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Polity & Governance

Polity & Governance

Maharashtra government approves one-year age relaxation for MPSC Group C recruitment; panel proposes over 16,000 vacancies

  • Maharashtra government granted an additional one‑year age relaxation for candidates appearing in MPSC Group C recruitment exams.
  • A state panel has recommended creation of more than 16,000 Group C posts for the Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) in the upcoming cycle.
  • Around 12 lakh aspirants have applied for the MPSC Group C Combined Preliminary Examination 2026, with over 5,000 vacancies currently advertised.
  • The age relaxation aims to broaden participation across age groups and improve workforce diversity in state departments.
  • Implementation of the new vacancies and age relaxation is expected in the 2026‑27 recruitment calendar.
Source: The Hindu - National ↗
Polity & Governance

Maharashtra FDA seizes food stock worth ₹63.45 crore in festive season crackdown

  • The Maharashtra Food Drug Administration (FDA) inspected 9,667 food establishments across the state during the festive season.
  • A total of 4,603 improvement notices were issued to non‑compliant entities.
  • Licences and registrations of 25 establishments were cancelled for serious violations.
  • Food stock valued at ₹63.45 crore was seized as part of the enforcement drive.
Source: The Hindu - National ↗
Polity & Governance

Maharashtra FDA seizes drugs & cosmetics worth ₹34.51 lakh, cancels 122 licences

  • Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) seized illegal drugs, cosmetics and medical devices valued at ₹34.51 lakh.
  • A total of 122 licences of manufacturers, importers or distributors were cancelled for violations of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.
  • The agency appealed to citizens to report any illegal drug manufacturing, sale of substandard products, or suspicious medical devices to the FDA commissioner’s office or the nearest district office.
  • The seizures included prescription medicines without a valid licence, adulterated cosmetics and unregistered medical devices.
  • The action demonstrates the state's commitment to enforce quality standards and protect public health.
Source: The Hindu - National ↗
Polity & Governance

Allegations of doctor absence and power outage at Medak government hospital after farmer’s death

  • A farmer died at the Government Hospital in Medak district, Telangana.
  • Relatives claim no doctors were present when the emergency occurred.
  • A power outage reportedly hit the hospital during the critical period.
  • Local officials have been asked to investigate the incident and ensure proper medical staffing and backup power.
  • The incident prompted protests by farmer groups demanding accountability.
Source: The Hindu - National ↗
Polity & Governance

BJP accused of sidelining Rajput leaders in Saran after council poll defeat, says Rajiv Prasad Rudy

  • JD(U) candidate Pushkar, a Brahmin, lost the Saran Teachers' seat in the recent council elections.
  • Pushkar alleged that the BJP denied support to Rajput MPs and MLAs of Saran, including Rajiv Pratap Rudy.
  • According to the allegation, the BJP’s lack of backing helped an independent candidate secure victory.
  • Rajiv Pratap Rudy, a senior BJP leader and Rajput MP, responded by denying the claims and emphasizing party unity.
Source: The Hindu - National ↗
Polity & Governance

NC leader Aga Syed Ruhullah’s exit hailed as BJP’s ‘Operation Lotus’ success

  • Aga Syed Ruhullah, a senior leader of the National Conference (NC), announced his exit from the party.
  • NC legislator Salman Sagar alleged that the BJP facilitated Ruhullah’s departure as part of its ‘Operation Lotus’ strategy.
  • The move was likened by NC leaders to the 1953 political maneuver that sought to disempower regional leaders in Jammu & Kashmir.
  • The incident highlights BJP’s alleged attempts to weaken regional parties and expand its influence in the state.
Source: The Hindu - National ↗
Polity & Governance

Ladakh school starts without required approvals, sparking bureaucratic criticism

  • The Himalayan Institute of Alternatives, Ladakh (HIAL) launched the Desert Flower School, a kindergarten, in Ladakh.
  • The school began operating without securing the mandatory approvals from the competent authority.
  • Activist Wanchuk’s wife, Angmo, condemned Ladakh officials, likening their inaction to that of British colonial administrators.
  • The Ladakh administration confirmed the school’s non‑compliance with approval norms.
Source: The Hindu - National ↗
Polity & Governance

