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54.58 Crore Jan Dhan Accounts Established by January 15; 55.7% Are Held by Women, Says Sitharaman

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As of January 15, 2025, a total of 54.58 crore JanDhan accounts have been opened, with 30.37 crore (55.7 percent) of these accounts belonging to women, according to Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s written reply in Lok Sabha on Monday. She emphasized that various measures are being implemented to enhance the accessibility of these schemes for women, rural populations, marginalized groups, and underprivileged communities across the country.These efforts include setting specific targets for all banks under each scheme, organizing various camps and specialized awareness campaigns, and conducting regular performance reviews of banks, among other initiatives.

All banks, including private institutions, partake in these activities to ensure the effectiveness of these schemes and to make them accessible to all stakeholders, she noted.

The Union Government launched the National Mission for Financial Inclusion (NMFI) through the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) in August 2014, aiming to provide universal banking services to every unbanked household, with particular emphasis on women. The PMJDY was extended beyond August 14, 2018, shifting its focus from “every household” to “every unbanked adult.”

Sitharaman pointed out that these campaigns strive to enroll individuals in initiatives such as the Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY), Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY), and other financial inclusion programs.

Additionally, the State Level Bankers’ Committee (SLBC) plays a vital role in coordinating efforts among banks, government agencies, Lead District Managers, Financial Institutions, insurance companies, and other stakeholders.

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She also highlighted the importance of a robust network, which includes approximately 1.3 million Banking Correspondents, 107 Digital Banking Units (as of December 2024), the Jan Samarth portal, PSB Loans in 59 Minutes, Stand-up Mitra, and other initiatives that have significantly contributed to financial inclusion.

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Chicken and Egg Prices Rise Shocked Non-Veg Lovers

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Business: Non-vegetarian food lovers are facing a big shock as chicken and egg prices have increased sharply over the past week.

The price of chicken has gone up significantly, making it expensive for many families. Fresh fish is also unavailable in coastal areas because fishing activities have been suspended.

The main reason for the price hike is the slow growth of chickens, which has reduced supply. At the same time, more chicken is being supplied to other states, resulting in lower availability in the local market.

READ MORE: Mangaluru Man Goes Missing After Leaving for Hong Kong Trip

Egg prices have also increased. An egg that cost Rs.7 to Rs.7.50 three days ago is now priced at ₹9.

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Similarly, the price of chicken has risen from Rs.300 per kg to Rs.360 per kg.

Traders say prices may come down once the supply improves. Until then, the increase is expected to put an extra burden on consumers.

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India’s First LPG Efficiency Policy amid Iran War

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Business: As the Iran conflict continues to affect global energy markets, Pune Gas has urged the Central Government to introduce India’s first LPG Efficiency Policy.

The company submitted its proposal to the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, stressing the need for better and more efficient use of LPG across the country.

Global supply disruptions have pushed commercial LPG cylinder prices to around Rs.3,100 from nearly Rs.1,884 earlier this year.

The price rise has increased costs for restaurants, hotels, hospitals, food processing units, MSMEs and other industries that depend on LPG.

Pune Gas said India has maintained a stable LPG supply, but improving fuel efficiency is now equally important.

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The proposal recommends promoting the use of 47.5-kg LOT cylinders wherever suitable to reduce wastage, improve safety and prevent pilferage.

It also seeks awareness campaigns, standard practices and policy support to encourage efficient LPG systems.

READ MORE :Orientation Programme Held at Upendra Pai Memorial College

Pune Gas CEO Jesal Sampat said India should focus not only on increasing LPG supply but also on using the available fuel more efficiently.

The company also showcased its indigenous LPG management system, LPGenius, to improve safety, efficiency and cost savings.

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Pune Gas has offered to support the government and oil marketing companies with field data, pilot projects and implementation assistance.

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US-Iran Conflict Pushes Global Crude Oil Prices Up by Over 4%

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London: Global crude oil prices surged by more than 4% after the United States and Iran intensified missile and air strikes against each other.

The rise in oil prices is mainly due to growing concerns over the security of the Strait of Hormuz. It is one of the world’s most important routes for global oil shipments.

During Monday morning trading, Brent crude oil rose by 4.28% to $79.26 per barrel. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil increased by 4.37% to $74.53 per barrel.

Iran expanded its military attacks over the weekend to include Qatar and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). In response, the United States launched another round of air strikes on Iranian military bases.

Iran also announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz after an attack on a commercial vessel that it claimed had violated regulations. According to ship-tracking data from Kpler, only six ships passed through the strait on Sunday. This is the lowest number recorded in the past five weeks.

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Last month, the United States and Iran had reached a temporary agreement to keep the Strait of Hormuz open. However, the latest attacks have ended those efforts and increased tensions in the region.

READ MORE :Veteran Theatre Artist, Journalist and Writer Paramananda Saliyan Sasihithlu Passes Away

Iran’s Foreign Ministry strongly condemned the US strikes. It said the attacks were a clear violation of international law and the United Nations Charter.

Iran also warned that any country allowing the United States to use its land or military bases for operations against Iran would be treated as a hostile nation. It said such countries could face military action.

 

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