Union Cabinet Approves Rs 11,718 Crore For Census 2027; To Be Held In Two Phases

The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Friday approved the proposal for conducting the Census of India 2027 at a cost of  Rs 11,718.24 crore.
 

The Supreme Court expressed dismay over the Madhya Pradesh High Court condoning a four-year delay in an appeal by the state government. Justices J.B. Pardiwala and Prasanna B. Varale questioned the High Court's awareness of apex court rulings on delay condonation, setting aside the order and remanding the case for reconsideration.

Over 5,900 Indians were brought home from the Middle East in three years due to safety concerns, including Operation Ajay in Israel. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar confirmed 1,474 evacuees hailed from Uttar Pradesh. The government also repatriated mortal remains of 45 Indians from Kuwait. No fresh evacuations are currently anticipated.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other leaders across parties paid solemn tribute to security personnel martyred in the 2001 Parliament terror attack.Remembering their bravery and sacrifice, the nation reaffirmed its unwavering stance against terrorism.The attack, which claimed 14 lives, was a stark reminder of the threats faced by the "temple of democracy."

Iran has seized an oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman. The vessel carried six million litres of diesel fuel. Eighteen crew members from India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh were on board. This incident highlights ongoing tensions in the region. Strategic waterways remain a focus for maritime control and international shipping.

Deportation proceedings are underway for Birch By Romeo Lane owners, Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, following a devastating fire that killed 25 in Goa. Detained in Thailand after their passports were suspended, the brothers are being coordinated for handover to Indian law enforcement. Goa's Chief Minister vows justice for the victims.

Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport is operating normally despite heavy smog and poor visibility, with low visibility procedures in effect. Air quality in the capital has plunged to 'very poor' levels, with dense fog expected to persist. Residents are advised to limit outdoor activities as the city faces another challenging winter smog episode.

Delhi air quality deteriorated to AQI 387 (very poor); 18 localities like Wazirpur (443) are in the severe zone. Ghaziabad and Noida hit 422. Causes: low winds, high moisture. Health advisories issued.
 

A 12,000-page chargesheet has been filed in the Zubeen Garg death case, with four individuals, including a woman, accused of murder. The investigation into the incident off Singapore's St John's Island on September 19 has established motive and conspiracy. The Assam Chief Minister expressed confidence in securing a conviction and plans for a fast-track court.

US lawmakers introduce resolution to scrap Trump's 50% tariffs on Indian imports, citing harm to American workers, consumers, and US-India relations.

'Examine On Humanitarian Grounds'

'Real-Term Rise In Air Ticket Prices Negative'

Air India Express pilots are protesting the recruitment of new A320 captains, fearing reduced flying hours and pay.Around 100 pilots have written to management, questioning external hiring when internal utilization is low. They worry this will further impact their ability to meet contracted flying hours and affect their overall compensation.

'Failed To Flag Crew Shortfall Under New Rules'

A new report reveals a surprising trend: wealthier, more digitalized Indian states are more vulnerable to cyberattacks. While richer states boast better defenses, they face a higher volume of threats. Conversely, poorer states, despite weaker defenses, experience fewer attacks. Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana offer the least cybercrime protection, while Rajasthan and Assam lead in security.

Say Impeachment Move A Brazen Attempt To 'Browbeat Judiciary'

Month-Long Bastar Olympics Conclude Today

The Supreme Court expressed strong disapproval of the Madras High Court's handling of the Karur stampede case, stating "something is going wrong in the HC." The apex court rejected the Tamil Nadu government's plea to let its own commission investigate the incident, emphasizing the need for a fair and impartial inquiry. The SC will examine the HC registrar general's report.

Rahul Gandhi has demanded a Lok Sabha debate on the severe air pollution plaguing Indian cities, urging the government to present a concrete plan. Meanwhile, Delhi's air quality remains 'very poor' and is predicted to turn 'severe' by Sunday, with light winds failing to disperse pollutants. Moderate fog is also expected.

The Supreme Court has ruled that individual liberty, while crucial, cannot override national security concerns in UAPA cases.Upholding this, the court denied bail to accused in the Jnaneshwari Express derailment case, emphasizing that barbaric acts endangering national integrity are not excusable, even after prolonged incarceration.The apex court stressed the need for expeditious trials in such grave matters.

Prime Minister Modi's upcoming visit to Oman is poised to forge a robust economic and strategic alliance, potentially including a free trade agreement and a joint defense partnership. India anticipates receiving spare parts for its retired Jaguar fleet from Oman.

India gears up for Census 2027 with a Rs 11,718 crore budget, marking the first digital enumeration and inclusion of a caste count. The two-phase exercise, starting April 2026, will utilize mobile apps for data collection. Reference date is March 1, 2027, with special provisions for snow-bound regions. This census aims to provide accurate population data for future development planning.

The Union Cabinet has approved the Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhikshan Bill, aiming to consolidate higher education regulation under a single authority, excluding medical and legal fields. This move seeks to simplify governance and enhance academic quality. Meanwhile, a parliamentary committee will question IndiGo, DGCA, and ministry officials regarding recent flight cancellations and pilot rest rule implementation.

India has launched CoalSETU, a new policy for long-term coal linkage auctions aimed at industrial use and exports. This dedicated window allows any domestic industrial buyer to bid, simplifying procedures and boosting the utilization of coal reserves. Fuel supply agreements can extend up to 15 years, with flexible use within group companies, potentially reducing imports and creating export opportunities.

The Union Cabinet has greenlit a bill to open India's nuclear power sector to private players, a move crucial for achieving 100 GW nuclear capacity by 2047. The SHANTI Bill proposes changes to civil liability laws, caps supplier liability, and allows up to 49% foreign direct investment. This aims to boost domestic energy production and meet net-zero targets.

A Congress MP has accused a senior BJP member of attending Lok Sabha proceedings "drunk" during Rahul Gandhi's speech on electoral reforms.The MP cited the individual's "repeated gestures" and "tottering" as evidence, urging the BJP to prevent such incidents. This allegation follows a recent row over a TMC MP allegedly "vaping" in the House, highlighting concerns over parliamentary decorum.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has received a complaint from BJP MP Anurag Thakur regarding a TMC lawmaker allegedly using an e-cigarette inside the House. Thakur highlighted this as a serious breach of parliamentary rules and the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act, 2019. The Lok Sabha secretariat is reviewing proceedings for appropriate action.

The government has approved a bill to replace MGNREGA with the Pujya Bapu Gramin Rozgar Guarantee Bill, promising 125 workdays per household. This move aims to counter opposition criticism on funding and boost employment claims, particularly in rural areas. Projects will align with Viksit Bharat National Infra Stack, prioritizing water security.

The government has approved a bill to replace MGNREGA with the Pujya Bapu Gramin Rozgar Guarantee Bill, promising 125 workdays per household. This move aims to counter opposition criticism on funding and boost employment claims, particularly in rural areas. Projects will align with Viksit Bharat National Infra Stack, prioritizing water security.

Home Minister Amit Shah lauded Vinayak Damodar Savarkar's fight against untouchability and social evils, stating he never received due recognition. Unveiling a statue, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat honored the ideologue's enduring legacy. Shah highlighted Savarkar's patriotism, reformist zeal, and literary contributions, emphasizing his resilience during imprisonment and unwavering belief in India's freedom.