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju mocks Rahul Gandhi over demand for open debate with PM

  • Union Minister Kiren Rijiju criticised Congress leaders for seeking an open debate with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
  • Rijiju suggested that Congress should focus on spending more time in India rather than demanding high‑profile debates.
  • He listed conditions he believes the Congress must meet to increase its tally of MPs in the Lok Sabha.
  • The remarks were made during a press interaction following a parliamentary session.
  • The exchange reflects ongoing political tussle between the ruling BJP and the opposition Congress.
Source: The Hindu - National ↗
Polity & Governance

Kerala HC reinstates Milma Thiruvananthapuram Union dissolved over Sabarimala ghee controversy

  • The Kerala High Court's Division Bench set aside the Registrar of Co-operative Societies' order that had upheld the dissolution of Milma Thiruvananthapuram Union.
  • The union was dissolved by the Kerala government in 2023 following a controversy over the sale of ghee allegedly sourced from Sabarimala temple premises.
  • The court held that due process under the Karnataka Co-operative Societies Act, 2002 was not complied with, rendering the dissolution illegal.
  • Milma Thiruvananthapuram Union, a subsidiary of the state dairy cooperative Milma, now resumes its operations and financial activities.
  • The judgment underscores the judiciary's role in safeguarding cooperative autonomy and procedural fairness.
Source: The Hindu - National ↗
Polity & Governance

National Dental Commission (NDC) members appointed through draw of lots as per the National Dental Commission Act, 2023

  • Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Ms. Punya Salila Srivastava, selected part‑time members of the NDC and its autonomous boards.
  • Selection was done by a draw‑of‑lots method prescribed under the National Dental Commission Act, 2023.
  • The appointments are for the National Dental Commission, the apex regulatory body for dental education and practice in India, and its subordinate autonomous boards.
  • The process aims to ensure transparency, merit‑based selection and representation from various stakeholders.
Source: PIB India ↗
Polity & Governance

MoHFW proposes amendment to Drugs Act, 1945 to mandate authorisation of qualified personnel for drug batch release

  • The Union Health Ministry has drafted a proposal to amend the Drugs (Regulation) Act, 1945.
  • The amendment seeks to make it mandatory for drug batches to be released only after authorisation by qualified personnel.
  • The move aims to tighten quality control, curb sub‑standard medicines and ensure compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
  • The proposal will be placed before the Union Cabinet for approval before being introduced in Parliament.
  • Implementation is expected to strengthen the regulatory oversight of pharmaceutical manufacturers across India.
Source: PIB India ↗
Polity & Governance

IPS officer Anurag Sujania resigns after being transferred as Sagar SP amid Madhya Pradesh hooch tragedy

  • Anurag Sujania, an Indian Police Service (IPS) officer, was transferred to Sagar district as Superintendent of Police (SP).
  • He resigned within days of his posting, citing the ongoing controversy over illicit liquor (hooch) in Madhya Pradesh.
  • Sujania and Sagar District Collector Pratibha Pal were earlier removed from their posts on 27 October after a hooch tragedy in the district that claimed more than 25 lives.
  • The hooch tragedy sparked a statewide probe into illegal liquor production and distribution, leading to heightened scrutiny of district officials.
Source: The Hindu - National ↗
Polity & Governance

Amit Shah likens INDIA bloc’s mock Parliament to Maoist ‘Janta Sarkar’

  • A mock Parliament was convened at Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge’s New Delhi residence on 31 October.
  • The session was framed as a “public impeachment” of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
  • Union Home Minister Amit Shah, speaking at a press conference, compared the mock Parliament to the Maoist ‘Janta Sarkar’ (people's government).
  • Shah warned that such parallel institutions could threaten India’s democratic framework.
  • The event was organized by the INDIA (Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance) bloc ahead of the upcoming general elections.
Source: The Hindu - National ↗
Polity & Governance

Ladakh administration asks activist Sonam Wangchuk’s wife to stop ‘unauthorised activities’ at their Leh school

  • On September 22, Gitanjali Angmo, wife of activist Sonam Wangchuk, requested the Deputy Commissioner, Leh, for a No Objection Certificate and clearance for the proposed Managing Committee members of their school.
  • The Ladakh administration replied by asking her to cease ‘unauthorised activities’ at the school, indicating the request was not approved.
  • The dispute highlights the need for schools in Union Territories to obtain proper administrative clearances before forming management bodies.
Source: The Hindu - National ↗
Polity & Governance

Vigilance flags non‑transparent auction of commercial spaces by Kochi Metro Rail Ltd.

