Kerala CM Unveils Board for Transparent PSU Hiring
Kerala's Chief Minister, Pinarayi Vijayan, inaugurated the Kerala Public Enterprises (Selection and Recruitment) Board, a pivotal step toward enhancing transparency and efficiency in the recruitment processes of public sector units (PSUs). This establishment, located at Vellayambalam, would play a crucial role in identifying and appointing capable candidates within state-run entities.
The primary objective of the newly inaugurated board is to streamline the selection process for competent individuals, initially focusing on public sector units under the Department of Industries and Commerce. Moreover, it opens its services to PSUs from other departments, aiming to bolster the overall effectiveness of public sector institutions in the state.
Hemant Soren's Announcement on Old-Age Pension in Jharkhand
On completion of four years of his government, Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren announcement that the government has reduced the qualifying age for old-age pension for tribals and Dalits to 50 years from the previous 60 years and 75% of jobs will be reserved for locals in companies that set up offices in the state.
Ayodhya Airport Renamed Maharishi Valmiki Airport
The airport in Ayodhya inaugurated on December 30, 2023, was renamed 'Maharishi Valmiki International Airport Ayodhyadham'. The airport was named after the legendary poet Valmiki who is celebrated as the author of the epic Ramayana.
The airport was earlier called the 'Maryada Purshottam Shri Ram Ayodhya International Airport'.
The new terminal building, spanning 6,500 square meters, is designed to accommodate 600 peak-hour passengers, with an annual handling capacity of 10 lakh passengers.
Dec 29, 2023
Ayodhya Railway Station Gets New Name
Ayodhya Railway Station that is scheduled inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, was renamed to 'Ayodhya Dham Junction'.
The redeveloped Ayodhya railway station is a state-of-the-art facility having modern 'airport-like' amenities, while its facade is inspired by traditional temple architecture.
The redevelopment work, which started a couple of years ago, has been executed by RITES (Rail India Technical and Economic Service) Limited, a central public sector undertaking under the Ministry of Railways.
Telangana Govt. Rolls Out Praja Palana Program
The Telangana government rolled out its Praja Palana programme to identify eligible beneficiaries before the implementation of its poll promise of six guarantees.
The initiative involves the collection of applications from individuals, enabling the government to identify potential beneficiaries of the six guarantees promised by the Congress during the run-up to the assembly elections.
The Praja Palana programme rolled out by Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka Mallu will cover all villages and wards across the state.
Dec 28, 2023
Cabinet Approves Inking of Migration Pact with Italy
The Union Cabinet gave its ex-post facto approval to the proposal of the Ministry of External affairs to sign and ratify the migration and mobility agreement between India and Italy, which would enhance people-to-people contact, foster mobility of students, skilled workers, business people and young professionals and strengthen cooperation on issues related to irregular migration between the two sides.
The agreement locks-in the current Italian visa regime, including mechanisms for post study opportunities, internships, professional trainings assuring an advantage for India under the existing labour mobility pathways under the Flows Decree.
Under the pact, Indian students wishing to gather initial professional experience, after completing academic or vocational training in Italy may be granted temporary residence in Italy for up to 12 months.
Under the Flows Decree, Italian side has offered incremental reserved quotas for both seasonal and non-seasonal workers from 2023-2025.
KSRTC Unveils 'Namma Cargo' Logistics in Karnataka
The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) entered into logistics business under the brand name 'Namma Cargo' to carry parcels in KSRTC route buses, and Minister for Transport Ramalinga Reddy pressed into service 20 cargo trucks to begin 'Namma Cargo' services in the districts of Mysuru, Bengaluru, Tumakuru, Hassan, Mangaluru, Shivamogga, Chikkamagaluru, Kolar, Davangere to various places of the State. The Namma Cargo trucks have GPS for goods transportation.
Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with KMS Coach Builders Private Limited for lending its cargo trucks services on a rental basis for two months. Likewise, KSRTC also entered into an agreement with S.M. Kannappa Automobiles Private Limited for a month.
Centre Bans Muslim League Jammu & Kashmir Masarat Alam Faction
The Ministry of Home Affairs banned the Masarat Alam faction of the Jammu and Kashmir Muslim League under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act for five years.
