General
Kilometrage allowance hiked by 25% for train crew
Indian Railways has boosted Kilometrage Allowance and Allowance in lieu of Kilometrage by 25% for over two lakh running staff, effective January 2024. This decision aligns compensation with the 50% Dearness Allowance hike, addressing long-standing demands for better financial benefits for essential operational personnel.
Maoist endgame nears, but no political fanfare in offing
The March 31 deadline for eliminating Left-wing extremism may pass without fanfare, having successfully created a psychological impetus for stakeholders. This pressure led to the neutralization or surrender of most CPI(Maoist) leadership, fracturing the group and pushing remaining members towards surrender.
AI can never perform core job of judgment writing: SC judge
Supreme Court's Justice Vikram Nath asserted AI can aid judicial processes but won't replace judges' core judgment-writing role. He highlighted AI's limitations in complex cases like matrimonial disputes and constitutional matters. Other judges echoed concerns about AI's potential for bias and the need for human conscience in justice delivery, emphasizing its role as a facilitator, not a substitute.
Few women get past collegium's subjective assessment: SC judge
Supreme Court Justice Ujjal Bhuyan highlighted a stark gender disparity in higher judicial appointments, noting women excel in lower judicial services but are underrepresented in High Courts and the Supreme Court due to subjective collegium criteria. He stressed the need for greater gender parity for India to achieve developed nation status by 2047.
UAPA misuse not a model for Viksit Bharat: SC judge
SC judge Ujjal Bhuyan emphasized that a developed India by 2047 requires greater tolerance for debate and dissent, without criminalizing them. He highlighted that thousands arrested under the UAPA with minuscule convictions indicate overuse or misuse of the law, hindering justice delivery and the ideal of a developed nation.
CCS recognises 'significant impact' of West Asia conflict
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's cabinet committee on security discussed measures to diversify import sources for key sectors like chemicals and pharmaceuticals due to the West Asia conflict's global economic impact. The government is preparing short-, medium-, and long-term strategies to safeguard citizens and ensure the availability of essential goods like fertilizers and coal.
Kotak sells stake in capital market lending arm
Kotak Mahindra Capital Company will sell nearly 31% of its stake in Infina Finance for approximately Rs 1,293.9 crore. The stake will be acquired by investors including the Rakesh Jhunjhunwala estate and other entities. This transaction will reduce KMCC's holding in the capital market lending arm to 19%.
Veteran BJP leader Datta Meghe passes away at 89; great loss for Vidarbha, says Gadkari
Veteran BJP leader Datta Meghe passed away at 89. A four-time Lok Sabha MP and former state minister, Meghe joined the BJP in 2014. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari remembered him as an elder brother, highlighting his significant contributions to education and healthcare in Vidarbha, particularly in tribal areas.
National Council members to govt: 'Self perceived identity' must remain foundation of transgender identification
Transgender community members, part of the National Council for Transgender Persons, met with ministry officials to reiterate that self-affirmation must remain the foundation of transgender identity.
PM Modi chairs CCS meeting on West Asia tensions, stresses on safeguarding India from impact
Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security in New Delhi on Sunday to review the situation and mitigating measures in view of the conflict between the United States (US), Israel and Iran in West Asia. During the meeting, Cabinet Secretary TV Somanathan gave a detailed presentation on the mitigating measures and the steps that have been taken by concerned ministries.
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