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

**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

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

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

UPSC CMS 2025 Interview Dates Announced At upsc.gov.in; Personality Test From October 13

**UPSC CMS 2025 Interview Schedule Released**

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the interview schedule for the UPSC CMS 2025 personality test. Candidates who have qualified for the interview round can now check the schedule on UPSC’s official website at [upsc.gov.in](https://upsc.gov.in).

Moreover, the e-Summon Letters for the Personality Tests (Interviews) will soon be available for download on the Commission’s websites: [upsc.gov.in](https://upsc.gov.in) and [upsconline.in](https://upsconline.in). Candidates are advised to keep an eye on these portals for updates.

**Important Note:**
Please be aware that requests for changes in the date or time of the Personality Test (Interview) are generally not entertained by the Commission.

Candidates appearing for the interview will be reimbursed for their travel expenses. However, this compensation will cover only the second class or sleeper class Mail/Express train fare.

### UPSC CMS 2025 Interview Schedule: Important Details

– **Interview Dates:** October 13, 2025 – November 21, 2025
– **Reporting Time (Forenoon Session):** 09:00 AM
– **Reporting Time (Afternoon Session):** 01:00 PM
– **Total Candidates Shortlisted:** 2,045

### How to Download the UPSC CMS 2025 Interview Schedule

Follow the steps below to download and check your interview schedule:

1. Visit the official UPSC website at [upsc.gov.in](https://upsc.gov.in).
2. On the homepage, find and click the link titled “UPSC CMS 2025 Interview Schedule.”
3. A PDF file containing the detailed schedule will open. Verify your interview date and time from this document.
4. Download and save a copy of the PDF for your reference. It is also recommended to print a physical copy to carry on the interview day.

For more information and updates, candidates are encouraged to regularly visit the official UPSC website. Stay prepared and best of luck for your interview!
https://www.freepressjournal.in/education/upsc-cms-2025-interview-dates-announced-at-upscgovin-personality-test-from-october-13

US government shutdown begins as partisan division rules Washington

US Government Shutdown Begins as Partisan Division Rules Washington

The United States is experiencing its 15th government shutdown since 1981, as partisan divisions continue to dominate the political landscape in Washington, D.C.

A partial government shutdown is scheduled to take effect on October 1, 2025. The situation highlights the ongoing challenges in reaching bipartisan agreements on key funding issues.

A view of the US Capitol building a day before the partial government shutdown was scheduled to take place, on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, US, September 30, 2025.

Photo credit: REUTERS/Annabelle Gordon

By REUTERS

https://www.jpost.com/american-politics/article-869170

India records close 4.5 lakh crimes against women in 2023: NCRB report

The figures compiled from police records across states and union territories indicate a national crime rate of 66.2 incidents per lakh female population, based on mid-year projected female population estimates of 6,770 lakh. The overall chargesheeting rate for these cases stood at 77.6 percent in 2023.

Among states, Uttar Pradesh reported the highest number of cases at 66,381, followed by Maharashtra at 47,101, Rajasthan at 45,450, West Bengal at 34,691, and Madhya Pradesh at 32,342. In terms of crime rate per lakh female population, Telangana led with 124.9, ahead of Rajasthan at 114.8, Odisha at 112.4, Haryana at 110.3, and Kerala at 86.1.

Cruelty by husband or relatives under Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) accounted for the largest share with 133,676 cases and a rate of 19.7. Kidnapping and abduction of women followed with 88,605 cases and a rate of 13.1. Assault on women with intent to outrage modesty was recorded in 83,891 cases at a rate of 12.4, while rape cases stood at 29,670 with a rate of 4.4.

Dowry deaths totalled 6,156 cases (rate of 0.9), abetment to suicide had 4,825 cases (rate of 0.7), and insult to modesty accounted for 8,823 cases (rate of 1.3).

Rape cases included 28,821 incidents involving women aged 18 and above, and 849 involving girls below 18. Attempts to commit rape numbered 2,796 cases, and acid attacks were reported in 113 cases.

Under Special and Local Laws (SLL), crimes against women totalled 87,850 cases. The Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961, saw 15,489 cases, while the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956, recorded 1,788 cases involving women victims. The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005, had 632 cases. There were 31 cases lodged under the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986, and under the POCSO Act, there were 40,046 cases for child rape, 22,149 for sexual assault, 2,778 for sexual harassment, 698 for using a child for pornography, and 513 for other provisions of the law.

Police disposal statistics revealed that 185,961 cases were pending investigation from previous years. Additionally, 448,211 new cases were registered and 987 transferred, totalling 635,159 cases. Of these, 182,219 were chargesheeted, yielding a chargesheeting rate of 77.6 percent. Pendency stood at 182,219 cases or 28.7 percent.

Court disposal data showed 2,184,756 cases were pending trial from prior years, along with 350,937 new cases and 6,276 reopened, totalling 2,535,693 cases. Pendency at courts reached 2,303,657 cases, or 90.8 percent.

In 2023, a total of 667,940 persons were arrested for crimes against women, comprising 587,441 males, 80,490 females, and nine transgender persons.

*This story has been sourced from a third-party syndicated feed and agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for the dependability, trustworthiness, reliability, or data of the text. Mid-day management and mid-day.com reserve the sole right to alter, delete, or remove (without notice) the content at their absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.*
https://www.mid-day.com/news/india-news/article/india-records-close-4-5-lakh-crimes-against-women-in-2023-ncrb-report-23596534

Talks break off between B.C. government and its public service union

**Contract Talks Between BC Government and Public Service Union Break Down**

VICTORIA – Contract negotiations between the British Columbia government and the union representing public service workers in the province have broken off shortly after they began.

