Month: May 2024

Indian Cities Struggle for Global Recognition: Delhi Placed 350th in Oxford Economics’ Global Cities Index

Manish Kumar

The recent findings of the Oxford Economics’ Global Cities Index present a sobering reality for India, with its major cities notably absent from the upper echelons of global rankings. Delhi clinched a rather modest 350th position in the esteemed Global Cities Index, falling short of expectations and aspirations for a city of its stature. None of India’s urban centers could break into the top 300, with cities like Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Chennai trailing behind in the rankings. Oxford Economics, the esteemed economic research firm behind the Global Cities Index, employs…

Voters queue up to vote since early morning in an atmosphere of peace and security in Jammu and Kashmir

Manish Kumar

After a record voter turnout of 38.49% in Srinagar PC in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, Baramulla Parliament Constituency now seems headed for the highest turnout in the last 8 Lok Sabha elections. Voter turnout of 54.21 % was recorded as of 5 PM in the districts of Baramulla, Kupwara, Bandipora and Budgam. CEC Shri Rajiv Kumar along with fellow Election Commissioners Shri Gyanesh Kumar and Shri Sukhbir Singh Sandhu while appreciating the efforts of both civil and security personnel in the smooth and peaceful conduct of elections…

IGNCA Marks International Museum Day with an Educational Symposium

Manish Kumar

The Conservation and Cultural Archives Division of Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) organized a symposium on the topic ‘Museums & Archives: A Public Space for Education’ at UMANG Auditorium to commemorate International Museum Day 2024. The symposium was presided over by Prof. Ramesh Chandra Gaur, Dean (Administration), and HoD Kala Nidhi, IGNCA.   The event aimed to create awareness and attract more visitors to the IGNCA Cultural Archives, benefiting students, artists, and research scholars. Distinguished speakers at the symposium were Dr. Anand Burdhan, Deputy Dean (Acad.), AUD,…

Chief of Defence Staff interacts with Agniveer trainees at Maratha Regimental Centre & Airman Training School, Belagavi

Manish Kumar

Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Gen Anil Chauhan has stated that Agniveers are not just soldiers but also leaders, innovators and defenders of the nation’s sovereignty. He was interacting with the Agniveers undergoing training at Maratha Regimental Centre and Airmen Training School (ATS), Belagavi on 20 May 2024. Underscoring the noble purpose of military service and its pivotal role within the Military Framework,  the CDS at Maratha Regimental Centre lauded Agniveers for choosing the Armed Forces. He stated that it was a testament to their exceptional duty towards the nation.…

Payroll Data: EPFO adds 14.41 lakh net members during March 2024

Manish Kumar

EPFO’s provisional payroll data released on 20th May, 2024 highlights that EPFO has added 14.41 lakh net members in the month of March, 2024. The data indicates that around 7.47 lakh new members have been enrolled during March, 2024. A noticeable aspect of the data is the dominance of the 18-25 age group, constituting a significant 56.83% of the total new members added in March 2024 indicating the majority of individuals joining the organized workforce are youth, primarily first-time job seekers. The payroll data highlights that approximately 11.80 lakh members exited and subsequently rejoined EPFO.…

Attorney General for India Shri R. Venkataramani delivers Keynote address at 15th Annual Day commemoration of Competition Commission of India

Manish Kumar

The Attorney General for India, Shri R. Venkataramani, delivered the special address at the 15th Annual Day commemoration of the Competition Commission of India (CCI) as Chief Guest, in New Delhi, today.   In his address, Shri Venkataramani spoke about how the need for regulation of competition has travelled domains of prevention of unfairness in competition, to price determination and consumer welfare, and entering the age of common good as the determining factor. Referring to the quote of Paul Samuelson that the markets can work but only with government created guardrails, Shri…

Xi Jinping and Putin Cement Military Alliance Amid Global Tensions

Manish Kumar

Russia-China Bilateral Relationship Deepening Mutual Friendship Military Trust and Cooperation Russia’s reaffirmation of support for China’s stance on Taiwan, China’s acknowledgment of Russia’s position on Ukraine Russia and China expressed serious concerns about US actions Economic Cooperation, Energy and Nuclear Partnership In a display of unwavering solidarity, Chairman Xi Jinping welcomed President Vladimir Putin to China, marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two nations. The visit underscored the robustness of their “no-limits strategic partnership” and reaffirmed their commitment to mutual cooperation. The historic occasion solidified their shared…

Ukraine’s Zelenskiy Urges Swift Action from Allies Amid Escalating Conflict

Manish Kumar

Zelenskiy speaks on fifth anniversary of inauguration Ukrainian leader chastises West for slow military aid He also pushes them to get more directly involved in war Leader concedes that war is “difficult” amid Russian advances He urges China to join peace summit in Switzerland in June Appeal for Urgent Assistance: President Volodymyr Zelenskiy of Ukraine has urged Western allies to expedite military support, emphasizing the critical need for swift decisions amidst the escalating conflict with Russia. In an exclusive interview with Reuters in Kyiv, Zelenskiy emphasized the urgency of the…

Demand for Transparency: Activist Challenges SBI’s Secrecy Over Electoral Bond SOPs

Manish Kumar

The SBI, India’s largest public-sector lender, plays a pivotal role in the sale and redemption of electoral bonds through adherence to standard operating procedures (SOPs). However, the contents of these procedures remain shrouded in secrecy, sparking concerns about transparency and accountability in the electoral financing process. Transparency activist Anjali Bhardwaj’s quest to access the SOPs via the Right to Information (RTI) Act encountered roadblocks as the SBI denied her request, citing reasons of “commercial confidence”. The controversy surrounding electoral bonds intensified following a landmark verdict, where the court declared the…

Biden Firmly Backs Israel, Denies Genocide in Gaza Amid Protests, Facing Electoral Implications

Manish Kumar

Amid the escalating conflict in Gaza, President Joe Biden has emerged as a staunch supporter of Israel, vehemently denying accusations of genocide while facing mounting pressure from pro-Palestinian demonstrators. Speaking at a Jewish American Heritage Month event at the White House, Biden delivered a resolute defense of Israel’s military actions, emphasizing the nation’s right to defend itself against Hamas aggression. Strong Support for Israel and Condemnation of Hamas At the White House event, Biden made clear his unwavering commitment to Israel’s security, labeling Hamas militants as “butchers” and expressing solidarity…