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Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) to Provide Assured Pension, But Adds Financial Strain on Exchequer

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The newly approved Unified Pension Scheme (UPS), set to be implemented from April 1, 2025, promises to provide an assured pension to 23 lakh eligible central government employees, adding an annual financial burden of Rs 6,250 crore on the exchequer. Under this scheme, the government’s contribution will rise from the current 14% to 18.5%, while employees’ contributions will remain unchanged at 10% of their basic salary. The UPS aims to address long-standing demands of government employees by offering a guaranteed minimum pension of Rs 10,000 per month for those with at least 10 years of service. Additionally, it ensures an assured family pension in case of a pensioner’s demise, with dearness relief linked to the All India Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers (AICPI-IW). For employees retiring before March 31, 2025, under the National Pension System (NPS), a total arrear of Rs 800 crore will be provided if they choose to switch to the UPS. The scheme, recently approved by the Union Cabinet, is seen as a move ahead of upcoming assembly elections in states like Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir. The UPS allows employees under NPS to opt in, but once chosen, there is no option to revert. The pension payout will be linked to the corpus accumulated, unlike the NPS, which is solely contributory. Employees with a service length of 25 years will receive a pension amounting to 50% of their average basic pay over the last 12 months before retirement. For those with service periods between 10 to 25 years, the pension will be proportionate. This move comes amid demands from several states to revert to the Old Pension Scheme (OPS), which was linked to dearness allowance, in contrast to the NPS. Despite the shift to NPS since January 1, 2004, some states have been pushing for a rollback to OPS. Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted that the UPS ensures dignity and financial security for government employees, aligning with the government’s commitment to their well-being and a secure future. The scheme represents a significant transformation of NPS, integrating features like dearness relief and fixed pension amounts. The approval of UPS follows a review by a committee set up by the finance ministry last year, tasked with recommending improvements to the NPS while balancing fiscal implications. The UPS is expected to reshape the pension landscape for central government employees, offering enhanced benefits while managing long-term fiscal sustainability. Source: Economics Times

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Maharashtra Becomes First State to Implement Unified Pension Scheme for Employees

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In a significant move ahead of upcoming elections, Maharashtra has become the first state to introduce the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) for its employees, following demands from central government employee organizations for state governments to adopt the scheme. The decision came just 24 hours after the Union Cabinet approved the UPS, which offers 50% of an employee’s average salary from the last 12 months as pension, with inflation adjustments and additional benefits. The scheme is designed to address the demands of government employees who joined service in 2004 or later, offering a viable alternative to the Old Pension Scheme (OPS). While 23 lakh central government employees are set to benefit from the UPS, the number could rise to 90 lakh if all states implement the scheme. Top representatives of central government employees have urged states to adopt the UPS and avoid politicizing the issue. Although they consider OPS the best option since it did not require employee contributions, they expressed satisfaction with the new UPS, noting that it incorporates 90% of the OPS features. Shiv Gopal Mishra, of the All India Railwaymen’s Federation, emphasized the practicality of the UPS given the current economic scenario. The panel reviewing the National Pension System (NPS), led by Cabinet Secretary-designate T V Somanathan, highlighted that the UPS template can be replicated by states and would benefit over 99% of employees currently covered under NPS. JCM chief M Raghavaiah called for more states to implement the UPS and urged the government to reduce the service requirement for guaranteed pensions from 25 years to 20 years. He also suggested that the lump sum payment at retirement should be based on one-fourth of an employee’s monthly pay over the last six months. The scheme is expected to particularly benefit over eight lakh railway employees who have joined service in the past 20 years. Addressing concerns about political implications, a senior representative emphasized that the welfare of government employees should not be a partisan issue. Source: Al Jazeera

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‘Zero Tolerance Policy’: Education Ministry Directs States to Enforce Student Safety Guidelines

