Central government increases minimum wage; applicable from October 1

The Union Government of India has announced a significant hike in minimum wage rates, aimed at mitigating the impact of the rising cost of living on workers. The adjustment, which includes a revision of the variable dearness allowance (VDA), has been made in response to a 2.40-point rise in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for industrial workers. The revised wage rates will be particularly beneficial for workers across various sectors such as construction, sweeping, cleaning, and clerical work.

Revised Minimum Wage Rates

Unskilled workers: ₹783 per day (₹20,358 per month)
Semi-skilled workers: ₹868 per day (₹22,568 per month)
Skilled workers: ₹954 per day (₹24,804 per month)
Highly skilled workers: ₹1,035 per day (₹26,910 per month)

The revised wages are applicable in designated area "A" and vary based on the skill level of the workers. The new rates are set to alleviate the financial burden faced by workers, especially given the recent surge in inflation.

Protests and Revisions

Earlier in the week, thousands of workers protested nationwide, demanding wage increases and opposing the four labor codes that they believe favor multinational corporations. The wage revisions are part of the government's ongoing efforts, with the VDA being adjusted biannually based on a six-month average increase in the CPI for industrial workers. These adjustments occur on April 1st and October 1st each year.

Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/jobs/india-minimum-wage-central-government-increased-october-1-9590862/

Question: How many times a year minimum wages are reviewed by the government?

After France, UK's Starmer Endorses Permanent Seat For India At UNSC

At the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly, significant support emerged for India’s inclusion as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron both advocated for reforms in the UNSC, highlighting the need for a more inclusive and representative body to reflect the changing global landscape.

Key Points:

UK's Support:Prime Minister Keir Starmer called for a transformation of the UNSC, making it more diverse and effective.
He specifically backed permanent seats for India, Brazil, Japan, Germany, and African nations.
Starmer emphasized the need for a Security Council willing to act and not be paralyzed by political divisions.
France's Support:French President Emmanuel Macron also supported the expansion of permanent membership.
Macron echoed Starmer’s views, advocating for India's inclusion along with Germany, Japan, Brazil, and two African nations.
He stressed that reforms are essential to make the UNSC more efficient and representative of modern geopolitical realities.
India’s Call for Reform:Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during the 'Summit of the Future', reinforced the necessity of reforming global institutions, including the UNSC.
Modi highlighted the relevance and effectiveness of such reforms in ensuring global peace and development.
Current Composition of the UNSC:The UNSC consists of 15 members: five permanent members (United States, China, France, Russia, and the United Kingdom) with veto power, and ten non-permanent members elected for two-year terms.
The Council’s decisions play a pivotal role in global conflict resolution, peacekeeping, and sanctions.

Source: https://zeenews.india.com/world/after-france-uks-starmer-endorses-permanent-seat-for-india-at-unsc-2799256.html

Question: How many members does UNSC have?