Madhya Pradesh High Court Grants 6 Weeks for Union Carbide Waste Disposal
The Madhya Pradesh High Court has given the state government six weeks to ensure proper disposal of Union Carbide factory waste in accordance with safety guidelines. This follows the shift of waste, sealed in 12 containers, from the defunct factory in Bhopal to a disposal site in Pithampur, about 250 km away, on January 2, 2025. The court’s decision comes after the state's Advocate General Prashant Singh expressed concerns about unrest in Pithampur due to misinformation about the wa
Madhya Pradesh High Court Grants 6 Weeks for Union Carbide Waste Disposal
The Madhya Pradesh High Court has given the state government six weeks to ensure proper disposal of Union Carbide factory waste in accordance with safety guidelines. This follows the shift of waste, sealed in 12 containers, from the defunct factory in Bhopal to a disposal site in Pithampur, about 250 km away, on January 2, 2025. The court’s decision comes after the state's Advocate General Prashant Singh expressed concerns about unrest in Pithampur due to misinformation about the wa
Bangladesh Court Denies Bail to Hindu Monk Chinmoy Krishna Das in Sedition Case
A Bangladesh court on Thursday rejected the bail plea of Chinmoy Krishna Das, a prominent Hindu monk and spokesperson for the Bangladesh Sammilit Sanatan Jagran Jote. Das, who previously served as a leader in the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), was arrested on charges of sedition and other offenses. The Chattogram Metropolitan Sessions Judge Md Saiful Islam denied the bail request following a 30-minute hearing, which was held with heightened security. The bail petiti
Bangladesh Court Denies Bail to Hindu Monk Chinmoy Krishna Das in Sedition Case
A Bangladesh court on Thursday rejected the bail plea of Chinmoy Krishna Das, a prominent Hindu monk and spokesperson for the Bangladesh Sammilit Sanatan Jagran Jote. Das, who previously served as a leader in the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), was arrested on charges of sedition and other offenses. The Chattogram Metropolitan Sessions Judge Md Saiful Islam denied the bail request following a 30-minute hearing, which was held with heightened security. The bail petiti
US Treasury Confirms China-Backed Cyber Breach
The US Treasury Department confirmed that a China state-sponsored actor was responsible for a recent cyber breach, compromising its workstations and some unclassified documents. The incident occurred earlier this month when the actor gained access through a third-party cybersecurity provider, BeyondTrust. Once the breach was detected, Treasury swiftly contacted the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and began working with law enforcement to investigate the incident and assess
US Treasury Confirms China-Backed Cyber Breach
The US Treasury Department confirmed that a China state-sponsored actor was responsible for a recent cyber breach, compromising its workstations and some unclassified documents. The incident occurred earlier this month when the actor gained access through a third-party cybersecurity provider, BeyondTrust. Once the breach was detected, Treasury swiftly contacted the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and began working with law enforcement to investigate the incident and assess
K Vijayanand to Take Charge as Andhra Pradesh's New Chief Secretary
Andhra Pradesh is set to welcome its new Chief Secretary, K Vijayanand, who will assume the role on December 31. Vijayanand, an IAS officer from the 1992 batch, will replace Neerabh Kumar Prasad, who is retiring after reaching the age of superannuation. Neerabh Kumar Prasad had been serving as Chief Secretary since shortly after the Andhra Pradesh elections in June 2024. His retirement has led to the swift appointment of K Vijayanand, a highly respected and experienced IAS officer.
K Vijayanand to Take Charge as Andhra Pradesh's New Chief Secretary
Andhra Pradesh is set to welcome its new Chief Secretary, K Vijayanand, who will assume the role on December 31. Vijayanand, an IAS officer from the 1992 batch, will replace Neerabh Kumar Prasad, who is retiring after reaching the age of superannuation. Neerabh Kumar Prasad had been serving as Chief Secretary since shortly after the Andhra Pradesh elections in June 2024. His retirement has led to the swift appointment of K Vijayanand, a highly respected and experienced IAS officer.
Govt Likely to Announce Support for Small Businesses and Farmers in Budget
Ahead of the Union Budget 2025-26, the government is expected to introduce measures to aid small businesses, farmers, and the export sector. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman recently held her fourth pre-budget consultation, where she discussed key economic policies and priorities with stakeholders. Sources suggest that the government may announce tax relief for middle-class citizens to help revitalize the slowing economy, along with support for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
Govt Likely to Announce Support for Small Businesses and Farmers in Budget
Ahead of the Union Budget 2025-26, the government is expected to introduce measures to aid small businesses, farmers, and the export sector. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman recently held her fourth pre-budget consultation, where she discussed key economic policies and priorities with stakeholders. Sources suggest that the government may announce tax relief for middle-class citizens to help revitalize the slowing economy, along with support for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
India's Fiscal Policy Flexibility Ahead of 2025-26 Budget Amid Global Uncertainty
As India prepares for the Union Budget of 2025-26, the finance ministry has highlighted the need for flexibility in fiscal policy, given the ongoing global economic and geopolitical challenges. While the fiscal deficit for FY26 is expected to be below 4.5% of GDP, there are concerns over the ability to accurately project receipts and expenditures in the current uncertain environment. The global situation has worsened, with escalating conflicts, further complicating fiscal planning.
