SUPREME COURTMETA CONTENTUS POSTAL SERVICE

Trump urges supporters to vote by mail, reversing years of attacks on practice

President Trump shifted his stance to encourage voting by mail ahead of the midterm elections. He stated that supporters can vote by mail or in-person on November 3rd. This change follows his previous claims of fraud regarding mail-in voting. Recent polls indicate a challenging political environment for Republicans as Trump's approval ratings remain low. Many voters are still undecided as the election date approaches, complicating the situation further.

'Can vote by mail if they want': Trump defends mail-in voting, then claims 'a lot of cheating'

Hospital pricing part of wider value chain: Max MD

Abhay Soi, chairman of Max Healthcare, commented on scrutiny regarding hospital pricing in India. He stated that hospitals should be evaluated based on the entire clinical process rather than individual consumable prices. Soi explained that the administration of medical supplies involves significant training and compliance with storage and disposal regulations. He noted that hospitals have multiple billing items with varying margins contributing to an overall profit margin.

Centre may seek legal view on licensing of sterile drugs

The government is actively exploring a proposal to expand central licensing authority over all sterile drug products following a recent Supreme Court decision that restricted the enforcement authority of central officials. A meeting of the drugs consultative committee underscored the essential requirement for specialized regulatory oversight for these sensitive products, aiming for uniform regulations. A dedicated sub-committee will evaluate the proposal's feasibility and gather legal insights before any definitive actions.

Industrial alcohol is the GST Council's unfinished federal business: States won the legal fight, but the 18% GST still applies

The GST Council is set to meet regarding the regulation of industrial alcohol, which has been contested between the government and states. The Supreme Court has ruled that states have the power to regulate industrial alcohol as it falls under their jurisdiction. Despite this, industrial alcohol remains categorized under the GST regime, attracting an 18% tax.

Inside Donald Trump’s midterm blueprint: How he plans to reshape the 2026 race before Election Day

Donald Trump has used executive action in an effort to change US voting rules. One of his orders called for new citizenship requirements when registering to vote. Voting rights groups challenged the measure in court. Judges later blocked key parts of the order.

Established beyond doubt Gyanesh Kumar changed Form 6 illegally, unilaterally: Rahul Gandhi

In a bold statement, Rahul Gandhi accused Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar of unlawfully changing Form 6 without consensus. The Supreme Court confirmed that these alterations to electoral rolls were not sanctioned. Gandhi emphasized the need for accountability for the CEC and his colleagues. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh further alleged that this modification was aimed at silencing the Gen Z voter demographic.

Bengaluru homebuyers paid Rs 1.15 crore, waited over 20 years without possession; builder ordered to pay Rs 1.51 crore including full refund with 9% interest

Buyers of a stalled Bengaluru housing project moved the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission after waiting more than two decades for possession. The commission ordered the builder to refund every rupee paid, with interest, along with compensation for the harassment caused.

Why is Trump redirecting $2 billion into $90 Medicare checks, and who qualifies for the payment?

President Donald Trump has announced one-time $90 payments for more than 20 million Medicare Part B enrollees. The White House says the money will come from the Medicare Improvement Fund, which has about $2 billion available. Most eligible recipients are expected to receive the payment in October, without filing a separate application.

How to make sure your mailed ballot counts in US midterm elections: Mail it early because the postmark date may not match the day you dropped it in the mailbox

As the 2026 US midterm elections approach, it's crucial for voters to mail their ballots ahead of time to avert potential complications. Remember, ballots must be postmarked by Election Day to be counted. In California, ballots can be accepted up to seven days late if they are postmarked correctly. Voters are encouraged to track their ballots to confirm acceptance.

SC stays Karnataka HC order constituting SIT, fresh probe in KPSC recruitment irregularities

The Supreme Court has stayed the Karnataka High Court's directions regarding the Special Investigation Team for KPSC recruitment irregularities. The bench issued a notice for responses from original petitioners and the state government. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal argued against a new investigation, stating the CID was near completion. The high court had mandated the formation of an SIT to investigate allegations against KPSC.

8th Pay Commission pension estimates for Level 5-9 employees: Can they get up to Rs 68,000 minimum basic pension at retirement?

8th Pay Commission pension calculator: Around 69 lakh pensioners fall under the central government's administration, with most benefiting from the Old Pension Scheme. Employee organisations are urging changes to the terms of the 8th Pay Commission to accommodate earlier revisions in pensions. The 8th Pay Commission has an 18-month deadline to submit its report. Modifications for Level 5-9 employees’ pensions will hinge on forthcoming fitment factors and estimates released alongside the commission's findings.

