Top Latest News Today (June 23): Presenting FE Online’s live coverage of breaking news of the day. What’s making news right now? Who is hitting headlines? Stay with us as we bring you all that matters from India and round the globe:
India’s forex reserves jump USD 2.35 bn to USD 596 bn
India’s forex reserves increased by USD 2.35 billion to USD 596.098 billion for the week ended June 16, the Reserve Bank said on Friday. The overall reserves had dropped by USD 1.318 billion to USD 593.749 billion in the previous reporting week. It can be noted that in October 2021, the country’s forex kitty had reached an all-time high of USD 645 billion. The reserves have been declining as the central bank deploys the kitty to defend the rupee amid pressures caused majorly by global developments. For the week ended June 16, the foreign currency assets, a major component of the reserves, increased by USD 2.578 billion to USD 527.651 billion, according to the Weekly Statistical Supplement released by the RBI on Friday. (PTI)
New tariff rule to allow up to 20 pc saving in power bills for usage during solar hours
Electricity consumers across the country will soon be able to save up to 20 per cent in power bills by planning usage during solar hours or day time as the government is set to implement ‘time of the day’ tariff. (READ MORE)
Modi’s second address to the US Congress: Strengthening partnerships and shaping global dynamics
In a momentous event, Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered his second address to the US Congress, touching upon diverse topics ranging from defense partnerships, the Indian Diaspora’s influence, veiled references to China, and the need to diversify global supply chains. With an hour-long speech that captured the attention of lawmakers, he underscored the growing significance of Indo-US relations in shaping global dynamics. (READ MORE)
Adani Group reacts on reports of regulatory scrutiny in US
Adani Group has reacted on reports of subpoena to its US investors amid reports of regulatory scrutiny. The Adani spokesperson says that the Group is unaware of any subpoena to its US investors. Major Adani stocks are in red today after reports said that the US Attorney’s Office was probing institutional investors with substantial holdings in Adani Group.
Amid Shah’s 2024 forecast
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who is in Jammu today, said that PM Modi will return to power in 2024 and the BJP will win 300+ seats in the Lok Sabha elections. He also slammed that Opposition’s meet in Patna. He termed the meeting in Bihar capital as photo-op
Apple credit cards coming soon?
iPhone maker Apple maybe launching credit cards in India soon. According to a report by Money Control, Apple is in talks with India’s HDFC Bank. iPhone boss Tim Cook met HDFC MD Sashidhar Jagdishan during his April trip, the Money Control report said.
AAP allegations against Congress
Rahul Gandhi and BJP have reached an agreement (over Delhi Ordinance) and he is standing with the BJP on this illegal Ordinance,’ alleges Aam Aadmi Party. The statement comes even as top Opposition parties are meeting in Patna to chalk out the strategy for 2024 general elections.
Big ‘hiring’ scandal at TCS
In a massive development that may have far-reaching effects, an alleged bribe-for-jobs scam has been reported at Tata Consultancy Services. According to a report by Mint, some senior officials were involved in taking bribes from talent companies for recruitment of staff. The Mint report says that the scam came to light after a whistleblower wrote to top bosses. The report adds that four senior officials have been sacked.
Encounter in Machil sector
Jammu and Kashmir’s Machil sector on Friday, police said. The infiltration bid was foiled in Kala Jungle area of Machil sector in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district. “In a joint operation, Army and Police have killed four #terrorists in Kala Jungle of Machhal sector in #Kupwara who were trying to infiltrate to our side from POJK,” the Kashmir Zone Police said in a tweet. Security forces had foiled an infiltration bid last Friday as well when five terrorists were killed in Jumagund area of Keran sector. (PTI)
Bengal Panchayat Polls update
Amid reports of violent clashes, Amit Shah-led Union Home Ministry has decided to deploy additional 315 companies of CAPFs/SAPs/IR Bns with immediate effect for the West Bengal Panchayat polls, ANI says. Previously, 22 companies were approved on the requisition of SEC. On Thursday SEC sent another requisition seeking 800 more coys central forces for the overall districts in West Bengal Bengal.
Grand Opposition meeting in Patna today
Major Opposition parties are meeting in Patna today. The meeting is seen as an attempt to form a strategy against BJP for the next year’s Lok Sabha Elections. Called by Bihar CM and JDU president Nitish Kumar, the meeting will be attended by Sharad Pawar, Akhilesh Yadav among others. Latest reports say that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has left for Patna in morning.