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TN govt disburses Rs 167.12 cr Deepavali bonus to over 1.06 lakh transport employees Chennai, Nov 2 (IANS) Ahead of Deepavali, the Tamil Nadu government has disbursed Rs 167.12 crore towards bonus and ex-gratia payments to 1,06,001 employees of the State Transport Corporations for the financial year 2025–26, following directions from Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay. Transport Minister Vijay Tamizhan Parthiban announced on Monday that the Deepavali bonus had been credited directly to the bank accounts of eligible employees across the state. In an official statement, the government said the decision was aimed at recognising the contribution of transport workers and extending financial benefits to them ahead of the festival. The government highlighted the crucial role played by the eight State Transport Corporations in ensuring affordable and accessible transportation, particularly for people living in rural and economically disadvantaged areas. According to the statement, the corporations collectively operate 21,333 buses across more than 10,172 routes, connecting villages, towns and major urban centres throughout Tamil Nadu. These services cater to approximately 2.18 crore passengers daily, making the state-run transport network one of the most important components of Tamil Nadu’s public infrastructure. Significantly, nearly 72 per cent of passengers travel either free of charge or at concessional fares under various government-supported schemes. The government said these concessions have helped improve mobility among women, students, senior citizens and other eligible sections of society while ensuring that public transportation remains affordable. The statement emphasised that transport employees play an indispensable role in sustaining daily operations despite the challenges involved in managing such a vast network. Recognising their contribution, the Chief Minister directed the authorities to release the Deepavali bonus and ex-gratia payments for the 2025–26 financial year. The government said the financial assistance was intended to motivate employees, acknowledge their services and strengthen morale across the transport corporations. The payments are expected to provide financial relief to thousands of transport workers and their families ahead of Deepavali celebrations. The government also underlined the importance of an efficient public transport system in supporting economic activity, facilitating workforce mobility and connecting rural communities with employment, education and healthcare facilities. With millions depending on government buses every day, the administration reiterated its commitment to maintaining reliable transport services while recognising the contribution of employees who keep the system functioning. The Deepavali bonus disbursement reflects the government’s emphasis on employee welfare alongside its broader responsibility to sustain affordable public transportation across Tamil Nadu. –IANS aal/dan

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TN govt disburses Rs 167.12 cr Deepavali bonus to over 1.06 lakh transport employees

Chennai, Nov 2 (IANS): Ahead of Deepavali, the Tamil Nadu government has disbursed Rs 167.12 crore towards bonus and ex-gratia payments to 1,06,001 employees of the State Transport Corporations for the financial year 2025–26, following directions from Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay. Transport Minister Vijay Tamizhan Parthiban announced on Monday that the Deepavali bonus had been credited directly to the bank accounts of eligible employees across the state. In an official statement, the government said the decision was aimed at recognising the contribution of transport workers and extending financial benefits to them ahead of the festival.

The government highlighted the crucial role played by the eight State Transport Corporations in ensuring affordable and accessible transportation, particularly for people living in rural and economically disadvantaged areas. According to the statement, the corporations collectively operate 21,333 buses across more than 10,172 routes, connecting villages, towns and major urban centres throughout Tamil Nadu.

These services cater to approximately 2.18 crore passengers daily, making the state-run transport network one of the most important components of Tamil Nadu’s public infrastructure. Significantly, nearly 72 per cent of passengers travel either free of charge or at concessional fares under various government-supported schemes. The government said these concessions have helped improve mobility among women, students, senior citizens and other eligible sections of society while ensuring that public transportation remains affordable. The statement emphasised that transport employees play an indispensable role in sustaining daily operations despite the challenges involved in managing such a vast network. Recognising their contribution, the Chief Minister directed the authorities to release the Deepavali bonus and ex-gratia payments for the 2025–26 financial year. The government said the financial assistance was intended to motivate employees, acknowledge their services and strengthen morale across the transport corporations.

