Latest news with #275
The Hindu
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
AP Adivasi JAC demands jobs for only tribals in Agency areas
Andhra Pradesh Adivasi JAC on Sunday demanded that jobs in Agency (tribal) areas be given to tribal candidates only. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu should keep his promise of implementing 100% reservation in Scheduled Areas to STs, said JAC ASR district chairman Rama Rao Dora in a statement on Sunday. Only ST candidates should be appointed as teachers in the tribal areas in the recent DSC notification for teachers, he said. The JAC leader recalled that former Chief Minister N.T. Rama Rao had issued G.O. no. 275 to remove the inequalities being faced by the tribal people in social, education and employment sectors. Subsequently, Mr. Naidu as the Chief Minister brought out G.O. no. 3 to overcome legal challenges. The Constitution has made it clear that it was the responsibility of the governments to safeguard the job prospects of the tribal people living in the scheduled areas, he added. While welcoming the decision to hold review meetings with Tribal Welfare Director Pratibha Bharathi with all ITDAs on G.O. no. 3 and on other tribal welfare acts, Mr. Rama Rao sought that an IAS officer should be specially appointed to hear the views of the tribal people and take representations from them.
Express Tribune
19-06-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Govt unveils major plan to end Rs1.2tr circular debt
The federal cabinet on Wednesday gave the green light to Pakistan's largest financial restructuring scheme aimed at eliminating the crippling circular debt in the power sector. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired the federal cabinet meeting at the Prime Minister House and approved a series of key decisions ranging from energy sector reforms to diplomatic and institutional recognitions, a Prime Minister's Office news release said. The Debt Plan, designed to restore financial stability in the energy industry without burdening the national budget, aims to eliminate Rs1,275 billion in circular debt over the next six years. The approved scheme includes refinancing Rs683 billion owed by the Power Holding Company and clearing long-standing dues of Independent Power Producers (IPPs). The Prime Minister termed the decision a "historic step toward economic stability and investor confidence in Pakistan's energy sector." "This reflects our commitment to sustainable institutional reforms and reducing fiscal pressure, paving the way for a more stable and prosperous energy future," he said during the session. The cabinet also extended appreciation to Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and his economic team for presenting a public-friendly budget for the upcoming fiscal year, acknowledging their efforts in stabilizing the national economy. On the diplomatic front, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif lauded Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for his address to the Pakistani diaspora during his recent US visit. The prime minister commended the Field Marshal's firm commitment to defending Pakistan's borders and interests, calling it a powerful representation of national resolve. In recognition of exemplary Hajj arrangements this year, the prime minister paid tribute to Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Yousaf, citing the well-managed pilgrimage as a reflection of the government's commitment to public service excellence. In other key decisions, the cabinet approved the appointment of Kamal Uddin Tipu as Chairperson of the Commission for the Protection of Journalists and Media Professionals on the recommendation of the Ministry of Human Rights. The cabinet also granted exemption under Section 21 of the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority Ordinance, 2002, to the National Power Parks Management Company Limited (NPPMCL) for procurement related to the acquisition of Rousch Power Plant. Additionally, the cabinet ratified the decisions taken during the Cabinet Committee on Legislative Cases meeting held on May 21, 2025.
Express Tribune
12-06-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Govt set to lift surcharge cap on electricity bills
The federal government is planning to impose additional surcharges on electricity consumers by amending the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) Act, a move that would allow it to unilaterally increase electricity bills, sources said on Wednesday. According to official sources, the proposed amendment to the NEPRA Act will empower the government to exceed the current 10% cap on electricity surcharges, paving the way for higher charges on consumer bills. Sources said the government was preparing to remove the existing 10% limit on surcharges levied through power bills, with the new legal framework granting it broader authority to determine tariff hikes on a case-by-case basis and for specified durations. A proposal is also under consideration to charge consumers an additional Rs3.23 per unit as a surcharge. However, a final decision regarding the increase has not yet been made, sources clarified. In the past, surcharges collected from electricity bills were primarily used to pay interest on the growing circular debt. The government is now aiming to eliminate the circular debt altogether by borrowing Rs1,275 billion from commercial banks.
