THE HEADLINES,
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the National Conference of Environment Ministers in Ekta Nagar, Gujarat at 10:30 AM today via video conferencing. He will also address the gathering on the occasion.
Taking forward the spirit of cooperative federalism, the Conference is being convened to create further synergy amongst the Central and State Governments in formulating better policies on issues such as Elimination of Plastic Pollution through a multi-pronged approach, State Action Plans to effectively combat Climate Change with focus on LiFE- Lifestyle for Environment. It will also focus on increasing the forest cover with special emphasis on restoration of degraded land and wildlife conservation.
The two-day Conference being organised today and tomorrow will have six thematic sessions with topics focusing on LiFE, Combating Climate Change (Updating State Action Plans on Climate Change for Mitigation of Emissions and Adaptation to Climate Impacts); PARIVESH (Single Window System for Integrated Green Clearances); Forestry Management; Prevention and Control of Pollution; Wildlife Management; Plastics and Waste Management.
External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar has said the trajectory of the Ukraine conflict is a matter of profound concern for the entire international community. Speaking at the UNSC briefing on Ukraine, Dr Jaishankar said the outlook appears truly disturbing.
The Minister said India strongly reiterates the need for an immediate cessation of all hostilities and return to dialogue and diplomacy. He said that that this cannot be an era of war. Dr Jaishankar stressed that the fight against impunity is critical to the larger pursuit of securing peace and justice. He stated that the Security Council must send an unambiguous and unequivocal message on this count. He made a strong point that politics should never provide cover to evade accountability.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Japan on 27th of this month to attend the funeral of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Tokyo. Briefing media in New Delhi, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said that Mr Modi will also meet his Japanese counterpart Fumio Kishida during the visit.
Replying to a media query, Mr Bagchi urged Indian nationals to exercise caution before taking up job offers in Thailand. He said they are aware of IT companies recruiting Indian workers on pretext of employment opportunities in Thailand who are then taken illegally to Myanmar. He said that due to the efforts of Indian Missions in Thailand and Myanmar, rescue of some of the victims have been facilitated. On Khalistan referendum in Canada, the spokesperson termed it as a farcical exercise that was held by extremist and radical elements in Canada.
Union home minister Amit Shah will be on a two-day visit to Bihar beginning today. Mr. Shah will go to Purnea and Kishanganj to participate in various programmes. This will be first visit of Mr Shah to Bihar after Chief Minister Nitish Kumar led Janta Dal (United) broke ties with BJP. Union Home minister will address Janbhavna rally at Rangbhoomi Maidan in Purnea today. Bihar BJP President Sanjay Jaiswal said visit of Amit Shah is significant amid the changed political scenario in the state.
After addressing public meeting, Mr Shah will hold a meeting with BJP office bearers in Kishanganj.
Providing further impetus to Aatmanirbharta in defence production, the Ministry of Defence has signed a contract with BrahMos Aerospace Private Limited (BAPL) for acquisition of additional dual-role capable Surface to Surface BrahMos missiles at an overall approximate cost of 1700 Crore rupees under Buy-Indian Category. Induction of these dual-role capable Missiles is going to significantly enhance the operational capability of Indian Navy fleet assets.
Minister of Communications and Electronics & Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw has said, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, will launch the 5G service in the country in the first week of October. Speaking at the Global Fintech Festival-2022 in Mumbai, Mr. Vaishnaw said, within two years, the Government will be able to take the 5G service to a large part of the country. Emphasising that every village deserves digital services, the Minister said, 30 billion dollars would be spent on reaching out to the villages and hamlets for last-mile connectivity.
In "Morning Matters", now let us listen to a Discussion on “Production Linked Incentive Scheme for Atma Nirbhar Bharat”.
The participants are Siddharth, Economic Analyst & Arjun J. Chaudhary.
You were listening to the Discussion on “Production Linked Incentive Scheme for Atma Nirbhar Bharat”.
Union Minister Giriraj Singh has accused Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and RJD Chief Lalu Yadav of patronizing Popular Front of India (PFI) as cultural organizations. Talking to reporters in Purnea, Giriraj Singh said Bihar has become a sleeper cell for terrorists and PFI want to make Purnea its hub.
On the nation wide NIA raids against PFI, he said that the law will take its own course.
The National Investigation Agency yesterday conducted searches at premises linked to the Popular Front of India in several States. Official sources said, over 100 PFI leaders and functionaries have been arrested in the raids.
