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Hunt seeks to win over voters with £900 tax cut

Chancellor of the Exchequer also announced another 2 percentage-point cut to the national insurance payroll tax, following a similar move in Nov…reports Asian Lite News

Jeremy Hunt cut personal taxes as the Conservative Party tries to win back voters ahead of a nationwide election expected later this year.

Delivering his budget, the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced another 2 percentage-point cut to the national insurance payroll tax, following a similar move in November. Taken together, he said, 27 million employees will get an average tax cut of £900 (€1,052) a year. He also said the UK’s budget watchdog had upgraded the country’s growth prospects for this year and next.

“We know that lower-taxed economies have more energy, more dynamism, and more innovation,” Hunt said in the House of Commons on Wednesday. “We have today put this country back on the path to lower taxes.”

The tax cut is a central part of the Tories’ strategy to close a 20-point gap to the opposition Labour Party in national polls, prior to an election that Prime Minister Rishi Sunak must call by January 25 at the latest. But Hunt was constrained by fragile public finances with the UK entering a recession last year, and the chancellor went into his budget with just £12.2bn (€14.26bn) of breathing space against his key fiscal rule, a margin near historic lows.

Hunt barely kept his budget within the self-imposed rule to have the ratio of borrowing to GDP falling in the final year of his five-year forecast period. He did so by raising taxes by extending a windfall tax on the profits of oil and gas companies and overhauling a tax break for foreigners moving to the UK.

After the change, foreigners arriving in the UK will have a four-year hiatus on tax on their overseas assets, before paying the same rate as Britons. The current non-dom regime lasts for 15 years but with an annual fee.

In a move that appeared designed to get more houses onto the market, Hunt announced a reduction in property capital gains tax and the end of a tax break for people renting out second homes as short-term lets for tourists. Hunt also said the threshold at which families start to lose child benefits will rise by £10,000 in April.

Other budget measures included a freeze on fuel and alcohol duty, a new tax on vaping, and a hike in air passenger duty on business travel.

The Conservatives were given a boost by the rosier growth forecasts from the OBR: Hunt said growth is now due to be 0.8% in 2024, up from the previous estimate of 0.7%. The watchdog is now predicting 1.9% growth for 2025, compared to a previous reading of 1.4%, Hunt said.

Hunt also said he wouldn’t be reducing future public spending plans, an option he’d been considering to help finance his tax cuts. Still, critics have said the 1% increase in spending Hunt is baking in — which involves real terms cuts for unprotected departments — would be politically unsustainable. Hunt didn’t detail his plans, but said boosting public sector productivity would be a key priority.

The budget measures will increase the UK tax burden by 1.1 percentage points, the OBR said.

“The hidden sting in the tail is the continued frozen tax thresholds which will eat into any savings” from the national insurance cut, Christine Cairns, tax partner at PwC, said in an emailed statement.

The chancellor is navigating the constraints of fragile public finances and a stagnant economy that entered a shallow technical recession at the end of 2023.

Inflation has fallen faster than anticipated and market expectations for interest rates are well below where they were prior to Hunt’s Autumn Statement in November, but many British households are still feeling the cost of living squeeze, while public services remain extremely stretched.

Former British finance minister Philip Hammond said it would be a mistake not to have a system in place that encourages so-called “non-doms” to reside in the U.K.

Non-domiciled tax status allows people who are based, but not settled, in the country to only pay U.K. tax on money made in the country. As part of the Spring Budget statement, U.K. Finance Minister Jeremy Hunt said on Wednesday that this would be scrapped and replaced with a new system.

“It would be a massive own goal to remove non-dom taxation and then see a big outflow of investment from the U.K.,” Hammond told CNBC’s Silvia Amaro on Wednesday.

“It would be a mistake to have no regime in place that encouraged people in those circumstances to base themselves in the U.K.,” he said. “If we said for example to people that they have to pay tax on their worldwide assets if they come and spend time in the U.K. I think that would probably be detrimental to the U.K. economy in the long term.”

Hammond said the integrity of the policy would now depend on the details of Hunt’s new plan.

Hammond was broadly positive about the statement, saying it was “a careful and thoughtful budget from a careful and thoughtful Chancellor.”

He also said that he would like to see lower taxes eventually, but that public services needed to be taken into account. “In the future we need higher productivity, higher economic growth, so we can reconcile this tension between the desire for good public services and the desire to keep taxes at a bearable level.”

ALSO READ-Will Hunt Spring A Surprise?

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Setback for Maya, MP Ritesh Pandey joins BJP

Appreciating Ritesh Pandey for his decision, Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak said that Ritesh Pandey decided to move with developed India…reports Asian Lite News

In a big blow for the Mayawati-led BSP ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, BSP MP from Ambedkar Nagar, Ritesh Pandey, joined the BJP on Sunday.

Pandey joined the BJP in the presence of Uttar Pradesh Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak and other BJP leaders.

He resigned from the primary membership of the BSP earlier today.

On joining BJP, Ritesh Pandey said, “…I had been working for BSP for the last 15 years, I don’t want to comment on thinking and activities of her (Mayawati). I have written in detail about this in my resignation letter. Whatever is happening in my constituency has happened in the last five years.”

