The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi approved the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS).
The salient features of the UPS are:
Assured pension: 50% of the average basic pay drawn over the last 12 months before superannuation for a minimum qualifying service of 25 years.
This pay is to be proportionate for lesser service period upto a minimum of 10 years of service.
Assured family pension: @60% of employee pension immediately before her/his demise.
Assured minimum pension: @10,000 per month on superannuation after minimum 10 years of service.
Inflation indexation: on assured pension, on assured family pension, and assured minimum pension.
Dearness Relief based on the All India Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers (AICPI-IW) as in the case of service employees
Lump sum payment at superannuation in addition to gratuity.
1/10th of monthly emoluments (pay + DA) as on the date of superannuation for every completed six months of service.
This payment will not reduce the quantum of of assured pension.
The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, approved continuation of the three umbrella schemes, merged into a unified central sector scheme namely ‘Vigyan Dhara’ of the Department of Science and Technology (DST).
The scheme has three broad components:
Science and Technology (S&T) Institutional and Human Capacity Building,
Research and Development and,
Innovation, Technology Development and Deployment.
The proposed outlay for the implementation of the unified scheme ‘Vigyan Dhara’ is Rs.10,579.84 crore during the 15th Finance Commission period from 2021-22 to 2025-26.
The merger of the schemes into a single scheme would enhance efficiency in fund utilization and establish synchronization among the sub-schemes/programs.
All the programs proposed under the ‘Vigyan Dhara’ scheme would be aligned with the 5-year goals of DST towards realising the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. The research and development component of the scheme will be aligned in line with the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF). Implementation of the scheme would follow the globally prevailing yardsticks,
while in alignment with the national priorities.
The primary objective of the 'Vigyan Dhara' scheme to promote S&T capacity building as well as research, innovation and technology development towards strengthening the Science, Technology and Innovation ecosystem in the country.
Implementation of the scheme will strengthen the S&T infrastructure of the country by fostering well-equipped R&D labs in the Academic Institutions.
The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, approved the proposal ‘BioE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment and Employment) Policy for Fostering High Performance Biomanufacturing’ of the Department of Biotechnology.
The salient features of BioE3 policy include innovation-driven support to R&D and entrepreneurship across thematic sectors.
This will accelerate technology development and commercialization by establishing Biomanufacturing & Bio-AI hubs and Biofoundry. Along with prioritizing regenerative bioeconomy models of green growth, this policy will facilitate the expansion of India’s skilled workforce and provide a surge in job creation.
Overall, this Policy will further strengthen the Government’s initiatives such as ‘Net Zero’ carbon economy & ‘Lifestyle for Environment’ and will steer India on the path of accelerated ‘Green Growth’ by promoting a ‘Circular Bioeconomy’. The BioE3 Policy will foster and advance a future that is more sustainable, innovative, and,
responsive to global challenges and lays down the Bio-vision for Viksit Bharat.
It is important to build a resilient biomanufacturing ecosystem in our nation to accelerate cutting-edge innovations for developing bio-based products.
The Secretary, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Shri S. Krishnan inaugurated the Model Indigenous Electric Vehicle Charging Station at C-DAC Thiruvananthapuram, Technopark Campus. This center will have various AC and DC fast chargers for vehicles ranging from 2W to Heavy vehicles and,
Play a crucial role in catalyzing an ecosystem for the promotion of the charging infrastructure with indigenous EV chargers research, development, commercialization, and manufacturing through industries.
Apart from this the Secretary also inaugurated the Hardware Emulation Facility at C-DAC, Thiruvananthapuram for the Start-ups under the C2S program and DLI Scheme of MeitY.
This center will have development, testing, and validation of hardware designs, for VLSI and SoC technologies. This facility provides resources for emulating hardware designs on reconfigurable platforms like FPGAs.
Along with these inaugurations, other announcements in the presence of the Secretary, MeitY, made for technology transfers,
MoUs/MoAs and product launch with the representatives of industries during the event today at C-DAC, Thiruvananthapuram. The details are as follows:
Transfer of technology of the High voltage high-frequency Planar magnetics technology, developed by C-DAC (T) and IISc, Bangalore, to M/s Reliamotive Labs, Bangalore:
It is capable of designing and testing any planar inductor with a desired rating for any application involving low, medium, or high voltage up to 10kV and frequencies as high as 200 kHz.
