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.
"केन्द्रीय मंत्रिमंडल ने सरकारी कर्मचारियों के लिए सुनिश्चित पेंशन प्रदान करने वाली एकीकृत पेंशन योजना (यूपीएस) को मंजूरी दी।"
Mumbai Police book 3 unidentified shooters in Tiger Shroff firing case
Mumbai Police have registered a case against three unidentified individuals in connection with the firing at Tiger Shroff’s car in Mumbai’s Juhu area. The actor escaped without gunshot injuries, while two other people were injured.
Mumbai Police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against three unidentified individuals in connection with the firing incident involving Bollywood actor Tiger Shroff in Mumbai’s Juhu area. The case is under investigation as police work to identify those responsible for the shooting.
The incident took place on Sunday evening, October 18, when unidentified assailants opened fire at the vehicle carrying Shroff. The actor escaped without gunshot injuries, while two other people sustained injuries in the incident.
FIR registered against unidentified suspects
The police case names three unidentified individuals in connection with the firing. Investigators are examining evidence to establish the identities of the suspects and determine the circumstances surrounding the attack.
The registration of the FIR marks a formal step in the investigation. However, the identities of the accused have not been established in the report, and the case remains under investigation.
What happened during the firing incident
The shooting occurred in Mumbai’s Juhu area as Shroff was returning after playing football. The assailants reportedly opened fire at his car before fleeing.
The actor’s driver was among the two people injured in the incident. Police have been investigating the circumstances of the shooting and examining available evidence to trace those involved.
Investigation continues
Mumbai Police are continuing their investigation into the firing. The motive behind the attack and the identities of those responsible remain key questions for investigators.
A claim of responsibility attributed to individuals allegedly associated with the Lawrence Bishnoi gang has also surfaced on social media. However, the alleged gang’s involvement should not be treated as established fact without official confirmation from the police.
Further details are awaited as the investigation progresses.
Devendra Fadnavis says no one will be spared after firing at Tiger Shroff
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has assured strict action after gunmen opened fire at actor Tiger Shroff’s car in Mumbai’s Juhu area. Shroff suffered minor injuries, while two other people were injured.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has assured strict action against those responsible for the firing incident involving Bollywood actor Tiger Shroff in Mumbai. The chief minister spoke to the actor after the incident and directed the Mumbai Police Commissioner to expedite the investigation and take action against the accused.
The shooting took place in Mumbai’s Juhu area on Sunday evening, October 18, when gunmen opened fire at the actor’s car as he was leaving a football venue. Tiger Shroff did not sustain any gunshot injuries but suffered minor injuries to his left hand from gunpowder and broken glass. Two other people, including his driver, were also injured in the incident.
Fadnavis directs police to speed up investigation
Following the incident, Fadnavis contacted Mumbai Police Commissioner Deven Bharti to seek details of the firing. He instructed the police to conduct a swift investigation, trace the accused and take strict action against those responsible.
The chief minister also spoke to Tiger Shroff and assured him of the government’s support, saying the accused would be traced and apprehended at the earliest.
The police have formed multiple teams to investigate the incident and identify those involved. According to reports published on October 19, 15 teams have been formed to track down the assailants.
Tiger Shroff suffers minor injuries in Mumbai firing
The incident occurred in Juhu as the actor was leaving a football venue in his car. Unidentified men allegedly arrived on a motorcycle and opened fire at the vehicle.
Although Tiger escaped direct gunfire, his driver sustained a gunshot injury. Another person, identified in reports as an autorickshaw driver, was also injured in the incident. Both were taken for medical treatment.
Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting and examining available evidence to identify the attackers.
Alleged gang claim under investigation
Following the firing, an audio recording and social media claims attributed to people claiming links to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang surfaced. The claims reportedly referred to Tiger Shroff’s association with actor Salman Khan.
However, the authenticity of the claims had not been independently verified in the reporting available at the time. The claims should not be treated as confirmation of the attackers’ identity or the motive behind the shooting.
The investigation remains focused on identifying those who opened fire and establishing the circumstances behind the incident.
Journalist files police complaint against Rahul Gandhi over push allegation
Journalist Richa Parashar has filed a criminal complaint against Rahul Gandhi and others, alleging that she was pushed while covering the Opposition’s march to the Supreme Court. The Congress has denied the allegation.
Journalist Richa Parashar has filed a police complaint against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over an alleged incident during the INDIA bloc’s march to the Supreme Court in New Delhi on October 12. She has sought the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) against Gandhi and others, alleging that she was pushed while covering the protest.
Parashar submitted her complaint to the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), New Delhi district, on Friday, seeking immediate action. She has said she was three months pregnant at the time of the alleged incident and accused those involved of mistreatment, threats and the use of force.
What Richa Parashar alleged in her complaint
Parashar alleged that she was reporting on the Opposition’s march when the incident occurred. According to her earlier account, she was waiting near a gate on the Supreme Court premises to seek a response from Gandhi when he allegedly grabbed her hand and pulled her forward. She further alleged that his security personnel pushed her away, causing her to fall on the Supreme Court steps.
In her complaint, Parashar said she asked Gandhi questions before he allegedly pushed her towards a gate. She claimed that the force caused her to lose her balance and fall, and that her repeated requests not to be pushed were ignored.
Parashar has sought legal action against Gandhi and others whom she alleges were involved. The complaint reportedly seeks action under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, including Sections 74, 115(2), 131, 125 and 3(5). These provisions concern alleged assault or criminal force against a woman, voluntarily causing hurt, assault or criminal force, acts endangering human life or personal safety, and joint liability for acts committed with common intention.
The allegations and the sections cited in the complaint do not, by themselves, establish criminal liability.
Congress disputes the allegation
The Congress has challenged Parashar’s account of the incident. According to report, the party said a video released by the journalist did not show the sequence of events she described.
Congress leader Alka Lamba also questioned the circumstances surrounding the incident and accused those raising the issue of attempting to manufacture propaganda.
The allegations remain disputed. The complaint and the competing accounts should not be treated as an established finding of wrongdoing.
Incident took place during Opposition’s Supreme Court march
The alleged incident occurred on October 12, when Rahul Gandhi and other INDIA bloc leaders marched to the Supreme Court to submit a petition concerning alleged irregularities in the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
The Opposition has raised concerns about the voter-list revision process and alleged irregularities.
Parashar’s police complaint adds a legal dimension to the controversy surrounding the march. Any further action will depend on the police process and the relevant legal proceedings.
APN News is today the most watched and the most credible and respected news channel in India. APN has been at the forefront of every single news revolution. The channel is being recognized for its in-depth, analytical reportage and hard hitting discussions on burning issues; without any bias or vested interests.