Officials at the ED said that Bose allegedly recommended around 150 candidates for various posts under the South Dum Dum Municipality in exchange for pecuniary benefits during the former TMC regime.

The officials noted that ED has traced direct proceeds of crime in the form of flats allegedly acquired by him in lieu of providing municipal jobs to various individuals.

The probe agency have also identified substantial cash deposits in bank accounts under his control. Mr Bose will be produced before the Special Court today.

Akashvani correspondent reports that Enforcement Directorate on Monday night arrested former fire and emergency services minister of West Bengal Sujit Bose over alleged corruption in recruitments to South Dum Dum Municipality, where he was vice-chairman from 2010 to 2021.

After more than 10 hours of interrogation, he is the first former minister to be arrested since the BJP government took charge in Bengal.

The alleged irregularities took place between 2014 and 2016, ED officials said. According to ED sources, across 17 municipalities, about 1,000 employees were recruited unlawfully. In the recent Assembly poll, Bose lost to the BJP by over 37,000 votes.

According to the Enforcement Directorate, the arrest was made under provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.

Investigators have alleged that Bose recommended appointments of several candidates in the South Dum Dum Municipality in exchange for financial benefits.

The agency has also reportedly traced suspicious financial transactions during the course of the investigation.

At the Multi-Commodity Exchange, gold for the June contract was trading over 0.1% down at 152,399 rupees per 10 grams, and Silver for the July contract was trading 1.5% up at 265,801 rupees per kilogram, when reports last came in.

President Droupadi Murmu today conferred the National Florence Nightingale Awards 2026 to fifteen Nursing professionals at a function held at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

The award has been given for their outstanding contribution in the field of nursing. 

These prestigious awards are presented to Registered Nurses, Midwives, Auxiliary Nurse Midwives, and Lady Health Visitors serving across Central and State Governments, Union Territories, and voluntary organisations.

Each award includes a Certificate of Merit, a cash prize of one lakh rupees and a medal symbolising the nation’s gratitude for the invaluable service rendered by these health warriors.

Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare Jagat Prakash Nadda, Ministers of State for Health Prataprao Jadhav and other senior officials were present on the occasion.

The National Florence Nightingale Award was instituted by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in 1973.

This award is given as a mark of recognition for the meritorious services rendered by the nurses and nursing professionals to society. 

The National Testing Agency has decided to cancel the NEET (UG) 2026 examination conducted on 3rd of this month for admission to undergraduate medical education.

In a social media post, NTA informed that this decision has been taken in the interest of students and in recognition of the trust on which the national examination system rests. 

The agency also stated that the government has decided to refer the matter to the Central Bureau of Investigation, CBI for a comprehensive inquiry into the allegations of paper leak.

The agency said it will extend full cooperation to the Bureau and provide all materials, records, and assistance required for the investigation.

It said the decision was taken following inputs examined by the NTA in coordination with central agencies and investigative findings shared by law enforcement agencies. 

The NTA said that the examination will be reconducted on dates to be notified separately.

The registration details, candidature information, and examination centres selected for the May 2026 cycle will remain unchanged and be carried forward to the re-conducted examination.

The agency informed that no fresh registration will be required, and no additional examination fee will be levied. 

