In 2019, Israel launched its first mission to the moon. The spacecraft, named Beresheet, was a historic endeavor as the first privately funded mission attempting a lunar landing. It successfully orbited the moon but ultimately crashed during its landing sequence. The mission was a collaborative project involving the non-profit SpaceIL and Israel Aerospace Industries.
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh, using the moniker 'Dipke', has announced a protest march. The demonstration is scheduled to take place at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on October 10. The announcement was made public in a post on the social media platform X. The protest aims to voice opposition against the central government's policies.
The trust managing Donald Trump's assets purchased shares in Meta Platforms and SpaceX during August. This investment activity was revealed in a recent financial disclosure. The move indicates a diversification of the former president's portfolio into major technology companies. The disclosure is a routine requirement, providing a snapshot of the trust's holdings at that time.
The GST Council, led by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, has approved a key change in tax rules. It now permits businesses to claim Input Tax Credit on health and life insurance premiums paid for employees. This decision was made during the Council's 53rd meeting on June 22, 2024, in New Delhi. The move aims to reduce the cost of providing such benefits and is expected to lower overall business expenses.
Prince Harry has spoken publicly about his emotional response to the death of his mother, Princess Diana. He revealed that he did not properly process his grief until his late twenties. These comments were made during a public engagement. The prince has previously discussed the impact of his mother's loss on his mental health.
Cochin Shipyard has received a significant order for 40 ships from clients in the United States and Europe. The state-owned shipbuilder announced the deal, which was reported by the Economic Times. This order represents a major boost for India's domestic shipbuilding industry. It underscores the company's growing competitiveness in the international market.
Philanthropist Susan Dell's charitable giving has been reported to include donations beyond her support for Donald Trump's political campaign. Her philanthropic activities cover a range of causes, as documented by The Economic Times. This broader scope of donations highlights the extent of her personal and family giving. The report clarifies that her support for Trump is one part of a wider philanthropic portfolio.
Air India, Air India Express, and Akasa Air have increased ticket prices. The hikes are a direct response to a recent sharp rise in aviation fuel costs. The fare adjustments were implemented this week on their respective domestic routes. Airlines state the move was necessary to offset the increased operational expenses.
A consumer court in Bengaluru has ruled in favor of a flat buyer against a real estate developer. The developer had canceled the buyer's apartment booking after receiving Rs 23 lakh in payments. The court ordered the developer to refund the full amount with 9% annual interest. The ruling also directed the builder to pay Rs 50,000 in compensation for causing mental agony and legal costs.
Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have expressed support for Japan's oil stockpiling plan for Asia. The endorsement came during a meeting of the International Energy Forum in Riyadh. The plan aims to enhance regional energy security against potential supply disruptions. This backing from key Gulf oil producers strengthens the initiative's prospects.
Iranian officials will deliver a formal response to a US-backed peace plan for the Middle East within the coming days. The proposal was presented to Tehran recently, though its specific details were not disclosed. This development follows ongoing diplomatic exchanges between the two nations regarding regional stability. The response is anticipated to shape the next phase of negotiations on the matter.
Akasa Air announced it will implement a fuel surcharge on all flights starting October 9, 2024. The airline stated this charge is a direct pass-through of increased aviation fuel costs. The new surcharge will be applicable to all tickets issued on or after October 9. The move aligns with a similar surcharge recently introduced by other Indian carriers.
Turkey has stated it will not participate in any military offensive actions in Yemen. Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan made this declaration after a diplomatic meeting in Doha, Qatar. He emphasized Turkey's commitment to a peaceful resolution for the conflict in Yemen. The statement clarifies Turkey's position amidst ongoing regional security discussions.
All liquor shops in Delhi will be closed on October 9 and 10. The city's government ordered the closure due to planned protests against its excise policy. The protests are expected to cause significant traffic disruptions and potential unrest. The shutdown aims to maintain law and order during the demonstrations.
The Indian government has announced eight major economic reforms focused on providing GST relief to taxpayers. These measures will not include cuts to key policy interest rates. The decisions were reported by the Economic Times, though a specific announcement date was not provided. The reforms are intended to address economic concerns and ease compliance under the Goods and Services Tax regime.
The GST Council, chaired by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, concluded its meeting without restructuring the main tax slabs. Instead, it announced a series of measures providing relief to various sectors and taxpayers. Key decisions included waiving interest and penalties on tax demand notices issued between 2017 and 2020. The Council also exempted services like hostel accommodation and railway platform tickets from GST. These moves aim to reduce litigation and address specific taxpayer grievances under the current rate framework.
The Railway Ministry is considering a proposal to provide a productivity-linked bonus to its non-gazetted employees. This initiative reportedly seeks to reward workers for enhanced performance and efficiency. The bonus would apply to the previous financial year. A final decision is pending as the plan awaits necessary approvals from the Finance Ministry.
Canadian poet and essayist Anne Carson has won the 2022 Nobel Prize in Literature. The Swedish Academy announced the award on October 6, 2022, in Stockholm. She was recognized for her influential body of work, which blends poetry, essay, and classical scholarship. The Nobel committee stated her writing explores themes of love, desire, and grief with intellectual rigor.
A group of pensioners has appealed directly to Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding their pensions. They are seeking higher payouts from the Employees' Pension Scheme. The appeal was reported by the Economic Times, though no specific date for the appeal was provided. The pensioners' request centers on the perceived inadequacy of current pension amounts under the EPS.
Former MP Gurudas Dasgupta stated that the Goods and Services Tax (GST) is advantageous for West Bengal. He made these remarks in an article for The Economic Times. Dasgupta, a veteran parliamentarian, emphasized the tax system's positive impact on the state. His comments come amid ongoing national discussions about GST's effectiveness.