Category Archives: government

Bihar Assembly Elections 2025 Might Prove To Be A Litmus Test For Many

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The Bihar assembly elections have been announced, and now all eyes are glued to the final result on November 14, when votes will be counted. The Bihar election is important for various reasons, not least because the credibility of the Election Commission (EC) is at stake. Regardless of the outcome, a serious debate is expected after the results are declared, questioning whether votes were polled and counted fairly, or if the result was manipulated to suit the interests of a particular party.

### The Crucial Role of the Election Commission

The role of the Election Commission has rarely been discussed as much as it is now, since the days when T.N. Seshan was the Chief Election Commissioner. Seshan is credited with transforming the EC into a powerful institution that refused to toe the government line. He gave the EC ferocious teeth to challenge big political parties, powerful prime ministers, and chief ministers, cleansing the electoral system during a time when elections often meant violence and destruction at polling booths.

Before the Bihar elections were announced, the Special Summary Revision (SSR) of the voters’ list had become a hot topic. The Opposition alleged that the entire exercise was designed to help the ruling NDA by deleting and adding names on the voters’ list to ensure a BJP/JDU victory. The SSR was challenged in the Supreme Court, which ordered the EC to announce reasons for the deletion of each of the 6.5 million names removed from the draft list.

The EC remained adamant about not using Aadhaar cards for voter verification but relented only after a stern Supreme Court order. Meanwhile, claims surfaced that foreigners’ names were included to favor the Opposition, yet, as of now, no evidence or arrests have confirmed these allegations. This turned out to be a hoax, further proving that the BJP’s purported use of Bangladeshi and Rohingya names was a tactic to polarize the elections.

### Upholding Election Integrity

In this election, the EC must prove that elections in India cannot be manipulated. Elections should not only be conducted fairly but must also be **seen** to be done fairly. Hence, more than the political parties, it is up to the EC to demonstrate impartiality and ensure its conduct is above suspicion. The SSR exercise was not intended to favor any party but to ensure a clean and accurate voters’ list.

This election is also very important for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP, as the Rahul Gandhi-led Opposition has accused them of manipulating the election through the EC. The BJP must prove that these accusations are baseless and that they win the election purely by voters’ choice. Even if the BJP loses, it should not be seen as an impediment to free and fair elections, thereby putting an end to the “vote chori” (vote theft) debate in future elections.

### Rahul Gandhi’s Rising Opposition Leadership

Rahul Gandhi has emerged as a formidable leader of the opposition since the 2024 parliamentary elections. He is shaping the political agenda, compelling the BJP to respond to campaigns like Save Constitution, the demand for a caste census, and now the Vote Chori allegations. Rahul is increasingly viewed as a serious challenger to Prime Minister Modi. According to the C-Voter survey, he is closing the popularity gap vis-à-vis Modi for the prime minister’s post.

However, since becoming the top leader of Congress, Rahul has lost more elections than he has won. He needs to prove that he can win elections too, and that the Congress’s improved seat tally in 2024 was no fluke. His Voter Adhikar Yatra has been a huge success, attracting massive crowds and energizing Congress cadres at the grassroots. Yet, whether this momentum will translate into votes remains to be seen.

### Tejashwi Yadav: The Mahagathbandhan’s Hope

Tejashwi Yadav narrowly missed victory in the 2020 Assembly elections. Despite being a greenhorn then, he courageously made unemployment the central theme of that election, forcing Modi and Nitish Kumar to work hard to retain power. Since then, Tejashwi has matured as a leader and is now the sole leader of the Mahagathbandhan alliance. Most surveys place him ahead of Nitish Kumar as the first choice for Chief Minister.

But can he actually win? This remains the million-dollar question.

### Nitish Kumar’s Final Battle

Twenty years is a long time in politics, and anti-incumbency has surely mounted against Nitish Kumar. He is trying to neutralize public anger by distributing money directly to women’s bank accounts—a strategy that worked in Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, and Maharashtra. Will this formula work again in Bihar?

