Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu convened a high-level meeting with industry leaders to discuss economic growth targets and strategic development under the Vision-2047 plan. The task force, chaired by Mr. Naidu and co-chaired by Tata Sons Chairman N. Chandrasekaran, aims to achieve a 15% growth rate through well-structured policies and investment opportunities. Mr. Naidu emphasized the importance of wealth creation to uplift underprivileged communities and improve overall quality of life. The Vision-2047 initiative will leverage advanced technology, infrastructure, and human resources to attract investments, making Andhra Pradesh a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship. The state’s focus on ‘Speed of Doing Business’ aims to attract industrial growth and make Andhra Pradesh a prime destination for investment. The task force, comprising representatives from leading Indian companies, exchanged views on investment-friendly policies and will focus on creating pathways for sustainable development and innovation.
Young Indian Social Leader Nominated for Prestigious Russian Prize
Bisathi Bharath, a young social leader from Anantapur, India, has been nominated for the prestigious “We Are Together” International Prize of Russia. Bharath, a post-graduate in political science and economics, founded the Pragathi Padham Youth Association, which focuses on guiding underprivileged students. His organization has adopted three villages to conduct career guidance sessions. The “We Are Together” Prize, established in 2020, recognizes individuals and organizations globally who contribute to solving humanitarian issues. Bharath was nominated in the “Equal Opportunities, Social Justice and Youth Development” category and is one of several young leaders shortlisted for the award. The final winner will be announced at the award ceremony in Moscow on December 5, 2024. Bharath has previously received the United Nations V-Award and the Diana Award 2021 for his humanitarian work.
North Korea and Russia Formalize Mutual Defense Treaty Amid International Condemnation
North Korea has officially ratified a mutual defense treaty with Russia, solidifying a pact signed in June that commits both countries to provide military assistance in the event of an attack. This move comes amidst widespread international criticism over the deepening military cooperation between the two nations, particularly in light of reports that North Korea has deployed tens of thousands of troops to support Russia’s war in Ukraine. The treaty, which takes effect upon the exchange of ratification instruments, stipulates immediate military and other assistance using all available means if either side is at war. While the Kremlin denies any communication between Putin and Trump regarding Ukraine, the treaty has been met with alarm by Seoul, Washington, and Kyiv, who claim that North Korean troops have already engaged in combat in Ukraine, resulting in casualties.
Global Carbon Market Takes Shape at COP29
Countries gathered in Baku for the annual climate conference, COP29, have finally agreed on a framework for a global carbon market, a crucial step towards implementing the Paris Agreement’s Article 6. This market will allow countries to trade carbon credits, representing certified reductions in emissions, with the goal of incentivizing climate action and directing resources to developing nations. While the agreement addresses concerns about the authenticity and transparency of carbon credits, key issues remain regarding accounting for emissions reductions across borders and the eligibility of various projects for credit generation. The successful implementation of this market is expected to reduce the cost of national climate plans by $250 billion annually, but its effectiveness hinges on the finalization of methodologies and the establishment of a new global climate finance goal, which is also a major focus of COP29.
New CJI Urges Lawyers to End Unlisted Oral Mentionings
Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna, in his first address to the legal community after assuming office, has urged lawyers to refrain from making unlisted, out-of-turn oral mentions of their cases in court. He advised lawyers to follow the established practice of requesting urgent listings beforehand through email or written communication to the Supreme Court Registrar, ensuring cases are promptly listed before the appropriate bench. This move aims to streamline court proceedings and address the long-standing issue of oral mentionings, which have historically consumed a significant portion of court time. While previous CJIs have attempted to curb this practice, CJI Khanna’s emphasis on adhering to established procedures underscores his commitment to promoting efficiency and fairness within the judicial system.
Rajasthan Emerges as a Potential Defence Manufacturing Hub
The Gyan Shakti Think Tank (GSTT) under Sapta Shakti Command, in collaboration with FICCI, hosted its inaugural seminar in Jaipur, focusing on “Atmanirbharta in Defence Manufacturing: Opportunities in Rajasthan.” The event, held at the Jaipur Military Station, brought together key figures from the defence industry, government, and academia. Industry and Commerce Minister Colonel Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore and FICCI Co-chair Ankit Mehta participated, while Lt Gen Manjinder Singh, Army Commander of Sapta Shakti Command, delivered the keynote address. The seminar highlighted Rajasthan’s potential as a hub for defence manufacturing, emphasizing its role in achieving self-reliance in the sector. GSTT, established to foster collaboration between veterans, scholars, and industry leaders, aims to contribute to defence and regional security through knowledge sharing and strategic partnerships.
