Old pension scheme — discontinued at the Centre in 2003 — was not part of economic resolution passed at All India Congress Committee (AICC) plenary in Raipur.
Discontinued by Vajpayee in 2003, OPS issue has especially gained urgency after BJP lost Himachal assembly election to Congress last year. Restoring OPS was key poll promise of Congress.
Despite RBI warnings, states like Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh & Punjab have already brought back the scheme, which was replaced by a new one by then NDA govt in 2004.
States have seen stronger revenues and have been prudent with their expenditure, leading to better deficit ratios. But capex needs to increase & debt needs to reduce.
Fauja Singh, 114, died after being hit by a speeding car. His death renews questions about India’s deadly roads, rising accidents, and poor traffic discipline.
Mini deal will likely see no cut in 10% baseline tariff on Indian exports announced by Trump on 2 April, it is learnt, but additional 26% tariffs are set to be reduced.
India-Russia JV is also racing to deliver 7,000 more AK-203 assault rifles by 15 Aug. These are currently being made with 50% indigenisation and this will surge to 100% by 31 December.
Public, loud, upfront, filled with impropriety and high praise sometimes laced with insults. This is what we call Trumplomacy. But the larger objective is the same: American supremacy.
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