Morning Brief: Government Vows New Law If Triple Talaq Is Scrapped; Electric Vehicles Policy On Way

Good Morning, Swarajya Readers! Here's What You Need To Know Today.

Government Vows New Matrimony Law For Muslims If Triple Talaq Is Scrapped: India’s top law officer told the Supreme Court that the Union government will draw up a fresh matrimony law for Muslims if the top court decides to strike down triple talaq. He was speaking during the third day of hearing in the triple talaq case. "If the practice of instant divorce (triple talaq) is struck down by the court, then Centre will bring a law to regulate marriage and divorce among the Muslim community," Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi told a five-judge Constitution Bench headed by Chief Justice J S Khehar.

India Fears For Jadhav’s Life: India on Monday sought the immediate suspension of Kulbhushan Jadhav's death sentence, expressing fears that Pakistan could execute him even before the hearing at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) was over. India also sought appropriate legal representation for Jadhav from the UN’s main judicial body which has stayed his death sentence. Jadhav had been framed on the basis of confessional statements extracted from him when he was in Pakistan’s military custody, India’s attorney Harish Salve said. The ICJ has, however, deferred the ruling after hearing both sides.

Ransomware Fails To Make India Cry: India was largely unaffected by ransomware 'WannaCry', which disrupted networks in over 150 countries, including Russia and the UK, and is being termed as one of the most widespread cyber attacks in history. “There is no major impact in India unlike other countries. We are keeping a close watch. As per the information received so far, there have been isolated incidents in limited areas in Kerala and Andhra Pradesh,” Information and Technology Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said.

New Electric Vehicle Policy By Year End, Says Gadkari: Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari said on Monday the National Democratic Alliance government will put an electric vehicle policy in place by the end of this year. Many Indian firms are showing interest in investing in electric vehicles and supporting infrastructure, said Gadkari. The first pilot of electric vehicle transportation is ready to be launched in Nagpur next week and will set an example for other cities. The NITI Aayog has already pitched for restricting the registration of diesel and petrol vehicles saying that the adoption of electric and shared vehicles could save $60 billion in fuel cost by 2030.

Interest Rates War Intensifies: The interest rates war is hotting up in India as top lenders are seeking to cash in on the momentum created by the government’s support for affordable housing. India's largest housing finance company HDFC and the top private lender ICICI Bank have slashed interest rates and are now offering home loans of up to Rs 30 lakh at 8.35 per cent – the same rate which State Bank of India (SBI) offers. Earlier, SBI intensified competition in the home loan segment by reducing its home loan rates by 25 basis points to 8.35 per cent.

Steep Cut In Petrol-Diesel Prices: Following the fortnightly revision, fuel prices in India were slashed on Monday to sync local prices with international rates. Indian Oil Corporation, the nation’s largest fuel retailer said petrol prices have been cut by Rs 2.16 per litre while diesel price has gone down by Rs 2.10 a litre. According to a government pilot project, the fuel prices in the five Indian cities namely, Chandigarh, Jamshedpur, Puducherry District, Udaipur, and Vizag have seen daily fuel prices revisions since 1 May.

Is Rajinikanth Joining Politics? Superstar Rajinikanth on Monday kept the door to a possible career in politics open, telling his supporters that he would join politics if “god decides”. Addressing his fans after eight years, he said, “Till now he is using me as an actor and (so) am acting. If he wants me to take up something else (politics), I will do it,” Rajinikanth told his fans. He said corrupt politicians have turned politics into business and some have misused his name.

Trump Can Hire Anyone He Wants, Says Nikki Haley: American Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley rejected concerns raised over the sacking of Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director James B Comey, saying it’s the exclusive right of the president to surround himself with officials he can trust. “What I can tell you is the president is the CEO of the country. He can hire or fire whoever he wants. That’s his right. Whether you agree with it or not, it’s the truth.” President Donald Trump has been criticised for firing Comey during the FBI’s investigation into Russian meddling in the US presidential race.

MUST READ OP-EDS

IT Services Industry: We Need To Change The Warning Signs: The mechanisation or automation of tasks has long been something that the manufacturing sector has dealt with, and continues to do with élan. Why should it be any different for major IT firms?

Short-Term Growth Rates Do Not Capture Big Systemic Reform: What has been truly transformed under the present government is the economy’s growth potential, thanks to systemic reforms that will have far-reaching impact in the days ahead.

An Evolving Risk Paradigm In The Power Sector: The growing risk profile for thermal power plants is likely to result in increasing cost of capital for thermal projects. At the same time, with the tariffs for both wind and solar power dropping to unprecedented levels, power sector investors may shift focus to renewables.

Reading Beyond The Inflation Euphoria: Non-food inflation is sticky and will continue to be stubborn, with downward inflexibility. Benign headline figures notwithstanding, the inflation outlook has many pressure points in the near term.

SWARAJYA SPECIAL

CPEC Is China’s Plan To Make Pakistan A Client State, But Latter Will Pay For The Privilege: Beginning with the economic corridor, China plans a virtual colonisation of Pakistan. As a result, not only does India have to worry about Chinese might on its northern and eastern borders, but also its western one.

We hope you enjoyed reading our morning brief. Have a great day ahead!

SUBSCRIBE NOW: The May issue of our magazine is out now. The cover story focuses on the Right to Education Act. Far from helping realise a dream, it has become a nightmare. The government is dithering and our children are paying the price – The Horror Called RTE. Get a copy home and enjoy reading Swarajya in print. Subscribe here to start receiving your copies for just Rs 349.

Swarajya Apps: Enjoy reading this morning brief and all articles from Swarajya on your mobile. Download our Android and iOS Apps.