Meira Paibis of Manipur (Women torch bearers): A Few Facts

The north-east state of Manipur is endowed with scenic beauty and inhabited by wonderful peace-loving people. The state is nowadays in the news because of unfortunate conflicts that too among the local residents who lived generation after generation blissfully and peacefully. Before highlighting a few points about the recent issues, I wish to mention some points about Manipur based on the secondary source, viz.,britannica.com/place/Manipur.
It is pertinent to mention that the state has two major physiographic regions -the Manipur River valley and a large surrounding tract of mountainous country. The valley, encompassing around 1,787 square kilometres, runs north-south. Its main physical feature is Logtak Lake, which covers about 100 square kilometres and is the source of the Manipur River. The river flows southward through the valley into Myanmar, where it joins the Myittha River, a tributary of the Chindwin. The lake is really awesome when I visited the state some years ago. The hill ranges, linked by spurs and ridges, run north-south. These ranges include the Naga Hills to the north, the East Manipur Hills along the eastern Myanmar border, the Mizo and Chin Hills to the south and the West Manipur Hills to the west. Average elevations vary between 5,000 and 6,000 feet (1,500 and 1,800 metres), although the hills in the north rise above 9,500 feet (2,900 metres). In the west, the Surma River, known as the Barak River in Manipur, has cut a narrow steep-sided valley through the West Manipur Hills as it flows to join the Meghna River in Bangladesh. About the people of Manipur, it is pertinent to mention that the Meitei people represent around 53 percent of the population of Manipur, followed by various Naga ethnic groups at 24 percent and Kuki/Zomi tribes (also known as Chin-Kuki-Mizo people) at 16 percent. Agriculture and forestry are the primary sources of livelihood.
I had the opportunity to visit the state of Manipur from one corner to another on a few occasions and interacted with all sections of people and observed the people were peace-loving and friendly with the guests and outsiders. Almost all the women still today know weaving and in their kitchen gardens varieties of fruits and vegetables are grown mainly by the women. Also, the women of Manipur come forward in a group for any social issue particularly to address the issue (s) which is known as Meira Paibi/s (Women torch bearers). Based on Wikipedia it may be mentioned that Meira Paibis (Women torch bearers) is a women’s social movement in Manipur. Meira Paibi was established in 1977 in Kakching, Kakching district of Manipur. The women activists carry flaming torches and march through city streets, frequently at night doing patrol duty, and as a way of protest for seeking redress against human rights violations committed by paramilitary and armed forces units against the innocent (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meira_Paibi). The Manipuri Dance, also known as the ‘Manipuri Raas Leela’, is one of the eight major Indian classical dance forms, originating from Manipur. Anyway, in 2004, the Meira Paibis stunned the world by stripping naked outside a military camp in the capital, Imphal protesting against a rape case. A few days ago, Soutik Biswas, a Correspondent for BBC presented that “Ethnic violence continues to roil Manipur, nearly two months after clashes between the majority Meitei and tribal Kuki communities left more than 100 dead and displaced some 60,000. This is despite the presence of tens of thousands of security forces in the valley, inhabited primarily by the Meitei community, as well as in the hills, home to the Kukis”. Also as per Biswas report, “A recently shared video by the Indian army from the violence-wracked north-eastern state of Manipur captured a dramatic sequence of scenes. The two-minute 14-second footage shows unarmed women confronting soldiers on a busy street. Aerial shots show women gathering around an excavator on a disrupted road, a bustling mix of SUVs, cars, an ambulance speeding along a scenic valley route, and glimpses of agitated women” (bbc.com/news/world-asia-india).
I hope Kuki, Meitei, and also other communities as usual will live peacefully and blissfully. I humbly request all groups of Meira Paibis ( whom I as a very senior citizen consider as my sisters), politicians, NGOs, civil societies, and others to promote peace and tranquillity among the people by setting aside politics and other differences. Killing, arson, damage to properties, displacement of people, etc, are against humanity. We are all brothers and sisters. I remember the phrase Vasudeva Kutumbakam – sometimes spelt Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam which means “the world is one family.”

