8 NOVEMBER2023INFOCUSINFOCUSThe Karnataka state government plans to establish kiosks and mini-supermarkets where female-owned self-help groups (SHGs) can sell their wares in accordance to boost the rural economy. The Congress government which is led by Siddaramaiah, plans for a cash benefit economy for households, particularly for women.The government also plans to expand Mysore Sales International Ltd's (MSIL) chit fund business, leveraging monthly cash transfers of Rs 2,000 for women under Gruha Lakshmi, enabling women SHGs.Additional Chief Secretary of Panchayat Raj, Government of Karnataka, Uma Mahadevan states that women SHGs are providing local goods and services through cash transfers, enabling money to reach the poor. She further said that the government plans to establish work sheds "space of their own" for SHGs to display their products, with plans to provide outlets at existing Halli Santes village marts. The government will also establish 200 kiosks at the Panchayat level for women SHGs, providing small spaces for selling daily items and snacks.According to Ms. Uma, 3.4 lakh SHGs with over 35 million members are federated with panchayat-level federations. The government plans political empowerment for women panchayat members. She announced a significant training program for women panchayat members to enhance their service claims through the Gruha Lakshmi and Shakti free bus gravel schemes.The government has earlier organized an online orientation program for SHGs in August, highlighting Karnataka's pioneering role in women's empowerment through SHGs. KARNATAKA GOVERNMENT TO LAUNCH MINI-SUPERMARKETS FOR WOMEN SHGSBRAZIL BIDS TO HOST FIFA WOMEN'S WORLD CUP 2027The sports minister of Brazil, Ande Fufuca, and soccer body president, Ednaldo Rodrigues confirmed in person with FIFA President Gianni Infantino that the country is officially bidding to host the 2027 Women's World Cup. The three delegates had posed for photographs at Rio de Janeiro's Maracana Stadium, where Fluminense defeated Boca Juniors 2-1 and clinched the title of Copa Libertadores.Historically, Latin America has never organized any of the tournament's nine editions so far.The document has been signed by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva which provides FIFA with the seven assurances for hosting the Women's World Cup, including tax exemptions, work permits, and visa procedures, as a part of a policy promoting women's soccer participation.FIFA has earlier announced that it has received three other bids for 2027 including South Africa with two-point expressions of interest from Belgium, Netherlands, and Germany as well as one from the United States and Mexico. Southern America has hosted men's tournaments twice, in 1950 and 2014 whereas the African continent hasn't hosted the Women's World Cup to date.Brazil submitted a bidding agreement in April as the deadline was set until mid-May. By December 8, the complete list of bids will be introduced with on-site inspections taking place in February 2024.The recent tournament was hosted in Australia and New Zealand in July and August which witnessed Spain emerge as the first-ever champions.Brazil holds five Men's World Cup titles but zero Women's World Cup titles while the United States has grabbed the highest four titles in the respective event.
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