National News
Empowering India's Deep Tech Startup Ecosystem:
The National Deep Tech Startup Policy (NDTSP) Consortium has introduced the Draft National Deep Tech Startup Policy, a pivotal step towards fortifying India's deep tech startup landscape. This policy synergizes with the existing Startup India initiatives, fostering an enabling environment for deep tech startups to thrive and conquer their intricate challenges. By addressing the unique demands of these startups, the policy amplifies India's innovation and entrepreneurship quotient.
Promoting Inclusivity in Higher Education:
In a commendable stride, the Union Education Ministry established an Expert Panel to overhaul anti-discrimination guidelines pertaining to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes, persons with disabilities, and other minorities in higher educational institutions. The expert panel aims to holistically assess prevailing anti-discriminatory policies, identifying gaps and devising enhancements. This transformative effort underscores the government's commitment to a fair and equitable education system.
International News
Beijing's Tryst with Historic Rainfall and Flooding:
China's capital, Beijing, grappled with an unprecedented downpour, registering an astonishing 744.8 millimeters of rainfall over five days. This deluge, triggered by the remnants of Typhoon Doksuri, led to tragic casualties and extensive damage. The calamity reiterates the significance of disaster preparedness and underscores the urgency of climate resilience measures.
State News
Assam's Green Revolution: 'Amrit Brikshya Andolan' App:
Assam's green drive gains momentum as Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma unveils the 'Amrit Brikshya Andolan' app. This ambitious endeavor seeks to plant a remarkable 1 crore saplings in a single day, marking a pivotal milestone in augmenting the state's green economy and contributing to the global fight against climate change. At its core, this grand initiative rallies for an enhanced forest cover and fosters collective action against environmental challenges.
Resuming Caste-Based Survey in Bihar: A Step Towards Equity:
In a significant move, the Patna High Court has directed the recommencement of the caste-based survey in Bihar, a noble stride towards rectifying historical disparities. Initiated by Patna DM Chandrashekhar, the survey is now in full swing, encompassing the entire state. This survey underscores the pursuit of social justice and reflects the judiciary's commitment to upholding the principles of equality and inclusiveness.
Aadi Perukku: Tamil Nadu's Cultural Celebration:
The Tamil Cultural community reveres Aadi Perukku, also known as Pathinettam Perukku, a propitious festival extolling the monsoon season and soil fertility. Celebrated on August 3rd, in sync with the 18th day of the Tamil month of Aadi, this festivity is a heartfelt tribute to water bodies, symbolizing the onset of the monsoon. The celebration harmonizes cultural heritage with environmental gratitude.
Broadening Social Security Horizons in Odisha:
Odisha's commitment to social welfare is underscored as the state government expands the Social Security Scheme to encompass 50 additional categories of unorganized workers. This inclusive expansion, encompassing professions such as delivery boys, boatmen, and photographers, extends financial support in cases of natural or accidental demise. This evolution reinforces Odisha's dedication to safeguarding the vulnerable and nurturing social well-being.
Economy News
Digital Revolution: UPI Transactions Surpass Records:
The Unified Payments Interface (UPI) network witnessed remarkable expansion in July 2023, registering unprecedented transaction volume and value. Rebounding from a slight dip in the previous month, UPI transactions surged by a remarkable 44% year-on-year, amounting to an impressive ₹15.34 lakh crore. The surge in transactions underlines India's growing reliance on digital payment ecosystems.
Clearer Taxation Norms for Online Gaming:
The 51st meeting of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council has ushered in clarity by introducing a 28% tax on the full face value of bets in online gaming. This decision extends to casinos, horse racing, and online gaming, enhancing transparency in taxation practices. The Council's approach aligns with the commitment to equitable taxation and consumer protection.
Managing Debt and Paving India's Economic Future:
As of March 2023, India's government debt stands at ₹155.6 lakh crore, representing 57.1% of the GDP. This reflects a prudent reduction from the previous year, highlighting efforts to manage fiscal liabilities. To navigate this, the government has launched diverse schemes promoting economic growth, capital expenditure, and welfare at macro and micro levels. These endeavors converge towards the overarching vision of propelling India into a $5 trillion economy.
Agreements News
5G Revolution: Indian Railways Collaborates with IIT-Madras:
The Ministry of Railways joins forces with the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) to establish the India 5G testbed. Envisioned at the Indian Railway Institute of Signal Engineering and Telecommunications (IRISET) in Secunderabad, this collaboration fuels the indigenization drive in railway communications. Leveraging the potential of 5G technology, Indian Railways aspires to enhance operational efficiency, passenger experience, and overall safety.
Schemes News
PM YASASVI Scheme: Nurturing Meritorious Minds:
The scholarship entrance examination under the PM Young Achievers Scholarship Award Scheme for Vibrant India (YASASVI) garners attention as the National Testing Agency (NTA) commences the application process. Designed to empower class 9-12 students, this scheme envisions providing 15,000 scholarships, fostering educational growth and empowering the nation's youth. The scheme's initiation signifies a steadfast commitment to nurturing India's future leaders.
Modernizing Education with Oracle Cloud Infrastructure:
The Ministry of Education adopts Oracle Cloud Infrastructure to modernize the national education technology platform, Digital Infrastructure for Knowledge Sharing (DIKSHA). This migration enhances accessibility to educational resources and streamlines IT costs, amplifying the reach of quality education to students, educators, and collaborators across the country. The collaboration embodies the ministry's progressive outlook towards leveraging technology for educational enrichment.
Books and Authors News
Decoding Leadership Insights: "How Prime Ministers Decide":
Veteran journalist Neerja Chowdhury's latest publication, "How Prime Ministers Decide," offers a captivating exploration into the nuanced decision-making dynamics of leadership. Reflecting on pivotal events and influencing factors, the book provides an insightful perspective on the complex realm of governance and decision-making. It unveils the intricate tapestry of leadership through a distinct lens.
Miscellaneous News
Conservation Challenges: Cheetah Population at Kuno National Park:
Amidst efforts of Project Cheetah, Kuno National Park encounters challenges as another cheetah, named Dhatri (Tbilisi), succumbs to the passage of time. Despite setbacks, the park's mission to reintroduce the cheetah species persists, with 14 resilient cheetahs currently calling it home. This project stands as a testament to India's commitment to biodiversity conservation, underscoring the need to protect and preserve endangered species.