RTI
Vande Bharat and Gatimaan Express trains connecting Delhi and Agra set for speed upgrade as Kavach installation is completed; services to return to 160 kmph from current 130 kmph after successful safety trials
Vande Bharat recent news: Gatimaan Express and Vande Bharat services are expected to return to their original speeds of 160 kmph. This enhancement follows the successful installation of the Kavach Automatic Train Protection system on the Delhi-Agra route. Currently, eight trains operate at a reduced speed of 130 kmph due to safety regulations. Safety trials are currently being conducted to ensure the system's effectiveness before the speed increase.
Why are we becoming 'vishwaguru' in air pollution: Kharge targets Modi govt
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has accused the BJP government of failing to tackle Delhi's worsening air pollution, questioning Prime Minister Narendra Modi over unspent environmental funds and missing PM2.5 readings at monitoring stations. He demanded accountability, citing pollution-linked deaths, poor utilisation of clean-air funds and recurring government assurances.
Bengaluru-Goa Vande Bharat Express to be among India's slowest, running at 53-54 kmph, on par with regular Mail and Express trains; why Vande Bharat trains are not operating at approved 160 kmph
Vande Bharat Express news: The Bengaluru-Madgaon Vande Bharat Express will connect Bengaluru to Goa over a distance of 670 km. It is set to take approximately 12 to 13 hours for this journey, making it the slowest Vande Bharat service. This train will average speeds comparable to Mail and Express trains, primarily due to safety restrictions. Currently, other Vande Bharat trains maintain higher average speeds across their respective routes.
Tamil Nadu man breaks up with college girlfriend, later files 97 RTI pleas asking if she is still single or dating another man; commissioner warns of medical treatment
A Villupuram man filed 97 RTI applications containing 1,887 questions seeking information about his former college girlfriend, including her relationships, address, workplace and photograph. Police told the Tamil Nadu Information Commission that she had complained of harassment and attempted suicide in June 2025. The commissioner rejected the applications and warned the man would be sent to medical counselling.
ECI restores DEC-level oversight of IT wing after 2 ECs raise concerns
The Election Commission of India issued a new work allocation order restoring oversight of the IT division. This change followed objections from two Election Commissioners regarding a prior order issued by senior Deputy Election Commissioner Maneesh Garg. Both Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi wrote to cabinet secretary TV Somanathan concerning Garg's unapproved directive.
Justice Narasimha recuses from plea to finalise judges’ appointment MoP and bring Collegium decisions under RTI
Supreme Court Justice PS Narasimha recused himself from a case regarding the Memorandum of Procedure for judicial appointments. The plea, filed by NGO Lok Prahari, seeks to finalize the MoP as it has been pending since 2015. This procedure governs the appointment and transfer of judges to higher courts in India. The petition also calls for enhanced transparency in the selection process and access to Collegium meeting minutes.
Anthropic IPO rocks Indian IT; Why Walmart is in no hurry to list Flipkart
Anthropic’s US IPO filing sent Indian IT stocks lower on Tuesday. This and more in today’s ETtech Top 5.
Clock’s ticking for data protection, but the boardroom remains empty
Under the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Rules, 2025, the framework for registering consent managers with the DPBI is scheduled to start on November 13. But a government response to a Right to Information (RTI) application shows that the board spent not a single rupee on salaries, office expenses, rent or information and communication technology equipment as of September 30 this year.
'National interest, safety' outweigh disclosure: CIC upholds denial of Ashok Hotel structural report
The RTI applicant had sought the report, its findings, details of any amendments or corrigenda, and correspondence between IIT Roorkee and ITDC regarding the structural assessment. The applicant argued that the information was in the larger public interest, citing concerns over the hotel's structural strength.
Mallikarjun Kharge renews attack on Gyanesh Kumar, urges people to join November 1 rally at Ramlila Maidan amid traders’ concerns
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has urged citizens to join the INDIA bloc's upcoming rally at Delhi's Ramlila Maidan. The rally aims to address accusations against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar concerning electoral roll irregularities. Traders in Delhi have requested a postponement of the event due to potential impacts on business during the festive season. Kharge acknowledged the traders' concerns and stated that a decision would be made after discussions.
'Trade secrets': What powers SIR's voter-roll checks? EC declines to reveal software details
The Election Commission has refused to disclose the software and algorithm details used to detect errors in voter rolls during the Special Intensive Revision, citing commercial confidence, trade secrets and intellectual property rights. Responding to an RTI application, the poll body said no new software was developed or procured for the exercise.
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.
SC advances Delhi SIR hearing after plea flags deleted voters being asked to fill Form 6
The Supreme Court has agreed to advance the hearing on challenges related to Delhi's electoral rolls. This decision follows concerns about voters being required to fill Form 6 for re-inclusion. Petitioners argue that this requirement misrepresents their voting status and could lead to legal consequences. The bench is considering issuing an order to rectify these issues before the October 30 deadline.
RTI Act turns 21: Commissions choke on backlog, appeals in Tripura, MP may be decided in 2046
An independent study has revealed significant delays in the disposal of RTI appeals across various states. Tripura and Madhya Pradesh have the longest waiting periods, with resolutions expected by 2046. The backlog of pending appeals has slightly decreased compared to last year, though it remains extensive. Notably, the Central Information Commission returned nearly one-third of all appeals filed during the review period.
No question of restrictive live-streaming of court proceedings, says Supreme Court
The Supreme Court has raised alarms over the monetization and distortion of live-streamed court sessions. Justices emphasized that unauthorized clips are being exploited for personal and commercial benefit, undermining the integrity of the legal system. They urged the establishment of guidelines to address these concerns and ensure accurate representation. Future measures will focus on protecting court proceedings from exploitation while fostering public understanding of judicial processes.
GAIL’s Sanjay Kumar named next Petronet LNG CEO
Sanjay Kumar has been appointed as the next Managing Director and CEO of Petronet LNG Ltd. His term will commence on May 13, 2027, after A K Singh's tenure ends. Petronet LNG plays a critical role in India's liquefied natural gas imports and energy infrastructure. The company aims to enhance its regasification capacity and expand operations significantly.
PM Modi degree case: Gujarat HC rejects Kejriwal appeal, upholds Rs 25,000 cost on him
The Gujarat High Court has dismissed Arvind Kejriwal’s appeal against an order quashing a 2016 CIC directive that asked Gujarat University to disclose Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s academic degree. The court also upheld the earlier Rs 25,000 cost imposed on Kejriwal, finding no reason to interfere with the single-judge ruling.
Tamil Nadu gold ring scheme for babies: Who is eligible, how to avail benefits and other key details
Tamil Nadu gold ring scheme news: On Monday, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay will launch a one-gram gold ring scheme for newborns. This initiative aims to honor motherhood and promote women’s health while encouraging institutional deliveries. Eligible mothers, who are permanent residents of Tamil Nadu and registered under the relevant programs, will receive the gold rings. Distribution will start on September 28, with a focus on public healthcare trust.
After backlash, Vijay sarkar rescinds L&O RTI waiver
The ruling TVK government on Sunday withdrew its order expempting Public (Law and Order) department from the Right to Information (RTI) Act following widespread outrage. The department was classified as an 'Intelligence and Security Organisation' under the withdrawn order which would have kept it outside the RTI framework and restricted public access to the information it holds. Earlier, the exemption was defended as an attempt to keep information related to community clashes outside the RTI framework.
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