“لا إله إلا الله، محمد رسول الله”
In the aftermath of the tragic Zionist bombing in the Gaza Strip, Ahmed Abu Dan, known for his good character, emerged from the rubble, a poignant symbol of hope and resilience. Alongside his wife and four children, he suffered a heartbreaking loss, but his act of raising his index finger serves as a testimony to the words “لا إله إلا الله، محمد رسول الله,” which means “There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is the messenger of Allah.”
In a significant development, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has implemented changes to the rules governing fixed deposits (FDs), now allowing premature withdrawal on deposits of up to Rs 1 crore. The updated guidelines, which came into effect under the Non-callable Fixed Deposit Rule Change 2023, have far-reaching implications for banking customers in India.
Fixed deposits are typically classified into two categories: callable and non-callable. Callable deposits allow for premature withdrawal, while non-callable deposits do not. Previously, the RBI permitted banks to offer domestic term deposits (TDs) without a premature withdrawal option for deposits of Rs 15 lakh and below.
Under the revised rule, the RBI has increased the minimum amount for offering non-callable fixed deposits to Rs 1 crore. This means that all domestic term deposits accepted from individuals for an amount of Rs 1 crore and below shall have the premature withdrawal facility.
The RBI notification, dated October 26, 2023, specified, “The minimum amount for offering non-callable TDs may be increased from Rupees fifteen lakh to Rupees one crore, i.e., all domestic term deposits accepted from individuals for an amount of Rupees one crore and below shall have premature-withdrawal-facility.”
The updated rules will also apply to Non-Resident (External) Rupee (NRE) Deposits and Ordinary Non-Resident (NRO) Deposits, ensuring that NRE/NRO account holders can also avail of the premature withdrawal option on deposits up to Rs 1 crore.
This change offers greater flexibility to customers and aligns with the RBI’s objective to provide more accessible and responsive banking services.
The previous rule stated, “Banks shall have the freedom to offer term deposits without premature withdrawal option, provided that all term deposits accepted from individuals (held singly or jointly) for an amount of Rupees fifteen lakh and below shall have premature-withdrawal-facility.”
The updated guideline now reads, “Banks shall have the freedom to offer term deposits without premature withdrawal option, provided that all term deposits accepted from individuals (held singly or jointly) for an amount of Rupees one crore and below shall have premature-withdrawal-facility.”
This regulatory change aims to enhance customer convenience and accessibility while ensuring that individuals can manage their investments more flexibly.
Eastern Syria : In a swift and calculated response, the U.S. military conducted retaliatory airstrikes in eastern Syria, targeting two locations with ties to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps. The Pentagon announced the strikes in the wake of a series of drone and missile attacks against U.S. bases and personnel in both Iraq and Syria, beginning on October 17.
The precision airstrikes, executed at approximately 1:30 am GMT, were carried out utilizing two F-16 fighter jets armed with precision munitions. The primary targets were weapons and munition storage facilities situated near Abu Kamal, a Syrian town located on the border with Iraq.
The U.S. government has not provided specific details regarding casualties or the extent of the damage caused by the airstrikes at this time. However, this act of retaliation underscores the U.S. commitment to safeguard its bases and personnel in the region while sending a resolute message to those responsible for the attacks.
The situation remains dynamic, and further updates are expected as more information becomes available.
Beijing : In a saddening turn of events, former Chinese Premier Li Keqiang has passed away at the age of 68, as reported by state media.
Li, who held the position of the second most powerful figure within the Chinese Communist Party until his retirement last year, suffered a sudden heart attack while “resting” in Shanghai on Thursday. Despite “all-out efforts” to revive him, Li succumbed to his condition, with his passing occurring ten minutes past midnight on Friday, as stated by state broadcaster CCTV.
Throughout his political career, Li made significant strides within the Communist Party despite not having a substantial power base. He even had aspirations to assume the top role of President at one point. Trained as an economist, Li initially oversaw China’s economy, but analysts observed his increasing marginalization towards the latter part of his career, especially as Chinese President Xi Jinping consolidated power within his inner circle.
In his final term, Li was the only incumbent top official who did not belong to President Xi’s loyalist group, signaling his alignment with former leader Hu Jintao. Li’s death has triggered an outpouring of grief and remembrance online, with one person on Chinese social media describing it as akin to losing “a pillar of our home.”
Li Keqiang was renowned for his pragmatic economic policies that aimed at reducing the wealth gap and providing affordable housing. His strong economic track record left a lasting legacy, but the end of his tenure was marked by China’s zero-Covid crisis. During the height of the crisis, he faced the challenging task of balancing economic pressures with the imperative of maintaining strict health measures. His stance on protecting the economy sometimes diverged from President Xi’s approach of maintaining stringent zero-Covid measures.
