TITBITS:
1.India's Consumer Price Index (CPI)-based retail
inflation increased to 3.65 per cent in August (from 3.60 per cent in
July), according to the government data. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) aims
to keep inflation around 4%.
2.The Indian Ministry of Road Transport and Highways
has introduced National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and
Collection) Amendment Rules, 2024, for toll collection on national highways.
These new regulations, expected to be implemented soon, aim to streamline toll
payments and provide some relief to frequent travellers. This change involves
integrating a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) with the
existing Fastag toll system.
3.The Supreme Court said that "alleged
involvement in crime is no ground for demolition of a property" and that
it "cannot be oblivious to such demolition threats inconceivable in a
nation where the law is supreme". "In a country where actions of the
State are governed by the rule of law, the transgression by a family member
cannot invite action against other members of the family or their legally
constructed residence.”
4.The CSTT is responsible for developing standardised
scientific and technical terminology in Indian languages. The CSTT launched the
'Shabd' platform, a digital glossary search website that hosts all its
technical glossaries in a searchable format.
5.Pradhan
Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY): The
Indian government's decision to extend the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan
Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) to senior citizens aged 70 and above is a significant
step towards providing free health insurance coverage to a large segment of the
population. However, the scheme's limitations and the need for stronger primary
and secondary healthcare systems raise concerns about its effectiveness in
achieving universal health coverage.
6.Standing
Committee on Statistics (SCoS): The
dissolution of the Standing Committee on Statistics (SCoS) has raised concerns
about the impact on statistical data quality and the potential delays in
conducting the next census. The SCoS played a crucial role in advising the
government on survey methodologies and ensuring data accuracy, and its
dissolution has created a vacuum that needs to be addressed by the newly formed
Steering Committee.