Hailing the state government for the latest development work in Uttar Pradesh, he said, “I have taken this decision after evaluating all those things that are happening on the ground, be it two industrial areas in the constituency, the Purvanchal expressway, Gorakhpur link expressway, schools, the four-lane road that connects Ambedkar Nagar to Ayodhya’s Ram temple.”

He further stated that the economic condition of people, farmers, women, and Dalits has changed, and their living standards have been uplifted.

Appreciating Ritesh Pandey for his decision, Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak said that Ritesh Pandey decided to move with developed India.

“Ritesh ji has taken a bold step and will work to connect the youth across the country,” said Pathak.

Welcoming the leader to the BJP, the Deputy Chief Minister said that Ritesh Pandey is a popular leader and MP from Ambedkar Nagar. “I am happy to welcome him with all my heart,” he expressed.

“Seeing the way Prime Minister Narendra Modi worked, Ritesh Pandey ji took this decision,” Pathak applauded.

BSP MPs begin looking for greener pastures

The sitting MPs of the Bahujan Samaj Party have started looking for greener pastures for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections after party president Mayawati’s repeated assertions that the party would contest the polls on its own.

BSP MPs feel that with BJP-led NDA and Congress led-INDIA bloc, there would be a polarisation of votes between the two formations, leaving little scope for parties that contest independently.

BSP MP Afzal Ansari has already been declared a candidate by the Samajwadi Party from Ghazipur parliamentary seat. Another MP, Danish Ali, who has been suspended by Mayawati for anti-party activities, is on his way to the Congress and sources said that he was all set to contest Amroha seat on a Congress ticket.

One of the BSP MPs said that the Lok Sabha elections would be contested on a highly polarised note and in such a situation, the idea of contesting alone is not wise. “Why would someone vote for us if they know that we are neither going to sit in treasury benches and nor in the opposition? The BSP usually benefits in a multi-cornered contest but as things stand now, there will be a straight fight between NDA and INDIA bloc,” he said.

In 2019, the BSP had contested the general elections in alliance with the SP and had won 10 seats. However, immediately after the polls, Mayawati snapped ties with the SP. In the 2022 assembly polls, the BSP could manage to win only one seat, making it almost irrelevant in state politics.

Our working style is different, says Mayawati

Mayawati on Sunday called her party different from “the capitalist parties of the country.” She said her party is not just a political one but a movement inspired by the ideals of Baba Saheb Bhimrao Ambedkar. The party is dedicated to the mission of ensuring self-respect for the marginalised.

“The policy and working style of the party are different from those of the capitalist parties in the country. The party also fields candidates, keeping this in mind in the elections,” she added further.

Meanwhile, amid the widening rift over the INDIA bloc, and the speculation that many Congress leaders would jump ship to the BJP, Mayawati reiterated that there is no alliance with any party ahead of the Lok Sabha election and said that her party will contest the election alone.

The BSP chief said that her party may consider an alliance only after the elections are over.

On December 21, 2023, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati lashed out at member parties of the INDIA bloc, especially the Samajwadi Party (SP), who make comments on opposition parties that are not a part of the alliance.

Notably, the Samajwadi Party reportedly opposed the move to induct the BSP into the INDIA bloc at the fourth meeting of the INDIA parties. BSP was a major political force in Uttar Pradesh in the 1990s and 2000s but witnessed a gradual decline over the past decade.

In the 2022 assembly elections, the party polled only 12.8 per cent of the votes, its lowest in almost three decades. On Wednesday, as the farmers’ protests continued, BSP supremo Mayawati urged the government to take the demands of the farmers seriously and to consider them with empathy. (ANI)

ALSO READ-Mayawati Rules Out Alliance Rumours, to Contest Alone

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Seoul Concerned Over Growing N.Korea-Russia Military Ties

The White House has revealed that the North provided Russia with military equipment, munitions and ballistic missiles, some of which were fired at Ukrainian targets on December 30, January 2 and January 6.

South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul has expressed concerns over growing military cooperation between North Korea and Russia, saying it could potentially help Pyongyang’s ability to “threaten security on the Korean Peninsula and beyond”.

Cho made the remarks on Friday during a UN Security Council (UNSC) briefing on the Ukraine issue at UN headquarters in New York on the eve of the second anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Yonhap news agency reported.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un (L) holds talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Vostochny Cosmodrome space launch center in the Russian Far East on Sept. 13, 2023, in this photo released by the North’s official Korean Central News Agency the next day. (Photo:IANS/Yonhap)

“If and when it turns out to be the case that North Korea receives in return, whether advanced military technology or oil shipments exceeding limits under Security Council resolutions, this would redound to North Korea’s ability to threaten security on the Korean Peninsula and beyond,” he said.

“Both dimensions of this nexus constitute unequivocal violations of multiple UNSC resolutions and undermine the global non-proliferation regime,” he added.

The White House has revealed that the North provided Russia with military equipment, munitions and ballistic missiles, some of which were fired at Ukrainian targets on December 30, January 2 and January 6.

In return for the arms provision, Pyongyang has been seeking military assistance from Russia, “including fighter aircraft, surface-to-air missiles, armoured vehicles, ballistic missile production equipment or materials, and other advanced technologies”, according to US officials.