Paul Finch, president of the BC General Employees Union, says government negotiators arrived three hours late and offered no material improvement over previous contract proposals. Finch expressed strong dissatisfaction, stating that the union will escalate its job action sharply after the government showed disrespect by presenting an offer that was little changed.

The talks had resumed today following four weeks of ongoing job action. Despite the negotiations, picket lines remain active at various locations, including about a third of provincial liquor stores, liquor and cannabis distribution warehouses, and government offices across the province.

Currently, the union reports that around 15,000 of its 34,000 members involved in the contract are participating in some form of job action. These actions range from an overtime ban to active picketing.

The union is seeking wage increases totaling 8.25 percent over two years. Meanwhile, the government has stated it is aiming to reach a fair deal for both taxpayers and public workers.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published on September 29, 2025.
https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/canada/2025/09/29/cp-newsalert-talks-break-off-between-b-c-government-and-public-service-union

Maharashtra Allows Immediate Use Of District Funds For Flood Relief And Rehabilitation

**Maharashtra Government Eases Fund Utilization Norms to Boost Flood Relief Efforts**

In a bid to revive public life in flood-hit areas, the Maharashtra government has decided to relax norms to make funds available on an immediate basis. Through a directive issued on Monday, authorities have allowed the utilisation of funds originally meant for district development schemes to now aid flood mitigation and relief activities.

### District Funds Can Now Be Used for Flood Mitigation

The district planning and development funds (DPDC), which previously excluded post-disaster mitigation work, can now be used according to state-approved norms and guidelines. This significant change enables district authorities to swiftly undertake crucial relief operations such as:

– Hiring equipment for rescuing stranded people
– Setting up relief camps
– Reviving drinking water schemes
– Disposing of carcasses of animals that died in floods
– Starting cattle camps where necessary
– Restoring power supply
– Repairing or reconstructing damaged roads and bridges

### Central Assistance May Face Delays

While the state has formally requested funds from the Centre for relief and rehabilitation of flood-affected areas, central assistance is expected to face delays. This is primarily due to ongoing assessments to determine the exact extent of damages and requirements.

In the meantime, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has announced an immediate relief package exceeding ₹2,200 crore. However, the actual disbursal of these funds has yet to begin.

### Fiscal Allocation and Historical Context

The government has earmarked approximately ₹20,000 crore for the DPDC in the current fiscal year. It is important to note that in 2014, Maharashtra had allowed the use of DPDC funds for calamity relief and rehabilitation, but this provision was stayed in August this year.

The newly issued guidelines now permit up to 10% of DPDC funds to be utilised specifically for flood relief operations.

### Role of District Authorities Under New Guidelines

The DPDC is chaired by the district guardian minister, with the district collector acting as its ex officio secretary. As per the new directive, district collectors have the authority to initiate urgent repairs and reconstruction of critical infrastructure, including schools, anganwadis, other public buildings, and protective walls in flood-affected regions.

This move aims to expedite flood relief work on the ground and help restore normalcy in the affected districts at the earliest.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/maharashtra-allows-immediate-use-of-district-funds-for-flood-relief-and-rehabilitation

‘A disgrace’: MKs slam Netanyahu apology to Qatari PM on Doha strike

A Disgrace: MKs Slam Netanyahu’s Apology to Qatari PM over Doha Strike

Members of Knesset Ben-Gvir, Smotrich, Liberman, and Golan have condemned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for apologizing to Qatar following the Hamas strike in Doha. The politicians criticized Netanyahu’s apology as weak and described it as a disgrace.

In a related event, U.S. President Donald Trump greeted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House in Washington, D.C., on September 29, 2025.

(Photo credit: REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst)

https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-869015

Prashant Kishor predicts poll results for NDA, Mahagathbandhan, his party

**Prashant Kishor Predicts Poll Results for NDA, Mahagathbandhan, and His Party**

*By Snehil Singh | September 29, 2025, 05:18 pm*

Prashant Kishor, founder of the Jan Suraaj Party, has announced that his party will contest all 243 seats in the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections. He boldly predicted that the party would either finish first or last in the race.

“Jan Suraaj Party will either be first or last, but there is no middle ground in this election,” Kishor stated.

**Election Forecast**

Kishor also offered his predictions for other major political players in Bihar. He forecasted that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) would face notable setbacks in the elections.

Regarding the Janata Dal (United) [JD(U)], led by Nitish Kumar, Kishor predicted a significant decline, expecting the party to secure less than 25 seats compared to its 43 seats in 2020.

The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), which emerged as the single-largest party in 2020 with 75 seats, is anticipated to finish third, according to Kishor’s analysis.

**Corruption Allegations**

Kishor took a sharp dig at JD(U) leader Ashok Choudhary, accusing him of corruption amounting to ₹200 crore. He questioned why Choudhary purchased land in his personal assistant’s name, implying wrongdoing.

“But Nitish Kumar is no longer able to control the state’s administration. Nitish Kumar may not be a bad person, but the leaders and officers around him are looting,” Kishor added.

**Election Strategy and Criticism of Government Schemes**

Kishor dismissed the Bihar government’s recently launched scheme that transfers ₹10,000 to women, calling it a “simple bribe” rather than a meaningful game-changer.

He accused Nitish Kumar of compromising with corruption and crime, citing that leaders like Samrat Chaudhary and Dilip Jaiswal face murder charges.

Earlier on Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the *Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana* in Bihar, which aims to transfer ₹10,000 directly into the bank accounts of 75 lakh women across the state.

Prashant Kishor’s predictions and accusations have set the stage for a highly charged election season in Bihar, with his party positioning itself as a major contender in the political landscape.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/politics/prashant-kishor-predicts-jan-suraaj-first-or-last-in-bihar/story