1. Lewis Hamilton takes over at the top
Lewis Hamilton regained the Formula One drivers’ world championship lead on Sunday when he claimed victory in the Singapore Grand Prix after his Mercedes teammate Nico Rosberg was forced to retire with electronic problems.
The 29-year-old Briton led from pole and dominated the 61-laps race before a lengthy Safety Car interruption reduced his lead and forced him to attack again in the closing stages when he passed Sebastian Vettel to win.
2. Global marches draw attention to climate change
On Tuesday, more than 120 world leaders will convene for the United Nations Climate Summit aimed at galvanizing political will for a new global climate treaty by the end of 2015.
Organizers said more than 100,000 marched in New York, including actors Mark Ruffalo and Evangeline Lilly. They were joined in midtown Manhattan by United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, former Vice President Al Gore and New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio.
3.Ghosal 1st Indian to make Asiad final, Pallikal gets bronze Saurav Ghosal became the first Indian to enter the Asian Games final,
beating 2006 champion Ong Beng Hee while Dipika Pallikal secured the country its maiden women’s singles medal, a bronze, after losing the semifinal to world number one Nicol David in Incheon on Monday.
Top seed and World No.16 Ghosal lived up to his billing, outplaying 35th-ranked Beng Hee of Malaysia 11-9 11-4 11-5 in 45 minutes on the glass court of Yeorumul Squash Courts.
Earlier, World No.12 Pallikal could not better the colour of her assured bronze, losing to David in the women’s singles semifinals.
The 23-year-old Indian was outplayed 4-11 4-11 5-11 by David, who took merely 25 minutes to storm into the final.
4. ISRO’s Mars orbiter enters Mars’ Sphere of Influence
Cruising towards its historic rendezvous with the Red Planet, India’s Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) on Monday entered Mars’ gravitational Sphere of Influence ahead of its scheduled Orbit Insertion on September 24.
“Our navigators’ calculations show that MOM has entered the gravitational Sphere of Influence of Mars,” ISRO said on its social networking site, adding, the spacecraft was within 5.4 lakh km radius of the Mars’ gravitational Sphere of Influence.
The crucial fourth trajectory correction manoeuvre and test fire of the Main Liquid Engine on the spacecraft is scheduled for 2.30 PM today.
5. Public sector banks must raise Rs. 2.2 lakh cr for implementing Basel III: Moody’s
Major public sector banks in India will need to raise Rs. 1,50,000 crore to Rs. 2,20,000 crore ($26-$37 billion) between FY2015 and the full implementation of Basel III in FY 2019, said Moody’s in a report.
The rating agency estimated that public sector Indian banks that it rates could need that external capital, assuming a moderate recovery in India's GDP growth, and a gradual decline in non-performing loans from current levels.
Moody's rates 11 public sector banks, representing 62 per cent of net loans in the Indian banking system.
"Indian public sector banks barely meet current minimum capital requirements, and we anticipate that they will find it difficult to raise capital quickly in the current environment," said Gene Fang, Moody's Vice-President.
6. Asian Games: Indian women win 25m team pistol bronze
Shooters continued to deliver medals for India at the 17th Asian Games with the trio of Heena Siddhu, Rahi Sarnobat and Anisa Sayyed cliching a bronze in the women’s 25m pistol event in Incheon on Monday.
Heena (572), Anisa (577) and Rahi (580) combined for a score of 1729 to finish third behind silver-medallists China (1747) and hosts South Korea, who won the gold with a score of 1748.
The top-finishing South Korean team comprised Jangmi Kim (584), Junghye Kwak (583) and Jungeun Lee (581).
7. Ahmadzai declared Afghanistan President, but final tally kept secret
Afghanistan’s election commission declared former Finance Minister Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai as the war-ravaged country’s president-elect on Sunday after an acrimonious dispute over ballot fraud, but did not give the final vote tally after a U.N.-monitored audit.
The announcement came hours after Mr. Ahmadzai and rival, Abdullah Abdullah, signed a power-sharing agreement to end two months of bitter wrangling over accusations of fraud that undermined confidence in the election and emboldened the Taliban insurgency at a crucial time as most foreign troops prepare to leave.
