Category Archives: government

PM Modi Announces ₹2 Lakh Ex-Gratia For Families Of Himachal Bus Accident Victims – VIDEO

New Delhi: At least 18 passengers lost their lives when a private bus they were traveling in was struck by a landslide in Himachal Pradesh’s Bilaspur district on Tuesday. The tragic incident occurred in the Bhalughat area within the Jhandutta Assembly segment, amid intermittent rainfall since Monday.

The bus, carrying around 35 passengers, was en route from Marotan to Ghumarwin when the landslide hit. Eyewitnesses reported that a mountain came crashing down onto the bus, leaving little chance of survival for those inside. Rescue teams have recovered 18 bodies so far from the mangled remains of the vehicle. State officials and heavy machinery have been deployed to clear the debris and continue searching for any missing passengers.

Bilaspur is notably the home district of BJP National President J.P. Nadda.

In response to the tragedy, several top leaders expressed their condolences and offered support to the victims and their families.

President Droupadi Murmu took to X to express her sorrow, stating, “The news of the deaths of several people in a bus accident caused by a landslide in Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh, is extremely tragic. I express my condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones and pray for the speedy recovery of those who have been injured.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also shared his condolences on X, announcing an ex-gratia payment from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF). He said, “Saddened by the loss of lives due to a mishap in Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh. My thoughts are with the affected people and their families during this difficult time. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured. An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000.”

Home Minister Amit Shah expressed his grief and informed that rescue operations are underway. On X, he wrote, “I am deeply saddened by the bus accident caused by a landslide in Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh. NDRF teams have reached the incident site and are engaged in rescue operations. I express my condolences to those who have lost their loved ones in this accident. At the same time, I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured.”

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu also conveyed his condolences and grief over the incident, extending support to the bereaved families.

As rescue and relief efforts continue, authorities urge caution in the region due to ongoing heavy rainfall and the risk of further landslides.

*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/pm-modi-announces-2-lakh-ex-gratia-for-families-of-himachal-bus-accident-victims-video

MP News: ‘Public Trust Is Our Greatest Asset And We Must Maintain It’ Says CM Mohan Yadav At Commissioner-Collectors Conference In Bhopal

**Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): Chief Minister Mohan Yadav Emphasizes Public Trust and Good Governance at Commissioner-Collectors Conference**

Chief Minister Mohan Yadav highlighted that public trust is the state’s greatest asset and must be maintained at all costs. He made these remarks at the inauguration of the two-day Commissioner-Collectors Conference 2025, held at the Kushabhau Thakre International Convention Center in Bhopal on Tuesday.

Yadav stated that Madhya Pradesh has established a responsible and result-oriented governance system aimed at providing immediate and quality services to the public. “The goal of developing the state through good governance is our top priority,” he emphasized.

The Chief Minister stressed the importance of effective implementation of government schemes, efficient management, and direct communication with citizens. He urged officials to ensure that the benefits of government programs reach everyone in need without delay.

Encouraging field visits, Yadav called on officials to engage directly with the public to understand their problems and offer prompt assistance. “We must deliver great results to the citizens,” he added. “Each one of us plays a crucial role in democracy and public welfare, and field officials have the responsibility to ensure that the public receives the actual benefits of the schemes.”

Mr. Yadav further emphasized accelerating the speed of development through transparent governance. He noted that the conference will focus on simplifying and enhancing governance processes to enable faster delivery of scheme benefits to the public.

Drawing a parallel to the responsibilities entrusted by God, the Chief Minister said, “If God has given us the responsibility of working for society, we must fulfill it like a humble student.” He urged officials to continuously learn new methods and apply their skills and experience efficiently to serve the people better.

Addressing farmers’ concerns, Mohan Yadav assured that they will receive a fair price for their soybean crop under all circumstances. The registration of farmers under the Bhavantar Yojana will continue until October 17, 2025. Additionally, the price difference will be transferred directly to farmers’ bank accounts within 15 days of crop sale.

The conference was attended by Chief Secretary Anurag Jain, Additional Chief Secretary (General Administration) Sanjay Kumar Shukla, multiple Additional Chief Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, Secretaries, Divisional Commissioners, Collectors, CEOs of District Panchayats, and senior government officials from all districts.

