Category Archives: government

Road transport requires visionary approach

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It is heartening to learn that basic facilities such as toilets, petrol pumps, and food malls will soon be available along the Samruddhi Mahamarg. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has directed the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation to appoint consultants to set up these essential amenities along the route. This move should help stem commuter criticism about the current lack of such facilities on the expressway.

These amenities are not luxuries or frills; they are necessities aimed at preventing driver fatigue and reducing the risk of accidents. Fadnavis rightly suggested that while constructing any road in the future, an ecosystem should be developed in the surrounding area to support commuters’ needs.

This point is especially important as experts have highlighted the rise of residential projects, particularly high-rise towers, without adequate supporting infrastructure. Where is the ecosystem to support these developments? We need a holistic, comprehensive approach to infrastructure, ensuring that adjunct facilities are built alongside core projects.

Travelers to the West often experience highways and expressways equipped with toilets, basic stores, food and drink kiosks, or even malls conveniently located en route. Unfortunately, this is not yet the case here. Many stretches of roads lack toilets, causing discomfort and distress, and causing potential travelers to hesitate or even cancel road trips altogether.

People traveling with senior citizens, in particular, think twice before using routes that lack basic amenities. This underscores the importance of setting deadlines not only for road construction projects but also for the development of all supporting infrastructure.

A visionary approach is needed when shaping the road transport of the future. Beyond superior road quality, lighting, good signage, visibility, and safety warnings, we must also prioritize restrooms, food facilities, and fuel stops along the way.

Such a comprehensive plan makes the project complete, focusing not just on the vehicle or the road itself but also on the human factor—closing the loop for a safer and more comfortable commute for all.
https://www.mid-day.com/news/opinion/article/road-transport-requires-visionary-approach-23597113

DMV issuing newly designed CA Driver’s Licenses, ID Cards: Here’s the updated look

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SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — Starting Wednesday, newly issued California Driver’s Licenses and Identification Cards will sport a fresh new look, as the DMV announces an updated design featuring advanced security features.

According to a DMV press release, the redesigned cards highlight the one-of-a-kind beauty of the Golden State’s landscape, incorporating images of redwood trees, poppies, and the coastline. DMV Director Steve Gordon emphasized that the new design not only celebrates California’s unique scenery but also includes improved security measures and updated technology.

One significant upgrade is the addition of enhanced anti-counterfeit features, such as a digital security signature embedded in one of the back barcodes. Additionally, the new cards will no longer include a magnetic strip on the back.

The last major update to California’s driver’s licenses and ID cards took place in 2010, followed by another redesign in 2018 with the introduction of the REAL ID. Despite the changes, current driver’s licenses and ID cards will remain valid until their expiration date.

The fees remain the same for those seeking an upgraded Driver’s License or Identification Card—$45 and $35, respectively.

This update aims to provide Californians with a more secure and visually appealing form of identification that reflects the state’s natural beauty.
https://fox5sandiego.com/news/california-news/updated-california-drivers-licenses/

Mumbai News: BMC Appoints Full-Time Ward Officers In Dongri, Marine Lines, Parel And Kandivali After Long Delay

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**Mumbai: Four Administrative Wards Get Full-Time Ward Officers After Long Wait**

After a prolonged wait, four out of eight administrative wards in Mumbai will finally have full-time ward officers. On Friday, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) administration appointed new ward officials—also known as Assistant Municipal Commissioners (AMCs)—in B (Dongri), C (Marine Lines), F South (Parel), and R South (Kandivali) wards.

These appointments were made based on recommendations from the Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) following exams conducted to fill vacant AMC posts. Until now, these wards were managed by acting ward officials, mostly senior engineers, who lacked formal administrative training.

### Recruitment Process Delayed by Legal Challenges

The recruitment process for 14 ward officer posts was announced by the BMC in June 2021. After the exams and document verification, the final list of candidates was prepared. However, the process was stalled for over two years due to legal petitions filed by disqualified candidates.

