Morning Brief: Yadav Power Struggle Worsens; Simultaneous Polls In Five States; Rajnath Singh Leaves For Bahrain

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

Yadav Power Struggle Worsens

The dynastic power struggle between the Yadavs in Uttar Pradesh appears to have reached a dead end. While Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav ousted uncle Shivpal Yadav and three others from the government on Sunday, the party brass retaliated by sacking his backer and MP Ram Gopal Yadav from the party for six years.

Besides Shivpal, the other ministers thrown out were Narad Rai, Om Prakash and Shadab Fatima. Party supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav refused to comment on the bitter tussle in the party and said he will react publicly only on Monday.

Rajnath Singh Leaves For Bahrain

Home Minister Rajnath Singh will start a three-day trip to Bahrain on Monday to highlight Pakistan’s role in cross-border terrorism before the top leadership of the country. Singh’s visit assumes particular importance in the backdrop of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation backing Pakistan on the Kashmir issue.

Singh will hold a bilateral meeting with Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and Interior Minister Lt Gen Sheikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa. He is also scheduled to interact with members of the Indian community.

Simultaneous Polls In Five States

Uttar Pradesh and four other states will go to polls simultaneously, most likely in February-March next year, shortly after the presentation of the Union Budget in February.

While Uttar Pradesh is likely to have as many as seven phases, Punjab, Goa, Uttarakhand and Manipur will vote on the same day in a single phase.

Cyber Security Norms To Be Tightened

In view of a large-scale data breach in India’s banking system, the Reserve Bank Of India is set to ask all banks to centralise their cyber security operations and put a proper team in place instead of outsourcing security functions.

Banks will also be required to report cyber security issues on a real-time basis. This will help in regular monitoring and standardisation of security norms.

China Becomes Apple's Largest Market For Apps

Chinese consumers spent $1.7 billion on Apple-sanctioned mobile apps in the third quarter of this year. That is about 15 per cent higher than what the Americans spent during the same period. The US market had led in Apple app store spending since 2010.

More Chinese consumers are buying mobile video games than ever, specifically those considered to be "multiplayer collaborative games" which people can play with or against other users.

MUST READ OP-EDS

India Is Moving Towards A Flawed GST: The issue of the GST rate actually needs to be seen in tandem with the broader issue of tax reform. What is happening now is the overhaul of the indirect tax system.

Fighting New War In Mosul and Aleppo: In both places, Government forces for now are badly divided on ethnic and sectarian lines. That’s why the victory of the Government depends on foreign power.

Turning India’s Power Surplus Into A Boon: Investment in the power sector could be made more profitable by a slew of measures that increase the consumption of electricity.

SWARAJYA SPECIAL

Understanding The Vedic Model Of The Mind: The Vedic theory of consciousness probably suggests a process of evolution, wherein there is an urge to evolve into higher forms, which have a better grasp of the nature of the universe.

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

SUBSCRIBE NOW: The latest issue of our magazine explores Gandhi. "Are his thoughts and actions relevant today?" 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.