Category Archives: government

government, legislation, politics

Centre considers extending parliamentary standing committees’ tenures by 2 years

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**Centre Considers Extending Parliamentary Standing Committees’ Tenures by 2 Years**
*By Snehil Singh | Sep 27, 2025, 10:38 AM*

The Indian government is considering extending the tenure of parliamentary standing committees from the current one year to two years. If approved, this move could improve continuity and allow for more thorough examination of bills, reports, and key policy issues. Presently, the terms of these committees are set to end on September 26.

### Political Implications: Tharoor’s Position at Stake

The proposal carries particular political significance for Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, who chairs the External Affairs Committee. An extension would enable him to retain his role for an additional two years, despite recent disagreements with his party. Traditionally, these committees are reconstituted annually, but several MPs have advocated for longer terms to facilitate more detailed work on their assigned subjects.

### Term Extension: Decision Pending

The government is still in the process of deliberating the proposal. A final decision is expected following consultations with the Rajya Sabha chairman and the Lok Sabha speaker. While it is unlikely that committee chairpersons will be changed, the tenures of newly appointed members could be extended to maintain continuity. This decision is anticipated to have significant administrative and political impacts on parliamentary functioning in the coming years.

### Role of Parliamentary Standing Committees

Parliamentary standing committees are permanent bodies comprising MPs from both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. They play a crucial role in scrutinizing proposed legislation, reviewing government policies, and examining budget allocations. Additionally, these committees hold ministries accountable through inquiries and by gathering evidence on specific areas of governance.

When Parliament is not in session, standing committees often act as “mini-parliaments,” enabling MPs to conduct detailed policy and legislative oversight without waiting for full parliamentary sittings. This continuous functioning is vital for effective governance and thorough legislative scrutiny.

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The potential extension of parliamentary standing committees’ tenures underscores the government’s intent to strengthen institutional continuity and enhance parliamentary oversight in India.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/politics/centre-may-extend-parliamentary-panels-terms-by-2-years/story

business, government, politics, security, technology

Meet Lisa Monaco, Microsoft executive Trump wants to see fired

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**Meet Lisa Monaco, Microsoft Executive Trump Wants Fired**

*By Dwaipayan Roy | Sep 27, 2025, 11:36 AM*

**What’s the Story?**

US President Donald Trump has called on Microsoft to fire its head of global affairs, Lisa Monaco. Trump accused Monaco of being a “menace” to national security and linked his demand to ongoing legal cases against him.

Lisa Monaco was appointed as Microsoft’s head of global affairs in June 2025. Prior to this role, she served prominently in the Barack Obama and Joe Biden administrations.

**Accusations: ‘Corrupt and Totally Trump Deranged’**

In a post on Truth Social, Trump described Monaco as “corrupt and totally Trump deranged.” He argued that her previous government roles posed national security risks due to Microsoft’s extensive contracts with US government agencies.

Furthermore, Trump alleged that Monaco’s past actions led to the US government stripping her of all security clearances and access to national security intelligence.

**Background: A Look at Lisa Monaco**

Lisa Monaco has a notable career in public service. She served as Deputy Attorney General under President Biden and was a national security advisor during the Obama administration. She also played a key role in coordinating the Justice Department’s response to the January 6 Capitol attack.

Trump’s demand for her dismissal is consistent with his history of targeting perceived political opponents since returning to office in January 2025. His previous pressure campaigns include demanding the resignation of Intel’s CEO and influencing Disney’s ABC regarding Jimmy Kimmel’s show.

**Ongoing Scrutiny: Microsoft’s Contracts Under Review**

Lisa Monaco’s LinkedIn profile confirms her current position at Microsoft. However, as of now, there is no public indication that Microsoft will respond to Trump’s demand for her removal.

Microsoft itself is under intense scrutiny due to its contracts with US government agencies. The company recently made headlines for restricting certain cloud services to a unit of the Israeli military following concerns about alleged surveillance practices.