Odisha’s Menstrual Leave Policy: A Step Forward with Restrictions
Odisha has become the third state in India to offer menstrual leave, granting government employees under 55 years of age 12 days of leave annually. This policy, implemented after months of advocacy by women’s rights activists, aims to acknowledge the physical discomfort women experience during menstruation. However, the leave is restricted to one day per month, with unused leave expiring at the end of each month. While the government’s decision is seen as a positive step towards gender equality, activists urge private sector companies to follow suit and implement similar policies to ensure parity in the workforce. The policy supersedes an earlier notification that granted 10 additional casual leaves to women employees, but lacked clarity on usage and carryover.
JMM Unveils ‘Adhikar Patra’ with Focus on Employment, Social Security, and Reservation
The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) released its manifesto, titled ‘Adhikar Patra’, on Monday, outlining its key promises for the upcoming state assembly elections. The manifesto, which carries the slogan “Ek Hi Naara, Hemant Dobara” (One Slogan, Hemant Again), focuses on employment generation, social security, and strengthening reservation policies. JMM reiterates its commitment to increasing reservation for OBCs in government jobs from 14% to 27%, while maintaining 28% for STs and 12% for SCs. The party also promises 33% reservation for women in all government positions. The manifesto includes a detailed plan for appointing two lakh youths across various departments, with the largest chunk allocated to rural development, urban development, health, mining, tourism, and renewable energy. JMM also proposes to establish CM Schools of Excellence at the panchayat level, degree colleges in every block, and medical and engineering colleges in 15 districts. The party further pledges to cancel the land bank scheme, issue land titles to the landless, and provide caste and residential certificates within six months of coming to power. To counter the BJP’s proposed gas cylinder subsidy, JMM promises to reduce the price of LPG cylinders to Rs 450 for needy families and increase the amount given under the Maiya Samman Yojna to Rs 2,500 per month. The party also plans to increase the pension for widows, elderly people, and specially-abled persons to Rs 2,500 per month and ensure health insurance coverage for those in the unorganized sector. JMM emphasizes that its manifesto is a document of “basic minimum rights” for the people of Jharkhand, aiming to fulfill their aspirations for a better future.
Protecting the Sacred: Strict Regulations Proposed for Manimahesh Yatra
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has recommended stringent regulations for the annual Manimahesh Yatra in Chamba district, Himachal Pradesh, to mitigate the environmental damage caused by the influx of pilgrims. A joint committee, comprising the Chamba deputy commissioner and deputy conservator of forests, has proposed a comprehensive plan to manage human activity on the sensitive trek route, including capping daily pilgrim numbers, mandatory online registration, and an eco cess. The report highlights the need for stricter control over commercial activities, with specific zones designated for commercial structures and a ban on commercial activity and langars near the Manimahesh lake. The committee also recommends scientific waste management, including waste segregation at source and a material recovery facility, and increased sanitation facilities. These measures aim to protect the fragile ecosystem of the Manimahesh region while ensuring a safe and sustainable pilgrimage experience for devotees.
Haryana Launches Vehicle Scrappage and Recycling Incentive Policy to Promote Sustainability and Economic Growth
The Haryana government has launched a new vehicle scrappage and recycling incentive policy aimed at managing end-of-life vehicles (ELVs) within the state. This initiative promotes environmental sustainability by reducing pollution and encouraging proper disposal and recycling of old vehicles. The policy offers financial incentives to vehicle owners, including capital subsidies, state GST reimbursement, and land leasing frameworks. It also provides support for startups, women entrepreneurs, and Scheduled Castes candidates, along with infrastructure development grants and financial assistance for skill development and youth employment initiatives. This comprehensive policy aims to address the issue of abandoned vehicles while fostering economic growth and environmental protection.