India News Roundup| New centralised pension system, SRK tops as highest taxpaying celeb & more

New centralised pension system to allow withdrawals from any bank across India starting Jan, Shah Rukh Khan leads as India’s highest taxpayer among celebrities for 2024, Harvinder Singh wins India’s first Paralympic gold medal in archery, and more. Stay updated with what's happening in the country with this India News Roundup.

Starting January, pensioners under the Employees’ Pension Scheme 1995 (EPS-95) will be able to withdraw their pensions from any bank or branch across India, thanks to a new centralised system.

Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya announced that the Centralised Pension Processing System (CPPS) will enable a national-level disbursement mechanism, benefiting over 7.8 million EPS-95 pensioners. This initiative is expected to simplify pension withdrawals, particularly for those who relocate after retirement.

In a recent report by Fortune India, Shah Rukh Khan has emerged as the highest tax-paying celebrity of 2024, contributing a substantial Rs 92 crore.

He is followed by Thalapathy Vijay and Salman Khan, who paid Rs 80 crore and Rs 75 crore, respectively. Veteran actor Amitabh Bachchan also made the list, securing the fourth position with a tax payment of Rs 71 crore.

Star Health and Allied Insurance has introduced India's pioneering insurance policy in Braille on September 5, 2024. The 'Special Care Gold' policy is an initiative designed to provide comprehensive coverage for individuals with a 40% or greater disability.

This innovative policy aims to empower the visually impaired and blind community by ensuring they can independently access crucial information and make informed decisions regarding their health and finances.

On the 4th of September, Indian archer Harvinder Singh made history by winning the country’s first-ever gold medal in Paralympic archery at the Paris Games. Singh's impressive 6-0 victory over Poland's Lukasz Ciszek in the Men's Individual Recurve Open final marked India's fourth gold medal at the Paris Paralympics.

Additionally, India celebrated a historic one-two finish in the men’s club throw F51, with Dharambir and Pranav Soorma claiming gold and silver respectively—an unprecedented achievement for Indian para-sports.

In a first, the Ministry of Jal Shakti, in collaboration with the Gujarat government, is set to launch a state-wide water conservation initiative titled "Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari" on the 6th of September.

Prime Minister will inaugurate the drive in Surat, Gujarat. The initiative aims to enhance community participation in water conservation efforts and promote the implementation of rainwater-harvesting structures across the state.