The Supreme Court eventually allowed the BMC to proceed with appointing shortlisted candidates. Despite this directive, delays continued, leading to a contempt petition against the BMC. Finally, the MPSC released the final list, appointment letters were issued in November 2024, and training for the new officers was completed last month.

Meanwhile, senior engineers continued to fill the roles in an acting capacity without formal administrative training, raising concerns about delays and weakened oversight in ward administration.

### New Appointments and Transfers

On Friday, the BMC issued a series of administrative orders appointing the following officials as AMCs:

– Yogesh Desai as AMC of B Ward
– Santosh Salunkhe as AMC of C Ward
– Vrushali Ingule as AMC of F South Ward
– Aarti Golekar as AMC of R South Ward

Sanjay Ingle, previously serving as the Executive Engineer and acting in charge of C Ward, and Manish Salve, acting in charge of R South Ward, were relieved of their duties and sent back to the City Engineer Department.

Additionally, the civic authorities issued transfer orders for three AMCs:

– Nitin Shukla transferred from B Ward to K East Ward (Jogeshwari, Andheri East)
– Mahesh Patil transferred from F South to S Ward (Bhandup)
– Alka Sasane, AMC of S Ward, transferred to the Market Department

### Remaining Posts to be Filled Soon

A senior civic official stated, “Of the remaining four candidates, one has yet to be relieved from their previous posting, while another is currently on maternity leave. The other two are undergoing training and will be appointed as AMCs upon completion.”

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https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/mumbai-news-bmc-appoints-full-time-ward-officers-in-dongri-marine-lines-parel-and-kandivali-after-long-delay

POWERGRID Convenes 36th Annual General Meeting

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The 36th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (POWERGRID), a Maharatna CPSU under the Ministry of Power, Government of India, was held virtually on 26th August 2025.

The meeting was chaired by Ravindra Kumar Tyagi, Chairman and Managing Director, in the presence of key board members including Ravisankar Ganesan, Director (Finance) & CFO; Dr. Yatindra Dwivedi, Director (Personnel); Naveen Srivastava, Director (Operations); Vamsi Rama Mohan Burra, Director (Projects); Dr. Saibaba Darbamulla and Abhay Bakre, Government Nominee Directors; along with Independent Directors Shiv Tapasya Paswan, Rohit Vaswani, and Smt. Sajal Jha. Representatives of the Hon’ble President and shareholders also participated through virtual mode.

During the AGM, the company presented its key financial highlights, operational achievements, and future growth prospects. Technological innovations and ongoing initiatives were detailed, and the management addressed queries raised by the shareholders. The shareholders appreciated POWERGRID’s robust performance and extended their best wishes for sustained growth.

As of 31st July 2025, POWERGRID has commissioned and is operating 286 substations and more than 180,849 ckm of transmission lines, along with a transformation capacity of 574,331 MVA. Leveraging the latest technological tools and techniques, enhanced automation, and digital solutions, POWERGRID has successfully maintained an average transmission system availability exceeding 99.85%.

These milestones underscore POWERGRID’s commitment to strengthening India’s power transmission infrastructure while embracing innovation and operational excellence.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/corporate-gallery/powergrid-convenes-36th-annual-general-meeting

Notebook Prices Rise Despite Zero GST; Insurance Policyholders Not Getting Full GST Benefit

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**GST Removal on Notebooks and Stationery Items Leads to Price Hikes**

New Delhi: Under the GST 2.0 reforms, the government has removed GST on notebooks, exercise books, and stationery items. Previously, these items attracted a 12 percent GST and are now tax-free, providing relief to consumers.

However, the raw material for notebooks—paper—has seen its GST rate increase from 12 percent to 18 percent. As a result, notebook prices have risen. Shopkeepers are paying higher GST when purchasing paper but cannot charge any GST while selling notebooks due to the tax exemption. This loss of input tax credit is being added to the final price, causing an increase despite the GST removal on finished products.

