CABINET
Railway Board flags safety concerns, grants conditional approval to RCF-made Vande Bharat chair car
Officials said all Vande Bharat Chair Cars currently in operation have been manufactured by Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai, and that this will be the first Vande Bharat chair car manufactured by RCF, Kapurthala, with an Alstom propulsion system.
Boost for green energy projects: Maharashtra govt waives 25 pc land transfer fee
Maharashtra announced a waiver for the 25 per cent transfer fee on land for renewable energy projects. This decision aims to alleviate financial pressure on companies and reduce project costs. Companies must use the land exclusively for renewable energy to qualify for this exemption. If the land is used for other purposes, the exemption will be revoked, and fees will be charged.
Japan PM vows swift response to wave of cyberattacks
Japan is preparing an emergency cybersecurity package in response to increasing hacking incidents affecting various businesses. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announced at a cabinet meeting that unauthorized access has raised concerns about data leaks. The government aims to compile these emergency measures within the next week to address the issue effectively. A Chinese AI tool called Artex has been linked to several recent hacking incidents.
Bigg Boss 20 contestant ScoutOP’s Rs 5 crore home in Gujarat: Private gaming studio, Jacuzzi-equipped bathroom, 5 bedrooms and a lift
ScoutOP, a Bigg Boss 20 contestant, faced scrutiny regarding his closeness with co-contestant Love Gill. His girlfriend, Kaashvi Hiranandani, confronted him about the situation during a recent episode. She expressed her dissatisfaction and embarrassment over his actions on national television. Amidst this controversy, viewers have revisited ScoutOP’s past, including a YouTube tour of his impressive home.
US midterm election 2026: How Air Force One has become Donald Trump's most potent trump card in upcoming polls
US midterm elections 2026: President Donald Trump is surrounded on these trips by White House and external consultants making strategic choices for the midterms. The goal of Trump's travel over the past month has been to help Republicans keep control of Congress.
Who's on Air Force One? Trump's midterms entourage includes strategists, aides and aging athletes
President Donald Trump is actively campaigning across the United States aboard Air Force One to support Republican candidates. He travels with a diverse entourage including aides, Cabinet members, and celebrities. High-profile passengers such as Mike Tyson and Floyd Mayweather Jr. have joined him on some flights. Trump's travel aims to strengthen Republican positions in upcoming elections. His entourage provides strategic advice and reinforces his messaging at rallies.
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Omar Abdullah says J&K cabinet expansion next week
Omar Abdullah said the lieutenant governor would fix a time for the exercise, following which the expansion would take place. Abdullah appealed to party colleagues and MLAs not to approach him or National Conference president Farooq Abdullah for ministerial berths, saying the list had been finalised after consultations.

Centre extends Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh's tenure by one year
Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh has received a one-year extension of his tenure until October 31, 2027. This decision was approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet following an official order. Singh, an IAS officer of the 1989 batch, is from the Kerala cadre. His current retirement date was set for October 31, 2026, prior to this extension.

Congress high command asks Karnataka govt to probe alleged sting op attempts against its CMs
Bengaluru's Chief Minister D K Shivakumar reported suspicious meetings with a businessman wearing Meta smart glasses. He believes the meetings may have involved attempts to record or spy on him and his colleagues. Shivakumar stated that credible information exists about planned sting operations targeting his Cabinet members. The Congress high command has instructed an inquiry into these allegations.

Cabinet expansion, reshuffle likely in 2-3 days, names finalised: J-K CM advisor Nasir Wani
A cabinet expansion and reshuffle in Jammu and Kashmir is anticipated in the coming days. The government aims to balance development with the preservation of heritage, highlighting financial constraints. Development projects worth Rs 20-30 crore are ongoing or nearing completion in various constituencies. Efforts are made to improve local tourism, especially in Manasbal, while support for local artists is emphasised.

