Category Archives: government

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

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**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.

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*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

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**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

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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

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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/

Maharashtra CM Fadnavis Hopes Navi Mumbai Airport Will Be Named After Late Leader D. B. Patil

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**CM Fadnavis Hopes Navi Mumbai International Airport Will Be Named After Late Leader D. B. Patil**

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has expressed optimism that the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport will be named in honor of the late leader D. B. Patil from the P&W party. Recently, the state government sent a formal proposal to the Union government to endorse this naming.

“I am confident that the Union government views the proposal positively and that the process is currently underway,” said CM Fadnavis. “I believe we can name the Navi Mumbai airport after D. B. Patil.”

**Naming Issue Sparks Local Protests**

However, the naming decision has become a political flashpoint within Navi Mumbai. Communities directly affected by the airport’s development—particularly the Agri-Koli population—have been advocating strongly for the airport to bear the name of their leader, D. B. Patil.

In recent weeks, these demands have been made visible through various rallies and protests. Notably, a bike rally led by NCP MP Suresh Mhatre was organized to highlight the community’s call for recognition.

**Remembering D. B. Patil’s Legacy**

D. B. Patil was a veteran leader known for his unwavering advocacy for project-affected people (PAPs). He earned widespread respect for his relentless efforts to ensure fair compensation for lands acquired during Navi Mumbai’s development.

One of his landmark achievements was the establishment of the 12.5% developed land scheme for PAPs, a milestone that continues to benefit many families.

As discussions continue, the proposal to name the airport after D. B. Patil remains a symbol of the broader struggle for justice and recognition among Navi Mumbai’s affected communities.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/maharashtra-cm-fadnavis-hopes-navi-mumbai-airport-will-be-named-after-late-leader-d-b-patil

Bihar Police Constable Result 2025 Declared For 19,838 Posts; What’s Next?

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**Bihar Police Constable Result 2025 Declared: Check Your Selection Status Now**

The Central Selection Board of Constable (CSBC) has announced the Bihar Police Constable Result 2025 for a total of 19,838 vacancies in Bihar Police and Bihar Special Armed Police. The result was released on Friday and is now available for download.

### Written Exam Overview

A total of 1,673,586 eligible candidates had applied for the Constable positions after removing cancelled and incomplete applications. The written examination was conducted at 627 centers across 38 districts of Bihar in six phases, from July 16 to August 3, 2025. Out of the total applicants, 1,330,121 candidates appeared for the exam.

### How to Check the Result

Candidates can download the result PDF from the official CSBC website at [csbc.bihar.gov.in](https://csbc.bihar.gov.in). It is important for candidates to verify their status carefully.

### Category-wise Posts Distribution

The total 19,838 posts are distributed among various categories as follows:

– General (GEN): 7,935
– Economically Weaker Section (EWS): 1,983
– Scheduled Castes (SC): 3,174
– Scheduled Tribes (ST): 199
– Extremely Backward Class (EBC): 3,571
– Backward Class (BC): 2,381
– Backward Class Women (BCW): 595

### What’s Next? Physical Tests (PET & PST)

Candidates who have qualified the written examination are now eligible to appear for the next phases — the Physical Endurance Test (PET) and Physical Standard Test (PST). CSBC advises all qualified candidates to:

– Thoroughly verify their names in the result list
– Keep track of the reporting dates
– Prepare the required documents for physical tests

### Stay Updated

For the latest updates on PET schedules, merit lists, and further selection processes, candidates should regularly check the official CSBC website.

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Stay tuned and ensure you complete all the upcoming formalities within the stipulated timelines to secure your place in Bihar Police.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/education/bihar-police-constable-result-2025-declared-for-19838-posts-whats-next

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis Meets PM Modi, Seeks Relief For Rain-Hit Farmers – VIDEO

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New Delhi: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday to seek assistance for farmers who have suffered losses due to the recent heavy rains that lashed the state.

Fadnavis handed over a memorandum to the Prime Minister and briefed him about the situation in Maharashtra following the heavy rainfall. “The Prime Minister asked the state government to send a proposal in this regard which will be considered constructively,” the Chief Minister told reporters.

He also highlighted that the BJP manifesto includes a commitment to waiving farmers’ loans, and the government is focused on making this promise more effective. “We will certainly fulfill the assurance of loan waiver given by us in the manifesto. A committee has been set up in this regard and it will decide on the loan waiver. A loan waiver cannot be done time and again, so the focus will be on how to make it more effective,” Fadnavis explained.

