Month: July 2024

Categories
Business Economy India News

Budget 2024 vs. Interim: What’s Changed?

New Delhi: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman leaves to present the budget in Parliament in New Delhi on Tuesday July 23, 2024. (Photo: IANS)

The Interim Budget has limitations, as it’s presented by a government in its final year to secure parliamentary approval for withdrawing funds from the Consolidated Fund of India…reports Asian Lite News

The full budget for 2024-25 presented by the Finance Minister in Parliament on Tuesday has accelerated the thrust of the Interim Budget on empowering youth, women, farmers and the poor, with the introduction of bold path-breaking initiatives to increase employment and enhance incomes in these priority segments of society.

As part of the bigger push to create more jobs, the Finance Minister announced the Prime Minister’s package comprising five schemes aimed at facilitating employment and skilling, with an allocation of Rs 2 lakh crore in the full budget.

There has been a huge increase in the support for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) that have the potential of generating large scale employment.

The budget has also allocated as much as Rs 3 lakh crore in programmes that will enable more women to enter the workforce and contribute to the country’s inclusive development aligned with the ‘Viksit Bharat’ goal, the Finance Minister said.

Similarly, a robust allocation of Rs 5.2 lakh crore has been made for agriculture and allied sectors to enhance the earnings of farmers.

The full budget has also strengthened the country’s financial consolidation path as the fiscal deficit target has been reduced to 4.9 per cent of the GDP for 2024-25 compared to 5.1 per cent fixed in the Interim Budget.

The government has reduced its planned gross market borrowing by Rs 12,000 crore for FY 2025. The new borrowing target is Rs 14.01 lakh crore, down from the Rs 14.13 lakh crore announced in the Interim Budget.

This has been made possible as tax collections in the fast-growing economy have turned out to be higher than expected and the RBI has also delivered a huge dividend to the government.

The reduced borrowings by the government will leave more money in the banking system for companies to borrow for investments which will help to spur growth and create more jobs, according to economists.

A lower fiscal deficit also helps to keep inflation in check which ensures a stable growth path for the economy.

The Interim Budget has its limitations as it is presented by a government in its last year in office to seek fresh approval from Parliament to withdraw money from the Consolidated Fund of India to run the country since the 2023-24 Budget was valid only till March 31 this year.

Consequently, no major tax reforms could be announced in the Interim Budget.

Union budget word on wooden cube with indian currency

Senior officials point out that the Finance Minister had indicated at the time that “no big bang tax reforms” should be expected in the Interim Budget. In the full Union Budget, the Finance Minister has announced a big relief in the tax burden for the middle class which will place more purchasing power in the hands of people that will spur economic growth.

Similarly, wide-ranging changes in customs duties have now been announced in the full budget which will remove inverted duty structure in some sectors and result in the increase in domestic production and higher exports.

Besides, the Finance Minister has announced a comprehensive review of the Income Tax Act, 1961 aimed at reducing disputes and litigation.

The review will be carried out on a fast track and be completed in six months, she said.

At the same time, some allocations made in the Interim Budget have been retained as part of the continuity in the planning process.

In the case of big infrastructure projects in the highways, ports, railways and airports sectors to be taken up in 2024-25 the Interim Budget had seen an over 11 per cent increase in allocation to a staggering Rs 11.1 lakh crore.

The full budget has retained this capital expenditure target as these big projects with large gestation lags have already been identified.

Similarly, the emphasis on green energy and tourism in the Interim Budget also finds its place in the full budget as part of the continuity in the country’s planning for development.

The Union Budget of 2024-25 has also retained an allocation of Rs 6.22 lakh crore for the Ministry of Defence (MoD), which is the highest among the ministries.

While maintaining the allocation made to MoD during the Interim Budget, the government has earmarked an additional outlay of Rs 400 crore, in the Union Budget presented on Tuesday, on innovation in Defence through the Acing Development of Innovative Technologies with iDEX (ADITI) scheme.

The allocation is aimed to promote ‘Aatmanirbharta’ in Defence technology and manufacturing and equip the armed forces with modern weapons/platforms along with creation of job opportunities for the youth.

