24% Hike in MPs’ Salaries and Pensions Notified by Centre
The Central Government has announced a 24% increase in the salaries and pensions of Members of Parliament (MPs), effective from April 1, 2023. Under this revision, MPs’ monthly salaries rise from ₹1 lakh to ₹1.24 lakh, while their daily allowance has been increased to ₹2,500 from ₹2,000. Former MPs will now receive a pension of ₹31,000 per month, up from ₹25,000, with additional benefits for extended service. This adjustment, linked to the Cost Inflation Index, also enhances constituency and office allowances, aimed at addressing inflationary challenges and supporting MPs in fulfilling their legislative duties more effectively.
Delhi Budget 2025-26 Prioritizes Infrastructure and Welfare
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has presented a ₹1 lakh crore budget for 2025-26, reflecting a 31.5% increase compared to last year. The budget emphasizes ten focus areas, including infrastructure development, healthcare improvement, education reform, and women’s empowerment. Capital expenditure sees a significant boost to ₹28,000 crore, while ₹5,100 crore is allocated for the Mahila Samridhi Yojana to support eligible women financially. Other priorities include clean water access, sanitation upgrades, and Yamuna river restoration, supported by ₹9,000 crore funding. Gupta’s ambitious plan aims to build a “Viksit Delhi,” fostering inclusive and sustainable growth across the capital.
Kerala Sets Benchmark with Senior Citizens Commission
Kerala has become the first state in India to establish a Senior Citizens Commission under the Kerala State Senior Citizens Commission Act, 2025. This pioneering initiative aims to safeguard the rights and welfare of elderly citizens by addressing challenges such as neglect, exploitation, and isolation. The commission is empowered to provide legal aid, draft policies, and promote active engagement of senior citizens in community development. It will also raise awareness about the importance of elderly care through campaigns and programs. Kerala’s move serves as a model for other states, advocating for an inclusive and supportive society for senior citizens.
Gopal Vittal Assumes Role as GSMA Chairman, Boosting India’s Telecom Leadership
Gopal Vittal, the Vice Chairman and Managing Director of Bharti Airtel, has been appointed as the Chairman of the GSMA Board of Directors, with his tenure lasting until the end of 2026. Vittal is the second Indian to hold this prestigious position, following in the footsteps of Sunil Bharti Mittal. The GSMA represents a vast network of over 1,000 mobile ecosystem companies, including telecom operators, device makers, and software developers. Vittal’s chairmanship is expected to focus on advancing 5G, integrating AI, and driving global telecom innovation, reinforcing India’s growing influence in the global telecommunications sector.
End of CHNV Parole Programs Sparks Immigration Concerns
The Trump administration has announced the termination of temporary legal status under the CHNV parole programs, impacting over 530,000 migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela. Set to expire by April 24, 2025, migrants must now secure lawful immigration status or face deportation. Employment authorizations linked to these programs will also be revoked, creating uncertainty for affected individuals. Critics argue that this decision undermines humanitarian protections, while proponents view it as a step toward stricter immigration policies. This move underscores the ongoing challenges surrounding immigration reform and its implications for vulnerable communities in the United States.
Hindu Kush Himalayas Face Critical Glacier Loss Amid Global Trends
Glaciers are retreating at unprecedented rates worldwide, with the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region being the hardest hit. According to a UN report, glaciers in this “Water Tower of Asia” have been melting 65% faster between 2011 and 2020 compared to the previous decade. This severe loss threatens water resources for nearly 2 billion people, increases flood risks, and disrupts hydropower systems. As the HKH region supports critical river systems and millions of livelihoods, urgent global climate action and regional cooperation are imperative to mitigate the cascading impacts of this environmental crisis.