Addressing the concerns about loan repayment, he added that the loans taken for the kharif crop will have to be repaid next year. “The immediate concern of the farmers is help in their accounts. So it will be our priority to extend this help,” he said.

*Note: Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by FPJ’s editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.*

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For details on exclusive and budget-friendly property deals in Mumbai and surrounding regions, visit: [https://budgetproperties.in/](https://budgetproperties.in/)
https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/maharashtra-cm-devendra-fadnavis-meets-pm-modi-seeks-relief-for-rain-hit-farmers

Mumbai: NGT-Ordered Committee Finds Ashapura Meinchem Limited Guilty Of Severe Environmental Violations In Ratnagiri, Recommends Crores In Fines

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**Mumbai: National Green Tribunal Committee Highlights Severe Environmental Violations by Ashapura Meinchem Ltd. in Ratnagiri**

A committee constituted under the orders of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has released a report exposing major environmental violations committed by Ashapura Meinchem Ltd., a mining company operating in Rowle village, Ratnagiri. The investigation was initiated following a complaint lodged by Bhavesh Karekar, an engineer-turned-agriculturalist, who accused the company of illegal bauxite mining and causing significant environmental degradation in the area.

### Complaint Details

Bhavesh Karekar raised serious concerns about the company’s unregulated excavation activities, including:

– Illegal mining operations without the required permissions or No Objection Certificates (NOCs)
– Haphazard mining and crushing activities leading to severe environmental damage
– Depletion and contamination of groundwater resources in surrounding areas
– Uncontrolled air pollution due to mining without proper air quality monitoring
– Failure to conduct mandated plantation drives in the affected zones
– Damage to public roads caused by overloading of transport vehicles
– Significant structural damage to a public bridge over the Barja River, a critical evacuation route for mined materials
– Night-time mining operations, violating existing regulations

### Committee Findings

The committee’s report corroborated many of Karekar’s allegations and found that Ashapura Meinchem Ltd. had obtained Environmental Clearance (EC) based solely on subsurface mining rights for 228 hectares. However, the company did not hold agreements for surface rights over all the land involved.

Additionally, the report noted the company’s failure to adhere to conditions related to:

– Tree plantation requirements
– Mineral transportation protocols
– Operation of stone crushers without acquiring necessary consents from the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB)

### Concerns Regarding Infrastructure

The investigation also raised alarms about the Barja River bridge, which currently shows visible cracks and has limited load-bearing capacity. The committee recommended that the Public Works Department (PWD) and Regional Transport Office (RTO) conduct a thorough safety audit of the bridge. Until the audit is completed, the transportation of minerals via this bridge should be suspended to prevent further damage or potential accidents.

### Recommended Actions

The committee suggested strict punitive measures against Ashapura Meinchem Ltd. for non-compliance, including:

– Installation of CCTV cameras to closely monitor mining activities
– Maintenance and repair of public roads at the company’s expense, following the Polluter Pays Principle

### Environmental Compensation

Based on its findings, the committee recommended imposing substantial environmental compensation fees on the company, including:

– Rs. 1,74,60,000 for violations related to environmental regulations, such as insufficient tree plantation and illegal mining operations
– Rs. 26,73,600 for unauthorized groundwater extraction without obtaining the necessary NOC from the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA)

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This report underscores the urgent need for stricter regulatory oversight and stringent enforcement of environmental laws to curb illegal mining activities and protect the fragile ecosystem of Ratnagiri.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/mumbai-ngt-ordered-committee-finds-ashapura-meinchem-limited-guilty-of-severe-environmental-violations-in-ratnagiri-recommends-crores-in-fines

Man with No Medical Expertise Gives Pregnant Women Pain Advice

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This week, Emily Bazelon, John Dickerson, and David Plotz discuss how Donald Trump is using the powerful mechanisms of government prosecution to reverse-engineer crimes supposedly committed by his enemies. They also cover his diatribe against Tylenol at the disastrous press conference on autism, as well as the echoes of past Red Scares in today’s free speech climate.

Joining the conversation is historian Beverly Gage, author of the Pulitzer Prize-winning *G-Man: J. Edgar Hoover and the Making of the American Century*, who provides insight into these historical parallels.

