Category Archives: government

‘The picture is grim’: Conservative outlet flags ‘warning signs’ that GOP is losing ground

Posted on by
Reply

The GOP was riding high, but is now being anchored down by a “political dud,” according to a conservative outlet.

The Washington Examiner, widely considered to be right-wing, published a report on Saturday titled, “Chucks in luck? Warning signs ahead for Republicans in next year’s Senate races.”

Just a few months ago, Republicans were riding high, giddy after having passed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act into law. But as the saying goes, a few weeks can be an eternity in politics. And as autumn kicks in, it’s clear that cheer is turning into fear.

The weekend article states, “What gives? And what does it mean for the 2026 Senate races? As is usually the case with midterm elections in the Trump era, the answer is: ‘It’s complicated.'”

According to the report, there is one major concern for the Republicans.

“A big problem facing the GOP as 2026 draws near is that while the tax cuts in the GOP megabill should be popular, the legislation is overall proving to be a political dud with a 64% disapproval rating,” the article notes. This has prompted reports that President Donald Trump is looking to rebrand it as the “Working Families Tax Cut Bill.”

Some voters fret about Medicaid cuts hurting the poor. Others worry about the possibly adverse impact on hospitals. Additionally, many fear the debt and deficit implications.

The article adds, “Add to this that inflation sits higher than it was at the same point last year and about a percentage point above the Federal Reserve’s target rate, and it’s likely Republican Senate candidates will have to run with some semblance of an inflation anchor next year, just as former Vice President Kamala Harris did last year.”

Polling data supports this challenge, with 61% of those surveyed by The Economist and YouGov disapproving of Trump’s handling of inflation.

The situation appears grim, and this outlook does not even account for the historical trend that the party controlling the White House generally tends to do worse in the first midterm election of each presidency.

“Crazy though it may seem, the GOP could indeed be staring down a situation in which Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) ends up back in charge and gridlock once again becomes the name of the game in Washington, D.C.,” the Washington Examiner concludes.
https://www.rawstory.com/gop-picture-is-grim-2026/

High US tariffs pose risk to India’s growth: Crisil

Posted on by
Reply

**High US Tariffs Pose Risk to India’s Growth: Crisil**

*By Akash Pandey | Sep 27, 2025, 05:01 PM*

A recent report by Crisil Intelligence has highlighted significant risks to India’s economic growth due to the high tariffs imposed by the US on Indian goods. These tariffs are expected to impact both Indian exports and investments adversely. However, the report also notes that domestic consumption is likely to remain a key driver of growth, supported by low inflation and prospective rate cuts.

**GDP Growth and Inflation Projections**

India’s GDP growth reached a five-quarter high of 7.8% in the first quarter of FY25-26, up from 7.4% during the same period last year. Despite this positive momentum, nominal GDP growth slowed to 8.8% compared to 10.8% in the previous year, according to Crisil Intelligence.

On the inflation front, the report forecasts that the consumer price index (CPI) inflation will ease to 3.5% in the current fiscal year, down from 4.6% last year. This moderation in inflation is expected to provide further support to economic stability.

**Factors Influencing Inflation Control**

Robust agricultural growth is anticipated to keep food inflation under control, although the full impact of recent excess rainfall is yet to be assessed. Additionally, lower crude oil prices and stable global commodity prices are expected to help contain non-food inflation. These factors combined are likely to play a crucial role in managing India’s inflation rates over the coming months.

**Policy Outlook: RBI Rate Cut Expected**

On the monetary policy front, Crisil Intelligence predicts that the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) will implement one more rate cut during this fiscal year, followed by a pause to assess the effects. Between February and June 2025, the RBI’s Monetary Policy Committee had already cut the repo rate by 100 basis points. The central bank is currently awaiting the full transmission of these previous cuts before making further adjustments to interest rates.

