Daily News Digest:15 June 2019

PM Modi visited ‘SCO Summit 2019’

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Bishkek (capital of Kyrgyzstan) to attend the ‘Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit 2019’.

India to impose retaliatory tariff on 29 US products

India is preparing to impose higher tariffs on some U.S. goods including almonds, walnuts and apples next week after a delay of about a year, following USA's withdrawal of key trade privileges for India. India will impose tariffs on 29 items.

India to have its own space station: ISRO

India is planning to launch its own space station. As per plan, ISRO’s space station is going to be very small. The weight of the space station is likely to be 20 tonnes.

Centre reduces contribution rate for ESI

The Government of India has taken a historic decision to reduce the rate of contribution under the Employees' State Insurance Act-1948 from 6.5% to 4% (employers' contribution being reduced from 4.75% to 3.25% and employees' contribution being reduced from 1.75% to 0.75%). Reduced rates will be effective from 01 July 2019.

Cyclone Vayu at Gujarat Coast

Cyclone Vayu could move towards the Gujarat’s coast in the next 48 hours. The cyclone may recurred on June 16 and hit Kutch on June 17-18.

Palestine honours Indian with ‘Star of Jerusalem’ Award

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has conferred Indian-origin Sheikh Mohammad Munir Ansari (91 year old) with the ‘Star of Jerusalem’ medal for strengthening Indo-Palestine ties. It is one of the highest honours given to foreign nationals by the Palestinian Authority.

Delhi government forms task force to ensure safety of women in public transport

The Delhi government announced formation of a task force to ensure the safety of female commuters in public transport. The task force will conduct both off and on ground review and monitoring of all existing schemes and propose new plans for women safety in Delhi.