“My government is deeply troubled by the emerging military cooperation between Russia and North Korea,” Cho said. “North Korean munitions and missiles have been sighted in Ukraine, which not only aggravates the human suffering but also risks further escalating and prolonging the war in Ukraine.”

Noting the UNSC’s “inherent shortcomings and current constraints”, Cho said it is imperative for the council to devise “effective strategies to navigate these complexities to fulfil its fundamental duty of maintaining international peace and security”.

“I wish to reaffirm Korea’s commitment as a member of the Security Council to actively contribute to realizing this goal,” he said.

Cho also highlighted that as a country that also experienced war in the 1950s, Korea knows “all too well what it means to suffer from military aggression”.

“Korea firmly believes that aggression must not go unanswered,” he said. “As a nation — all too familiar with the agonizing consequences of armed conflict, Korea has a profound sense of empathy with the plight of the Ukrainian people.”

ALSO READ: Russia Hit By 500 New Sanctions From US Over Navalny, Ukraine

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Asia News China News

China Faces Economic Crisis as Companies Shut Down, Sparking Panic

Amidst China’s economic downturn, major brands are feeling the squeeze. For instance, Adidas recently shuttered its flagship store in Shenzhen’s Futian district, spanning three floors and over 3,200 square meters. This mirrors the broader economic challenges across China, as businesses and stores shut down nationwide

The economic downturn has severely impacted Shenzhen, often referred to as China’s Silicon Valley. Numerous businesses in the city have shuttered, leaving empty streets and unemployed workers. For instance, the Fang Industrial Park, once bustling with face-to-face stores, now stands deserted due to a lack of customers. Similarly, stores near the passenger Transportation Center at Shenzhen station have closed before the traditional New Year. Even established companies like the Electronics Factory of Elco Electronics have succumbed to the crisis.

This factory, founded 36 years ago and employing thousands, has gone bankrupt, along with 49 other companies owned by a woman who was once worth over 100 million Yuan (approximately 15 million USD). The harsh reality faced by Shenzhen residents contrasts with the city’s global reputation.

Amidst China’s economic downturn, major brands are feeling the squeeze. For instance, Adidas recently shuttered its flagship store in Shenzhen’s Futian district, spanning three floors and over 3,200 square meters. This mirrors the broader economic challenges across China, as businesses and stores shut down nationwide. Workers bear the brunt, grappling with unemployment and financial strain. In Shenzhen’s streets, job seekers compete fiercely for manual labor positions.

Xi Jinping delivers an important speech at a ceremony marking the 100th anniversary of the founding of the CPC in Beijing, July 1, 2021. (Xinhua/Ju Peng/IANS)

Meanwhile, in Wuhan, cold and destitute migrant workers huddle together in a parking garage at Wu Chong station, unable to afford the journey home. The numbers are staggering: 460,000 businesses and 320,000 stores have vanished, surpassing the pandemic’s impact from 2020 to 2022. Even successful business owners now face bankruptcy, and over 780 million people are in debt. Wall Street banks predict China’s economic growth will slow from 5.3% in 2023 to 4.6% in 2024.
The economic slowdown in China results from a confluence of internal and external factors. As the world’s second-largest economy, China grapples with several domestic challenges:

  1. COVID-19 Pandemic: The ongoing pandemic disrupted production, trade, and consumer behavior.
  2. Unstable Governance Policy: The Communist Party of China (CPC) faces governance uncertainties, impacting economic stability.
  3. Consumer Confidence: A lack of confidence among consumers affects spending and investment.
  4. Real Estate Crisis: Property market fluctuations contribute to economic uncertainty.
  5. Ageing Population: Demographic shifts strain social services and labor markets.
    Externally, China’s reliance on exports and imports faces challenges due to severed supply chains with Japan, South Korea, and Western countries. Notably, the Ding Ye Fang Scandal shook the Chinese financial market. Ding Yi Feng International Asset Management Group, listed in Hong Kong, intends to list its Shenzhen subsidiary on a foreign digital exchange while halting asset trading. With debts exceeding 1,030 billion yuan (about 18.2 billion USD), founder Sui Guangyi’s alleged embezzlement of 3 billion yuan ($420 million) jeopardizes investors. This crisis exemplifies China’s economic woes and reverberates globally.

Amidst the economic downturn, a significant group of investors confronted Ding Ye Feng’s office building in Shenzhen multiple times this week. Their demand: answers regarding the repayment of their financial products. The revelation was shocking: Mashao Q, one of the founders, had been arrested for transferring funds overseas. Meanwhile, the person in charge remained under border control, unable to leave the country. The company’s predicament was dire: debt exceeding 130 billion yuan (about 18.2 billion USD), impacting up to 500,000 investors. Xie Tian, a professor at the Icons School of Business in the University of South Carolina, asserted that the company’s intent was asset seizure, not legitimate financial investment, predicting its inevitable collapse. As China grapples with economic woes and a worsening epidemic, similar cases may emerge. Experts caution that this crisis could trigger a domino effect, exacerbating China’s economic decline and potentially leading to social unrest. Investors, unable to recover their funds, harbor resentment toward the CCP and local governments, heightening the risk of unrest.