The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh RSS chief Dr Mohan Bhagwat yesterday visited a mosque and a madrassa in Delhi and held discussions with the chief of the All India Imam Organisation Imam Umer Ahmed Ilyasi. The closed-door meeting lasted for more than an hour. Dr Bhagwat was accompanied by senior RSS functionaries Krishna Gopal, Ram Lal and Indresh Kumar.
RSS spokesperson Sunil Ambekar said, the RSS Sarsanghchalak meets people from all walks of life and yesterday's meeting was a part of a continuous dialogue process. In the last few days, Dr. Bhagwat has met several Muslim leaders and intellectuals.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has cancelled the licence of Maharashtra-based The Laxmi Co-operative Bank, citing lack of adequate capital. Upon liquidation, every depositor would be entitled to receive a deposit insurance claim amount upto 5 lakh rupees. According to the RBI, the bank with its present financial position would be unable to pay its present depositors in the full and public interest would be adversely affected if the bank is allowed to carry on. The RBI said in a statement, it cancelled the licence of the bank as the lender does not have adequate capital and earning prospects and the continuance of the bank is prejudicial to the interests of its depositors.
A collection of selected speeches of Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be released today at Akashvani Bhawan in New Delhi. The book titled 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas-Prime Minister Narendra Modi Speaks' portrays the Prime Minister's vision of a new India.
The book release will be graced by Governor of Kerala Arif Mohammed Khan, former Vice-President of India M. Venkaiah Naidu along with Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur. The book is a collection of 86 speeches of the Prime Minister delivered by him from May 2019 to May 2020. The book will be released in Hindi and English.
Over the past 75 years since independence, India's largest public service broadcaster, All India Radio has been the proverbial story teller for crores of people across the country.
All India Radio is celebrating 75 years of freedom with a series, Azad Bharat Ki Baat- Akashvani Ke Saath. It showcases the journey of India since independence in various walks of life through the story telling of All India Radio.
In Today’s Episode we bring you the story of initiatives which improved EASE OF LIVING in the country.
"The New India is redefining Ease of Living in tune with the rising aspirations. Since 2014, the government has put significant emphasis on improving both, Ease of Living and Ease of Doing Business. New generation infrastructure is making life comfortable. From 2002 to 2014, Metro construction was 20 kilometres per year. From 2014 to 2022, Metro construction has gone up to 63 kilometres per year. Digital payment has made day to day life much easier. Payment Apps like Bhim, have given benefits to small shopkeepers. Under Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation, AMRUT, 118 lakh households have water tap connections and 97 lakh households have sewer connections or septage coverage. Ayushman Bharat, Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana has brought in big relief to people. More than 3.26 crore people have been treated for free under the scheme so far. Affordable medicines in more than 8,700 Jan Aushadhi Kendras have given people savings of over 50 to 90 per cent. PAHAL Scheme has removed leakages and middle man in LPG connections. There are over 29 crore beneficiaries in the scheme.
Governance Reforms introduced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the last eight years are aimed at achieving ‘ease of living’ for the common man and 'level playing field' for the aspirational youth.
In May, 2014, Prime Minister Modi took the path-breaking decision of abolition of attestation of certificates by gazetted officers instead promoting self-attestation, thus reposing faith in youth of India. More than 25,000 compliances have been reduced by the Centre so far in its bid to promote Ease of Living and Ease of Doing Business. To make it easier for borrowers, the government developed a platform in 2018 that offered a variety of credit products, including MSME, home, auto, and personal loans. Various state-owned banks can now approve loans for MSMEs and other borrowers in principle in 59 minutes, compared to the previous turnaround time of 20-25 days. To enhance “Ease of Living” of pensioners and family pensioners, the government has taken a number of welfare measures in pension policy as well as in digitization of pension related processes. Digital life certificate and face authentication technology would be a game changer for pensioners and banks in submission of life certificates. Minimum Government, Maximum Governance means more involvement of citizens, innovation, use of latest techniques and transparency. Focus is on simplicity of processes and timely delivery of services. Presenting the Union Budget 2022-23 in Parliament on Ist February, 2022, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said, the new phase of Ease of living will be guided by active involvement of the states, Digitisation of manual processes and Integration of the central and state-level systems through IT bridges. This will help in creating a single point access for all citizen-centric services and bring about standardization and removal of overlapping compliances.
Heavy rains lashed Delhi NCR, disrupting normal life in the region. Delhi-NCR witnessed waterlogging in numerous areas leading to long traffic snarls as police struggled to decongest roads. India Meteorological Department has issued a yellow alert in the national capital for today. In view of the inclement weather, Noida schools will remain closed for today for students of Classes 1 to 8. As for Delhi school holiday, no official announcement has been made. However, many private schools, in Delhi, Gurgaon and Faridabad would remain closed.