Supreme Court judges call off JPC interaction over possible review of ONOE Bills

In a recent turn of events, Supreme Court judges have opted against holding an informal dialogue with the Joint Parliamentary Committee regarding the proposed amendments. Their apprehensions revolve around the potential for future judicial review of those amendments. Kapil Sibal condemned the meeting as unconstitutional, arguing it infringed upon the separation of powers.

US Postal Service to take extra steps to ensure ballot deliveries

US Postal Service plans to implement several measures to facilitate ballot delivery for the upcoming elections. Starting October 4, some retail branches will extend hours for ballot handling and processing. The agency will use expedited services to ensure timely delivery of completed ballots, particularly through its Priority Mail Express network.

Who at EC ordered TCS to make 'illegal' change in Form 6, asks Rahul Gandhi

Raising concerns over recent changes made to the online voter registration process, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi demanded accountability from both the Election Commission and Tata Consultancy Services for these alterations. Opposition leaders met to discuss issues surrounding electoral malpractices and the demand for CEC Gyanesh Kumar's resignation.

Hospital stocks fall up to 6%: Apollo, Fortis, KIMS tumble as SC questions drug mark-ups

Hospital stocks came under pressure after the Supreme Court raised concerns over steep mark-ups on medicines sold through corporate hospitals.

US midterm elections 2026: What to know about mail-in voting; how to register, early voting, and key dates

U.S. midterm elections 2026 will include various voting options, with mail-in voting rules continuing to differ by state. The Supreme Court’s decision blocking new Postal Service requirements for the November election means states will remain using their existing process for mail ballots. Voters should check their registration status, confirm their address, find whether they are required to request a ballot and review applicable deadlines.

USPS holiday shipping prices to rise temporarily starting October 4: What customers need to know

The U.S. Postal Service plans for temporary price increases for many package-shipping services during the 2026 holiday season. The changes are set to begin October 4 and continue through January 17, 2027, pending favorable review by the Postal Regulatory Commission. Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, USPS Ground Advantage and Parcel Select will be impacted, while other postal products and services will remain outside the adjustment.

She left IAF after 10 years to support family, then lost husband in MiG-21 crash; Supreme Court backs her reinstatement

After leaving the Indian Air Force in 2013 to support her family, Squadron Leader Priyanka Saxena sought a return to service after her husband, an IAF fighter pilot, was killed in a MiG-21 crash in 2021. The Supreme Court has now ordered her reinstatement, allowing her to resume service after one year of refresher training while counting her earlier decade of service.

USPS ships pallets of groceries to 100-plus Alaskan villages by air; an Inspector General report says it moved 87 million pounds in one year and recovered 29 cents per dollar

In Alaska, the Bypass Mail program is crucial for supplying isolated communities that lack road access. Each year, it transports millions of pounds of essential items like groceries and household goods. Despite facing significant financial hurdles with a mere 29 percent recovery rate, this program keeps vital supplies affordable and available. It fosters essential links for many Alaskans who rely on air transport for their everyday needs.

New government site: Single portal being planned for UPSC, SSC, RRB exams to simplify applications and avoid exam date clashes

The Department of Personnel and Training is creating a centralized portal for government job applications and examinations. This innovative platform requires candidates to register just once, simplifying their experience across multiple agencies. A key feature is the synchronization of exam schedules to prevent overlapping dates and notify applicants of any updates or changes, addressing recent challenges in recruitment processes.

Florida's Ochopee post office is a 61.3-square-foot shed that once held irrigation pipe for a tomato farm; it has served three counties since a 1953 fire

In Ochopee, Florida, the smallest post office in the United States stands at a mere 61.3 square feet. Originally a shed for irrigation pipes after a fire claimed the first structure, this post office remains vital for the local community, fostering personal ties as residents know their postal staff by name.

Since 1874, a boat on the Detroit River has passed mail to freighters that never stop, hauled up in a bucket on a rope; it has its own ZIP code: 48222

Since 1874, the J.W. Westcott II has served as a crucial lifeline for freighters navigating the Detroit River. Starting with John Ward Westcott's effort to connect ships to land, it transformed into a legally recognized service by USPS, operating 24/7 from April to December. As traditional mail volume dwindled, the mailboat diversified its offerings, including grocery deliveries and foreign vessel guidance.