In a significant bureaucratic reshuffle, Arvind Shrivastava, a 1994 batch IAS officer, has been appointed as the new Revenue Secretary. Vumlunmang Vualnam will take over as Secretary, Department of Expenditure, succeeding Manoj Govil. Vivek Aggarwal has been named Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, marking key changes in central government departments.
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A severe winter storm across the southern US caused major travel disruptions with over 3,000 flight cancellations and thousands more delays. Delta Airlines faced extensive issues, including a temporary shutdown of Atlanta International Airport's runways. Significant disruptions were also reported at Dallas Fort Worth and Charlotte Douglas Airports. The storm followed an earlier system causing fatalities and power outages.
Parts of Maharashtra, including Mumbai, are experiencing an unusual heat wave for February, with temperatures soaring above normal. The India Meteorological Department has declared a heat wave in parts of north Konkan, Mumbai, and coastal Karnataka, predicting a slight temperature drop soon. The persistent above-normal temperatures are attributed to the absence of strong western disturbances.
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju dismissed the opposition's no-confidence motion against Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar, citing the NDA's majority and Dhankhar's commitment to public welfare. Rijiju condemned the motion, filed by 60 INDIA bloc MPs, who accuse Dhankhar of partisan conduct. The motion is unlikely to succeed due to the opposition's lack of numbers in the Rajya Sabha.
On March 29, 2025, a partial solar eclipse will be visible across parts of the northeastern US, Canada, and Europe. The moon will partially cover the sun, with up to 50% visibility in certain regions. Modern smart telescopes like the Seestar S30 offer easy ways to capture high-quality images using smartphones, perfect for both astrophotographers and skywatchers.
US President Donald Trump has ordered the declassification of all remaining classified records related to the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy, Senator Robert F. Kennedy, and Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., aiming to provide transparency and truth. The release process is expected to commence swiftly, with plans due in 15 to 45 days.
Small Savings Schemes Interest Rates January-March 2025: Interest rates for post office savings schemes remain unchanged for January-March 2025, according to the Finance Ministry. Rates for small savings programs are reviewed quarterly, following a methodology tied to government bond yields.
Delhi CM Atishi raised concerns over alleged voter list irregularities in New Delhi constituency, seeking an urgent meeting with the chief election commissioner. She highlighted the issue's critical impact on upcoming assembly polls, stressing the need for transparency and fair election processes.
A Medanta Hospital ICU technician, Deepak (25), has been arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting a flight attendant on ventilator support. The victim, based in West Bengal, reported the incident after being discharged. Police identified Deepak through CCTV footage and staff statements. Medanta has suspended the technician and is cooperating with the investigation.
With heightened scrutiny from the US government, Indian green card holders are concerned about their status. Experts advise that as long as they adhere to US laws, maintain strong ties, and avoid long stays abroad, they have little to fear. Important documentation and lawful compliance are crucial.
Nainar Nagendran, a BJP legislator, has filed his nomination for the party's Tamil Nadu state president election, potentially succeeding K Annamalai. His nomination is backed by key BJP figures. Nagendran's past ties with AIADMK fuel speculation about a possible BJP-AIADMK alliance, especially after Edappadi K Palaniswami's meeting with Amit Shah.