Independent Election Commission chairman Ahmad Yousuf Nuristani acknowledged grave flaws in the election process and said the U.N. audit could not detect all of it.
8. New Zealand PM calls for referendum on new flag
New Zealand’s newly re-elected Prime Minister, John Key, said Monday he wanted to hold a referendum next year on changing the country’s flag, the latest development in a long-running debate over the national symbol.
The New Zealand flag features the British flag, the Union Jack, in one corner and has four stars representing the Southern Cross constellation on a royal blue background.
9. Fiji coup leader to be sworn in as PM
Fiji coup leader in 2006, Voreqe Frank Bainimarama, will be sworn-in on Monday as the Prime Minister of the country.
Mr. Bainimarama’s Fiji First party has won the 2014 general election, raking 293,714 of the total 496,364 votes cast, Fiji Times reported.
President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau will preside over the swearing-in ceremony scheduled to be held at 4 p.m.
10. Changes to MGNREGS may cut into wages
Union Minister of Rural Development Nitin Gadkari has proposed that the MGNREGS be restricted to only tribal and poor areas and the permissible labour to material ratio of expenses be changed from the current 60:40 to 51:49.
While the first proposal is being opposed by political parties, who think it will dilute the scheme’s universal employment guarantee, there has been less discussion on the second proposal even though its rationale is not matched by evidence.
Ministry data shows that in 2013-14, States spent 26.6 per cent of MGNREGS funds on material. In 2012-13, this was 27.7 per cent, much lower than the current permissible limit of 40%. In changes proposed to the MGNREGS, Mr. Gadkari has proposed that the permissible labour to material ratio of expenses be changed from the current 60:40 to 51:49. Even as the current upper limit in expenditure is not being met, the government wants to increase this from 40 to 49 per cent. The change will increase the presence of contractors in the job scheme and squeeze the funds available for wages.
11. Google joins hands with Govt to realise Modi's plan for a Digital India
Google is partnering the Government in developing a mobile application for the Prime Minister's Office. The application will be developed through a contest.
This is part of supporting the Prime Minister’s vision for a Digital India. The contest will be launched jointly byGoogle and MyGov, the citizen engagement platform of the Government. The mobile app aims to bring the PMO to every citizen and the contest will showcase how Indians can build a world-class app.
Google India will also continue to build a vibrant language ecosystem online and help the Government transition into the increasingly ‘mobile’ India.
Google is working with DeitY and other State Governments to develop these initiatives, the company said.
Programmes such as Helping Women get Online, getting Indian SMEs Online and showcasing India’s rich heritage and culture online will further promote the digital empowerment of citizens.
Additionally, to encourage digital literacy and Internet safety, Google is also introducing curriculums for schools, officials and elected representatives.
Rajan Anandan, Vice-President and Managing Director, Google India said, “India is already home to the third largest number of Internet users globally with 245 million users as of June 2014. We are on track to become the second largest user market by 2015 and a 500 million-user market by 2016. Yet, there are more than a billion people who will need to be brought online for India to realise the vision of a digitally connected, knowledge economy. Prime Minister Modi's Digital India programme will play a transformational role in achieving this, and we are excited to be making a meaningful contribution by rolling out several initiatives in collaboration with the Government of India.”
Lewis Hamilton regained the Formula One drivers’ world championship lead on Sunday when he claimed victory in the Singapore Grand Prix after his Mercedes teammate Nico Rosberg was forced to retire with electronic problems.
The 29-year-old Briton led from pole and dominated the 61-laps race before a lengthy Safety Car interruption reduced his lead and forced him to attack again in the closing stages when he passed Sebastian Vettel to win.
2. Global marches draw attention to climate change
On Tuesday, more than 120 world leaders will convene for the United Nations Climate Summit aimed at galvanizing political will for a new global climate treaty by the end of 2015.
Organizers said more than 100,000 marched in New York, including actors Mark Ruffalo and Evangeline Lilly. They were joined in midtown Manhattan by United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, former Vice President Al Gore and New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio.
