STATE NEWS

Andhra Pradesh govt abolishes two-child policy for local body elections

• The Andhra Pradesh government has removed the two-child norm that previously disqualified candidates with more than two children from local body elections.

• The decision to abolish this norm stems from the state’s declining fertility rate, making the restriction increasingly irrelevant.

• The Cabinet has approved the repeal of amendments made in 1994 to the Andhra Pradesh Municipal Corporation Act 1955.

• Amendments to the Andhra Pradesh Municipalities Act 1965, which also enforced the two-child limit, have been repealed.

• The policy change aims to adapt to the current demographic trends and encourage broader participation in local governance.

• Previously, individuals with more than two children were barred from contesting urban local body elections due to these restrictions.

• The removal of this restriction could lead to a more diverse pool of candidates in local elections.

Gujarat CM launched IACC's Centre of Excellence for MSME.

• Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has inaugurated the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce's (IACC) Centre of Excellence for MSME.

• This centre, the first of its kind by IACC, is dedicated to upgrading and enhancing micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

• Bhupendra Patel emphasized that MSMEs are vital to the economy.

• The MSME sector is expected to be pivotal in propelling India to become the world’s third-largest economy.

• The Indo-American Chamber of Commerce (IACC) was established in 1968.

• IACC serves as the primary organization fostering economic engagement between India and the United States.

• Ambassador Chester Bowles, along with leading industry figures, founded the IACC.

• The new Centre of Excellence is a key initiative aimed at strengthening MSMEs in India.

• The IACC's Centre of Excellence represents a significant step in supporting and advancing the MSME sector.

DEFENCE

Army conducts 'Parvat Prahaar' exercise in Ladakh

• The Indian Army is currently executing the 'Parvat Prahaar' exercise in Ladakh, emphasizing high-altitude combat skills.

• This military drill involves diverse units, including infantry, armored, and artillery forces.

• The focus of the exercise is on maintaining operational readiness in challenging mountainous terrains.

• Since 2020, over 50,000 troops have been stationed in the Ladakh region for strategic purposes.

• More than 500 tanks have been deployed in the area as part of these extensive military exercises.

• The 'Parvat Prahaar' exercise aims to enhance capabilities for operations near the India-China border.

• The exercise underscores the importance of preparing for warfare in rugged and high-altitude environments.

RANKING AND INDEX

Roshni Nadar Malhotra is India's most influential woman, leading a family-owned business./b>

• Roshni Nadar Malhotra, chairperson of HCL Technologies, is recognized as India’s most influential woman in business for 2024.

• She tops the 2024 Barclays Private Clients Hurun India Most Valuable Family Businesses list.

• Nisaba Godrej, from the Godrej family, is the second most notable woman in this business ranking.

• Other prominent female leaders include Sushila Devi Singhania of JK Cement and Manju D. Gupta of Lupin.

• The Ambani family, valued at Rs 25.75 trillion, leads the list of the most valuable family businesses.

• The Bajaj family holds the second position, while the Birla family is ranked third.

• The Nadar family, led by Roshni Nadar Malhotra, is ranked fifth, following the Sajjan Jindal-led family.

• Roshni Nadar Malhotra is the only female member among the top 10 family businesses listed.

• First-generation family businesses, like the Adani family led by Gautam Adani, are not included in this ranking but are noted as the most valuable in their category.