National News

Electoral Bonds: BJP Tops The List With Highest Receipt

The Electoral Bonds scheme, initiated in 2018, enables individuals and entities to contribute to political parties without disclosing their identities.
Recently, the Election Commission of India (ECI) divulged data regarding the amounts received by various parties through this channel, shedding light on the financial dynamics of Indian politics.
As per the released data, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) amassed electoral bonds totaling a remarkable ₹6,060.5 crore between April 12, 2019, and January 24, 2024.

On March 15, the Indian government made a significant stride by approving a comprehensive scheme aimed at establishing India as a global hub for electric vehicle (EV)
Crafted by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, this policy endeavors to attract substantial investments from renowned global EV manufacturers into the Indian market.
Notably, the policy grants a three-year timeframe for companies to establish their manufacturing units in India and commence commercial production of EVs.

President Mahmoud Abbas of the Palestinian Authority (PA) appointed Mohammad Mustafa as the new Prime Minister.
Mustafa, a U.S.-educated economist, is a prominent Palestinian business figure known for overseeing Gaza’s reconstruction efforts during Hamas’ governance.
As the new Prime Minister, Mustafa faces the daunting task of navigating the intricate political landscape, fostering unity among Palestinian territories, addressing the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and revitalizing the stalled peace process with Israel.

SpaceX encountered a setback as its Starship rocket, designed for lunar missions and beyond, disintegrated during its third test flight.
The Starship, comprising the cruise vessel atop the Super Heavy rocket booster, took off from Starbase near Boca Chica Village, Texas.
However, mission control lost communication with the Starship during re-entry, resulting in its disintegration in the Earth’s atmosphere.

The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) releases the monthly Wholesale Price Index (WPI) for India, furnishing vital insights into price fluctuations across various economic sectors.
The WPI for February 2024, based on 2011-12 as the reference year, indicates a provisional annual inflation rate of 0.20%.
This inflationary trend is primarily attributed to rises in food articles, crude petroleum & natural gas, electricity, machinery & equipment, and motor vehicles, trailers & semi-trailers.

Celebrated worldwide on March 15 annually, World Consumer Rights Day serves as a platform to raise awareness about consumer rights and responsibilities in the marketplace.
It advocates for the protection of consumer rights, promotes fair and ethical business practices, and holds companies accountable.
This year, the theme 'Fair and responsible AI for consumers' was chosen by Consumers International, emphasizing the significance of incorporating artificial intelligence responsibly in consumer interactions.

Grain commerce platform Arya.ag has joined forces with Shivalik Small Finance Bank to provide financial support to farmers, agro-processors, and micro-enterprises.
With a goal to facilitate over ₹200 crore in warehouse receipt financing in the current fiscal year, this collaboration aims to enhance financial inclusion within the agricultural sector.
Acting as a business correspondent for Shivalik Small Finance Bank, Arya.ag focuses on empowering traditionally underserved farmers and MSMEs with formal banking services.

The President of India recently honored 94 distinguished artists (including two joint awardees) in the field of performing arts with the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards for the years 2022 and 2023.
These awards recognize and celebrate the exceptional contributions of these artists in enriching India's cultural heritage through their mastery of various art forms.
Additionally, seven eminent artists (one joint fellowship) were bestowed with the esteemed Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship (Akademi Ratna) during the ceremony.

Max Verstappen of Red Bull secured victory at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, commencing from pole position.
This triumph marked Red Bull's second consecutive one-two finish in the 2024 Formula One season.
Verstappen's remarkable performance extended his winning streak to nine consecutive races, including last year's achievements, while also marking his 100th career podium.

Mumbai clinched the Ranji Trophy 2024 title by defeating Vidarbha by 169 runs at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium.
With this victory, Mumbai secured their 42nd Ranji Trophy title, showcasing their dominance in Indian domestic cricket.
This triumph marked the end of Mumbai's 8-year drought in the championship, having last claimed the title in the 2015-16 season.

Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, Shri Parshottam Rupala, unveiled a book and video titled "Sagar Parikrama" at the Engineering Association in Rajkot, Gujarat.
The book aims to document the Sagar Parikrama Yatra, covering various elements such as the maritime route, cultural and geographical explorations, and significant impacts from all 12 phases of the journey.
Comprising seven chapters, the book provides insights into the genesis of Sagar Parikrama, an overview of the journey along the West and East coasts, and key takeaways.