Category Archives: government

RRB NTPC Graduate Level CBT 2 Exam City Slip 2025 Released At rrb.gov.in; Exam On October 13

RRB NTPC Graduate Level CBT 2 Exam City Slip 2025

The Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) have released the notification slip for the RRB NTPC Graduate Level CBT 2 Exam 2025 city allotment. Candidates who are scheduled to appear for the second stage computer-based test (CBT 2) can now download their exam city slip from the official website of their respective regional RRBs.

Exam Date: The CBT 2 exam is expected to be conducted on October 13, 2025.

Vacancy Details for RRB NTPC Graduate Level CBT 2 Exam 2025

  • Total Vacancies: 8,113 (Graduate Level Posts)
  • Chief Commercial cum Ticket Supervisor – 1,736 vacancies
  • Station Master – 994 vacancies
  • Goods Train Manager – 3,144 vacancies
  • Junior Account Assistant cum Typist – 1,507 vacancies
  • Senior Clerk cum Typist – 732 vacancies

How to Download the RRB NTPC Graduate Level CBT 2 Exam City Slip 2025

Follow these simple steps to download your exam city slip:

  1. Visit the official website of your regional Railway Recruitment Board (RRB).
  2. On the homepage, find and click on the link titled RRB NTPC Graduate Level CBT 2 Exam 2025 city intimation slip.
  3. Enter your login credentials (such as registration number and date of birth) on the new page that opens.
  4. Click the Submit button.
  5. Your exam city notification slip will be displayed on the screen.
  6. Download and carefully review the slip for all exam-related details.
  7. Take a printout of the slip and keep it safe for future reference on the exam day.

RRB NTPC Graduate Level CBT 2 Exam Pattern

  • Total Number of Questions: 120
  • Exam Duration: 90 minutes
  • Marking Scheme: Each question carries 1 mark
  • Sections:
    • General Awareness
    • Mathematics
    • General Intelligence and Reasoning
  • Negative Marking: One-third (1/3) mark will be deducted for each incorrect answer

For further information and updates, candidates are advised to regularly check the official website of their respective RRB.

https://www.freepressjournal.in/education/rrb-ntpc-graduate-level-cbt-2-exam-city-slip-2025-released-at-rrbgovin-exam-on-october-13

CCPA Fines Drishti IAS ₹5 Lakh For Misleading Ads On UPSC Civil Services Examination 2022 Results

New Delhi: The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has imposed a penalty of Rs 5 lakh on Drishti IAS (VDK Eduventures Pvt Ltd) for publishing misleading advertisements regarding the results of the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2022.

According to a statement from the Consumer Affairs Ministry, Drishti IAS claimed in its advertisement that it had “216+ selections in UPSC CSE 2022,” along with displaying the names and photographs of successful candidates. However, the CCPA’s investigation found this claim to be misleading, as it concealed crucial information about the type and duration of courses these candidates had opted for.

The probe revealed that out of the 216 candidates claimed by Drishti IAS, 162 candidates (75 percent) had only taken the free Interview Guidance Programme (IGP) offered by the institute, having independently cleared the Preliminary and Mains stages of the UPSC CSE. Only 54 students were enrolled in IGP and other paid courses.

This deliberate concealment misled aspirants and parents into believing that Drishti IAS was responsible for the candidates’ success at all stages of the examination. Such advertisement falls under the category of misleading advertisements as defined under Section 2(28) of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.

This is the second time the CCPA has imposed a penalty on Drishti IAS for similar misconduct. In September 2024, the authority had penalized the institute Rs 3 lakh for misleading claims of “150+ selections in UPSC CSE 2021.” At that time, Drishti IAS submitted details of 161 candidates, exceeding its claim. However, out of these, 148 were enrolled only in the IGP, seven in the Mains Mentorship Program, four in the GS Foundation Program, one in the Optional Course, and details of one candidate were not mentioned.