ALSO READ: India Challenges China with Mineral Budget

Categories
-Top News Asia News India News

BIMSTEC 2024: New Era of Regional Cooperation

In the past more than two decades since its establishment, BIMSTEC has come a long way in distinguishing itself as a group with a vision for collective advancement, writes Nihar R Nayak

India hosted the 2nd BIMSTEC Foreign Ministers’ Retreat on July 11, 2024. This event was particularly significant as it was the first gathering of its kind since the BIMSTEC Charter came into effect on May 20, 2024, marking a pivotal moment in the organisation’s evolution.

The meeting saw the participation of foreign ministers from all member countries, with the exceptions of Nepal and Sri Lanka. Nepal was represented by its Foreign Secretary due to an unforeseen political situation, while Sri Lanka was represented by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Tharaka Balasuriya.

The retreat aimed to strategize on enhancing and expanding BIMSTEC’s activities, such as capacity building and economic cooperation, which have become increasingly urgent in light of contemporary geopolitical developments and emerging global challenges. Additionally, the meeting sought to set the agenda for the upcoming BIMSTEC Summit.



Significance of the meeting


The meeting assumes significance for several reasons:

First Regional Meeting Post-Modi 3.0: This was the first regional meeting hosted by New Delhi following the formation of the Modi 3.0 government. Given the emerging global and regional challenges, it was imperative for member countries to hold an annual meeting. The first edition of the BIMSTEC Foreign Ministers’ Retreat was held in Bangkok, Thailand, on July 17, 2023.

Dialogue on Organisational and Regional Issues: The member countries sought to discuss organisational and regional issues following the adoption of the BIMSTEC Charter. This dialogue was crucial for setting the future direction of the organisation.

Backdrop of Developments in Myanmar: The meeting took place against the backdrop of significant developments in Myanmar, where the military junta was facing setbacks against dozens of Ethnic Armed Organisations (EAOs).

The instability in Myanmar poses a major challenge for BIMSTEC, as it threatens numerous developmental and connectivity projects aimed at strengthening ties within the group. Just a day before the meeting in Delhi, the military junta in Naypyidaw lost control of Naungcho, a major town along a trade highway to China in the northern Shan State, to the Ta’ang National Liberation Army.

Preparatory Meeting for Upcoming Summit: This retreat served as a preparatory meeting for the forthcoming BIMSTEC Summit, which will be hosted by Thailand in September 2024. It provided an opportunity for members to exchange ideas openly, candidly, and fruitfully, setting the stage for more structured and comprehensive discussions at the summit.

This retreat can be viewed as a crucial step towards reinvigorating regional cooperation under the BIMSTEC framework. The absence of high-level representatives from Nepal and Sri Lanka underscores the political complexities within the region, but their presence through senior officials signifies a continued commitment to the BIMSTEC process.



Key achievements of BIMSTEC

Established in 1997, BIMSTEC has distinguished itself as a sector-driven grouping, with each member nation leading specific sectors, reflecting their expertise and commitment to collective advancement.

Over the last 25 years, it has emerged as a robust regional cooperation mechanism with several institutional frameworks addressing common regional issues.

 Some of the key achievements include:

1.     Adoption of the BIMSTEC Charter: Officially adopted in May 2024, the charter provides a structured framework for the organisation’s functioning and objectives.

2.     BIMSTEC Master Plan for Transport Connectivity: Completed in 2022, this plan aims to enhance regional connectivity through improved transportation infrastructure.
 
3.     BIMSTEC Convention on Cooperation in Combating International Terrorism, Transnational Organised Crimes, and Illicit Drug Trafficking: This convention, which came into force in December 2009, strengthens collaborative efforts in addressing these critical issues.
 
4.     Establishment of the BIMSTEC Secretariat: Located in Dhaka, Bangladesh, the secretariat was established in September 2014 to facilitate coordination and implementation of BIMSTEC activities.
 
5.     Framework Agreement on the BIMSTEC Free Trade Area:Signed on February 8, 2004, this agreement aims to promote trade liberalisation and economic integration within the region.
 
6.     BIMSTEC Convention on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters:This convention facilitates legal cooperation among member countries in criminal matters.