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**Insurance Companies Not Fully Passing On GST Benefits to Policyholders**

The GST Council reduced GST on life and health insurance premiums from 18 percent to 0 percent, effective from 22 September. While this move was expected to lower insurance premiums, many policyholders report that insurance companies are not passing on the full benefit.

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**Health Insurance Premiums Rise Despite GST Relief**

Numerous complaints concern health insurance companies. For instance, one policyholder who paid Rs 63,000 last year found their premium increased despite the GST removal. The company attributed the hike to the policyholder moving into a higher age group, highlighting how factors other than GST also affect premium costs.

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**New Add-Ons Used to Justify Premium Rates**

Some insurance companies have added new coverage options or riders to policies, claiming these are additional benefits. Customers, however, argue that such benefits were part of older plans. This strategy has resulted in premiums either remaining unchanged or increasing, negating the intended GST relief.

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**Government and IRDA May Intervene**

Amid mounting complaints on social media, the government is considering asking the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDA) to investigate the issue and take necessary action to ensure policyholders receive the rightful GST benefits.

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**Life Insurance Premiums See Only Slight Reductions**

While some life insurance policyholders have experienced premium reductions, these decreases are relatively small. For example, one customer reported a mere 2.5 percent premium drop despite the GST rate being cut by 18 percent. This clearly indicates that the full benefit is not reaching customers.

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**Few Companies Passing On GST Benefits**

A limited number of insurance companies have taken steps to reduce policy commissions and lower their costs, thereby passing on GST benefits to customers. However, such cases remain rare.

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**Conclusion**

Although the government has removed GST on notebooks and certain insurance premiums, the benefits are not fully reflected in final prices. Consumers are advised to remain vigilant and report discrepancies to authorities as necessary. The ongoing scrutiny by the government and IRDA is expected to ensure greater transparency and fair pricing in the near future.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/business/notebook-prices-rise-despite-zero-gst-insurance-policyholders-not-getting-full-gst-benefit

Bombay HC Stays Investigation Into Vidhan Bhavan Brawl, NCP Leader Claims Case Politically Driven

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Mumbai: The Bombay High Court on Wednesday stayed the investigation into a case arising from a scuffle inside the Maharashtra Assembly premises involving supporters of BJP MLA Gopichand Padalkar and the Sharad Pawar-led NCP faction, including former state cabinet minister Jitendra Awhad.

### Interim Protection Granted to NCP Member

A bench comprising Chief Justice Shree Chandrashekhar and Justice Gautam Ankhad, on October 1, restrained the Investigating Officer from proceeding further with the probe into the July 18 FIR registered at Marine Drive police station. This interim protection will continue until the petition is decided.

### Petition Filed Against Alleged Political Targeting

The court was hearing a plea filed by Nitin Hindurao Deshmukh, a member of the Pawar faction of the NCP. Deshmukh had been arrested in connection with the case but was granted bail by a magistrate on July 21.

His advocate, Rahul Arote, argued that the case was “baseless and politically motivated” and sought the quashing of the FIR. The plea alleged that the FIR was lodged with mala fide intent, asserting that the only claim against Deshmukh was that he had engaged in a quarrel and allegedly manhandled policemen who tried to intervene.

### Legal Arguments on Applicability of Charges

The petition emphasized that there was no allegation of assault or obstruction that could attract Section 132 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which penalizes assault on public servants. It also questioned the applicability of charges relating to unlawful assembly, affray, and use of criminal force, citing the absence of evidence indicating a common object or violent clash.

“At most, there was commotion and verbal altercation during the protest,” the plea stated.

### Entry with Valid Pass Highlighted

Deshmukh’s legal team further highlighted that he had entered the high-security Vidhan Bhavan with a valid entry pass, undermining any claims of unlawful intent.

The Bombay High Court has listed the matter for further hearing on November 12.