—

### Notes and References from This Week’s Show

– Alan Feuer, Glenn Thrush, Maggie Haberman, and Devlin Barrett: *Trump’s DOJ Shut It Down*
– Paul Rosenzweig for *The Atlantic*: *A Most Profound Transgression*
– Andrew McCarthy for *National Review*: *Trump Proves to Be His Own Worst Enemy on Push for Payback Probes*
– David Frum for *The Atlantic*: *Trump Might Be Losing His Race Against Time*
– Lena H. Sun and Dan Diamond for *The Washington Post*: *Trump’s Escalating Attacks on Vaccines Shock Public Health Leaders*
– Megan Messerly, Tim Rohn, Dasha Burns, and Carmen Paun for *Politico*: *Trump’s Tylenol Diatribe Was Rooted in Frustration*
– Arthur L. Caplan for *STAT*: *Trump’s Antifa Executive Order Is Dangerously Vague*
– Ezra Klein for *The New York Times* (Opinion, *The Ezra Klein Show*): *Trump Is Building the Blue Scare*
– Renee DiResta and Clay Risen for *The Lawfare Podcast*: *Lawfare Daily: McCarthyism and Its Echoes in Modern Politics* (audio, 43 mins)

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### This Week’s Chatters

– **Emily:**
– Oliver Milman for *The Guardian*: “Hundreds plunge in Chicago River for first official swim in nearly 100 years”
– Chris Bentley for *WBUR*: “Swimmers race in the Chicago River for first time in nearly 100 years”

– **John:**
– *HGTV Magazine*: “Here’s the Story desk: Military intelligence: Ukraine hits drone factory in Russia’s Tatarstan”

—

### Slate Plus Bonus Episode

For this week’s Slate Plus bonus episode, Emily, John, and David discuss the debate around Trump’s new $100,000 fee for H-1B visa workers. Will it score points or be an own goal for U.S. jobs? Tune in to hear their insights.

—

### Gabfest Reads

In the latest Gabfest Reads, Emily talks with author and Yale professor Judith Resnik about her new book *Impermissible Punishments: How Prison Became a Problem for Democracy*. Their discussion explores the history of the prison system’s use of punishments like whipping, how the practice came to an end, and more.

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### Contact Us

Email your chatters, questions, and comments to gabfest@slate.com. (Messages may be referenced by name unless the writer stipulates otherwise.)

—

**Podcast production by:** Cheyna Roth
**Research by:** Emily Ditto

You can find the full Political Gabfest show pages [here](https://slate.com/political-gabfest).
https://slate.com/podcasts/political-gabfest/2025/09/politics-trump-and-rfk-jr-push-false-harmful-narratives-about-autism-and-tylenol?via=rss

MP Human Rights Commission To Remain Vacant After Acting Chairman Rajiv Tandon’s Tenure Ends On September 26

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**Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): MP Human Rights Commission Faces Vacancy Amid Growing Backlog**

The Madhya Pradesh Human Rights Commission (MPHRC) will have no members available to hear public grievances starting Saturday, as the tenure of acting chairman Rajiv Tandon ends on Friday. The post of chairman has remained vacant for an extended period, and with no members currently in the commission, public complaints risk going unheard.

In response to this situation, the state government has scheduled a meeting at 4 pm on September 29 to discuss new appointments to the commission. A committee responsible for these appointments includes the Chief Minister, Home Minister, Leader of the Opposition, and the Speaker. This committee will consider the appointment of the new chairman as well as two additional members.

Sources indicate that AP Singh, the Principal Secretary of the Vidhan Sabha, is a leading candidate for one of the commission’s member positions. Singh’s tenure at the Vidhan Sabha ends on September 30, and since he is not receiving an extension, he may be appointed to the Human Rights Commission.

While the committee may select the chairman and two members, the final number of appointments will depend on the committee’s decisions.

**Over 4,600 Complaints Pending**

The MP Human Rights Commission currently has over 4,600 pending complaints. Since the end of Manohar Mamtani’s tenure as chairman, no successor has been appointed. Rajiv Tandon, initially a member of the commission, was designated as acting chairman, but with him being the sole commission member, the backlog of cases has continued to grow.

The upcoming appointments are crucial to ensure that public grievances are addressed promptly and effectively by the MPHRC.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/bhopal/mp-human-rights-commission-to-remain-vacant-after-acting-chairman-rajiv-tandons-tenure-ends-on-september-26