3.Ghosal 1st Indian to make Asiad final, Pallikal gets bronze Saurav Ghosal became the first Indian to enter the Asian Games final,
beating 2006 champion Ong Beng Hee while Dipika Pallikal secured the country its maiden women’s singles medal, a bronze, after losing the semifinal to world number one Nicol David in Incheon on Monday.Top seed and World No.16 Ghosal lived up to his billing, outplaying 35th-ranked Beng Hee of Malaysia 11-9 11-4 11-5 in 45 minutes on the glass court of Yeorumul Squash Courts.
Earlier, World No.12 Pallikal could not better the colour of her assured bronze, losing to David in the women’s singles semifinals.
The 23-year-old Indian was outplayed 4-11 4-11 5-11 by David, who took merely 25 minutes to storm into the final.
4. ISRO’s Mars orbiter enters Mars’ Sphere of Influence
Cruising towards its historic rendezvous with the Red Planet, India’s Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) on Monday entered Mars’ gravitational Sphere of Influence ahead of its scheduled Orbit Insertion on September 24.
“Our navigators’ calculations show that MOM has entered the gravitational Sphere of Influence of Mars,” ISRO said on its social networking site, adding, the spacecraft was within 5.4 lakh km radius of the Mars’ gravitational Sphere of Influence.
The crucial fourth trajectory correction manoeuvre and test fire of the Main Liquid Engine on the spacecraft is scheduled for 2.30 PM today.
5. Public sector banks must raise Rs. 2.2 lakh cr for implementing Basel III: Moody’s
Major public sector banks in India will need to raise Rs. 1,50,000 crore to Rs. 2,20,000 crore ($26-$37 billion) between FY2015 and the full implementation of Basel III in FY 2019, said Moody’s in a report.
The rating agency estimated that public sector Indian banks that it rates could need that external capital, assuming a moderate recovery in India's GDP growth, and a gradual decline in non-performing loans from current levels.
Moody's rates 11 public sector banks, representing 62 per cent of net loans in the Indian banking system.
"Indian public sector banks barely meet current minimum capital requirements, and we anticipate that they will find it difficult to raise capital quickly in the current environment," said Gene Fang, Moody's Vice-President.
6. Asian Games: Indian women win 25m team pistol bronze
Shooters continued to deliver medals for India at the 17th Asian Games with the trio of Heena Siddhu, Rahi Sarnobat and Anisa Sayyed cliching a bronze in the women’s 25m pistol event in Incheon on Monday.
Heena (572), Anisa (577) and Rahi (580) combined for a score of 1729 to finish third behind silver-medallists China (1747) and hosts South Korea, who won the gold with a score of 1748.
The top-finishing South Korean team comprised Jangmi Kim (584), Junghye Kwak (583) and Jungeun Lee (581).
7. Ahmadzai declared Afghanistan President, but final tally kept secret
Afghanistan’s election commission declared former Finance Minister Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai as the war-ravaged country’s president-elect on Sunday after an acrimonious dispute over ballot fraud, but did not give the final vote tally after a U.N.-monitored audit.
The announcement came hours after Mr. Ahmadzai and rival, Abdullah Abdullah, signed a power-sharing agreement to end two months of bitter wrangling over accusations of fraud that undermined confidence in the election and emboldened the Taliban insurgency at a crucial time as most foreign troops prepare to leave.
Independent Election Commission chairman Ahmad Yousuf Nuristani acknowledged grave flaws in the election process and said the U.N. audit could not detect all of it.
8. New Zealand PM calls for referendum on new flag
New Zealand’s newly re-elected Prime Minister, John Key, said Monday he wanted to hold a referendum next year on changing the country’s flag, the latest development in a long-running debate over the national symbol.
The New Zealand flag features the British flag, the Union Jack, in one corner and has four stars representing the Southern Cross constellation on a royal blue background.
9. Fiji coup leader to be sworn in as PM
Fiji coup leader in 2006, Voreqe Frank Bainimarama, will be sworn-in on Monday as the Prime Minister of the country.
Mr. Bainimarama’s Fiji First party has won the 2014 general election, raking 293,714 of the total 496,364 votes cast, Fiji Times reported.
President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau will preside over the swearing-in ceremony scheduled to be held at 4 p.m.
10. Changes to MGNREGS may cut into wages
Union Minister of Rural Development Nitin Gadkari has proposed that the MGNREGS be restricted to only tribal and poor areas and the permissible labour to material ratio of expenses be changed from the current 60:40 to 51:49.