On January 22nd, the Chinese stock market experienced a significant crash, impacting all sectors. It marked the worst day for Chinese shares since April 25th, 2022, during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Key indices reflected the turmoil. Shanghai Composite Index: Fell below the critical 2800-point level, reaching a new four-year low.Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index: Plunged by 2.3%, dropping below 15,000 points for the first time since 2009.Shenzhen Component Index: Representing smaller, innovative firms, it dropped by 4.06%, hitting a low of 8,430 points.
Investors across sectors faced losses as fears of a slowing economy and regulatory tightening led to widespread stock dumping. The media and entertainment sector suffered the most, losing over 6% of its value. Other sectors, including steel, chemicals, petroleum, basic metals, real estate, and cement, also saw significant declines. Financial stocks, typically stable, dropped by more than 1%. Analysts attribute the crash to a combination of factors, including the pandemic’s impact, Evergrande’s debt crisis, insufficient government stimulus, and increased scrutiny of tech and education sectors.

Investors across sectors faced losses as fears of a slowing economy and regulatory tightening led to widespread stock dumping. The media and entertainment sector suffered the most, losing over 6% of its value. Other sectors, including steel, chemicals, petroleum, basic metals, real estate, and cement, also saw significant declines. Financial stocks, typically stable, dropped by more than 1%. Analysts attribute the crash to a combination of factors, including the pandemic’s impact, Evergrande’s debt crisis, insufficient government stimulus, and increased scrutiny of tech and education sectors.

Electric vehicles (EVs) are often hailed as greener and safer alternatives to traditional cars. However, some EVs have proven dangerous, even deadly. Concerns arise from incidents where Chinese electric vehicles exploded while charging or driving, as documented in social media videos and local news. Recently, a red EV exploded at a charging station in southern China, resembling the popular Bake X360 model. Despite firefighters’ efforts, the car detonated violently, sending debris in all directions, even piercing a nearby toll booth’s roof. Experts recommend using water to extinguish EV fires, as it’s more effective than foam or dry chemicals. To prevent such incidents, cautious selection of EVs, especially those made in China, is crucial. Researching safety standards can safeguard both property and lives.

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UAE Participates in World Economic Forum

UAE’s active presence in Davos reflects the vision of the President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in strengthening the UAE’s global leadership role across all fields of cooperation and partnership…reports Asian Lite News

The UAE announced its participation in the 54th edition of the World Economic Forum (WEF) 2024, which will be held in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland between 15th and 19th January.

This year’s participation of the UAE is characterised by the involvement of more than 100 personalities, including heads of national companies and corporate leaders, leading private sector firms, government officials, and senior business leaders, whereas 80 percent of the participation from the country is from major national companies and the private sector.

UAE’s active presence in Davos reflects the vision of the President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in strengthening the UAE’s global leadership role across all fields of cooperation and partnership. It also comes in line with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, in solidifying the global economic key role and competitiveness of the UAE, and exchanging expertise for a sustainable national and global economy.

Mohammad bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, said, “The UAE, under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and his brother His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, is always keen to participate in the World Economic Forum. This reflects the importance the UAE attaches to the international dialogues and knowledge exchange on various pivotal sectors and fields. The economic sector is one of the most important pivotal sectors in the UAE and the world, as a key foundation to the development, prosperity, and well-being of people, nations, and humanity as a whole.”

He added, “The UAE looks forward to share successful experiences during this important forum, inspiring the creation of similar successful international practices and contributing to comprehensive, sustainable development for nations and governments.”


UAE Pavilion “Impossible is Possible”

For the second year in a row, the UAE’s participation is characterised by an exceptional pavilion under the theme of “Impossible is Possible”. It will host several media conferences, bilateral meetings and sessions discussing various files and subjects, with the participation of major private sector companies, CEOs of prominent national companies and officials in both the government and private sectors.

The forum, unfolding over a span of 5 consecutive days, witnesses extensive participation by the UAE in press conferences, public and closed sessions, committee meetings, as well as involvement in panel discussions covering economic, diplomatic, educational, and technological topics, such as Artificial Intelligence, Global Trade, Economic developments, and Geopolitics.

UAE and WEF: a strategic partnership

During the 2023 World Economic Forum, Mohammad bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, joined the WEF Leadership Council, which includes 13 members from various countries.

The Council represents an important institutional community and a sounding board for the Forum’s long-term strategy. It acts an efficient global bridge-builder and annual platform that encourage business growth and establish international cooperation and dialogue.

Also, during the World Economic Forum 2022, the UAE and WEF have signed a strategic partnership agreement, encompassing numerous levels of cooperation, partnerships, bilateral initiatives and programmes in innovation, technology, artificial intelligence (AI), and Fourth Industrial Revolution solutions.

The UAE has participated in the World Economic Forum over more than 20 years, in a reflection of the pioneering role of the country, which was able to consolidate its position as a global hub for economy, positive transformations and shaping the future.

The World Economic Forum offers an interactive platform for major national companies and the private sector in the UAE to exchange experiences and solidify the establishment of partnerships across all fields. It represents an international opportunity to strengthen global cooperation and solidify the concepts of collaborative action between governments and various institutions.

The 2024 forum, held under the theme “Rebuilding Trust”, brings together over 3,000 influential figures, leaders, and decision-makers from both the public and private sectors worldwide, to discuss global challenges, reviewing solutions and developments, and building partnerships across various economic and developmental sectors.

