STATUTORY BODIES
Central government sets Rs 1.5 lakh laptop price limit for employees; Rs 1.8 lakh for Make-in-India devices
The central government has issued new guidelines allowing officers in Pay Levels 8 and above to buy laptops for their official duties. Eligible officers can invest up to Rs 1,50,000, or Rs 1,80,000 for Make-in-India devices. After four years, these laptops can be kept, provided that all data is erased prior. In case of transfers or retirements, officers can retain laptops by settling the book value.
Karnataka plans feasibility studies for 1,500 MW floating solar capacity
Karnataka is currently exploring the establishment of floating solar power projects aimed at generating 1,500 MW capacity. The initiative includes conducting feasibility studies and surveys for suitable reservoirs and water bodies. KPCL will evaluate technical aspects and environmental impacts as part of project preparation. This project reflects the state's commitment to innovative renewable energy solutions while optimizing land and water resources.
Higher EPS pension: Pensioners request Labour Ministry to withdraw EPFO circular rejecting exempted employees' higher pension claims
The National Confederation of Pensioners' Associations has requested the Labour Ministry's urgent intervention in pending pension cases. They seek to withdraw a circular from January 2025 that affects higher EPS pension eligibility. The NCPA emphasizes eliminating discrimination between exempted and unexempted establishments regarding pension rights. They have proposed several recommendations to streamline the processing of pension applications and address delays.
US midterms 2026: Democrats win Congress, but can they change Trump's immigration policies?
The recent 2026 midterm elections have shifted the immigration debate, giving Democrats control of Congress and new leverage against President Trump's policies. As calls for reform intensify, lawmakers face challenges in reversing stringent immigration practices. Key issues surround oversight of ICE, protections for Dreamers, and potential pathways to citizenship for undocumented immigrants. How will this political landscape evolve?
India leads on non-animal testing and its draft lab animal rules threaten to undo that
India's draft Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Rules 2026 proposes significant changes to animal research regulations and oversight. It allows for harsher experimental practices that could cause severe suffering to animals. Local committees would gain power to approve experiments without thorough central review, raising concerns about ethical standards. This shift contradicts the existing legal framework established by the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1960.
Make urban legend real: Our cities must become far more business-friendly for India to achieve high per-capita income
India's urban population has grown slowly, with a significant portion living in small rural habitations. The country requires substantial rural-urban migration to boost urbanisation and economic productivity. Urban centres must create favorable business environments to attract new and expanding enterprises. State governments should implement measures to alleviate urban land scarcity and improve labor regulations.
These 11 private and public banking stocks have an upside of up to 33% in 1 year, according to analysts
It is too early to read a lot into the divergence seen in the stock price movements of private and PSU banks on Tuesday. Neither can it be said with any certainty that it had anything to do with FII buying. Against this background, remember: For any investor interested in the banking sector, the price movements should matter less than what the overall Q2 performance of both private and PSU banks reveals.
Govt mulls giving Cert-In enforceable powers to mandate patching
Last month, two critical flaws in the PHP programming language, discovered with the help of AI, created worldwide panic as hackers targeted the vulnerabilities millions of times, and led to governments including the US, UK, France, Germany and Japan taking down public websites. PHP powers 69.3% of websites worldwide.
India is addressing Wall Street’s favourite ‘elephant’ in the room to its own advantage
The Indian government has identified 762 potential applications of artificial intelligence across 62 ministries and departments, spanning farming, railway safety, tax compliance, public grievances, customs and healthcare. While some tools are already in use, others remain in pilot or development stages.
SIR a conspiracy designed by PM Modi-Amit Shah, executed by CEC, to snatch voting right: Congress
Congress has alleged that the SIR of electoral rolls is a conspiracy against Indian voters. The party claims that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah are behind this manipulation. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh criticized the process for failing to identify significant numbers of foreign nationals among voters. The Election Commission has defended its actions but faced internal objections regarding the process.
Supreme Court to hear plea saying labour code keeps charitable hospital and welfare body workers out of labour courts
The All India Trade Union Congress in Tamil Nadu has filed a petition against the Industrial Relations Code, 2020. They argue the law excludes charitable institutions and welfare organizations from the definition of 'industry'. This exclusion denies workers in these fields access to legal protections against unfair termination and labor disputes. The Supreme Court's previous ruling established the nature of activities as the defining factor for 'industry'.
SC seeks Centre's response on PIL on transgender rights law
The Supreme Court has sought the Centre's response regarding a PIL from Women's Declaration International India. This PIL raises concerns over potential conflicts between transgender rights and protections for biological women. Senior advocate Akhil Sibal highlighted issues related to rights in areas like sports and prisons. The Solicitor General discussed implications of gender identity regulations on women's legal protections. The matter is currently linked to ongoing hearings on transgender legislation.
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.
Congress calls EC affidavit on SIR in SC 'deceptive, deceitful and duplicitous'
Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh accused the Election Commission of deception regarding their affidavit. He claimed that the Commission's stance on Form 6 has been inconsistent and misleading. Ramesh alleged that illegal amendments to voter registration forms have occurred during the Special Intensive Revision. The Election Commission, in response, defended its actions as unanimously approved and lawful. Disputes between the election commissioners reflect deep concerns over decision-making processes and transparency.
EPS-95 higher pension: Pensioners’ body appeals to President as retirees struggle to get higher pension
The National Confederation of Pensioners’ Associations has requested intervention from President Droupadi Murmu regarding higher EPS pension issues. They demand the withdrawal of a problematic EPFO circular that affects eligibility for pensions based on internal trust rules. In addition, they seek to halt unnecessary litigation and ensure uniform treatment for all retirees. The NCPA calls for waiving punitive interest related to administrative delays on pension claims.
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.
Keralam Lok Bhavan recommends removal of KPSC chairman Baiju to President Murmu over irregularities in recruitment
Former Keralam Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar recommended the removal of KPSC Chairman M R Baiju due to irregularities. This decision follows a Crime Branch investigation into alleged irregularities in PSC examinations. Complaints were lodged by Yuva Morcha and ABVP during Arlekar's term as governor. Various political leaders are expressing differing opinions regarding the recommendation and the functioning of the PSC.
Indian pharma: Unethical practices, marketing rules under lens; new review body set up
The review comes against the backdrop of the Uniform Code for Pharmaceutical Marketing Practices (UCPMP), which was introduced in 2015 as a voluntary, industry-led mechanism to promote ethical conduct in pharmaceutical marketing and regulate interactions between drug companies and healthcare professionals.
SC stays CMRL-Exalogic probe against Pinarayi Vijayan, daughter for a week
The Supreme Court has stayed the investigation into corruption FIRs against Pinarayi Vijayan, Veena T, and PA Mohammed Riyas. They are allowed to challenge a Kerala High Court order that prompted the registration of these FIRs. The court clarified that its observations do not reflect any opinion on the merits of the cases. It also expressed concern regarding the urgency with which the matter was taken to the high court.
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