1) PM Modi launches world’s largest healthcare scheme
•This is the world’s largest government-funded healthcare program targeting more than 50 crore beneficiaries. The scheme will provide cashless and paperless access to services for the beneficiary at the point of service.
•Speaking on this occasion, Union Health Minister J P Nadda said, it is a historic moment as Pradhan Mantri Jan Aarogya Yojana is going to bring a fundamental change in healthcare in the country.
2) PM Modi Inaugurates New Airport In Odisha's Jharsuguda
•Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated a new airport at Jharsuguda, which will attract investors to the mineral-rich area.
•The Jharsuguda Airport has been developed by the Airports Authority of India in collaboration with Odisha government at an estimated cost of Rs 210 crore, with Rs 75 crore contribution from the state. The airport has been developed under the Centre's UDAN scheme.
3) Israel, India to commemorate Centenary of the Battle of Haifa today
•Centenary celebrations to commemorate hundred years of liberation of Haifa in Israel by the Indian troops in 1918 culminates with a grand function in New Delhi today. The Battle of Haifa is being commemorated in Israel, Delhi and Jaipur.
•The Indian Army commemorates September 23 every year as Haifa Day to pay its respects to the two brave Indian Cavalry Regiments, Mysore and Jodhpur Lancers, that helped liberate the city following a dashing cavalry action by the 15th Imperial Service Cavalry Brigade.
•Taking part in the centenary celebrations to commemorate Haifa Day in Jaipur yesterday, Chief of Army Staff General Vipin Rawat said that Indian Army is capable to deal with any situation. Interacting with Media Persons after the programme, Mr Rawat said that our government’s policy is quite clear.
4) GoM meeting on GST Network ends
•The new simplified GST returns form will roll out in another four to six months for the benefit of dealers paying GST.
•Speaking to media persons after the 10th review meeting of Group of Ministers (GoM) on GST Network in Bengaluru today, the Bihar Deputy Chief Minister and Head of GoM, Sushil Kumar Modi, informed that Infosys is asked to design the new forms on the lines of the recommendation made by GST Council.
•This will further simplify filing of returns in GST network.
•He also informed that 18 companies are identified to develop common accounting software, especially for the small taxpayers.
5) Fitch Raises India Growth Forecast To 7.8% This Fiscal
•Global research agency Fitch has raised India’s growth forecast for the current fiscal to 7.8 per cent from the earlier 7.4 per cent. However, forecast for the next two fiscal, 2019-20 and 2020-21, have been shaved by 20 basis points (100 basis points means 1 per cent) to 7.3 per cent.
•Fitch’s latest projection for the current fiscal is higher than what is estimated by the Reserve Bank of India and even the Government. While the RBI’s estimate is 7.4 per cent, the Government feels that it could be 7.5 per cent. However, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) cut its projection to 7.3 per cent from 7.4 per cent. India Ratings too lowered its growth projection by 20 bps to 7.2 per cent.
