CENTRAL GOVERNMENT
Joint committee on Waqf bill meets; hears views of Muslim bodies
The joint committee of Parliament met on Friday to discuss the Waqf (Amendment) Bill aimed at reforming the registration process for Waqf properties via a central portal. The bill proposes setting up a Central Waqf Council, incorporating representation for Muslim women and non-Muslims. A key provision designates the district collector to confirm property status.
Reintroduction of OPS will be win-win for both employees, government: Staff associations
Central Secretariat Service officers demand the return of the Old Pension Scheme, labeling both the National Pension System and the new Unified Pension Scheme as inadequate for government employees. They argue that the OPS provides more secure benefits and pension guarantees, asserting it is their right and essential for optimal employee performance.
Karnataka HC dismisses CBI plea against state''s withdrawal of consent in DA case against Shivakumar
The Karnataka High Court dismissed a CBI petition challenging the Congress government's withdrawal of consent for investigating a disproportionate assets case against Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar. The court ruled that issues raised should be addressed by the Supreme Court. The case has been referred to the Lokayukta for further investigation.
Bangladesh interim govt releases jailed Islamist leaders
Bangladesh's interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, faces criticism for releasing extremist leaders influenced by the outlawed Jamaat-e-Islami group. Recently, Jashimuddin Rahmani, head of Ansarullah Bangla Team, was released from prison, raising concerns about safety and legal integrity. The government's alleged ties to Jamaat-e-Islami have sparked debates over its commitment to progressive principles.
Delhi HC asks Centre to decide plea against exclusion of penal provision for unnatural sex offence in BNS
The Delhi High Court has directed the Centre to address a plea against the exclusion of penal provisions for unnatural sex and sodomy from the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita. The court emphasized the urgency of the matter, asking the government to decide within six months. The petitioner argued this exclusion affects LGBTQ communities disproportionately.
Scientist, climate activist Sonam Wangchuk praises PM Modi, Amit Shah for five new districts
Sonam Wangchuk thanked the BJP-led government for listing five new districts in Ladakh, addressing an old demand. He underscored the need for these districts to be democratic, consistent with the 6th Schedule for local governance. Wangchuk's previous activism focused on environmental protection and seeking autonomy for Ladakh.
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SC adjourns hearing on Vijay Nair's bail plea in excise policy case
The Supreme Court deferred the hearing on Vijay Nair's bail plea in a money laundering case tied to the Delhi excise policy scam. Nair has been in custody for two years. The ED requested additional time to file a counter affidavit. Nair's arrest was linked to allegations of facilitating kickbacks through hawala operators.
Centrally sponsored schemes may be cut to 50 from 75 on Finance Commission recommendations
The government may cut centrally sponsored schemes (CSS) to 50 from 75 by merging or eliminating some, following 15th Finance Commission recommendations. Ministries are required to review by October end. This rationalization aims for more efficient use of funds and heightened state accountability.
Unified Pension Scheme: Employees' body wants minimum service period cut to 20 years
The central government employees' organisation requested enhancements to the Unified Pension Scheme, including reducing the service period to 20 years for a 50% pension. Other demands included a monthly emoluments contribution and additional pensions for those over 80 years. The Union cabinet approved the scheme, benefiting 2.3 million employees with an assured 50% pension after 25 years of service.
Lower qualifying years of service to 20 for assured pension under UPS: Employee representatives
Central government employee representatives are advocating for further relaxations in the rules of the newly unveiled Unified Pension Scheme (UPS). They propose reducing the qualifying years of service for an assured pension to 20 years from the current 25. This would benefit employees who join government service late and ensure enhanced coverage under UPS. They are also pushing for an increase in monthly emoluments to build the lump sum payment and for the introduction of an additional pension for retirees above 80 years of age, similar to the Old Pension Scheme.
Unified Pension Scheme to put a Rs 6,250-cr pressure on govt
Effective April 1, 2025, the Unified Pension Scheme will ensure assured pensions for 23 lakh central government employees, boosting the government's contribution to 18.5%. This change will cost the exchequer Rs 6,250 crore annually. Employees' contributions stay at 10%.
Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) for central government employees approved: 5 important things to know
Unified Pension Scheme (UPS): The Union Cabinet, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the chair, approved the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) for central government employees on Saturday. Effective April 1, 2025, this scheme is expected to benefit 23 lakh central government employees.
Ahead of polls, Maharashtra becomes first state to approve Unified Pension Scheme
The Maharashtra Cabinet has given the nod to the central government's Unified Pension Scheme, starting April 1, 2025. This scheme integrates features of both the old and new pension systems, offering a guaranteed pension amount. Employees with 25+ years of service will receive 50% of their last salary, along with inflation-adjusted increases.
UPS could shake up NPS
A new pension scheme may affect the National Pension System (NPS) if central government employees switch to the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS). Currently, NPS has a significant corpus contributed by central and state employees. The transition to UPS is anticipated on April 1, 2025, which may reshape pension fund management.
