J&K CM Omar Abdullah criticized the Centre's delay in restoring statehood, questioning if he should approach Donald Trump after BJP politicians dismissed protests. NC plans a protest at Jantar Mantar on July 20.
Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah stated the Indus Water Treaty (IWT) was detrimental to the region and backed India's suspension of the pact. He criticized the treaty for limiting J&K's control over its rivers and contributing to the power crisis.
Central government employee unions are advocating for the 8th Pay Commission to include higher family unit counts, increased HRA and TPTA, and the merger of DA with basic pay, citing insufficient provisions for low-level employees.
Beijing's liaison office in Hong Kong has been restructured, with its economic department split and district-level groups expanded. An analyst suggests this reflects a greater focus on financial, youth, and district work by the central government.
The Labour Bureau's May 2026 AICPI-IW reading of 150.8 suggests central government employees will likely receive a 3% dearness allowance (DA) hike, increasing DA to 63%. A 4% hike is improbable unless June's reading significantly rises, with the final outcome dependent on June inflation data and government decision.
Central government employees may receive substantial arrears under the 8th Pay Commission, ranging from ₹3.6 lakh to ₹10.8 lakh for Level 1-5 employees, depending on the implementation timeline and fitment factor (2.0 to 2.86).
The Indian central government is set to acquire a 1-2% equity stake in AI startup Sarvam, valued at $1.5 billion, as part of its $300 million funding round. This rare direct holding stems from non-cash compute infrastructure support provided under the IndiaAI Mission, converting compulsorily convertible debentures into equity.
A Parliamentary Standing Committee, chaired by Brij Lal, reviewed the status of vacant posts in central government departments, evaluated recruitment measures, and discussed Civil Services Examination issues, including CSAT, involving key agencies like UPSC, SSC, and DoPT.
Central government employees are hopeful for an early submission of the 8th Pay Commission report, potentially by January 2027, leading to salary hikes from April 2027. Despite an 18-month deadline ending May 2027, optimism stems from online processes and swift interactions, though some experts predict a later submission.
China's economy shows sluggish consumption and weak investment in May, with new bank loans falling year-on-year. Despite regulatory efforts, demand remains weak, though the tech sector is a bright spot amid innovation drives.
Park Soo-hyun, elected governor of Chungnam, leverages his extensive experience in central politics and communication skills. His campaign focused on cooperation with the central government for regional development, contrasting with the incumbent's emphasis on continuity.
Former J&K CM Mehbooba Mufti urges Kashmiri political parties and civil society to unite for dialogue with the central government, inspired by Ladakh's successful talks. She seeks an all-party meeting to build consensus amid regional despair.
China's SAIC Motor plans to establish its first EU production facility in Spain's Galicia region, with an initial investment of around €200 million. The plant in Ferrol is expected to create 1,000 direct jobs and become operational in 2028, pending government approvals.
The Supreme Court expressed disappointment with the National Testing Agency (NTA) over repeated paper leaks, directing it to file an affidavit on compliance with court-appointed committee recommendations. Petitions seek overhaul of NTA for NEET UG.
Taipei City's Urban Development Bureau disputes the Ministry of the Interior's claim that 'escape rooms' were classified as D1 safety-reporting category in 2018. The bureau states the central government misrepresented meeting minutes, leading to regulatory gaps and potential safety risks.
Around 62,000 defence civilian employees, on deemed deputation in seven defence PSUs, are optimistic about retaining their central government employee status following a Cabinet Secretary's assurance. This status offers better job security, benefits, and pay revisions, especially with the upcoming 8th Pay Commission.
Police recommended charges against 77 individuals and organizations for the Grenfell Tower fire. Survivors express mixed relief, grief, and anger over the lengthy process, with trials unlikely before 2028. Campaigners criticize slow progress and weak corporate manslaughter laws.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is expected to pay its highest-ever dividend to the Indian central government, providing a crucial fiscal cushion amid challenges from the Middle East crisis. The dividend amount will be decided in an upcoming board meeting this month, with the government expecting Rs 3.16 lakh crore in dividends and surpluses for 2026-27, aided by record profits from public sector banks.
C. Joseph Vijay was sworn in as the new Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu on Sunday, marking a significant political shift. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Vijay and assured continued central government support for the state's welfare. Vijay's party, TVK, secured victory in the 2026 elections, ending the dominance of Dravidian parties.
As Beijing increasingly sees the country as a chessboard, the central government is no longer simply asking every province to grow faster; it wants them to grow differently. Reporting on the end of the 14th five-year plan and preparation for the 15th five-year plan frames provinces and cities as specialised implementation units, reflecting a territorial division of labour. The central government wants provinces to find their rightful place in national development and act in accordance with their...
Union minister Chirag Paswan condemned the killing of BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari’s aide, Chandranath Rath, calling it "politics of violence" that West Bengal voters rejected. Paswan alleged TMC goons were responsible and stated the central government will not tolerate such violence, asserting a BJP government will soon be formed in the state.
Beijing's decision to block Meta's US$2 billion acquisition of AI start-up Manus reflects China's new approach to US-China business ties, prioritising national security and technological self-reliance over commercial deals. The timing, ahead of the May 14-15 Xi-Trump summit in Beijing, signals Beijing's belief it holds a stronger negotiating position given US preoccupations with the Middle East and Trump's need for tangible wins ahead of midterm elections.
Beijing's top official on Hong Kong affairs has called on Tsinghua University alumni to help the city better serve national development through patriotism, pragmatism and their global networks. Liaison office director Zhou Ji outlined three expectations for graduates at the Tsinghua Alumni Association of Hong Kong's 70th Anniversary Summit, while Chief Executive John Lee expressed hope more alumni would assist Hong Kong become an international education hub.
The Election Commission has ordered a fresh poll in all 285 polling stations of Falta assembly constituency in South 24 Parganas, West Bengal, citing severe electoral offences and subversion of democratic process. The repoll will be held on May 21 with counting on May 24. The BJP had alleged that party symbols on EVMs were taped over at several booths, preventing voters from selecting the BJP option. The move comes amid heightened political tensions between BJP and TMC, with CM Mamata Banerjee predicting a TMC victory with over 200 seats.