Prof Shankar Chatterjee, Hyderabad

Meira Paibis of Manipur (Women torch bearers): A Few Facts

The north-east state of Manipur is endowed with scenic beauty and inhabited by wonderful peace-loving people. The state is nowadays in the news because of unfortunate conflicts that too among the local residents who lived generation after generation blissfully and peacefully. Before highlighting a few points about the recent issues, I wish to mention some points about Manipur based on the secondary source, viz.,britannica.com/place/Manipur.
It is pertinent to mention that the state has two major physiographic regions -the Manipur River valley and a large surrounding tract of mountainous country. The valley, encompassing around 1,787 square kilometres, runs north-south. Its main physical feature is Logtak Lake, which covers about 100 square kilometres and is the source of the Manipur River. The river flows southward through the valley into Myanmar, where it joins the Myittha River, a tributary of the Chindwin. The lake is really awesome when I visited the state some years ago. The hill ranges, linked by spurs and ridges, run north-south. These ranges include the Naga Hills to the north, the East Manipur Hills along the eastern Myanmar border, the Mizo and Chin Hills to the south and the West Manipur Hills to the west. Average elevations vary between 5,000 and 6,000 feet (1,500 and 1,800 metres), although the hills in the north rise above 9,500 feet (2,900 metres). In the west, the Surma River, known as the Barak River in Manipur, has cut a narrow steep-sided valley through the West Manipur Hills as it flows to join the Meghna River in Bangladesh. About the people of Manipur, it is pertinent to mention that the Meitei people represent around 53 percent of the population of Manipur, followed by various Naga ethnic groups at 24 percent and Kuki/Zomi tribes (also known as Chin-Kuki-Mizo people) at 16 percent. Agriculture and forestry are the primary sources of livelihood.
I had the opportunity to visit the state of Manipur from one corner to another on a few occasions and interacted with all sections of people and observed the people were peace-loving and friendly with the guests and outsiders. Almost all the women still today know weaving and in their kitchen gardens varieties of fruits and vegetables are grown mainly by the women. Also, the women of Manipur come forward in a group for any social issue particularly to address the issue (s) which is known as Meira Paibi/s (Women torch bearers). Based on Wikipedia it may be mentioned that Meira Paibis (Women torch bearers) is a women’s social movement in Manipur. Meira Paibi was established in 1977 in Kakching, Kakching district of Manipur. The women activists carry flaming torches and march through city streets, frequently at night doing patrol duty, and as a way of protest for seeking redress against human rights violations committed by paramilitary and armed forces units against the innocent (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meira_Paibi). The Manipuri Dance, also known as the ‘Manipuri Raas Leela’, is one of the eight major Indian classical dance forms, originating from Manipur. Anyway, in 2004, the Meira Paibis stunned the world by stripping naked outside a military camp in the capital, Imphal protesting against a rape case. A few days ago, Soutik Biswas, a Correspondent for BBC presented that “Ethnic violence continues to roil Manipur, nearly two months after clashes between the majority Meitei and tribal Kuki communities left more than 100 dead and displaced some 60,000. This is despite the presence of tens of thousands of security forces in the valley, inhabited primarily by the Meitei community, as well as in the hills, home to the Kukis”. Also as per Biswas report, “A recently shared video by the Indian army from the violence-wracked north-eastern state of Manipur captured a dramatic sequence of scenes. The two-minute 14-second footage shows unarmed women confronting soldiers on a busy street. Aerial shots show women gathering around an excavator on a disrupted road, a bustling mix of SUVs, cars, an ambulance speeding along a scenic valley route, and glimpses of agitated women” (bbc.com/news/world-asia-india).
I hope Kuki, Meitei, and also other communities as usual will live peacefully and blissfully. I humbly request all groups of Meira Paibis ( whom I as a very senior citizen consider as my sisters), politicians, NGOs, civil societies, and others to promote peace and tranquillity among the people by setting aside politics and other differences. Killing, arson, damage to properties, displacement of people, etc, are against humanity. We are all brothers and sisters. I remember the phrase Vasudeva Kutumbakam – sometimes spelt Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam which means “the world is one family.”

Prof Shankar Chatterjee, Hyderabad

AuthorAID is an online platform

AuthorAID is an online platform and global research community that provides support and resources for researchers and writers, particularly those from developing countries. It was established in 2007 by INASP (International Network for the Availability of Scientific Publications), an international development organization focused on strengthening research and knowledge systems in developing countries.

The primary goal of AuthorAID is to enhance the quality and visibility of research from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) by offering support and training to researchers, particularly those who face barriers to publishing their work in international journals. The platform achieves this through various means, including online resources, mentoring, workshops, and networking opportunities.
One of the key features of AuthorAID is its online platform, which serves as a hub for researchers to access a wide range of resources. These resources include e-learning courses, writing guides, interactive forums, and webinars on various aspects of research communication. The platform also hosts a directory of mentors who are experienced researchers and writers willing to provide guidance and support to their peers from LMICs.
AuthorAID organizes workshops and training sessions in collaboration with institutions and organizations worldwide. These capacity-building events focus on topics such as research writing, grant proposal development, data analysis, and publication ethics. Workshops are typically conducted by experienced trainers and mentors who help participants develop their research and writing skills, increasing their chances of successfully publishing their work.
Furthermore, AuthorAID fosters a vibrant and inclusive research community by encouraging collaboration and networking among its members. Researchers from different disciplines and regions can connect with each other through the online platform, exchange knowledge and ideas, and establish valuable professional relationships. This global network allows researchers to expand their research networks, find potential collaborators, and gain exposure to diverse perspectives and expertise.
Over the years, AuthorAID has made significant contributions to improving the research output and visibility of scholars from LMICs. By addressing the specific challenges faced by researchers in these countries, the platform helps bridge the gap between local research efforts and the global scientific community. The support and resources provided by AuthorAID have empowered countless researchers to overcome barriers, enhance the quality of their work, and increase its impact.
In summary, AuthorAID is an invaluable resource for researchers and writers from developing countries, offering support, training, and networking opportunities to enhance the quality and visibility of their research. By empowering researchers with the skills and knowledge needed for effective research communication, AuthorAID plays a crucial role in bridging the research divide and promoting equitable global knowledge exchange.

10.14 lakh new members enrolled with EPFO during June 2023

  EPFO’s provisional payroll data released on 20th August, 2023 highlights that EPFO has added 17.89 lakh net members in the month of June, 2023. The data reveals that 3,491 establishments have extended social security cover of EPFO to their employees by remitting their first ECR during the month. Month-on month comparison of payroll data shows a growing trend in enrollment with an increase of around 9.71% net members over the previous month of May, 2023.The overall remittance also testifies the highest numbers in the last eleven months, since August, 2022.

The data indicates that around 10.14 lakh new members have enrolled during June, 2023 which is highest since August, 2022. Among the newly joined members, the age-group of 18-25 years constitutes 57.87% of total new members added during the month. This demonstrates an increasing trend in youth enrollment, who are mostly first-time job seekers joining the organized sector workforce of the country. 

Payroll data suggests that approximately 12.65 lakh members exited but rejoined EPFO. These members switched their jobs and re-joined the establishments covered under EPFO and opted to transfer their accumulations instead of applying for final settlement thus, extending their social security protection.

Gender-wise analysis of payroll data represents that out of the total 10.14 lakh new members added during the month, around 2.81 lakh are new female members, joining EPFO for the first time. The percentage of new female members joining the organized workforce has been highest in the last 11 months. Also, the net female member addition during the month stood at around 3.93 lakh, which is also the highest since August, 2022.

State-wise analysis of payroll data denote that net member addition is highest in the 5 states of Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Gujarat and Haryana. These states constitute around 60.40% of net member addition, adding a total of 10.80 lakh members during the month. Of all the states, Maharashtra is leading by adding 20.54% of net members during the month.

