India
Major fire erupts in Mumbai seven-storey commercial building
A major fire broke out in a seven-storey commercial building in Mumbai, causing a level 2 (major) fire and causing eight fire engines and other vehicles to respond, with no reported casualties.
ED arrests retired Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board officer for conspiring with brokers
The Directorate of Enforcement (ED) in Bengaluru has arrested Vasantkumar Durgappa Sajjan, a retired Special Land Acquisition Officer, and land broker Maibub Allabuksh Dundasi under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. They are accused of involvement in a fraudulent double payment scheme with the Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board (KIADB), resulting in improper disbursement of Rs. 72 Crore. The investigation revealed that funds were laundered through shell accounts and used to acquire properties and assets.
Public Accounts Committee to look into allegations against Sebi Chief Madhabi Puri Buch
The parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC) is set to investigate allegations against Sebi chief Madhabi Puri Buch. The inquiry follows claims of conflict of interest and corrupt practices. The PAC, led by Congress leader KC Venugopal, will review the performance of regulatory bodies, including Sebi, later this month.
No friction between Centre and states over GST, says FM Sitharaman
Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman has denied any friction between the Centre and states over GST, emphasizing the importance of respecting the federal structure. She highlighted that simplifying taxpayer compliance takes precedence over revenue generation in budget meetings. The average GST rate has decreased to 12.2% as of 2023, below the suggested revenue neutral rate.
Andhra plans to set up overseas offices to woo investments
"We are planning to set up offices in different countries, especially our target markets like South Korea, Taiwan and other countries. This would help the state tap into major markets," Andhra Pradesh industries and commerce minister T G Bharath told ET.
MHA issues new fund norms for 'recovery, reconstruction' after 15th Finance Commission's suggestions
The home ministry has introduced new guidelines for the creation and management of recovery and reconstruction funds, following recommendations from the 15th Finance Commission. The guidelines aim to address gaps in funding for states affected by natural disasters, reallocating resources within existing disaster relief frameworks to better support recovery efforts.
Protest in Shimla over 'illegal' mosque
A massive protest erupted outside Sanjauli Masjid in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, with BJP, Hindu organisations, and local residents demanding its demolition. The controversy divided the ruling Congress as a minister supported the demand. The mosque's legality was debated in the Himachal Pradesh assembly, highlighting alleged illegal constructions on Waqf Board land.
Teachers, parents must educate children on dignity of women: President Murmu
President Droupadi Murmu, while presenting National Awards to teachers on Teachers' Day in New Delhi, emphasized the importance of educating children to respect women's dignity. She highlighted the role of teachers in creating compassionate and ethical individuals. The awards were given to 82 teachers from various educational institutions, each receiving a certificate, ₹50,000, and a silver medal.
Top government officials appear before Parliament's Waqf panel
The Parliamentary panel reviewing the Waqf (Amendment) Bill was briefed on Waqf properties in Delhi and lands owned by the road transport and railways ministries. The Urban Affairs Ministry's presentation faced scrutiny over historical land acquisitions, with opposition members questioning the completeness of the information provided.
Waqf Board claims 200 govt properties in Delhi: Officials
Top Union government officials informed a Parliamentary panel that over 200 properties in Delhi, controlled by central agencies, have been declared as Waqf properties. Opposition members questioned the necessity of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, while BJP MP Nishikant Dubey emphasized ensuring Waqf property is used for religious and welfare purposes. The BJD plans to oppose the bill.
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Andhra Pradesh rains: Union Minister Shivraj Chouhan wades through knee-deep water in flood-hit Vijayawada
Andhra Pradesh CM N Chandrababu Naidu and Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan were briefed on the devastation due to flood situation in Vijayawada. Shivraj Singh Chouhan also visited the flood-affected areas of Vijayawada with state minister Nara Lokesh to take stock of the situation. Heavy rainfall has caused severe flooding in Andhra Pradesh, with roads and houses submerged. The continuous rain, triggered by a land-based cyclone, resulted in heavy precipitation over just 24 hours, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). This extreme weather was fuelled by moisture from the Arabian Sea and heat from the eastern parts of the country. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), along with central forces and local officials, is working to provide relief
Invest India to set up unit in Singapore: PM Modi to Singapore CEOs
On Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Singaporean CEOs, joined by Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong and Minister K. Shanmugam. Modi announced the establishment of an Invest India office in Singapore to enhance collaboration and invited Singaporean business leaders to explore investment opportunities in India.
India, Singapore decide to go big on chips, sign MoUs after PM Modi visit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Singapore's Lawrence Wong agreed to upgrade bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. They signed MoUs for cooperation in semiconductors, digital technologies, skill development, and healthcare. Modi highlighted Singapore's significant investment in India and the potential for further collaboration in various sectors, including defence, education, and green projects.
Rajasthan sets sights on $350 billion economy, CM Bhajan Lal Sharma unveils ambitious plan at ET Summit
Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma unveiled a vision to transform the state into a $350 billion economy within five years. Speaking at the ET Rajasthan Business Summit, he emphasized sustainable development, digital governance, and industrial growth. The state aims to attract global investors with the Rising Rajasthan Investment Summit in December 2024.
From Ashwini Vaishnaw to Anil Kapoor: Indians in the TIME100 Most Influential People in AI 2024 List
TIME Magazine has unveiled its 'TIME100 Most Influential People in AI 2024' list, featuring several Indians. Notable names include Sundar Pichai, Satya Nadella, and Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. The list also highlights actor Anil Kapoor's legal victory over unauthorized AI use of his likeness, setting a precedent for personality rights protection.
Mumbai college rejected him, Adani built $220 bn empire; gets call to deliver lecture at same college
Gautam Adani, who was once rejected by Mumbai's Jai Hind College, returned decades later to deliver a lecture on Teachers Day. Adani, who began his career as a diamond sorter, built a USD 220 billion empire. His journey from humble beginnings to becoming an infrastructure tycoon exemplifies the power of passion and unconventional paths to success.