'U' in UPS stands for Modi govt's U-turns: Congress' swipe after Unified Pension Scheme announcement
The Congress took a jab at the Modi government following the approval of the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) guaranteeing 50% of salary as pension for employees who joined after January 1, 2004. The scheme includes a minimum pension of Rs 10,000 per month, fulfilling long-standing employee demands and providing financial security to central and state employees.
The Assam government proposes to make Manipuri the Associate Official Language in three districts of Barak Valley and Hojai in central Assam
In the Statement of Objects and Reasons, Sarma said that a substantial number of people living in the Barak valley and other parts of the state speak Manipuri language and there have been persistent demands to officially recognise their language.
Kolkata doctor rape and murder case: Central government hospitals to step up security
The Union Health Ministry has directed central government hospitals to strengthen security measures following the rape-murder of a doctor at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College & Hospital. The ministry's letter recommends installing high-resolution CCTV cameras in key areas, setting up emergency control rooms, and enhancing monitoring of hospital entrances and exits.
Kolkata Doctor Rape and Murder Case: Health Ministry orders enhanced security at Central Govt hospitals
Kolkata Doctor Case: In response to the recent rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare called for increased security protocols in central government hospitals. Measures include installing CCTV cameras, enhancing security personnel, and training staff to identify and respond to security threats.
"Karnataka Governor is merely a puppet of central government": Congress leader MB Patil on MUDA scam
"The Governor is merely a puppet of the central government, and the Raj Bhavan has become an extension of the BJP office. This move against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah under the pretext of the MUDA scam is nothing more than a politically motivated conspiracy," Patil asserted.
No concept of national disaster in central govt rules: Sources cite UPA govt 2013 reply in Parliament
The government clarified that no provision exists to declare a natural disaster as a 'national disaster,' citing a 2013 reply by Congress MP Mullappally Ramachandran. This came in response to Rahul Gandhi's call to declare the Wayanad landslide a national disaster. Severe calamities are reviewed case-by-case, with extra assistance provided if needed.
Finance Bill should be renamed as 'tax trap bill': Opposition slams govt
Opposition leaders accused the government of creating a Finance Bill that favors corporates at the expense of ordinary citizens. They raised issues about the lack of support for the unorganized sector, rising unemployment, and high GST on life and health insurance. Calls for better budget allocation and special economic packages were also made.
Akhilesh Yadav targets Centre over 'unpaid' DA arrears to government employees
Akhilesh Yadav asked the government where is the money from the ever-increasing 'GST collection' going. "Does the government's claim of becoming a 'global economic superpower' mean that employees do not get their dues? The central government's refusal to pay 18 months DA arrears to central employees is, in a way, a denial of 'government guarantee'," Yadav said in a post on 'X'.
Lok Sabha Speaker Birla asks MPs not to protest outside Parliament 'dwars'
Leaders of the INDIA bloc parties had this morning held a protest against the Central government outside the Makar Dwar to press for the rollback of 18 per cent Goods and Services Tax (GST) on life and health insurance premiums.
INDIA bloc protests on 18 percent GST on health and life insurance
On Tuesday, leaders of the INDIA alliance staged a protest outside the Makar Dwar in Parliament, demanding the rollback of the 18% GST on health and life insurance. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi joined the demonstration, with Congress MP Jebi Mather criticizing the government for showing "no respect for human faith" with the tax. TMC MP Sudip Bandyopadhyay also condemned the GST, calling it "anti-people" and urging its immediate removal. Protests are expected to continue, with calls for Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to address the issue.
Bill seeking changes in Wakf Act in works
The Centre is set to introduce a bill in Parliament to amend the Wakf Act, proposing around 40 changes, including limiting the power of Waqf boards to claim land, restructuring board compositions, and ensuring proper verification processes. The bill, approved by the Union Cabinet, aims to address issues like disputed land claims and representation for women in Waqf bodies. This move follows concerns over misuse of authority by state Waqf boards and a case where an entire village was claimed by a board.
Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah urges removal of Nirmala Sitharaman from Union Cabinet
Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah requested PM Modi to remove FM Nirmala Sitharaman, alleging her lack of budgetary knowledge and misleading statements on Karnataka's finances. He highlighted financial losses and discriminatory policies by the central government. The CM criticized the reduction in Karnataka's tax share and grants, questioning Sitharaman's competence and commitment to her home state.
Karnataka Assembly adopts resolutions against delimitation, "One Nation, One Election" move, NEET
The Karnataka Legislative Assembly has adopted resolutions against the delimitation of Lok Sabha and Assembly constituencies based on the upcoming census, "One Nation, One Election" proposal, and National Entrance cum Eligibility Test (NEET). Opposition parties protested against the resolutions, demanding a discussion on the alleged fraudulent allotment of sites by Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA).
Karnataka Assembly adopts resolutions against delimitation, "One Nation, One Election" move, NEET
The Karnataka Legislative Assembly adopted resolutions opposing the delimitation of Lok Sabha and Assembly constituencies based on the upcoming census, the 'One Nation, One Election' proposal, and the National Entrance cum Eligibility Test (NEET). The Assembly urged the Central Government not to proceed with the delimitation based on future census data, expressed concerns about the impact of simultaneous elections on India's democratic and federal system, and called for the abolishment of the NEET examination system to protect medical education opportunities for rural students.
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