Latest news with #Kovind
Time of India
14-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
From Kerala to the Kingdom: The untold stories of women breaking stereotypes in Saudi Arabia
Women in Saudi Arabia are redefining their roles, advancing in healthcare, education, and entrepreneurship under Vision 2030 reforms/Representative Image TL;DR: 2.6 million Indians contribute significantly to Saudi Arabia 's economy. Female Workforce participation up from ~23% to ~35–36%, with rising leadership and SME ownership. Persisting hurdles such as Saudization, legal friction, and cultural biases still limit full expat female participation. Expanding Indian Presence in the Kingdom Indian expat population : As per the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA 2024), 2.59 million Indians live in Saudi Arabia, making them the largest expatriate group. Expat composition : The General Authority for Statistics Saudi Arabia (GASTAT) also confirms that expats account for 44.4% of the Kingdom's total population of around 38 million in 2024.. Labour force reality : Migrants account for 56.5% of total employment, and remarkably, 89% of private-sector jobs are filled by non-Saudis. India-born employees dominate key sectors: construction, healthcare, retail, hospitality, and now increasingly technology and education. Vision 2030 & Women's Workforce Trailblazing Female labour force jump : As per GASTAT, Saudi women's workforce participation surged from 23.2% in 2016 to ~34–36% by 2022–2024, exceeding Vision 2030's 30% target. Leadership & entrepreneurship : Over 78,000 women hold senior management roles (Q3 2024), 551,318 businesses registered in 2023 by women, and nearly 450,000 freelance permits issued. Anti-discrimination and autonomy : Women gained equal pay laws, the ability to drive (2017), protection against harassment, and the right to travel, access credit, and own businesses without male guardianship. Reforming the System: Tools Empowering Expats Saudi has introduced robust labour programs tailored for expats, benefitting women significantly: Musaned (2014) : A digital, standardised contract system implemented via licensed agencies ensures transparency, clarity in wages, and a channel to file grievances. Qiwa & Labour Reform Initiative (2021) : These platforms improve employer-employee relations, enforce contracts, facilitate mobility, and make health insurance and heat-safety mandatory. Bilateral labour agreements : Bilateral agreements such as India-Saudi collaboration enables information-sharing and investigation of labor practices, reducing mismatches and exploitation . Human Stories in the Spotlight Manju Manikuttan (Kerala → Al Khobar) Manju Manikuttan receiving the Nari Shakti Puruskar/Image: Wikipedia Profile : Moved to Saudi in 2011 as a beautician; now a celebrated social worker through Navayugam. Impact : Took over the women's deportation centre after mentor's death. Rescued hundreds of Indian women workers misled into domestic jobs in precarious situations. Recognition : In 2019, she became the only non-resident woman awarded the Nari Shakti Puraskar by President Kovind at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Notable rescue : Helped 'Chandrika,' an accountant duped into domestic work, until her safe return to India. Legacy : Officially authorised by Indian embassy and supported by Saudi authorities at Dammam's deportation centre which illustrates her deep-rooted credibility. Nouf al‑Marwaai (Saudi → Indian-recognised visionary) Nouf Al Marwaai receiving the Padma Shri in 2018/Image: X Profile : Saudi national who founded the Arab Yoga Foundation in 2010. Pioneered mainstream acceptance of yoga in KSA . Impact : Certified 700+ instructors and trained over 10,000 practitioners by 2019 . Honour : Became the first Saudi woman to receive India's Padma Shri in 2018 for cross-cultural wellness contributions. Significance : Her journey highlights the growing acceptance of female-led initiatives and cultural bridges in Saudi Arabia. Emerging Opportunities for Women Expats Indian women are now entering diverse, meaningful roles: Beyond domestic labour : Expansion into hospitality, healthcare, finance, education, IT, and STEM fields. Growth sectors in 2025 : Renewable energy, digital transformation, healthcare expansion, tourism (NEOM, giga-projects), FinTech, construction, and education are hotspots. Protection & support : Women-only transit, childcare, mandatory health insurance, summer-hour rules, and anti-harassment laws ensure a safer environment. Challenges: Navigating Gaps & Headwinds Despite progress, obstacles persist: Saudization : Preference for Saudi nationals in private sector hiring limits expat access, impacting skilled expat women in IT and corporate roles. Gender & nationality bias : Reddit voices echo that expat women face tougher competition for corporate roles as Saudis are prioritised . Legal frameworks vs execution : World Bank highlights that though legal reforms are robust (score 50/100), implementation mechanisms like childcare, parental leave, and financial inclusion need strengthening. Continued discrimination & unequal networks : Expats still struggle with bias, lower salaries, or fewer promotion chances compared to locals . What Lies Ahead: Regulated safety nets : Platforms like Musaned and Qiwa, and embassy-backed advocates like Manju offer concrete protection and recourse. Diverse career paths : Women can build careers in new sectors; STEM gigs, digital health, education roles, hospitality, entrepreneurship, and wellness (e.g., yoga studios). Inspiration & purpose : Stories of women like Manju shows expat women can lead, innovate, and gain recognition. Alignment with mega-programs : Saudi's economic diversification means demand for skilled female talent is rising especially in giga-projects and tech ventures. Supportive ecosystem : Infrastructure (women-only transport, childcare), legal protections, and bilateral agreements are in place, though bridging gaps remains critical.
