Day: July 17, 2024

India to Spend 3.88 trillion Rupees on food and fertiliser Subsidies; Can Budget 2024 Also Solve the Housing Crisis?

Manish Kumar

India’s expenditure on food and fertiliser subsidies is set to reach 3.88 trillion rupees in the 2024 budget. This marks a 5% increase from the interim budget announced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman before this year’s parliamentary elections. The country is expected to allocate 2.25 trillion rupees ($11.97 billion) for food subsidies, according to four government sources. This figure is approximately 11% higher than the February interim budget estimate, driven by increased spending on support prices for farmers. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government will present a new budget on July…

Surge in Islamic State Activity: Attacks in Iraq and Syria Expected to Double in 2024

Manish Kumar

Dramatic Increase in Attacks The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) has reported a significant resurgence in Islamic State (IS) activity. The group is on track to double its attacks in Syria and Iraq this year. In the first half of 2024 alone, IS claimed responsibility for 153 attacks, a stark increase from the 121 attacks recorded in 2023. IS Regroups and Strengthens CENTCOM has noted that this increase in attacks indicates IS is attempting to reconstitute itself. This resurgence follows several years of reduced capability. The announcement comes as IS marks…

Kishore Jena: From Near Quitting to Paris Olympics

Manish Kumar

Kishore Jena reveals that he wanted to leave javelin Jena will join Neeraj Chopra in the men’s javelin event Kishore Jena reveals how he returned into the fray Kishore Jena, a promising javelin thrower from India, almost gave up his athletic dreams in 2023. A series of disappointing performances led him to doubt his future in the sport. However, with encouragement from his father, Jena pushed through. Now, he is set to compete in the Paris Olympics alongside Neeraj Chopra. The Struggle in 2022 In 2022, Jena couldn’t break the…

Bangladesh Shuts Down Schools Indefinitely Amid Violent Protests

Manish Kumar

In response to violent protests that resulted in the deaths of six students, Bangladesh has ordered the indefinite closure of all high schools, Islamic seminaries, and vocational institutes. The decision, announced on Tuesday, aims to ensure the safety of students amid escalating demonstrations against civil service hiring policies. Violent Clashes and Fatalities The protests reached a peak in violence on Tuesday, with clashes between demonstrators and pro-government student groups. The confrontations involved thrown bricks, bamboo rods, and police using tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse the crowds. At least…

IAS Officer Puja Khedkar Files Harassment Case Against Pune Collector

Manish Kumar

Probationary IAS officer Puja Khedkar has filed a harassment case against Pune Collector Suhas Divase. Divase had reported Khedkar for allegedly misusing her power, which led to her transfer to Washim. Khedkar, who was serving as an assistant collector in Pune, was moved to Washim as a supernumerary assistant collector. She was accused of demanding perks and facilities not entitled to a trainee official. Controversial Allegations and Investigation Khedkar’s transfer followed allegations that she lied about her visual and mental disabilities to clear the Civil Services entrance exam. Additionally, she…