Providing a detailed insight into the sorry state of Indian Railways’ finances, the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has said in no uncertain terms that “there is a need to review the passenger fare structure” so that is in sync with rising prices. Passenger fares were last hiked some seven years ago.

Chugging ahead with its plans to build high-speed rail corridors along certain important routes, the Indian railways now plans to carry out pre-feasibility studies for these chosen routes.

In yet another indication that the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) means business as far as the crucial railways ministry is concerned, currently headed by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, the government on Thursday announced the appointment of Vinay Mittal as the new chairman of the Railway Board.

The Nitish Kumar-led Bihar government has run into trouble with the National Commission for Minorities (NCM) which has expressed its dissatisfaction with the explanation given by it for the police opening fire at members of the minority community early this month in Araria district. The firing left four dead and nine injured.

IIt's a billionaires’ club, no doubt. One whose edifice has been built on elements that are more than just ‘soul food’.

Clearly stung by its experiences in dealing with both yoga guru Baba Ramdev and noted social activist Anna Hazare, the government has decided that it will engage with civil society from a position of strength in the future.
Top government sources also told this newspaper that the government will now tread more cautiously in its dealing

The “Sonar Tori” (golden boat) may not have been able to do its one-time run between Kolkata and Dhaka last year to mark Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore’s 150th birth anniversary. But yet another train, Sanskriti Express, which also showcases the life and times of Tagore, is all set to embark on a similar journey in August this year.

It’s a gargantuan task, no doubt. But the prestigious Nehru Memorial Museum and Library (NMML) in the capital has undertaken the daunting yet challenging task of digitising all the historical records it has in its possession.

It’s yet another government-appointed committee that appears quite content seeking extension after extension to complete its work.

It’s yet another government-appointed committee that appears quite content seeking extension after extension to complete its work.