MODI ADMINISTRATION

Apple's predictive text restrictions include 'Dictator Trump' and 'Sleepy Joe,' researcher finds

Waste to wealth: Centre earns over Rs 970 crore from disposal of scrap

Inspired by the vision and direction of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and under the guidance of Union Minister of State for Personnel Jitendra Singh, the Special Campaign 6 for institutionalising swachhata and minimising pendency in government offices has recorded its highest-ever achievements across key parameters since the commencement of the annual special campaign in 2021, an official statement said.

Maharashtra gives one-time age relaxation for recruitment exams, extends concession till end-2027

The Maharashtra government has announced a one-time relaxation in age limits for state recruitment exams until December 31, 2027. This decision follows protests from candidates regarding delays in recruitment procedures that made them ineligible. Candidates can now apply with this extended age limit for certain advertisements issued by the MPSC. Recruitment agencies are also included in this relaxation, offering opportunities for newly eligible candidates.

French fried: Texas Republican pays the price for anti-Indian politics

French's defeat has given a stark electoral warning to an increasingly uncomfortable contradiction within the Republican Party: a party that spent years courting Indian-American voters, celebrating their entrepreneurial success and welcoming Indian investment particularly in Texas, is now struggling with a section of its own political base questioning whether Indians belong in Texas at all.

'Come to Parliament': Ashwini Vaishnaw challanges Opposition to debate in 'appropriate forum'

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw urged opposition leader Rahul Gandhi to debate on political issues in Parliament. He emphasized that discussions should occur in the legislative forum rather than on social media platforms. Vaishnaw criticized the Congress party for undermining democracy and for previously introducing electronic voting machines. Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma also questioned Congress's understanding of democracy and its history of toppling governments.

India takes calm view of US midterm results, sees bipartisan support anchoring ties

India is observing the results of the recent US midterm elections with a sense of calmness and stability. The Democrat victory is seen as a move to limit the influence of the Trump administration. India has maintained strong relations with both parties in Congress since 2000 through various sectors.

Democratic wave in US midterm elections weakens Trump at home, opens a new front for India-US ties in Congress

The recent US midterm elections saw the Democratic Party gain significant power in the Senate and House. This shift reflects widespread dissatisfaction with the current Republican leadership and its policies. President Trump's influence over the Republican Party may decline following this electoral outcome. Key policy decisions regarding foreign affairs, including relations with Iran, could be affected by these changes.

Green crackers: Where can you buy them in Delhi, Gurgaon, Noida and Ghaziabad? How to identify if it is real or polluting cracker?

Green crackers list: Green crackers are low-emission fireworks developed to reduce air and noise pollution compared with conventional firecrackers. With the Supreme Court allowing their use in Delhi-NCR on November 7 and 8, 2026, consumers are looking for authorised markets to purchase them ahead of Diwali. These crackers use a modified chemical composition and are designed to reduce particulate matter emissions by at least 30% and gaseous emissions by 10%.

Karnataka seeks Rs 22,400 cr drought relief from Centre, urges early release

Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara has requested Rs 22,400.58 crore in drought relief from the Centre. He emphasizes the urgency for the Prime Minister and union ministers to approve the funds. The revised memorandum indicates that 226 taluks suffered from drought, affecting millions of hectares of crops. Parameshwara critiques the insufficient assistance rates and seeks updated data for beneficiaries.

Homebuyers’ body FPCE urges PM Modi to restructure RERA as consumer protection law

The Forum for People’s Collective Efforts has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to overhaul the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act. They emphasize the critical need to distinguish consumer protection from the promotion of the real estate sector, citing persistent enforcement challenges. The group reveals that many homebuyers are facing financial losses due to stalled projects.

BMC takes down actor Dia Mirza's pollution-free Diwali video after BJP leader's objection

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation removed a video featuring Dia Mirza promoting an eco-friendly Diwali. This decision followed objections from BJP Mumbai chief Ameet Satam regarding the video’s message. Other campaign videos from different celebrities remained on social media despite the backlash. Opposition leaders criticized the removal, claiming it reflected increasing BJP influence over civic operations.

GST decriminalisation decisions set benchmark for trust-based governance: CII

The Confederation of Indian Industry praised the GST Council's recent decisions aimed at decriminalising certain offences. The Council recommended raising the prosecution threshold from Rs 1 crore to Rs 5 crore, promoting trust in businesses.

