being of the Indian community in Qatar.”

Speaking to ANI, one of the Navy veterans lauded PM Modi for raising their sentencing with Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and said, “I feel relieved and delighted to finally be back home safe and sound. I wish to thank Prime Minister Modi as this wouldn’t have been possible had it not been for his personal intervention to secure our release. I also wish to express my gratitude to Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of the State of Qatar”

Wearing a relieving smile and a calm demeanour, another released former naval officer told ANI, “Without the intervention of PM Modi, we would not have walked free. We wouldn’t be standing before you today had it not been for his untiring efforts and interventions at the highest levels to get us freedom.”

Another freed navy veteran also came out in praise of the Centre’s intervention in securing their release.

He said, “We, as well as our anxious family members back home, had been waiting for this day for a long time. It all worked out because of PM Modi and his personal intervention in the matter. He took up our case with the highest levels of the Qatari government and eventually secured our release. I don’t have enough words to express my gratitude to him and the Emir of Qatar.”

“We are very happy to be back and it wouldn’t have been possible had the honourable Prime Minister not taken personal interest in the matter. I also thank the Qatar Emir for his personal involvement in the matter,” another former Navy officer told ANI.

“We waited almost 18 months to be back home to our loved ones in India. We are extremely grateful to PM Modi for getting us back. We wouldn’t have seen this day without the joint efforts of PM Modi and the Emir of Qatar. The personal equations that the two leaders share also helped in our release,” another Navy veteran told ANI after landing in Delhi.

Amid desperate pleas by the anxious kin of the Navy veterans to secure their release and safe passage back to their homeland, the Ministry of External Affairs had assured that it would mobilise all diplomatic channels and arrange legal assistance to bring them back. (ANI)

Also Read: Artists from India, Pakistan celebrate truck art in Qatar

“Today is a special day for three friendly countries in the Indian Ocean region. Today we are connecting our historical relations in a modern digital way. This is proof of our commitment to the development of our people,” PM Modi said in a virtual ceremony that launched UPI services in Sri Lanka and Mauritius today.

Addressing the event through video conferencing, PM Modi said that through Fintech connectivity, not only cross-border transactions but also cross-border connections will be strengthened.

Sri Lanka President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Mauritius Prime Minister Praveen Jugnauth were also present at the event which launched India’s UPI services in the two island countries.

“Through Fintech connectivity, not only cross-border transactions but also cross-border connections will be strengthened. India’s Unified Payments Interface i.e. UPI is now performing a new responsibility – Uniting Partners with India,” he added.

Mauritius Prime Minister Jugnauth, who was also present during the launch via video-conferencing said that with the digital payment connectivity, the ties between India and Mauritius have entered a new dimension.

“It gives me great pleasure to join you all on this milestone occasion. The Rupay card co-branded with our national payment switch, the MoCAS, will be designated as the domestic card in Mauritius. India and Mauritius share strong cultural, commercial and people-to-people linkages which date back centuries ago. Today we are giving yet another dimension to this relationship.”

“One of the highlights of the G20 meeting under the Indian presidency was the commitment to improve access to digital services and digital public infrastructure and leverage digital transformation opportunities to boost sustainable and inclusive growth. Mauritius has already embarked on its,” the Mauritian PM said.

As launch took place, the first UPI transaction was conducted by an Indian national in Mauritius. Separately, an Indian national in Sri Lanka also conducted the first UPI transaction.

Sri Lanka President Wickremesinghe said, “…For you, Prime Minister Modi, it’s a second important occasion because I must congratulate you for the opening of the Ram Mandir just a few weeks ago. This shows our connections both economically and culturally,” as he congratulated PM Modi.

“For thousands of years, payments have taken place between our two countries and at that time, unfortunately, there were no central banks. Our museums hold a number of coins, south Indian coins of over 1000 years old, which have been found in different parts of villages or the dry zone. An indication that the South Indian trading corporations were very active, even in the villages. So what we are doing today is only upgrading it technologically. You have Lanka QR and the NIPL together,” Wickremesinghe said.

“And certainly, as more and more Indian tourists visit Sri Lanka, this will be used in every village in our country. Furthermore, the transactions that go on between Sri Lanka and Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka and Mumbai of such that this certainly is valuable…” he added.

A key emphasis of the Indian government has notably been on ensuring that the benefits of UPI are not limited to India only, but other countries, too, benefit from it.

So far, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, France, UAE, and Singapore have partnered with India on emerging fintech and payment solutions.

Given India’s robust cultural and people-to-people linkages with Sri Lanka and Mauritius, the launch will benefit a wide cross-section of people through a faster and seamless digital transaction experience and enhance digital connectivity between the countries, the MEA release said.

The launch will enable the availability of UPI settlement services for Indian nationals travelling to Sri Lanka and Mauritius, as well as, for Mauritian nationals travelling to India.

The extension of RuPay card services in Mauritius will enable Mauritian banks to issue cards based on the RuPay mechanism in Mauritius and facilitate the usage of RuPay cards for settlements both in India and Mauritius, it added.

Notably, during Wickremesinghe’s New Delhi visit in July 2023, India and Sri Lanka inked an agreement of UPI’s acceptance in the island country. (ANI)

Also Read: Google Pay India joins NPCI International to expand UPI payments globally