The 'Muslim League Jammu Kashmir (Masarat Alam faction)'/MLJK-MA was declared as an 'Unlawful Association' under UAPA because the organisation and its members are involved in anti-national and secessionist activities in J&K supporting terrorist activities and inciting people to establish Islamic rule in J&K.
Vice President Unveiled Postal Cover on Justice Reddy's Centenary
India paid a distinctive tribute to one of its legal luminaries, Justice Konda Madhav Reddy, as Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankar released a special postal cover on December 27. This date marked the centenary of Justice Reddy's birth, a momentous occasion celebrating his invaluable contributions to the Indian legal system. The ceremony took place at A.V. College in Gagan Mahal, Hyderabad, where Justice Reddy's legacy was commemorated.
Justice Konda Madhav Reddy's illustrious career stands as a testament to his exceptional legal acumen and unwavering commitment to justice. Serving as the Chief Justice of the High Courts in both Andhra Pradesh and Mumbai, Justice Reddy played a pivotal role in shaping the legal landscape of the nation. Beyond the courtroom, he also held the prestigious office of the Governor of Maharashtra, highlighting his influential role in India's governance.
PM Modi Chairs Conference of Chief Secretaries in Delhi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to preside over the third National Conference of Chief Secretaries in Delhi on December 28 and 29. The primary focus of the conference will be 'Ease of Living,' with an emphasis on formulating and implementing a unified development agenda and action plan in collaboration with the states.
This is the third such conference, the first was held in June 2022 in Dharamshala and the second in January 2023 in Delhi.
Driven by the vision of the Prime Minister of putting the principle of cooperative federalism in action, the National Conference of Chief Secretaries is organised to encourage participative governance and partnership between the Centre and the State Governments.
Dec 27, 2023
Santosh Jha Assumes Role as India's New Envoy to Sri Lanka
India's diplomatic ties with Sri Lanka took a new turn with the appointment of Santosh Jha as the country's new High Commissioner. In a significant ceremony held in Colombo, Jha officially assumed charge and presented his credentials to President Ranil Wickremesinghe.
Santosh Jha brings with him a wealth of diplomatic experience, having served in various key positions throughout his career.
Prior to his assignment in Colombo, Jha held the prestigious position of India's Ambassador to the European Union, Belgium & Luxembourg.
His diplomatic journey also included a term as the Ambassador of India to Uzbekistan from 2019 to 2020 and a pivotal role as the Deputy Chief of Mission at the Indian Embassy in Washington DC from 2017 to 2019.
India, Russia Ink Pact to Build more Nuclear Power Plants
India and Russia signed an agreement to build more nuclear power units in the country, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar announced in Moscow.
The project was signed during the meeting between Jaishankar and Russian Trade Minister Denis Mansurov. But the announcement of more contracts to Russia came even as the proposal to allow the US to build similar plants made scant progress despite US President Joe Biden making a renewed push in the last two summits with PM Narendra Modi.
India is already operating two Russia-built nuclear plants while another four are under construction in Kudankulam.
Dec 26, 2023
Plane with Indians Grounded in France Lands in Mumbai
The airplane with around 300 Indian passengers on board detained near Paris over suspicions of human trafficking landed in Mumbai, India.
The plane was grounded for four days.
However, of the 303 Indian passengers, only 276 returned, while the rest have applied for asylum and have been transferred to a special zone in Paris' Charles de Gaulle airport for asylum-seekers.
The flight had taken off from Dubai, UAE, carrying 303 passengers, and was headed to Nicaragua, was grounded at the Vatry airport.
Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav Expands Cabinet
In the first cabinet expansion of Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav-led BJP government as 28 MLAs took oath as new ministers. While eighteen BJP MLAs took oath as cabinet ministers, six others were sworn in as Ministers of State (Independent Charge) and four as state ministers.
The 16th Rajasthan Assembly witnessed a significant development as Vasudev Devnani, a seasoned BJP MLA with five terms under his belt, was unanimously elected as the Speaker. The motion for his appointment was moved by Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma and seconded by Congress leader and Tonk MLA Sachin Pilot, reflecting a rare unity between the ruling party and the opposition.
Vasudev Devnani, representing Ajmer North, has been a prominent face of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in the BJP governments led by Vasundhara Raje. His political journey includes two terms as the Education Minister.