Meanwhile, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella recently attended a White House dinner featuring Trump and other leading figures in the tech industry, highlighting the complex relationship between tech companies and government officials.

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*Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.*
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/world/trump-demands-microsoft-fire-global-affairs-head/story

government, infrastructure, regional development, transportation

Senior Railway Board Officials Review Infrastructure Progress in Bengaluru Division

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**Railway Board Officials Conduct Review Meeting on Key Infrastructure Projects in Bengaluru Division**

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

The meeting was led 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.

During the session, officials reviewed ongoing and proposed works in detail, focusing on critical areas such as land acquisition, project implementation timelines, and the elimination of level crossing (LC) gates to enhance safety and improve operational efficiency.

A key highlight of the review was the proposed plan for a Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Maintenance Depot at Thanisandra, Bengaluru. This depot is expected to support the upcoming Vande Bharat Sleeper variant trains by providing dedicated maintenance infrastructure.

Additionally, Railway Board officials gathered updates on projects being undertaken by K-RIDE and discussed plans for the decongestion of KSR Bengaluru Station to improve passenger experience and operational flow.

The meeting was attended by Ashutosh Kumar Singh, Divisional Railway Manager of Bengaluru Division; Additional Divisional Railway Managers Parikshit Mohan Puria and Praveen Kataraki; along with other senior officers from the division.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/corporate-gallery/senior-railway-board-officials-review-infrastructure-progress-in-bengaluru-division

government, politics, security

Ministry Of Home Affairs Extends AFSPA For 6 Months In Parts Of Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh & Nagaland

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New Delhi: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Friday extended the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) for another six months in certain parts of Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, and Nagaland, officials said.

According to three separate notifications issued by the MHA, the further extension of the special law will be effective from October 1.

The AFSPA, which grants armed forces operating in disturbed areas sweeping powers to search, arrest, and open fire if deemed necessary for the “maintenance of public order,” was extended for six more months in the entire state of Manipur, excluding areas under the jurisdiction of 13 police stations across five districts — Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Bishnupur, and Kakching.

Manipur, which has 16 districts, has been ravaged by ethnic violence between the majority Meitei community and the minority Kuki-Zo-Hmar tribals since May 3, 2023. This prolonged conflict has claimed over 260 lives.

Following the unrest, Manipur has been under President’s rule since February 13, just four days after Chief Minister N Biren Singh, who led the second BJP government, resigned on February 9.

The MHA notification stated that after reviewing the law and order situation in Manipur, the central government, in exercise of powers conferred by Section 3 of the AFSPA, 1958, extended the Act for another six months effective October 1.

In Nagaland, the AFSPA has been extended in eight districts — Dimapur, Niuland, Chumoukedima, Mon, Kiphire, Noklak, Phek, and Peren — along with 21 police stations in five other districts: Kohima, Mokokchung, Longleng, Wokha, and Zunheboto. These areas have been declared ‘disturbed areas’ for six months from April 1.

Similarly, in Arunachal Pradesh, the AFSPA has been extended in Tirap, Changlang, and Longding districts, including areas under the jurisdiction of Namsai, Mahadevpur, and Chowkham police stations in Namsai district bordering Assam. These have also been declared ‘disturbed areas’ for six months effective October 1.

The government reviewed the law and order situations in Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh before deciding to extend the Act in these regions.

Meanwhile, various organizations in Manipur, including the Manipuri Students’ Federation (MSF), Nupi Khunai-Yairipok, and Meira Paibis, continue to agitate, demanding the withdrawal of AFSPA from the state.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma earlier noted that the MHA has lifted AFSPA from many parts of his state. “At one time, the entire state was under AFSPA. The Centre has steadily reduced the areas where the Act applies,” Sarma said.

Originally imposed across Assam in 1990 due to insurgent activities led by the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA), AFSPA has been renewed every six months since, with periodic reviews gradually excluding certain areas based on improvements in security.

With significant improvements, AFSPA was lifted from Tripura in 2015, Meghalaya in 2018, and Mizoram in the 1980s.