India's Fiscal Policy Flexibility Ahead of 2025-26 Budget Amid Global Uncertainty
As India prepares for the Union Budget of 2025-26, the finance ministry has highlighted the need for flexibility in fiscal policy, given the ongoing global economic and geopolitical challenges. While the fiscal deficit for FY26 is expected to be below 4.5% of GDP, there are concerns over the ability to accurately project receipts and expenditures in the current uncertain environment. The global situation has worsened, with escalating conflicts, further complicating fiscal planning.
Man in Chhattisgarh Fraudulently Claims Benefits Using Sunny Leone's Name
A shocking case of fraud has come to light in Chhattisgarh's Bastar region, where a man, Virendra Joshi, allegedly opened a bank account in the name of actress Sunny Leone and has been receiving Rs 1,000 every month under the Mahtari Vandan Yojana, a government scheme aimed at providing financial assistance to married women. The fraud was discovered in Talur village, raising serious concerns about the verification process and the accountability of officials handling the scheme.
Man in Chhattisgarh Fraudulently Claims Benefits Using Sunny Leone's Name
A shocking case of fraud has come to light in Chhattisgarh's Bastar region, where a man, Virendra Joshi, allegedly opened a bank account in the name of actress Sunny Leone and has been receiving Rs 1,000 every month under the Mahtari Vandan Yojana, a government scheme aimed at providing financial assistance to married women. The fraud was discovered in Talur village, raising serious concerns about the verification process and the accountability of officials handling the scheme.
Amazon Workers Strike Over Pay and Conditions Ahead of Christmas
Strike Overview: Thousands of Amazon warehouse workers across four U.S. states have gone on strike, demanding better pay, improved benefits, and safer working conditions. The strike, organized by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, affects seven Amazon facilities in Skokie, Illinois; New York City; Atlanta; San Francisco; and Southern California. The union claims to represent nearly 10,000 Amazo
Amazon Workers Strike Over Pay and Conditions Ahead of Christmas
Strike Overview: Thousands of Amazon warehouse workers across four U.S. states have gone on strike, demanding better pay, improved benefits, and safer working conditions. The strike, organized by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, affects seven Amazon facilities in Skokie, Illinois; New York City; Atlanta; San Francisco; and Southern California. The union claims to represent nearly 10,000 Amazo
US Government Faces Shutdown Ahead of Christmas Holiday
The US government is facing a potential shutdown as the Friday night deadline for passing a spending bill approaches. The shutdown, driven by political deadlock, could furlough around 875,000 federal workers while 1.4 million essential workers would continue without pay during the holiday season. Although essential services like air traffic control and law enforcement would remain operational, employees will not be paid immediately, though they typically receive retroactive compensation once
US Government Faces Shutdown Ahead of Christmas Holiday
The US government is facing a potential shutdown as the Friday night deadline for passing a spending bill approaches. The shutdown, driven by political deadlock, could furlough around 875,000 federal workers while 1.4 million essential workers would continue without pay during the holiday season. Although essential services like air traffic control and law enforcement would remain operational, employees will not be paid immediately, though they typically receive retroactive compensation once
Nitish Kumar Launches App to Report Road Issues in Bihar
On Thursday, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar launched a new mobile application, Hamara Bihar Hamari Sadak, aimed at enabling citizens to report poor road conditions in even the remotest areas of the state. The app was introduced at the Chief Minister's official residence, with Minister for Rural Works Ashok Choudhary and Chief Secretary Amrit Lal Meena also present for the occasion. The initiative is intended to utilize state-of-the-art technology for better maintenan
Nitish Kumar Launches App to Report Road Issues in Bihar
On Thursday, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar launched a new mobile application, Hamara Bihar Hamari Sadak, aimed at enabling citizens to report poor road conditions in even the remotest areas of the state. The app was introduced at the Chief Minister's official residence, with Minister for Rural Works Ashok Choudhary and Chief Secretary Amrit Lal Meena also present for the occasion. The initiative is intended to utilize state-of-the-art technology for better maintenan
Telangana Assembly Adjourned After BRS MLAs Protest Over Tourism Policy
The Telangana Assembly was adjourned on Monday after BRS MLAs raised slogans and disrupted the debate on the Telangana State Tourism Policy. The debate, which resumed after a tea break, was halted when opposition members continued to protest against the Congress government. In response to the disruption, Legislative Affairs Minister D. Sridhar Babu criticized the BRS legislators for not adhering to the rules and traditions of the House. Speaker G. Prasad Kumar intervened, directing