The forum’s outputs, and collaborations contribute to supporting sustainable development and shaping solutions for key developmental challenges on the international level.

ALSO READ-

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Modi Welcomes ‘Brother’ MBZ

UAE President’s visit holds considerable significance, especially during the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit in Gandhinagar…reports Asian Lite News

The visit of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has captured significant attention across Indian media during his meeting with Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India, signifying the strengthening ties between the two countries.

Indian newspapers have extensively covered the visit, emphasising the deep-rooted relationship between India and the UAE. This visit holds considerable significance, especially during the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit in Gandhinagar, which commenced today and was inaugurated by Prime Minister Modi. President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed is the Chief Guest at the event.

Before the roadshow, Modi welcomed the UAE President at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. After receiving the UAE President, Modi posted on “X”, formerly known as “Twitter”: “Welcome to India, my brother, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed. It’s an honour to have you visit us.”

ALSO READ: UAE Pavilion Opens at Vibrant Gujarat Summit

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New Policies-Schemes in Jharkhand Getting Big Applause From All And Sundry

Robust policies in the state and an efficient ground implementation gaining strength and speed under Hemant Soren’s leadership is ensuring a golden tomorrow.

SPORTS POLICY 2022

Under the leadership of the Chief Minister, many efforts have been made for the development of sports and players in the last four years. Taking this forward, for the first time in the Asian continent, the Women’s Asian Hockey Champion Trophy 2023 was hosted in Jharkhand of late.

Efforts are being made to promote sports at the school level to hone the talent of skilled school children of the state. On the other hand, the Sahay Scheme has been initiated, aiming to spread positivity among the youth living in Naxal hit areas through sports. Through this initiative, a total of 75,000 players participated in the first year.

To keep the physical fitness of the players intact, the quantity of food given to them has been increased more than double. Rs 175 given as food amount per player is now increased to Rs 350. Also, sports centres are being renovated for better accommodation of the players. The government is also providing high-quality sports kits to the players participating in national and international sports competitions. Modern sports stadiums of international standards are being built for the tournaments while on the other hand, sports grounds are being constructed at the Panchayat and Panchayat level and stadiums are being built at the block level for the domestic players as well.

The amount of honorarium given to the players and coaches who represented the state in national, international and Olympic games and won gold, silver and bronze medals in the competitions was increased. The government has amended the cash award rules for the promising players of the state. The earlier provision of Rs 7,000, has been revised to Rs 50,000 under the Sports Policy – 2022. For a gold medal winner in the Olympics, Rs 2 crore has been increased to Rs 5 crore. Recently, the Chief Minister awarded prize money worth Rs 5 crore to 222 players and 52 coaches for 19 sports.

The present government has been sensitive towards the former players who have brought pride to Jharkhand. A provision has been made to give pension of Rs 10,000 per month to the former players. If a former player dies, a provision has been made to give a grant of Rs 5,000 to his family.

CHEVENING-MARANG GOMKE JAIPAL SINGH MUNDA SCHOLARSHIP

The Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Munda Overseas Scholarship Scheme 2021 was rolled out by the State Government in September 2021 for the scholars coming from the Scheduled Tribe communities to pursue higher studies in universities across the United Kingdom. The scholars were able to pursue 1-year Masters or a 2-year M. Phil in select 15 top universities of the United Kingdom across 22 courses. The first cohort of 6 selected scholars flew to pursue their aspirations in September 2021. They are currently pursuing their higher studies

at Loughborough University, University of Warwick, University of Sussex and several other varsities. Under this scheme, every year, up to 10 students from the Scheduled Tribe communities of Jharkhand are to be selected. During the launch event of the Marang

Gomke Jaipal Singh Munda Overseas Scholarship Scheme 2021 in September 2021, Soren had shared his vision of including the scholars belonging to the Scheduled Castes (SCs), Other Backward Classes (OBCs) and other minority communities other than the Scheduled Tribes. In less than one year of time, fulfilling his promise to expand the one of its kind overseas scholarship schemes in the country, Hemant Soren led government has increased the ambit and the number of beneficiaries of the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Munda Overseas Scholarship Scheme to 25. In this direction, the Government of Jharkhand and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), Government of the United Kingdom have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to create a new Chevening-Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Munda Scholarship programme for the marginalised communities from the state.

Industrial Policy 2021

The industrial Policy 2021 aims to attract investment, create job opportunities

The industry-friendly policies of his government are the reason for industrial players coming to Jharkhand. “Our government had brought out a new industrial policy in 2021 not only to attract investment but also to create job opportunities. It is due to such policies that more industries are setting up units in Jharkhand,” Soren said at an event organised to celebrate Tinplate Company’s Rs 2,000 crore expansion project in Jamshedpur.

To attract investors, the government had proposed attractive incentive provisions, promising investors up to 100 per cent relief from SGST for up to nine years whereas 75 per cent for large-scale industries which is again for up to 12 years. The policy incentivizes investors up to Rs 25 crore as a comprehensive investment project subsidy with an additional 5 per cent incentive provision for SC/ST/women/specially-abled investors.

The policy has provisions for early bird subsidy, anchor subsidy, interest subsidy and power subsidy.