MoU signed between C-DAC (T), and M/s L&T Semiconductor Technologies Limited for the development of VEGA processor-based SoC’s for various application.
MoA signed between C-DAC (T), C-DAC, Chennai and M/s Aheesa Digital Innovations Pvt. Ltd. for the development of network security solutions such as CDAC Rakshak and Darpan Virtual Network Solutions.
An MoA signed between C-DAC (T) with Hykon India Ltd. and C-DAC (T) for the development and deployment of Vehicle to Grid (V2G, V2H & V2B) technologies.
MoA signed between C-DAC(T) and M/s JMV LPS for the development, deployment, and proliferation of the Smart Meter technologies for the Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI):. CDAC, with the support of NaMPET, has also developed the Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) technology, which represents the next evolution of smart metering technology.
Product Launch of the Hybrid Power Conditioning Systems for Microgrids technologies by Hykon India Ltd.. Kochi developed with C-DAC (T). The Hybrid power Conditioning System for resilient industrial Microgrids has been developed under the NaMPET programme. The resiliency has been achieved by ensuring redundancy and fault tolerance through design and control.
Piramal Capital and Housing Finance Limited (Piramal Finance), a subsidiary of Piramal Enterprises Limited, has partnered with the Central Bank of India to expand its co-lending operations. The alliance is focused on providing loans to middle and low-income borrowers, particularly in rural and semi-urban regions.
The collaboration combines the Central Bank of India’s extensive branch network with Piramal Finance’s technological approach to lending, which emphasizes both digital efficiency and personalized service.
This partnership leverages the Central Bank of India’s financial expertise and extensive branch network, along with Piramal Finance’s ‘High Tech + High Touch’ strategy,
which uses technology to provide a seamless customer experience.
This partnership aims to serve customers in the unorganized sector, including self-employed or salaried individuals who are often unable to access formal credit due to insufficient income documentation.
The 24th International Mother Teresa Awards Ceremony took place at the Millennium Plaza Dubai, commemorating the 114th birth anniversary of the revered humanitarian.
This prestigious event, organized by the All-India Minority and Weaker Sections Council, was held outside India for only the second time, with both international ceremonies having taken place in Dubai.
The 24th International Mother Teresa Awards Ceremony served as a touching tribute to the enduring legacy of one of the world’s most beloved humanitarians, bringing together individuals from across the globe who continue to embody her spirit of selfless service.
This year’s ceremony featured a diverse group of awardees from different countries and sectors.
Notable recipients included the late João Bernardo Vieira II, from Guinea-Bissau, Sidharth Srivastava and Namit Bajoria from the industry sector, and Mohammed Mahtabur Rahman, Chairman of NRB Bank Limited. The arts were represented by Irka Bochenko, while education saw MP Rozario honored, among others.
Social work awards went to Murli Panjabi and Sureandar Singh Khandari from the UAE. The ceremony also recognized young talent, with Ahmed al Hashemi receiving an award as a promising musician and child prodigy. Beyond the awards, the Mother Teresa National Awards Committee engages in various activities to honor Mother Teresa’s legacy.
These include cultural events and feeding programs for the underprivileged, reflecting the compassionate work that defined Mother Teresa’s mission. Mother Teresa, born on August 26, 1910, and later beatified as Saint Teresa founded the Missionaries of Charity.
Union Government has issued Comprehensive Guidelines for Handling Public Grievances in line with the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s directions for making grievance redressal time-bound, accessible and meaningful.The Guidelines for Effective Redressal of Public Grievances seek to empower citizens, streamline process,bring greater clarity and focus to redressal of public Grievances
The key highlights of the Comprehensive Guidelines for Handling Public Grievances are as follows:
An integrated user-friendly grievance filing platform with CPGRAMS www.pgportal.gov.in being the common open platform on which grievances can be registered by citizens which will operate as a single window experience.
Appointment of Nodal Officers for Public Grievances in all Ministries/ Departments who will address grievances promptly, fairly, and efficiently.
The timelines for effective grievance redressal have been reduced to 21 days. In cases where grievance redressal is likely to take longer, citizens shall be given an interim reply.
