TN Gold Scheme Rollout, Veeramani Case Closure Row & Bengaluru Fake Drug Bust

The Delhi government has announced several measures to curb air pollution ahead of the winter season. A complete ban on construction and dust-generating demolition activities will take effect, along with a total halt on construction from 10 December. To reduce vehicular emissions, authorized parking charges will be doubled, excluding spaces managed by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation. Additionally, office timings will be staggered from November to February, and both government and private offices will be required to cut their on-site staff strength by 50 percent to enable work from home.

The Supreme Court has taken cognizance of a public interest litigation challenging the implementation of UPI MDR charges, issuing notices to the Centre, the Reserve Bank of India, and NPCI. The court sought clarity on the legal basis of the fee, questioning whether it constitutes a fee or a tax and under which law it is being collected. While the counsel for the Reserve Bank of India stated that the government earns nothing and that the charges are transaction fees collected by banks and payment platforms, the top court declined to grant an interim stay on the rollout scheduled from October 15. An affidavit is expected to be filed within four weeks.

The three-day Ladakh Festival commenced with cultural celebrations showcasing the region's heritage. A key highlight on the opening day was an exhibition women's polo match organised by the Ladakh Authority. The match took place at Ladakh's historic horse polo ground, where polo was played during the era of Maharaja Gulab Singh and Maharaja Ranbir Singh. Featuring female riders from various parts of the country playing by centuries-old rules, the match drew visitors, including international tourists from Dubai, who praised the players' passion and highlighted the event as a significant step towards women's empowerment.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay has officially launched the flagship Thaimaman Tanga Modrum Thittum in Madurai, presenting gold rings to newborn babies and their mothers. The scheme applies to infants born in state-run government hospitals and primary health centres across Tamil Nadu. The gold rings have been procured under a tender bagged jointly by Joyalukkas and Kalyan Jewellers. Positioned as a maternal uncle to the children, the Chief Minister interacted with young mothers and infants during the inaugural event, which was followed by a visit to the Madurai Meenakshi Amman temple. The initiative also aims to encourage institutional deliveries within state healthcare infrastructure instead of private hospitals by highlighting safe and affordable medical facilities. Discussions during the bulletin also noted historical context, comparing the rollout with previous welfare initiatives in the state, such as wedding gold assistance programmes.