FM calls for aligning World Bank processes with MDBs to benefit client states

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman called upon the World Bank to take lead in aligning processes and procedures with other multilateral development banks to benefit client countries that deal with multiple MDBs, amidst encouraging signs of progress towards G20 countries common goal of creating a better, bigger and more effective' WB to address national and global challenges for maximising developmental impact. \"We believe that the direction of the World Bank's evolution will set the template across the MDB ecosystem,\" said Sitharaman, participating in the 108th Meeting of the Development Committee Plenary of the World Bank in Marrakech, Morocco.

India's female labour force participation rate hits 37%

India has witnessed a notable increase in the Female Labor Force Participation Rate (FLFPR), with a substantial leap of 4.2 percentage points, reaching 37.0% in 2023, according to the Periodic Labor Force Survey Report 2022-23.

G20 ADOPTS CRYPTO ROADMAP, URGES SWIFT IMPLEMENTATION

The G20 2023 Financial Inclusion Action Plan aims to advance financial inclusion in terms of access, usage, and quality for individuals and MSMEs through innovative methods, including digital public infrastructure, to support inclusive growth and sustainable development.

Puri's Jagannath Temple to enforce strict dress code

Starting from January 1, 2024, the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) in Puri, Odisha, has taken a firm decision to rigorously implement a dress code for devotees visiting the sacred Jagannath temple. This revered temple holds immense religious significance and is considered one of the four dhams, making it a vital pilgrimage site for many followers of the faith.

Om Birla meets Oz Speaker ahead of G20 Parliamentary Speakers' Summit

Ahead of the 9th G20 Parliamentary Speakers' Summit (P-20), Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla met with Australian Speaker Milton Dick on Thursday and discussed the strong and old parliamentary relationship between India and Australia.

'Delhi govt to set up over 1k Chhath Ghats across capital'

The Delhi Government will set up more than 1,000 'Chhath Ghats' across Delhi for 'Chhath Puja' this year, Revenue Minister Atishi said. In a high-level review meeting held with all the district magistrates on Wednesday, she directed the officials to begin the preparation for the 'Chhath Puja' festival in advance so that there is no inconvenience to the devotees and mismanagement at the last moment, as per an official release.

4 DEAD, 70+ HURT AFTER NORTHEAST EXPRESS DERAILS IN BUXAR

Six coaches of the Delhi-Kamakhya North East Express went off the tracks near Raghunathpur station in Buxar on Wednesday night

'We Can't Kill a Child', Says SC on Termination of 26 Week Pregnancy

The Supreme Court on Thursday expressed, \"We cannot kill a child,\" during a hearing on the Centre's request to reconsider its decision allowing a married woman, a mother of two, to terminate her 26-week pregnancy.

SC TO PASS UNIFIED ORDER TO PREPARE 7 AND 9 JUDGE-BENCH CASES FOR HEARING

The Supreme Court on Thursday said it will pass a common order for several significant cases, comprising both nine-judge and seven-judge bench matters. These cases encompass various topics, including those related to money bills and the speaker's authority to disqualify MLAs, as a means to prepare them for hearing.

World Bank and Japan launch mineral supply chain plan

The World Bank, in partnership with Japan and joined by Italy, the Republic of Korea, Canada, and the United Kingdom, has launched an initiative aimed at addressing the dual challenges of job creation and climate change.

LANKA CONFIRMS MAJOR DEBT DEAL WITH CHINA

The Sri Lankan government has made a significant stride towards economic recovery by confirming a preliminary deal with China for restructuring its debts, which is being viewed as a pivotal development in the country's efforts to overcome its financial challenges. This collaborative effort seeks to alleviate Sri Lanka's financial strain, providing a glimmer of hope amid its economic crisis.

EFC India Ltd Dark horse in the domestic co-work spaces mkt

Incorporated in 1984, EFC (I) Ltd is the flagship company of the EFC Group & is a fully integrated player & commands an integrated supply chain with access to & expertise in budgeting, project design, project execution & procurement from captive sources/vendors via its subsidiary Whitehills Design Ltd.

Thomson enters domestic laptop mkt with global export plans

Business official on Wednesday, consumer electronics giant Thomson will enter the Indian laptop market over the next two quarters and is also thinking about exporting smart TVs and other domestically produced goods to other regions.