“He was a very enthusiastic and open man who strove to advance China and foster open dialogue with people from all walks of life,” remarked Bert Hofman, a professor at the National University of Singapore, reflecting on Li’s leadership. The passing of Li Keqiang marks a significant moment in China’s political landscape, leaving a void in the nation’s leadership and economic direction.
File Photo Shaik Rizwan Basha, IAS Commissioner (GWMC)
- Akbar Zia Warangal’s Commissioner of the Greater Warangal Municipal Corporation (GWMC) and the Returning Officer (RO) for Warangal (East), Shaik Rizwan Basha, has emphasized the need for educating the public on the proper use of postal ballots.
In a meeting with sector officials held in Warangal, Rizwanbasha underscored the significance of making postal voting accessible and understandable to a wide audience. He provided essential information regarding the process, encouraging senior citizens over the age of 80 to exercise their voting rights from the comfort of their homes by utilizing Form 12-D.
For government employees engaged in election duties in other constituencies, Rizwanbasha stressed the requirement to submit Form-12. Those employees serving in their own constituencies should submit the duty certificate, Form 12-A. Sector officials were urged to actively promote the use of postal ballots among service voters.
To ensure clarity and address any doubts regarding postal voting, master trainers were on hand during the meeting. The event was attended by notable figures including GWMC Additional Commissioner Anis Ur Rashid, Tahsildar Iqbal, Master Trainers Sandeep Kumar and Nageshwar Rao, as well as Election DT Madhusudhan. The meeting aimed to facilitate the effective use of postal ballots, thereby enhancing the participation of employees and service voters in the electoral process.
Narayana Murthy Advocates for Increased Work Hours to Propel India’s Economic Growth
In a recent statement, Narayana Murthy, the founder of Indian technology giant Infosys, emphasized the need for Indian youth to work longer hours, specifically advocating for a 70-hour workweek. Murthy believes that such an extended workweek is essential for India to remain competitive with economies that have experienced significant growth in recent decades.
Murthy’s proposed 70-hour workweek translates to either 12-hour shifts for a six-day workweek or 14-hour shifts for a five-day workweek. During a discussion on 3one4 Capital’s podcast ‘The Record,’ where he conversed with former Infosys CFO Mohandas Pai, Murthy delved into various topics, including nation-building and technology.
One key point made by Murthy is the current low level of work productivity in India compared to the rest of the world. He argued that to compete with countries like China, India’s workforce would need to put in more hours. He cited examples of post-World War II Germany and Japan, where long work hours were a crucial component of their economic recovery and success.
It’s important to note that Murthy’s call for extended work hours comes at a time when certain segments of the Indian workforce are expressing concerns about burnout due to long working hours and the absence of employee-friendly labor laws, which can lead to exploitation.
In a resolute response to challenges posed by Congress leaders questioning his courage, Telangana Chief Minister and BRS president K Chandrashekhar Rao asserted that the people of Telangana were his true source of bravery. He emphasized that this collective courage would be showcased on November 30, the polling day, in an impassioned speech during the Praja Ashirvada Sabha meetings held at Atchampet, Wanaparthy, and Munugode, marking the commencement of the second phase of his campaign.
Rao tore into the Congress party, underscoring the necessity for progressive politics that prioritizes the interests of the people. He highlighted the tireless efforts of BRS MLAs across the state and praised Ministers S Niranjan Reddy and V Srinivas Goud for their endeavors to address water scarcity in the Palamuru region and establish five medical colleges in the erstwhile Mahabubnagar.
Chandrashekhar Rao reminded the crowd of the Congress’s historical negligence during the Telangana movement, emphasizing that the party was responsible for the challenges faced by the state. He criticized Congress leaders for their opportunistic approach, accusing them of exploiting marginalized communities merely for votes. Rao highlighted his government’s groundbreaking initiatives, including the Dharani portal for transparent land transactions, Rythu Bandhu, and Dalit Bandhu schemes, which aimed at empowering farmers and marginalized communities.
The Chief Minister warned that these progressive policies would be jeopardized if the Congress came to power. He criticized opposition leaders like Rahul Gandhi, Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, and A Revanth Reddy for their stance against initiatives like the Dharani portal. Rao also cautioned the electorate about the potential consequences of restricting power supply to three hours.
Chandrashekhar Rao’s spirited address reflected his confidence in the people of Telangana, portraying them as the driving force behind his determination and political will. As the state approaches the crucial election day, Rao’s message resonates with the citizens, emphasizing the significance of their collective voice and courage in shaping the future of Telangana.
In a significant breakthrough, the Government Railway Police (GRP) and Railway Protection Force (RPF) have successfully recovered stolen ammunition and magazines that belonged to a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) constable. The incident occurred on platform number 10 of Secunderabad railway station on October 24.