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https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/bombay-hc-stays-investigation-into-vidhan-bhavan-brawl-ncp-leader-claims-case-politically-driven

Ted Cruz goes all in on Trump’s new ‘racist’ trope and puts sombrero and mustache on Senate Democrats in shutdown troll

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Republican Senator Ted Cruz attempted to troll Democrats who refused to vote for the Republicans’ temporary spending bill by copying President Donald Trump’s racist video that superimposed a mustache and sombrero onto House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.

Taking to his X profile on Wednesday, Cruz indicated he would punish the 44 Senate Democrats who voted against the continuing resolution—which triggered a government shutdown—by placing sombreros and handlebar mustaches onto their photos. The two-minute-long video flashes altered photos of the Senators set to the 1993 pop song “Macarena.”

The idea appeared to be inspired by Trump’s recent AI-generated post mocking Jeffries and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer after their meeting in the Oval Office ahead of the shutdown to try and negotiate a deal. Trump’s video featured Jeffries, who is Black, as a stereotyped Mexican with a sombrero and mustache, alongside Schumer and a deepfake of Schumer’s voice. Jeffries called the video racist.

However, Vice President JD Vance excused the video as funny and claimed Trump was poking a little bit of fun at Democrats. Vance said he’d make a solemn promise that the sombrero memes will stop if the Democrats help Republicans reopen the government.

In keeping with the spirit of Vance’s promise, Cruz vowed to continue “Sombrero posting” as long as the shutdown remains. “The 44 Senate Democrats who voted for Schumer’s Shutdown should know that the Sombrero posting will continue until they re-open our government,” Cruz wrote in his Wednesday post.

The Independent has asked senators featured in the video for comment.

The Senate Democrats, joined by Republican Rand Paul and independent Bernie Sanders, voted against the continuing resolution on Tuesday evening out of protest because Republicans have refused to add Democrats-approved healthcare provisions to the temporary funding bill.

Democrats have blamed Republicans for the shutdown, saying they’re refusing to negotiate, thus backing them into a corner as they fight for those on Medicaid and low-income Americans using marketplace insurance.

Republicans have blamed Democrats for trying to add the healthcare provisions into an otherwise clean continuing resolution, meaning the bill does not seek to make dramatic changes to the current funding levels. Many Republicans have also falsely claimed Democrats want to give free health care to illegal aliens.
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/ted-cruz-shutdown-trolls-democrats-sombrero-b2838074.html

UP Govt Plans Festive Bonanza: Bonus & DA Hike For 15 Lakh Employees, Teachers

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**Uttar Pradesh Government to Announce Major Festive Relief Package for Employees and Teachers**

Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh government is preparing to announce a significant festive relief package aimed at benefiting its employees and teachers ahead of Diwali. Nearly 1.5 million non-gazetted staff and educators in the state are expected to receive both bonuses and an increased dearness allowance (DA), following the Centre’s recent decision to enhance benefits for its workforce.

Officials have confirmed that the bonus amount could reach up to ₹7,000, bringing much-needed cheer to employees across various departments. This move will cover state government staff, teachers, and teaching-support personnel, ensuring a broader reach of financial relief during the festive season.

In addition to the bonus, the DA rate for employees under the 7th Pay Commission will be revised upward from 55% to 58%. This revision will lead to higher payouts in monthly salaries, benefiting serving employees significantly. The relief package will also extend to pensioners, with nearly 1.2 million retirees in Uttar Pradesh expected to benefit from an increased rate of dearness relief, consistent with the hike granted to active employees.

The financial impact of this double benefit package is expected to be substantial. Estimates suggest that the bonus payout alone will impose a burden of nearly ₹1,000 crore on the state treasury. However, officials have maintained that this decision aligns with the festive season customs when governments traditionally provide economic relief to their staff.

Sources indicate that the official announcement is likely to be made within the first week of October, well ahead of the Diwali holidays. It is important to note that employees covered under the 5th and 6th Pay Commissions may see their DA hikes implemented at a later stage after the current package is rolled out to 7th Pay Commission beneficiaries.

Currently, Uttar Pradesh has around 14.81 lakh non-gazetted staff, work-charge employees, and daily wage earners who are eligible for bonus payments. This decision is expected to have a widespread positive impact, directly benefiting households across the state during the festive period.