The payments are expected to provide financial relief to thousands of transport workers and their families ahead of Deepavali celebrations. The government also underlined the importance of an efficient public transport system in supporting economic activity, facilitating workforce mobility and connecting rural communities with employment, education and healthcare facilities. With millions depending on government buses every day, the administration reiterated its commitment to maintaining reliable transport services while recognising the contribution of employees who keep the system functioning. The Deepavali bonus disbursement reflects the government’s emphasis on employee welfare alongside its broader responsibility to sustain affordable public transportation across Tamil Nadu.

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36-hour shutdown hits life in Arunachal districts; Congress demands scrapping of mega dam project Itanagar, Nov 2 (IANS) Normal life was disrupted in parts of Arunachal Pradesh on Monday as a 36-hour shutdown called by several organisations to protest against the proposed 11,200-MW Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) affected business establishments, educational institutions and public transport in the region. The impact of the shutdown was particularly visible in Upper Siang district, where several schools, government offices, shops and markets remained closed. Public transport, including buses, stayed off the roads, while protesters reportedly burnt tyres at several locations as part of the demonstration. The bandh was called by the Siang Indigenous Farmers Forum (SIFF) and the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project Affected Area Youth Association (SAAYA) across Siang, Upper Siang and East Siang districts. However, its impact varied across the region. While Upper Siang was severely affected and East Siang witnessed some disruption, normal activities continued in Siang district. Upper Siang Deputy Commissioner-com-District Magistrate Ashok Tajo said that many government offices and educational institutions remained closed, while shops and commercial establishments were shut, particularly in Yingkiong and Geku. Tajo, under section 163 of the BNSS, 2023, declared the 36-hour shutdown as illegal. “Such bandh call causes untold misery, hardship and disruption to the general public, including daily wage earners, school and college students, patients requiring emergency medical service, business establishments and daily commuters. Past instances of such shutdowns have led to breaches of peace, public tranquillity and potential damage or destruction to public and private properties,” the DM’s order said. On the other hand, a senior police official of Siang District said there was no impact of the bandh in the district, with government offices, schools and shops functioning normally. The protesting organisations are demanding the fulfilment of their charter of demands, which includes the immediate release of arrested demonstrators, withdrawal of additional security forces from the affected areas and suspension of ongoing survey activities for the proposed mega hydropower project. Meanwhile, the opposition Arunachal Pradesh Congress has strongly opposed the proposed project and demanded its scrapping, along with the immediate release of all those arrested during protests against the dam. A Congress leader said that no development initiative should be undertaken at the cost of indigenous communities’ ancestral land, identity, culture and livelihood. It stressed that the prior consent of people likely to be affected by the project must be obtained before proceeding with its implementation. The party also expressed concern over the arrest of protesters, suspension of government employees and alleged action against gaon buras (village headmen) who have opposed the project. Among its key demands, the APCC sought the withdrawal of cases registered under the Arunachal Pradesh Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, revocation of suspension orders against government employees, withdrawal of cases against gaon buras and removal of additional security personnel from the proposed project-affected areas. It further demanded adequate compensation for those who suffered losses and medical assistance and rehabilitation for protesters injured during the agitation. Calling for unity among indigenous organisations, student unions, youth groups, civil society bodies and traditional institutions, the Congress urged the state government and the Centre to resolve the issue through dialogue and confidence-building measures. It also appealed to all sections of society to continue the movement through peaceful and democratic means. Arunachal Pradesh Congress president Bosiram Siram, earlier referring to the concerns raised by local agitating organisations, claimed that the proposed SUMP could lead to the submergence of 27 villages following the construction of the dam. The proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project, envisaged as one of India’s largest hydropower initiatives, has faced sustained opposition from sections of the indigenous Adi community, particularly residents of areas likely to be affected by the project. The opposition is largely driven by concerns over the possible submergence