This is likely Nitish’s last election. He appears frailer and seems to have lost some control over the administration due to his failing health. Speculations abound that he is only a front, with others running the government and the JDU. However, Nitish should not be underestimated. A maverick in Indian politics, he has survived and remained Chief Minister for two decades. Even now, he has the capacity to surprise his rivals and pull off extraordinary political maneuvers.

### Bihar at a Crossroad

Bihar has a rich history as the land of great empires but remains the poorest state in India today, with the lowest per capita income. Nearly 34% of households earn less than Rs 6,000 per month, and over 95% of the population does not own a vehicle.

Bihar desperately needs new thinking and fresh ideas to break free from the cycle of backwardness and poverty. Can this election demonstrate that Bihar votes on real issues rather than caste? Only time will tell.

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*The writer is Co-Founder of SatyaHindi.com and author of* Hindu Rashtra. *He tweets at* [@ashutosh83B](https://twitter.com/ashutosh83B).
https://www.freepressjournal.in/analysis/bihar-assembly-elections-2025-might-prove-to-be-a-litmus-test-for-many

配偶者の年金加算を縮小　共働き増加、年齢差夫婦…不公平との指摘考慮　厚労省、28年度から

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title: 配偶者の年金加算を縮小へ　共働き増加や年齢差夫婦の不公平指摘を考慮
date: 2025-10-09 06:00
categories: [社会, くらし]
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厚生労働省は、年下の配偶者を扶養している人の厚生年金の額を加算する「加給年金」を縮小する方針を示しました。これは、共働き世帯の増加や、夫が年上で妻が年下といった年齢差のある夫婦が受け取れる制度の公平性を欠くとの指摘を踏まえたものです。

加給年金は、現行制度で一定の要件を満たす配偶者がいる受給者に対して、その配偶者を扶養していることを条件に年金額を加算する制度です。しかし、近年の共働き世帯の増加や多様な家族形態の出現により、制度の見直しが必要とされています。

厚労省では、2028年度（2028年4月以降）から加給年金の縮小を段階的に実施する予定です。これにより、年齢差のある夫婦間や共働き世帯における年金受給の公平性を高めることが期待されています。

なお、本記事は有料会員限定の記事の内容に基づいており、全文の閲覧には会員登録が必要となります。
7日間の無料トライアルや、お得な年払いプランも用意されていますので、詳しくは公式サイトをご確認ください。

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#### 2028年度以降の配偶者加給年金のイメージ

（図や詳細が掲載される予定です）

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[有料会員限定記事]
クリップ機能は有料会員のみご利用いただけます。

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https://www.nishinippon.co.jp/item/1409137/

Mumbai News: BMC To Form Landscaping Committee For Reliance-Led Beautification Of 53 Hectares Along Coastal Road

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**Mumbai: BMC to Form Dedicated Landscaping Committee for Coastal Road Beautification Project**

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is set to appoint a dedicated **Landscaping Committee** tasked with evaluating and approving the design report submitted by Reliance Industries Ltd. (RIL) for beautifying 53 hectares of reclaimed land along the Mumbai Coastal Road.

### Role of the Landscaping Committee

Beyond design approvals, the committee will function as a single-window facilitator to ensure all necessary permissions for greening and landscaping works are obtained seamlessly and at no cost.

### Coastal Road Accessibility Updates

The entire stretch of the Coastal Road, from the Princess Street flyover at Marine Drive to the Worli end of the Bandra-Worli Sea Link (BWSL), has been open to traffic 24/7 since August 15. This includes 5.25 kilometers of the planned 7.5-km-long promenade and pedestrian underpasses (PUPs).

Simultaneously, Tata Sons Limited is undertaking the beautification of a 5-hectare central median along this arterial road.

### Reliance Industries’ Involvement

Reliance Industries was among five companies that responded to the BMC’s Expression of Interest (EOI) to develop 53 hectares of open spaces along the Coastal Road under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative.

RIL will also be responsible for the maintenance of the gardens, promenade, and pedestrian underpasses (PuPs) for the next 30 years. The proposal recently received final approval from Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani.