This event underlines Madhya Pradesh’s commitment to strengthening governance and ensuring inclusive development across the state.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/bhopal/mp-news-public-trust-is-our-greatest-asset-and-we-must-maintain-it-says-cm-mohan-yadav-at-commissioner-collectors-conference-in-bhopal

Government shares major cancer research update amid growing calls for action

Each year, approximately 13,000 people are diagnosed with a primary brain tumour in the UK. Among them are around 900 children and young people. Brain tumours are currently the biggest cancer killers of children and adults under 40, according to the Brain Tumour Charity.

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has recently issued a major update following widespread concerns about the current state of brain cancer treatment in the UK. This message responds to an ongoing petition, which has been signed by over 20,000 people, calling for increased funding and improved treatment efforts.

The parliamentary campaign behind the petition pressed the Government to examine increased funding to “give patients a fighting chance.” Campaigners argued that treatments for brain tumours “haven’t changed in decades” and advocated for expanded exploratory research initiatives.

In response, the DHSC acknowledged that “more needs to be done” and confirmed that a National Cancer Plan is due to be published later this year. The department’s statement, published on October 3, reads:

> “Every brain cancer diagnosis has a life-changing impact on patients and their families. Research is vital to ensure people can access the most effective, cutting-edge treatments and receive the highest quality care.

> We currently invest £8 million in research projects and programmes focused on brain tumours. The National Institute for Health Research’s (NIHR) wider investments in research infrastructure amount to an estimated £37.5 million, supporting the delivery of 261 brain tumour research studies and enabling over 11,400 people to participate in potentially life-changing brain tumour research.

> However, we understand that more needs to be done to boost research into brain tumours.”

The DHSC also stated that it is working closely with patient and research communities to stimulate high-quality research applications. This includes the establishment of a national Brain Tumour Research Consortium and a dedicated funding call.

However, the department stressed that there are currently “no plans” to introduce a ‘Right to Try’ initiative for new treatments. For context, the Right to Try Act in the United States permits eligible patients with life-threatening conditions to access unapproved investigational treatments under certain conditions.

Regarding new and personalised treatments, the DHSC reaffirmed the government’s commitment to securing patient access to effective and innovative new medicines, including those for brain tumours. It noted:

> “There are established routes to support timely access for NHS patients to safe, clinically and cost-effective new medicines. There are no plans to introduce a new Right to Try initiative for treatments.

> The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) evaluates all new medicines and makes recommendations for the NHS on whether they should be routinely funded. NICE aims to issue guidance on new medicines as close as possible to the point of licensing.

> Our Life Sciences Sector Plan, published in July, sets out measures to streamline decision-making and accelerate patient access to new medicines by three to six months.

> The NHS in England is required to fund medicines recommended by NICE, and NHS England funds cancer medicines from the point of positive draft NICE guidance, accelerating patient access by around five months on average.”

Looking ahead, the DHSC highlighted the upcoming National Cancer Plan, due to be published later this year. The plan will focus on patients and cover the entire cancer pathway—from referral and diagnosis to treatment and aftercare. The goal is to improve all aspects of cancer care and outcomes, aiming to reduce the number of lives lost to cancer over the next ten years, including from brain cancer.

The petition, titled *“Invest in brain cancer and give rights turn terminal into treatable,”* currently has over 20,000 signatures. If it surpasses 100,000, it will be considered for a debate in Parliament.
https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/government-shares-major-cancer-research-36021923

Japan Gets Its First Woman PM

Japan is poised to anoint the country’s first woman prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, even as the world’s fourth-largest economy contends with an ageing population and a rise in populist and ultranationalist forces.

The conservative hardliner of more than three decades standing narrowly defeated the minister of agriculture and a political scion in the ruling centre-right Liberal Democratic Party (LDP)’s presidential race on Saturday. Takaichi’s confirmation in her historic new role as premier is expected to proceed smoothly when the Diet (parliament) convenes on the 15th of this month.

Her LDP commands the largest bloc of seats in both houses of parliament, albeit without a majority in either, and could benefit from a fragmented and divided opposition. A one-time TV anchor, who recently told an audience that her goal was to become the “Iron Lady” — in reference to the British former premier Margaret Thatcher — the veteran Takaichi’s mettle will be tested early on multiple fronts.