DA hike announcement: Do central government employees need to wait till next cabinet meeting?
DA hike news: As of now, the central government has not disclosed the dearness allowance hike for July 2026, leaving employees in suspense. Hopes were raised during recent cabinet discussions, yet no announcement was made. The next potential reveal is scheduled for October 28, 2026. Workers are eagerly awaiting this increase, which will directly affect their salaries and ongoing allowances, with arrears also considered for the July-December 2026 timeframe.

Assam cabinet approves Welspun Group's investment proposal to set up manufacturing unit in Rangia
Assam's cabinet approved an investment proposal from Weetek Plastic Private Limited to set up a manufacturing unit. The cabinet also amended rules to categorize extracted limestone into different grades for royalty purposes. A new award named 'Bharat Ratna Dr. Bhupen Hazarika Award' will honor significant contributions to music and culture. The grand finale of Hazarika's birth centenary celebrations will take place in New Delhi on November 29, 2026.

Pawan Hans asked to chart financial and organisational turnaround plan by December
The Department of Public Enterprises has requested Pawan Hans to draft a five-year turnaround plan. This plan should address financial restructuring and operational efficiencies in addition to exploring new revenue streams. After a meeting in September, the company management will seek expert consultancy support to create this plan. The government allocated ₹450 crore for fleet modernization to strengthen indigenous helicopter capacity.

Cabinet Secy flags 'interference' risk in letters from two ECs
The Cabinet Secretariat reviewed communications from Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi regarding an ECI officer. They indicated that Deputy EC Maneesh Garg acted without proper approval and did not follow protocols. These communications were considered unofficial and not from the commission as a whole. They expressed concern over Garg's actions after receiving repeated instructions against such conduct.

Manipur cabinet approves Pawan Hans to resume helicopter services
The Manipur cabinet has engaged Pawan Hans Limited to restore helicopter services for remote areas. One helicopter will operate for six months, helping with passenger transport and medical emergencies. Loktak Day will be celebrated annually, starting on 26 October 2026, honoring Loktak Lake. Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh met with village representatives to discuss community issues and infrastructure needs.

Portland craftsman Mark Haley cut apart a donated credenza that shoppers kept passing by and rebuilt it as a storage bench; hundreds wanted to buy it at a home show
In Portland, Oregon, a skilled craftsman has successfully transformed a discarded credenza into a stylish storage bench, showcasing the creative possibilities of furniture repurposing. The innovative design drew considerable attention at its exhibition, with numerous visitors keen to purchase the repurposed item. This initiative emphasizes the crucial role of recycling materials to minimize waste and demonstrates how Habitat for Humanity effectively turns forgotten pieces into cherished assets.

DR hike for pensioners: As government delays release of dearness relief and arrears, Bharat Pensioners' Samaj urges cabinet secretary to intervene
Dearness relief hike: The Bharat Pensioners' Samaj has formally addressed a letter to the cabinet secretary concerning the urgent need for a dearness relief hike for pensioners. They stress the importance of timely disclosures to support pensioners reliant on such adjustments. With expectations for a DR increase of 3% to 4%, many hope for this announcement before Dussehra, as any delay has caused disappointment among those looking to better manage their festive expenses.

DA hike: Why is there delay in DA hike announcement and when can government make it?
DA hike announcement: Central government employees are eagerly anticipating an announcement regarding a dearness allowance hike, which remains uncertain. The recent weekly meeting, where such an announcement could have taken place, was not convened. In response, the Confederation of Central Government Employees and Workers staged a protest highlighting the overdue DA hike. While previous discussions centered around performance-linked bonuses, the DA hike was overlooked.

Karnataka CM Shivakumar asks ministers to gear up for local body polls
Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has directed his Cabinet colleagues to prepare for the forthcoming local body elections. The State Election Commission is expected to announce the elections soon, following the revised voters' list release. These elections are significant as they will be the first for Bengaluru's newly formed city corporations. The government is now committed to conducting all pending local body elections across the state.