### Project Approval and Scope

A senior civic official stated, “With administrative approval in place, a Landscaping Committee will soon be formed to approve the design and serve as a single-window facilitator for obtaining all necessary permissions for the landscaping works.”

The Rs 400-crore project includes:

– Development and maintenance of gardens and parks
– Creation of cycle and pedestrian paths
– Landscaping and infrastructure upkeep including sewage treatment plants (STPs), lighting, CCTV, and security
– Maintenance of public utilities and signage
– Implementation of sustainable practices focusing on water conservation and environmental protection

### Impact of the Coastal Road

The Coastal Road is a 10.58-km, 8-lane expressway connecting Worli to Marine Drive, developed at a total cost of Rs 13,984 crore. This new route has significantly benefited motorists, reducing travel time between Bandra and Marine Drive to just 10-12 minutes.

According to the BMC, the road has reduced travel time by 70% and fuel consumption by 34%.

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For more details on exclusive and budget-friendly property deals in Mumbai and surrounding regions, visit: [Budget Properties](https://budgetproperties.in/)
https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/mumbai-news-bmc-to-form-landscaping-committee-for-reliance-led-beautification-of-53-hectares-along-coastal-road

Uttar Pradesh News: Lucknow Police Commissionerate Upgrades Wireless Network, Connects All Stations And Beat Constables

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**Lucknow Police Commissionerate First in UP to Upgrade Wireless Communication Network**

Lucknow: The Lucknow Police Commissionerate has become the first in Uttar Pradesh to connect all police stations and beat constables through an upgraded wireless communication network, significantly enhancing law enforcement coordination across the city.

**Details of the Upgrade**

Previously, the static wireless sets at police stations had a limited range of only three kilometres, while handheld devices operated within just one kilometre. According to DG Telecom Ashutosh Pandey, a total of 1,765 wireless sets have been upgraded, which includes 623 static units and 1,142 handheld devices.

The most notable improvement in the system comes from increasing the number of repeater devices across the city from two to eight. Additionally, all wireless sets have been reprogrammed to operate on a unified network, ensuring seamless connectivity among all police units.

**Enhanced Coordination and Response**

“This upgrade removes earlier communication gaps between distant police units,” said Pandey. He highlighted that now, even police stations located as far apart as BKT and Banthra—roughly 33 kilometres away from each other—can communicate directly via wireless.

Officials explained that the new system will significantly improve coordination and speed up response times. Beat constables can instantly relay crime or emergency information to their respective stations and senior officers, facilitating quicker action.

Furthermore, the direct communication link will aid in better management during public events and law-and-order situations, making police operations more efficient and effective.

**Next Phase in Mathura**

Following Lucknow’s success, the upgraded wireless communication system is slated for implementation in Mathura next. This comes at a crucial time as frequent crowd gatherings in Mathura often lead to disruptions in mobile networks, hindering effective communication.

The deployment of the new system is expected to enhance the police force’s ability to maintain public safety and order during such events.

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*Also Watch: Next Phase in Mathura*
https://www.freepressjournal.in/uttar-pradesh/uttar-pradesh-news-lucknow-police-commissionerate-upgrades-wireless-network-connects-all-stations-and-beat-constables

PM Narendra Modi’s Special Message Ahead Of Inaugurating Navi Mumbai Airport & Metro 3 Line; Here’s What He Said

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday reiterated his government’s focus on improving Mumbai’s infrastructure and enhancing the Ease of Living, as he prepared to inaugurate two of the city’s most significant projects: Phase 1 of the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) and the final phase of Mumbai Metro Line 3.

Taking to X, the Prime Minister wrote, “On the way to Navi Mumbai to take part in the programme marking the inauguration of Phase-1 of the Navi Mumbai International Airport. With this, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region will get its second major international airport, thus boosting commerce and connectivity. The final phase of the Mumbai Metro Line-3 will also be inaugurated. We are committed to enhancing Mumbai’s infrastructure and boosting Ease of Living for the people of this dynamic city.”