of ancestral villages, displacement of local communities, loss of agricultural land and forests, and disruption of traditional livelihoods and cultural practices. According to reports, around 27 villages could be submerged, while several dozen others may also face adverse impacts. However, the project holds considerable strategic importance for the Centre, particularly in view of China’s proposed massive hydropower project on the Yarlung Tsangpo River in Tibet, which enters India as the Siang. With opposition gathering momentum and political parties joining the movement, the proposed mega project has emerged as a major point of contention in Arunachal Pradesh, bringing issues of development, environmental protection, indigenous rights and national strategic interests into sharp focus. Meanwhile, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu and Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein on a number of occasions said that the state government remains open to dialogue with all stakeholders, including community organisations, student bodies, civil society groups and individuals who have expressed concerns over the project. As part of the consultation process, the Chief Minister also held separate all-party meetings of legislators and the Arunachal Indigenous Tribes Forum (AITF) and various Community-Based Organisations (CBOs) and discussed the Pre-Feasibility Report (PFR) and assessed the viability of the proposed mega project. –IANS sc/uk
November 2, 2026
TN govt disburses Rs 167.12 cr Deepavali bonus to over 1.06 lakh transport employees Chennai, Nov 2 (IANS) Ahead of Deepavali, the Tamil Nadu government has disbursed Rs 167.12 crore towards bonus and ex-gratia payments to 1,06,001 employees of the State Transport Corporations for the financial year 2025–26, following directions from Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay. Transport Minister Vijay Tamizhan Parthiban announced on Monday that the Deepavali bonus had been credited directly to the bank accounts of eligible employees across the state. In an official statement, the government said the decision was aimed at recognising the contribution of transport workers and extending financial benefits to them ahead of the festival. The government highlighted the crucial role played by the eight State Transport Corporations in ensuring affordable and accessible transportation, particularly for people living in rural and economically disadvantaged areas. According to the statement, the corporations collectively operate 21,333 buses across more than 10,172 routes, connecting villages, towns and major urban centres throughout Tamil Nadu. These services cater to approximately 2.18 crore passengers daily, making the state-run transport network one of the most important components of Tamil Nadu’s public infrastructure. Significantly, nearly 72 per cent of passengers travel either free of charge or at concessional fares under various government-supported schemes. The government said these concessions have helped improve mobility among women, students, senior citizens and other eligible sections of society while ensuring that public transportation remains affordable. The statement emphasised that transport employees play an indispensable role in sustaining daily operations despite the challenges involved in managing such a vast network. Recognising their contribution, the Chief Minister directed the authorities to release the Deepavali bonus and ex-gratia payments for the 2025–26 financial year. The government said the financial assistance was intended to motivate employees, acknowledge their services and strengthen morale across the transport corporations. The payments are expected to provide financial relief to thousands of transport workers and their families ahead of Deepavali celebrations. The government also underlined the importance of an efficient public transport system in supporting economic activity, facilitating workforce mobility and connecting rural communities with employment, education and healthcare facilities. With millions depending on government buses every day, the administration reiterated its commitment to maintaining reliable transport services while recognising the contribution of employees who keep the system functioning. The Deepavali bonus disbursement reflects the government’s emphasis on employee welfare alongside its broader responsibility to sustain affordable public transportation across Tamil Nadu. –IANS aal/dan
November 2, 2026
Will assess FPI demands on LTCG tax; expects Tata Trusts-Tata Sons issues to be settled amicably, says FM Sitharaman Mumbai, Nov 2 (IANS) Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday expressed confidence that the issues within the Tata Group, including differences over the re-appointment of its chairman and the proposed listing of Tata Sons, would be resolved amicably through internal discussions. Speaking at the Financial Express Leadership Awards here, FM Sitharaman described the matter as a sensitive issue involving significant commercial and business considerations, and said it should be settled by the concerned parties rather than through public disagreements. Highlighting the Tata Group’s importance to the Indian economy, she pointed to the conglomerate’s global brand value, the contribution of the Parsi community