Page 6 - Indian Government

Govt releases Haj policy 2025, Haj Committee of India quota now 70%

Out of the total Haj pilgrims quota allocated to India, 70 per cent would be handled by the Haj Committee of India while the remaining 30 per cent will be allocated to private Haj Group Organisers, according to the government's Haj Policy for 2025. In 2024, the Haj Committee of India (HCoI) was allotted 80 per cent while the private Haj Group Organisers got 20 per cent of the quota. While the order of priority was 70 plus applicants, ladies travelling without mehrams (LWM) and the general category in 2024, the new Haj policy has prioritised 65 plus applicants followed by ladies without mehrams and then the general category. "It is decided that considering the arduous nature of the Haj pilgrimage, a companion is a must for pilgrims aged 65 or above and no pilgrim aged 65 or above will be registered as a lone member under reserved category," the new haj policy lays down. In the 2024 policy, which was a continuation of the 2023 policy, a companion was a must for 70 plus age pilgrims.

Bangladesh unrest: Cabinet Committee on Security meets to assess situation

The meeting came as Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled her country and landed in India on her way to London

Viksit Bharat a vision document in work for a developed India by 2047: Govt

Viksit Bharat is not a project but a vision document under preparation, outlining the growth trajectory for India to become a developed nation by 2047, the government said on Monday. Replying to supplementary queries on whether financial assistance has been provided to states for Viksit Bharat projects during the Question Hour in the Rajya Sabha, Union Minister for Planning Rao Inderjit Singh said, "It is not a project per se". Viksit Bharat, Sing said, "It is a vision document that is under preparation...As Viksit Bharat is not a project, therefore, provision of financial assistance to states does not arise". Replying to a question on the policy steps taken in the infrastructure and connectivity sector to boost growth and development, the minister stated that the government firmly believes that these sectors are going to be growth engines for Viksit Bharat. "Infrastructure development is an ongoing priority of the government to boost growth and development," the minister added.

2 proposals received for 8th pay panel, not under consideration: Govt

The government has received two representations for the constitution of the 8th Central Pay Commission, but no such proposal is currently under consideration, Parliament was informed on Tuesday. The 8th Pay Commission is due for implementation on January 1, 2026. "Two representations have been received for constitution of 8th Central Pay Commission in June 2024. No such proposal is under consideration of the government, at present," Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary said in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha. Usually, the pay commission is constituted by the Central Government every 10 years to revise the remuneration of government employees. The 7th Pay Commission was constituted in February 2014. Its recommendations were implemented from January 1, 2016. In order to compensate central government employees for erosion in the real value of their salaries on account of inflation, dearness allowance (DA) is paid to them and the rate of DA is revised periodically every si

Big bond funds managers in India argue that long-term rates going down

Yields on 30-year bonds have dropped more than 40 basis points this year to 7.04 per cent on Friday

Tax certificate not mandatory for all travelling abroad: Finance Ministry

Applicable to those involved in serious financial irregularities, tax dues over Rs 10 lakh

Govt to handle $5.1 bn bond payments for MTNL amid liquidity crisis

The company is no longer solvent, said the person, who requested anonymity

10% vacancies reserved for ex-Agniveers in CAPFs, Assam Rifles: Govt

The government has decided to reserve 10 per cent of vacancies in the Central Armed Police Forces and Assam Rifles for ex-Agniveers, the Rajya Sabha was informed Wednesday. A provision has been made for relaxation in the upper age limit and exemption from the Physical Efficiency Test in the recruitment to the post of constable (general duty) and rifleman in the CAPFs and Assam Rifles for ex-Agniveers, Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai said in response to a written question. "The number of vacancies as of July 1, 2024, in the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and Assam Rifles (AR) is 84,106 against a total sanctioned strength of 10,45,751, he said. Rai said the ministry has been taking and will continue to take earnest steps to fill up the vacancies expeditiously through the Union Public Service Commission, Staff Selection Commission and the forces concerned. "Time taken in the medical examination has been reduced to expedite the recruitment. Cut-off marks for ...

'Trust deficit between govt, farmers': SC proposes panel for talks

Observing that there is a trust deficit between farmers and the central government, the Supreme Court on Wednesday proposed the constitution of an independent committee comprising eminent persons to reach out to the protesters at Shambhu border and address their demands, including a legal guarantee of MSP. The top court directed the Punjab and Haryana governments to suggest the names of suitable individuals for the committee and submit a proposal for removal of barricades on the national highway while ordering a status quo on the border for a week. A three-judge bench headed by Justice Surya Kant said there is a need for a "neutral umpire" who can inspire confidence between farmers and the government. "You have to take some steps to reach out to farmers. Why would they otherwise want to come to Delhi? You are sending Ministers from here and despite their best intentions there is trust deficit," the bench also comprising Justices Dipankar Datta and Ujjal Bhuyan said. "Let appropriat

Govt employees being politicised by PM Modi on ideological basis: Congress

The Congress slammed the BJP-led Centre on Monday over its order removing a ban on the participation of government employees in RSS activities, alleging that Prime Minister Narendra Modi wants to politicise employees on an ideological basis. The attack by the Congress, which also said the move would be a challenge to the sense of neutrality of public servants, came after a government order about the ban being lifted became public and several opposition leaders criticised it. In a post on X, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said on this day in 1947, India adopted its national flag but the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the ideological mentor of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), opposed the tricolour and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel had warned the organisation against it. "Sardar Patel had also banned RSS after Gandhiji's assassination on February 4, 1948. Modiji has lifted a 1966 ban on government servants attending RSS activities, after 58 years," Kharge said. "We know

