The Cabinet has approved a 2% increase in Dearness Allowance (DA) for central government employees and Dearness Relief (DR) for pensioners, effective January 1, 2025. This move will benefit over 1.1 crore individuals, with the additional financial impact on the exchequer estimated at Rs 6,614 crore annually, as per the recommendations of the 7th Pay Commission.
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Businessman Robert Vadra, husband of Congress MP from Wayanad Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Saturday expressed scepticism about the Union Budget 2025, stating that he has "very little expectations" from the government. He added that the Union Budget should be in the interest of the people.
Twelve Naxalites were killed in a fierce encounter with security forces in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district. Security personnel recovered more than ten Naxalite bodies and weapons. Over 1,500 personnel participated in the operation. The encounter is part of a larger anti-Naxalite effort in the region, with more details to emerge as the operation continues.
Opposition and NC legislators in J&K assembly called for an inquiry into the mysterious deaths of two Gujjar brothers in Kulgam, alleging a pattern of unexplained deaths within the community. There were also accusations of police brutality against mourners demanding a fair investigation.
A parliamentary panel advised expanding PM-Kisan benefits to farm labourers, acknowledging their crucial role. The panel also recommended renaming the agriculture ministry to include farm labourers and addressing issues like stubble burning through financial assistance and developing markets for crop residue to ensure equitable development and sustainability in agriculture.
US director of national intelligence Tulsi Gabbard clarified that President Trump's 'America First' policy does not equate to 'America alone' at the Raisina Dialogue in Delhi. She expressed optimism about the continued strengthening of the India-US relationship under the leadership of PM Modi and President Trump.
The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya is expected to be completed by June 2025, with final touches extending to September 2025. Key updates include the progress on the temple's rising tower, its museum with 85 murals, and the rampart. Final statue inspections are set for January 2025.
The Supreme Court criticizes the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) for leaving 3,000 tonnes of solid waste untreated daily and setting a 2027 deadline. The court threatens strict measures, highlighting a lack of coordination between the Delhi government and the Centre, and emphasizes urgent action on the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016.
The Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the assassination of Mufti Abdul Baqi Noorzai, a senior Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam official, in Quetta, Pakistan. The attack highlights ISKP's growing activities and the escalating violence driven by ideological and sectarian conflicts affecting the region.
Tariq Hameed Karra, president of Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh congress committee, criticized the Centre's claim of normalcy in the region, pointing to ongoing terror incidents. He said the government's security narrative doesn't match the ground reality, with frequent attacks in both Kashmir and Jammu. Karra urged the government to stop presenting an incorrect narrative and address the true situation, suggesting transparency and action on how to resolve it.
RSS will allow volunteers to work on the Kashi Vishwanath and Srikrishna Janmabhoomi temples but warns against uncovering temples beneath mosques. Hosabale highlights that focusing on these past issues could detract from urgent social reforms such as eradicating untouchability and managing contemporary societal concerns.