 पंचायती राज संस्थाओं के चुनावों में जिला परिषद की सरदारी को लेकर भाजपा और कांग्रेस में इस मर्तबा कड़ी टक्कर रहेगी। हालांकि कांग्रेस ने पंचायती राज संस्थाओं के चुनावों में अधिकृत प्रत्याशी मैदान में नहीं उतारे हैं, लेकिन विधायक और स्थानीय नेता इन चुनावों पर गंभीरता दिखा रहे हंै और प्रदेश में जिला परिषद पर कांग्रेस का दबदबा बनाने के लिए मैदान में जुट गए हैं। जिला परिषदों पर कब्जे को लेकर भाजपा और कांग्रेस के बीच इस बार सीधी प्रतिष्ठा की लड़ाई बनने जा रही है। जानकारी के अनुसार पिछले कार्यकाल में 12 में से नौ जिला परिषद अध्यक्ष पदों पर भाजपा समर्थित उम्मीदवारों का कब्जा रहा था। ऐसे में भाजपा को अपना मजबूत गढ़ बचाने की बड़ी चुनौती है। वहीं, सत्ता में बैठी कांग्रेस ग्रामीण राजनीति में सेंध लगाकर नया सियासी समीकरण खड़ा करने की तैयारी में है। मुख्यमंत्री सुक्खू के कार्यकाल में पहली बार पंचायती राज संस्थाओं के चुनाव हो रहे हैं। इस लिहाज से जिला परिषद के नतीजों को कहीं न कहीं सरकार के प्रदर्शन और जनाधार से जोडक़र भी देखा जाएगा।

कांग्रेस यदि जिला परिषदों में बढ़त बनाती है, तो इसे सरकार के पक्ष में जनसमर्थन माना जाएगा। पंचायत चुनाव अब विधायकों और मंत्रियों की प्रतिष्ठा से भी जुड़े माने जा रहे हैं। ऐसे में जिला परिषद के नतीजों के बाद सभी जिला में परिषद के अध्यक्ष पद को लेकर दोनों सियासी दलों की राजनीतिक पकड़ की भी इन चुनावों में परीक्षा होगी। जाहिर है कि कांग्रेस पहले ही साफ कर चुकी है कि पंचायतीराज संस्थाओं के चुनाव में पार्टी सीधे तौर पर अधिकृत प्रत्याशी घोषित नहीं करेगी और प्रत्याशी चयन में संगठन का औपचारिक हस्तक्षेप भी नहीं होगा। हालांकि स्थानीय विधायक और कांग्रेस के वरिष्ठ नेता अपने-अपने क्षेत्रों में तालमेल बैठाकर पार्टी विचारधारा से जुड़े उम्मीदवारों की पैरवी कर रहे हैं। संगठन में प्रदेश स्तर पर जिम्मेदारी संभाल रहे नेता भी लगातार कार्यकर्ताओं से कांग्रेस समर्थित विचारधारा वाले उम्मीदवारों के समर्थन की अपील कर रहे हैं। उधर, भाजपा पंचायत चुनावों में अपने पुराने संगठनात्मक नेटवर्क और बूथ स्तर की पकड़ के भरोसे मैदान में उतर रही है। पिछले कार्यकाल में जिला परिषदों में पार्टी का दबदबा रहा है और भाजपा इसी बढ़त को बनाए रखने के लिए रणनीति तैयार कर रही है। पार्टी नेताओं का मानना है कि ग्रामीण क्षेत्रों में भाजपा की जमीनी पकड़ अब भी मजबूत है और यही उसकी सबसे बड़ी ताकत बनेगी।

पंचायत चुनावों का असर

पंचायतीराज चुनाव सीधे पार्टी चिन्ह पर नहीं लड़े जाते, लेकिन असली राजनीतिक तस्वीर चुनाव परिणाम आने के बाद सामने आती है। उम्मीदवार निर्दलीय के रूप में चुनाव लड़ते हैं, मगर जिला परिषद अध्यक्ष और उपाध्यक्ष के चुनाव के दौरान उनके राजनीतिक झुकाव खुलकर सामने आ ही जाते हैं। यही वजह है कि चुनाव परिणाम के बाद जोड़-तोड़, रणनीति और राजनीतिक समीकरणों का दौर तेज हो जाता है। राजनीतिक विश्लेषकों का मानना है कि पंचायत चुनावों में संगठन की असली ताकत सामने आती है। पंचायत चुनावों में स्थानीय समीकरण, व्यक्तिगत संपर्क और क्षेत्रीय प्रभाव निर्णायक भूमिका निभाते हैं।

Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has urged citizens and businesses to reduce expenditure on items that require foreign exchange, in view of ongoing global uncertainties. Addressing the CII Annual Business Summit in New Delhi today, Mr Vaishnaw said the conflict in West Asia is still ongoing, and a truce is still far away, making it important for the country to act responsibly on the economic front.