Speaking about the inauguration of Mumbai Metro, he added, “Phase 2B of the Mumbai Metro Line-3 is a significant enhancement to Mumbai’s infrastructure! Metro connectivity is essential for a city’s growth. This project will have a positive impact on the lives of the people of Mumbai.”

### Navi Mumbai International Airport: India’s Largest Greenfield Aviation Project

Developed at an estimated cost of ₹19,650 crore, the Navi Mumbai International Airport represents a major step in India’s journey towards becoming a global aviation hub. Built under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, it is India’s largest Greenfield airport project and the second international airport for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.

Spread over 1,160 hectares, NMIA has been designed for maximum efficiency, with the capacity to handle 90 million passengers and 3.25 million metric tonnes of cargo annually. The airport will feature an Automated People Mover (APM) connecting all four passenger terminals for smooth inter-terminal transfers, along with another landside APM linking city-side facilities.

Environmentally conscious in design, NMIA incorporates Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) storage, 47 MW of solar power generation, and electric bus services for city-wide connectivity. It will also become India’s first airport connected by a Water Taxi service, enhancing accessibility while reducing carbon emissions.

### Metro Line 3: Mumbai’s First Fully Underground Metro

Alongside the airport inauguration, PM Modi will also inaugurate Phase 2B of Mumbai Metro Line 3, stretching from Acharya Atre Chowk to Cuffe Parade. Built at an estimated cost of ₹12,200 crore, this milestone will allow the Prime Minister to dedicate the entire Mumbai Metro Line 3 (Aqua Line) to the nation.

Constructed at a total cost of over ₹37,270 crore, this project marks a monumental leap in Mumbai’s urban mobility network. The city’s first fully underground metro line, Metro 3 is expected to transform daily commuting by providing faster, cleaner, and more efficient travel between North and South Mumbai.

By connecting major business, residential, and transport hubs, Metro Line 3 promises to ease congestion, reduce pollution, and redefine public transport for millions of Mumbaikars.

*Text: Kamal Mishra*
https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/pm-narendra-modi-special-message-ahead-of-inaugurating-navi-mumbai-airport-metro-3-line-heres-what-he-said

EPFO Cracks Down On Corruption, New Guidelines Alert Staff & Subscribers – Here’s What You Need To Know

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**EPFO Takes Strong Action to Curb Corruption and Improve Services**

**New Delhi:** The Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has announced a major initiative to eliminate corruption within its system. This step follows numerous complaints on social media, where users alleged that certain EPFO officials were demanding bribes to process PF claims.

Many users reported that their applications were rejected without explanation, while others claimed that work only progressed after paying money under the table.

In a firm statement shared on X (formerly Twitter), EPFO reiterated its zero-tolerance policy towards bribery and corruption. The organization emphasized that all services are completely free, and no one should pay even a single rupee to get their work done.

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### How to File a Complaint if Asked for a Bribe

EPFO has advised individuals who are asked to pay a bribe for services such as claim settlement, registration, or any other assistance to immediately file a complaint. Complaints can be submitted to the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) or the Chief Vigilance Officer (CVO) of EPFO.

The organization has warned that strict action will be taken against any employee caught demanding or accepting bribes.

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### Where and How to Complain?

To make it easier for users, EPFO has provided clear complaint options:

– **Online:** File a complaint through the official portal at [www.portal.cvc.gov.in](https://www.portal.cvc.gov.in)
– **Offline:** Send a complaint letter via courier to the postal address mentioned in EPFO’s official social media announcement.

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### Major Changes Recently Made in EPFO

EPFO has introduced several significant changes aimed at making its services faster and smoother:

– **Instant Withdrawals:** Users can now withdraw up to Rs 1 lakh instantly using UPI or ATM, which proves helpful during emergencies.
– **Auto-Settlement Limit Increased:** The auto-settlement limit for claims has been raised from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 5 lakh. This means smaller claims will be processed automatically without needing physical verification.
– **Reduced Documentation:** The number of documents required for PF withdrawal has been reduced from 27 to just 18, shortening the processing time to only 3–4 days.
– **Higher Withdrawal for Home Purchase:** Members with more than 3 years of employment can now withdraw up to 90% of their PF balance for buying a house or paying EMIs.