India issued over 300 notifications since 2020 to promote food safety: Data

India has issued over 300 notifications since January 2020 to promote food safety, protect animals and plant health, and maintain the quality of products in the markets, according to the commerce ministry data. These notifications are issued under Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS) and Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT). Both are allowed under the World Trade Organisation (WTO) rules. TBT and SPS are non-tariff measures (NTMs). SPS is used by countries to set out basic rules for food safety and animal and plant health requirements. On the other hand, TBT deals with voluntary and mandatory standards and procedures to maintain the quality of products in the markets. When these regulations impose an unnecessary burden on trade, then they become non-tariff barriers (NTBs). The data showed that as many as 62 SPS and 247 TBT notifications were issued by India since January 2020. Since the formation of the WTO in 1995, the number of these regulations stood at 330 (SPS) and 434 (TB

PM Modi meets New Zealand counterpart, agrees to advance bilateral ties

Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a congratulatory call from his New Zealand counterpart Christopher Luxon on his re-election as the two leaders agreed to advance their bilateral ties in sectors such as trade and economic cooperation, animal husbandry, pharmaceuticals, education and space among others. Modi's office said in a statement on Saturday that both leaders noted that India-New Zealand relationship is anchored in shared democratic values and close people-to-people ties, reiterating their firm commitment to take bilateral cooperation to new heights in the years to come. It said, "Highlighting the momentum generated by the recent high-level contacts between the two sides, they agreed to advance the mutually beneficial bilateral cooperation in various areas, including trade and economic cooperation, animal husbandry, pharmaceuticals, education, space among others." Modi thanked Luxon for looking after the interests of the Indian diaspora in New Zealand and was assured of hi

Centre may cut fiscal deficit target slightly in Budget after revenue boost

Modi returned to power only with the support of coalition partners, who have been seeking more money for their states, already putting demands on the table for more than $15 bn in financial aid

Misri to board to Bhutan on Friday in first trip as foreign secretary

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri will pay a two-day visit to Bhutan beginning Friday, in his first trip abroad after assuming charge of the top post. In Bhutanese capital Thimphu, Misri will meet Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, Foreign Minister DN Dhungyel and Foreign Secretary Pema Choden among others, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said while announcing the visit. The foreign secretary's visit underscores the "highest priority" the government of India attaches to its 'Neighbourhood First' policy, it said. Misri will also receive an audience with Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, according to the MEA. In their talks, Misri and Choden are expected to carry out a comprehensive review of the bilateral ties, including issues having mutual security interests, people familiar with the visit said. "Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri will pay an official visit to Bhutan from July 19-20, which will be his first visit abroad after taking over as the foreign secretary," the M

Govt reconstitutes NITI Aayog; new ministers join as members, spl invitees

The vice chairman and full-time members of the apex public policy think tank remain unchanged

Govt to launch 'Hamara Samvidhan Hamara Samman' portal for citizens soon

This portal will serve as a repository of knowledge, providing citizens with easy access to information to create awareness about the Constitution and legal rights

Govt inks MoU with NGO to create accessible space for disabled people

The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities has inked an MoU with a Gujarat-based NGO to advance training programs on accessibility in an effort to create more inclusive spaces for those suffering from disabilities. The MoU between the department and the NGO EnableMe Access Association (EMA) was signed on July 9. A copy of the MoU, shared with PTI, outlines two initial training programs: "Advanced Training in Accessibility" for empanelled accessibility auditors and Central Public Works Department engineers. These programs aim to educate participants on Indian accessibility standards, universal design perspectives, and the National Building Code and Harmonized Guidelines and Space Standards (HGSS). Training will be conducted in offline, online, and hybrid formats, featuring instructors with disabilities to offer firsthand insights and foster empathy. To support these training initiatives, DEPwD and EMA will develop and maintain software tools for accessibility ...

Govt to hold 'Global IndiaAI Summit' on July 3-4 to discuss key AI issues

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology will organise a global AI summit on July 3-4 to discuss issues related to artificial intelligence with India firmly committed to ethical and inclusive growth of this new-age technology. Through the 'Global IndiaAI Summit 2024', India aspires to establish itself as a global leader in AI innovation, ensuring that AI benefits are accessible to all and contribute to the nation's socio-economic development. The two-day event being organised by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (Meity) in the national capital highlights the government's "unwavering commitment to the responsible development, deployment, and adoption of artificial intelligence", the release said. Key speakers at the event include Minister for Electronics and IT Ashwini Vaishnaw; Minister of State for Electronics and IT Jitin Prasada, as well as industry leaders. The summit will provide a platform for leading international AI experts from science, .

Indian govt bond yields marginally higher tracking US Treasury moves

US yields rose on Friday and gained further during Asia hours as uncertainty around the US presidential election

IRS officer Ravi Agrawal appointed new CBDT chief, to succeed Nitin Gupta

Ravi Agrawal, a 1988-batch IRS officer, has been appointed as the new chairman of the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), the administrative body for the Income Tax Department. He takes over from Nitin Gupta, a 1986-batch Indian Revenue Service officer, whose extended tenure as the chairman ends on Sunday, June 30. Gupta was appointed as the CBDT chief in June, 2022. He was scheduled to retire in September last year but was given a nine-month extension till June. The new CBDT chief is currently working as member (administration) in the board. An order issued by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) said Agarwal will head the CBDT till June, 2025. Agrawal is scheduled to retire in September but his appointment order said he will continue on "reappointment on contract basis" till June 30 next year, in usual terms and conditions applicable to re-employed central government officers, in relaxation of the recruitment rules. A senior Union finance ministry officer told PTI