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The Ministry of Education has instructed all states and union territories to implement the “Guidelines on School Safety and Security-2021” to enhance the protection of children in educational institutions. These directives follow the Supreme Court’s orders in response to Writ Petitions (Criminal) No. 136 of 2017 and (Civil) No. 874 of 2017 filed with the Department of School Education and Literacy (DoSEL). The guidelines, which are aligned with the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, are designed to ensure clear accountability among school management across government, government-aided, and private schools. They cover critical areas such as preventive education, reporting processes, legal provisions, support services, and the creation of a safe learning environment. States and union territories have been requested to update the ministry on the status of these guidelines’ notification within their jurisdictions. Initially issued on October 1, 2021, the guidelines allow states flexibility to adapt them according to local needs. The focus remains on a ‘zero tolerance policy’ towards any negligence regarding child safety. The official notice emphasizes that any failure by individuals or school management to ensure student safety will not be tolerated. The guidelines aim to foster a collaborative approach among students, parents, teachers, and school management in creating a secure environment conducive to holistic child development. Additionally, they raise awareness among all stakeholders about existing acts, policies, and procedures related to physical, socio-emotional, cognitive, and disaster safety in schools. The guidelines also clarify the roles and responsibilities of various stakeholders in enforcing safety protocols. In private and unaided schools, accountability is placed on school management, principals, and teachers. In government and government-aided schools, this responsibility lies with the head of the institution, teachers, and educational administrators, covering all aspects of a child’s school experience, including transportation to and from school.  

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IIT Kanpur Introduces SATHEE ICAR for ICAR UG Exam Preparation

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The Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IITK) has launched SATHEE ICAR, a new initiative to support students preparing for the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) UG entrance exams. The initiative, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, aims to provide free, accessible exam preparation resources for students across India. SATHEE ICAR offers a comprehensive learning platform, including recorded lectures by IIT professors, live interactive classes with experts, topic-based practice questions, and AI-powered analytics that help identify areas for improvement. Additionally, it provides personalized study plans and mock tests to allow students to assess their performance against peers nationwide. Students interested in SATHEE ICAR can register through the official website—icar.iitk.ac.in—or download the SATHEE app from the App Store or Google Play. The ICAR entrance exams are gateways for admission into undergraduate programs in agriculture and allied sciences at over 70 prestigious institutions, including the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI), and Central Institute of Fisheries Education (CIFE). The programs open up career opportunities in agronomy, horticulture, veterinary sciences, agricultural engineering, and other fields within research, academia, agribusiness, and government sectors. Source: Indian express  

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Air India Launches Wireless Inflight Entertainment Service ‘Vista’

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Air India has launched a new wireless inflight entertainment service, ‘Vista,’ for passengers on its wide-body aircraft as part of efforts to enhance the onboard experience until the completion of a fleet retrofit. This move comes in response to customer complaints about non-functional inflight entertainment systems on certain flights operated by the Tata Group-owned airline. The ‘Vista’ service is currently available on the existing wide-body fleet and will soon be extended to narrow-body planes. However, the service is not yet available on the newly-inducted B777 and A350 aircraft, according to an official release. With Vista, passengers can enjoy uninterrupted entertainment on their personal electronic devices. The system offers access to movies, TV shows, and music, along with a live map display for real-time flight tracking. The introduction of Vista aims to fill the entertainment gap while the airline’s older aircraft undergo retrofitting and the induction of new planes continues. Air India’s new wide-body planes feature advanced inflight entertainment systems, and the carrier’s operational fleet now consists of 140 aircraft. As the airline continues its modernization journey, the introduction of Vista is a step towards addressing customer concerns and ensuring a seamless inflight experience. Source: Business Standard  

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Allu Arjun’s Old Comment on Hrithik Roshan and Prabhas Resurfaces Amid Arshad Warsi’s Remarks