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### EPFO 3.0: The Upcoming Upgrade

A new version of the EPFO system, **EPFO 3.0**, is set to launch soon. It will bring several new features including:

– Integration of UPI payments
– A dedicated mobile app
– ATM card withdrawals
– Real-time service tracking

These enhancements aim to provide a better, more transparent user experience for all EPFO members.

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Stay tuned for more updates, and remember: EPFO services are free, and any demand for bribes should be reported immediately.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/business/epfo-cracks-down-on-corruption-new-guidelines-alert-staff-subscribers-heres-what-you-need-to-know

Kerala High Court Slams Centre Over Refusal To Waive Loans For 2024 Wayanad Landslide Victims

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Kochi: The Kerala High Court on Wednesday expressed strong disappointment with the Central government over its refusal to waive loans of people affected by the 2024 Wayanad landslides.

The disaster, which occurred on July 30, 2024, decimated four villages, injured hundreds, claimed over 200 lives, and left 32 people still missing.

A Division Bench of the High Court criticised the Union government for what it described as “bureaucratic babble” and a failure to stand by the citizens of Kerala in a time of crisis.

During the hearing, the Bench told the Central government’s counsel, “Please tell the Union Government it has failed the people of Kerala. We had made it very clear that it is not a situation where the Union is powerless to act. By this affidavit, you’ve again shown that you are hiding behind this argument of powerlessness. Why is that being done?”

The Bench was responding to the Centre’s contention that there is no legal provision for waiving bank loans for natural disaster victims.

“This is just bureaucratic babble. It is not about whether the Union can act, but whether they are willing to act. If you are unwilling, have the courage to say it. Who are you trying to fool?” they asked.

The Court further emphasised that the government should be transparent about its position.

“Please tell your government that these kinds of tactics are not going to carry the day. If they have the courage, let them say that they are not willing to help. At least the people should know that in moments like these, the Union government has failed them,” said the court.

“Having said all this, we can’t be behaving like them. Our sense of Constitutional morality requires us to respect in regard the principle of separation of powers and therefore, we will not issue directions to the Union government. That is because of our magnanimity and as a body, an integral part of the State, which respects the Constitution. Enough is enough. We don’t need the Union’s charity,” it remarked.

The Court thereafter asked for a list of banks and financial institutions controlled by the Union.

It also noted that, as far as some of the state government-controlled banks are concerned, the loans are waived off.

Noting banks such as Bank of Baroda, Canara Bank, and some others, the Bench orally observed that it would implead those banks and issue notices to them while staying the recovery action for the time being.

“We will give them the opportunity to seek a modification of this interim order after filing a counter-affidavit, where they will say whether or not they will waive or not the entire loan. If they are not going to waive the loan, either entirely or partially, then let them give reasons as to why they are insisting on this despite this calamitous situation,” the court added.

The case was posted for further hearing after two weeks.

*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/india/kerala-high-court-slams-centre-over-refusal-to-waive-loans-for-2024-wayanad-landslide-victims

Good News For IRCTC Users! Indian Railways To Allow Free Date Change For Online Tickets From January 2026, Says Report

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New Delhi: The Indian Railways is set to introduce a passenger-friendly feature allowing travelers to modify the travel date of confirmed online tickets without any additional fees. This move aims to make online ticketing more flexible and convenient. However, this change will come into effect only from January 2026, and not during the current festive season, according to reports.

### Free Date Modification for Online Tickets

A senior railway ministry official informed News18 that the Minister’s office has issued directions to enable free date modification for online tickets, with final details currently being worked out.

“The new system is likely to be implemented from January 2026 and will apply to tickets booked online,” the official said.

Passengers will have the option to change their travel date for the same origin and destination. However, seat confirmation on the new date will depend on availability.

