The Centre has increased Dearness Allowance (DA) by 2%, raising it from 58% to 60% of basic pay for central government employees and pensioners, effective January 1, 2026, with arrears for previous months. The hike boosts take-home salaries amid rising living costs for instance, Rs 18,000 basic pay may rise to around Rs 28,800, while higher pay brackets will see proportionate increases. DA revisions are typically announced twice yearly, though this one was delayed. The move comes as unions intensify demands under the proposed 8th Pay Commission, seeking a minimum basic salary of Rs 69,000, higher fitment factor, increased allowances, and pension reforms. (PC: NDTV)

Amid LPG disruptions linked to West Asia tensions, India is exploring ethanol-based “Superblu” burners as a cost-effective commercial cooking alternative. With ethanol production exceeding 2,000 crore litres, the government is evaluating its large-scale adoption for street vendors and small eateries. Ethanol offers up to 15 hours of high-intensity heat per litre, burns cleaner than kerosene, and costs around Rs 70/kg versus LPG’s Rs 103/kg potentially cutting fuel expenses by 30%. Its domestic production also reduces dependence on volatile global oil markets tied to the Strait of Hormuz. However, safety standards and distribution logistics remain key hurdles before nationwide rollout. (PC: News18)

The Centre is evaluating ethanol as an alternative fuel for commercial cooking amid ongoing LPG supply disruptions linked to West Asia tensions. A proposal to divert around 1,000 crore litres of surplus ethanol capacity for large kitchens such as hotels, airports, and restaurants are expected to go before an inter-ministerial panel soon. Officials are considering ethanol as a complementary clean fuel, not a replacement for LPG, aimed at reducing import dependence and improving energy resilience. Industry bodies say India currently has significant surplus ethanol even after meeting the 20% petrol blending mandate, and hydrous ethanol could be cheaper than commercial LPG on a per-kg basis. The move follows widespread strain on commercial LPG supplies across India. (PC: NDTV)

The family of Nida Khan, a TCS employee accused in the alleged religious conversion and harassment case at the company’s Nashik office, has strongly rejected all charges against her, calling them false and politically motivated. Speaking to the media, her parents said their daughter has been wrongly targeted and insisted she has no involvement in any forced conversion activities. They also claimed she is currently staying at her in-laws’ home in Bhiwandi and is being unfairly implicated in a larger controversy. The case, which involves multiple FIRs and arrests, has sparked nationwide attention over allegations of sexual harassment, coercion, and religious pressure within the workplace. Authorities are continuing their investigation as legal proceedings and public debates intensify. (PC: India Today)

The Nashik BPO sexual abuse and religious coercion case has intensified with fresh claims from accused Nida Khan’s family. They assert she was not an HR head but a junior telecaller and deny allegations of being the “mastermind.” The family also stated that she is pregnant and seeking anticipatory bail, contradicting police claims that she is absconding. Meanwhile, authorities have registered nine FIRs and arrested multiple employees over allegations of sexual harassment and forced religious practices. A Special Investigation Team continues probing the case, focusing on workplace misconduct, HR lapses, and conflicting narratives. (PC: HT)

A political confrontation has intensified over the Women Reservation Bill, with Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi criticising the government’s approach. While supporting 33% reservation for women, she accused the BJP of using the bill as a political tool and delaying its implementation through linkage with census and delimitation. Gandhi demanded a caste-based census to ensure fair representation, especially for OBC communities. Opposition leaders argue the move could weaken social justice, while the government defends it as a historic reform. The debate has sparked wider concerns over timing, intent, and inclusivity of the policy. (PC: India Today)

A major controversy has erupted in Nashik after allegations of sexual abuse and religious coercion surfaced at a BPO unit linked to Tata Consultancy Services. Police have registered nine FIRs and arrested eight employees, including a female manager, following complaints of rape, harassment, and religious pressure. Nida Khan has been named as the alleged “mastermind,” but her family denies the charges, claiming she is being falsely implicated and harassed. The case, triggered by a woman’s complaint, has led to a wider probe into workplace safety, digital evidence, and possible organised misconduct. (PC: HT)

The Women Reservation Act, 2023—also known as the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam—has officially come into force from April 16, 2026, following a government notification. The constitutional amendment aims to reserve 33% of seats in the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies for women, including quotas for SC and ST women. However, implementation will take effect only after the next Census and delimitation exercise, likely impacting elections from 2029 onward. The move is seen as a landmark step toward gender equality in Indian politics, though debates continue over its timing and execution. (PC: PTI)

In the ongoing controversy at Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) Nashik office, key accused Nida Khan has reportedly claimed she is pregnant and approached a court seeking relief. The case involves serious allegations of sexual harassment and forced religious conversion targeting vulnerable employees. Investigators say victims were profiled based on financial distress and gradually influenced through manipulation. Nida Khan, an HR manager, is among those under scrutiny, with multiple FIRs filed and several arrests already made. Authorities continue probing the alleged network, while legal proceedings and searches for absconding accused remain underway. (PC: NDTV)

A SpiceJet aircraft was involved in a minor ground collision with an Akasa Air plane at Indira Gandhi International Airport on April 16. The incident occurred while the SpiceJet aircraft was taxiing and struck the tail section of a stationary Akasa Air plane. Both aircraft sustained damage, including to the winglet and tail surface. Passengers and crew were safely disembarked, with no injuries reported. Aviation regulator DGCA has launched an investigation, and the pilots along with the concerned air traffic official have been off-rostered pending inquiry. (PC: The Hindu)