This initiative follows the Centre’s recent move to grant both bonus and DA hikes to central employees, setting a precedent that state governments often emulate. With the upcoming festive season, the Uttar Pradesh government’s announcement is anticipated to provide a major boost for employees and pensioners alike.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/up-govt-plans-festive-bonanza-bonus-da-hike-for-15-lakh-employees-teachers

UP Govt Plans Festive Bonanza: Bonus & DA Hike For 15 Lakh Employees, Teachers

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Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh government is preparing to announce a major festive relief package for its employees and teachers. Nearly 1.5 million non-gazetted staff and educators in the state are likely to receive both bonuses and increased dearness allowance (DA) ahead of Diwali, following the Centre’s recent decision to enhance benefits for its workforce.

Officials confirmed that the bonus amount could reach up to ₹7,000, bringing cheer to employees across departments. The move will cover state government staff, teachers, and teaching-support personnel. Alongside this, the DA rate for employees under the 7th Pay Commission will be revised upward from 55% to 58%, ensuring higher payouts in monthly salaries.

The relief is also set to extend to pensioners. Nearly 1.2 million retirees in Uttar Pradesh are expected to benefit from the increased rate of dearness relief, in line with the hike for serving employees.

The financial impact of this double benefit package will be significant. Estimates suggest that the bonus payout alone will burden the state treasury by nearly ₹1,000 crore. However, officials maintained that the decision aligns with the festive season, a time when governments traditionally extend economic relief to their staff.

Sources indicate that the announcement is likely to be made within the first week of October, well before the Diwali holidays. Employees covered under the 5th and 6th Pay Commissions may see their DA hikes implemented at a later date, after the current package is rolled out to 7th Pay Commission beneficiaries.

Currently, Uttar Pradesh has around 14.81 lakh non-gazetted staff, work-charge employees, and daily wage earners eligible for bonus payments. The decision is expected to have a widespread impact, directly benefiting households across the state during the festive period.

This step follows the Centre’s move to grant both bonus and DA hikes to central employees, setting a precedent that state governments often follow. With the upcoming festive season, the Uttar Pradesh government’s announcement is anticipated to be a major boost for employees and pensioners alike.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/up-govt-plans-festive-bonanza-bonus-da-hike-for-15-lakh-employees-teachers

LLB, B.Ed, M.Ed Admissions: CET Cell Extends Form Correction Deadline To Oct 5

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Acknowledging the impact of heavy rains and floods in several parts of Maharashtra, the Maharashtra State Common Entrance Test (CET) cell has extended the correction window for various exam admissions. Many students were unable to complete their admission cap round forms due to these unforeseen circumstances.

The dates for application form corrections and college option choice filling for the extended institutional level round have now been extended from October 3 to October 5. This extension applies to the following courses:

– 3-year LLB
– B.Ed. (Bachelor of Education)
– M.Ed. (Master of Education)
– B.P.Ed (Bachelor of Physical Education)
– M.P.Ed (Master of Physical Education)
– B.Sc. Nursing

This will be the final opportunity for students to apply. Candidates who have entered incorrect marks for their Class 12, graduation, or post-graduation qualifications in the application form will be allowed to make corrections within this window.

In addition, the Indian Nursing Council has extended the cut-off date for admissions to October 31. This move aims to accommodate students affected by the recent adverse weather conditions.

Speaking on the development, Dileep Sardesai, IAS, Commissioner of the State Common Entrance Examination Cell, said,
“Due to heavy rains and floods in the state, many students could not register for admission in the B.Sc. Nursing course. To ensure that these students also get a fair chance, the registration deadline has been extended till October 5, along with the revised eligibility criteria.”

Students are encouraged to utilize this extended window to complete their applications and make necessary corrections to avoid missing out on admissions this year.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/pune/llb-bed-med-admissions-cet-cell-extends-form-correction-deadline-to-oct-5