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A throwback video of Allu Arjun comparing Prabhas with Hrithik Roshan has gone viral, rekindling discussions on social media. In the clip, Allu Arjun, quoting SS Rajamouli, humorously mentions that “Hrithik Roshan is nothing in front of Prabhas,” while praising Prabhas as “number one.” This resurfaced video has sparked chatter online, especially in the context of recent comments made by Arshad Warsi about Prabhas in Kalki 2898 AD. In the viral clip, Allu Arjun lauds Prabhas for his impressive action sequences, echoing Rajamouli’s statement. The video shows Prabhas smiling at the remark, while Hrithik Roshan’s fans took the comment as a lighthearted compliment, acknowledging Hrithik as a “benchmark to beat.” Redditors were quick to react, with many noting that the remark was likely made in a playful manner to hype Prabhas. One user commented, “They are using Hrithik as a bar, which is actually a huge compliment.” Others noted that such comparisons are common in India as a way to elevate someone’s stature. Another comment read, “Hrithik remains a standard across the industry from North to South.” This renewed discussion comes after Arshad Warsi recently made headlines by calling Prabhas’ appearance in Kalki 2898 AD reminiscent of a “joker.” Warsi was sharing his thoughts on recent films, expressing that while he admired Amitabh Bachchan’s performance in the movie, he wasn’t impressed with Prabhas’ look, suggesting it could have been more impactful. This ongoing debate highlights how Hrithik Roshan continues to be regarded as a yardstick for comparisons in Indian cinema, while stars like Prabhas carve their own path with the support of fans and industry insiders alike. Source: News 18

Allu Arjun’s Old Comment on Hrithik Roshan and Prabhas Resurfaces Amid Arshad Warsi’s Remarks Read More »

Protests Erupt Across Indonesia as Parliament Delays Election Law Changes

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Mass protests have swept across Indonesia after the parliament postponed ratifying controversial changes to the country’s election law. The proposed revisions have sparked outrage, with many accusing the government of trying to consolidate political power for outgoing President Joko Widodo (Jokowi). The parliamentary session to pass the amendments was delayed on Thursday due to insufficient attendance, leading to a standoff outside the legislature in Jakarta, where protesters attempted to breach the gates. Demonstrations also took place in multiple cities across Java, with some turning violent as authorities responded with tear gas. The proposed changes would overturn a recent constitutional court ruling that blocked a vocal government critic from running for the Jakarta governor position. Additionally, the revisions could allow Jokowi’s youngest son to participate in upcoming elections in Java this November, raising concerns about political dynasties. President Widodo has downplayed the unrest, framing the situation as a normal part of Indonesia’s democratic system and checks and balances. However, legal experts have warned that the dispute between the judiciary and parliament could lead to a constitutional crisis. Analyst Titi Anggraini described the situation as “constitutional insubordination.” In Jakarta and other cities, demonstrators carried signs and banners criticizing Jokowi, accusing him of undermining democracy. Many protesters, including members of the Ummat Party, expressed concerns that the government’s actions represent a move towards authoritarianism. The situation remains tense, with parliament yet to decide whether it will reconvene before the regional election registration opens next week. Protesters have vowed to continue their demonstrations until their concerns are addressed.

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DNPA Urges Government to Exempt GST on E-Papers and Digital News Subscriptions