7.     Memorandum of Association on the Establishment of BIMSTEC Technology Transfer Facility: This memorandum promotes technological collaboration and innovation across member states.

In addition, BIMSTEC has established several centers and institutions, including the BIMSTEC Energy Centre (BEC), the BIMSTEC Weather and Climate Centre, the BIMSTEC Tourism Information Centre, the BIMSTEC Tourism Fund, and the BIMSTEC Centre for Poverty Alleviation.

On February 6, 2024, India organised the first BIMSTEC Aquatics Championships.

Moreover, trade, technology, economic development, and connectivity have been core objectives of BIMSTEC. The group has been negotiating over critical issues such as the Motor Vehicles Agreement, Maritime Transport Cooperation, Grid Interconnection Master Plan Study, and the establishment of the BIMSTEC Cultural Industries Observatory in Bhutan and the BIMSTEC Energy Centre in India.

Issues discussed

The two-day event provided an opportunity for the member countries to broaden and deepen cooperation across sectors, including security, connectivity, trade, health, digital infrastructure, and investment in the Bay of Bengal region and littoral areas.

The discussions focused on capacity building, organisational expansion, and societal exchanges.

 Additionally, the members weighed the merits of new mechanisms in the light of the newly adopted charter.

On the sidelines of the event, India’s Foreign Minister had one-on-one meetings with Myanmar’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister U Than Swe, and his Thai counterpart. Following these meetings, he remarked, “Our discussions focused on the connectivity projects, so crucial for the future of BIMSTEC. We also exchanged views on border stability and humanitarian assistance.”

The visiting Foreign Ministers also paid a joint call on Prime Minister Narendra Modi who emphasised the role of BIMSTEC as an engine for economic and social growth.

He reaffirmed India’s commitment to a peaceful, prosperous, resilient, and safe BIMSTEC region, highlighting its significance to India. He also expressed India’s full support to Thailand for the upcoming BIMSTEC Summit.

BIMSTEC and India

India, as a founding member of BIMSTEC, holds a pivotal position in linking South Asia and Southeast Asia.

 Strategically and economically, BIMSTEC assumes significant importance for India.

At the inaugural session of the retreat, India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar, articulated the importance of BIMSTEC: “For India, BIMSTEC represents the intersection of its ‘Neighbourhood First’ outlook, the ‘Act East Policy,’ and the ‘SAGAR’ vision.

Each of these endeavours has been proposed with a specific focus on the Bay of Bengal, where collaborative potential has long remained under realised.”

Even if SAARC was to revive, India cannot afford to neglect BIMSTEC due to its strategic relevance. Most BIMSTEC member countries share borders with the Bay of Bengal, a region of immense strategic importance on India’s eastern flank.

Additionally, several of these countries are members of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) and the Indo-Pacific framework, further underscoring the strategic importance of BIMSTEC for India.

Strategically, a functional BIMSTEC would counteract Chinese influence in the region, particularly in Myanmar. Myanmar, with its history of conflict, has recently seen China attempt to consolidate its political presence by positioning itself as a peace broker. A robust BIMSTEC could help mitigate this influence.



Conclusion

BIMSTEC has immense potential to contribute to rapid economic growth, connectivity, and infrastructure development in the region. Unlike other regional cooperation frameworks, BIMSTEC does not focus on security, geography, or political issues but rather on technical and economic sectors of mutual interest.

Historically, the member countries have enjoyed strong commercial and cultural linkages, and there are no significant bilateral disputes among them, reducing the risk of competing power dynamics.

To realise its potential, BIMSTEC must overcome current political reluctance among its members. This includes addressing issues such as inter-state migration resulting from conflicts in Myanmar.

For BIMSTEC to become a functional and effective organisation, member countries need to actively explore and harness the region’s potential. This involves committing to collaborative projects, investing in infrastructure and connectivity, and fostering a culture of mutual support and understanding.


(The writer is a Research Fellow at the MP-IDSA, New Delhi; views expressed here are his own.)  

