Category: News

Kolkata, Apr 30 (BNP): The Election Commission of India has introduced QR code-based photo identity cards for counting centres to prevent unauthorised entry during vote counting for the Assembly elections in five states on May 4.

The new system will be implemented during counting of votes for the Assembly polls in West Bengal, Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, along with by-elections in seven Assembly constituencies across five states. Officials said the system will later be extended to all Lok Sabha and Assembly elections nationwide.

According to the Commission, the QR-based verification system has been developed through the ECINET platform and forms a key part of a newly introduced three-tier security arrangement at counting centres.
Under the security protocol, identity cards issued by the Returning Officer will be manually checked at the first and second security layers. At the innermost level near the counting halls, entry will be permitted only after successful scanning of the QR code on the authorised identity card.

The Commission said the move is aimed at eliminating the possibility of unauthorised persons entering sensitive counting areas and ensuring greater transparency, efficiency, and security during the counting process.
The new identity cards will be applicable to all authorised personnel allowed inside counting centres, including Returning Officers, Assistant Returning Officers, counting staff, technical teams, candidates, election agents, and counting agents.
Election officials described the initiative as a significant technological upgrade in election management, designed to strengthen the integrity of the counting process and streamline access control on a crucial day of the electoral exercise.

New Delhi, Apr 30 (BNP): The United States has returned 657 antiquities, valued at nearly $14 million, to India as part of ongoing efforts to repatriate stolen cultural property.

US restitutes 657 stolen antiquities to Indiahttps://t.co/qmUZagU6W9

via NaMo App pic.twitter.com/QMLqfuU0yB

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) April 30, 2026

The return was announced by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg on Tuesday. Officials noted that while the latest handover marks a significant step, further work is needed to trace and recover more smuggled artifacts linked to India’s cultural heritage.

The repatriated items are believed to include a wide range of historical and cultural objects that were illegally taken out of the country over time. Authorities described the move as part of broader international cooperation aimed at curbing antiquities trafficking and restoring cultural heritage to its country of origin.

US officials also indicated that efforts to identify and return additional stolen artifacts will continue in coordination with Indian authorities.

The development has been welcomed as a positive step in strengthening cultural ties and preserving India’s rich historical legacy.

New Delhi, Apr 30 (BNP): The Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) on Thursday announced the results of the ICSE (Class 10) and ISC (Class 12) board examinations for 2026, with the overall pass percentage crossing 99 percent in both categories.

The results brought cheer to lakhs of students and parents across the country, with girls once again outperforming boys in overall performance.

According to official figures, the ICSE Class 10 examinations recorded an impressive pass percentage above 99 percent, while the ISC Class 12 results also maintained a similarly high success rate.

Girls registered a higher pass percentage than boys in both examinations, continuing the trend of strong academic achievement seen in recent years. Education experts said the consistent performance reflects disciplined preparation and sustained academic standards across affiliated schools.

Students can access their scorecards through the official CISCE websites and authorised digital platforms. The council has also opened provisions for rechecking, improvement examinations, and other post-result services as per board norms.

School authorities and parents congratulated successful candidates, while students are now expected to begin preparations for higher secondary admissions, undergraduate courses, and various competitive entrance examinations.

The declaration of the 2026 board results marks an important milestone for students as they move toward the next phase of their academic and professional journeys.

New Delhi, Apr 30 (BNP): The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has released a consultation paper on establishing a regulatory framework for Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) communication, marking a step toward enabling advanced connected mobility in India.

The move follows a reference from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), under the Ministry of Communications, which on December 1, 2025, requested TRAI to provide recommendations on the regulatory mechanism for V2X technology.

According to the Ministry, the consultation paper has been made available on TRAI’s official website, and stakeholders have been invited to share their views. The deadline for submitting written comments is May 28, 2026, while counter-comments can be submitted until June 11, 2026.

Stakeholders have been advised to submit feedback, preferably in electronic form, to TRAI’s Advisor for Networks, Spectrum & Licensing.

V2X (Vehicle-to-Everything) communication is a wireless technology that allows vehicles to exchange real-time data with other vehicles, road infrastructure, pedestrians, and networks. The system is designed to enhance road safety, improve traffic management, and support the development of autonomous driving by sharing critical information such as speed, location, and road conditions.

Industry reports indicate that India is emerging as one of the fastest-growing markets for connected vehicles, recording strong year-on-year growth in 2024, driven by increased integration of smart connectivity features by automakers.

