The Supreme Court of India has questioned the Delhi government's justification for a new metro line through forested ridge areas. Justices expressed concern that the project's environmental damage may outweigh its transportation benefits. The court suggested exploring less destructive public transit alternatives. A final decision on the project's approval is pending further government submissions.
The Nobel Peace Prize for 2024 has been awarded to South African jurist Navanethem 'Navi' Pillay. She is recognized for her decades of work advancing human rights and international justice. Pillay served as a judge on the International Criminal Court and as the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. Her award highlights the global importance of justice and accountability for human rights violations.
The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority has denied gratuity to a 62-year-old retiree. It cited specific provisions of the CCS Pension Rules, 1972, which outline the conditions for eligibility. The authority determined the individual's service did not meet the criteria for the benefit. The case highlights the application of existing government service regulations to retirement payouts.
A former BJP leader has formally requested an investigation into the visa status of YouTuber Dhruv Rathee. The request was made to the Ministry of External Affairs, according to a report by The Economic Times. The individual alleges potential irregularities regarding Rathee's travel documents. The government has not yet issued an official response to this request.
The Economic Times reports that former US President Donald Trump is considering measures to restrict the influx of foreign technology professionals into the United States. This proposal is part of a broader immigration policy review should he return to office. Analysts suggest such restrictions could inadvertently benefit India's technology sector by altering global talent flows. The potential policy shift might redirect skilled workers and related economic opportunities towards India. The report highlights this as a developing story based on Trump's stated policy intentions.
Several train services bound for Delhi have been cancelled, according to a report by the Economic Times. The cancellations were announced due to unspecified operational reasons. A full list of affected trains has been published. Passengers are advised to check their travel plans and seek alternative arrangements.
Diageo India has entered the domestic ready-to-drink (RTD) alcoholic beverage market. The company introduced its new product line called 'Reds' in select Indian states. This move marks a strategic expansion into the fast-growing RTD category. The launch aims to cater to evolving consumer preferences for convenient beverage formats.
The upcoming Jewar airport in Uttar Pradesh is set to be renamed the Narendra Modi Airport. The decision was announced by the Uttar Pradesh cabinet, as reported by the Economic Times. The airport is a major infrastructure project serving the National Capital Region. The renaming honors the Prime Minister, who laid the foundation stone for the project in 2021.
Zoho CEO Sridhar Vembu has called for Indian professionals working in the US to return to India. This call comes amid concerns over potential restrictions on the US PERM labor certification process, a key step for employment-based green cards. Vembu expressed his views in a recent interview with the Economic Times. He argued that the Indian economy now offers sufficient opportunities for skilled talent.
The Economic Times reports that a Rs 41,000 annual bonus for railway employees is under discussion. This payment is linked to the Productivity Linked Bonus (PLB) system for public sector workers. The final decision rests with the Union Cabinet, which will review the proposal. The bonus amount is typically announced ahead of the Dussehra festival.
Opposition leader Dipke has criticized the central government's approach to severe air pollution in Delhi-NCR. Speaking on Tuesday, he questioned why the government does not consider shutting down the entire country if it can shut down schools and colleges. Dipke argued that such targeted closures are an insufficient response to the widespread environmental crisis. His comments come as the Delhi-NCR region continues to experience hazardous air quality levels.
President Droupadi Murmu is scheduled to meet representatives from the opposition INDIA bloc. The meeting is set for 8 PM today. This follows the opposition's request for a discussion concerning the ongoing Special Investigation Team (SIT) protests. The talks aim to address the political situation stemming from the stir.
An alumnus of the Indian Institutes of Technology has publicly called for fairer immigration policies in the United States. The individual, whose identity was not specified, made the appeal in a statement reported by The Economic Times. Their argument centers on the need for a more just system for skilled immigrants, particularly those from technical backgrounds. The appeal highlights ongoing debates about US visa and immigration rules affecting foreign professionals.
The Indian government has firmly rejected a comment by U.S. Senator J.D. Vance referring to Indian workers as 'indentured servants.' The statement was made by Vance, the Republican vice-presidential nominee, in a recent interview. India's Ministry of External Affairs denounced the characterization, calling it a misrepresentation of the skilled Indian professionals who contribute significantly to global economies. The ministry emphasized that such remarks undermine the mutual respect and understanding between nations.
The Supreme Court has declined a request to investigate Justice D.Y. Chandrachud's management of NEET protest hearings. The plea was submitted by activist Saket Gokhale. The court stated the request constituted an attack on the Chief Justice's constitutional office. This ruling occurred as the court continues to handle petitions concerning alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG medical entrance exam.
Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia has criticized the Congress party for its stance on Starlink's India entry. He accused Congress of delaying the satellite internet service's launch and creating obstacles for the company. This follows public statements from SpaceX CEO Elon Musk regarding regulatory hurdles in India. Scindia framed the issue as one of political obstruction versus technological progress.
The Economic Times reported current gold prices differentiated by purity. Rates for 24, 22, 20, and 18 karat gold were listed. These prices are influenced by daily international market movements and local demand. The report serves as a daily financial benchmark for consumers and investors.
Delhi Police have refused permission for a protest event planned by the Congress-affiliated civil society group CJP. The event was scheduled to take place at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. Authorities cited law and order concerns as the primary reason for the denial. The group had intended to protest against recent alleged hate speeches.
An arm of India's Aditya Birla Group is seeking a $1.5 billion loan. The funds are intended to finance the acquisition of a petrochemicals unit from Shell. The deal involves Shell's UK-based subsidiary, Stanlow. This move is part of the Indian conglomerate's strategic expansion in the petrochemicals sector.
The Supreme Court of India has declined a request for authorities to be given a free hand in dealing with protesters. The plea was heard by a bench led by Justice S.K. Kaul. The court emphasized that existing laws are sufficient to manage demonstrations. It stated that granting blanket powers could lead to misuse and potential rights violations. The ruling underscores the balance between maintaining public order and protecting citizens' rights.