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The Digital News Publishers Association (DNPA) has called on the Indian government to exempt Goods and Services Tax (GST) on e-papers and digital news subscriptions. The DNPA highlighted that while printed newspapers are exempt from GST, digital news subscriptions are currently taxed at 18% under the Integrated Goods and Services Tax (IGST) Act. They argue that news content, whether delivered via print or digital platforms, should be made accessible at affordable rates. The Information & Broadcasting (I&B) Ministry recently requested the Ministry of Finance to reconsider the GST rate for digital news subscriptions. In its appeal, the DNPA pointed out a previous instance where the GST Council reduced the tax on e-books from 18% to 5% in 2018, after recognizing the disparity between printed books (exempt from GST) and their electronic versions. The DNPA believes a similar approach should be applied to e-papers, advocating for either a significant reduction in GST or complete exemption. In a letter dated July 22, I&B Secretary Sanjay Jaju requested Revenue Secretary Sanjay Malhotra to either remove the GST on digital news subscriptions entirely or reduce it from 18% to 5%. Jaju’s letter noted that the higher GST rate could stifle the growth of the online news sector by pushing it towards an ad-based revenue model, which could compromise content quality and credibility through practices like clickbait and sensationalism. The letter emphasized that with the increasing internet penetration in India and the relatively nascent stage of the digital news industry, it is crucial to treat online news subscriptions similarly to printed newspapers and e-books for GST purposes. Jaju also noted that the revenue impact of reducing the GST rate on the Rs. 120 crore digital news subscription industry would be minimal, with an estimated revenue loss of around Rs. 21.6 crore. The DNPA’s appeal underlines the need for policy adjustments to support the growth of digital news and ensure that credible information remains accessible to the public as the media landscape continues to evolve. Source: Story board  

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Educational Institutions Reopen in Bangladesh After Month-Long Closure

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Bangladesh reopened all educational institutions, including universities, secondary schools, and colleges, on Sunday after more than a month of closure due to the student-led protests that led to the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The institutions were initially closed on July 17 to ensure the safety of students amidst violent clashes during protests demanding job quota reforms. The Ministry of Education issued a directive to reopen all institutions under its jurisdiction on Thursday. Following this, classes resumed on August 18 after the prolonged closure. A notification signed by Deputy Secretary Mosammat Rahima Akhtar confirmed the reopening, following instructions from Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus. On Sunday morning, students in uniform were seen heading to their schools, many accompanied by guardians, as reported by the Daily Star. The reopening caused severe traffic congestion in many parts of Dhaka. The closure had disrupted academic schedules. Classes were initially expected to resume on August 4 in government primary schools, except for those in city corporations and Narsingdi municipality, but this was postponed. The postponed Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) and equivalent examinations will now begin on September 11, with completion scheduled for October 23. Classes at public universities had been suspended since July 1 due to teachers protesting against a new pension scheme. Although educational institutions were officially declared open on August 7 following the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government on August 5, low student attendance initially delayed the full resumption of academic activities. Source: NDTV

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India Gears Up for Mpox Outbreak: Health Ministry Issues Guidelines for Airports and Hospitals

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The Union Health Ministry has instructed airports and land ports, especially along the Bangladesh and Pakistan borders, to remain vigilant for travelers displaying Mpox symptoms, according to a PTI report. The move comes as part of India’s heightened preparedness for a potential outbreak of the virus, which the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. To bolster the country’s response, three hospitals in New Delhi—Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, Safdarjung Hospital, and Lady Hardinge Medical College—have been designated as key centers for isolating, managing, and treating Mpox patients. State governments have been directed to identify similar facilities within their jurisdictions. In a high-level meeting convened by P K Mishra, principal secretary to the prime minister, officials confirmed that no active Mpox cases have been detected in India. However, surveillance efforts and testing capabilities are being ramped up across the country to ensure early detection and containment. Despite the more virulent strain of the virus currently circulating, the risk of a large-scale outbreak with sustained transmission remains low, according to current assessments. Globally, the WHO reports over 99,000 Mpox cases and 208 deaths across 116 countries since 2022. The Democratic Republic of Congo has witnessed a steady increase in cases, underscoring the need for ongoing vigilance. The Indian health ministry has emphasized the importance of enhanced surveillance, early diagnosis, and rapid case management. Currently, 32 laboratories across India are equipped to test for Mpox, and the government is working to further expand testing facilities. Mishra also stressed the need for widespread awareness campaigns targeting healthcare providers to ensure they can quickly recognize and report symptoms. India has reported 30 Mpox cases since 2022, with the latest case detected in March 2024. Although the situation remains under control, officials are taking proactive measures to mitigate any potential outbreak. Source: Economic Times

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