Despite previous penalties and warnings, Drishti IAS repeated the same practice for the 2022 results by increasing its claim to “216+ selections,” demonstrating repeated non-compliance and disregard for consumer protection norms. The concealment of such vital information deprived students and parents of their right to make informed choices, as protected under Section 2(9) of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.

The ministry highlighted that such misleading advertisements create false expectations and unfairly influence consumer decisions, especially when large claims are made without transparent disclosure of facts.

So far, the CCPA has issued 54 notices to various coaching institutes for misleading advertisements and unfair trade practices. Penalties totaling over Rs 90.6 lakh have been imposed on 26 coaching institutes, along with directions to discontinue such misleading claims.

The authority emphasized that all coaching institutes must strictly ensure truthful disclosure in their advertisements to enable students to make fair and informed decisions about their academic choices.

(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/education/ccpa-fines-drishti-ias-5-lakh-for-misleading-ads-on-upsc-civil-services-examination-2022-results

Maharashtra Receives ₹6,418 Crore As Additional Tax Devolution From Centre

The Central Government has released an additional installment of tax devolution totaling Rs 1,01,603 crore to state governments across India. Of this amount, Maharashtra has received Rs 6,418 crore. The funds have been transferred as an advance installment to help states accelerate capital expenditure and meet welfare-related commitments.

**Boost for Development and Welfare**

This release comes over and above the regular monthly devolution of Rs 81,735 crore, which is scheduled for October 10, 2025, according to the Finance Ministry. The advance is expected to provide states with the fiscal space to speed up ongoing infrastructure projects, enhance liquidity, and ensure the timely rollout of welfare programmes.

For Maharashtra, which has lined up multiple developmental and social sector initiatives, the additional funds are seen as a timely boost to strengthen welfare delivery and developmental activities.

**Maharashtra Leadership Responds**

Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who also holds the Finance and Planning portfolio, confirmed the receipt of the funds. He expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for extending financial support.

“With the upcoming festival season, and to enable the state to ramp up capital expenditure and provide adequate funding for our welfare and development schemes, this amount will undoubtedly prove beneficial for Maharashtra,” Pawar said.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/maharashtra-receives-6418-crore-as-additional-tax-devolution-from-centre

45 Elon Musk DOGE staff still on White House payroll and exempt from shutdown

Forty-five employees of Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) remain on the White House payroll despite the Tesla CEO’s exit in May, and they are not being furloughed under the current government shutdown.

This fact appears in a memo released on Thursday by the White House Office of Administration, which lays out who stays and who goes while Congress stalls on funding. It shows a clear picture: DOGE staff keep working while many other government workers sit at home without pay.

The memo does not say why these 45 DOGE workers are untouched, but their status stands out as other White House offices shrink. It also reveals how President Donald Trump is handling this shutdown differently from 2018. Trump has furloughed 514 fewer staffers this time than in the last shutdown under his watch.

In that earlier plan, which former President Joe Biden had also approved but never had to use, about 61% of the Executive Office of the President was temporarily laid off. This current plan hits only 32% of the staff. The result is that far more staffers remain on the job, but Trump is openly saying he wants to lay off federal workers outright instead of just sending them home temporarily. According to the White House, these cuts could reach the thousands.

### Trump Keeps DOGE Running During Shutdown

Among the offices still running at full capacity is DOGE, which Elon once led as a cost-cutting operation before falling out with Trump over the president’s deficit-expanding tax cut bill. Elon’s departure in May came with a White House statement saying DOGE had been decentralized, meaning its teams across the government would report to their agency heads instead of a single leader. But the shutdown plan proves otherwise.

It shows that 45 DOGE staffers still work in the US DOGE Service, a unit inside the Executive Office of the President. The memo, signed by Joshua Fisher, director of the White House Office of Administration, does not say why DOGE staffers escaped furloughs.