He emphasised that citizens should consciously identify areas in their daily lives where foreign exchange expenditure can be minimised. Referring to the appeal made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Mr Vaishnaw said that, along with reducing such expenditure, there is also a need to increase foreign exchange earnings. He stressed that both efforts must go hand in hand to strengthen the country’s economic position.

Country’s economy has stayed resilient despite global headwinds. According to an SBI Research report released today, the economy is projected to grow by 6.6 per cent in the fiscal year 2026-27. The report also estimates real GDP growth at nearly 7.2 per cent in the fourth quarter of the last fiscal year. 

Despite global headwinds, India has maintained strong growth momentum. High-frequency indicators point to resilient economic activity, although there was a slight slowdown in the fourth quarter.

According to the report, Bank credit growth by scheduled commercial banks accelerated to 16.1 per cent, compared with 11.0 per cent a year earlier. Total incremental credit growth stood at 29.5 lakh crore rupees.  

 Centre has notified the implementation of the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025 (VB-G RAM G). The Act will be rolled out nationwide from 1st July this year. The Rural Development Ministry said that the Act, which guarantees 125 days of wage employment in every financial year, will empower rural India. Our correspondent reports that a provision of ₹95,692 crore has been made in the current financial year for operationalisation of the new framework across the country.

The Viksit Bharat–G RAM G Act replaces the 20-year-old Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), 2005. The new Act aims to enhance the statutory employment guarantee from 100 days to 125 days in a financial year. This enhanced employment guarantee is intended to support the accelerated pace of rural development, provide greater income security, and empower rural households. The Act places strong emphasis on timely, transparent, and accountable wage payments. The new Act also provides for an unemployment allowance if work is not provided within the stipulated time. The Viksit Bharat–GRAM G Act is a comprehensive legislative framework designed to align rural employment generation with the national vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.

To encourage greater participation of women workers, the Act incorporates an important provision for childcare support at worksites. A woman worker will be appointed to take care of children wherever five or more children below the age of five are present. This measure is intended to enable women to continue working without interruption while also making worksites more inclusive and responsive to their needs.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh today chaired a meeting of the Informal Empowered Group of Ministers constituted to monitor the situation in West Asia. The meeting was held to review the evolving situation in the region.

Union Health and Family Welfare Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda, Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, Shipping and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, Science and Technology Minister Dr Jitendra Singh, and Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu also attended the meeting.

Speaking during the ceremony held earlier this week, the Indian envoy commended the SAAO for its exemplary research, adding that the placement of the IUCAA banner was symbolic of the Government of India’s priority attached to scientific research and innovation.

SAAO Managing Director, Rosalind Skelton, reiterated the strength of the partnership, highlighting the achievements of the SALT facility over the past two decades. She said, at the moment, they are developing a new camera detector and controller in partnership with Indian collaborators, which is expected to be installed on the telescope in the coming months. Ms Skelton also pointed to future engagements under the BRICS framework, noting that South African scientists would participate in key astronomy meetings hosted by India later this year.

India currently holds the 2026 BRICS chairship, under which a series of astronomy-related engagements are being organised, with the SAAO actively participating. 

inistry of Panchayati Raj, recognises excellence in sanitation, ecological balance, and community welfare. Officials said the achievement reflects the village council’s sustained efforts in promoting eco-friendly practices and encouraging community participation.

The Ministry and the Mizoram government have lauded the recognition, calling it an example of effective grassroots governance and sustainable development.

Details

Durable, Extra fuel effiency and Tyre Life

Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) facilitated first-ever export of 20 Metric Tons of Honey from Assam’s Baksa District to USA. The export was facilitated by APEDA by supporting infrastructure development, including the provision of testing and laboratory equipment at the processing facility to ensure compliance with international quality standards and food safety requirements.