in building the group, and the wide range of sectors in which Tata companies operate. “I know the brand value of Tata, the contribution of the Parsee community to make Tata a huge global brand. I also know the expanse of activities in which Tatas are invested. So this is a very critical component to the Indian economy and therefore it has to be amicably settled between themselves,” FM Sitharaman said. The Finance Minister urged all stakeholders to engage in dialogue and restore normalcy at the earliest, adding that prolonged public disputes were not desirable for an institution of such stature. Addressing another key issue concerning investors, FM Sitharaman said the government would listen to concerns raised by foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) regarding India’s capital gains tax regime before deciding on any course of action. Speaking amid growing demands for a reduction in long-term capital gains (LTCG) tax, the minister acknowledged that changing market conditions and foreign investment outflows had intensified calls for a reassessment of the tax structure. “These are very delicate matters, and a lot of business and commercial acumen will have to come into play,” the finance minister said. FM Sitharaman, however, noted that the existing taxation framework was the same during 2023, when India witnessed record foreign investment inflows. “The taxation structure was what it is today even in 2023, when inflows were at record highs. Today, the circumstances have changed. FII outflows have happened, and voices of concern are louder. I will consider all this,” FM Sitharaman mentioned. The Finance Minister indicated that the government would weigh multiple factors before considering any changes to the current tax regime, while taking into account concerns voiced by global investors. –IANS pk
November 2, 2026
Meghalaya faces severe water crisis as rainfall deficit touches 85 pc in Oct Shillong, Nov 2 (IANS) Meghalaya is facing growing concerns over water security after recording an 85 per cent rainfall deficit in October, with the state receiving only 38.3 mm of rain against the monthly normal of 255 mm, officials said on Monday. The sharp shortfall comes after an exceptionally deficient southwest monsoon, during which Meghalaya received just 1,077.1 mm of rainfall between June and September, against the seasonal normal of 2,695.3 mm, marking a deficit of 60 per cent. The rainfall shortage intensified as the monsoon progressed, with the deficit rising from 9 per cent in July to 38 per cent in August. The state received 359.7 mm of rainfall in August against the normal of 581.6 mm. The situation was widespread across Meghalaya, with all 11 districts recording large rainfall deficits in October. The shortfall ranged between 74 and 93 per cent, highlighting the severity of the situation across the hill state. South West Garo Hills recorded the highest deficit at 93 per cent, followed by East Jaintia Hills and North Garo Hills at 92 per cent each. East Khasi Hills registered a 91 per cent shortfall, while West Garo Hills recorded 86 per cent. South West Khasi Hills and West Khasi Hills reported deficits of 84 per cent each, followed by East Garo Hills at 81 per cent and West Jaintia Hills at 80 per cent. Ri Bhoi and South Garo Hills recorded the lowest deficits at 74 per cent each. The prolonged rainfall shortage has raised concerns over drinking water availability, particularly in rural and remote areas where communities depend heavily on natural springs. Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma has earlier acknowledged water-supply challenges in several projects under the Jal Jeevan Mission, attributing them partly to declining water sources, changing rainfall patterns and climatic conditions. The Public Health Engineering Department has mapped around 55,000 springs across more than 70,000 springsheds and identified 785 critical water sources for rejuvenation. The worsening rainfall deficit has renewed concerns over the vulnerability of Meghalaya’s spring-fed water systems and the need for long-term conservation measures. –IANS tdr/dan
November 2, 2026
AAP has pushed Punjab towards drug addiction, lawlessness: Sachin Pilot Sangrur (Punjab), Nov 2 (IANS) Congress in-charge for Punjab Sachin Pilot on Monday accused the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government of pushing the state towards a crisis of drug addiction and deteriorating law and order, alleging that killings had become commonplace and the police had lost public trust. Ahead of Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi’s scheduled visit to Punjab, Pilot said the Congress would raise issues affecting the state’s people at the ‘Insaaf Rally’ in Sangrur on November 4 and that his visit is a positive sign for Punjab. “In the last few years, the AAP has completely ruined Punjab. The entire state has been pushed towards addiction, and murders and killings have become normal. In the last two years, 395 innocent people have been shot. The police have been rendered helpless. They are working as yes-men of the government, thus losing the trust of the people,” he alleged. He said the rally would bring together Congress workers, farmers, young people and members of the public from across Punjab to demand justice and draw attention to issues such as drug