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Times of India.This is being considered despite the attractive returns for those who remain invested for 25-30 years, especially for those recruited after 2004, said the report.The NDA government’s move is likely to address the concerns of central government employees about the pension.A panel led by Finance Secretary TV Somanathan has gauged the impact of providing an assured return. The committee, which was formed following an announcement by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, has also reviewed global practices and the adjustments implemented by the Andhra Pradesh government, according to the report.“There is growing acknowledgement within the govt of offering a 50 per cent guarantee" and in case of any shortfall, the government will fill the gap, the report added.The Somanathan panel’s recommendations came amid concerns over the pension system for central government employees.The government pension system operates without funding as the Centre does not have a retirement fund.In the Budget 2024, it is anticipated that the NDA government will create a retirement fund.The National Pension System is a voluntary, long-term retirement savings scheme.

Last checked, US-based Tesla had not taken the bait of India’s policy package unveiled in March to attract global makers of electric vehicles (EVs), though Vietnam’s VinFast may qualify for its benefits—which include low-tariff imports of EVs worth under $35,000 apiece for five years—and Germany’s famous Mercedes-Benz has it under consideration. As reported, Mercedes India’s CEO Santosh Iyer has said the car-maker is ready to invest $500 million, the qualifying minimum, if it could be certain that today’s 5% GST rate for EVs stays in place for at least a decade. In itself, this is not an unreasonable ask.

budget preparation exercise.Sitharaman will present her seventh Budget on July 23.

BSF) has beefed up security at sensitive outposts and launched a crackdown on smugglers and touts enabling human trafficking, a senior official said. BSF Tripura Frontier Inspector General (IG) Patel Piyush Purushottam Das said that during recent talks in Shillong with Bangladesh Border Guards, a dossier containing a list of Bangladeshi criminals operating in the border areas has been handed over to the force of the neighbouring country. «The BGB has assured us that action would be taken against them as per the law,» Das told reporters here on Saturday.

Ather, and Bajaj Auto, most e2W manufacturers sold fewer units compared to the same period last year. Hero Electric sold fewer than 1,000 units in the June quarter, down from 6,000 a year ago, while Okinawa sold just 1,400 units versus 8,000. Ampere did not reach the 500 mark, compared to 19,000 units last year. Even TVS Motor's sales dropped to 30,000 units from 35,000 last year. Quoting industry watchers, ET Auto said that the outlook for sales remains the same in the current quarter despite the expectations of the rollout of FAME 3. Any uptick is anticipated in the second half of this fiscal year.

White House account on social media site X had some embarrassing moments when one of the posts went viral for all the wrong reasons. The official handle @POTUS was commenting on a judicial verdict pertaining to energy exports. In recent times, the Biden administration has put a temporary hold on the exports of Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) due to environmental reasons. Many of the Republican states have opposed this judicial verdict. The post on X has now been deleted after the faux pas was observed by social media users. Here is what transpired. Post on X: The official handle @POTUS was commenting on a ruling by a court in the state of Louisiana which lifted the Biden’s administration embargo on exports of LNG. He termed the decision of the court as incredibly disappointing. He assured the people that he will do his best to work towards ensuring energy security as well as protection of the environment.

ICICI Lombard, stated, “‘Elevate’ embodies our steadfast dedication to pioneering innovation and customer-centricity. As a ground-breaking industry first, powered by an AI engine, ‘Elevate’ will redefine health insurance, ensuring a deeply personalised experience tailored to customers’ needs.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Friday outlined an ambitious roadmap to transform the state to put it on the world map in the next five years and emphasised the significance of the Centre's backing for it. Naidu, who was in the national capital on a two-day visit, his first after taking oath as Andhra Pradesh chief minister last month, met Modi on Thursday and sought support for a seven-point development agenda aimed at addressing the state's post-bifurcation challenges. Interacting with the media at the end of his visit, the chief of Telugu Desam Party (TDP) — a key NDA ally — also touched upon the sensitive issue of minority reservations, acknowledging existing challenges. The regional party has already asserted that the reservation given to Muslims was for social justice and not appeasement and will continue in the state. Asked about the possibility of his party heading any central committee if proposed by the NDA, he said: «As and when needed, I am prepared. If there is any proposal from the NDA, I will think about it.»

The NBA has agreed to terms on its new media deal, an 11-year agreement worth $76 billion that assures player salaries will continue rising for the foreseeable future and one that will surely change how some viewers access the game for years to come

US military bases across Europe have raised their security alert levels to Force Protection Condition (FPCON) «Charlie,» signaling a heightened threat of terrorist action. This move, the second highest alert level in the US Army's system, was implemented over the weekend, as confirmed by two US officials. Heightened Security Measures The US European Command (USEUCOM) announced that they are constantly evaluating security factors. Although specific details were withheld for operational security, USEUCOM assured that they are maintaining vigilance. A US official stationed at a European base noted that this threat level hasn't been seen «in at least 10 years» and typically signifies an «active-reliable threat.»

Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) staged a protest against AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi for his "Jai Palestine" slogan during the swearing-in ceremony in the Lok Sabha. The VHP said Owaisi's slogan displayed «allegiance to a foreign nation» while taking oath as an MP in Parliament.

Warren Buffett, chairman of Berkshire Hathaway, has revealed significant revisions to his will concerning the distribution of his considerable fortune after his death. In an interview with the Wall Street Journal, the 93-year-old billionaire disclosed that he has decided to cease posthumous donations to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Instead, his wealth will be directed towards a newly established charitable trust managed by his three children.

Health Minister J P Nadda to discuss their concerns over medical education with a focus on the postponement of the NEET-PG exam. According to a statement, the delegation of the Federation of Resident Doctors' Association (FORDA) met the minister on Saturday.

government of India will make all efforts to waive the penalty on excess tobacco produced by the tobacco farmers, highlighted Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal during a meeting with Farmers and traders of tobacco in Hyderabad on Saturday.

WestJet has cancelled more than 200 flights after the union representing its plane mechanics announced late Friday that members had hit the picket lines.The Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA) announced its members started to strike around 5:30 p.m. MDT Friday because the airline’s “unwillingness to negotiate with the union made the strike inevitable.”The move came after the federal government issued a ministerial order for binding arbitration Thursday.

self-assessment conducted by the Indian government, it has come to light that a vast majority of the country's public health facilities are falling short of essential standards mandated by the government. This comprehensive evaluation covered over two lakh healthcare facilities, encompassing district hospitals, sub-district hospitals, community health centers, primary health centers, and Ayushman Arogya Mandirs. Detailed Assessment of Public Health Facilities According to data published on the Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS) dashboard, only approximately 20% of the assessed facilities achieved a score of 80% or higher, meeting the required benchmarks for infrastructure, human resources, drugs, diagnostics, and equipment. This indicates a significant shortfall in meeting basic healthcare standards across the majority of public health facilities in India.

NASA has announced an extension of astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams' mission aboard Boeing's Starliner capsule, launched on June 5. This decision follows technical issues that have delayed their return from the International Space Station (ISS), prompting ongoing evaluations and ground testing. Nasa's commercial crew program manager, Steve Stich, emphasised that the astronauts are safe and in no rush to return, saying, «We're not in any rush to come home.» The official mentioned that the duo is having a pleasant stay aboard the space station. He said, «enjoying their time on the space station,» and further added, «our plan is to continue to return them on Starliner and return them home at the right time.»

MUMBAI : Foreign investors in India’s equity markets have shed their pre-election jitters and remain on a bullish streak ahead of the Union budget, assured of political and economic continuity with Narendra Modi returning as Prime Minister for a third successive term. Nirmala Sitharaman, in her second successive term as India’s finance minister, will present the federal budget for 2024-25 next month. Foreign institutional investors, or FIIs, have turnedbullish ahead of the budget not just in the cash segment of Indian equities but also on the derivatives segment.

Lauren Evans, 22, from South Wales, and young paramedic Daniel Duffield, 24, who was well-known for his work on the Channel 4 series «999: On The Frontline,» were found dead following a tragic event in Hednesford, Staffordshire. The devastating incident has prompted Staffordshire Police to launch a murder inquiry. Detective Superintendent Nicki Addison gave the community assurances that focused efforts would be made to determine what caused Daniel and Lauren's deaths. She appreciated the people for their cooperation and asked anyone who knew information to come forward, as reported by the 'Daily Star.'

Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh stated that some MLAs have gone to meet central leaders to effectively address Manipur's issues, not to seek his resignation. A meeting of MLAs was held on Thursday where it was decided to submit a memorandum for lasting peace in Manipur and to make a courtesy call for the victory of the NDA in the general election. Singh mentioned that a small committee would meet central leaders. The memorandum was signed by around 34 to 35 NDA MLAs. He highlighted that it was decided to seek appointments with the Prime Minister and Union Home Minister after the parliamentary session. «They MLAs have entrusted me for getting the appointment,» he said. Biren Singh clarified, «Some MLAs have gone for people are seeking solution and peace. This is rumours promoted by vested interest groups that they have gone to seek my resignation. It is wrong.» He further explained that at the meeting, MLAs expressed their appreciation for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for their resolve to solve the Manipur issue. «Shah has even started holding meetings with different agencies,» Singh stated.

Finance Minister Ajit Pawar announced on Friday that the subsidy of Rs 5 per litre for milk producers in Maharashtra will be extended, as he presented the state's budget for 2024-25 in the legislative assembly. This budget marks the final one before the assembly elections for the BJP-Shiv Sena-NCP government. Pawar also stated that the state plans to establish 18 new medical colleges. Milk Producer Subsidies Pawar further mentioned that Rs 223.83 crore in subsidies have already been disbursed to 2.93 lakh registered milk producers at the rate of Rs 5 per litre. He assured that the remaining subsidy will be distributed promptly. Farming Initiatives