“If you modify a confirmed ticket, there is no guarantee that you will get a confirmed seat for the new date. Confirmation will be subject to availability,” the official added.

In cases where the fare for the new travel date is higher, passengers will be required to pay the fare difference. The ministry is expected to clarify soon whether changing the class of travel will be permitted under this new system.

### Part of Wider Ticketing Reforms

Currently, passengers who wish to change their travel date must cancel their confirmed online ticket and rebook a new one, often incurring cancellation charges of up to 50%. The upcoming feature will simplify this process by allowing direct date changes without the need to re-enter passenger details.

This reform is part of a broader initiative by Indian Railways to modernize and simplify its digital services. With over 80% of tickets now booked through the IRCTC platform, officials believe this feature will significantly reduce cancellations and refund requests.

### Other Recent Measures

In recent months, the railway ministry has also introduced several other measures to improve transparency and accessibility:

– From October 1, only Aadhaar-authenticated users can book general reservation tickets during the first 15 minutes of the booking window.
– Last year, the advance reservation period for train bookings was reduced from 120 days to 60 days to better reflect genuine travel demand.

These initiatives reflect Indian Railways’ ongoing commitment to enhancing the passenger experience through technology and streamlined processes.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/good-news-for-irctc-users-indian-railways-to-allow-free-date-change-for-online-tickets-from-january-2026-says-report

NASHVILLE GOES DARK

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The government shutdown has caused another major air traffic control tower to go dark, leaving no one available to direct planes due to staffing shortages. Nashville’s air traffic approach control is expected to remain dark until after midnight, resulting in significant flight delays and ground stops.

According to the FAA’s website, the ground delay has already backed up flights by more than two hours at Nashville International Airport (BNA). BNA officials noted that the FAA informed them this reduction in manpower “will remain in effect until further notice.” All airlines have been notified of the slowdown, and travelers are advised to check the status of their flights with their airlines before arriving at the airport.

On Monday, a dozen facilities experienced staffing shortages, including Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy attributed some of these issues to many air traffic control workers calling out sick. “If we see there are issues in the tower that are affecting controllers’ ability to effectively control the airspace, we’ll reduce the rate, and you’ll see more delays or you might see a cancellation,” Duffy said.

Another major hub facing travel disruptions due to the government shutdown is Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport. The FAA announced a ground delay there starting at 7 p.m. ET and lasting until midnight. O’Hare, one of the busiest airports in the US and the world, handles over 80 million passengers annually and thousands of flights daily.

According to Axios, O’Hare has been experiencing staffing shortages and is expected to remain understaffed in its air traffic control tower for most of the day. FlightAware’s “Misery Map” tracks delayed flights at US airports and highlights travel hubs particularly impacted by the shutdown. So far, O’Hare has seen the most delays Tuesday afternoon, postponing over 60 flights since 2 p.m. ET.

These new travel headaches come less than a day after air traffic control towers at Hollywood Burbank Airport in California were left unmanned for hours due to the ongoing shutdown.

When The Daily Mail requested a comment from the White House on Monday, they received an automatic reply blaming Democrats for the shutdown. The message read: “Due to staff shortages resulting from the Democrat Shutdown, the typical 24/7 monitoring of this press inbox may experience delays.”

Despite the widespread delays, flight cancellations have so far been kept to a minimum nationwide, with only 61 flights into and out of the US cancelled on Tuesday.

Nick Daniels, President of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA), called for an immediate end to the shutdown during Duffy’s news conference. NATCA represents over 20,000 air traffic controllers and reports that many members have been working 10-hour shifts, six days a week. The shutdown has further strained these vital workers by furloughing support staff and suspending support programs.

Some major airports were already dealing with staffing shortages before Congress failed to pass a new spending bill on October 1. Newark Liberty International Airport, for example, has been plagued by staffing issues and dangerous radar blackouts throughout the year.

As the shutdown continues, travelers are urged to stay informed and prepare for possible delays at several key US airports.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-15171553