addiction and violence. “Rahul Gandhi will address an ‘Insaaf Rally’ in Sangrur on November 4. He will meet the people of Punjab to demand their rights and justice and to address issues such as drugs and violence. It will be a historic rally, with party workers from across the state, as well as members of the public, farmers and youth, participating,” Pilot said. He added that the rally would mark the beginning of efforts to find a way to restore Punjab. Pilot described Rahul Gandhi’s visit as an opportunity for the Congress to consolidate its organisation and reach out to the people ahead of the upcoming elections. “Rahul Gandhi coming to the state is a positive sign. The entire party is working together with zeal so that the message can be sent to the masses that Congress will win the upcoming elections and serve the people dedicatedly,” he said. The Congress leader also targeted the AAP over reports of prominent leaders and Rajya Sabha members leaving the party, arguing that the departures reflected growing dissatisfaction with its functioning and failure to deliver on its promises. “The crack has been open for long. Several AAP Rajya Sabha members have left the party, and prominent leaders are also quitting because the party has completely failed to deliver on the issues and promises on which it was founded and with which it entered Punjab,” Pilot said. Questioning the AAP leadership’s response to those leaving the party, he asked how it could retain public confidence if its own elected representatives no longer trusted it. “If your MLAs and MPs do not trust you, how can the public trust you? Now, you are saying that the ones who are leaving were useless; then why did you bear with them for the last five years? Why did you give them important positions in the cabinet?” he asked. Calling the AAP’s response arrogant, Pilot asserted that the principal political contest in Punjab was between the Congress and the ruling party. “This is arrogance and pride, and the real competition is between AAP and Congress,” he said. –IANS sud/vd
November 2, 2026
Congress, Akalis, BJP joined hands to derail development: Punjab CM Chandigarh, Nov 2 (IANS) Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Monday slammed the Congress, the Akali Dal and the BJP, calling them deeply corrupt parties that had joined hands to derail the state’s development and protect their shared political interests. Describing the forthcoming political battle as ‘One vs All’, he said that despite having different flags and election symbols, these parties shared the same intention of looting Punjab and exploiting its people. At a public gathering in Ghanaur in Patiala, the Chief Minister said the traditional parties are uncomfortable because an ordinary family’s son was honestly working for the welfare of every section of society. He asserted that the love and blessings of Punjabis were his greatest strength and warned the Opposition that, just as in 2022, the people would send its big leaders back home in 2027 as well. The Chief Minister pointed out that they have different flags and election symbols, but their intentions are the same. They cannot tolerate the fact that Punjab’s resources are now being utilised for the welfare of Punjabis rather than a handful of political families. He said these political parties were united in their efforts to loot Punjab, whereas he had shared the joys and sorrows of 3.25 crore Punjabis. The traditional parties were targeting him because they had realised that people were no longer willing to accept their politics of deception, corruption and family interests. “During their tenure, the Akali leadership developed interests in almost every business. These leaders forcibly took their share in every business venture, whereas I have chosen to share the happiness, struggles and hardships of ordinary people. They are uncomfortable because our government is working for the common people rather than powerful families,” he added. Highlighting the affection he received during his visits to villages, CM Mann said people’s love and blessings were his greatest strength and reward for serving Punjab. “Whenever I visit villages, my turban gets filled with flowers as people shower their love, blessings and affection on me. I do not have the backing of powerful families or wealthy interests, but I have the blessings of the people. As long as the people of Punjab stand with me, I do not care about the opposition,” he added. –IANS vg/dan
November 2, 2026

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36-hour shutdown hits life in Arunachal districts; Congress demands scrapping of mega dam project Itanagar, Nov 2 (IANS) Normal life was disrupted in parts of Arunachal Pradesh on Monday as a 36-hour shutdown called by several organisations to protest against the proposed 11,200-MW Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) affected business establishments, educational institutions and public transport in the region. The impact of the shutdown was particularly visible in Upper Siang district, where several schools, government offices, shops and markets remained closed. Public transport, including buses, stayed off the roads, while protesters reportedly burnt tyres at several locations as part of the demonstration. The bandh was called by the Siang Indigenous Farmers