ALSO READ:

Categories
-Top News Asia News India News

Jaishankar to visit Tokyo for Quad meet after Laos

The EAM will be in Laos from July 25-27 to participate in the Foreign Ministers’ Meetings under the ASEAN framework…reports Asian Lite News

 External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is expected to hold significant discussions with his counterparts from several Southeast nations besides foreign ministers of Australia, Japan and the United States, over the next few days at the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ gathering in the Laotian capital of Vientiane and the Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Tokyo.

The EAM will be in Laos from July 25-27 to participate in the Foreign Ministers’ Meetings under the ASEAN framework in the format of ASEAN-India, East Asia Summit(EAS) and ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF).

The 57th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) will be attended by over 1000 delegates, including foreign ministers and representatives from 31 countries.

ASEAN countries remain an important pillar of India’s ‘Act East’ policy and key partner of its Indo-Pacific Vision underlined by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) vision.

As many as 25 ministerial meetings are being hosted by Laos in its capacity as 2024 ASEAN Chair under the theme of ‘ASEAN: Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience’ from July 22 to 27.

“The visit underlines India’s deep engagement with and the importance India attaches to the ASEAN-centred regional architecture, our strong commitment to ASEAN unity, ASEAN centrality, the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) and taking forward the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership,” the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement on Tuesday.

“It is of particular significance that this year marks a decade of India’s Act East Policy which was announced by Prime Minister at the 9th East Asia Summit in 2014,” it added.

In Vientiane, EAM Jaishankar will not only be holding bilateral meetings with Saleumxay Kommasith, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Laos, but also with his counterparts from other countries on the margins of the ASEAN-related meetings.

The US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy and foreign ministers of several other countries will also be in Vientiane for the Asean meetings.

From Laos, the EAM will travel to Tokyo to participate in the next meeting of the Quad Foreign Ministers’ on July 29 along with the Foreign Ministers of Australia, and the United States.

“The Ministers will take forward discussions held during the last meeting in New York in September 2023 and exchange views on developments in the Indo-Pacific region, and review progress on Quad initiatives and working groups,” the MEA stated.

“The Ministers would discuss regional and international issues, and guide future collaboration to achieve the shared vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific region by addressing contemporary priorities of the region through delivery of public goods,” it ministry detailed.

During the Tokyo visit, EAM Jaishankar is also scheduled to hold discussions with his Japanese counterpart Yoko Kamikawa to further strengthen the growing partnership between the two countries.

ALSO READ: Bengal Assembly passes resolution on scrapping of NEET

Categories
-Top News India News Jammu & Kashmir

‘Over one crore tourists visited J&K in six months’

dal lake.(Photo:@manojsinha_)

Last year the number rose to 2,11,24,874; and till June this year, 1,08,41,009 tourists have visited the UT….reports Asian Lite News

The Centre said on Wednesday that over one crore tourists visited Jammu and Kashmir till June 2024. 

Replying to a question in Parliament, Nityanand Rai, the Minister of State for Home, said that the tourism sector in the union territory has witnessed unprecedented growth post-abrogation of Article 370.

He said that 34,70,834 tourists visited J&K in 2020 and since then there has been a consistent rise in the numbers.

In 2021, the number was 1,13,14,884 followed by 1,88,64,332 in 2022.

Last year the number rose to 2,11,24,874; and till June this year, 1,08,41,009 tourists have visited the UT.

“The government of Jammu and Kashmir has reported that several measures have been taken that led to significant improvement in tourism, including Tourism Policy 2020 and status of industry to the tourism sector for availing incentives under the Jammu and Kashmir Industrial Policy 2021”, the MoS said.

After the overall improvement in the law and order situation, J&K has been witnessing a tourist boom for the last four years and this has helped the livelihood of thousands of people connected directly or indirectly with this industry.

Other measures comprise availing of incentives under the Jammu and Kashmir Industrial Policy- 2021 considering the status of industry to the tourism sector in the Union Territory.

The government also notified the homestay guidelines to accommodate the increasing number of tourists and to give benefits to the locals from the economic gains of the tourism sector.

The Minister said the government has also notified Jammu and Kashmir Film Policy-2021, and Houseboat Policy-2020, identified 75 off-beat destinations.