Gulf Today
03-06-2025
- Business
- Gulf Today
United Arab Bank launches strategic Rights Issue to raise up to Dhs 1.03 billion
United Arab Bank PJSC (UAB), listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) announced that it proposes to increase its issued share capital by an amount up to Dhs1,031,275,325 (one billion thirty-one million two hundred seventy-five thousand three hundred twenty-five dirhams) from Dhs2,062,550,649 (two billion sixty-two million five hundred fifty thousand six hundred forty-nine dirhams) up to Dhs3,093,825,974 (three billion ninety-three million eight hundred twenty-five thousand nine hundred seventy-four dirhams) by way of the Rights Issue offered to the existing shareholders of the Bank. Further, United Arab Bank has published an invitation to its shareholders (the "Invitation") to subscribe for New Shares. Frequently asked questions relating to the Rights Issue will be made available on UAB's website ( on or around today's date. The New Shares will be issued at an issue price of Dhs1 per New Share (the "Issue Price"). The terms and launch of the Rights Issue were approved by the UAB's General Assembly Meeting held on 6th March 2025, following the approval of the Board of Directors of the Bank held on 4th February 2025. The necessary regulatory approvals have been obtained for this transaction. United Arab Bank intends to use the net proceeds raised from the Rights Issue to strengthen its capital base and to support future growth of the business of United Arab Bank. The holders of Rights, which includes shareholders of United Arab Bank and any persons who purchased Rights during the Rights Trading Period (the "Eligible Persons"), will be entitled to exercise their Rights to subscribe for New Shares at the Issue Price commencing on 4th July 2025 and ending on 17th July 2025. The New Shares will be allocated to Eligible Persons on 24 July 2025. Refunds will be given to Eligible Persons, who did not receive the number of New Shares that they subscribed for, on or around 24th July 2025. Commenting on the announcement, Shirish Bhide, CEO of United Arab Bank, said, "The Rights Issue represents a significant milestone in the Bank's journey towards its next phase of growth. It is an important step in strengthening United Arab Bank's capital position and reinforces our long-term commitment to sustainable growth. The additional capital will support the implementation of our growth strategy, enhance our financial resilience, and create long-term value for our shareholders while continuing to serve the UAE economy and contribute to its development agenda.' First Abu Dhabi Bank PJSC has been appointed as Lead Manager and Bookrunner in respect of the Rights Issue and Al Tamimi & Co. have been appointed as Legal Adviser. WAM
Daily Tribune
31-05-2025
- Daily Tribune
A Fur-Real experience
This dog landed at Bahrain International Airport with an Arab family, arriving from a destination just three hours away. The pet had all travel documents in place — permits, health checks, and approvals — and passed through airport checks without issue. But the moment the plane touched down; things took an unexpected turn. The airline decided not to release the dog. No reason was given. No one informed the family. Instead, the dog was quietly put on the next outbound flight. These details came to light when the Minor Commercial Court ordered the state-owned airline to pay BD1,275 in damages. According to court files, the airline had accepted the pet for travel, but refused to hand it over on arrival. With no explanation, the crew member blocked the release and the animal was flown back the next day. The devastated family, unable to act, had to arrange care for the dog overseas. It took nearly a month to get a new permit and bring the animal back to Bahrain. The whole ordeal cost them over Euro2,500. The case was brought before the court by the dog's owner, represented by lawyer Rabab Mahdi. She told the court the family had planned the trip well in advance — including the pet's journey — and had followed all required procedures. The airline, she said, failed to provide any justification for its decision. The children were left distressed and the family was forced to hire a pet care company abroad until the dog could be returned. Later, the airline admitted fault in an email. It offered to refund the pet's ticket and provide a discount on future flights. But that didn't come close to covering the losses — prompting legal action. A witness told the court she had contacted the airline's call centre before travel and was advised to complete the booking at the airport. Bahrain Airport confirmed there was no issue with the pet's entry. The court said the airline had accepted the dog for transport to Bahrain, then refused to release it without explanation. It did not dispute the facts or prove any fault on the claimant's part. The airline also failed to show it had taken any steps to prevent the harm or that doing so was impossible. The owner submitted payment records showing Euro2,600 spent on care, transport, and new bookings. The court ordered the airline to pay BD1,275.980 in compensation.