Month-on-month comparison of industry-wise data displays significant growth in the members working in establishments engaged in Trading-Commercial Establishments, Building & Construction Industry, Electrical, Mechanical and General Engineering Products. This was followed by Textiles, Financing Establishment, Schools, Hospitals etc. Of the total net membership, around 40.36% addition is from expert services (consisting of manpower suppliers, normal contractors, security services, miscellaneous activities etc.).

The above payroll data is provisional since the data generation is a continuous exercise, as updating employee record is a continuous process. The previous data hence gets updated every month. From the month of April-2018, EPFO has been releasing payroll data covering the period September, 2017 onwards. In monthly payroll data, the count of members joining EPFO for the first time through Aadhaar validated Universal Account Number (UAN), existing members exiting from coverage of EPFO and those who exited but re-joining as members, is taken to arrive at net monthly payroll.

****

 main:-

    enter(monkey,room).

enter(monkey,room):-

    write(“Monkey enters the room”),nl,

    checkheight(monkey,banana).

checkheight(monkey,banana):-

    write(“Monkey cannot reach the banana”),nl,

    move(monkey,left).

move(monkey,left):-

    write(“Monkey moves towards the chair”),nl,

    push(monkey,chair).

push(monkey,chair):-

    write(“Monkey pushes the chair towards banana”),nl,

    place(monkey,chair).

place(monkey,chair):-

    write(“Monkey places the chair below banana”),nl,

    climb(monkey,chair).

climb(monkey,chair):-

    write(“monkey climbs the chair”),nl,

    function(check).

function(check):-

    write(‘Enter height of the room’),

    read(H1),

    write(‘enter height of the chair’),

    read(H2),

    write(‘enter height of monkey’),

    read(H3),

B is H2 + H3, check(H1,B). gets(monkey,stick):-

    write(“Monkey Move Towards The Stick”),nl, 

    write(“Monkey Gets The Stick and Climbs Again”),nl,

write(‘Enter Height of Room: ‘),

read(N1),

 write(‘Enter Height of Chair: ‘),

read(N2),

 write(‘Enter Height of Monkey: ‘),

read(N3),

 write(‘Enter Height of Stick: ‘),

read(N4),

 SUM is N2+N3+N4,

check(N1,SUM). check(A,B):-

(

 A>B-> write(“Monkey Still Cannot Reach The

Banana”),nl, gets(monkey,stick);

A

 write(“Monkey Ate The Banana”);

A=B-> write(“Monkey Ate The

Banana”)

    ).

from collections import defaultdict
visited = defaultdict(lambda: False)
jug1=int(input(“Enter Capacity of Jug 1 : “))
jug2=int(input(“Enter Capacity of Jug 2 : “))
aim=int(input(“Enter Goal : “))
def waterJugSolver(amt1,amt2):
if (amt1 == aim and amt2 == 0) or (amt2 == aim and amt1 == 0):
print(amt1, amt2)
return True
if visited[(amt1, amt2)] == False:
print(amt1, amt2)
visited[(amt1, amt2)] = True
return (waterJugSolver(0, amt2) or
waterJugSolver(amt1, 0) or
waterJugSolver(jug1, amt2) or
waterJugSolver(amt1, jug2) or
waterJugSolver(amt1 + min(amt2, (jug1-amt1)),
amt2 – min(amt2, (jug1-amt1))) or
waterJugSolver(amt1 – min(amt1, (jug2-amt2)),
amt2 + min(amt1, (jug2-amt2))))
else:
return False
print(“Steps: “)
waterJugSolver(0,0)

Panchayat Election in West Bengal 2023: Bloodshed from the Day of Filing Nominations

Around one hundred years ago, Gopal Krishna Gokhale ji, a renowned patriot of India said “What Bengal thinks today, India thinks tomorrow.” The reason is that United Bengal produces/produced great personalities and stalwarts in all fields – games and sports, film, music, literature, politics, spirituality, etc. But the past glory in the present days has been fading. Whenever I visited across the State for academic activities in my service life, I was told “The people are Bhadralooks meaning gentleman to the core”. But in the last Assembly election in the State and this June 2023 during the filing of the nomination of the Panchayat election unprecedented violence took place in West Bengal and bloodshed and deaths which are very unfortunate also happened. As per India Today, New Delhi, June 19, 2023 “Ahead of the next month’s Panchayat polls in West Bengal, a cycle of violence has begun across the state, resulting in death and destruction, quite expectedly. Six people, including a ruling TMC worker, have been killed since the nominations began on June 9. Reports of violence have come from Cooch Behar, North and South 24 Parganas, Murshidabad, Birbhum, East Midnapore, and East Burdwan, among other places. Perhaps in no other Indian states, so much violence took place”. I feel this is a shame to “Bhadralooks”. Against this backdrop elections in Uttar Pradesh (UP) and Karnataka may be cited where there was no death or serious injury in recently completed elections. In UP, “In the Assembly elections of 2022, a total of 33 incidents of electoral violence took place. Of these 28 incidents happened before polling days and five happened on polling days in which no person was seriously injured or died,” Deccan Herald (March 9, 2022). In the recently held Assembly election in Karnataka, some minor incidents of violence took place but not a single case of death or serious injury was reported.
Anyway, observing huge violence during the filing of nomination in the Panchayat election in West Bengal, the election issue was State police or deployment of Central force, and finally, “The Supreme Court on Tuesday (20/6/23) refused to interfere with an order of the Calcutta High Court directing the State Election Commission (SEC) to requisition and deploy central forces across West Bengal for the July 8 Panchayat polls. The pleas were filed by the West Bengal Government and the State Election Commission. Holding an election cannot be a license for violence,” a vacation bench of Justice B V Nagarathna and Justice Manoj Misra observed during the hearing (Mid-day, 21/6/23). It is observed from India Today (21/6/23) that “the Supreme Court, on June 20, rejected the Mamata Banerjee government’s challenge to deploying of central forces for the election. The Mamata government and the State Election Commission had opposed the Calcutta High Court’s directive that security during Panchayat polls be handled by central forces”. In another development, the Panchayat polls in Bengal should be stopped if the bloodbath continues, the Calcutta High Court observed on June 21, 2023. The court was hearing a case in connection with the disappearance of names of candidates contesting the election. According to Justice Amrita Sinha “So much violence in panchayat polls. The poll should be stopped if the bloodbath continues.”
So, I suggest the Bhadralooks of West Bengal should take lessons from other states as killing, arson, injury, destruction of properties, etc., are highly deplorable in an election. Moreover, this is a state of “Bhadralooks”.

