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Opposition claims credit as Centre rolls out Unified Pension Scheme

The Congress chief asserted that the Opposition will keep ensuring accountability and protect 140 crore Indians from this “despotic government”.

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After Centre approved the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) for Central government employees on August 24, the Opposition has claimed credit for the NDA government’s decision to roll out UPS.

In a post on X, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge described the ‘U’ in UPS stands for Prime Minister Narendra Modi government’s  U-turns. “Post June 4, the power of the people has prevailed over the arrogance of power of the Prime Minister”, he added.

He listed the few rollbacks by the Central government including a rollback in the budget regarding Long Term Capital Gain / Indexation. Sending Waqf Bill to JPC, rollback of Broadcast Bill, and recently Lateral Entry advertisement by UPSC on Centre’s direction.

The Congress chief asserted that the Opposition will keep ensuring accountability and protect 140 crore Indians from this “despotic government”.

Yesterday, PM Modi recognised the hard work of all government employees who contribute significantly to national progress. The Unified Pension Scheme ensures dignity and financial security for government employees, aligning with our commitment to their well-being and a secure future, he said in a post on X.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah Congratulated Central government employees on the approval of the Unified Pension Scheme by the Prime Minister in the Union Cabinet on Saturday.

With the approval of the scheme, the Modi government has reiterated its commitment to the financial security of Central government employees, who form the backbone of the nation’s governance, Shah emphasised.

After facing massive criticism from Opposition and government employees over the New Pension Scheme replacing the Old Pension Scheme, the Centre came up with the Unified Pension Scheme for Central government employees, which will be effective from April 1, 2025.

The UPS is akin to the Old Pension Scheme,  with an assured pension where retirees will now receive 50% of their average basic pay over the last 12 months before retirement as a pension for a minimum qualifying service of 25 years. Proportionate for a lesser service period up to a minimum of 10 years of service.

In UPS, the government has increased its contribution from 14% to 18.5%. Employee contribution will not increase and will remain at 10%. In case of a pensioner’s unfortunate demise, their family will receive 60% of the pension the employee was receiving.

As assured minimum pension under this scheme, is Rs 10,000 per month as pension, on superannuation after a minimum of 10 years of service.

The Centre has covered the inflation protection, with this the pensions will be indexed to inflation. Dearness Relief will be based on the All India Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers (AICPI-IW), as in the case of serving employees.

The lump sum payment at superannuation in addition to gratuity. The 1/10 th of monthly emoluments ( pay +DA) as on the date of superannuation for every completed six months of the service. This Payment will not reduce the quantum of assured pension.

Under this scheme, provisions of UPS will apply to past retirees of NPS (who have already superannuated). Arrears for the past period will be paid with interest at PPF rates.

UPS will be available as an option to the employees. Existing NPS / VRS with NPS as well as future employees will have an option of joining UPS. Choice, once exercised, will be final.

UPS will be benefiting around 23 lakh Central government employees, as per the government.

The same architecture has been designed for adoption by State governments. If also adopted by State governments, can benefit over 90 lakh government employees who are presently on New Pension Scheme.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwani Vaishnaw on August 24 announced the UPS, ahead of the Assembly elections in Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir this year.

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DMK leader’s son arrested after car rams family in Krishnagiri, one dead

A 20-year-old son of a DMK leader has been arrested for allegedly driving a car into four members of a family in Krishnagiri, killing assistant labour inspector Sivamoorthy.

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DMK leader

A 20-year-old son of a leader from the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) has been arrested for allegedly mowing down four members of a family following a heated argument in Tamil Nadu’s Krishnagiri district. One person died in the incident, police said.

The deceased has been identified as Sivamoorthy, an assistant labour inspector and a resident of Krishnagiri. According to the police, the incident occurred outside his residence after the accused, identified as Adithya, objected to a two-wheeler parked on the road.

Police said Adithya was driving the car and began honking as the two-wheeler was blocking the road. Sivamoorthy and his family members reportedly stepped out to move the vehicle. During the exchange that followed, an altercation broke out.