  • Kochi Metro Rail Ltd. (KMRL) conducted auctions for commercial spaces without prior advertisements.
  • Most auctions attracted a single bidder, indicating lack of competition.
  • Changes in base rates and Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) conditions discouraged prospective bidders and created perceived differential treatment among existing vendors.
  • The vigilance wing highlighted these lapses as violations of transparent procurement norms.
  • KMRL has been asked to rectify the process and ensure fair competition in future auctions.
Source: The Hindu - National ↗
Polity & Governance

BJP leaders criticise Mamata Banerjee-Congress camaraderie

  • West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari alleged that Mamata Banerjee has formed an alliance with "anarchists" in Delhi.
  • BJP senior leaders, including Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi and Rajnath Singh, echoed the criticism, questioning the motives behind the Mamata-Congress cooperation.
  • The remarks came ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, where West Bengal holds significant political weight.
  • Opposition parties, particularly the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and Congress, defended their engagement as a strategic move to counter the BJP's dominance.
Source: The Hindu - National ↗
Polity & Governance

Union Home & Co-operative Minister Amit Shah addresses closure of Chhattisgarh Rajyotsav in Raipur

  • Union Home Minister Amit Shah addressed the concluding ceremony of Chhattisgarh Rajyotsav held in Raipur.
  • The event marked the culmination of the state's cultural festival that showcases Chhattisgarh's heritage, art and traditions.
  • Shah underscored the central government's commitment to cultural integration and socio‑economic development of the state.
Source: PIB India ↗
Polity & Governance

Licences of 138 medical shops suspended across Telangana over illegal sale of habit‑forming drugs

  • The Telangana Health Department suspended licences of 138 medical shops for selling habit‑forming drugs without valid prescriptions.
  • The enforcement action was taken under the provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and state drug‑control rules.
  • Inspections revealed that the shops were dispensing opioids, sedatives and other controlled substances illegally.
  • The suspension aims to curb substance abuse, ensure compliance with drug‑regulation norms and protect public health.
Source: The Hindu - National ↗
Polity & Governance

Railway construction near 118‑year‑old school in Mysuru prompts demand for suspension until clearances

  • MGP president Roy Joseph wrote to MCC Commissioner M.K. Savitha seeking a written direction to halt railway construction near a historic school.
  • The school in Mysuru is 118 years old, raising concerns over heritage preservation amid infrastructure work.
  • The appeal stresses that all required approvals, sanctions and clearances must be obtained before any construction proceeds.
  • The issue has ignited a fresh row between local civic bodies and Indian Railways over procedural compliance.
  • No final decision on the suspension request has been announced yet.
Source: The Hindu - National ↗
Polity & Governance

Ministry of Heavy Industries wraps up ‘Special Campaign 6’ to clear pending matters in CPSEs and autonomous bodies

  • The Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) concluded its sixth Special Campaign aimed at resolving pending issues in its Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) and autonomous agencies.
  • The campaign focused on clearing backlog of approvals, clearances, and financial dues that were causing delays in project execution.
  • A total of 112 pending cases were reportedly settled during the six‑day drive, leading to faster decision‑making and improved operational efficiency.
  • The initiative is part of the government's broader push for administrative reforms and better governance in the public sector.
Source: PIB India ↗
Polity & Governance

Rahul Gandhi challenges PM Modi to open debate on alleged foreign help

  • Congress leader Rahul Gandhi claimed that PM Narendra Modi became Prime Minister with "foreign help".
  • The statement came after PM Modi accused opposition parties of seeking foreign assistance to destabilise the country.
  • Rahul Gandhi invited PM Modi to a public debate to discuss and substantiate the allegations of foreign involvement.
  • Both leaders framed the issue as a matter of national sovereignty and electoral integrity.
Source: The Hindu - National ↗
Polity & Governance