The Redressal of Grievances shall be undertaken in a whole government approach and an action taken report shall be filed by the grievance redressal officers on CPGRAMS.
The feedback on disposed grievances shall be sent to the citizen by SMS and email.
A grievance redressal assessment index for ranking Ministries/ Departments shall be issued monthly.
Training and Capacity building of grievance officers on CPGRAMS shall be conducted through 36 Administrative Training Institutes of States/ UT’s under the SEVOTTAM scheme.
The 2024 Policy Guidelines reiterate the Government’s commitment to Effective Grievance Redressal and manifest the technological improvements undertaken with the 10-step reform process adopted.
The CPGRAMS portal has redressed nearly 60 lac Public Grievances in period 2022-2024 and has mapped 1.01 lac Grievance Redressal officers of Ministries/ Departments and States/ Union Territories. The Grievance Redressal timelines under the 2022 policy guidelines were 30 days, which have been brought down to 21 days.
The CPGRAMS portal has redressed nearly 60 lac Public Grievances in period 2022-2024 and has mapped 1.01 lac Grievance Redressal officers of Ministries/ Departments and States/ Union Territories. The Grievance Redressal timelines under the 2022 policy guidelines were 30 days, which have been brought down to 21 days.
The Spices Board, under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has launched a new scheme titled 'Sustainability in Spice Sector through Progressive, Innovative and Collaborative Interventions for Export Development (SPICED).' Scheduled to roll out in the fiscal year 2025-26, the scheme has been approved with a budget of ₹422.30 crore.
Its primary objective is to enhance value addition, drive innovation, and promote sustainability in the spice sector.
The SPICED scheme introduces several key components, including Mission Value Addition, Mission Clean and Safe Spices, the promotion of Geographical Indication (GI) spices, and support for entrepreneurship through Spice Incubation Centres.
These initiatives are designed to empower farmer groups, such as Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs), and Self-Help Groups (SHGs), particularly in major spice-growing regions. The focus will be on improving post-harvest practices, ensuring an exportable surplus of spices that meet global food safety and quality standards.
Post-harvest quality improvement is a significant aspect of the scheme, with programs like Mission Clean and Safe Spices promoting sustainable production, certification systems, and extension advisory services. Additionally, the Board plans to enhance market expansion, trade promotion, and technological interventions to strengthen value addition in the spice sector.
Tata AIA Life Insurance, a leading insurer in India has announced a new term insurance ‘Sampoorna Raksha Promise’ that comes with innovative features and benefits.
Keeping in mind that the family may have to incur urgent expenses on the demise of the key member, it offers an instant payout of Rs. 3 lakhs on death claim intimation.
Sampoorna Raksha Promise allows the policyholder to defer the premium by 12 months in such circumstances. When diagnosed with a terminal illness e.g. cancer, the consumer is paid 50% of the sum assured, even as the future premiums are waived and policy benefits continue to accrue.
Sampoorna Raksha Promise provides coverage up to the age of 100 with two plan options:
Life Promise – Consumers can select a particular sum assured at the time of purchase, which is payable upon the policyholder’s death.
Life Promise Plus – Offers a similar death benefit to the Life Promise Option. Further, when the policyholder survives till maturity,
100% of the total premium (excluding modal premiums and discounts) is paid back.
Payor Accelerator Benefit is offered in both options, where a lump sum of 50% of the base sum assured is paid in the event of a Terminal Illness claim. Further, all future premiums are waived after the claim payment is made. The policy remains in force along with the benefits.
India and Indonesia have condemned the use of terrorist proxies for cross-border terrorism amid Pakistan’s support to terror groups carrying out terrorist activities in Jammu and Kashmir. The issue of cross-border terrorism figured at the sixth meeting of the India-Indonesia joint working group on counter-terrorism that was held in Jakarta.
The two sides focused on ways to effectively combat terrorism, including how to stop the use of new and emerging technologies by terrorists, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
The Indian delegation at the meeting was led by K D Dewal, Joint Secretary (Counter-Terrorism) in the MEA.
The Indonesian team was headed by Andhika Chrisnayudhanto, Deputy for International Cooperation at the National Counter Terrorism Agency.