—

*In summary, while high US tariffs present challenges for India’s growth through their impact on trade and investment, domestic factors such as controlled inflation and accommodative monetary policy are expected to sustain economic momentum in the near term.*
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/us-tariffs-could-impact-india-s-growth-crisil/story

High US tariffs pose risk to India’s growth: Crisil

Posted on by
Reply

**High US Tariffs Pose Risk to India’s Growth: Crisil**

*By Akash Pandey | Sep 27, 2025, 05:01 PM*

A recent report by Crisil Intelligence has highlighted that the high tariffs imposed by the United States on Indian goods could pose a significant risk to India’s economic growth. The September 2025 report emphasizes that these tariffs are likely to affect both Indian exports and investments negatively.

However, despite these challenges, domestic consumption is expected to remain the key driver of growth, supported by low inflation levels and anticipated rate cuts by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

**Economic Indicators: GDP Growth and Inflation Projections**

India’s GDP growth reached a five-quarter high of 7.8% in the first quarter of fiscal year 2025-26, up from 7.4% in the same quarter last year. Meanwhile, nominal GDP growth slowed to 8.8% compared to 10.8% during the corresponding period in the previous fiscal year, according to Crisil Intelligence.

On the inflation front, the report projects consumer price index (CPI) inflation to ease to 3.5% this fiscal year, down from 4.6% last year.

**Inflation Control: Factors Influencing Rates**

Robust agricultural growth is expected to help keep food inflation under control. However, the full impact of recent excess rainfall on agricultural output remains to be seen. Additionally, declining crude oil prices and stable global commodity prices are anticipated to contain non-food inflation, further aiding in the moderation of overall inflation rates in the coming months.

**Policy Outlook: RBI Likely to Implement One More Rate Cut**

On the monetary policy front, Crisil Intelligence forecasts that the RBI will introduce one more rate cut during the current fiscal year, followed by a pause. The central bank’s monetary policy committee had already reduced the repo rate by 100 basis points between February and June 2025. The RBI is now expected to await the complete transmission of these cuts before deciding on any further interest rate adjustments.

—

*In summary, while high US tariffs present challenges to India’s export and investment sectors, strong domestic consumption, controlled inflation, and accommodative monetary policy are likely to support the country’s economic growth in the near term.*
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/us-tariffs-could-impact-india-s-growth-crisil/story

High US tariffs pose risk to India’s growth: Crisil

Posted on by
Reply

**High US Tariffs Pose Risk to India’s Growth: Crisil**

*By Akash Pandey | Sep 27, 2025, 05:01 PM*

A recent report by Crisil Intelligence highlights that the high tariffs imposed by the United States on Indian goods could pose a significant risk to India’s economic growth. The September report cautions that these tariffs may adversely affect both Indian exports and investments.

However, the report also offers a positive outlook, noting that domestic consumption is expected to drive growth going forward. This optimism is supported by low inflation levels and anticipated rate cuts.

**Economic Indicators: GDP Growth and Inflation Projections**

India’s GDP growth reached a five-quarter high of 7.8% in the first quarter of fiscal year 2025-26, rising from 7.4% in the same period last year. Despite this, nominal GDP growth slowed to 8.8% compared to 10.8% in the previous year for the same quarter, according to Crisil Intelligence.

On the inflation front, the report projects that consumer price index (CPI) inflation will ease to 3.5% in the current fiscal year, down from last year’s 4.6%.

**Inflation Control: Factors Influencing Inflation Rates**

The report emphasizes that robust agricultural growth is expected to help keep food inflation in check, though the full impact of recent excess rainfall is still under evaluation.

Additionally, lower crude oil prices and stable global commodity prices are likely to contain non-food inflation. These combined factors will play a crucial role in managing inflation in the coming months.

**Policy Outlook: RBI Likely to Implement One More Rate Cut**

Regarding monetary policy, Crisil Intelligence anticipates that the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) will implement one more rate cut during the current fiscal year, followed by a pause.