In Uttar Pradesh, heavy rain has disrupted normal life and claimed many lives in western part of state during the past 24 hours. Schools and colleges till class 12th are closed in many districts today. Eastern part of the state is also reeling under the flood fury and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will conduct aerial survey of the flood affected areas.
"Western part of Uttar Pradesh is witnessing heavy rain from last 2 days. Normal life was thrown out of gear in many districts of this region. Three people including a three year old child died in an incident of wall collapse in Firozabad district yesterday. Day before yesterday rain claimed 7 lives in Etawah district. Many other people have lost their lives in rain related accidents. In view of the bad weather schools in several districts are closed today. On the other hand, many districts in eastern part of state which are close to Saryu river are reeling under flood fury. Chief minister yogi adityanath will conduct ariel survey of the flood affected districts. Sushil Chandra Tiwari, AIR News, Lucknow."
Japan has announced that it will lift tough Covid restrictions on foreign tourists, reopening the borders after two and a half years. Speaking at the New York Stock Exchange, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said the pandemic had interrupted the free flow of people, goods and capital. He said Japan will relax border control measures and resume visa-free travel and individual travel from October 11.
For the first time in about two and a half years, Japan sets out border rules which are close to pre-pandemic norms. In an effort to control the spread of COVID-19, Japan currently only allows package tours, and requires visas for all visitors along with a cap of 50,000 on daily arrivals.
In Iran, anti-hijab protests have reached 80 other cities and towns, besides the capital Tehran following the custodial death of a 22-year-old woman Mahsa Amini after being detained by the morality police. Mahsa Amini, a Kurdish woman from the north-western city of Saqez, died in hospital in Tehran on Friday following three days in a coma. A human rights group said at least 31 civilians had been killed, while state television put the death toll at 17.
Mahsa Amini was visiting the capital on the 13th of September when she was arrested by the morality police officers, who accused her of violating the law requiring women to cover their hair with a hijab, or headscarf.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed concerns over the situation of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in conflict-ravaged Ukraine and said that any damage to nuclear infrastructure could have terrible consequences for people in the area and beyond. Briefing a meeting of the 15-member Security Council, the UN Secretary-General said, the situation at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant remains a cause of grave concern. The UN Secretary-General highlighted the need to end the war, saying that it was the only way to end the suffering in Ukraine.
In Cricket, the second T20 International match between India and Australia will be played at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Nagpur today. The match will start at 7 PM.
Australia have gained a 1-0 lead in the three-match series with a win on Tuesday. Australia will be keen to take an unassailable 2-0 lead by winning the second T20 International in Nagpur. On the other hand, India will look forward to leveling the series.
TODAY'S NEWSPAPERS HEADLINE:
"PM Modi may visit UK as both sides push for FTA before Diwali," writes Hindustan Times.
The Tribune headlines, "Biden backs India for permanent UNSC seat; transformation overdue, says EAM."
Papers have also noticed raids by the NIA and ED on the offices of Popular Front of India in 93 locations. The Pioneer notes, "NIA, ED swoop on 93 PFI spots in 15 states." The Asian Age reports, "Over 100 PFI activists held in raids by NIA, ED in 15 states."
The Statesman writes, "India objects to 'Khalistan' referendum in Canada."
Ahead of Pujo, The Indian Express headlines, "Organisers in dock over corruption cases, many high-profile Durga Pujas in Kolkata turn low key."
And finally, With the festive season round the corner, The Economic Times informs, "Diwali sets in early for malls, apparel and Lifestyle retailers."
THE HEADLINES ONCE AGAIN:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi to inaugurate National Conference of Environment Ministers at Ekta Nagar in Gujarat this morning.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah to be on a two-day visit to Bihar beginning today.
India calls for immediate cessation of hostilities in Ukraine and urges warring nations to return to dialogue and diplomacy.
Defence Ministry signs contract worth 1700 crore rupees to acquire additional Brahmos missiles for frontline warships.
RBI cancels license of Maharashtra-based Laxmi Cooperative Bank; Depositors can claim upto five lakh rupees.
Heavy rains lash Delhi NCR; Noida schools to remain closed from classes 1 to 8 today.
Collection of selected speeches of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to be released at Akashvani Bhawan in New Delhi today.
Japan to lift Covid-19 restrictions on foreign tourists from October 11.
And in Cricket, second T20 International between India and Australia will be played in Nagpur this evening.