*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/ministry-of-home-affairs-extends-afspa-for-6-months-in-parts-of-manipur-arunachal-pradesh-nagaland

government, politics, protests, region, security

Sonam Wangchuk arrested in Leh; prohibitory orders remain in force in Ladakh

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Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was arrested in Leh on Friday, two days after violent protests demanding statehood and the inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution left four people dead and 90 others injured, officials said.

Wangchuk was taken into custody by a police team led by Ladakh Deputy General of Police (DGP) SD Singh Jamwal around 2:30 pm, according to officials. It was not immediately clear what charges were pressed against him.

The Ministry of Home Affairs had earlier blamed Wangchuk, a senior member of the Leh Apex Body (LAB), for provoking the violence. The LAB, along with the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), has been spearheading the agitation for more than five years.

Wangchuk, who was on a hunger strike supporting the demands, denied the charges. He condemned the violence and ended his fortnight-long fast on Wednesday after the protests turned violent.

Meanwhile, prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, remain in force in Leh following the September 24 clashes. The assembly of five or more persons has been banned in the district, and no procession, rally, or march can be carried out without prior written approval. Security personnel continue to be deployed across Leh.

The prohibitory orders were imposed after protestors targeted the BJP office in Leh, escalating tensions.

On Thursday, Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Kavinder Gupta chaired a high-level security review meeting with Chief Secretary Pawan Kotwal, DGP SD Singh Jamwal, and senior officers of the Army and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP). The Lt Governor emphasized the need for heightened vigilance, better inter-agency coordination, and proactive measures to safeguard peace and public order across the Union Territory.

The violence has also triggered a political row, with BJP leader Amit Malviya alleging that Congress councillor Phuntsog Stanzin Tsepag had “instigated” protestors who attacked the BJP office in Leh on Wednesday.

Wangchuk rejected claims of Congress involvement in the unrest. Speaking to ANI, he said, “What is the name of the person who entered the BJP office? First of all, a few weeks ago, the Congress party was removed from our Apex Body so that it can remain apolitical. So you can understand that this movement has nothing to do with Congress. They were told to move away from the movement until the elections are over. Otherwise, they also have a place in it.”

(With PTI and ANI inputs)
https://www.mid-day.com/news/india-news/article/ladakh-protest-sonam-wangchuk-arrested-in-leh-two-days-after-violent-clashes-left-four-people-dead-23595958

budget, government, law, politics, regional

Ogun Assembly receives Abiodun’s request seeking approval for 2026-2028 MTEF

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Ogun State House of Assembly has acknowledged a correspondence from the State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, seeking approval for the 2026-2028 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) for the state.

The Speaker, Oludaisi Elemide, on Friday stated that the request aligns with the Ogun State Fiscal Responsibility Law of 2020 (as amended).

DAILY POST reports that the governor’s letter is titled “Request for the Approval of the 2026-2028 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) by the State House of Assembly.”

According to the letter, the Executive Council has reviewed and endorsed the prepared 2026-2028 Medium Term Expenditure Framework. Governor Abiodun urged the Assembly to consider and approve the framework to facilitate the planning and budgetary process for the 2026 fiscal year, as well as the outer years of 2027 and 2028.

Following this, the Speaker referred the request to the House Committee on Finance and Appropriations for further legislative action.
https://dailypost.ng/2025/09/26/ogun-assembly-receives-abioduns-request-seeking-approval-for-2026-2028-mtef/

government, justice, law, politics, social issues

MP News: ‘Congress’ Hurry May Be Harmful For OBC Category,’ Says CM Mohan Yadav

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**Supreme Court to Hear OBC Reservation Case from October 8**

Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear the OBC reservation case starting October 8. Originally set for a Wednesday hearing, the date was further extended.

The Congress party has accused the government of not presenting the case properly before the apex court. In response, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav advised the party against rushing the process. He emphasized that any haste could be detrimental to the interests of the OBC community and noted that an all-party meeting had been convened to ensure unity.

