Government planning to re-introduce Rs 1,000 note. Is this the new look?

Reports suggest that printing of new Rs 1,000 note has already begun and it may be introduced soon.

Barely three months after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's demonetisation move banning the circulation of Rs 1,000 note, the government is planning to bring back note of similar denomination in a new avatar soon. On November 8, 2016, PM Modi had announced withdrawal of old Rs 500 and 1,000 notes from circulation with immediate effect.

MUST READ: Demonetisation was Modi's note worthy move, says India Reports suggest that printing of new Rs 1,000 note has already begun and it may be introduced soon. According to Indian Express , the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) had planned to launch the new note in January but it was delayed as the central bank was pre-occupied with pressing need to supply Rs 500 notes.

A sample of the new Rs 1,000 is being circulated on social media, however, we can not confirm whether the yet-to-be launched note is similar to photos of which have gone viral. The violet coloured note bears of lot of resemblance with the new Rs 2,000 note. Interestingly, images of new Rs 2,000 note were also leaked on social media prior to its launch.

Source: indiatoday.intoday.in

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Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami has won the trust vote

The Palaniswami Government on 18th February 2017 won the confidence vote in the Tamil Nadu Assembly by a comfortable 122-11 margin after high drama and bedlam in the House. The vote was preceded by eviction of principal opposition DMK (Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam) and walkout by its allies, which have 98 legislators in the 234-member House, in protest. Former Chief Minister Panneerselvam could muster only 11 votes, ending the prolonged stalemate triggered by his rebellion and by conviction of AIADMK Chief V K Sasikala after being elected as Legislature Party leader. Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao, while appointing Edappadi K Palaniswami as the Chief Minister after he was supported by Sasikala, had given him 15 days’ time to prove his majority. The vote was taken after two adjournments due to the chaos and charges of attacks by DMK members. Speaker P Dhanapal and Leader of Opposition M K Stalin said their shirts were torn in the fracas in the House. This is the first trust vote in the Tamil Nadu assembly in 29 years.

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Delhi student with Rs 1.25-cr Uber offer sets eyes on hard work, burritos in San Francisco

A student of Delhi Technological University (DTU) has received a job offer with an annual salary of Rs.1.25 crore from United States-based cab-hailing company Uber Technologies.

This is the second-highest offer received by a student at DTU ever. In 2015, software giant Google hired a student for an annual salary of Rs.1.27 crore.

Sidharth, a computer science engineering student, has been offered the position of a software engineer at the San Francisco office of Uber, and the salary includes basic pay and other benefits. Sidharth’s basic pay package is Rs 71 lakh, which goes up to Rs 1.25 crore with other benefits.

“It was a delight to have received the job offer and I am now looking forward to move to San Francisco,” said Sidharth. An alumnus of Delhi Public School, Vasant Kunj, the 21-year-old said he was looking to travel around the world with the money from his new job.

He described the recruitment process as grilling, where he had to solve problems on the spot.

“I had actually done a seven-week internship with Uber earlier. So this is a pre-placement offer that I have received. Along with me, I think there is someone from one of the IITs,” he said.

The eldest son in the family, Sidharth had scored 95.4% in his Class 12 board examinations, with 98 out of 100 in computer science and mathematics. He says his percentage dipped because of a low score in English.

He later cleared the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main and landed a seat at DTU-- formerly known as Delhi College of Engineering.

“From the beginning, I wanted to do computer science engineering and with my score I was not getting the subject at any of the IITs. Moreover, I love Delhi and did not want to move from here,” he said.

He is the first engineer of the family. His father is a planning consultant and mother a freelance transcriber. He has a younger brother who also studies at DPS Vasant Kunj.

He said computer science was always of great interest for him.

“I loved playing video games, FIFA series, football and I also manage to play a guitar, though I sing terribly,” he laughed.

Sidharth is not the only success story from DTU as university officials said the quantum of offers made to students was also steadily rising. In the past, students have been offered Rs. 70 lakh per annum by software firm EPIC, Rs.28 lakh by bankers Goldman Sachs and Rs.19 lakh by etailer Amazon.

