The central bureau of investigation (CBI) on Friday searched 31 locations, including the premises of Deputy Chief Minister Manish sisodiya, in connection with a case of alleged irregularities in the state government’s now withdrawn excise policy.
After the allegations of corruption emerged in the excise policy of Delhi government, the AAP government withdrew the excise policy earlier.
The CBI, which registered the case on a reference from the Union home ministry that there were irregularities while modifying the excise policy, undue favours were extended to license holders.
# Ocean diversity pact
A delegation from India and other member countries of the United Nations are in New York to deliberate on a one of its kind agreement to conserve marine biodiversity in the high seas mainly the oceans that extend beyond countries’ territorial waters.
The agreement follows a resolution by the UN General Assembly in May and is expected to be the final in a series set in motion since 2018 to draft an international legally binding instrument under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the laws of the sea.
The high seas comprise nearly 45% of the Earth’s surface.
The Indian delegation comprises officials from the Ministry of earth sciences, Centre for marine fisheries and research Institute and the ministry of external affairs.
# G20
Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping will attend the upcoming group of 20 Summit, the leader of host Nation Indonesia, said in an interview.
The pair’s attendance would set the stage for showdown talks with US President Joe Biden at a time when the US is at odds with both powers, particularly over crises in Ukraine and Taiwan.
# Gold imports
India’s gold imports rose 6.4% to $12.9 billion during April-June this fiscal due to healthy demand.
An increase in gold and oil imports during the first four months of this financial year contributed to a record trade deficit of $30 billion.