#central-waqf-council

Dallas Loses $8.6M Due to Permit Fee Error, City Plans Urgent Fix by July 1
The City of Dallas has revealed that a miscalculation in commercial remodel permit fees has resulted in a significant financial shortfall, costing the city approximately $8.6 million. The error was disclosed during a recent Economic Development Committee meeting and has prompted urgent calls for reform to prevent further losses. The issue stems from an internal mistake following the adoption of a new permit fee structure introduced in spring 2024. According to the Planning and Development Dep
Dallas Loses $8.6M Due to Permit Fee Error, City Plans Urgent Fix by July 1
The City of Dallas has revealed that a miscalculation in commercial remodel permit fees has resulted in a significant financial shortfall, costing the city approximately $8.6 million. The error was disclosed during a recent Economic Development Committee meeting and has prompted urgent calls for reform to prevent further losses. The issue stems from an internal mistake following the adoption of a new permit fee structure introduced in spring 2024. According to the Planning and Development Dep

Texas Lawmakers Target Houston-Dallas Bullet Train with New Bills to Block Local, State Funding
Efforts to halt the long-discussed Houston-to-Dallas high-speed rail project have returned to the Texas state legislature, reigniting a decade-long battle over one of the most ambitious transportation proposals in the state’s history. The Texas Central Railway project, which aims to connect Houston and Dallas in under 90 minutes using Japan’s Shinkansen bullet train technology, is once again under scrutiny in Austin, where lawmakers are advancing bills aimed at limiting or complet
Texas Lawmakers Target Houston-Dallas Bullet Train with New Bills to Block Local, State Funding
Efforts to halt the long-discussed Houston-to-Dallas high-speed rail project have returned to the Texas state legislature, reigniting a decade-long battle over one of the most ambitious transportation proposals in the state’s history. The Texas Central Railway project, which aims to connect Houston and Dallas in under 90 minutes using Japan’s Shinkansen bullet train technology, is once again under scrutiny in Austin, where lawmakers are advancing bills aimed at limiting or complet

White House Fires Officials After Trump’s Meeting With Far-Right Activist Laura Loomer
The White House has dismissed multiple administration officials following a meeting between President Donald Trump and far-right activist Laura Loomer. Among those ousted were at least three National Security Council (NSC) staffers, according to sources familiar with the matter. The decision came after Loomer reportedly provided Trump with a list of officials she deemed disloyal, urging their removal. Loomer, a controversial figure known for her extreme views, has gained influence
White House Fires Officials After Trump’s Meeting With Far-Right Activist Laura Loomer
The White House has dismissed multiple administration officials following a meeting between President Donald Trump and far-right activist Laura Loomer. Among those ousted were at least three National Security Council (NSC) staffers, according to sources familiar with the matter. The decision came after Loomer reportedly provided Trump with a list of officials she deemed disloyal, urging their removal. Loomer, a controversial figure known for her extreme views, has gained influence

BCCI Central Contracts 2025: Shreyas Iyer Likely to Return, Retainership System Explained
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is preparing to announce its annual central contracts for the senior men’s cricket team in April, with significant changes expected across various categories. Among the most talked-about developments is the anticipated return of Shreyas Iyer to the list after a notable absence last year due to multiple controversies. Iyer, who captains Punjab Kings in the IPL, had been dropped from the BCCI's central contracts in the 2023-24 cycle. Ho
BCCI Central Contracts 2025: Shreyas Iyer Likely to Return, Retainership System Explained
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is preparing to announce its annual central contracts for the senior men’s cricket team in April, with significant changes expected across various categories. Among the most talked-about developments is the anticipated return of Shreyas Iyer to the list after a notable absence last year due to multiple controversies. Iyer, who captains Punjab Kings in the IPL, had been dropped from the BCCI's central contracts in the 2023-24 cycle. Ho

Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024 Sparks Uproar in Lok Sabha as Opposition Unites Against It
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, is at the center of a major political storm as it is set to be introduced in the Lok Sabha today amid mounting opposition from the INDIA bloc. The bill, intended to amend the Waqf Act of 1995, is being promoted by the government as a long-overdue reform aimed at improving the administration and efficiency of waqf property management. However, critics argue that several of its provisions threaten the very autonomy of Muslim religious endowments, making it a dee
Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024 Sparks Uproar in Lok Sabha as Opposition Unites Against It
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, is at the center of a major political storm as it is set to be introduced in the Lok Sabha today amid mounting opposition from the INDIA bloc. The bill, intended to amend the Waqf Act of 1995, is being promoted by the government as a long-overdue reform aimed at improving the administration and efficiency of waqf property management. However, critics argue that several of its provisions threaten the very autonomy of Muslim religious endowments, making it a dee

