UTTARAKHAND

PM Narendra Modi during his visit to Kedarnath made a strong pitch for tourism in Uttarakhand, saying that the Himalayan state has much to offer for those interested in spiritual pursuits, nature lovers as well as adventure seekers.

Pointing out the “immense benefits of organic farming for hill states,” the PM cited the example of Sikkim which he said had become a fully organic state. “I urge the Uttarakhand government to take up the task of organic farming in the state in earnest.

INTERNATIONAL

· India among five countries responsible for 50% newborn deaths

As per a report titled “Levels and Trends in Child Mortality 2017”, India along with Pakistan, Nigeria, Congo, and Ethiopia is responsible for half of all newborn deaths in the world.
This report has been authored by United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF),World Health Organization (WHO), World Bank Group and United Nations.

NATIONAL

President Ram Nath Kovind will inaugurate the International Gita Mahotsav in Kurukshetra, Haryana, on November 25.

He will also participate in Gita Yajna and Gita Poojan ceremonies at Brahma Sarovar.

The mahotsav which will conclude on December 3 will have Mauritius as partner country and Uttar Pradesh as partner state.

The Kerala Information and Public Relations Department’s internal circular has directed to avoid usage of words “Dalit” and “Harijan” in its official communications.

The order was issued based on the directive from Kerala State Commission for Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) Chairman Justice PN Vijayakumar.

The department informed that the government has also banned the usage of word “Keezhalar” which was used to refer to scheduled communities.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi confirmed use of fertilizer & new techniques will help in doubling farmers’ income by 2022

Prime Minister Narendra Modi confirmed that the farming community on the right use of fertilizers, advanced techniques, and cash-less transactions will help in doubling farmers’ income by 2022.
The cooperative also played an important role in the implementation of urea neem-coating programme rolled out by the government to curb black marketing of urea.

GSTN Launches excel-based offline tool to file initial GSTR-3B Returns
Goods and Services Tax Network (GSTN) launched an Excel-based offline tool for businesses to file initial GSTR- 3B returns.
They stated that taxpayers can download the offline utility from the GSTN portal and after fill in the data the file can be uploaded on GST portal.
After uploading of the return to the GST Portal, the taxpayer has to preview the form, complete formalities like submit, offset the liability and file their GSTR-3B Return using a digital signature or electronic verification code.

The State government will organize a four days International seminar and Global Ayurveda meet in Kochi on February 2018.
The main focus of this seminar will be showcasing Kerala’s achievements in health tourism, healthcare, and Ayurveda, she said after inaugurating the Ayurveda Day celebrations the other day.
The festival is being organised by the Centre for Innovation in Science and Social Action in association with the State government, Department of Ayurveda, yoga and naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy (AYUSH), Ayurvedic Medicine Manufacturers Organisations of India, Ayurveda Drug Manufacturers Association and Kerala State Indian Systems of Medicine of Medicine Self Financing Management Association, State Department of AYUSH, Department of Tourism and Department of Industry.