While the first proposal is being opposed by political parties, who think it will dilute the scheme’s universal employment guarantee, there has been less discussion on the second proposal even though its rationale is not matched by evidence.
Ministry data shows that in 2013-14, States spent 26.6 per cent of MGNREGS funds on material. In 2012-13, this was 27.7 per cent, much lower than the current permissible limit of 40%. In changes proposed to the MGNREGS, Mr. Gadkari has proposed that the permissible labour to material ratio of expenses be changed from the current 60:40 to 51:49. Even as the current upper limit in expenditure is not being met, the government wants to increase this from 40 to 49 per cent. The change will increase the presence of contractors in the job scheme and squeeze the funds available for wages.
11. Google joins hands with Govt to realise Modi's plan for a Digital India
Google is partnering the Government in developing a mobile application for the Prime Minister's Office. The application will be developed through a contest.
This is part of supporting the Prime Minister’s vision for a Digital India. The contest will be launched jointly byGoogle and MyGov, the citizen engagement platform of the Government. The mobile app aims to bring the PMO to every citizen and the contest will showcase how Indians can build a world-class app.
Google India will also continue to build a vibrant language ecosystem online and help the Government transition into the increasingly ‘mobile’ India.
Google is working with DeitY and other State Governments to develop these initiatives, the company said.
Programmes such as Helping Women get Online, getting Indian SMEs Online and showcasing India’s rich heritage and culture online will further promote the digital empowerment of citizens.
Additionally, to encourage digital literacy and Internet safety, Google is also introducing curriculums for schools, officials and elected representatives.
Rajan Anandan, Vice-President and Managing Director, Google India said, “India is already home to the third largest number of Internet users globally with 245 million users as of June 2014. We are on track to become the second largest user market by 2015 and a 500 million-user market by 2016. Yet, there are more than a billion people who will need to be brought online for India to realise the vision of a digitally connected, knowledge economy. Prime Minister Modi's Digital India programme will play a transformational role in achieving this, and we are excited to be making a meaningful contribution by rolling out several initiatives in collaboration with the Government of India.”
1. Lewis Hamilton takes over at the top
Lewis Hamilton regained the Formula One drivers’ world championship lead on Sunday when he claimed victory in the Singapore Grand Prix after his Mercedes teammate Nico Rosberg was forced to retire with electronic problems.
The 29-year-old Briton led from pole and dominated the 61-laps race before a lengthy Safety Car interruption reduced his lead and forced him to attack again in the closing stages when he passed Sebastian Vettel to win.
2. Global marches draw attention to climate change
On Tuesday, more than 120 world leaders will convene for the United Nations Climate Summit aimed at galvanizing political will for a new global climate treaty by the end of 2015.
Organizers said more than 100,000 marched in New York, including actors Mark Ruffalo and Evangeline Lilly. They were joined in midtown Manhattan by United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, former Vice President Al Gore and New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio.
3.Ghosal 1st Indian to make Asiad final, Pallikal gets bronze Saurav Ghosal became the first Indian to enter the Asian Games final,
beating 2006 champion Ong Beng Hee while Dipika Pallikal secured the country its maiden women’s singles medal, a bronze, after losing the semifinal to world number one Nicol David in Incheon on Monday.
Top seed and World No.16 Ghosal lived up to his billing, outplaying 35th-ranked Beng Hee of Malaysia 11-9 11-4 11-5 in 45 minutes on the glass court of Yeorumul Squash Courts.
Earlier, World No.12 Pallikal could not better the colour of her assured bronze, losing to David in the women’s singles semifinals.
The 23-year-old Indian was outplayed 4-11 4-11 5-11 by David, who took merely 25 minutes to storm into the final.
4. ISRO’s Mars orbiter enters Mars’ Sphere of Influence
Cruising towards its historic rendezvous with the Red Planet, India’s Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) on Monday entered Mars’ gravitational Sphere of Influence ahead of its scheduled Orbit Insertion on September 24.
“Our navigators’ calculations show that MOM has entered the gravitational Sphere of Influence of Mars,” ISRO said on its social networking site, adding, the spacecraft was within 5.4 lakh km radius of the Mars’ gravitational Sphere of Influence.
