UTTAR PRADESH

Expenditure by candidates towards campaign shot up

The ongoing Urban Local Bodies elections in Uttar Pradesh have given much the needed boost to the local economy, particularly the unorganized sector which has been reeling under the twin impact of the demonetization and implementation of Goods and services Act.

Expenditure by candidates towards volunteers and workers during campaign besides spending on publicity, canvassing, vehicles, election office, snacks, tents, and demand for pamphlets, posters, and hand bills have shot up suddenly. All this has added to cash flow both accounted and unaccounted in the economy.

The hike in poll expenses ceiling by State Election Commission (SEC) has further given an uptick to electioneering. The SEC had increased poll expenses limit of Mayoral candidates to Rs 20 lakh and Rs 25 lakh for constituencies comprising up to 80 wards and more than 80 wards respectively from the former limit of Rs 12.5 lakh.

For nagar palika parishad elections, the expense limit was fixed at Rs 8 lakh and Rs 6 lakh for the seat of chairman and members respectively. For nagar panchayats, the limit was fixed at Rs 1.5 lakh and Rs 30,000 for the post of chairman and members respectively.

INTERNATIONAL

Uhuru Kenyatta sworn in as Kenyan president for second term

Uhuru Kenyatta was sworn in as president of Kenya following two disputed polls and waves of deadly protests.

The official results, published on 11 August, give Kenyatta 54.27 percent to Odinga’s 44.74 percent.

A fresh election is held on 26 October after protest, with Kenyatta winning 98 percent of the vote as Odinga’s call for a boycott is held.

· Victoria becomes first Australian state to legalise euthanasia

Victoria became the first Australian state to legalise assisted dying, or euthanasia, as lawmakers voted to allow terminally ill patients the right to request a lethal drug to end their lives from June 2019.
The legislation was passed in Victoria after 100 hours of debate, making it the only place in Australia where the practice will be legal.
The scheme will be accessible only to terminally ill patients over 18 living in Victoria with less than six months to live.
That applying must be determined by multiple doctors to be suffering intolerable pain and be of sound mind

NATIONAL

· Skill India partners with Airbnb to Upskill hospitality Entrepreneurs

The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship’s implementationarm National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and the Tourism and Hospitality Sector Skill Council (THSC) signed a tripartite a MoU with Airbnb to provide hospitality skills training to hospitality micro-entrepreneurs in India.
Through the partnership, the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Airbnb, NSDC and THSC will work together to create an accredited skill development module for hospitality entrepreneurs offering homestay facilities, unique accommodations and local experiences.

· West Bengal to get World Bank subsidy to buy 130 electric buses

West Bengal State Transport Minister Suvendu Adhikarimentioned that the state government has negotiated with the World Bank to avail subsidy to buy 130 electric buses.

World Bank has agreed to provide a subsidy of Rs seven lakh per bus.

Out of the 130 electric buses, 100 would operate in Kolkata and the remaining 30 will operate in industrial towns of Durgapur and Asansol.

Bus depots in these towns are equipped with charging batteries. The electric buses would run 150 km on a single charge.

· DAC approves procurement of new radio technology for Indian Navy

The Union Defence Ministry approved procurement of 260 Software Defined Radios (SDR), naval communication sets for Indian Navy at cost of Rs. 49.
The decision was taken at a meeting of Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) chaired by Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

These 260 SDRs will be procured under the category of buy (India Designed Developed & Manufactured).

· Mirabai Chanu lifts 194 kgs to win gold medal at 2017 World Weightlifting Championships

Mirabai Chanu became only the second Indian (after Karnam Malleswari) to win the gold medalat the World Weightlifting Championships in Anaheim, USA.
After achieving the feat Chanu was left in tears as he went up to the podium to collect her medal.
Since last year’s mediocre performance at the Rio Olympics Chanu put in a lot of effort in her game and is deservedly reaping the benefits.

· Odisha Chief Minister unveils logo and mascot of Hockey World Cup 2018

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaikunveiled the logo and mascot for the Hockey Men’s World Cup 2018 at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar.
He also launched the countdown timer for the international event scheduled to be held here from November 28 to December 16, 2018.
He gave away cash awards worth Rs 76.75 lakh to 59 sportspersons from the state for their outstanding contributions in their respective sports.

Hockey players Dipsan Tirkey, Amit Rohidas, Sunita Lakra, Deep Grace Ekka, Namita Toppo and Rashmita Minz were given a cash prize of Rs 7.5 lakh each.

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