Investigators allege that Adithya then rammed his car into Sivamoorthy, his son Kirubakaran, daughter-in-law Amsavalli and granddaughter Nilani. Sivamoorthy sustained severe injuries and later succumbed. The others were injured in the incident.

Besides Adithya, two of his friends — Rithik Kumar and Harish — who were present in the car at the time, have also been arrested. A case of murder has been registered against the trio and further investigation is underway.

Kirubakaran, recounting the incident, said the family had attempted to move the parked two-wheeler when the accused damaged it. He alleged that the men appeared intoxicated and tried to assault them with a stick before the vehicle was driven into the family.

Amsavalli said they had tried to defuse the situation peacefully but the confrontation turned violent, resulting in her father-in-law’s death and injuries to her child.

A police officer stated that Adithya’s father is a local functionary of the DMK in Krishnagiri district. The victim’s family has demanded strict action in the case.

Reacting to the incident, state BJP chief Nainar Nagendran criticised the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, questioning the state government over the episode and alleging that party functionaries were misusing their influence.

Police said the probe is ongoing.

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Security tightened across Delhi metro stations after bomb threat emails

Delhi is on high alert after bomb threat emails targeted metro stations, the Red Fort and the Assembly. Authorities confirmed the threats were hoaxes but tightened security as a precaution.

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Delhi Metro

Security has been intensified across all metro stations and major installations in the national capital after a series of bomb threat emails were received on Monday. Authorities later confirmed that the threats were hoaxes following detailed inspections by security agencies.

According to officials, several key institutions — including the Delhi Secretariat, Delhi Assembly, the Red Fort and two schools — received threatening emails earlier in the day. Extensive searches were carried out at all the locations mentioned in the messages, but nothing suspicious was found.

A senior police officer said cyber teams are working to trace the origin of the emails. Preliminary findings suggest that the senders may have used Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) in an attempt to conceal their identities and mislead investigators. Officials expressed confidence that those responsible would be identified.

Metro stations under heightened surveillance

Following specific references to metro services in the emails, security arrangements were strengthened across the entire network of the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation. Additional personnel have been deployed at stations, and anti-sabotage checks are being conducted.

Police said random frisking of passengers and intensified CCTV surveillance are being carried out as part of precautionary measures. Bomb disposal squads and dog squads were stationed at sensitive sites, including the Red Fort, Delhi Secretariat and the Assembly complex.

The threatening emails reportedly included the slogan “Delhi banega Khalistan” and warned of explosions at an Army school, the Assembly and the Red Fort at specific times during the day. Officials stated that all mentioned locations were thoroughly checked and declared safe.

Authorities also coordinated with counterparts in neighbouring states to enhance security at metro stations falling under their jurisdictions.

While no explosives were found, officials said the tightened security arrangements will remain in place as a precaution. Cyber teams continue efforts to trace the IP addresses and identify those behind the threat emails.

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JNU protest turns violent as Left and Right student groups trade charges

A late-night protest at JNU turned violent as Left and ABVP student groups accused each other of stone-throwing and attacks near the East Gate.

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JNU Protest

Tension gripped the campus of Jawaharlal Nehru University in the early hours of Monday after a protest march allegedly spiralled into violence, with rival student groups accusing each other of triggering the unrest.

Students claimed that the incident occurred around 1.30 am when a confrontation broke out during a march called by the Jawaharlal Nehru University Students’ Union. The protest, named “Samta Juloos”, was headed towards the East Gate and was organised to demand the resignation of Vice-Chancellor Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit and the withdrawal of a rustication order.

According to protesters, several students were injured after alleged stone-throwing during the clash. They alleged that the university administration did not intervene during the march and instead permitted members of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad to confront demonstrators.

However, the ABVP denied the allegations and countered that Left-affiliated organisations instigated the confrontation and were spreading misinformation about the events.

Left-backed groups, including the All India Students’ Association, claimed that ABVP activists targeted the JNUSU encampment and hurled stones at “unarmed students”, leading to multiple injuries.

Videos shared by students on social media reportedly showed chaotic scenes near the protest site, with members of rival groups engaged in heated exchanges and physical scuffles.

University authorities did not immediately respond to queries regarding the incident. Students said the situation on campus remained tense following the overnight clashes.

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