Central Government Likely to Announce 2% DA and DR Hike for Employees and Pensioners
The central government is expected to announce a 2% hike in Dearness Allowance (DA) and Dearness Relief (DR) this week, according to several media reports. This anticipated hike is set to benefit over 12 million central government employees and retirees under the guidelines of the 7th Pay Commission. If implemented, this increase will raise the existing DA from 53% to 55% of the basic pay. The increase is designed to help employees and pensioners manage inflation by adjusting their income to
Central Government Likely to Announce 2% DA and DR Hike for Employees and Pensioners
The central government is expected to announce a 2% hike in Dearness Allowance (DA) and Dearness Relief (DR) this week, according to several media reports. This anticipated hike is set to benefit over 12 million central government employees and retirees under the guidelines of the 7th Pay Commission. If implemented, this increase will raise the existing DA from 53% to 55% of the basic pay. The increase is designed to help employees and pensioners manage inflation by adjusting their income to

JPC Adopts Waqf Bill Report, Opposition Submits Dissent Notes
On Wednesday, the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) led by Jagdambika Pal adopted the draft report and the amended Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024. The committee's report, which includes significant revisions to the bill, will be tabled in Parliament on Monday as part of the ongoing Budget Session. The amendments to the bill are aimed at ensuring the benefits of Waqf properties reach marginalized groups, such as the poor, women, and orphans. This inclusion marks a major development in the b
JPC Adopts Waqf Bill Report, Opposition Submits Dissent Notes
On Wednesday, the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) led by Jagdambika Pal adopted the draft report and the amended Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024. The committee's report, which includes significant revisions to the bill, will be tabled in Parliament on Monday as part of the ongoing Budget Session. The amendments to the bill are aimed at ensuring the benefits of Waqf properties reach marginalized groups, such as the poor, women, and orphans. This inclusion marks a major development in the b

Opposition Members Suspended Over Protests on Waqf Amendment Bill
On Friday, a motion to suspend opposition members from the parliamentary panel discussing the Waqf Amendment Bill was passed after protests and allegations of hasty proceedings. BJP's Nishikant Dubey moved the motion, which was supported by the committee, resulting in the suspension of several opposition members, including Kalyan Banerjee, Mohammad Jawed, A Raja, Asaduddin Owaisi, Naseer Hussain, Mohibullah, Mohamed Abdullah, Arvind Sawant, Nadeem-ul Haque, and Imran Masood. The
Opposition Members Suspended Over Protests on Waqf Amendment Bill
On Friday, a motion to suspend opposition members from the parliamentary panel discussing the Waqf Amendment Bill was passed after protests and allegations of hasty proceedings. BJP's Nishikant Dubey moved the motion, which was supported by the committee, resulting in the suspension of several opposition members, including Kalyan Banerjee, Mohammad Jawed, A Raja, Asaduddin Owaisi, Naseer Hussain, Mohibullah, Mohamed Abdullah, Arvind Sawant, Nadeem-ul Haque, and Imran Masood. The

Central Bank of India ZBO Recruitment 2025: Apply for 266 Vacancies
The Central Bank of India has initiated the application process for the recruitment of Zone-Based Officers (ZBO) for the year 2025. This recruitment aims to fill 266 vacancies. Interested and eligible candidates can apply online through the official website, centralbankofindia.co.in, before the application deadline of February 9, 2025. Candidates applying for the ZBO posts must have completed graduation in any discipline from a recognized university or possess an equivalent qualific
Central Bank of India ZBO Recruitment 2025: Apply for 266 Vacancies
The Central Bank of India has initiated the application process for the recruitment of Zone-Based Officers (ZBO) for the year 2025. This recruitment aims to fill 266 vacancies. Interested and eligible candidates can apply online through the official website, centralbankofindia.co.in, before the application deadline of February 9, 2025. Candidates applying for the ZBO posts must have completed graduation in any discipline from a recognized university or possess an equivalent qualific