The stolen items, comprising 60 rounds of ammunition for Indian Small Arms System (INSAS) rifle and three magazines, were found in a backpack that had been taken from CRPF constable Sidharth Singh. The police, after a swift and intensive investigation, arrested two individuals in connection with the theft—Nakkeni Ananda Murthy (21) and Rachamalla Satyanarayana (65), a former private security guard.
CCTV footage played a crucial role in identifying Murthy, who was seen walking away with the stolen bag. However, when apprehended at Gandhi Nagar metro station, the bag was not in his possession. Further inquiry revealed that Murthy had attempted to sell the bag to several people before leaving its contents exposed in the metro station area.
The investigation took a turn when Satyanarayana was spotted leaving the location carrying a heavy bag. Suspicion arose, leading to his apprehension. Upon inspection, the stolen ammunition and magazines were discovered in his possession.
This swift action and successful recovery highlight the effectiveness of coordinated efforts between law enforcement agencies, ensuring that stolen items, especially ones as dangerous as ammunition, are swiftly retrieved and culprits brought to justice.
Bhopal : In a noteworthy political event, former Madhya Pradesh minister Jaivardhan Singh, who is set to contest the upcoming November 17 Assembly elections from his family stronghold in Raghogarh, Guna district, filed his nomination. This event was marked by the presence of his six-year-old son, Sahasra Singh, and his father, the two-time former Chief Minister, Digvijaya Singh.
The royal family of Raghogarh embarked on a convoy of vehicles en route to the nomination center, receiving a warm and enthusiastic welcome from supporters throughout the journey. Onlookers eagerly gathered to catch a glimpse of the family as they made their way to the district magistrate’s office.
During the nomination process, as Jaivardhan submitted his nomination papers to the magistrate, his young son Sahasra Singh was seen holding a copy of the same, symbolizing the family’s commitment to their political legacy.
An interesting aspect of this political family is the early involvement of Sahasra Singh in public engagements, where he is already attending public gatherings and delivering speeches. In a recent surprise for his grandfather, Digvijaya Singh, Sahasra Singh delivered a public speech during Kevat Jayanti, which was shared by Digvijaya Singh on his social media with the comment: “My grandson Sahasrajya seems to have gone ahead of his father and grandfather!! We had never even thought of giving a speech at this age.”
This political legacy has deep roots, with Balbhadra Singh, the 12th ruler of the then Princely state of Raghogarh, having been elected as a member of the Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly in 1952. His son, Digvijaya Singh, continued the tradition by winning multiple elections from his ancestral seat, and now Jaivardhan Singh has been representing the constituency since 2013.
In the 2018 elections, Jaivardhan secured a victory by defeating BJP’s Bhupendra Singh Raghuvanshi by a margin of 46,697 votes. He also served as the Urban Development and Housing Minister in the Congress government led by Kamal Nath, which lasted for 15 months. This unique blend of political heritage and youthful energy promises an intriguing dynamic in the upcoming elections.
Agartala : In a notable ceremony held at the Raj Bhavan in Agartala, former BJP leader from Telangana, Indra Sena Reddy Nallu, was officially sworn in as the 20th Governor of Tripura. This significant event marked the transition of leadership in the state.
The oath of office was administered by Tripura High Court Chief Justice Aparesh Kumar Singh in the presence of various distinguished guests and officials. Indra Sena Reddy Nallu assumed the role of Governor, succeeding Satyadeo Narain Arya.
Among those who attended the swearing-in ceremony were Chief Minister Manik Saha, his cabinet colleagues, senior civil and security officials, and other dignitaries. The event was a momentous occasion for the state and its leadership.
In his inaugural statement, Governor Reddy Nallu emphasized his commitment to promoting transparency, accountability in administration, and the empowerment of the people. He acknowledged his responsibility to actively contribute to the development of the state and the welfare of its citizens.
Expressing his gratitude for the opportunity to serve the people of Tripura, Governor Reddy Nallu articulated his enthusiasm for contributing to the state’s growth and progress.
Indra Sena Reddy Nallu boasts an extensive political career, having served as a three-time MLA, representing the Malakpet constituency in the 1983, 1985, and 1999 elections. Additionally, he held the position of the floor leader of the BJP in the combined Andhra Pradesh Assembly.
Over the years, the septuagenarian leader has assumed key roles within the BJP, including serving as the President of the BJP in the combined state of Andhra Pradesh from 2003 to 2007 and as the national secretary of the party in 2014. His recent appointment to the BJP’s national executive committee highlights his continued involvement in the party.
It is noteworthy that Indra Sena Reddy Nallu is the second BJP leader from Telangana to hold the position of Governor, with Bandaru Dattatreya presently serving as the Governor of Haryana, further underscoring the party’s influence in the realm of state leadership.