Telangana Assembly Adjourned After BRS MLAs Protest Over Tourism Policy
The Telangana Assembly was adjourned on Monday after BRS MLAs raised slogans and disrupted the debate on the Telangana State Tourism Policy. The debate, which resumed after a tea break, was halted when opposition members continued to protest against the Congress government. In response to the disruption, Legislative Affairs Minister D. Sridhar Babu criticized the BRS legislators for not adhering to the rules and traditions of the House. Speaker G. Prasad Kumar intervened, directing
Bangladesh’s Yunus Announces Elections Likely in Late 2025 or Early 2026
Bangladesh's interim leader, Muhammad Yunus, has confirmed that general elections will likely take place by the end of 2025 or in the first half of 2026. Yunus, who was appointed the country’s "chief adviser" after a student-led uprising in August toppled former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, is overseeing a temporary administration that is focused on restoring democratic institutions in the country. Yunus, 84, the Nobel Peace Prize-winning microfinance pioneer, h
Bangladesh’s Yunus Announces Elections Likely in Late 2025 or Early 2026
Bangladesh's interim leader, Muhammad Yunus, has confirmed that general elections will likely take place by the end of 2025 or in the first half of 2026. Yunus, who was appointed the country’s "chief adviser" after a student-led uprising in August toppled former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, is overseeing a temporary administration that is focused on restoring democratic institutions in the country. Yunus, 84, the Nobel Peace Prize-winning microfinance pioneer, h
British Indian Student Elected President of Cambridge Union Society
Anoushka Kale's Election as President Anoushka Kale, a 20-year-old English Literature student at Sidney Sussex College, University of Cambridge, has been elected as the president of the prestigious Cambridge Union Society for the Easter 2025 term. Kale won the election uncontested, receiving 126 votes. As the current Debates Officer for the society, she is recognized for her commitment to pro
British Indian Student Elected President of Cambridge Union Society
Anoushka Kale's Election as President Anoushka Kale, a 20-year-old English Literature student at Sidney Sussex College, University of Cambridge, has been elected as the president of the prestigious Cambridge Union Society for the Easter 2025 term. Kale won the election uncontested, receiving 126 votes. As the current Debates Officer for the society, she is recognized for her commitment to pro
Supreme Court Reprimands Delhi Officials Over Unpaid Dues to Workers
The Supreme Court of India has reprimanded senior bureaucrats in Delhi, including the Chief Secretary, for the delayed payment of dues to construction workers impacted by the city's construction ban aimed at reducing pollution. The court had ordered that workers should be compensated during the ban, which was imposed on November 18, but only partial payment had been made. The government had promised ₹8,000 to over 90,000 workers, but many had only received ₹2,000 as an immediate relie
Supreme Court Reprimands Delhi Officials Over Unpaid Dues to Workers
The Supreme Court of India has reprimanded senior bureaucrats in Delhi, including the Chief Secretary, for the delayed payment of dues to construction workers impacted by the city's construction ban aimed at reducing pollution. The court had ordered that workers should be compensated during the ban, which was imposed on November 18, but only partial payment had been made. The government had promised ₹8,000 to over 90,000 workers, but many had only received ₹2,000 as an immediate relie
Devendra Fadnavis to Take Oath as Maharashtra CM for Third Term
Devendra Fadnavis is poised to begin his third term as Maharashtra's Chief Minister, with an oath-taking ceremony scheduled for tomorrow at Azad Maidan in Mumbai. This follows a period of suspense over the leadership of the newly-formed BJP-led Mahayuti government, which secured a sweeping victory in the recent state elections. Today, the BJP core committee officially finalized Fadnavis as its choice for Chief Minister, bringing an end to the uncertainty surrounding the post. Hi
Devendra Fadnavis to Take Oath as Maharashtra CM for Third Term
Devendra Fadnavis is poised to begin his third term as Maharashtra's Chief Minister, with an oath-taking ceremony scheduled for tomorrow at Azad Maidan in Mumbai. This follows a period of suspense over the leadership of the newly-formed BJP-led Mahayuti government, which secured a sweeping victory in the recent state elections. Today, the BJP core committee officially finalized Fadnavis as its choice for Chief Minister, bringing an end to the uncertainty surrounding the post. Hi
Lokesh Proposes to Revive Mid-Day Meal Scheme in Junior Colleges