India Today
08-07-2025
- Politics
- India Today
'Murma', 'Covid': Congress chief's gaffes on Presidents' names draw BJP fire
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge faced brickbats from the BJP after he mispronounced the names of President Droupadi Murmu and her predecessor Ram Nath Kovind during an address in at the Science Ground in Raipur, Kharge could be heard referring to the President as "Murma ji". However, he quickly corrected himself to say "Murmu". Seconds later, he did a gaffe again, mispronouncing "Kovind" as "Covid".Kharge ji's venomous and diabolical attack on Presidents Murmu ji and Kovind ji exposes the dangerous deep rooted Dalit Virodhi mindset of the Congress party. For the Congress party not Dalit welfare but only Dynastic welfare has always been top from denying Dr. (@crkesavan) July 8, 2025advertisementKharge made the remarks while he was speaking on the issue of large-scale cutting of trees in Chhattisgarh forests, and accused the BJP and its "industrialist friends" of land grab. "Our jal, jungle and zameen need to be protected and hence we need to be united... They (BJP) say we made (Droupadi) Murma President, (Ram Nath) Covid (Kovind) President, but why? To steal our resources, our jungle, jal and zameen. Today, people like Adani and Ambani are occupying it," he SLAMS ANTI-TRIBAL MINDSETThe BJP came down hard on the Congress chief, slamming him for the "anti-women, anti-Dalit, and anti-tribal" statement."The Congress president has used objectionable words against Draupadi Murmu. The entire tribal community is condemning this. He even used words like Covid for former president Ram Nath Kovind," BJP spokesperson Gaurav spokesperson, Shehzad Poonawalla, said the remarks reflected the deep-seated hatred Congress had for the SC and ST community."The comment made by the Congress chief calling President Droupadi Murmu as Murma ji, Kovind ji as Covid ji, then saying that they are land grabbers, reflects the deep-seated hatred Congress has for the SC and ST community," he said."This is the kind of tradition Congress has shown towards constitutional positions. They have spared neither the Chief Justice of India, nor the Prime Minister nor the President," Poonawalla further said.'RASHTRAPATNI' REMARKThis is not the first time that the Congress has landed in trouble for using alleged derogatory remarks against the President. In 2022, while talking to reporters, senior Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury used the word "rashtrapatni" for President Murmu. It triggered a major political row, with the ruling BJP raising the issue in the uproar, Chowdhury said it was a mere slip of his tongue and he had the highest regard for the President. "This error occurred because my mother tongue is Bengali and I am not well-versed with Hindi," he had said.- EndsMust Watch
Hans India
09-06-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Ex-prez Kovind lauds Dattatreya, calls him ‘universally admired'
Hyderabad: Former President Ram Nath Kovind lauded Haryana Governor Bandaru Dattatreya as a truly multidimensional figure, remarking on the rare quality of being universally admired. These sentiments were shared at a well-attended event at Silpakala Vedika, where Mr Kovind formally launched the Telugu edition of Governor Dattatreya's autobiography, titled 'Prajala Kathe Naa Atmakatha' (The Story of the People of Telangana is My Autobiography). The significant gathering included former Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu, alongside Governors Indrasena Reddy of Tripura, Kambampati Haribabu of Odisha, and Syed Abdul Nazeer of Andhra Pradesh. Kovind recounted Dattatreya's life journey, highlighting his consistent efforts to connect with and uplift individuals from disadvantaged and underprivileged backgrounds. He particularly noted Dattatreya's resilience during challenging periods, including the Emergency, where he reportedly boosted the morale of fellow detainees. The former President also underscored Dattatreya's impactful tenure as Union Minister for Labour and Employment, where his reforms concerning minimum wages, pensions, and welfare programmes benefited thousands. Kovind observed that the sheer number of well-wishers present at the autobiography launch felt more like a birthday celebration for the Governor. Former Vice President Venkaiah Naidu spoke of the extraordinary sight of such esteemed personalities assembled on one stage to honour a genuinely good man with a 'golden heart.' He stressed that Dattatreya's unwavering dedication to public service and his ability to maintain a grounded life serve as a powerful inspiration for future generations. Naidu likened Dattatreya's conduct to a water droplet on a lotus leaf, signifying his consistent integrity regardless of his position. Expressing concern over politicians frequently changing parties, he commended Dattatreya's steadfast commitment to his ideology and his focus on purposeful politics, always prioritising nationalism and the well-being of society. The Governors of Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Tripura, and Telangana all acknowledged Dattatreya's approachable nature, simplicity, and friendly demeanour, qualities that have endeared him to many. People