If you want to become PM, stay in mock parliament: Amit Shah on Rahul Gandhi

Union Home Minister Amit Shah condemned Rahul Gandhi for holding a rally on the anniversary of the 1984 Sikh genocide. He emphasized that Congress has consistently faced electoral defeats and alleged that Gandhi combats parliamentary proceedings. Shah reflected on the historical significance of the anti-Sikh riots and highlighted the BJP's efforts to support victims. He mentioned initiatives taken under the Modi government to advance the country.

Karnataka sugarcane growers stage demo to press for their demands, district officials impose restrictions

Farmers in North Karnataka are intensifying their protest over the procurement price of sugarcane and other related issues. They staged blockades and sit-ins across several locations including Belagavi and Dharwad. The farmers are demanding a fair price of Rs 5,500 per tonne for sugarcane and other reforms. Local administrations have imposed prohibitory orders to prevent further protests on highways.

PM Modi pays floral tributes to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel at Statue of Unity on birth anniversary

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid floral tributes to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel at the Statue of Unity. This tribute occurred on Patel's birth anniversary, which is celebrated as National Unity Day. Union Home Minister Amit Shah also honored Patel, highlighting his contributions to modern India and national unity. Both leaders emphasized Patel's dedication to the nation's welfare and various movements, including those for farmers' rights.

CBIC holds outreach programme in Chandigarh to discuss GST 2.0 reforms with taxpayers

More than 200 taxpayers and industry representatives participated in an outreach programme with CBIC leadership. The engagement aimed to discuss implementation of reforms from the 57th GST Council meeting. Key reforms include a higher threshold for criminal prosecution and improved processes for tax refunds and registration. This initiative underscores the Finance Ministry's commitment to transparency and stakeholder engagement. The implemented reforms are set to take effect from April 1, 2027.

Union Cabinet approves Rs 7,395 crore for PM Viksit Gram Swaraj Yojana

Union Cabinet has allocated Rs 7,395 crore for the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Gram Swaraj Yojana. This scheme will promote local-level capacity building and resource management for panchayats across India. Elected representatives will receive training to enhance their governance capabilities and local planning efforts. The initiative aims to financially empower panchayats through better utilization of available resources. Implementation will occur from 2026-27 to 2030-31, aligning with the Sixteenth Finance Commission period.

UP MLC results: SP scores wins in 5 seats including Varanasi, Agra

Samajwadi Party achieved victories in five of the 11 seats contested in the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council elections. The party secured wins in significant areas like Varanasi and Allahabad-Jhansi. Bharatiya Janata Party managed to retain six seats, including Bareilly-Moradabad and Lucknow Teachers' constituency. Political leaders from both sides accused each other of electoral malpractice during the elections.

First top-level Quad Summit under Trump administration likely in Manila

The proposed summit will focus on critical technology, minerals and associated supply chains, maritime security and disaster management, according to people familiar with Quad dynamics. The meeting is also expected to address the establishment of a Quad energy bank. A key item on the agenda will be securing supply chains for essential products, particularly in the light of ongoing conflicts and the weaponisation of trade routes.

PM Modi to release Rs 18,680 crore under PM-Kisan scheme on October 30

On October 30, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to launch the 24th installment of the PM-Kisan scheme in Gujarat, aiming to support over 9.34 crore farmer families across the country with more than Rs 18,680 crore. In Gujarat alone, financial assistance surpassing Rs 1,051 crore will be granted to over 52.33 lakh farmer families.

'DK, it's done, bro!': BJP takes swipe at DK Shivakumar as NDA sweeps Karnataka Legislative Council elections 4-0

NDA, consisting of BJP and JD(S), has achieved a significant victory in Karnataka's Legislative Council elections. The alliance won all four available seats, reflecting overwhelming support from educated professionals and voters. Former CM BS Yediyurappa congratulated the winning candidates, signaling a strong mandate against the ruling Congress party. JD(S) youth president Nikhil Kumar emphasized the result as a precursor for future elections.

India, Mexico sign terms of reference to kickstart trade pact negotiations

India and Mexico have signed the Terms of Reference to initiate negotiations on a Preferential Trade Agreement. This agreement aims to enhance bilateral trade and investment opportunities between the two countries. Key negotiating areas include market access, customs procedures, and trade facilitation measures. Both delegations discussed organizing a Mexican business mission to India in early 2027.

Entire J&K would have been part of India had Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel handled it: Chouhan

Shivraj Singh Chouhan delivered remarks reflecting on Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's contributions to India's unity and governance. He criticized Jawaharlal Nehru's decisions concerning Kashmir and Somnath temple reconstruction. Chouhan highlighted Patel's efforts to integrate princely states into the Indian Union after Independence. He also connected Patel's legacy with current government policies like the abrogation of Article 370.