In its ongoing efforts to reform public policies, the NDA government has now turned its focus on the education sector. Following changes in policies related to sand and liquor, the government is now preparing to revive an initiative aimed at reducing student dropouts in government junior colleges. IT and Education Minister Nara Lokesh has announced plans to reinstate a government-funded mid-day meal scheme, initially introduced by the TDP in 2018. The program was designed to encoura
Lokesh Proposes to Revive Mid-Day Meal Scheme in Junior Colleges
In its ongoing efforts to reform public policies, the NDA government has now turned its focus on the education sector. Following changes in policies related to sand and liquor, the government is now preparing to revive an initiative aimed at reducing student dropouts in government junior colleges. IT and Education Minister Nara Lokesh has announced plans to reinstate a government-funded mid-day meal scheme, initially introduced by the TDP in 2018. The program was designed to encoura
Yoon Declares Emergency Martial Law Amid Budget Dispute
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared emergency martial law on Tuesday, accusing opposition lawmakers of undermining the state and threatening the stability of the nation’s governance. This move comes amid a fierce parliamentary conflict over the budget bill for the next fiscal year. The opposition Democratic Party has slashed key portions of the budget, including funds for national security, law enforcement, and Yoon's office, in a dispute that has paralyzed the legislative
Yoon Declares Emergency Martial Law Amid Budget Dispute
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared emergency martial law on Tuesday, accusing opposition lawmakers of undermining the state and threatening the stability of the nation’s governance. This move comes amid a fierce parliamentary conflict over the budget bill for the next fiscal year. The opposition Democratic Party has slashed key portions of the budget, including funds for national security, law enforcement, and Yoon's office, in a dispute that has paralyzed the legislative
Russia Approves Record Military Budget for 2025 Amid Ukraine War
Russian President Vladimir Putin has approved the country's 2025 budget, allocating $126 billion (13.5 trillion rubles) to national defence, which accounts for 32.5% of the total government spending. This marks a significant increase from last year’s budget, highlighting the ongoing strain the war in Ukraine has placed on Russia’s finances. The budget sets a new record, with military spending expected to account for over 6% of Russia's GDP. In contrast, expenditu
Russia Approves Record Military Budget for 2025 Amid Ukraine War
Russian President Vladimir Putin has approved the country's 2025 budget, allocating $126 billion (13.5 trillion rubles) to national defence, which accounts for 32.5% of the total government spending. This marks a significant increase from last year’s budget, highlighting the ongoing strain the war in Ukraine has placed on Russia’s finances. The budget sets a new record, with military spending expected to account for over 6% of Russia's GDP. In contrast, expenditu
Union Government’s Fiscal Deficit Reaches 46.5% of Target by October 2024
As of October 2024, the Union government's fiscal deficit for the financial year 2024-25 stands at 46.5% of the total budgetary target, amounting to Rs 7.5 lakh crore. This is in line with the government's fiscal consolidation strategy, which aims to bring down the fiscal deficit to 4.9% of GDP for the year, an improvement from the previous fiscal year's target of 5.6%. The fiscal deficit gap, which represents the difference between government expenditure and revenue, is
Union Government’s Fiscal Deficit Reaches 46.5% of Target by October 2024
As of October 2024, the Union government's fiscal deficit for the financial year 2024-25 stands at 46.5% of the total budgetary target, amounting to Rs 7.5 lakh crore. This is in line with the government's fiscal consolidation strategy, which aims to bring down the fiscal deficit to 4.9% of GDP for the year, an improvement from the previous fiscal year's target of 5.6%. The fiscal deficit gap, which represents the difference between government expenditure and revenue, is
Erik Solheim Slams US Allegations Against Adani Group as 'American Overreach'
Norwegian diplomat and former UN Environment Programme Executive Director Erik Solheim has strongly criticized the US government's recent report regarding the Adani Group, calling it a case of "American overreach." The report alleges that certain individuals linked to the Adani Group discussed bribes to secure solar energy contracts in India, but Solheim pointed out that the allegations lack evidence of actual bribe payments or involvement from the Adani Group’s top leader
Erik Solheim Slams US Allegations Against Adani Group as 'American Overreach'
Norwegian diplomat and former UN Environment Programme Executive Director Erik Solheim has strongly criticized the US government's recent report regarding the Adani Group, calling it a case of "American overreach." The report alleges that certain individuals linked to the Adani Group discussed bribes to secure solar energy contracts in India, but Solheim pointed out that the allegations lack evidence of actual bribe payments or involvement from the Adani Group’s top leader