Border tourism has picked up in Jammu and Kashmir and hitherto unknown locations have been opened up for tourism like Gurez, Keran, Teetwal and R.S. Pura, and the Union Territory is also emerging in adventure and Golf tourism, said Rai in the reply.

“The government of Jammu and Kashmir has undertaken various infrastructure projects to boost the tourism sector and it also is emerging as an international tourist destination after successful hosting of major events such as the 3rd G-20 Tourism Working Group Meeting,” Rai said.

Modern infrastructure and the growing number of luxury hotels and resorts make Jammu and Kashmir a prime location for destination weddings and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) tourism, he said.

“The government of Jammu and Kashmir has reported that due to the above initiatives, the contribution of Tourism in Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) has increased from 7.84 per cent in FY 2019-20 to 8.47 per cent in Financial Year 2022-23,” added the Minister.

ALSO READ: Bengal Assembly passes resolution on scrapping of NEET

Categories
-Top News China India News

Indian Navy rescues critically injured Chinese mariner off Mumbai

Responding to the medical emergency, a Sea King helicopter was launched from the Indian Navy Air Station Shikra at 0550 hours on Wednesday…reports Asian Lite News

Braving challenging weather conditions, the Indian Navy on Wednesday successfully evacuated a critically injured Chinese mariner from Bulk Carrier Zhong Shan Men, 200 nm (approximately 370 km) from Mumbai.

The Indian Navy said that its Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre in Mumbai received a distress call on Tuesday night from the bulk carrier, requesting immediate evacuation of a critically injured 51-year-old mariner who had suffered heavy blood loss.

Responding to the medical emergency, a Sea King helicopter was launched from the Indian Navy Air Station Shikra at 0550 hours on Wednesday.

“Challenging weather conditions with winds over 45 knots and heavy rolling of the ship were compounded by non-availability of continuous deck. The patient was successfully airlifted from the bridge wing of the vessel and transported back to the air station and subsequently shifted to hospital for further medical management,” the Indian Navy spokesperson posted on X.

Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Samrat was also diverted to render assistance.

“The safe and timely evacuation of the patient was a result of joint operation coordinated by MRCC (MBI) with the Indian Navy,” the spokesperson mentioned.

ALSO READ: Bengal Assembly passes resolution on scrapping of NEET

Categories
Economy India News Science

Two ISRO astronauts to begin NASA training in August

An ISRO official mentioned that while the astronauts have received general spacefaring training in India, much of their focus has been on Gaganyaan-specific modules…reports Asian Lite News

Two Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) astronauts are set to begin their training for the Gaganyaan mission with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in August this year. The training will take place at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Texas and is a significant milestone in the collaboration between the two space agencies. These astronauts are part of a group of four designated test pilots from the Indian Air Force, selected for this mission.

An ISRO official mentioned that while the astronauts have received general spacefaring training in India, much of their focus has been on Gaganyaan-specific modules. To prepare for the upcoming mission, they will need to become familiar with the International Space Station (ISS) modules and protocols during their time at NASA.

After completing their training in Texas, one of these astronauts will join the upcoming Indo-US space mission to the ISS. This collaboration was highlighted during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit to the US in June 2023, where President Joe Biden announced that NASA would train Indian astronauts for this mission.

The crewed Indo-US space mission is scheduled for launch by the end of 2024. Despite some reports suggesting potential delays, US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti confirmed that the mission is set to proceed by the end of this year. The mission will utilize SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket and Crew Dragon capsule, with operations managed by Axiom Space. This mission, known as Axiom-4, is designed to transport Indian astronauts to the ISS for a 14-day stay and marks the fourth private astronaut mission conducted by NASA in collaboration with Axiom Space.

This mission is particularly significant for India as it marks the country’s return to crewed spaceflight since Rakesh Sharma’s historic journey aboard Soyuz T-11 to the Soviet Salyut-7 Space Station in April 1984. The training and the Indo-US mission are preparatory steps for India’s Gaganyaan space programme, which aims to launch a human-carrying spacecraft to Earth orbit and ensure its safe return. This mission will be India’s first indigenous crewed spaceflight.