Prof Shankar Chatterjee, Hyderabad

Panchayat Election in West Bengal 2023: Bloodshed from the Day of Filing Nominations

Around one hundred years ago, Gopal Krishna Gokhale ji, a renowned patriot of India said “What Bengal thinks today, India thinks tomorrow.” The reason is that United Bengal produces/produced great personalities and stalwarts in all fields – games and sports, film, music, literature, politics, spirituality, etc. But the past glory in the present days has been fading. Whenever I visited across the State for academic activities in my service life, I was told “The people are Bhadralooks meaning gentleman to the core”. But in the last Assembly election in the State and this June 2023 during the filing of the nomination of the Panchayat election unprecedented violence took place in West Bengal and bloodshed and deaths which are very unfortunate also happened. As per India Today, New Delhi, June 19, 2023 “Ahead of the next month’s Panchayat polls in West Bengal, a cycle of violence has begun across the state, resulting in death and destruction, quite expectedly. Six people, including a ruling TMC worker, have been killed since the nominations began on June 9. Reports of violence have come from Cooch Behar, North and South 24 Parganas, Murshidabad, Birbhum, East Midnapore, and East Burdwan, among other places. Perhaps in no other Indian states, so much violence took place”. I feel this is a shame to “Bhadralooks”. Against this backdrop elections in Uttar Pradesh (UP) and Karnataka may be cited where there was no death or serious injury in recently completed elections. In UP, “In the Assembly elections of 2022, a total of 33 incidents of electoral violence took place. Of these 28 incidents happened before polling days and five happened on polling days in which no person was seriously injured or died,” Deccan Herald (March 9, 2022). In the recently held Assembly election in Karnataka, some minor incidents of violence took place but not a single case of death or serious injury was reported.
Anyway, observing huge violence during the filing of nomination in the Panchayat election in West Bengal, the election issue was State police or deployment of Central force, and finally, “The Supreme Court on Tuesday (20/6/23) refused to interfere with an order of the Calcutta High Court directing the State Election Commission (SEC) to requisition and deploy central forces across West Bengal for the July 8 Panchayat polls. The pleas were filed by the West Bengal Government and the State Election Commission. Holding an election cannot be a license for violence,” a vacation bench of Justice B V Nagarathna and Justice Manoj Misra observed during the hearing (Mid-day, 21/6/23). It is observed from India Today (21/6/23) that “the Supreme Court, on June 20, rejected the Mamata Banerjee government’s challenge to deploying of central forces for the election. The Mamata government and the State Election Commission had opposed the Calcutta High Court’s directive that security during Panchayat polls be handled by central forces”. In another development, the Panchayat polls in Bengal should be stopped if the bloodbath continues, the Calcutta High Court observed on June 21, 2023. The court was hearing a case in connection with the disappearance of names of candidates contesting the election. According to Justice Amrita Sinha “So much violence in panchayat polls. The poll should be stopped if the bloodbath continues.”
So, I suggest the Bhadralooks of West Bengal should take lessons from other states as killing, arson, injury, destruction of properties, etc., are highly deplorable in an election. Moreover, this is a state of “Bhadralooks”.

Prof Shankar Chatterjee, Hyderabad

Top Coaching for Engineering Exams

 Absolutely, India hosts numerous coaching institutes known for their quality education and preparation for engineering entrance exams like JEE (Joint Entrance Examination) Main and Advanced. Here are some of the top coaching institutes in India renowned for their excellence in engineering exam preparation:

  1. FIITJEE: FIITJEE is highly regarded for its coaching programs for JEE Main and Advanced. It offers comprehensive study materials, experienced faculty, and rigorous preparation modules.

  2. Allen Career Institute: Known for its success rate in engineering entrance exams, Allen provides structured coaching, test series, and personalized attention to students preparing for JEE.

  3. Resonance: Resonance is known for its holistic coaching approach, providing comprehensive study materials, regular assessments, and personalized guidance to students aiming for JEE.

  4. Vibrant Academy: Vibrant Academy is recognized for its quality teaching and results. It offers integrated classroom programs and advanced study materials for JEE preparation.

  5. Aakash Institute: Aakash offers coaching programs for JEE Main and Advanced, providing both classroom coaching and online courses, along with test series and doubt-solving sessions.

  6. Bansal Classes: Bansal Classes is well-known for its dedicated faculty and focused approach in coaching students for JEE. It provides a competitive environment and structured courses.

  7. Career Point: Career Point provides coaching for JEE Main and Advanced through classroom programs, study materials, and online resources. It emphasizes concept clarity and practice.

  8. Narayana Institute: While prominent for medical coaching, Narayana also offers coaching for JEE Main and Advanced. It provides a strong foundation and conceptual understanding for students.

  9. Vidyamandir Classes: Vidyamandir is recognized for its teaching methodology and conceptual clarity. It offers comprehensive study materials and regular assessments for JEE aspirants.

  10. PACE IIT & Medical: PACE provides coaching for JEE Main and Advanced with a focus on building a strong foundation in subjects crucial for engineering aspirants.

When considering coaching institutes for engineering exams, students often assess factors such as faculty expertise, teaching methodology, study materials, success rate, infrastructure, and past performance before making a decision. These coaching centers have consistently produced successful engineering

Sovereign Gold Bond Scheme 2023-24

  The Government of India, in consultation with the Reserve Bank of India, has decided to issue Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs) in tranches as per the calendar specified below:

S. No.

Tranche

Date of Subscription

Date of Issuance

1.

2023-24 Series I

June 19 – June 23, 2023

June 27, 2023

2.