The two sides also exchanged views on cooperation in regional, global, and multilateral fora such as the UN, ARF (ASEAN Regional Forum), and ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) to combat global terrorism.
The Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI) is organising the next World Water Week on 25-29 August 2024. World Water Week is the leading conference on global water issues, held every year since 1991, and the theme for this year’s conference is “Bridging Borders: Water for a Peaceful and Sustainable Future“.
The role of governance is critical when it comes to defusing tensions and preventing conflicts from escalating. It is important to learn from experiences from different contexts and analyze how governance structures can be more dynamic, flexible, and participatory.”
IT-BPM industry body Nasscom has appointed SAP Labs India MD Sindhu Gangadharan as its new Chairperson. Gangadharan steps into the role following the appointment of her predecessor, Rajesh Nambiar, as the Nasscom President Designate.
As the first woman to lead SAP Labs India, Gangadharan brings a wealth of experience and a visionary approach to her new position at Nasscom.
Her role will focus on advancing India’s technology sector by leveraging emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, strengthening the country’s engineering R&D capabilities, and positioning India as a global hub for digital talent. Her distinguished career includes her role as Chair of the Nasscom GCC Council, as well as board positions at Siemens India and Titan.
Sanjeev Raina, a 1987-batch officer of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), has been appointed as Additional Director General (ADG) in the India-China LAC guarding force. This marks only the second time a non-Indian Police Service (IPS) officer has been elevated to this rank within the ITBP.
Previously serving as Inspector General (IG) in Bhopal, Raina, 59, will retire next month after a brief tenure as ADG. His new role will oversee the western command of the ITBP, which manages deployments along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh, Uttarakhand, and Himachal Pradesh.
The Centre announced the creation of five new districts in the Union Territory of Ladakh: Zanskar, Drass, Sham, Nubra, and Changthang. Ladakh currently consists of just two districts, Leh and Kargil, each governed by its autonomous district council. With the formation of the new districts, Ladakh's total number of districts will increase to seven.
Before 2019, Ladakh was part of the former state of Jammu and Kashmir. The BJP-led government revoked the state's special status and split it into two union territories – Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh in August 2019.
India edged out Chinese Taipei and China to bag the silver medal at the Maruhaba Cup, a team event in the Asian Surfing Championships 2024 at the picturesque Thulusdhoo island in the Maldives. The silver came just a day after India secured its first-ever Asian Games quotas in surfing.
The Maruhaba Cup,a category within the Asian Surfing Championship, brought together elite surfers from across the continent in a team event.India outperformed numerous strong contenders en route to secure the silver medal. The Indian team, consisting of Kamali P, Ajeesh Ali, Srikanth D, and Sanjay Selvamani,secured first place in the Heat 2 semi-final with a total of 32.16.
Chinese Taipei followed in second place with a team score of 29.70,while South Korea finished third with a score of 27.74 in the same semi-final.
In the final, the Indian team competed against Asia's best and finished in second place with a team score of 24.13.Chinese Taipei (23.93) and China (22.10) were placed third and fourth respectively.Japan won the gold medal(58.40).
10th Round of India-Australia CECA Negotiations was held from 19-22 August 2024 in Sydney in the areas of Goods, Services, Digital Trade, Government Procurement, Rules of Origin, and Agri tech. Intense discussions were held on each of these tracks bringing in clarity and understanding for convergence in the remaining provisions.
The 10th Round was held after a gap of around 5 months from the concluded 9th Round. However intersessional meetings were held between these two rounds to bring in convergence on all these tracks as well as under other remaining tracks.
All the five negotiating tracks reported the outcomes of their discussions to the Joint meeting of the Chief Negotiators,
which provided them further guidance to steer their future work. It was decided that given the clear understanding of each other’s proposals under the five tracks, track leads from both the sides would work out action plan for negotiations through virtual mode intersessionally before the next round, likely to be held in India.
Australia is an important trade and strategic partner of India. Both the countries are part of the 14 country Indo Pacific Economic Forum for Prosperity (IPEF) and Trilateral Supply Chain Resilience Initiative (SCRI) which is expected to strengthen the supply chain resilience in the region. The next Round of CECA negotiations is likely to be held in November 2024.