“Only unity before the court will be helpful,” Yadav said. He added that the case to restore 13% reservation in held posts was pleaded collectively by all parties. Highlighting the complexity of the matter, Yadav mentioned that over 15,000 documents have been filed in connection with the case. The government has informed the Supreme Court that it should consider the views of all parties whenever it hears the matter.

“Our aim is to benefit each category—SC, ST, and OBC—under the reservation policy,” Yadav stated.

**Government Advocates Accused of Being Unprepared**

Reacting to Chief Minister Yadav’s remarks, Madhya Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) president Jitu Patwari said, “If the party does not react, the government will do nothing.”

Patwari recalled that when his government granted 27% reservation to the OBC, the BJP’s proxy team challenged the move in court. He noted that this legal battle has been ongoing for six years.

At a recent meeting, it was decided that government lawyers would first argue to restore 13% of the reserved posts. However, instead of taking this step, the government sought to postpone the hearing by four months, prompting a reprimand from the court, Patwari said.

According to him, the government does not appear willing to grant the OBC quota, which is the root cause of the delay and inaction.

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This case remains a focal point in the state’s politics as stakeholders await a resolution that balances reservation benefits across communities.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/bhopal/mp-news-congress-hurry-may-be-harmful-for-obc-category-says-cm-mohan-yadav

government, law, politics, social equity, society

HC upholds Karnataka`s socio-economic survey, mandates voluntary participation

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The court has emphasized the importance of strict confidentiality in handling survey data. Authorities have been instructed to ensure that no personal or sensitive information collected is made public or shared with any unauthorized entities, ANI reported.

Senior Advocate Vivek Reddy, representing the petitioners, criticized the survey process, calling it flawed. He stated, “First of all, the division of caste is not correct by the state government. The entire exercise is flawed because there is no proper head caste and sub-caste. When we are undergoing a survey of this comprehensive nature, it should be scientific and clear. They have included various other groups that were not included in the survey. Our main concern is regarding the creation of an artificial caste to manipulate the survey and take it in the wrong direction. There was also a concern regarding data storage and protection.”

On September 12, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced the launch of a large-scale caste-based socio-economic survey aimed at assessing the state’s socio-educational landscape. The initiative is being carried out under the leadership of Madhusudan Naik, Chairman of the Backward Classes (BC) Commission, along with five commission members. The survey, targeting approximately seven crore residents, is scheduled to take place between September 22 and October 7.

Despite opposition criticism, CM Siddaramaiah has remained firm on the government’s position. Speaking to reporters, he said, “The BJP is doing politics on this issue and accusing the Congress government of being anti-Hindu. All the ministers have been instructed to condemn this unanimously. The survey will start from September 22, and will not be postponed.”

Earlier in July, Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy presented the Telangana Socio-Economic Survey Model and Methodology at Indira Bhawan in New Delhi. Highlighting the survey’s comprehensive approach, Reddy explained that the initiative was not just a caste survey, but a social, economic, educational, employment, and political survey.

According to Telangana’s data, Other Backward Classes (OBCs), including practising Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, and Buddhists, comprise 56.4 percent of the state’s population. Scheduled Castes (SCs) make up 17.4 percent, Scheduled Tribes (STs) 10.8 percent, and forward castes 10.9 percent. Additionally, 3.9 percent of the population has been categorized as having no caste, the report noted.

The survey also documented previously unlisted castes and assessed their socio-economic status by name and location, providing a detailed understanding of the community dynamics within the state.
https://www.mid-day.com/news/india-news/article/karnataka-hc-upholds-socio-economic-survey-but-mandates-voluntary-participation-and-data-privacy-23595801

budget, festivals, government, labour, local news

Navi Mumbai News: Employees’ Union Demands Diwali Ex-Gratia Bonus For NMMC Staff Across Categories

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**Navi Mumbai: Maharashtra Employees’ Union Urges NMMC to Announce Ex-Gratia Grants Ahead of Diwali**

With Diwali just a month away, the Maharashtra Employees’ Union has called on the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) to immediately announce ex-gratia grants (bonuses) for municipal employees across all categories. The demand cites rising inflation and increased festival-related expenses as pressing concerns for the workforce.