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry informed that the initiative is expected to significantly benefit local beekeepers and farmers, with producers receiving nearly 43 per cent higher price realisation compared to prevailing local farm gate prices. It added that this will enhance income opportunities and strengthen rural livelihoods in the region.

The Ministry also said that the export initiative marks a significant milestone in integrating farmers from Aspirational Districts into global value chains, ensuring better price realisation and sustained market access. APEDA reiterated its commitment to promoting farmer-led exports, strengthening quality infrastructure and supporting initiatives such as ODOP to position India as a reliable supplier of high-quality agricultural products in global markets.

The Centre has moved to significantly strengthen protections for outsourced and contractual workers engaged across Central Ministries, Departments, autonomous bodies and Central Public Sector Enterprises through a new set of procurement-linked compliance measures for the labour codes.

The Ministry of Labour and Employment said the reforms aim to ensure timely payment of wages, mandatory remittance of social security contributions, greater accountability of contractors and principal employers, and stronger enforcement mechanisms against violations of labour laws.

By linking labour law compliance directly with eligibility for government contracts and bidding, the measures seek to curb delays in wage payments and defaults in statutory dues affecting contract workers. The new framework operationalises worker protections envisaged under the four Labour Codes while introducing stricter penalties, including debarment and blacklisting, for firms violating timely wage and social security contributions.

Under fresh instructions issued by the Procurement Policy Division of the Department of Expenditure on Friday, Ministries, Departments, Statutory, Autonomous Bodies and Central Public Sector Enterprises have been directed to strictly ensure that contractors disburse wages within prescribed timelines and the Drawing and Disbursing Officers (DDOs) verify compliance every month.

The instructions reiterate that under Section 55(3) of the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020, the principal employer is responsible for ensuring that contractors pay wages on time. The directions also invoke Section 17(1) of the Code on Wages, 2019, which prescribes timelines for payment of wages.

Daily wages should be paid by the end of shift, Weekly wages before weekly holiday, Fortnightly wages within two days of end of fortnight and Monthly wages within seven days of the succeeding month. The Government has further directed that, Wage payments should be made only through bank transfer or electronic mode, Contractors must electronically inform principal employers after payment, Contracts must contain penalty clauses for delayed wage payments, Ministries must ensure adequate fund availability before awarding manpower contracts and Procuring entities using GeM or other platforms should block or earmark funds for outsourced manpower payments for the contract period or till the end of the financial year, whichever is earlier.

The instructions also mandate faster reimbursement cycles. Contractors are to submit bills by the 10th of every month after making wage payments, while DDOs have been directed to clear such bills by the 15th of the same month. The government has empowered principal employers to directly pay contract workers in cases of inordinate delay by contractors, with provisions for blacklisting and wider debarment action in repeat cases.

The sacred Somnath temple is celebrating seventy-five years of its modern journey, evolving into a global centre of spirituality and sustainable tourism. With Prime Minister Narendra Modi set to grace the ‘Somnath Amrit parv’, the temple has entered a ‘Golden Era’ under his leadership as the Chairman of the Somnath Trust. Beyond its religious significance, Somnath is emerging as a pioneer in environmental conservation, aiming to become India’s first ‘Net-Zero’ temple.

Under the ‘Mission LiFE’ initiative, the temple is setting benchmarks in sustainability by converting floral waste into compost and plastic waste into paver blocks. Furthermore, with advanced sewage treatment plants, rainwater harvesting systems and Miyawaki forests, the trust is rapidly moving towards a ‘Net-Zero’ carbon footprint. Digital initiatives now allow devotees worldwide to book Pujas and receive Prasad at their doorsteps, blending ancient traditions with modern technology. Today, the shrine attracts over ninety-seven lakh devotees annually, supported by world-class infrastructure connectivity, including Vande Bharat and international airports.