2023-24 Series II

September 11-September 15, 2023

September 20, 2023

The SGBs will be sold through Scheduled Commercial banks (except Small Finance Banks,  Payment Banks and Regional Rural Banks), Stock Holding Corporation of India Limited (SHCIL), Clearing Corporation of India Limited (CCIL), designated post offices, and recognised stock exchanges viz., National Stock Exchange of India Limited and Bombay Stock Exchange Limited. The features of the Bond are as under:

 

Sl. No.

Item

Details

1

Product name

Sovereign Gold Bond Scheme 2023-24

2

Issuance

To be issued by the Reserve Bank of India on behalf of the Government of India.

3

Eligibility

The SGBs will be restricted for sale to resident individuals, HUFs, Trusts, Universities and Charitable Institutions.

4

Denomination

The SGBs will be denominated in multiples of gram(s) of gold with a basic unit of  One gram.

5

Tenor

The tenor of the SGB will be for a period of eight years with an option of premature redemption after 5th year to be exercised on the date on which interest is payable.

6

Minimum size

Minimum permissible investment will be One gram of gold.

7

Maximum limit

The maximum limit of subscription shall be 4 Kg for individual, 4 Kg for HUF and 20 Kg for trusts and similar entities per fiscal year (April-March) notified by the Government from time to time. A self-declaration to this effect will be obtained from the investors at the time of making an application for subscription. The annual ceiling will include SGBs subscribed under different tranches, and those purchased from the secondary market, during the fiscal year.

8

Joint holder

In case of joint holding, the investment limit of 4 Kg will be applied to the first applicant only.

9

Issue price

Price of SGB will be fixed in Indian Rupees on the basis of simple average of closing price of gold of 999 purity, published by the India Bullion and Jewellers Association Limited (IBJA) for the last three working days of the week preceding the subscription period. The issue price of the SGBs will be less by ₹50 per gram for the investors who subscribe online and pay through digital mode.

10

Payment option

Payment for the SGBs will be through cash payment (upto a maximum of ₹20,000) or demand draft or cheque or electronic banking.

11

Issuance form

The SGBs will be issued as Government of India Stock under Government Securities Act, 2006. The investors will be issued a Certificate of Holding for the same. The SGBs will be eligible for conversion into demat form.

12

Redemption price

The redemption price will be in Indian Rupees based on simple average of closing price of gold of 999 purity, of previous three working days published by IBJA Ltd.

13

Sales channel

SGBs will be sold through Scheduled Commercial banks (except Small Finance Banks,  Payment Banks and Regional Rural Banks), Stock Holding Corporation of India Limited (SHCIL), Clearing Corporation of India Limited (CCIL), designated post offices (as may be notified) and recognised stock exchanges viz., National Stock Exchange of India Limited and Bombay Stock Exchange Limited, either directly or through agents.

14

Interest rate

The investors will be compensated at a fixed rate of 2.50 per cent per annum payable semi-annually on the nominal value.

15

Collateral

The SGBs can be used as collateral for loans. The loan-to-value (LTV) ratio will be as applicable to any ordinary gold loan, mandated by the Reserve Bank from time to time.

16

KYC documentation

Know-your-customer (KYC) norms will be the same as that for purchase of physical gold. KYC documents such as Voter ID, Aadhaar card/PAN or TAN /Passport will be required. Every application must be accompanied by the ‘PAN Number’ issued by the Income Tax Department to individuals and other entities.

17

Tax treatment

The interest on SGBs shall be taxable as per the provision of Income Tax Act, 1961 (43 of 1961). The capital gains tax arising on redemption of SGB to an individual is exempted. The indexation benefits will be provided to long term capital gains arising to any person on transfer of the SGB.

18

Tradability

SGBs shall be eligible for trading.

19

SLR eligibility

SGBs acquired by the banks through the process of invoking lien/hypothecation/pledge alone, shall be counted towards Statutory Liquidity Ratio.

20

Commission

Commission for distribution of the bond shall be paid at the rate of one per cent of the total subscription received by the receiving offices and receiving offices shall share at least 50 per cent of the commission so received with the agents or sub agents for the business procured through them.

****

PPG/KMN


Developing Tribal human resource with a holistic approach

Government has  focused on developing tribal human resource with a holistic approach over  the last 9 years. Briefing mediapersons on 9 year achievements and Transformational initiatives of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs in New Delhi today,  Union Minister for Tribal Affairs Shri Arjun Munda said that Development of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in mission mode has been  taken up as focus area for the first time ever.

The Minister explained  that Pradhan Mantri PVTG Development Mission will saturate PVTG families and habitations with basic facilities and stressed on education for PVTG’s. A fund of Rs 15,000 crore for the next three years has been allocated for the socio-economic development of the group. He said that this is the first time a special scheme for PVTGs has been formulated to have holistic development with a  data centric human development indexing for the PVTG groups.

Shri Arjun Munda said that it was an historic occasion that recently on 12th and 13th June ,  the President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu invited 20 members each from 75 PVTGs communities at Rashtrapati Bhavan, and  Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla addressed them in Central Hall of Parliament. The PVTGs attired in their traditional dresses brought their culture to the capital and got a first hand feel of being in the capital of their country where for the first time in 75 years after independence that the President of the country met them in Rashtrapati Bhawan, he said.  

Giving details of the strides made in the education of tribal people, Sh Arjun Munda said that the Government is setting up 740 Eklavya Residential Model Schools(EMRS) which will serve 3.5 lakh tribal students with quality education. Over the next three years, 38,800 teachers and support staff will be recruited centrally for the 740 EMRSs. These schools will also lay emphasis on local  languages to ensure that the students are not detached from  their roots, he added.

The Minister said that Tribal Affairs Ministry implements 5 scholarship schemes under which scholarship is given to more than 30 lakh students every year with annual budget of more than Rs. 2500 cr.  These scholarships are disbursed in DBT mode to ensure transparency and timely hassle free disbursals.