Forum (SIFF) and the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project Affected Area Youth Association (SAAYA) across Siang, Upper Siang and East Siang districts. However, its impact varied across the region. While Upper Siang was severely affected and East Siang witnessed some disruption, normal activities continued in Siang district. Upper Siang Deputy Commissioner-com-District Magistrate Ashok Tajo said that many government offices and educational institutions remained closed, while shops and commercial establishments were shut, particularly in Yingkiong and Geku. Tajo, under section 163 of the BNSS, 2023, declared the 36-hour shutdown as illegal. “Such bandh call causes untold misery, hardship and disruption to the general public, including daily wage earners, school and college students, patients requiring emergency medical service, business establishments and daily commuters. Past instances of such shutdowns have led to breaches of peace, public tranquillity and potential damage or destruction to public and private properties,” the DM’s order said. On the other hand, a senior police official of Siang District said there was no impact of the bandh in the district, with government offices, schools and shops functioning normally. The protesting organisations are demanding the fulfilment of their charter of demands, which includes the immediate release of arrested demonstrators, withdrawal of additional security forces from the affected areas and suspension of ongoing survey activities for the proposed mega hydropower project. Meanwhile, the opposition Arunachal Pradesh Congress has strongly opposed the proposed project and demanded its scrapping, along with the immediate release of all those arrested during protests against the dam. A Congress leader said that no development initiative should be undertaken at the cost of indigenous communities’ ancestral land, identity, culture and livelihood. It stressed that the prior consent of people likely to be affected by the project must be obtained before proceeding with its implementation. The party also expressed concern over the arrest of protesters, suspension of government employees and alleged action against gaon buras (village headmen) who have opposed the project. Among its key demands, the APCC sought the withdrawal of cases registered under the Arunachal Pradesh Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, revocation of suspension orders against government employees, withdrawal of cases against gaon buras and removal of additional security personnel from the proposed project-affected areas. It further demanded adequate compensation for those who suffered losses and medical assistance and rehabilitation for protesters injured during the agitation. Calling for unity among indigenous organisations, student unions, youth groups, civil society bodies and traditional institutions, the Congress urged the state government and the Centre to resolve the issue through dialogue and confidence-building measures. It also appealed to all sections of society to continue the movement through peaceful and democratic means. Arunachal Pradesh Congress president Bosiram Siram, earlier referring to the concerns raised by local agitating organisations, claimed that the proposed SUMP could lead to the submergence of 27 villages following the construction of the dam. The proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project, envisaged as one of India’s largest hydropower initiatives, has faced sustained opposition from sections of the indigenous Adi community, particularly residents of areas likely to be affected by the project. The opposition is largely driven by concerns over the possible submergence of ancestral villages, displacement of local communities, loss of agricultural land and forests, and disruption of traditional livelihoods and cultural practices. According to reports, around 27 villages could be submerged, while several dozen others may also face adverse impacts. However, the project holds considerable strategic importance for the Centre, particularly in view of China’s proposed massive hydropower project on the Yarlung Tsangpo River in Tibet, which enters India as the Siang. With opposition gathering momentum and political parties joining the movement, the proposed mega project has emerged as a major point of contention in Arunachal Pradesh, bringing issues of development, environmental protection, indigenous rights and national strategic interests into sharp focus. Meanwhile, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu and Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein on a number of occasions said that the state government remains open to dialogue with all stakeholders, including community organisations, student bodies, civil society groups and individuals who have expressed concerns over the project. As part of the consultation process, the Chief Minister also held separate all-party meetings of legislators and the Arunachal Indigenous Tribes Forum (AITF) and various Community-Based Organisations (CBOs) and discussed the Pre-Feasibility Report (PFR) and assessed the viability of the proposed mega project. –IANS sc/uk
,
