Saturday, March 14
President Joe Biden blocked Japan's Nippon Steel’s proposed $15 billion acquisition of US Steel, citing national security concerns and the need for American steelmaking capacity to remain domestically controlled. This decision, aligning with opposition from political figures like Donald Trump, could impact US-Japan diplomatic relations.
The Congress criticized the BJP over the popcorn tax and highlighted concerning economic issues. Jairam Ramesh emphasized the need for government focus on comprehensive economic solutions, suggested income support for the poor and tax relief for the middle class in the upcoming budget, and advocated for increased government expenditure to stimulate economic growth.
Nimisha Priya, an Indian nurse from Kerala, faces execution in Yemen after being convicted of murdering a Yemeni man. Her family and supporters are desperately seeking a pardon through blood-money negotiations. Despite raising $40,000, Yemen's president has approved her death sentence. Her family and supporters are calling for urgent intervention from the Union Government.
Lloyds Metals and Energy Limited allotted shares worth Rs 1,260 each at a nominal value of Rs 4 to its 6,000 workers in Maoist-affected Gadchiroli. The shares, distributed on tenure basis, make the workforce stakeholders in the company. The company plans to expand its steel plant operations significantly.
In a significant move, one of the oldest security bunkers in Srinagar's Safakadal area, built in the early 1990s by the BSF, is being dismantled. Local residents have welcomed the move, noting that it will ease traffic congestion. The CRPF, which occupied the bunker, has vacated the area, reflecting improvements in Kashmir Valley's security situation.
India experienced its highest temperatures since 1901 in 2024, with the average minimum temperature rising by 0.90 degrees Celsius above the long-period average, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The annual mean temperature reached 25.75 degrees Celsius. Global temperatures consistently exceeded the 1.5-degree threshold, attributed to increased greenhouse gases.
The Indian government has extended its flagship crop insurance schemes until 2025-26 with an allocation of Rs 69,515 crore. A new Rs 824 crore fund will use advanced technology to improve implementation. Additionally, a special Rs 3,850 crore package has been approved to keep DAP fertiliser prices affordable at Rs 1,350 per 50 kg bag.