However, the US Digital Service—which preceded DOGE—had a history of staying open during past shutdowns because it had its own source of funding from fees charged to other agencies. This background raises questions about whether DOGE also benefits from a separate funding stream. For now, though, the memo just notes their exemption without an explanation.

### Fewer Furloughs in Other White House Offices

Other White House divisions also show big changes compared with 2018. The Office of Management and Budget now keeps 437 employees on duty, far more than the 161 retained under the earlier plan. A tax cut law known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill” gave the budget office $100 million in long-term funding, which may help explain the difference.

The White House Office, which covers the president’s immediate staff, keeps 175 aides on the job now, compared with 156 during the last shutdown. Even the executive residence staff almost doubles to 40 retained workers under Trump’s plan.

At the same time, Trump officials signal they will use this funding lapse to cut or close programs they oppose, especially in states that voted for his opponent last year. The White House has threatened to fire thousands of federal employees permanently in the coming days, blaming the lack of congressional funding.

The White House press office also reportedly stayed silent when asked for comment by reporters, sending only an automated out-of-office reply. That message read:

> “Due to staff shortages resulting from the Democrat Shutdown, the typical 24/7 monitoring of this press inbox may experience delays. Thank you for your attention to this matter.”

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https://bitcoinethereumnews.com/finance/45-elon-musk-doge-staff-still-on-white-house-payroll-and-exempt-from-shutdown/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=45-elon-musk-doge-staff-still-on-white-house-payroll-and-exempt-from-shutdown

JPSC JET 2024: Registration Window Closes Soon; Check Application Fees & Other Details Here

JPSC JET Registration 2024

The Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) will soon conclude the registrations for the Jharkhand Eligibility Test (JET) 2024. Eligible candidates can apply for the exam on the official website of JPSC at jpsc.gov.in till October 6, 2025. The last date to pay the application fee is October 7, 2025. Additionally, the application correction window will be open from October 8 to 10, 2025.

Application Fees

The application fee for JPSC JET 2024 is as follows:

  • Rs. 575 for Unreserved (UNR) candidates
  • Rs. 300 for BC-I, BC-II, and EWS categories
  • Rs. 150 for SC, ST, PwBD, and Third Gender candidates

JPSC JET 2024: Exam Pattern

The examination will be conducted in OMR (pen and paper) mode only and will comprise two objective-type multiple-choice papers with no break in between.

  • Paper I: Contains 50 questions carrying 100 marks. This paper is designed to test teaching and research aptitude, reasoning ability, reading comprehension, divergent thinking, and general awareness.
  • Paper II: Contains 100 questions carrying 200 marks. This paper focuses on the subject selected by the candidate to assess domain knowledge.

The total duration of the test is 3 hours (180 minutes), and all questions are compulsory.

Read the official notification here

How to Apply for JPSC JET 2024?

Follow the steps below to register for the JPSC JET 2024:

  1. Visit the official website of JPSC at jpsc.gov.in.
  2. Click on the JET 2024 link available on the homepage.
  3. Register yourself by providing the required details.
  4. Fill out the application form carefully, make the payment, and then submit the form.
  5. Download the submitted application form and take a printout for future reference.

Marking Scheme

The marking scheme for JPSC JET 2024 is as follows:

  • Each question carries 2 marks.
  • Candidates will earn full marks for every correct response.
  • There is no negative marking for wrong answers.
  • No marks will be awarded for unattempted questions.
  • To answer each question, candidates must choose one correct option.

In case a question is ambiguous or has multiple correct answers, credit will be given to candidates who selected one of the correct options. If a question is found to be incorrect and dropped from the paper, it will not be counted in the final scoring.

https://www.freepressjournal.in/education/jpsc-jet-2024-registration-window-closes-soon-check-application-fees-other-details-here

UP Panchayat Elections 2026: OBC Reservation Commission Delay May Postpone Polls

**Lucknow:** The three-tier panchayat elections in Uttar Pradesh, scheduled for April-May 2026, may face delays due to the non-formation of a dedicated commission for Other Backward Class (OBC) reservation.