“We already have 1050 offers from different companies. Around 200 companies have already visited the college and more in the line,” said RS Walia, head of training and placement at DTU.

Source: hindustantimes.com

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Supreme Court convicts V.K. Sasikala and two others in Disproportionate Assets case

The Supreme Court on 14th February 2017 set aside the Karnataka High Court's order convicting AIADMK General Secretary Vivekanandan Krishnaveni Sasikala and two others in a 19-year old Disproportionate Assets (DA) case that also involved late former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister  Jayalalithaa. A bench of justices PC Ghose and AK Roy directed them to surrender forthwith to the trial court in Bengaluru and serve the 4 year jail term. 

The bench, however, abated the appeal proceedings against Jayalalithaa owing to her death. In the court's verdict, Sasikala and her two relatives were found guilty under Prevention of Corruption Act. After the conviction, Sasikala cannot contest elections for the next 10 years or hold any constitutional office. DMK  hailed the SC verdict in the DA case against Sasikala. Meanwhile, On the official Twitter handle, AIADMK tweeted, "O Panneerselvam removed from the primary membership of AIADMK".  

Panneerselvam urged AIADMK MLAs to let differences sink and work together to keep party united and continue 'Amma's rule'. The party also elected PWD Minister Edappady K Palanisamy as the Legislature Party Leader, replacing Sasikala. Earlier, on 5th  Feburary 2017, Sasikala was elected as the Legislature Party Leader of the AIADMK.

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Union Minister Kiren Rijiju’s ‘Hindu population’ comments

Union Minister of State (MoS) for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju on 13^th February 2017 claimed on Twitter that the population of Hindus is decreasing in the country. In a series of tweets, Rijiju tweeted, "Hindu population is reducing in India because Hindus never convert people. Minorities in India are flourishing unlike some countries around".

 The Minister's comment came after the Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) accused the Narendra Modi-led BJP Government of trying to convert Arunachal Pradesh into a Hindu State. In his another tweet, Rijiju also asked Congress to refrain from making such allegations and said, "Congress should not make such provocative statements. India is a secular country. All religious groups enjoy freedom & living peacefully". He also tweeted, "why is Congress making such irresponsible statements? People of Arunachal Pradesh are unitedly living peacefully with each other. Reacting to his statement, All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) Chief Asaduddin Owaisi tweeted, "MOS Home should remember he is a Minister of India for all Indians not for Hindus only, remember your oath as minister".

Most of the people support Kiren Rijiju's comments on the subject of 'Hindu population' by saying that Rijuju has spoken the ultimate truth on this issue which is a absolutely justifiable fact according to religious census. People also support his comments stating that if any BJP leader speaks about Hindus, it either becomes communal or controversial. Some criticize Congress by mentioning that the party should not spread rumours and mislead others about the sensitive topics related to the religion.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses Rajya Sabha

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Upper House of the Parliament on  8th February 2017. While speaking in the Rajya Sabha, during motion of thanks to the President’s address, PM said, “for the first time, a horizontal divide was visible. Mood of the people was completely different from mood of politicians". His address circled around the issue of demonetisation and black money. Defending demonetisation, Modi said, the government’s fight against corruption is not political. 

He appreciated the demonetisation move and stated that in 40 days almost 700 Maoists surrendered during period of November-December. In the hour-long speech, the Prime Minister also took on the opposition, targeting his predecessor Manmohan Singh by saying that this is the first time in history that a person had such an influence on the economy, and during the time, so many scams were found, but not even a blot over his image. The BJP had issued a whip to its Rajya Sabha members, asking them to remain present for the Prime Minister's address. Earlier in the day, Trinamool Congress continued its protest against the note ban outside parliament.

People react positively over the points mentioned by PM Modi in his speech. Some people praised Modi by saying that whatever he speaks is always based upon evidences, unlike other politicians. People applaud the way PM Modi answered opposition on the questions and issues raised by them. People  criticize INC and other opposition parties for walking out the session while PM was addressing the house. Further, people added that Modi mentioned about the digital transactions made by Assam Tea Gardeners in his speech, which may encourage them and motivate other people as well. 

