5.7 lakh people fined Rs 5.1 cr in 2025-26 for smoking in public
In India, over 570,000 individuals were fined for smoking in public spaces, accumulating penalties exceeding Rs 51 million under the COTPA legislation. Karnataka led the charge, issuing the most fines. Interestingly, several states recorded no violations or fines throughout the year. Enforcement primarily lies with state governments, highlighting the varying levels of adherence to the public smoking ban.
This summary was generated by PolitGlobe's AI pipeline from publicly available reporting at Times of India. For the full original article, visit the source below.
Read full article at Times of IndiaRelated coverage
Don’t renew Farakka Water Treaty without safeguarding Bihar’s interests, JD(U) tells Centre
Don’t renew Farakka Water Treaty without safeguarding Bihar’s interests, JD(U) tells Centre
Rajya Sabha clears Bill to appropriate Rs 54,067-crore excess expenditure
Rajya Sabha clears Bill to appropriate Rs 54,067-crore excess expenditure
UPI charges: Lok Sabha passes bill for government to make changes
The Lok Sabha has taken a vital step by passing a bill aimed at simplifying tax rules to enhance investment attractiveness. The new legislation abolishes a limitation on specific electronic payment options, allowing banks and providers to charge merchants on transactions. Additionally, the government is empowered to revise the zero-MDR scheme for UPI and RuPay. This initiative is poised to drive advancements in the financial sector’s infrastructure and innovative capabilities.
Amid cyber threats, IT ministry asked to expedite hirings
The finance ministry has sanctioned more posts for CERT-In, yet the hiring remains underway. With rising cyber threats dominating discussions, a parliamentary committee is pressing for expedited recruitment. The IndiaAI Mission's fellowship program initially struggled to attract candidates. In response, MeitY is implementing outreach sessions and promotional campaigns to encourage more applicants. Additionally, final touches are being made to recruitment guidelines for several scientific roles ahead of future job advertisements.