The tenure of the Gram Panchayats, Kshetra Panchayats, and Zila Panchayats ends on May 26, July 19, and July 11 next year, respectively. This means the elections are required to be held before these dates. However, similar to the municipal elections, the OBC reservation formula needs to be finalized prior to conducting the polls.

### Role of Proposed Commission

The proposed commission is tasked with studying the socio-economic and political status of OBCs in the state. Based on this study, it will submit its recommendations to the government. According to a Supreme Court ruling, OBC reservation cannot be implemented without such a report.

### Timeline Challenges

Sources indicate that the commission will need to conduct district visits and may require up to six months to prepare its report. This duration raises the likelihood of postponing the elections.

A Panchayati Raj official confirmed that the proposal for the commission has already been sent to the state government. The election schedule now depends on the government’s decision regarding this proposal.

*Also watch:* Developments on the reservation formula and election timelines will be closely monitored in the coming months.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/uttar-pradesh/up-panchayat-elections-2026-obc-reservation-commission-delay-may-postpone-polls

Finance Ministry Orders Fact-Based Inquiry After Wintrack Inc Alleges Corruption, Harassment By Chennai Customs

**Finance Ministry Orders Inquiry into Wintrack Inc’s Allegations of Corruption and Harassment Against Chennai Customs**

*New Delhi:* The Finance Ministry announced on Thursday that the Department of Revenue (DoR) has been instructed to conduct a fair, transparent, and fact-based inquiry following allegations of corruption and harassment made by Wintrack Inc (Chennai) against Chennai Customs. The matter is being treated with utmost seriousness.

In a post on X, the Finance Ministry stated that the Government is committed to taking appropriate and expeditious action in accordance with the law and continues to focus on enhancing the ease of doing business.

Wintrack Inc had on Wednesday declared that it would “cease import/export activities in India” from October 1, citing relentless harassment by Chennai Customs officials over the past 45 days.

Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) responded on Wednesday, stating that the issue relates to misdeclaration and misclassification by the importer. The CBIC also mentioned that Chennai Customs has already responded on this aspect and that necessary legal action will be taken.

In its latest post on X, the Finance Ministry confirmed that the Government has taken cognizance of the issue raised by M/s Wintrack Inc (Chennai). A senior DoR officer has been deputed to conduct a detailed factual inquiry, including hearing the concerned parties and officials, and thoroughly examining all relevant documentary evidence.

The Ministry highlighted that in recent years, the Government has implemented several taxpayer-friendly initiatives such as the adoption of the Taxpayer Charter, the introduction of faceless customs procedures, and the establishment of appellate bodies for dispute resolution. These measures aim to enhance transparency and promote ease of doing business.

“The matter is being dealt with utmost seriousness, and the Government is committed to taking appropriate and expeditious action in accordance with the law. It is reiterated that the Government is committed to enhancing ease of doing business,” the Finance Ministry added.

### Wintrack Inc’s Allegations

Wintrack Inc alleged that Chennai Customs retaliated after their bribery practices were exposed twice this year. In a post on X, the company stated:

> “From October 1, 2025, our company will cease import/export activities in India. For the past 45 days, Chennai Customs officials have relentlessly harassed us. After exposing their bribery practices twice this year, they retaliated, effectively crippling our operations and destroying our business in India. We deeply thank everyone who has supported us during these difficult times.”

In another post, Wintrack Inc’s founder, Prawin Ganeshan, shared a video outlining the sequence of events leading to their closure. He urged people to unite against corruption on Gandhi Jayanti:

> “I will stay alive, I will survive, never give up. On this Gandhi Jayanti, let’s all join together to reduce, abolish corrupt hands. I have lost my health, got stress, still little left.”