The crucial fourth trajectory correction manoeuvre and test fire of the Main Liquid Engine on the spacecraft is scheduled for 2.30 PM today.
5. Public sector banks must raise Rs. 2.2 lakh cr for implementing Basel III: Moody’s
Major public sector banks in India will need to raise Rs. 1,50,000 crore to Rs. 2,20,000 crore ($26-$37 billion) between FY2015 and the full implementation of Basel III in FY 2019, said Moody’s in a report.
The rating agency estimated that public sector Indian banks that it rates could need that external capital, assuming a moderate recovery in India's GDP growth, and a gradual decline in non-performing loans from current levels.
Moody's rates 11 public sector banks, representing 62 per cent of net loans in the Indian banking system.
"Indian public sector banks barely meet current minimum capital requirements, and we anticipate that they will find it difficult to raise capital quickly in the current environment," said Gene Fang, Moody's Vice-President.
6. Asian Games: Indian women win 25m team pistol bronze
Shooters continued to deliver medals for India at the 17th Asian Games with the trio of Heena Siddhu, Rahi Sarnobat and Anisa Sayyed cliching a bronze in the women’s 25m pistol event in Incheon on Monday.
Heena (572), Anisa (577) and Rahi (580) combined for a score of 1729 to finish third behind silver-medallists China (1747) and hosts South Korea, who won the gold with a score of 1748.
The top-finishing South Korean team comprised Jangmi Kim (584), Junghye Kwak (583) and Jungeun Lee (581).
7. Ahmadzai declared Afghanistan President, but final tally kept secret
Afghanistan’s election commission declared former Finance Minister Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai as the war-ravaged country’s president-elect on Sunday after an acrimonious dispute over ballot fraud, but did not give the final vote tally after a U.N.-monitored audit.
The announcement came hours after Mr. Ahmadzai and rival, Abdullah Abdullah, signed a power-sharing agreement to end two months of bitter wrangling over accusations of fraud that undermined confidence in the election and emboldened the Taliban insurgency at a crucial time as most foreign troops prepare to leave.
Independent Election Commission chairman Ahmad Yousuf Nuristani acknowledged grave flaws in the election process and said the U.N. audit could not detect all of it.
8. New Zealand PM calls for referendum on new flag
New Zealand’s newly re-elected Prime Minister, John Key, said Monday he wanted to hold a referendum next year on changing the country’s flag, the latest development in a long-running debate over the national symbol.
The New Zealand flag features the British flag, the Union Jack, in one corner and has four stars representing the Southern Cross constellation on a royal blue background.
9. Fiji coup leader to be sworn in as PM
Fiji coup leader in 2006, Voreqe Frank Bainimarama, will be sworn-in on Monday as the Prime Minister of the country.
Mr. Bainimarama’s Fiji First party has won the 2014 general election, raking 293,714 of the total 496,364 votes cast, Fiji Times reported.
President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau will preside over the swearing-in ceremony scheduled to be held at 4 p.m.
10. Changes to MGNREGS may cut into wages
Union Minister of Rural Development Nitin Gadkari has proposed that the MGNREGS be restricted to only tribal and poor areas and the permissible labour to material ratio of expenses be changed from the current 60:40 to 51:49.
While the first proposal is being opposed by political parties, who think it will dilute the scheme’s universal employment guarantee, there has been less discussion on the second proposal even though its rationale is not matched by evidence.
Ministry data shows that in 2013-14, States spent 26.6 per cent of MGNREGS funds on material. In 2012-13, this was 27.7 per cent, much lower than the current permissible limit of 40%. In changes proposed to the MGNREGS, Mr. Gadkari has proposed that the permissible labour to material ratio of expenses be changed from the current 60:40 to 51:49. Even as the current upper limit in expenditure is not being met, the government wants to increase this from 40 to 49 per cent. The change will increase the presence of contractors in the job scheme and squeeze the funds available for wages.
11. Google joins hands with Govt to realise Modi's plan for a Digital India
Google is partnering the Government in developing a mobile application for the Prime Minister's Office. The application will be developed through a contest.
This is part of supporting the Prime Minister’s vision for a Digital India. The contest will be launched jointly byGoogle and MyGov, the citizen engagement platform of the Government. The mobile app aims to bring the PMO to every citizen and the contest will showcase how Indians can build a world-class app.