### Memorandum Submitted to Commissioner

Union President Ravindra Sawant recently met with NMMC Municipal Commissioner Kailash Shinde and submitted a written memorandum. The request highlighted the need for financial relief for all employees including permanent, contractual, daily-wage, and hourly-based workers, as well as teachers.

### Financial Relief for Hourly Teachers

A key concern brought up by the Union is the plight of hourly-based teachers in the municipal education department. These teachers do not receive leave pay and, given their modest salaries, often face significant financial difficulties. On humanitarian grounds, the Union recommended granting hourly teachers ex-gratia payments comparable to contractual staff, suggesting an amount between Rs 20,000 and Rs 25,000 this year.

### Proposed Grant Amounts for Teachers

For other categories of municipal teachers, the Union has proposed that contractual teachers receive Rs 35,000 and permanent teachers Rs 40,000 as ex-gratia grants. Additionally, employees in other divisions— including drivers and officers in the Parbhani division—were also urged to be considered for similar financial assistance.

### Acknowledging Employee Dedication

“Municipal employees and officers have consistently contributed to the city’s recognition at both state and central levels. Announcing ex-gratia grants this Diwali will not only provide essential financial support but will also acknowledge their dedication,” said Ravindra Sawant.

### Unified Demand from Staff

The memorandum was submitted in the presence of Secretary Mangesh Gaikwad, sanitation officers, finance department officials, teachers, and transport staff. This collective presence reflects a unified call for prompt and positive action from the NMMC administration.

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https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/navi-mumbai-news-employees-union-demands-diwali-ex-gratia-bonus-for-nmmc-staff-across-categories

environment, government, health, industry

Bhopal News: Mercury In Union Carbide Corporation Chemical Waste; Vast Gap In Numbers In Govt Affidavit, CPCB Report

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**Discrepancies in Mercury Levels Raise Concerns Over Union Carbide Waste Burning in Pithampur**

Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): A renewed debate has surfaced regarding the burning of Union Carbide Corporation (UCC) chemical waste, following reports from two separate pollution control bodies presenting vastly different figures on the quantity of heavy metals—mercury in particular—remaining after incinerating 350 metric tons (MT) of waste. This process resulted in 900 MT of ash at Pithampur.

The state government’s affidavit, filed in the High Court at Jabalpur earlier this month, is based on a report from the regional laboratory of the Madhya Pradesh Pollution Control Board (MPPCB) in Indore. In stark contrast, a joint affidavit submitted by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research–National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI) indicates significantly higher levels of mercury.

According to the CPCB report on the trial burn, mercury content in the reactor residue ranged from 261 to 615 mg/kg, with the excavated waste containing mercury levels between 152 and 754 mg/kg. Conversely, the state government’s affidavit reported mercury concentrations as markedly lower, between 0.09 and 1.5 mg/kg.

Rachna Dhingra of the Bhopal Group for Information and Action, an organization working with victims of the Bhopal gas tragedy, highlighted the contradictions: “Both the reports are contradictory. The government affidavit, filed in mid-September this year, and the CPCB report after the UCC trial have a huge gap. Where did the mercury disappear? It is now up to the government to reply in the High Court.”

**“Mercury Is Toxic”**

Hamidia Hospital Medical Superintendent Dr. Sumit Tandon told the Free Press, “Mercury is poisonous and causes many medical issues. Basically, it is a heavy metal, and exposure to it causes numerous health problems for people.”

The discrepancy in reported mercury levels has raised serious questions about the accuracy of monitoring and the potential health risks posed by residual toxic metals from the UCC waste burning process. The High Court is expected to seek clarifications from the government in the coming sessions.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/bhopal/bhopal-news-mercury-in-union-carbide-corporation-chemical-waste-vast-gap-in-numbers-in-govt-affidavit-cpcb-report