The Indian Government has announced the establishment of a data sharing mechanism for its PM Gati Shakti infrastructure platform, a digital-based initiative created to improve the monitoring and coordination of various infrastructure projects under 16 ministries. This platform, focused on multi-modal connectivity, aims to boost the nation’s economic growth, competitiveness, and ease of doing business by reducing logistics costs and travel time.
PM Gati Shakti: A Catalyst for Efficient Infrastructure Development
PM Gati Shakti’s data has been successful in accelerating the preparation process for road and rail project reports, thereby improving infrastructure development efficiency. The platform’s Network Planning Group (NPG) has already evaluated and facilitated around 85 significant central infrastructure projects worth approximately ₹5.4 lakh crore.
Election Commission of India and Panama’s Electoral Tribunal Strengthen Ties
The Election Commission of India (ECI) and Panama’s Electoral Tribunal (ET) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), marking the fourth such agreement that ECI has signed with Election Management Bodies (EMBs) in Latin America. Prior to this, the ECI had also established MOUs with Mexico, Brazil, and Chile.
Focus on Technology and Social Media in Elections
The discussions around this recent MOU have mainly revolved around the role of technology and social media in election management and administration. Both ECI and ET are members of the Association of World Election Bodies (A-WEB), which promotes global collaboration among EMBs and works towards conducting free, fair, transparent, and participatory elections worldwide.
IRDAI Maintains Status Quo on Obligatory Cession at 4% for FY 23-24
The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDAI) has decided to maintain the status quo on obligatory cession of business for FY 23-24 at 4%. Obligatory cession refers to the portion of business that general insurance companies are required to cede to the national reinsurer GIC Re.
Controversy Surrounding Obligatory Cession
This mandatory cession has been a point of contention among private general insurers, who argue that it limits their freedom to conduct reinsurance business. However, the government insists that the entire obligatory cession should be placed with the General Insurance Corporation of India (GIC Re).
Tamil Nadu: Discoveries from Sangam Age
Archeologists have recently unearthed significant items from the Sangam Age at Porpanaikottai in Pudukottai district of Tamil Nadu. These include a gold nose stud, a bone point likely used for weaving, and a carnelian bead indicating domestic trade in that era.
Evidence of a Sangam-Age Fort
Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR), a remote sensing method, has been used to study the site where these items were discovered. The findings suggest that a fort likely existed at Porpanaikottai during the Sangam Age.