Employment will be created if industries are set up in the state. After we launched the new policy along with Tata Group several other industrial houses have shown interest in investing in Jharkhand. A cement factory had already started production in Bokaro.

Praising the Tata Group, Hemant said: “Tata group has played a big role in the development of this country and the state. The construction of Tata Cancer Hospital has been completed. Soon it will be dedicated to the people of the state.

Tata Steel CEO and MD T. V. Narendran said that the cancer hospital project in Ranchi is nearing completion and will be inaugurated by Hemant soon.

Sources in the Tinplate company informed that the expansion work will be completed by 2026 after which the annual production would increase from the existing 0.415 Million Ton Per Annum (MnTPA) to 0.715 Mn“The upcoming facilities will have state-of-the-art technology and higher levels of automation to cater to domestic and export markets, minimize man-machine interface, enhance safety aspects, and be designed to meet the EU environmental norms. This expansion is a significant milestone in the company’s growth and commitment to the state. We are committed to partnering with the Jharkhand government and local communities to promote the economic and social development of the region,” said R.N. Murthy, managing director of Tinplate Company.

Tourism Policy 2021

The new Jharkhand tourism policy includes having strategic joint ventures with private tour operators for setting up tourist packages and services, upgrading the tourist information centres (TICs) and conducting a detailed assessment of tourism potential of every district.

Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren launched the new tourism policy of the state and announced that National Geographic India has been roped in for an upcoming documentary series to boost the state’s tourism sector.

“Jharkhand is a hidden treasure house of nature, culture and sustainable living. From traces of ancient human civilisation to its picturesque natural beauty, charismatic heritage and the deep-rooted indigenous traditions and communities — it is a place you will feel at home,” Soren said on the occasion.

He said Jharkhand has been battling a lot of challenges and Covid-19 has hit the tourism industry hard. “Many people suffered losses during the coronavirus pandemic, especially those associated with the tourism industry and hence, this new policy will help them recover their losses,” he said.

The new Jharkhand tourism policy includes having strategic joint ventures with private tour operators for setting up tourist packages and services, upgrading the tourist information centres (TICs) and conducting a detailed assessment of tourism potential of every district. It also includes the involvement of experts in planning and executing “master plans” for the development of tourism circuits and tourism-related projects.

The strategy of the new policy includes conducting effective public awareness campaigns, particularly among the tribals, organising buyer-seller meetings to market the tourism products effectively and training all the stakeholders in tourism promotion, marketing and tourism-related services. 

Solar Policy 2022

Hemant Soren, the Chief Minister of Jharkhand, announced an ambitious new solar policy on July 5, 2022 in an effort to raise clean energy capacity from 45 MW to 4,000 MW over the course of the following five years and draw in investors.

The Jharkhand Solar Policy, 2022 would promote rooftop solar panels for residences in urban areas in addition to creating a better environment for larger plants. People with an annual income of less than Rs 3 lakhs may be eligible for a subsidy of up to 80% of the overall installation cost. The State is committed to supporting India’s concerted action against climate change by reducing its reliance on fossil fuels and diversifying the energy mix with various renewable energy sources, which would also improve the State’s energy security and provide sustainable livelihood opportunities to its people. The Government of Jharkhand recognizes the significant potential of solar energy due to its topography. The State has around 300 days of clear sun with high solar insolation in the range of 4.5 to 5.5 kWh/m2/day. Supported by technological developments and national mandate, solar energy has steadily grown with parity to conventional fuels. The State aims to take a systematic, transparent and streamlined approach to scaling the share of solar in its energy mix and reap the various socio-economic, health and environmental benefits it offers.

GREEN ENERGY

The Jharkhand government has inked a pact with TCPL Green Energy Solutions Private Ltd (TGESPL), a joint venture between Tata Motors and Cummins Inc, USA to set up the country’s “first” hydrogen fuel project in Jamshedpur at an estimated cost of over Rs 350 crore, officials said. The agreement was signed between the state government and TCPL Green Energy Solutions here in the presence of Chief Minister Hemant Soren, for setting up the project, which would entail an investment of Rs 354.28 crore.

“The facility is expected to start commercial production in March 2024, and likely provide employment to about 1,000 people directly or indirectly.
As per Executive Director, Tata Motors, Girish Wagh, the company is committed to provide green, smart and safe mobility. Soren had earlier announced that the hydrogen internal combustion engine and fuel-agnostic engine will be developed in Jamshedpur by TCPL Green Energy Solutions.

He had given approval to the investment proposal for the unit for manufacturing advance chemistry battery, H2 fuel cell and H2 fuel delivery system. “There are several advantages of hydrogen fuel, as it is available in abundance and does not emit harmful substances.

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Aapki Yojana, Aapki Sarkar, Aapke Dwar

Chief Minister Hemant Soren-led government of Jharkhand is dedicated to the all-around development of all with emphasis on social justice. Aapki Yojana, Aapki Sarkar, Aapke Dwar is a unique effort of the Chief Minister to reach out to the people at the remotest corners of the state, knowing their problems face to face and enrolling them in various social welfare schemes floated by the Jharkhand government. The Chief Minister is personally present in all the meetings across the state.