Globally, adoption of connected vehicles is rising steadily, with a large share of new passenger cars already featuring embedded connectivity. The trend is expected to accelerate further with the expansion of 5G networks, which will improve V2X capabilities, enable faster data exchange, and support advanced autonomous driving technologies in the coming years.

New Delhi, Apr 30 (BNP): India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) has introduced a new Self Help Group (SHG) Savings Account aimed at strengthening financial inclusion and supporting women-led SHGs across rural India.

The initiative is designed to offer a simple, affordable, and zero-cost banking solution, in line with national goals of inclusive growth and sustainable livelihoods, according to the Ministry of Communications.

The account comes with several customer-friendly features, including no minimum initial deposit, no requirement to maintain a monthly average balance, and no charges for account closure or QR card issuance. The maximum account balance limit has been set at ₹2 lakh.

IPPB Managing Director and CEO R. Viswesvaran said the new offering is a step toward empowering women-led SHGs by integrating them more deeply into the formal financial system. He added that it will help SHGs access reliable banking services and support sustainable economic growth at the grassroots level.

Officials said the initiative is expected to enhance financial participation among rural women and strengthen livelihood opportunities through easier access to banking services.

New Delhi, Apr 30 (BNP): A community development initiative led by cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar and Schneider Electric, in partnership with the Spreading Happiness InDiya Foundation, has transformed Guhir village in Maharashtra by promoting clean energy access and sustainable livelihoods.

The project focuses on a community-led clean energy model that brings reliable solar power to the village, improving daily life while supporting long-term climate resilience.

As part of the initiative, women-led enterprises have been encouraged, creating new income opportunities and strengthening financial independence within rural households. The programme also supports farmers by improving agricultural productivity through better access to energy-driven resources.

Officials involved in the project said the initiative follows a “Climate Smart Village” approach, combining renewable energy solutions with community development to create sustainable growth at the grassroots level.

By integrating clean energy with livelihood support, the programme aims to improve living standards while promoting environmental sustainability in rural Maharashtra.

New Delhi, Apr 30 (BNP): The first formal round of discussions between employee representatives and the 8th Pay Commission was held in New Delhi, with government staff unions pressing for a ₹69,000 minimum basic salary, a 3.83x fitment factor, and restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS).

The meeting has generated significant interest among nearly 36 lakh central government employees and pensioners, as the commission begins deliberations on salary restructuring, allowances, and retirement benefits.

According to employee representatives, the opening session focused on demands already submitted through a memorandum, along with the need for a major revision in existing pay formulas to better reflect inflation, rising living costs, and present economic realities.

Key Demands Raised

A major demand placed before the commission was fixing the minimum basic pay at ₹69,000, a substantial increase over current levels. Employee unions argued that the revision is necessary to maintain purchasing power and improve living standards.

The staff side also sought a 3.83x fitment factor, which is used to calculate revised salaries under the Pay Commission framework. A higher fitment factor would significantly boost pay scales across different categories of employees.

Another key issue was the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme, which remains a major demand among government workers seeking assured post-retirement income security.

Proposal for Five-Year Review Cycle

Employee unions also proposed reducing the Pay Commission review cycle from 10 years to 5 years, arguing that more frequent revisions would help salaries keep pace with inflation and economic changes.

Broad Representation at Talks

The employee side reportedly represented staff from major departments including Railways, Defence, Postal Services, Income Tax, Audit, and other civil services.

Expectations Rise Nationwide

The proceedings are being closely watched across the country, as the recommendations of the 8th Pay Commission are expected to have a far-reaching impact on salaries, pensions, and allowances of central government employees. Further rounds of consultation are expected in the coming months before final recommendations are submitted to the government.

Bhubaneswar, Apr 30 (BNP): The Government of Odisha has notified the TUW Policy 2026, marking a major step toward sustainable water management and the promotion of circular economy practices.

The policy focuses on improving the treatment and reuse of used water across urban local bodies (ULBs), with a target of achieving 100% treatment by 2030. It also aims to increase the reuse of treated water to 50% by 2036.

Under the framework, treated wastewater will be encouraged for use in municipal services, industrial operations, and agricultural activities. This is expected to reduce dependence on freshwater sources and help address rising urban water stress.

Officials said the initiative is designed to promote efficient water use, support long-term environmental sustainability, and strengthen water security in urban areas.

The policy is seen as a key step in advancing Odisha’s broader goals of resource conservation and climate-resilient urban development.