affectionately refer to him as 'Dattanna' (brother), a testament to the strong bonds he has forged while addressing their concerns. They highlighted his dedication to empowering rural communities and fostering social harmony and national unity. The Governors of Tripura and Odisha shared personal anecdotes of their interactions with Mr Dattatreya, emphasising that his life story remains a source of inspiration for younger generations. Former Supreme Court Chief Justice N V Ramana underscored Dattatreya's emphasis on human relationships. Union Ministers G Kishan Reddy, Bhupathi Raju Srinivasa Varma, Andhra Pradesh Health Minister Satyakumar Yadav, Telangana Road and Buildings Minister Komati Reddy Venkat Reddy, and BJP MP Dr K Laxman also reflected on their associations with Dattatreya. They recalled his impactful work as an RSS Pracharak during the Divineema Cyclone disaster response, his role in establishing the Deen Dayal Housing Colony for those displaced, and the sanctioning of a 300-bed ESI hospital in Visakhapatnam. His initiatives, such as the Valmiki Ambedkar Awas Yojana houses in Musheerabad and Visakhapatnam, further exemplify his profound commitment to serving the poor and needy.
India Gazette
27-05-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
Former President Ram Nath Kovind performs Ganga Aarti in Rishikesh, says
Rishikesh (Uttarakhand) [India], May 27 (ANI): Former President Ram Nath Kovind, accompanied by his family, took part in the Ganga Aarti at the Parmarth Niketan Ashram in Rishikesh here on Tuesday evening. The serene event was also attended by Swami Chidanand Saraswati Maharaj, the president of Parmarth Niketan. Speaking to the media, Kovind said, 'It feels very good, every Indian should come here. Whoever comes here feels a spiritual bliss... This river has been flowing for the welfare of people for centuries and gives everything to everyone. We also get to learn the same from Maa Ganga... Yesterday I performed Maa Ganga's Aarti at Har Ki Pauri and had darshan. I felt very good.' Swami Chidanand Saraswati also praised the spiritual and cultural significance of Uttarakhand, saying, 'The land of Uttarakhand is a blessed and energised one. People from all over the world come here to witness this energy. He also shared that Kovind has had a long-standing association with the ashram. 'Former President Ramnath Kovind has been associated with the Parmarth Niketan Ashram for a long time, and he also loves coming here. He will stay here for three days and soak in spirituality,' said Saraswati. The visit comes at a time when the ashram is preparing to observe Menstrual Hygiene Day on May 28. 'Tomorrow is Menstrual Hygiene Day and we will raise awareness about menstrual hygiene with the help of people from all walks of life,' Saraswati said. Earlier in March, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami performed Ganga Aarti at Parmarth Niketan in Rishikesh and had prayed to Maa Ganga for happiness, peace and prosperity in the state. The Chief Minister also inaugurated the International Yoga Festival 2025 organised by Parmarth Niketan from March 9-15, 2025. (ANI)
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Business Standard
04-05-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
ICAI to assess financial aspects of 'One Nation One Election' proposal
Chartered accountants' apex body ICAI will assess the financial aspects of the proposed 'One Nation One Election' reform that will help the Parliamentary panel, which is currently examining the relevant bills, to have a better understanding about the financial implications. A high level committee chaired by former President Ram Nath Kovind came out with its report, in March 2024, recommending holding the Lok Sabha, Assembly and local bodies' polls together. Subsequently, the government, in December last year, introduced two bills in the Lok Sabha to provide a legal framework to simultaneously hold Parliamentary and Assembly polls. A 39-member Joint Parliamentary Committee, headed by BJP member P P Chaudhary, is now examining the draft bills, which are based on the Kovind panel recommendations. The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) President Charanjot Singh Nanda told PTI that the institute will be assessing the various financial aspects of ONOE reform. A report of the assessment will be submitted to the Parliamentary panel. The institute, which has more than 4.50 lakh members, is a key body that helps provide inputs on various financial legislations and the government's tax collection efforts. According to the Kovind panel, simultaneous elections will bring fundamental transformation in the electoral process and overall governance as well as result in optimising scarce resources and also encourage voters to participate in the electoral process in large numbers. The panel, in its report, also mentioned about research paper on macroeconomic impact of harmonising electoral cycles. "The findings in the paper suggest relatively higher economic growth, lower inflation, higher investments and improved quality of expenditure following periods of synchronised elections, as compared to those that were not synchronised," the report said. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