Under the leadership of Chief Minister Hemant Soren, the Jharkhand government is fully committed to the overall development of every section and every geographical area of the state. In the four years since 2019, the government has taken many steps which are providing direct benefits to all sections of the society living in every nook and corner of the state along with social justice to ensure all-around development. To ensure that no section of the state remains untouched, the schemes are monitored at the level of Chief Minister Hemant Soren from planning to their implementation and it is ensured that the benefits of every scheme reach to every beneficiary. For this, the Soren government is also running the ‘Aapki Yojana, Aapki Sarkar, Aapke Dwar’ campaign.

Let’s know about some of the major public welfare schemes of the Government of Jharkhand:

Sona Sobran Dhoti-Saree- Lungi Vitaran Yojana

The basic needs of every person include food, clothing and shelter. Jharkhand government is taking care of food and shelter along with clothes for the needy. Dhoti, lungi and saree are being distributed from the shops of the Public Distribution System on the scheduled date every month.

Under the Sona Sobran Dhoti-Saree- Lungi Distribution Scheme, the state government provides dhoti/sari for Rs 10 twice a year at an interval of every 6 months to all the eligible households of the National Food Security Act along with the beneficiary families of Antyodaya Anna Yojana and Green Ration Card. Lungi and a saree are being given for just Rs 10.

More than 65 lakh beneficiaries across Jharkhand are getting this benefit twice a year.

To ensure that the beneficiaries can easily avail the benefits of this scheme, these clothes are being distributed using the strong network of Public Distribution System.

To avail the benefits of this scheme, it is necessary to be a ration card holder. Beneficiaries can avail the benefits of this scheme by showing identity card issued by the government such as Aadhar Card, Voter ID Card, Driving License, letter recommended by the Mukhiya or Ward Councilor.

Mukhyamantri Utkrisht Vidyalaya

For the first time in the history of Jharkhand, a new dimension was added to the education revolution. 80 Chief Minister Utkrisht Vidyalayas (Schools of Excellence) are established at the district level to ensure excellence in education.

Every Indian has the right to get better education. We all know that at the heart of better education lies a school. A school which not only has strong infrastructure but also ensures the academic environment, community relations and leadership development of teachers. A School of Excellence fulfills such needs.

These schools will be constructed in every Panchayat. About 40,000 children had given the entrance examination for 12,000 seats in these schools.

Along with this, Soren government is constructing 325 block level model schools in the entire state. At the same time, 4,091 Gram Panchayat level model schools are being established in the entire state.

All these will be CBSE affiliated English medium schools. These will also have facilities for digital smart classes, science and language labs and national level sports training along with state-of-the-art infrastructure.

Guruji Student Credit Card Yojana

To provide financial assistance to the 10th and 12th class passed (10th class passed for Diploma students) students of Jharkhand, who are deprived of getting higher education due to financial reasons, the state government has launched and implemented Guruji Student Credit Card Scheme.

Under the scheme, the objective is to provide loans up to Rs 15 lakh at concessional rates for higher education to interested and qualified students by linking them with banks. There will be no processing fee for the loan.

The applicant is getting easy loan at an annual simple interest rate of 4 percent. No margin money on loans up to Rs 4 lakh.

The applicant will not have to keep any collateral. Also, the period to repay the loan will be up to 15 years (including the course period). Apart from the course fee, it also covers the expenses on hostel, mess fee, travel etc.

Under this scheme, the government will give a total loan of Rs 500 crore every year to all the meritorious students of the state. The state government will provide 100 percent guarantee cover of the loan amount to the banks.

Paardeshiya Chhatravriti Yojana

50 youth from the deprived class have gone abroad for higher education by taking advantage of the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Munda Paardeshiya Chhatravriti Yojana (Overseas Scholarship Scheme). Young men and women from Scheduled Tribes, Scheduled Castes, Backward Classes and Minorities are taking the benefits of the scheme.

Under this scheme, higher education opportunities are available in 110 universities/institutions in Britain and Northern Ireland. Through this scholarship, facility is being provided to do Masters/MPhil in any of the 31 subjects.

Arrangements for free education are being made for maximum 25 students. Under the scholarship scheme, arrangements have also been made to pay tuition fees, air travel fare, annual allowance, visa fees, medical insurance premium payment and other expenses.

Under the Chevening-Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Munda Scholarship, a maximum of twenty five students are getting the opportunity to pursue a one-year master’s degree program in the UK.

Mukhyamantri Sarathi Yojana

Under the Chief Minister Sarathi Scheme, free skill training is being given to the unemployed youths of Jharkhand.

The state government is giving employment incentive allowance for maximum one year to everyone who is taking skill training. An incentive allowance of Rs 1,000 per month is being given to youth and Rs 1,500 per month to girls, disabled and transgenders.

Non-residential trainees are being given a transport allowance of Rs 1,000 per month for commuting from their home to the training center.

Under the Chief Minister Sarathi Scheme, for the first-time youth are getting free skill training at the block level through Birsa Centre. Beneficiaries can choose the trade as per their interest through proper counselling.

For training, it is mandatory for the youth/girls to have minimum 5th pass qualification. This has made it possible to bring more and more beneficiaries under the ambit of this scheme.

Abua Awas Yojana

Abua Awas Yojana (Abua Housing Scheme) aims to provide permanent houses with basic amenities to lead a dignified life by 2026 to all eligible families who are houseless and living in kutcha and dilapidated houses in rural areas.