‘Apna Vote Jaanen’ campaign engages over 11,800 youth across 20 states and UTs

  • The Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports launched the ‘My Bharat, Developed Bharat – Youth Dialogue: Apna Vote Jaanen’ campaign.
  • A total of 60 events were organised across 20 states and Union Territories.
  • More than 11,800 young participants attended the programmes to learn about voting and electoral processes.
  • The initiative aims to increase youth voter registration and informed voting ahead of upcoming elections.
  • Feedback indicated heightened awareness about the importance of exercising the franchise.
Source: PIB India ↗
Polity & Governance

NLCIL organises walkathon against corruption in Neyveli

  • Neyveli Lignite Corporation (NLCIL) held a public walkathon in Neyveli to protest against corruption.
  • The event aimed to raise awareness among workers and the local community about the need for transparency and integrity.
  • The walkathon concluded at the Gandhi statue situated in the town, symbolising the values of truth and non‑violence.
  • Participants included NLCIL employees, local residents and representatives of civil‑society groups.
Source: The Hindu - National ↗
Polity & Governance

Vigilance and Anti‑Corruption Bureau seizes files on Rs 12 crore contracts of Kannur district panchayat

  • The Kerala Vigilance and Anti‑Corruption Bureau (VACB) conducted a raid at the Kannur district panchayat office.
  • During the raid, VACB seized documents related to contracts amounting to approximately Rs 12 crore.
  • The seizure is part of an ongoing investigation into alleged irregularities and possible corruption in the award of these contracts.
  • The district panchayat has been asked to cooperate with investigators and submit any additional records they hold.
  • The case underscores scrutiny of local self‑government procurement processes in the state.
Source: The Hindu - National ↗
Polity & Governance

Around 4,000 women students at AMU’s Women’s College barred from voting in AMUSU elections

  • Approximately 4,000 women enrolled in Aligarh Muslim University’s Women’s College are not allowed to vote in the university-wide Students' Union elections.
  • The denial stems from the university’s ‘separate-union’ rule, which limits voting rights of women to the women’s college union only.
  • Female students have filed petitions and staged protests demanding the inclusion of women in the main AMU Students’ Union electoral process.
  • The issue has sparked a wider debate on gender equality, democratic rights in educational institutions, and the need to amend antiquated university statutes.
Source: The Hindu - National ↗
Polity & Governance

Andhra Pradesh civic polls largely peaceful; Jagan demands repoll in Pulivendula after clashes

  • Polling concluded in 13 municipal corporations and 79 municipalities/nagar panchayats across Andhra Pradesh.
  • State Election Commission (SEC) recorded an overall voter turnout of 48.03% by 3 p.m. on polling day.
  • 275 FIRs were lodged relating to 40 separate incidents of violence, but the majority of polling was peaceful.
  • Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy called for a repoll in the Pulivendula constituency following clashes.
  • The SEC indicated that any required repolling would be scheduled for 2 November.
Source: The Hindu - National ↗
Polity & Governance

Karnataka to oppose Maharashtra's Krishna‑Bhima river diversion project

  • Maharashtra has proposed a diversion scheme to channel water from the Krishna and Bhima rivers to its water‑deficit districts in the Marathwada region.
  • The Karnataka government has formally announced its opposition, citing concerns over reduced downstream flow and violation of existing water‑sharing agreements.
  • Karnataka plans to raise the issue in the Inter‑State Council and, if necessary, approach the Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal for redress.
  • The dispute highlights the broader challenge of equitable river‑water allocation among states sharing trans‑boundary rivers in India.
Source: The Hindu - National ↗
Polity & Governance

YSRCP leader alleges large‑scale distribution of money on polling day in Salur

  • YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) leader claimed that money was handed out to voters in Salur constituency on the day of polling.
  • The allegation was made shortly after the voting concluded and has been reported by local media.
  • Election officials have not yet confirmed the claim, and the matter is expected to be investigated by the Election Commission.
  • Salur is a Scheduled Tribe (ST) reserved seat in Andhra Pradesh.
Source: The Hindu - National ↗