### Founder’s Account of Events

In the video, Ganeshan recounted incidents starting in January when, after refusing to pay an alleged bribe on a shipment, he recorded a call with an agent and shared it publicly. The shipment was eventually released, and the issue was resolved. He even thanked the customs officials at that time.

However, Ganeshan claimed that problems resurfaced between May and August with escalating bribe demands leading to repeated delays or holds on shipments. He alleged abusive language and continual obstacles related to his consignments.

Even when attempting imports through a new company registered in his wife’s name, similar demands and delays persisted.

He concluded with a firm stance:

> “I decided I’m no longer going to do business in India in the form of importer, exporter, anything… I just appeal to all importers and exporters, if each one of you also raises your voice against this kind of bribery and corruption, then only can everything be abolished.”

### CBIC’s Response

On Wednesday night, the CBIC responded to Wintrack Inc’s allegations, tagging the Finance Ministry and the office of Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. The CBIC stated:

> “Regarding the allegations of corruption against Chennai Customs raised by @PrawinGaneshan on Twitter, it is clarified that the issue pertains to misdeclaration and misclassification by the importer. Chennai Customs has already responded on this aspect. Subsequently, the importer has shared certain names and screenshots on Twitter. The matter has been noted, and all facts will be duly examined. Necessary action, as warranted under the law, will be taken.”

*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/finance-ministry-orders-fact-based-inquiry-after-wintrack-inc-alleges-corruption-harassment-by-chennai-customs

Thousands attend funerals of youths killed by Pakistani forces in PoJK

He accused authorities of double standards, adding: “The Jammu Kashmir Joint People’s Action Committee’s march is peaceful, but Pakistani forces are committing atrocities on unarmed citizens and martyring them.”

The protests, led by the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC), centre on a 38-point charter of demands. These include political reforms, subsidised wheat flour, lower electricity tariffs, free education and healthcare, and an end to perks for government officials, ANI reported.

Public anger has also grown over the decision to abolish 12 legislative seats reserved for Kashmiri refugees settled in Pakistan. Muzaffarabad has become the epicentre of the agitation, which has spread to multiple districts of Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). Shops, markets, and transport services have been shut down, bringing life to a standstill.

Despite an indefinite lockdown and internet blackout imposed by authorities, large protest caravans have pushed through blockades to join the movement, ANI reported.

Opposition leaders in Pakistan have amplified the unrest online. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Syeda Zahr posted: “A sea of people from Rawalakot has set out towards Muzaffarabad.” Chaudhry Muddasar Raza Machhiana, coordinator to former Prime Minister Imran Khan, praised the demonstrators: “Salam to the people of Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) who know how to claim their rights.”

Neelum Valley Public Action Committee leader Shaukat Nawaz Mir accused the government of unleashing violence on its citizens. “This government has turned into a demon. They want to silence us by shutting down the media, deploying forces, and firing on us,” he said in a viral video.

Violent clashes over the past three days have already claimed more than half a dozen lives and left several seriously injured, sources said. In Dudyal, Mirpur, the Action Committee announced that the body of one protester would not be buried until the administration meets their demands.

Security forces have been deployed across PoJK to block protest marches and clear bridges and key routes. Despite the clampdown, the agitation shows no sign of slowing, with protesters vowing to continue until their demands are met.
https://www.mid-day.com/news/india-news/article/pojk-protests-intensify-as-thousands-attend-funerals-of-youths-killed-by-pakistani-forces-23596902

JEE Main 2026: Registration Window Opens In October; Details Here

JEE Main Registration 2026

The National Testing Agency (NTA) will begin the registration procedure for JEE Main 2026 in October. The agency has yet to release the exact registration dates. Applicants who wish to submit applications for the Joint Entrance Examination can do so online by visiting the official NTA JEE website at jeemain.nta.nic.in.

The Agency will conduct the Joint Entrance Examination Main 2026 in two sessions: Session 1 in January 2026 and Session 2 in April 2026.