55th GST Council Meeting to Discuss Key Tax Issues in Jaisalmer
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will chair the 55th GST Council meeting in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, on Saturday, December 21. This meeting will focus on several important discussions related to the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in India. The agenda includes deliberations on taxability issues concerning food delivery platforms such as Swiggy and Zomato, and potential changes to GST rates on products like health insurance premiums, life insurance, wristwatches, shoes, and apparel. The cou
55th GST Council Meeting to Discuss Key Tax Issues in Jaisalmer
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will chair the 55th GST Council meeting in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, on Saturday, December 21. This meeting will focus on several important discussions related to the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in India. The agenda includes deliberations on taxability issues concerning food delivery platforms such as Swiggy and Zomato, and potential changes to GST rates on products like health insurance premiums, life insurance, wristwatches, shoes, and apparel. The cou

Impact of New GST Slab Proposal on Sin Products and India's Economy
India introduced the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in 2017 to simplify the tax structure and reduce the tax burden. Recent data shows that the gross GST collection for October 2024 rose by 9% to ₹1.87 lakh crore, a record second-highest figure. However, a recent proposal by the Group of Ministers (GoM) on GST Rates Rationalisation suggests a new 35% GST slab on products like aerated drinks and tobacco, which has raised concerns. The proposal aims to target 'sin' products such as thos
Impact of New GST Slab Proposal on Sin Products and India's Economy
India introduced the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in 2017 to simplify the tax structure and reduce the tax burden. Recent data shows that the gross GST collection for October 2024 rose by 9% to ₹1.87 lakh crore, a record second-highest figure. However, a recent proposal by the Group of Ministers (GoM) on GST Rates Rationalisation suggests a new 35% GST slab on products like aerated drinks and tobacco, which has raised concerns. The proposal aims to target 'sin' products such as thos

BCCI Appoints Achal Kumar Jyoti as Electoral Officer for Elections
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has called an urgent meeting of its Apex Council to appoint former Chief Election Commissioner Achal Kumar Jyoti as the electoral officer for upcoming elections to fill the positions of secretary and treasurer. These posts were vacated by Jay Shah and Ashish Shelar, who assumed new roles in December. According to the BCCI constitution, the Board must call a Special General Meeting and appoint an electoral officer at least four weeks before the
BCCI Appoints Achal Kumar Jyoti as Electoral Officer for Elections
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has called an urgent meeting of its Apex Council to appoint former Chief Election Commissioner Achal Kumar Jyoti as the electoral officer for upcoming elections to fill the positions of secretary and treasurer. These posts were vacated by Jay Shah and Ashish Shelar, who assumed new roles in December. According to the BCCI constitution, the Board must call a Special General Meeting and appoint an electoral officer at least four weeks before the

Government Blocks 18 OTT Platforms for Obscene Content
On Wednesday, Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting, L Murugan, informed the Lok Sabha that the government had blocked 18 OTT platforms this year for publishing obscene, vulgar, and in some cases, pornographic content. This action is in line with the IT Rules of 2021, which impose specific due diligence obligations on intermediaries to ensure they take reasonable steps to prevent the spread of such content. The IT Rules also set out a Code of Ethics for publishers
Government Blocks 18 OTT Platforms for Obscene Content
On Wednesday, Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting, L Murugan, informed the Lok Sabha that the government had blocked 18 OTT platforms this year for publishing obscene, vulgar, and in some cases, pornographic content. This action is in line with the IT Rules of 2021, which impose specific due diligence obligations on intermediaries to ensure they take reasonable steps to prevent the spread of such content. The IT Rules also set out a Code of Ethics for publishers

Panel Proposes New GST Rates for Sin Goods and Other Adjustments
A panel of state ministers has recommended changes to the Goods and Services Tax (GST) structure, specifically targeting sin goods, including tobacco products, aerated beverages, and luxury cars. These goods are currently taxed at the highest 28% GST rate, along with an additional cess. The proposal, which is part of a rate rationalisation report, is set to be presented before the GST Council in its upcoming meeting later this month. The Group of Ministers (GoM), led by Bihar Deputy Chief Min
Panel Proposes New GST Rates for Sin Goods and Other Adjustments
A panel of state ministers has recommended changes to the Goods and Services Tax (GST) structure, specifically targeting sin goods, including tobacco products, aerated beverages, and luxury cars. These goods are currently taxed at the highest 28% GST rate, along with an additional cess. The proposal, which is part of a rate rationalisation report, is set to be presented before the GST Council in its upcoming meeting later this month. The Group of Ministers (GoM), led by Bihar Deputy Chief Min