The RBI’s Monetary Policy Committee had already cut the repo rate by 100 basis points between February and June 2025. The central bank is now expected to wait for the full transmission of these past cuts before making any further decisions on interest rates.

—

In summary, while high US tariffs present notable challenges to India’s economic growth, strong domestic consumption, controlled inflation, and supportive monetary policy are poised to sustain India’s growth momentum in the near term.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/us-tariffs-could-impact-india-s-growth-crisil/story

Odisha Civil Services Exam Results Declared; Priyansu Pal Secures First Rank

Posted on by
Reply

**Odisha Public Service Commission Declares Odisha Civil Services Examination 2023 Results**

The Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) announced the results of the Odisha Civil Services Examination 2023 on Friday. A total of 398 candidates have successfully cleared the examination, including 144 women.

The recruitment process was conducted in three phases: preliminary and main (written) examinations held during April–May 2025, followed by personality tests in September.

—

### Topper Profile: Priyansu Pal

Topping the merit list, Priyansu Pal, a resident of Angul district, secured the first rank. A mining engineering graduate from Government Engineering College, Keonjhar (2018), Priyansu had initially worked in a private firm before moving into a managerial role at a multinational company.

In January 2025, he resigned from his well-paying job to focus entirely on preparing for the Odisha Administrative Service (OAS) exam. His dedication and hard work paid off, earning him the top spot in this year’s examination.

—

### Other Top Performers

The second rank was claimed by Ananya Mishra, the only woman among the top 10 merit-holders, while Sovan Pattanaik secured the third position.

OPSC has clarified that the selection of candidates is provisional and contingent upon verification of original certificates by the appointing authorities.

—

### Official Notification and Congratulatory Messages

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi extended his congratulations to the successful candidates via a post on X, stating:

> “My heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to all who have succeeded in the Odisha Administrative Service Examination. Administrative service is a matter of pride and it plays an important role in the development trajectory of the state.
> I hope that you will work transparently, impartially, and with a people-oriented approach from the grassroots level for the development of the state.
> May your future career be bright, and I wish you progress in your professional life.”

—

This year’s results reflect an impressive performance by candidates across Odisha, highlighting the growing talent and commitment of young professionals like Priyansu Pal and Ananya Mishra. These promising individuals are set to contribute significantly to state governance and development at the grassroots level.

—

*For official details and notifications regarding the Odisha Civil Services Exam results, please visit the [OPSC website](#).*
https://www.freepressjournal.in/education/odisha-civil-services-exam-results-declared-priyansu-pal-secures-first-rank

Maharashtra Govt Announces ₹2,000 Diwali Gift For Anganwadi Workers & Helpers

Posted on by
Reply

Mumbai: The Maharashtra government has announced a special Diwali gift for anganwadi workers and helpers serving under the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme. Each worker and helper will receive Rs 2,000 as a token of appreciation, Women and Child Development Minister Aditi Tatkare said.

The government has sanctioned Rs 40.61 crore for this initiative, with a formal government resolution issued on Thursday.

Minister Tatkare emphasized the vital role anganwadi workers and helpers play in the care, nutrition, and overall development of women and children. She stated, “Anganwadi workers and helpers play a crucial role in the care, nutrition, and overall development of women and children. To acknowledge their dedicated service and add joy to the festive season, the state government has sanctioned this Bhau Beej gift. Every anganwadi worker and helper is a true strength of our society, and we endeavour to make their festival more joyful.”

The amount will soon be disbursed to the beneficiaries through the ICDS commissioner’s office. This decision is expected to bring festive cheer to thousands of anganwadi workers and helpers across Maharashtra, making their Diwali celebrations brighter, the minister added.