Will assess FPI demands on LTCG tax; expects Tata Trusts-Tata Sons issues to be settled amicably, says FM Sitharaman Mumbai, Nov 2 (IANS) Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday expressed confidence that the issues within the Tata Group, including differences over the re-appointment of its chairman and the proposed listing of Tata Sons, would be resolved amicably through internal discussions. Speaking at the Financial Express Leadership Awards here, FM Sitharaman described the matter as a sensitive issue involving significant commercial and business considerations, and said it should be settled by the concerned parties rather than through public disagreements. Highlighting the Tata Group’s importance to the Indian economy, she pointed to the conglomerate’s global brand value, the contribution of the Parsi community in building the group, and the wide range of sectors in which Tata companies operate. “I know the brand value of Tata, the contribution of the Parsee community to make Tata a huge global brand. I also know the expanse of activities in which Tatas are invested. So this is a very critical component to the Indian economy and therefore it has to be amicably settled between themselves,” FM Sitharaman said. The Finance Minister urged all stakeholders to engage in dialogue and restore normalcy at the earliest, adding that prolonged public disputes were not desirable for an institution of such stature. Addressing another key issue concerning investors, FM Sitharaman said the government would listen to concerns raised by foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) regarding India’s capital gains tax regime before deciding on any course of action. Speaking amid growing demands for a reduction in long-term capital gains (LTCG) tax, the minister acknowledged that changing market conditions and foreign investment outflows had intensified calls for a reassessment of the tax structure. “These are very delicate matters, and a lot of business and commercial acumen will have to come into play,” the finance minister said. FM Sitharaman, however, noted that the existing taxation framework was the same during 2023, when India witnessed record foreign investment inflows. “The taxation structure was what it is today even in 2023, when inflows were at record highs. Today, the circumstances have changed. FII outflows have happened, and voices of concern are louder. I will consider all this,” FM Sitharaman mentioned. The Finance Minister indicated that the government would weigh multiple factors before considering any changes to the current tax regime, while taking into account concerns voiced by global investors. –IANS pk
Meghalaya faces severe water crisis as rainfall deficit touches 85 pc in Oct Shillong, Nov 2 (IANS) Meghalaya is facing growing concerns over water security after recording an 85 per cent rainfall deficit in October, with the state receiving only 38.3 mm of rain against the monthly normal of 255 mm, officials said on Monday. The sharp shortfall comes after an exceptionally deficient southwest monsoon, during which Meghalaya received just 1,077.1 mm of rainfall between June and September, against the seasonal normal of 2,695.3 mm, marking a deficit of 60 per cent. The rainfall shortage intensified as the monsoon progressed, with the deficit rising from 9 per cent in July to 38 per cent in August. The state received 359.7 mm of rainfall in August against the normal of 581.6 mm. The situation was widespread across Meghalaya, with all 11 districts recording large rainfall deficits in October. The shortfall ranged between 74 and 93 per cent, highlighting the severity of the situation across the hill state. South West Garo Hills recorded the highest deficit at 93 per cent, followed by East Jaintia Hills and North Garo Hills at 92 per cent each. East Khasi Hills registered a 91 per cent shortfall, while West Garo Hills recorded 86 per cent. South West Khasi Hills and West Khasi Hills reported deficits of 84 per cent each, followed by East Garo Hills at 81 per cent and West Jaintia Hills at 80 per cent. Ri Bhoi and South Garo Hills recorded the lowest deficits at 74 per cent each. The prolonged rainfall shortage has raised concerns over drinking water availability, particularly in rural and remote areas where communities depend heavily on natural springs. Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma has earlier acknowledged water-supply challenges in several projects under the Jal Jeevan Mission, attributing them partly to declining water sources, changing rainfall patterns and climatic conditions. The Public Health Engineering Department has mapped around 55,000 springs across more than 70,000 springsheds and identified 785 critical water sources for rejuvenation. The worsening rainfall deficit has renewed concerns over the vulnerability of Meghalaya’s spring-fed water systems and the need for long-term conservation measures. –IANS tdr/dan
,