 Shri Arjun Munda also said that financial and technical support to strengthen health care systems  to provide affordable healthcare to the poor and vulnerable population in the tribal areas is being taken up under National Health Mission. Government has targeted to eliminate sickle cell anemia by 2047 and under the Mission to eliminate Sickle Cell Anaemia by 2047 , steps will be taken for awareness creation, universal screening of 7 crore people in the age group of 0-40 years in affected tribal areas, and counselling through collaborative efforts of central ministries and state governments.

Shri Arjun Munda said that Ministry of Tribal Affairs is working to develop over 36000 villages with at least 50% tribal population and 500 STs across the country into model tribal villages under Pradhan Mantri Adi Adarsh Gram Yojna to provide basic amenities to tribal villages , and under which various ministries are now required to focus implementation of their schemes in these identified villages.

Union Minster Shri Arjun Munda informed that  Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Vikas Mission (PMJVM) seeks to achieve livelihood driven tribal development across the country by providing forward and backward linkages by setting up Van Dhan Vikas Kendras / Van Dhan Producer Enterprises apart from assisting the States to make procurement of Minor Forest Produce(MFP) at Minimum Support Price(MSP). The mandate for implementing the same lies with TRIFED. As a result of its efforts, 77 MFPs have been added since 2014-15 to be covered  under MSP for MFP scheme. Total MFPs being covered under MSP as on date are 87.

TRIFED also started a new concept of organizing ‘Aadi Mahotsav’ – Festival of Craft, Culture, Cuisine and Commerce in all major cities across the country in the year 2017-18, the Minister explained. Keeping in line with the mission of “Be Vocal for Local”, TRIFED organized Aadi Mahotsav at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, New Delhi from 16th -27th February, 2023 which was inaugurated by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and became a roaring success all over.

In another historic occasion for the tribal people, 15th November has been declared as “Janjatiya Gaurav Divas” on the Birth Anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda to celebrate tribal pride and pay tribute to tribal freedom fighters, he said.

Speaking on the Forest Rights Act Union Minster informed that 21.99 lakh Individual titles and a total of 1.08 lakh Community titles have been distributed till date.

For the development of ST communities across the country, the annual budget of Ministry of Tribal Affairs has been on continuous increase. In 2023-24, a budget of Rs. 12461.88 Crores has been allocated to the Ministry which is 3 times compared to the budget in 2013-14 of Rs. 4295.94 Crore.

Massive 5 times increase has been made in the Budget allocation under Scheduled Tribe Component Funds. The allocation during 2013-14 was Rs. 24,598 Crores, which has been increased to Rs 1,19,509 Crores during 2023-24 across Union Ministries/Departments.

Shri Arjun Munda said an amount of more than Rs 25,000 cr has been released to states under Article 275(1) in last 9 years for more than 5000 projects under different schemes and states have been directed to ensure  implementation of schemes/projects under it with proper planning and monitoring.

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Cruise Tourism and Global Tourism Plastics Initiative

The Ministry of Tourism is organising the fourth G20 Tourism Working Group meeting and Tourism Ministerial Meeting from 19th to 22 June 2023 in Goa. Briefing media in New Delhi today, Secretary Tourism, Smt  V. Vidyavathi said that under India’s G20 Tourism Track, the Tourism Working Group is working on five inter-connected priority areas, which are Green Tourism, Digitalization, Skills, Tourism MSMEs, and Destination Management. Giving more details, the Secretary said that there are two key deliverables of the Tourism Working Group, which are GOA Roadmap for Tourism as a vehicle for achieving sustainable development goals and G20 Tourism Ministers’ Declaration both of which will be finalised shortly. During the meeting, G20 member countries, invited countries, and international organizations will welcome and endorse both the documents.

She also added that the G20 Tourism Working Group meeting and Tourism Ministerial Meeting in Goa aims to strengthen economic growth, preserve cultural heritage, and promote tourism and sustainable development of the region.

The Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, welcomes the participation of Tourism Ministers, Heads of Delegations and delegates from G20 member countries, invited countries, and international organizations to collectively work towards advancing the tourism sector and achieving the UN sustainable development goals 2030.

A side event on ‘Making Cruise Tourism a Model for Sustainable & Responsible Travel’ will be  organized , focusing on strategies to promote cruise tourism. The event will see the participation of G20 member countries, invited countries, international organizations, and industry stakeholders. The event will witness deliberations on the challenges and opportunities in the growth of cruise tourism globally. A panel discussion featuring esteemed speakers from G20 Member countries and guest countries will shed light on country specific policies and initiatives on varied aspects of cruise tourism, its growth and need to make cruise tourism sustainable and responsible.

Smt  V. Vidyavathi said that, along the sidelines of the main event , a national level side event is also being organized which will focus on ‘Making India a Hub for Cruise Tourism’, to deliberate on various challenges and opportunities for developing Cruise Tourism in the country following the principles of sustainability.

The deliberation upon Multi Facets of Cruise Tourism (Coastal, Island, Regional and Yachting), perspectives from Coastal States, private and public stakeholders in inland waterways, perspectives from Riverine States will be the focus areas of discussion during the event. The event will see the participation of key States and Union Territories, Industry Stakeholders, national and international experts.

She also informed that “The Ministry of Tourism is also organizing a side event ‘Towards a circular economy of plastics in tourism – the Global Tourism Plastics Initiative’ in collaboration with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).

This  side event will focus on encouraging engagement of tourism stakeholders to address plastic pollution through circular approaches across the tourism value chain. The event will encompass high-level introductory remarks and a keynote presentation on the action framework proposed by the Global Tourism Plastics Initiative (GTPI). These interventions will be followed by a panel discussion with tourism stakeholders and a signing ceremony to welcome the adherence of several organizations to the GTPI.

Further, a ‘Public Private Dialogue: Importance of Travel & Tourism to the G20 Economies’ is also being co-organized by the Ministry of Tourism in Goa on 21st June 2023 in association with World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) and United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). The Dialogue is an opportunity for participants to share their priorities and concerns and identify opportunities for mutual support and greater public-private partnership. This discussion will align and provide a private sector perspective on the 5 priority areas set out for the G20 tourism track. The Dialogue will start by opening the conversation on the respective importance and relevance of these priorities to the private sector and potential areas of support and collaboration from the public sector.