Global energy transition $400-billion market for India

He added that as a large energy importer India needs to find alternatives that make the country less vulnerable.

MARUTI AIMS TO TRIPLE CAR MARKET EXPORTS BY 2030

Maruti eyeing bigger pie of global car market, aims to 3X exports by 2030 Autoretail sales up 9% in H1FY24; PVs, three-wheelers

J&K tops in e-governance, with 1050 digital services

Jammu and Kashmir has emerged as a leader in the e-governance landscape, offering a staggering 1050 e-services, according to the National e-Services Delivery Assessment (NeSDA) report, surpassing states like Madhya Pradesh with 1010 services and Kerala with 911 e-services.

Women MPs more active in Parliament

The policies implemented government are making a substantial positive impact on women across India. Increased accessibility to LPG cooking fuel has significantly improved women's health and well-being, while enhanced toilet accessibility is contributing to the safety of women.

Farm insurance enrolments on the rise for 2 years

The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), India's primary subsidized crop insurance scheme, has undergone a significant transformation, with the latest review by the farm ministry revealing several positive indicators for the current summer cropping season. This review, which encompasses data up until the present season, offers an encouraging glimpse into the state of agriculture insurance in the country.

Tripura CM inaugurates fish transhipment yard in Nagichhera

In a bid to combat the growing traffic congestion issue in Agartala, Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha unveiled the Nagichhera Fish Transhipment Yard, a development project with an expenditure of approximately Rs 3.50 crore.

ODISHA AIMS TO LEAD GLOBAL MILLETS MOVEMENT

The International Convention on Millets expects 4,000 to 5,000 attendees, featuring farmers and diverse groups, with a program covering B2B sessions, technical demos, and cultural elements

Jio-Airtel battle for home Wi-Fi

India's largest telecom operators, Reliance Jio Land Bharti Airtel, are engaged in a fierce competition to boost their average revenue per user (ARPU) through bundled services, marking ARPU as a critical earnings indicator in the telecom sector.

INDIAN STEEL AND CEMENT SECTORS NEED 47 LAKH CRORE FOR NET ZERO

A recent report by the Council on Energy, and Water (CEEW) reveals that India's domestic steel and cement industries will need an additional investment of 47 lakh crore (approximately $627 billion) to achieve net-zero carbon emissions. India ranks as the world's second-largest producer of steel and cement, both of which are known for their emission-intensive operations.

India supplies 30 per cent of UAE's gems and jewellery

The gem and jewellery trade between India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has experienced significant growth, particularly after the implementation of the India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).

Nokia Chennai plant produces 7 million telecom gears

Finnish telecommunications company Nokia announced a significant achievement at its Chennai manufacturing facility, where it has successfully produced 7 million units of telecom network gear. This milestone marks a testament to the plant's longevity, having operated for 15 years, and establishes it as one of Nokia's largest factories worldwide.

'INDIA POISED TO BOLSTER AND DIVERSIFY SUPPLY CHAINS'

Sitharaman's comments emphasize India's commitment to clean energy and its role in global sustainability

Will discuss caste survey data during assembly session: Bihar CM

In the midst of a political storm surrounding the caste census in Bihar, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar announced on Wednesday that the caste survey data would be discussed after the commencement of the Assembly Session.

Rivers cannot be owned by any state: DMK's TKS Elangovan

In the midst of mounting tensions and protests regarding the Cauvery water issue in Tamil Nadu, TKS Elangovan, a leader of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), emphasized that rivers should not be owned by any state and stressed the need for Karnataka to release water as per international agreements and Supreme Court directives.

ALL 28 UNCLAIMED BODIES WERE CREMATED

In a poignant and compassionate act, 28 unclaimed bodies of victims from a tragic triple train accident in Odisha’s Balasore district, which occurred four months ago, were finally laid to rest through cremation in Bhubaneswar.

KOCHADAIIYAAN CHEATING CASE: SC RESTORES CHARGES AGAINST ACTOR RAJINIKANTH'S WIFE LATHA

The Supreme Court restored the alleged criminal charges against Latha Rajinikanth, wife of well-known actor Rajinikanth in connection with the Tamil film ‘Kochadaiiyaan.’

WHY DON'T THEY GO TO GOVT HOSPITAL?

Making treatment in govt hospitals mandatory for people's representatives and officials will improve the situation