Author: Bhawanjot Singh

New Delhi: In a momentous declaration today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi disclosed the identities of the four chosen astronauts for India’s pioneering Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission, marking a historic milestone.The event took place at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre in Thiruvananthapuram, where the Prime Minister awarded astronaut wings to the chosen individuals. Astronaut Designates Unveiled The quartet designated for the Gaganyaan mission comprises Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair, Group Captain Ajit Krishnan, Group Captain Angad Pratap, and Wing Commander Shubhanshu Shukla.These individuals, all from the Indian Air Force with extensive experience as test pilots, underwent rigorous training in technical knowledge…

In a significant development, the Allahabad HC recently dismissed the appeal filed by the Gyanvapi Mosque committee challenging the Varanasi district court’s decision to allow Hindu prayers in the southern cellar, ‘Vyas Tehkhana,’ within the Gyanvapi mosque complex. Justice Rohit Ranjan Agarwal pronounced the verdict, stating that there were no grounds to interfere with the district judge’s decision. Varanasi District Court’s Ruling The Varanasi district court had earlier ruled on January 31 that the Hindu side could offer prayers in the ‘Vyas Tehkhana.’ This decision also directed the district magistrate to facilitate the arrangements for ‘puja’ and a nominated ‘pujari’…

In recent years, a concerning trend has emerged in the realm of Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) claims, as rejection rates for final settlements have witnessed a significant upswing. The rejection rate has surged from approximately 13% in 2017-18 to a staggering 34% in 2022-23, raising alarms about the financial well-being of Employees’ Provident Fund subscribers. Transition to Online Processing: A Double-Edged Sword The shift towards online processing is identified as a primary catalyst for the surge in rejection rates. EPFO officials point out that the verification of documents for claims, which used to occur primarily at the employers’ end, has…

Byju’s: In an unprecedented development, four influential investors of the renowned edtech firm, Byju’s, have taken the dramatic step of filing a mismanagement suit against the CEO and founder, Byju Raveendran, in the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT). The investors, including Prosus, GA, Sofina, and Peak XV, have deemed Raveendran “unfit” to lead the company and are actively seeking his removal from the board of directors. This move comes amid an emergency meeting and a controversial $200 million rights issue that has stirred turmoil within the company. Byju’s: Allegations of Mismanagement The mismanagement suit, filed before the NCLT, paints a…

Punjab, known for its agricultural prowess, is now witnessing a new wave of dissent as its industrial sector takes to the streets. The Federation of All Textiles and Industries, Punjab, has announced a rail roko protest scheduled for March 1. The agitation is in response to the 45-day payment rule mandated by the union government under IT law 43B(h) in the Finance Act 2023. Backdrop of the Protest The IT law, applicable from the assessment year 2024-25, requires companies to settle pending bills with Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) within 45 days. Failure to adhere to this rule results…

The political landscape in West Bengal has witnessed a recent upheaval, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) locking horns with the Bengal Police over allegations of using a “Khalistani” slur. This confrontation unfolded during a face-off between BJP workers and the police near Sandeshkhali island, where Suvendu Adhikari, the Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly, was en route amid a backdrop of allegations involving land grab and extortion against local Trinamool Congress leaders. Bengal Police V/s BJP: The Allegations and Accusations Accusing Sikh IPS officer Jaspeet Singh of violating a Calcutta High Court order allowing Adhikari’s visit, the BJP…

In a significant development, the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly has given its nod to the Maratha Reservation Bill, a historic move aimed at providing reservation in education and employment opportunities to the Marathas. The bill, presented by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, proposes a 10% reservation for the Marathas community in educational institutions and government positions. The legislation, titled the Maharashtra State Socially and Educationally Backward Bill 2024, outlines a 10-year review period after the implementation of the proposed reservation. Background and Commission Report, Marathas The decision comes after the Maharashtra cabinet approved the Backward Classes Commission report and the draft bill…

In a historic visit to Jammu on 20th February 2024, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi unveiled a slew of ambitious development projects, totaling over Rs 30,500 crore. The projects span various sectors, including health, education, rail, road, aviation, petroleum, and civic infrastructure, reflecting a comprehensive approach to bolstering the region’s overall growth. PM Modi: Transformative Impact on Education Sector A significant highlight of the Prime Minister’s visit is the boost to the education sector across the country. Several prestigious institutes, including IIT Jammu, IIM Jammu, IIT Bhilai, IIT Tirupati, IIITDM Kurnool, IIM Bodh Gaya, IIM Visakhapatnam, and the Indian Institute…

In a significant development ahead of the fourth round of talks with Union ministers, farmers on Saturday emphasized the need for the Centre to enact an ordinance ensuring a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP). The ongoing protests, marked by a ‘Delhi Chalo’ march, have seen farmers pressing their demands, including MSP assurance, at the borders of Punjab. Stalemate in Talks with Farmers The meeting scheduled for Sunday involves Union ministers Arjun Munda, Piyush Goyal, and Nityanand Rai, along with farm leaders from Punjab. Despite previous rounds of talks on February 8, 12, and 15, no conclusive resolution has…

In a sudden turn of events, the Indian National Congress finds itself in the midst of a financial freeze as the Income Tax department reportedly froze its main bank accounts, including those of the Youth Congress. The move, initially described by Congress treasurer Ajay Maken as a blow to democratic processes, was swiftly contested, leading to relief granted by the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal. Income Tax: Initial Shock and Swift Response Ajay Maken, in a press conference, expressed the Congress’s concern over the Income Tax authorities freezing its main bank accounts, citing a tax demand of ₹210 crore for the…