Google India will also continue to build a vibrant language ecosystem online and help the Government transition into the increasingly ‘mobile’ India.
Google is working with DeitY and other State Governments to develop these initiatives, the company said.
Programmes such as Helping Women get Online, getting Indian SMEs Online and showcasing India’s rich heritage and culture online will further promote the digital empowerment of citizens.
Additionally, to encourage digital literacy and Internet safety, Google is also introducing curriculums for schools, officials and elected representatives.
Rajan Anandan, Vice-President and Managing Director, Google India said, “India is already home to the third largest number of Internet users globally with 245 million users as of June 2014. We are on track to become the second largest user market by 2015 and a 500 million-user market by 2016. Yet, there are more than a billion people who will need to be brought online for India to realise the vision of a digitally connected, knowledge economy. Prime Minister Modi's Digital India programme will play a transformational role in achieving this, and we are excited to be making a meaningful contribution by rolling out several initiatives in collaboration with the Government of India.”
Lewis Hamilton regained the Formula One drivers’ world championship lead on Sunday when he claimed victory in the Singapore Grand Prix after his Mercedes teammate Nico Rosberg was forced to retire with electronic problems.
The 29-year-old Briton led from pole and dominated the 61-laps race before a lengthy Safety Car interruption reduced his lead and forced him to attack again in the closing stages when he passed Sebastian Vettel to win.
2. Global marches draw attention to climate change
On Tuesday, more than 120 world leaders will convene for the United Nations Climate Summit aimed at galvanizing political will for a new global climate treaty by the end of 2015.
Organizers said more than 100,000 marched in New York, including actors Mark Ruffalo and Evangeline Lilly. They were joined in midtown Manhattan by United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, former Vice President Al Gore and New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio.
3.Ghosal 1st Indian to make Asiad final, Pallikal gets bronze Saurav Ghosal became the first Indian to enter the Asian Games final,
beating 2006 champion Ong Beng Hee while Dipika Pallikal secured the country its maiden women’s singles medal, a bronze, after losing the semifinal to world number one Nicol David in Incheon on Monday.Top seed and World No.16 Ghosal lived up to his billing, outplaying 35th-ranked Beng Hee of Malaysia 11-9 11-4 11-5 in 45 minutes on the glass court of Yeorumul Squash Courts.
Earlier, World No.12 Pallikal could not better the colour of her assured bronze, losing to David in the women’s singles semifinals.
The 23-year-old Indian was outplayed 4-11 4-11 5-11 by David, who took merely 25 minutes to storm into the final.
4. ISRO’s Mars orbiter enters Mars’ Sphere of Influence
Cruising towards its historic rendezvous with the Red Planet, India’s Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) on Monday entered Mars’ gravitational Sphere of Influence ahead of its scheduled Orbit Insertion on September 24.
“Our navigators’ calculations show that MOM has entered the gravitational Sphere of Influence of Mars,” ISRO said on its social networking site, adding, the spacecraft was within 5.4 lakh km radius of the Mars’ gravitational Sphere of Influence.
The crucial fourth trajectory correction manoeuvre and test fire of the Main Liquid Engine on the spacecraft is scheduled for 2.30 PM today.
5. Public sector banks must raise Rs. 2.2 lakh cr for implementing Basel III: Moody’s
Major public sector banks in India will need to raise Rs. 1,50,000 crore to Rs. 2,20,000 crore ($26-$37 billion) between FY2015 and the full implementation of Basel III in FY 2019, said Moody’s in a report.
The rating agency estimated that public sector Indian banks that it rates could need that external capital, assuming a moderate recovery in India's GDP growth, and a gradual decline in non-performing loans from current levels.
Moody's rates 11 public sector banks, representing 62 per cent of net loans in the Indian banking system.
"Indian public sector banks barely meet current minimum capital requirements, and we anticipate that they will find it difficult to raise capital quickly in the current environment," said Gene Fang, Moody's Vice-President.
6. Asian Games: Indian women win 25m team pistol bronze
Shooters continued to deliver medals for India at the 17th Asian Games with the trio of Heena Siddhu, Rahi Sarnobat and Anisa Sayyed cliching a bronze in the women’s 25m pistol event in Incheon on Monday.