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses Lok Sabha

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed on motion of thanks to President Pranab Mukherjee's address in the Lok Sabha on 7^th February 2017. In a direct reference to the previous UPA dispensation at the Centre, PM Modi drew parallels between the working style of the Congress and the BJP. He strongly defended his government's decision to ban high value currency notes, saying it was the right step taken at the right time to rid the Indian economy of tax evasion and black money. 

PM Modi also recalled the time during emergency when opposition leaders were jailed and freedom of expression was curtailed. The prime minister’s reply came a day after Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge hit out at the ruling NDA, saying that Mahatma and Indira Gandhi sacrificed their lives for the nation but the BJP is dividing the nation on religious lines.

People appreciate PM Modi over his reply to the questions raised by UPA in Lok Sabha on several issues including demonetisation. Some people applaud the way Modi spoke in the  Lok Sabha and cornered Congress on several issues. People also praise the way PM kept himself calm and under protocol while addressing the Lok Sabha. Some people also mention that this praiseworthy speech by PM Modi may act as a game changer in many ways.

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Finance Minister Arun Jaitley presents Union Budget for 2017-18

Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley presented the Union budget 2017-2018 in Lok Sabha on 1st February 2017. The budget broadly focuses on 10 themes - Farming sector, Rural population, Youth, Poor & Under-privileged health care, Infrastructure, Financial sector for stronger institutions, Speedy accountability, Public services, Prudent fiscal management and Tax administration. Before the monetary allocation to various sectors, the Finance Minister spoke about the growth of the economy of India and the main focus of the budget for the fiscal year 2017-18. During the budget speech, Finance Minister announced that the budget allocation for welfare of Women and Children under various ministries will be increased to Rs. 1, 84,632 crore. 

Some of the major announcements of the Budget 2017-18 were, Allocation under MNREGA increased to Rs 48,000 crore from Rs 38,500 crore which is highest ever allocation; total allocation for rural, agricultural and allied sectors for 2017-18 is Rs. 1,87,223 crore, which is 24% higher than last year; one crore houses for poor by 2019; 133-km road per day constructed under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana as against 73-km in 2011-14; 3500 km railway lines to be put up in a very quick time. 

FM Arun Jaitley also said he took immense pride in presenting a joint budget including the Railway Budget. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi described Union Budget 2017 as “futuristic”, with an aim on fulfilling the “dreams” of every section, including the poor, the farmers and the under-privileged while focussing on job creation, transparency, urban rejuvenation and rural development.

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BJP releases letters accusing Congress of helping Vijay Mallya

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on 30th January 2017 slammed former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for allegedly extending financial support to Kingfisher Airlines. Citing letters written by Vijay Mallya to Manmohan Singh, BJP's National spokesperson Sambit Patra said, "a bailout package was given to Kingfisher Airlines on Manmohan Singh's insistence". While reading out the letters claimed to be written by Mallya, Patra added, "not only that, only on the former Prime Minister's insistence the Income Tax Department went soft on Mallya and his accounts were also unfrozen". The BJP also cited a report that said the UPA Government facilitated loans to Mallya after he allegedly wrote to Manmohan Singh and the then Finance Minister P Chidambaram in 2011 and 2013. 

Holding a press conference, BJP leader Patra also claimed Singh and Chidambaram connived with Mallya's UBL Group for a bailout of his beleaguered Kingfisher Airlines. He further said that the former Finance Minister forced the State Bank of India group, which was not willing to give a No-Objection Certificate for the issue of fresh share to raise funds, to not only issue the NoC, but a direction was given to the bank officials to meet UBL officials. A number of charges were also listed by the BJP leader that includes - Who aided Vijay Mallya? Why bail out a sinking ship? Who granted the loans? Did former FM rush to his aid?

