STATE NEWS

Govt. of Uttar Pradesh approved the new Excise Policy

• The Uttar Pradesh government has approved the Excise Policy for 2025-26.

• The policy introduces an e-lottery system for managing liquor shop licenses across the state.

• Existing liquor shop licenses will not be renewed until the 2026-27 period.

• One of the highlights is the concept of "Composite shops", where beer, liquor, and wine will be sold at a single counter.

• The policy is expected to result in higher alcohol prices in the state.

• The government aims for an excise revenue target of Rs 55,000 crore, marking an increase of Rs 4,000 crore from the previous year.

• Premium retail shop licenses will be renewed with a Rs 25 lakh annual fee.

• Premium liquor shops will be prohibited from operating in multiplexes or malls under the new policy.

• The process for obtaining a personal home license has been streamlined.

NATIONAL NEWS

NSDC International Academy inaugurated in Greater Noida.

• The NSDC International Academy was inaugurated in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, by Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State (I/C).

• The academy is designed to offer world-class skill development and training programs to bridge the gap between Indian youth and global job opportunities.

• It aims to serve as a center of excellence, providing specialized training in skills required by countries like Germany, Japan, and Israel.

• The central government’s goal is to equip individuals with skills that are essential for success in the competitive global workforce.

• The academy offers internationally recognized language certifications.

• This initiative is a flagship project of the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), Government of India.

• The facility is equipped with modern classrooms, interactive technology, and advanced labs focused on soft skills and language training.

“Shatavari –For Better Health" campaign launched by ministry of Ayush.

• Prataprao Jadhav, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for the Ministry of Ayush, launched the campaign “Shatavari – For Better Health”.

• The campaign is species-specific and aims to raise awareness about Shatavari, a medicinal plant known for its benefits to women’s health.

• The National Medicinal Plants Board, New Delhi, was praised by the Minister for initiating this effort to promote Shatavari’s health benefits.

• The Minister highlighted that Shatavari’s relevance aligns with the Panch Pran goal outlined by PM Modi on 15 August 2022 to make India a developed nation by 2047.

• The Panch Pran (five resolves) focus on achieving a developed India, eliminating colonial influences, embracing national pride, promoting unity, and fostering a sense of duty among citizens.

SUMMIT AND CONFERENCE

Council for Leather Exports organised a DILEX 2025 .

• DILEX 2025 will be hosted by the Council for Leather Exports (CLE) on February 20-21, 2025, in New Delhi.

• The event is a B2B platform aimed at helping manufacturers and exporters showcase their latest products, innovations, and capabilities to international buyers seeking sourcing opportunities.

• The primary goal of DILEX is to boost exports, generate employment, and strengthen India’s global presence, aligning with the ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiatives.

• The CLE targets $47 billion in exports by 2030, with a special emphasis on footwear and leather products.

• The Union Budget 2025 supports the leather and footwear sectors by enhancing credit access, rationalizing levies, and maintaining essential policy frameworks.

• The 2025 Leather Expo is expected to feature over 200 exhibitors.

• As part of efforts to promote the industry, the government has reduced the basic customs duty (BCD) on wet blue leather from 10% to 0%, effective from February 2, 2025.

MISCELLANEOUS

GMR Airport joins United Nations Global Compact initiative.

• GMR Airports Ltd has committed to align its operations with the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) and its ten principles.

• These principles cover key areas such as human rights, labor, environment, and anti-corruption.

• GMR operates airports in Delhi, Hyderabad, Goa, and Medan (Indonesia), and is developing airports in Bhogapuram (Visakhapatnam) and Crete (Greece).

• All GMR-managed airports hold green building certifications from either the US Green Building Council (USGBC) or the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC).

• The UN Global Compact initiative, launched in 2000, is the world's largest corporate sustainability initiative.