However, India’s human spaceflight is expected to be delayed until at least 2025, as the initial unmanned mission is yet to commence. The manned mission will only proceed after the successful completion of two unmanned flights. Additionally, India’s GSLV Mk2 rocket is set to launch the Indo-US satellite NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar) by late 2024 or early 2025. NISAR will play a crucial role in monitoring Earth’s vital signs, contributing to climate change research and natural disaster evaluations.

ALSO READ: Bengal Assembly passes resolution on scrapping of NEET

Categories
Economy India News Politics

Bengal Assembly passes resolution on scrapping of NEET

With this, West Bengal became the second state after Tamil Nadu to pass a motion demanding scrapping of NEET….reports Asian Lite News

A motion moved by the ruling Trinamool Congress in West Bengal Assembly demanding scrapping of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) and restoration of the previous system of individual state governments conducting such examinations, was passed in the House on Wednesday.

With this, West Bengal became the second state after Tamil Nadu to pass a motion demanding scrapping of NEET.

The development came in the wake of the recent NEET paper leaks that took place in the country.

Earlier, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had sent a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi raising the same demand.

Now, after passing the motion in the House, the Treasury Bench officially recorded its reservations about NEET.

According to West Bengal Education Minister, Bratya Basu, his party has always been against NEET with its all-India nature.

He said that his party had been resisting the move since it was against the federal structure of the country.

However, the Leader of Opposition in West Bengal Assembly pointed out that the ruling party in a state whose leaders were neck-deep in the cash-for-school job case were not raising questions and moving on the issue.

Meanwhile, in a big blow to the litigants alleging irregularities in the NEET-UG 2024, the Supreme Court said on Tuesday that sufficient material was not available on record to order a re-test.

Referring to the data analytics undertaken by IIT Madras and other statistics placed on record, a bench presided over by CJI D.Y. Chandrachud observed that there was no systematic leak of question papers breaching the sanctity of the competitive exam.

The bench, also comprising Justices J.B. Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, said that it was mindful of the fact that directing fresh exam would be replete with serious consequences for over 2 million students who had appeared for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (Undergraduate) on May 5.

The apex court clarified that its judgment won’t prevent authorities from taking action against candidates who had secured admission using malpractices.

It also asked the National Testing Agency (NTA) to re-tally the marks afresh in view of the opinion rendered by the expert panel of IIT Delhi in respect of a contentious physics question, saying that two options cannot be treated as the correct answers to a question.

During the previous hearing, the SC had asked the Director of IIT Delhi to constitute a team of three experts to formulate its opinion on the correct option and remit its opinion to the registrar of the court by 12 noon on July 23.

During the hearing on pleas seeking cancellation of the NEET-UG, a petitioner pointed out that as many as 44 candidates were able to secure full marks on account of the ambiguous question, and questioned NTA’s decision to award compensatory marks in violation of its own instructions asking students to follow the latest NCERT textbook.

ALSO READ: New PM only after Olympics, says Macron  

Categories
Asia News India News Politics

Bihar Assembly passes Anti-Paper Leak Bill; opposition walks out

The Bihar Assembly passed the Bihar Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Bill, 2024 on Wednesday….reports Asian Lite News

The Bihar Assembly passed the Anti-Paper Leak Bill with a voice vote on Wednesday, amid a walkout by the opposition.

The Bihar Assembly passed the Bihar Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Bill, 2024 on Wednesday.

This legislation, introduced by State Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Vijay Kumar Chaudhary, aims to combat malpractices in government recruitment exams and was passed with a voice vote amidst a walkout by the opposition.

The bill proposes penalties for those involved in malpractices, including a minimum prison sentence of 10 years and a fine of at least Rs 1 crore.

While speaking with reporters, Chaudhary said, “We have stated in the House that there is a need to make a strict law against the malpractice or use of unfair means in examinations. You all know that right now, the issue of NEET is ongoing, which reached the Supreme Court. It is true that today there is a need to restore transparency and credibility in public examinations. Those who use unfair means play with the future of the intelligent, hardworking students of our state. You must have seen that in this bill, strict rules have been made against those who commit such irregularities.”