Under this scheme, a target has been set to construct 8 lakh pucca houses. 2 lakh houses are to be constructed in 2023-24, 3.5 lakh in 2024-25 and 2.5 lakh in 2025-26.

This scheme is 100 percent supported by the state government. The amount of assistance per housing unit is Rs 2 lakh.

Construction of a three-room permanent house with kitchen is being done through Abua Housing Scheme. The house will be constructed in minimum 31 square meters.

Families living in kutcha houses, houseless and destitute families, families belonging to especially vulnerable tribal groups, victims of natural calamities, legally released bonded laborers and such families who have never received the benefit of any government housing scheme are eligible for the benefits of this scheme.

Mukhyamantri Gram Gadi Yojana

The main objective of this scheme is to provide easy transportation service to the citizens living in rural areas, remote tribal settlements and other areas to reach Gram Panchayat, Block, Sub-Division and District Headquarters. This transport service is absolutely free.

One of the goals of the scheme is to provide transportation facilities to the students living in rural areas to educational institutions for secondary and higher education.

Under this, transportation facilities are being made available to the villagers up to the block, sub-division and district headquarters to get proper medical services.

Through Chief Miniter Rural Transportation Scheme, farmers are getting the facility of transportation to the market or business center located at the block, sub-division and district headquarters for the sale of their produce and employment to the villagers.

Through the scheme, transportation facilities are also being provided to disabled persons and senior citizens. With the Chief Miniter Rural Transportation Scheme, commuting in rural areas will become easier than before.

Birsa Harit Gram Yojana

Farmers of Jharkhand are moving towards becoming self-reliant. With a view to make farmers self-reliant, Hemant Soren’s government had launched the Jharkhand Birsa Green Village Scheme. The farmers of the state are now benefiting from this scheme. They are also getting good income.

The Hemant Soren government in the state had given a green signal to the scheme during the Covid period to provide employment to migrant labourers by linking them with MGNREGA. The scheme launched in 2020 has opened the fortunes of many migrant labourers.

The farmers are coming forward to avail the benefit of the Government’s scheme. Coal mining areas like Dhanbad are also witnessing a reduced pollution, an added advantage.

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Justice Bose Inducted into 5-judge SC Collegium

The new Collegium of the Supreme Court now comprises Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and Justices Sanjiv Khanna, BR Gavai, Surya Kant and Justice Bose…reports Asian Lite News

After the retirement of the second senior most judge of the Supreme Court, Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul on December 25, Justice Aniruddha Bose has now been inducted into the five-judge Supreme Court Collegium.

Collegium recommends names for the elevation to the Supreme Court and the transfer of High Court judges.

The new Collegium of the Supreme Court now comprises Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and Justices Sanjiv Khanna, BR Gavai, Surya Kant and Justice Bose.

Justice Bose will be in the collegium until April 10, 2024.

With Justice Kaul’s retirement, Justice Gavai will join the CJI and Justice Khanna in the three-judge collegium, which recommends names for the appointment of judges to the High Courts.

Justice Kaul, while hearing a case relating names cleared by the Collegium pending with the government, had said the government’s tinkering with judicial seniority through “selective” appointments and transfers of High Court judges many trigger responses from the Collegium, which may create “embarrassing” outcomes.

He had earlier made it clear to the Centre to not selectively bypass people recommended by the Collegium for judicial appointment merely for their political connections or for defending a case against the government in court.

Justice Kaul had said the government’s “pick-and-choose policy” both in the appointment and transfers of the High Court judges was a matter of “great concern.” (ANI)

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Kuwait Emir Sheikh Nawaf Dies At 86

Kuwaiti authorities have announced the start of a 40-day official mourning period and a three-day closure of government departments.

Kuwait’s Emir Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah died at the age of 86 on Saturday, according to Al Jazeera.

The cause of his death is not known yet. The authorities have announced the start of a 40-day official mourning period and a three-day closure of government departments.

“With great sadness and sorrow, we–the Kuwaiti people, the Arab and Islamic nations, and the friendly peoples of the world–mourn the late His Highness the Emir, Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, who passed away to his Lord today,” Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah Al Sabah, the minister of his emiri court, said in a statement on Saturday as it aired on state television, according to Al Jazeera.

Sheikh Nawaf was sworn-in in September 2020, following the death in the United States of his half-brother, Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah, at the age of 91.

Sheikh Meshal Al Ahmad Al Jaber, Kuwait’s deputy ruler and half-brother, is said to be in a position to succeed him as ruler; however, no formal declaration has been made yet, Al Jazeera reported.

Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah speaks at the inauguration of the 16th Legislative Term of the National Assembly (parliament) in Kuwait City, Kuwait, on Dec. 15, 2020. (Photo by Asad/Xinhua/ians)

Sheikh Nawaf maintained positions of influence for decades before ascending to the throne.

In 2006, he was named heir apparent, and he was acting as defence minister when Iraqi soldiers invaded the oil-rich emirate in 1990. In the wake of threats from armed organisations, he also served as interior minister.

Sheikh Nawaf was sent to the hospital in late November for an undisclosed ailment, according to the state news agency KUNA.

He was well-liked within the ruling al-Sabah family, had a reputation for humility, and kept a low profile. (ANI)