(Note: Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by FPJ’s editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.)
https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/maharashtra-govt-announces-2000-diwali-gift-for-anganwadi-workers-helpers

Finance Ministry Issues Advisory To RBI & Other Financial Institutions To Stop Wasteful Expenses Like Festival Gifts To Curb Non-Essential Expenditure

Posted on by
Reply

**Finance Ministry Advises Against Festival Gifts to Promote Fiscal Discipline Ahead of Diwali**

*New Delhi:* Ahead of Diwali, the Finance Ministry has issued an advisory to all financial institutions, including the Reserve Bank of India, urging them to stop wasteful expenditure such as festival gifts. This move aims to promote fiscal discipline and curb non-essential spending.

Citing an advisory from the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE), the Department of Financial Services (DFS) has directed entities under its administrative control to adhere to this guideline, sources confirmed.

The advisory emerges at a time when the government is actively trying to boost consumption and encourage public spending. Earlier this year, as part of Budget 2025-26, the government provided income tax relief targeting the middle class to stimulate consumption.

Additionally, the government has reduced the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on approximately 375 items through the next-generation GST 2.0 reforms. These reduced rates came into effect from September 22.

According to government estimates, the combined impact of the tax rate cuts and GST 2.0 reforms is expected to add around Rs 2.2 lakh crore to India’s GDP, which is approaching the USD 4 trillion mark. These measures also help mitigate the effects of a steep 50 percent tariff imposed last month by the U.S. Administration on shipments from India.

As part of these efforts, the government is also celebrating the GST Bachat Utsav across the country.

Government-run institutions are among the largest consumers and significantly influence demand, especially during festive seasons. However, the DFS, quoting the DPE advisory, has instructed that no expenditure should be incurred on gifts or related items for Diwali and other festivals by Ministries, Departments, and other organs of the Government of India.

The advisory emphasizes the importance of promoting fiscal prudence and responsible use of public resources. “It has been noticed that there is a prevailing practice of incurring expenditure on gifts on the occasion of Diwali and other festivals in certain Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs),” the DPE advisory dated September 19 stated.

“In the interest of economy and judicious utilization of public resources, it is imperative that such expenditure be discontinued. Accordingly, all CPSEs are requested not to incur expenditure on gifts, etc., for any festival,” the advisory added.

—

*Disclaimer: This story is from a syndicated feed. Only the headline has been edited.*
https://www.freepressjournal.in/business/finance-ministry-issues-advisory-to-rbi-other-financial-institutions-to-stop-wasteful-expenses-like-festival-gifts-to-curb-non-essential-expenditure

Senior Railway Board Officials Review Infrastructure Progress in Bengaluru Division

Posted on by
Reply

**Railway Board Conducts Key Infrastructure Review Meeting in Bengaluru Division**

A review meeting was held on Friday in the Bengaluru Division, led by senior officials from the Railway Board, to assess the status and progress of vital infrastructure projects in the region.

The meeting was chaired by Vikas Kumar, Executive Director (Public Grievances) to the Hon’ble Minister of Railways; S.M. Sharma, PEDME (Coaching), Railway Board; and Dhananjay Singh, EDPG to the Hon’ble Minister of State for Railways.

Officials conducted a detailed review of ongoing and proposed works, focusing on critical aspects such as land acquisition, project implementation timelines, and the elimination of level crossing (LC) gates to enhance safety and improve operational efficiency.

A significant topic discussed was the proposed Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Maintenance Depot at Thanisandra, Bengaluru. This facility is expected to support the upcoming Vande Bharat Sleeper variant trains by providing dedicated maintenance infrastructure.

The Railway Board officials also received updates on projects being undertaken by K-RIDE and deliberated on plans for the decongestion of KSR Bengaluru Station.

The meeting saw the participation of Ashutosh Kumar Singh, Divisional Railway Manager, Bengaluru Division; ADRMs Parikshit Mohan Puria and Praveen Kataraki; along with other senior officers from the division.