He added, “If any agencies are involved in malpractices, it proposes 10 years of imprisonment and a minimum fine of Rs 1 crore for the criminals. That is why this strict law has been made, and we hope that the future of bright and hardworking students of Bihar will be secure.”

The bill comes after alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG examination conducted by the National Testing Agency. 

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court on Tuesday refused to cancel the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test-Under Graduate (NEET-UG) 2024 examination held on May 5, holding that there was no systemic breach in the exam.

A bench of Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra said that at the present stage, there is an absence of material on record to lead to the conclusion that the result of the exam is vitiated or that there is any systematic breach.

The bench stated that the data on record is not indicative of a systemic leak of the NEET-UG question paper, which would indicate a disruption of the sanctity of the exam.

However, it acknowledged that the leak of the NEET-UG paper took place at Hazaribagh and Patna and said that it is “not in dispute”. (ANI)

ALSO READ: India, Kuwait agree to strengthen cooperation  

Categories
-Top News EU News Europe

New PM only after Olympics, says Macron  

Emanuel Macron-stepchild of western alliance may retaliate after AUKUS formation.(photo:IN)

Gabriel Attal submitted his resignation as prime minister to Macron on July 8 after the ruling party failed to secure a majority in the snap legislative elections…reports Asian Lite News

French President Emmanuel Macron said that he will not pick a new prime minister before the end of the Olympic Games to avoid “disorder”, local media reported.

“This government has prepared the Games, and our responsibility is to make sure they go well,” Macron said during an interview with France 2 channel, adding that he has chosen “stability” to safeguard the Games, which gather nearly 10,500 athletes and millions of fans, Xinhua news agency reported.

As the change of the prime minister and the appointment of a new government would create “chaos,” Macron called on political parties to seek compromises in the country’s parliament in the absence of an absolute majority.

Gabriel Attal submitted his resignation as prime minister to Macron on July 8 after the ruling party failed to secure a majority in the snap legislative elections.

On July 16, Macron accepted Attal’s resignation but asked him to stay as the head of a caretaker cabinet until the formation of a new administration.

ALSO READ-Macron accepts PM Attal’s resignation

Categories
-Top News Arab News

Nine arrested during protest against Israel arms exports

London’s Metropolitan Police said protesters arrived outside Britain’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and blocked pedestrian and vehicle access. Police then said the protest could only continue if it left the central arch of the street clear…reports Asian Lite News

British police on Wednesday arrested nine people during a protest against arms exports to Israel that briefly blocked the street outside the foreign ministry, highlighting pressure on the new Labour government over its stance on the Gaza war.

Pro-Palestinian protesters in Britain have been campaigning for a government ban on arms sales to Israel following its offensive on Gaza in response to the Oct. 7 attack.

Last week new Foreign Minister David Lammy, who has said he wants a balanced position on Israel and Gaza, said a blanket ban on arms exports to Israel would not be right, but he would follow a quasi-judicial process in assessing whether sales of offensive weapons that could be used in Gaza could proceed.

London’s Metropolitan Police said protesters arrived outside Britain’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and blocked pedestrian and vehicle access. Police then said the protest could only continue if it left the central arch of the street clear.

“When the group failed to comply with the conditions, officers intervened and made nine arrests, quickly restoring access,” a Met Police spokesperson said.

While in opposition, Lammy earlier this year said the government should suspend the sale of UK arms if there were a clear risk they might be used in a serious breach of humanitarian law.

Now in government, he said last week he requested on his first day in office an assessment of the legal situation and that he hoped to be able to communicate any decisions with “full accountability and transparency”.

Labour was elected with a huge majority earlier this month, but lost some seats to pro-Gaza candidates.

Campaign group Workers for a Free Palestine, which organised the protest, said that was a sign the government should take a stronger stance on restricting arms sales, and called on Lammy to “practice what he preached in opposition”.

While the previous Conservative government was a strong supporter of Israel’s right to defend itself following the Oct. 7 attack, Reuters found that the value of Britain’s approvals of new arms licences dropped sharply after the start of the war.

ALSO READ-Norway Sanctions Israeli Settlers Over Human Rights Abuses