The Secretary informed that good practices and case studies on sustainable tourism by participating countries will be shared on a Dashboard which is being created for the purpose.It will be a dynamic dashboard which will serve as a learning platform for various countries and these case studies will continue to be uploaded on it for coming next three years, she added. 

Secretary Tourism also remarked that to celebrate   the ‘International Day of Yoga’ on June 21, which coincides with the G20 4th Tourism Working Group Meeting and Tourism Ministerial Meeting, a special yoga session has been organized by the state government of Goa.

This session will offer an enchanting experience of yoga to all G20 Tourism Ministers and delegates, providing them with a moment of serenity and mindfulness amidst the busy proceedings of the meeting. It highlights the significance of incorporating wellness practices in the tourism sector and emphasizes the importance of holistic well-being.

On the occasion, Additional Secretary, Shri Rakesh Verma gave a presentation highlighting the important events and schedule of the meeting.

Various cultural programs will be organized to highlight and showcase the rich cultural heritage of Goa to the international G20 delegates. Some of the choreographed programs planned are: Lamp Dance, Kathak Dance, GoanMandoMusic  and Dance presentation, Dekhni Dance, Mussal Khel (Pastel Dance) and Gomant Rang. Delegates will also have the opportunity to experience the local attractions of Goa. Excursion visits have been planned to Lower  Aguada Fort and Jail Museum, and experiencing the UNESCO World Heritage Site:  Churches and Convents of Goa viz. the Basilica of  Bom Jesus, Church of St Francis of Assisi and Se  Cathedra land Archaeological Museum.

During the meeting, the delegates will also be visiting the Art and Craft Bazaar organized by the State Government showcasing local handicrafts, work of artisans, signifying the importance of community participation. DIY Activities at the Craft Bazaar have been planned to have hands on experience.

The Ministry of Tourism is promoting local products of Goa by handing below souvenirs to the delegates:

  • Embroidered Stole/Scarf (Made from Handmade Kunbi Fabric)
  • G.I. Cashew Feni Miniature
  • Terracotta Lotus shaped Incense Stick Holder
  • Upcycled Natural Scented Candle made using discarded bottle
  • Roasted Organic Goan Cashew Nuts
  • Recycled wood Tray with Azulejo Tiles inlay
  • Goan House Window

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Harmonised Guidelines and Space Standards for Universal Accessibility in India is now available on India

Under the provision of section 40 of RPwD Act 2016, the Central Government in consultation with the Chief Commissioner formulate rules for persons with disabilities laying down the standards of accessibility for the physical environment, transportation, information and communication, including appropriate technologies and systems and other facilities and services provided to the public in urban and rural areas.

Harmonised Guidelines and Space Standards for Universal Accessibility in India-2021 prepared by Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has been amended in RPwD (Amendment) Rules, 2023 vide notification G.S. R. 413 (E) dated 05.06.2023.  

The detailed status of these guidelines/standards is as follows:

Standards/Guidelines notified in RPwD Rules under Rule 15
1.Accessibility for the ICT products and services (Part I and II)
2.Harmonised Guidelines and Space Standard for Universal Accessibility in India-2021
3.Standard for Bus Body Code for Transportation system,
Guidelines under Draft notification in RPwD Rules and inviting public and other stakeholder comments
4.Accessibility standards for Health Care by 02.07.2023
5.Accessibility Standards and Guidelines for Civil Aviation by 10.06.2023
6.Accessibility standards and guidelines for the Culture sector (monuments/sites/museums/libraries by 10.06.2023
7.Accessible Sport complex and residential facilities for sports person with disabilities by 10.06.2023
Guidelines awaited for notification in Gazette of India by concerned Ministry/Department
8.Ministry of Home Affairs
9.Guidelines on accessibility of Indian Railways stations and facilities at stations for differently abled persons and passengers with reduced mobility
10.Accessibility Guidelines and Standards for Higher Education Institutions and Universities
11.Accessibility Guidelines for Bus Terminals and Bus Stops
12.Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation 
Guidelines at various stages in the concerned Departments
13.Ministry of Rural Development
14.Ministry of Port, Shipping and Waterways
15.Ministry of Tourism
16.Department of Financial Service
17.Ministry of Information and Broadcasting
18.Department of School Education and Literacy

All the information is regarding the harmonized guidelines is available in the website of DEPwD department disabilityaffairs.gov.in

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The Top 5 Crypto Trading Strategies for Beginners

 In the past decade, cryptocurrencies have become a widely popular asset class among investors. These digital currencies are decentralized, meaning they are not controlled by any government or financial institution. Instead, they rely on blockchain technology to facilitate transactions and maintain their integrity. One such strategy that many beginners use is here in this link. This platform is a trading software that utilizes advanced algorithms to analyze the cryptocurrency market and predict profitable trades. This platform is designed to help beginners make informed decisions when trading cryptocurrencies.

While cryptocurrencies offer the potential for high returns, the market’s volatility can be daunting for beginners. For instance, the price of Bitcoin, the most popular cryptocurrency, has fluctuated from a few cents to almost $65,000 in just over a decade. This means that investing in cryptocurrencies requires a lot of research, knowledge, and a solid strategy.

The Bitcoin Loophole’s algorithm is based on the trading strategies of successful traders and investors. It scans the market 24/7, analyzing market trends and identifying profitable opportunities. Once it finds a profitable trade, it executes the transaction automatically, ensuring that investors can take advantage of the opportunity before the market changes.

Photo by Anna Nekrashevich on Pexels.com

The Bitcoin Loophole’s software is easy to use, making it a popular choice for beginners. Users can customize their trading parameters, such as the amount they want to invest and the risk they are willing to take. The platform also offers a demo account, which allows users to practice trading with virtual currency before investing real money.

While the Bitcoin Loophole can be an excellent tool for beginners, it is not a guarantee of profits. The cryptocurrency market remains highly volatile, and there is always a risk of losing money. Therefore, it is essential to research and understand the risks associated with cryptocurrency trading before investing.