JEE Main 2026: About Papers 1 and 2

The Joint Entrance Examination (JEE Main) comprises two papers:

  • Paper 1: This paper is conducted for admission to undergraduate engineering programs (B.E. / B. Tech.) at NITs, IIITs, other Centrally Funded Technical Institutions (CFTIs), and institutions/universities funded or recognized by participating state governments. Additionally, JEE Main serves as a qualifying test for JEE Advanced, which is required for admission to IITs.
  • Paper 2: This paper is for admission to B. Arch and B. Planning programs across the country.

The exam is likely to be held in two shifts:
– Morning Shift: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
– Afternoon Shift: 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

JEE Main Registration 2026: How to Apply?

Candidates who wish to apply for the exam should follow these simple steps:

  1. Visit the official NTA JEE website at jeemain.nta.nic.in.
  2. On the homepage, click on the JEE Main 2026 registration link.
  3. Register online by filling in the required details.
  4. Log in using the generated credentials.
  5. Complete the application form, pay the application fee, and submit the form.
  6. Download the confirmation page and take a printout for future reference.

JEE Main 2026: Session 1 & 2 Registration Details

Applicants can register for the Session 1 examination scheduled for January 2026 and pay the applicable fee. There will be an option to apply separately for Session 2 (April 2026) using the same application number. A separate notification will be released regarding the registration for Session 2 along with details about the fee payment.

Stay tuned to the official website for the latest updates on registration dates and other related information.

https://www.freepressjournal.in/education/jee-main-2026-registration-window-opens-in-october-details-here

US government headed to a shutdown after last-ditch vote fails

**US Government Shuts Down After Last-Ditch Vote Fails**

*By Chanshimla Varah | Oct 01, 2025, 09:28 am*

The United States government has officially shut down for the first time in six years after Senate Democrats rejected a Republican bill to fund the government. The 55-45 vote fell short of the 60 votes needed to end a filibuster and pass the legislation.

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer accused Republicans of “bullying” by refusing to negotiate on extending expanded Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits, which are set to expire at the end of the year.

**Democrats’ Demands**

Democrats are seeking an immediate extension of health subsidies as millions of Americans begin receiving notices of premium increases for the coming year. Many who purchase health insurance through the Affordable Care Act may face higher costs as the expanded subsidies, first implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic, expire.

In addition to the health subsidies, Democrats have demanded that Republicans reverse proposed Medicaid cuts. They are also calling on the White House to pledge that it will not attempt to undo spending passed by Congress.

**Blame Game Intensifies**

The Trump administration has blamed Democrats for the shutdown. President Donald Trump threatened to “cut vast numbers of people out” and slash various federal programs.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune described the funding bill as a “clean” one that should be noncontroversial. He predicted that Democratic support would increase once they recognize that their opposition is a losing battle.

Despite holding a 53-47 Senate majority, Republicans needed at least eight Democratic votes to reach the 60-vote threshold. However, Republican Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky opposed the bill, complicating the effort.

**Shutdown Impact**

The Congressional Budget Office estimates that around 750,000 federal workers could be furloughed each day during the shutdown.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has warned of the shutdown on its website, blaming “the Radical Left” for the impasse. Last week, the White House instructed federal agencies to prepare for a “reduction in force” across numerous programs if the shutdown continues. This means employees not deemed essential may be dismissed rather than merely furloughed.

**Looking Back: The Last Shutdown**

The previous government shutdown occurred during President Trump’s first term, lasting from December 2018 to January 2019. That 35-day shutdown was the longest in US history and stemmed from disputes over funding for the US-Mexico border wall.

Officials ultimately ended the shutdown amid mounting public frustration, airport delays, and missed paychecks for federal workers.

The current shutdown marks a significant political and economic challenge as lawmakers face growing pressure to reach a funding agreement and reopen the government.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/world/us-government-headed-to-a-shutdown-after-last-ditch-vote-fails/story