This collaborative review underscores the Railway Board’s commitment to advancing infrastructure development and operational efficiency in the Bengaluru region.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/corporate-gallery/senior-railway-board-officials-review-infrastructure-progress-in-bengaluru-division

Schumer coordinating shutdown strategy with liberal groups after caving before

Posted on by
Reply

Several liberal groups, including unions, the Progressive Change Campaign Committee, and MoveOn, told Axios they have met with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and his team weekly over the past two months. All have emphasized that a repeat of Schumer’s March concession would be unacceptable.

The progressive Democratic groups involved have welcomed the change in dynamics. “There has been more proactive communication from leadership to me; I would just call it the outside ecosystem,” MoveOn chief communications officer Joel Payne told Axios.

The battle lines that the grassroots of the party are drawing for the grasstops leadership are clear: “Hey, you’ve got to be willing to fight.”

Others took on a much different tone, sounding more threatening. One source familiar with the conversations told Axios that some groups have been using planned No Kings protests next month to their advantage. “You can either be a part of this movement or be irrelevant to it,” the source said they told Schumer’s team.

The liberal group Progress Action Fund told Axios it is paying six figures for an ad buy pushing Schumer to stand his ground in the government funding battle.

Schumer is being set up for a daunting task, as some in his caucus are reportedly already getting cold feet. The White House’s threats to lay off thousands of federal workers in retaliation for a government shutdown are leading some Democrats to consider breaking ranks, said Democratic sources familiar with the matter, according to
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/senate/3827347/schumer-coordinating-shutdown-strategy-with-liberal-groups-after-caving/

Southern States of Mississippi and Louisiana Go Back to Teaching the Basics in School – Now Lead Liberal States Like California in Literacy

Posted on by
Reply

Anyone who follows education news—or simply has children in public schools—knows that we are facing an education crisis in this country right now. Grade school students in multiple states cannot read or do math at grade level. The problem existed years ago, but school shutdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic made things even worse.

Now, some states in the South have discovered a solution: going back to basics and teaching foundational skills like phonics. It’s amazing—if you focus on teaching kids to read rather than prioritizing subjects like social justice and gender theory, they actually learn to read. Who knew?

Kelsey Piper writes at *The Argument* on Substack: *Illiteracy is a policy choice*.

This month, the Department of Education released its latest edition of the National Assessment of Educational Progress, the standardized tests better known as the Nation’s Report Card. The results have left me blazing with rage.

In my home state of California, for instance, only 30% of public school fourth graders can read proficiently. Fully 41% cannot even read at a basic level—which means they cannot truly understand and interpret written text at all. Eighth graders look almost as bad.

But scores are not slipping everywhere. In Mississippi, they have been rising year over year. The state recovered from a brief decline during COVID and has now surpassed its pre-COVID highs. Its fourth-grade students outperform California’s on average, even though California is richer, has a more educated population, and spends about 50% more per pupil.

The difference is most pronounced when you look at the most disadvantaged students. In California, only 28% of Black fourth graders read at or above a basic level, compared to 52% in Mississippi.

But it’s not just that Mississippi has raised the floor. It has also raised the ceiling. The state is one of the nation’s best performers when you look at students who are *not* economically disadvantaged.

And it’s not just Mississippi. Louisiana, Alabama, and Tennessee have adopted the same strategies to stem the bleeding experienced in other states—and they have seen significant improvements.

This is the part of the story that has gotten the most attention: teach phonics! And you should, indeed, teach phonics. But making schools adopt this approach took more than a mere nudge.

The Southern Surge states have used a combination of earmarked funding, guidance to districts, and outright mandates to accomplish universal adoption of phonics-based instruction.

When schools embrace topics like gender and social justice at the expense of basic and necessary skills like reading and math, they rob students of the learning they need to succeed in life.

Every school in America needs to return to the basics. It is an absolute crime for a young person to go through years of schooling only to emerge unable to read.

Southern states are showing the way—and it works.
https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2025/09/southern-states-mississippi-louisiana-go-back-teaching-basics/