Heena (572), Anisa (577) and Rahi (580) combined for a score of 1729 to finish third behind silver-medallists China (1747) and hosts South Korea, who won the gold with a score of 1748.
The top-finishing South Korean team comprised Jangmi Kim (584), Junghye Kwak (583) and Jungeun Lee (581).
7. Ahmadzai declared Afghanistan President, but final tally kept secret
Afghanistan’s election commission declared former Finance Minister Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai as the war-ravaged country’s president-elect on Sunday after an acrimonious dispute over ballot fraud, but did not give the final vote tally after a U.N.-monitored audit.
The announcement came hours after Mr. Ahmadzai and rival, Abdullah Abdullah, signed a power-sharing agreement to end two months of bitter wrangling over accusations of fraud that undermined confidence in the election and emboldened the Taliban insurgency at a crucial time as most foreign troops prepare to leave.
Independent Election Commission chairman Ahmad Yousuf Nuristani acknowledged grave flaws in the election process and said the U.N. audit could not detect all of it.
8. New Zealand PM calls for referendum on new flag
New Zealand’s newly re-elected Prime Minister, John Key, said Monday he wanted to hold a referendum next year on changing the country’s flag, the latest development in a long-running debate over the national symbol.
The New Zealand flag features the British flag, the Union Jack, in one corner and has four stars representing the Southern Cross constellation on a royal blue background.
9. Fiji coup leader to be sworn in as PM
Fiji coup leader in 2006, Voreqe Frank Bainimarama, will be sworn-in on Monday as the Prime Minister of the country.
Mr. Bainimarama’s Fiji First party has won the 2014 general election, raking 293,714 of the total 496,364 votes cast, Fiji Times reported.
President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau will preside over the swearing-in ceremony scheduled to be held at 4 p.m.
10. Changes to MGNREGS may cut into wages
Union Minister of Rural Development Nitin Gadkari has proposed that the MGNREGS be restricted to only tribal and poor areas and the permissible labour to material ratio of expenses be changed from the current 60:40 to 51:49.
While the first proposal is being opposed by political parties, who think it will dilute the scheme’s universal employment guarantee, there has been less discussion on the second proposal even though its rationale is not matched by evidence.
Ministry data shows that in 2013-14, States spent 26.6 per cent of MGNREGS funds on material. In 2012-13, this was 27.7 per cent, much lower than the current permissible limit of 40%. In changes proposed to the MGNREGS, Mr. Gadkari has proposed that the permissible labour to material ratio of expenses be changed from the current 60:40 to 51:49. Even as the current upper limit in expenditure is not being met, the government wants to increase this from 40 to 49 per cent. The change will increase the presence of contractors in the job scheme and squeeze the funds available for wages.
11. Google joins hands with Govt to realise Modi's plan for a Digital India
Google is partnering the Government in developing a mobile application for the Prime Minister's Office. The application will be developed through a contest.
This is part of supporting the Prime Minister’s vision for a Digital India. The contest will be launched jointly byGoogle and MyGov, the citizen engagement platform of the Government. The mobile app aims to bring the PMO to every citizen and the contest will showcase how Indians can build a world-class app.
Google India will also continue to build a vibrant language ecosystem online and help the Government transition into the increasingly ‘mobile’ India.
Google is working with DeitY and other State Governments to develop these initiatives, the company said.
Programmes such as Helping Women get Online, getting Indian SMEs Online and showcasing India’s rich heritage and culture online will further promote the digital empowerment of citizens.
Additionally, to encourage digital literacy and Internet safety, Google is also introducing curriculums for schools, officials and elected representatives.
Rajan Anandan, Vice-President and Managing Director, Google India said, “India is already home to the third largest number of Internet users globally with 245 million users as of June 2014. We are on track to become the second largest user market by 2015 and a 500 million-user market by 2016. Yet, there are more than a billion people who will need to be brought online for India to realise the vision of a digitally connected, knowledge economy. Prime Minister Modi's Digital India programme will play a transformational role in achieving this, and we are excited to be making a meaningful contribution by rolling out several initiatives in collaboration with the Government of India.”
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