Foremost among these challenges is Japan’s long-standing political instability since 1990, characterized by the rise and fall of 18 prime ministers, a majority of whom served less than one year. A moment of reckoning for the LDP is the current simultaneous loss of a clear majority in both houses of parliament, unprecedented in the party’s decades-long history, which led to the exit of the outgoing premier, Shigeru Ishiba.

The erosion in its support base could be linked to the mushrooming of parties that tap into popular discontent, such as the ultra-conservative, anti-immigration, and anti-foreigner Sanseito party. In the elections to the country’s upper house in July, Sanseito’s vote share was larger than that of the biggest opposition party, and its tally of seats climbed from 2 to 15.

The LDP’s predicament mirrors that of Europe’s mainstream parties, struggling to claw back disaffected voters while retaining its traditional base among the elderly.

As a fiscal dove and heir to Abenomics — the stimulus policies of low interest rates and fiscal expansion credited to the late prime minister Shinzo Abe — Takaichi has signalled plans for higher spending to stoke demand and raise wages. She has attributed the current uptick in inflation to higher input costs.

However, commentators voice scepticism regarding the effectiveness of such a course, given Japan’s demographic trajectory of sluggish growth, a shrinking population, labour shortages, and stagnant wages.

On the international front, Takaichi’s not infrequent visits to the Yasukuni shrine to honour Japanese victims of WWII, alongside her plans to rewrite the country’s pacifist constitution, are likely to raise hackles in neighbouring China and South Korea.

Later this month, when the new premier hosts US President Donald Trump, the agenda will doubtless feature the substantial investments Tokyo has committed in exchange for a 15 per cent tariff on the country’s exports as part of the recent trade agreement. Any significant revision to those terms is considered highly unlikely.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/analysis/japan-gets-its-first-woman-pm

MP Cough Syrup Death: 157 Bottles Of Coldriff Syrup Sold In Chhindwara, Raids Continue

**Toxic Coldriff Syrup Distributed in Chhindwara: Over 400 Bottles Seized**

Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): A total of 157 bottles of toxic Coldriff syrup were sold to patients in Chhindwara district through at least eight medical stores, according to recent reports. Meanwhile, a Special Probe Drug Inspector squad has seized 425 bottles of the syrup from various stores in the area.

Out of 660 bottles that arrived in Jabalpur, 594 were supplied to Chhindwara. Detailed records from the medical stores indicate the following distribution: Apna Medical Stores, Parasia sold 75 bottles; Ashirwad Medical sold 24; Rasela Medical, Parasia, 22; Shrivastava Medical, Parasia, 5; Paras Medical, Parasia, 6; Jain Medical, Chandameta, 6; and New Apna Pharma, 17 bottles (with some records incomplete).

**Toxic Syrup in Circulation for Years**

Sources from the Health Department have revealed that Coldriff syrup has been in use for 10 to 20 years. However, this is the first instance where a batch was found to be toxic. The manufacturing company, Sresan Pharmaceuticals, had obtained all the required certifications from Tamil Nadu.

Drug testing in Madhya Pradesh is conducted randomly, with the state lab performing approximately 4,000 tests annually. Any substandard drugs detected during these tests are immediately banned to ensure public safety.

**Raids and Seizures Continue**

The Drug Controller and the Drug Administration team carried out multiple raids at medical shops across Chhindwara, leading to the seizure of 248 bottles of Coldriff syrup. Notably, New Apna Medical Stores was found in possession of 172 bottles, all of which were confiscated. Authorities also inspected the sale documents of other stores in Parasia as part of their ongoing investigation.

**Apna Medical Stores License Cancelled**

Following an inspection that uncovered incomplete sale records and failure to provide necessary documentation, the license of Apna Medical Stores, Parasia, has been cancelled as a precautionary measure.

Officials continue to monitor the situation closely to prevent further distribution of the toxic syrup and ensure that public health is safeguarded.

*— Story by Staff Reporter*
https://www.freepressjournal.in/bhopal/mp-cough-syrup-death-157-bottles-of-coldriff-syrup-sold-in-chhindwara-raids-continue

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