The passage of Constitution 124th Amendment Bill-2019, providing for 10 per cent reservation in government jobs and education to the ‘poor’ among upper classes from Rajya Sabha, is the top headline in the newspapers today.
“Quota Bill is passed in Rajya Sabha, all set to become law” headlines The Times of India. The paper further writes that intervening in the debate, Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said – “This is the first sixer, expect more” to Congress leaders who questioned the timing of the bill, calling it a prepoll gimmick. “United Rajya Sabha OK’s general quota” writes the Pioneer.
DNA reports that – one day before the crucial GST council meeting today, the trader’s body – Confederation of All India Traders has suggested Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley to levy a “Three Stage GST” instead of the current Multi-Stage Tax System.
“Back in charge of the CBI, Verma scraps transfers” – is the top Hindustan Times headline. Reinstated CBI director Alok Verma wasted no time on his first day back at work on Wednesday, and promptly scrapped all but one – of the transfer orders issued by interim director M Nageswara Rao. “Fate still in Balance Verma takes charge, ‘brings back key men’, headlines The Indian Express.
The Pioneer quoting Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, reports that his party – The Biju Janata Dal, will not be a part of the Mahagathbandhan – the opposition Grand Alliance.
DNA reports that Ranthambore Tiger Reserve’s most famous inhabitants – the Tigers – including 4 cubs – are looking to move out, due to overcrowding. With 74 tigers, the fight for real estate is increasing and overpopulation is sparking a fight for survival. The option of moving the big cat to the spacious Sariska Tiger Reserve is being seriously considered.