J&K leaders to attend all-party meeting called by PM

Union Cabinet has approved allocation of additional foodgrain under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana, Phase IV for another period of five months from July to November. Under it, five kilogram foodgrains per person per month free of cost will be given to the beneficiaries covered under National Food Security Act including those covered under Direct Benefit Transfer between July to November this year. The sanction of the additional food-grain free of cost to a maximum of 81.35 crore individuals will entail an estimated financial implication of up to Rs 67,266 Crore. The Central Government is bearing the entire expenditure towards this scheme without any contribution by States and UTs. The allocation in terms of wheat or rice will be decided by the Department of Food and Public Distribution. This additional free of cost allocation of food grains will be over and above the regular monthly food grains allocated for beneficiaries covered under the NFSA. On a review of the continuing COVID-19 situation in the country and to help the poor and the needy during the crisis.

-Ahead of the key all-party meeting with the Central Government on Thursday, J&K's Gupkar Alliance has accepted the invitation from Prime Minister  Narendra Modi. However, the alliance is expected to place their view on issues like article 370. Congress has confirmed its presence at the meeting. Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad will attend the meet. National Conference Patron Farooq Abdullah has said that they expect they will be able to make clear their position to the Prime Minister and Home Minister Amit Shah. Peoples Democratic Party Chief Mehbooba Mufti, who is in Delhi, has said that she hopes for a clear resolution to their concerns saying that every issue can be solved through dialogue. She also said that there should be a clear resolution on the restoration of Article 370.

-India reaffirmed its commitment towards eliminating educational inequalities at G20 Education Ministers meeting held in Italy virtually. Addressing the meeting, Minister of State in the Education Ministry Sanjay Dhotre reiterated the country’s commitment towards reducing and eventually eliminating educational poverty, inequalities and early school leaving. Speaking on National Education Policy, 2020, the Minister said, it envisages equitable and inclusive education for all, with special focus on children and youth, especially girls, from socially and economically disadvantaged groups who are more at risk of being left behind. Dhotre said that the Indian education system has made steady progress towards bridging gender and social category gaps in all levels of education through multiple interventions. He said, some of these include increasing the intake capacity of schools, tracking out-of-school children and monitoring the learning outcomes of vulnerable students. 

-BJP President Jagat Prasad Nadda has criticised the Congress leader P Chidambaram over his remarks on vaccination record. In a tweet, Nadda said that it is the Congress’ culture to attack Indians whenever India accomplishes a record. He said, it is ironic to hear about the sanctity of numbers from a 'Recounting Minister' whose only claim to fame is dressing up numbers in the budget. Nadda said that India is not limping, but sprinting ahead powered by the strength of the country's citizens. After the record COVID vaccination on Monday, India has crossed 50 Lakh vaccinations on Tuesday and Wednesday, much to the dislike of the Congress Party.

-The Enforcement Directorate has attached 101 land parcels and one helicopter worth over Rs 81 crore in relation to the investigation being conducted against Unitech Group. The  land parcels are situated in Santacruz, Mumbai and are owned by Shivalik Group. The helicopter is owned by an associate company of this group. Investigation has revealed that Unitech Group had diverted Proceeds of Crime to the tune of Rs 574 Crore to Shivalik Group and in turn, the entities of Shivalik Group have purchased the attached land parcels and the helicopter.