AAP has pushed Punjab towards drug addiction, lawlessness: Sachin Pilot Sangrur (Punjab), Nov 2 (IANS) Congress in-charge for Punjab Sachin Pilot on Monday accused the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government of pushing the state towards a crisis of drug addiction and deteriorating law and order, alleging that killings had become commonplace and the police had lost public trust. Ahead of Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi’s scheduled visit to Punjab, Pilot said the Congress would raise issues affecting the state’s people at the ‘Insaaf Rally’ in Sangrur on November 4 and that his visit is a positive sign for Punjab. “In the last few years, the AAP has completely ruined Punjab. The entire state has been pushed towards addiction, and murders and killings have become normal. In the last two years, 395 innocent people have been shot. The police have been rendered helpless. They are working as yes-men of the government, thus losing the trust of the people,” he alleged. He said the rally would bring together Congress workers, farmers, young people and members of the public from across Punjab to demand justice and draw attention to issues such as drug addiction and violence. “Rahul Gandhi will address an ‘Insaaf Rally’ in Sangrur on November 4. He will meet the people of Punjab to demand their rights and justice and to address issues such as drugs and violence. It will be a historic rally, with party workers from across the state, as well as members of the public, farmers and youth, participating,” Pilot said. He added that the rally would mark the beginning of efforts to find a way to restore Punjab. Pilot described Rahul Gandhi’s visit as an opportunity for the Congress to consolidate its organisation and reach out to the people ahead of the upcoming elections. “Rahul Gandhi coming to the state is a positive sign. The entire party is working together with zeal so that the message can be sent to the masses that Congress will win the upcoming elections and serve the people dedicatedly,” he said. The Congress leader also targeted the AAP over reports of prominent leaders and Rajya Sabha members leaving the party, arguing that the departures reflected growing dissatisfaction with its functioning and failure to deliver on its promises. “The crack has been open for long. Several AAP Rajya Sabha members have left the party, and prominent leaders are also quitting because the party has completely failed to deliver on the issues and promises on which it was founded and with which it entered Punjab,” Pilot said. Questioning the AAP leadership’s response to those leaving the party, he asked how it could retain public confidence if its own elected representatives no longer trusted it. “If your MLAs and MPs do not trust you, how can the public trust you? Now, you are saying that the ones who are leaving were useless; then why did you bear with them for the last five years? Why did you give them important positions in the cabinet?” he asked. Calling the AAP’s response arrogant, Pilot asserted that the principal political contest in Punjab was between the Congress and the ruling party. “This is arrogance and pride, and the real competition is between AAP and Congress,” he said. –IANS sud/vd
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Congress, Akalis, BJP joined hands to derail development: Punjab CM Chandigarh, Nov 2 (IANS) Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Monday slammed the Congress, the Akali Dal and the BJP, calling them deeply corrupt parties that had joined hands to derail the state’s development and protect their shared political interests. Describing the forthcoming political battle as ‘One vs All’, he said that despite having different flags and election symbols, these parties shared the same intention of looting Punjab and exploiting its people. At a public gathering in Ghanaur in Patiala, the Chief Minister said the traditional parties are uncomfortable because an ordinary family’s son was honestly working for the welfare of every section of society. He asserted that the love and blessings of Punjabis were his greatest strength and warned the Opposition that, just as in 2022, the people would send its big leaders back home in 2027 as well. The Chief Minister pointed out that they have different flags and election symbols, but their intentions are the same. They cannot tolerate the fact that Punjab’s resources are now being utilised for the welfare of Punjabis rather than a handful of political families. He said these political parties were united in their efforts to loot Punjab, whereas he had shared the joys and sorrows of 3.25 crore Punjabis. The traditional parties were targeting him because they had realised that people were no longer willing to accept their politics of deception, corruption and family interests. “During their tenure, the Akali leadership developed interests in almost every business. These leaders forcibly took their share in every business venture, whereas I have chosen to share the happiness, struggles and hardships of ordinary people. They are uncomfortable because our government is working for the common people rather than powerful families,” he added. Highlighting the affection he received during his visits to villages, CM Mann said people’s love and blessings were his greatest strength and reward for serving Punjab. “Whenever I visit villages, my turban gets filled with flowers as people shower their love, blessings and affection on me. I do not have the backing of powerful families or wealthy interests, but I have the blessings of the people. As long as the people of Punjab stand with me, I do not care about the opposition,” he added. –IANS vg/dan
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Congress, Rahul Gandhi biggest challenges to democracy: BJP
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