Owaisi Criticizes Modi's Waqf Bill Amendment, Defends Muslim Rights Over Waqf Properties
AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi has strongly criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for attempting to dilute the sanctity of Waqf properties through an amendment to the Waqf Bill. Owaisi expressed his concern over the perceived discrimination against Muslims regarding their personal and religious rights, particularly in the management of Waqf assets. He welcomed the announcement from the TTD chairman, who stated an agenda to remove non-Hindus from the Board’s administration. Owa
Owaisi Criticizes Modi's Waqf Bill Amendment, Defends Muslim Rights Over Waqf Properties
AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi has strongly criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for attempting to dilute the sanctity of Waqf properties through an amendment to the Waqf Bill. Owaisi expressed his concern over the perceived discrimination against Muslims regarding their personal and religious rights, particularly in the management of Waqf assets. He welcomed the announcement from the TTD chairman, who stated an agenda to remove non-Hindus from the Board’s administration. Owa

Andhra Pradesh's Road Infrastructure Transformation: A Renewed Commitment Post-TDP Comeback
Andhra Pradesh's road infrastructure has long been a point of contention, particularly during YS Jagan's administration, which faced widespread criticism for neglecting the state’s deteriorating road conditions. Despite public outcry and even criticism from visiting celebrities, Jagan and his ministers defended their record, leaving citizens frustrated with unsafe and poorly maintained roadways. This neglect contributed to a significant backlash in the 2024 general elections, wh
Andhra Pradesh's Road Infrastructure Transformation: A Renewed Commitment Post-TDP Comeback
Andhra Pradesh's road infrastructure has long been a point of contention, particularly during YS Jagan's administration, which faced widespread criticism for neglecting the state’s deteriorating road conditions. Despite public outcry and even criticism from visiting celebrities, Jagan and his ministers defended their record, leaving citizens frustrated with unsafe and poorly maintained roadways. This neglect contributed to a significant backlash in the 2024 general elections, wh

GST Council Panel to Review Tax Structure for 100 Items in Goa Meeting
A panel of state ministers, established by the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council, is set to convene in Goa on September 24 and 25. This six-member group, led by Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary, will review the implications of rate rationalization on at least 100 items. The discussions aim to analyze potential changes in GST slabs and rates, particularly focusing on essential goods. During the two-day meeting, the panel will explore various
GST Council Panel to Review Tax Structure for 100 Items in Goa Meeting
A panel of state ministers, established by the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council, is set to convene in Goa on September 24 and 25. This six-member group, led by Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary, will review the implications of rate rationalization on at least 100 items. The discussions aim to analyze potential changes in GST slabs and rates, particularly focusing on essential goods. During the two-day meeting, the panel will explore various

Satish Kumar Appointed New Chairman and CEO of Indian Railway Board, Replaces Jaya Verma Sinha
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has announced the appointment of Satish Kumar as the new Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Indian Railway Board. Kumar's appointment comes as Jaya Verma Sinha, who has served as the Chairman and CEO since September of last year, is set to transition to a new role as an administrative member of the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT). Kumar will take on his new responsibilities until his superannuation and may serve on a con
Satish Kumar Appointed New Chairman and CEO of Indian Railway Board, Replaces Jaya Verma Sinha
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has announced the appointment of Satish Kumar as the new Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Indian Railway Board. Kumar's appointment comes as Jaya Verma Sinha, who has served as the Chairman and CEO since September of last year, is set to transition to a new role as an administrative member of the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT). Kumar will take on his new responsibilities until his superannuation and may serve on a con

CM Chandrababu Naidu Secures Rs 2,500 Crore Dues from Telangana
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has demonstrated exceptional administrative skill by securing Rs 2,500 crore in dues from Telangana, a crucial recovery for Andhra Pradesh. This amount, related to foreign loans taken during the united Andhra Pradesh era, was due from Telangana as its share of the loan repayments. Following the bifurcation in 2014, Andhra Pradesh had been covering both states' loan responsibilities. Despite previous administrations under K. Chandrasekhar Rao a
CM Chandrababu Naidu Secures Rs 2,500 Crore Dues from Telangana
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has demonstrated exceptional administrative skill by securing Rs 2,500 crore in dues from Telangana, a crucial recovery for Andhra Pradesh. This amount, related to foreign loans taken during the united Andhra Pradesh era, was due from Telangana as its share of the loan repayments. Following the bifurcation in 2014, Andhra Pradesh had been covering both states' loan responsibilities. Despite previous administrations under K. Chandrasekhar Rao a