In this article, we will explore the top 5 crypto trading strategies for beginners to help you make better investment decisions.

Buy and Hold Strategy

The Buy and Hold strategy is one of the most popular investment strategies in the cryptocurrency market. The strategy involves purchasing a cryptocurrency and holding onto it for a long time, with the hope that it will appreciate in value over time. This strategy requires patience, as the value of the cryptocurrency may fluctuate over time, but it can be a profitable strategy if you choose the right cryptocurrency.

Dollar-Cost Averaging Strategy

The Dollar-Cost Averaging strategy involves investing a fixed amount of money in a particular cryptocurrency at regular intervals, regardless of its market value. This strategy helps to reduce the risk of investing a large sum of money at once, as you invest a fixed amount of money over a more extended period. This strategy can be beneficial for beginners who want to invest in cryptocurrency without taking significant risks.

Swing Trading Strategy

Swing Trading involves buying and selling cryptocurrencies within a short time frame, usually a few days to a few weeks. The goal of this strategy is to capitalize on short-term price fluctuations in the cryptocurrency market. This strategy requires careful analysis of the market trends and understanding the technical indicators. It can be a profitable strategy, but it requires a high level of expertise and experience.

Scalping Strategy

Scalping is a trading strategy that involves buying and selling cryptocurrencies within a short period, usually a few minutes to a few hours. The goal of this strategy is to make a small profit from each trade, with the hope that these small profits will add up over time. This strategy requires a high level of expertise and experience, and it’s not recommended for beginners.

HODL Strategy

HODL (Hold on for Dear Life) is a popular investment strategy in the cryptocurrency market. This strategy involves holding onto a cryptocurrency for an extended period, regardless of its market value. The goal of this strategy is to capitalize on the long-term potential of a cryptocurrency. This strategy requires patience and a long-term investment horizon, but it can be a profitable strategy if you choose the right cryptocurrency.

Conclusion

The cryptocurrency market can be volatile, making it challenging for beginners to navigate. However, with the right strategies, you can make informed investment decisions that can help you capitalize on the potential profits in the market. The Buy and Hold strategy, Dollar-Cost Averaging strategy, Swing Trading strategy, Scalping strategy, and HODL strategy are all viable options for beginners, but it’s essential to choose the right strategy based on your investment goals and risk tolerance.

The Role of Cryptocurrency in the Digital Age

 As we move further into the digital age, cryptocurrency is becoming an increasingly important aspect of our lives. It has the potential to revolutionize the way we do business, store value, and even interact with each other. In this article, we will explore the role of cryptocurrency in the digital age and its impact on various industries. One example of a platform that allows online trading of cryptocurrency is available here.

Photo by RDNE Stock project on Pexels.com

Introduction to Cryptocurrency

Cryptocurrency is a revolutionary and innovative form of digital currency that has taken the world by storm. It is a medium of exchange that uses cryptography to secure and verify transactions, ensuring that they are valid and legitimate.

Unlike traditional forms of currency, such as paper bills and coins, cryptocurrencies are purely digital, meaning that they exist solely in cyberspace. They are not backed by a central bank or government, but rather by the power of the blockchain, a decentralized ledger technology that ensures the security and transparency of all transactions.

The first cryptocurrency to be created was Bitcoin, which was introduced in 2009 by an anonymous individual or group of individuals using the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto. Since then, thousands of other cryptocurrencies have been created, each with its unique features and characteristics.

One of the key advantages of cryptocurrency is its decentralization, which means that it is not subject to government or financial institution control. This allows for greater financial freedom and flexibility, as users can make transactions without the need for intermediaries or third parties.

Cryptocurrency and the Digital Economy

The digital economy has been growing rapidly in recent years, and cryptocurrency has played a significant role in this growth. It has made it possible for individuals and businesses to transact globally without the need for intermediaries such as banks. This has reduced the cost of transactions and increased their speed, making it easier for businesses to expand globally.

Cryptocurrency has also made it possible for individuals in countries with unstable currencies or inadequate banking infrastructure to store value securely. This has helped to reduce poverty and increase financial inclusion. Furthermore, cryptocurrency has made it possible for individuals to earn income through mining, trading, and other activities related to cryptocurrencies.

Cryptocurrency and the Financial Industry

Cryptocurrency has the potential to disrupt the traditional financial industry. It has already begun to challenge the dominance of traditional payment systems such as credit cards and wire transfers. Cryptocurrencies offer faster, cheaper, and more secure transactions than traditional payment systems.

In addition to this, cryptocurrency has made it possible for individuals to access financial services that were previously only available to those with high net worth or good credit scores. Cryptocurrencies such as stablecoins offer a more stable form of currency, which can be used as a means of payment or as a store of value. This has the potential to reduce financial exclusion and increase financial literacy.

Cryptocurrency and the Technology Industry

Cryptocurrency has had a profound impact on the technology industry, particularly in the area of blockchain technology. Blockchain, the foundation of most cryptocurrencies, is a revolutionary technology that has the potential to transform the way we store and share data. It is a secure and decentralized method of storing data that makes it less vulnerable to hacking and corruption.

One of the main benefits of blockchain technology is its ability to increase transparency, efficiency, and trust in various industries. For instance, in supply chain management, blockchain can help trace products from the manufacturer to the end-user, making it easier to verify authenticity and prevent fraud. This is especially critical for industries that deal with high-value goods, such as the diamond industry.

In the healthcare sector, blockchain technology can be used to store patient data securely, ensure its integrity, and make it easily accessible to authorized parties. This can improve patient care, reduce medical errors, and lower costs. Additionally, it can help address the issue of medical data breaches, which have become increasingly prevalent in recent years.

Conclusion

Cryptocurrency has the potential to revolutionize the way we do business, store value, and interact with each other. Its impact on various industries, including the digital economy, financial industry, and technology industry, has already been significant. As we continue to move further into the digital age, it is likely that the role of cryptocurrency will become even more important.