DA hike for central government employees: Can Centre announce dearness allowance on October 21, 2026?
DA hike news: Central government employees are eagerly awaiting a long-overdue increase in their dearness allowance, which was expected to take effect on July 1, 2026. The anticipated hike could boost the DA from 60% to 63%. With growing protests urging timely disclosure, the upcoming cabinet meeting may reveal crucial updates for employees and pensioners. Employee federations are applying pressure, prompting the government to address their concerns promptly.

Uttarakhand minister stops Daler Mehndi’s concert, says “We paid so much money for you, and you can’t even speak”
Daler Mehndi’s concert at the Siddhpeeth Maa Kunjapuri Tourism and Development Fair in Uttarakhand sparked controversy after a background vocal track was reportedly heard during his performance. Cabinet Minister Subodh Uniyal confronted the singer on stage, prompting a disruption. Police intervened to maintain order, while organisers and the technical team adjusted the arrangements.

Dhal Singh Bisen sworn in as Uttarakhand Governor
Dhal Singh Bisen took the oath of office as the new Governor of Uttarakhand at Lok Bhavan. He was sworn in by Acting Chief Justice Manoj Kumar Tiwari in a formal ceremony. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and other senior officials were present to witness the occasion. Bisen previously served as a legislator and a minister in Madhya Pradesh.

Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami holds cabinet meets across districts; Opposition says too late
The opposition Congress is questioning the government's decision to hold cabinet meetings away from the state capital terming it as election tours and photo Opps misusing the public funds. Congress state president Ganesh Godiyal said that the BJP government is now going to the doorstep of the people when the end is near after 10 years. Godiyal said that the government is trying to offer medicine for a wrong ailment while the real problems are entirely different.

DA hike after Dussehra? Will government announce dearness allowance increase after October 20?
Central government employees are anticipating a dearness allowance increase following the cabinet meeting scheduled for October 21. The government usually announces the DA hike during its regular Wednesday meetings. Recent inflation data suggests that the DA could rise significantly based on calculations from the retail inflation index. Employee associations have urged prompt action due to rising living costs affecting their finances.

Karnataka to move SC against HC ruling on SC/ST quota increase
The Karnataka Cabinet has decided to file a special leave petition in the Supreme Court. This petition aims to challenge the recent High Court ruling on increased SC/ST reservation. The ruling reduced the overall quota in education and jobs back to 50%. Officials will evaluate the implications for current and future recruitments based on this decision. Discussions regarding the reservation framework may also involve the Union government's role.

Cabinet approves 78 days productivity linked bonus to railway staffers
The Union Cabinet approved a Productivity Linked Bonus for over 1.1 million railway employees. This bonus, amounting to Rs 2009.61 crore, recognizes the staff's excellent performance. Eligible railway employees will receive payments before the upcoming Durga Puja and Dusshera holidays. The maximum payable amount to each employee is Rs 17,951 for a duration of 78 days. This initiative aims to motivate railway staff towards continued improvements in their performance.

Cabinet approves Rs 52,878 crore IDBI Bank sale to Fairfax arm in India’s largest financial-sector FDI
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved the strategic sale of IDBI Bank to a Fairfax Group arm, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said. The government and Life Insurance Corporation of India will retain a combined 34% stake in the restructured entity. Vaishnaw called it India’s largest financial-sector FDI.

Cabinet approves 78-day bonus worth Rs 2,009 crore for 11.4 lakh railway employees ahead of Diwali
The Union Cabinet has approved a 78-day productivity-linked bonus worth Rs 2,009.61 crore for 11.4 lakh railway employees, with a maximum payout of Rs 17,951 per eligible employee. The decision follows record freight loading and passenger traffic in 2025-26, while railway staff associations continue to seek a higher bonus ceiling.

Union Cabinet likely to take up productivity-linked bonus for railway employees on Wednesday
The Union Cabinet is likely set to take up a proposal on productivity-linked bonus for railway employees. Non-gazetted railway employees currently receive Rs 17,951, calculated using a wage ceiling of Rs 7,000 for 78 days. The move comes amid demands to raise the ceiling and increase the annual bonus payout.
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