People support the BJP over its allegations against the Congress party by mentioning that Manmohan Singh and P Chidambaram has been exposed in a major scam case with loan defaulter Vijay Mallya and documents revealed by the BJP has shown a real face of UPA Government for supporting and extending financial aid to scamsters. People further accuse former PM Manmohan Singh saying that he disgraced the constitutional status of 'Prime Minister of India' by favouring and encouraging Mallya for which a legal action should be taken against them as soon as possible.

People criticize the BJP by raising various questions related to revealed letter's authenticity and further asked that why the party did not disclose about the documents earlier against Manmohan Singh and other congress leaders in Vijay Mallya case. Whereas, some people refer the BJP's claims as a big tactic or a political strategy to defame Congress party in view of upcoming polls.

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Jammu and Kashmir Assembly passes resolution for return of Kashmiri Pandits

The Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) Assembly on 19th January 2017 unanimously passed a resolution for creating a conducive atmosphere for the return of Kashmiri Pandits and other migrants to the Valley. Former J&K Chief Minister and opposition leader Omar Abdullah tabled the resolution and the PDP-BJP Government supported it. After the Question-Hour concluded and discussions began on grants for Industries and Commerce department, senior PDP leader and Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Abdur Rehman Veeri approved that the resolution should be passed in the House calling for the return of migrant Pandits and other communities displaced after an eruption of militancy to the Valley. 

Meanwhile, Speaker Kavinder Gupta stressed that everybody should work towards creating a good and conducive atmosphere for a safe return of migrant Pandits and other displaced people to the Valley. However, independent Legislator from Langate constituency of North-Kashmir, Engineer Rasheed, termed the resolution as a 'gimmick aimed at scoring political points'. He opposed the resolution arguing that since no Kashmiri is opposed to the return of Pandits, there was no need to pass a resolution.

Most of the people respond positively towards passing a resolution for return of Kashmiri Pandits by saying that the State Lawmakers have taken an excellent decision for the welfare & prosperity of migrant Pandits which indicates everybody is highly committed towards rehabilitation and safe-return of all migrants to the valley. People also refer the resolution as a great achievement of PDP-BJP Government for which they congratulate the coalition Government of the State.

Some people raise various questions related to the security and safety over the resettlement of Kashmiri Pandits to the Valley by asking that before passing the resolution what are the protection parameters have been frameworked for all migrants by the State Government. While, some also express their views that State Government would not be able to provide protection to Kashmiri Pandits because earlier the Government had failed to handle the issue of Kashmir unrest properly.

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PM Narendra Modi's New Year address to the nation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation and announced various schemes for senior citizens, farmers, rural housing, women and small entrepreneurs on the eve of New Year (31st December 2016). While addressing the nation, PM Modi said that under Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana 4% interest waiver on housing loan up to Rs. 9 lakh and 3% on loan up to Rs. 12 lakh will be provided in the urban areas. 

He also announced 3% interest waiver on loan up to Rs. 2 lakh for construction of houses in rural areas. The Prime Minister also made key announcements for famers during his address. He said that Centre will pay interest for 60 days on loan taken by farmers for Rabi season from district cooperative banks and primary societies. He further announced that the 3 crore 'Kisan Credit Cards' would be converted to 'RuPay Card' within three months to help farmers to purchase various inputs anywhere and also said that banks have also been asked to raise cash credit limit to small business to 25% from 20%.  All pregnant women will get an assistance of 6000 rupees to meet medical expenses and senior citizens will get 8% interest on deposits of up to 7.5 lakh rupees for 10 years. During his addressing he said that after the demonetisation, 125 crore people have proved that for them truth and honesty are important despite inconveniences. 

He further added that government has taken steps to protect rights of common man and isolate the dishonest people. Talking about the involvement of some banks and government officials post demonetisation, the Prime Minister asserted that the serious offences have come to light and no one will be spared. He said that law will take its own course against the illegal wealth holders but government's priority is that honest get protection and their difficulties are reduced. On electoral funding, PM Modi asked political parties to take steps to end black money in funding and corruption. He has sought a debate on holding Parliamentary and Assembly elections simultaneously and issue of rising costs in polls.

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