government 16 - The Latremie Post

SC Clears New AIFF Constitution, Calls It A ‘New Beginning’ For Indian Football

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday approved the draft constitution of the All India Football Federation (AIFF) with certain changes and directed the federation to adopt it within four weeks. The top court termed this development a “new beginning for Indian football,” poised to take the sport to greater heights.

The court directed the national football body to convene a special general body meeting for adopting the draft constitution prepared by its former judge, L Nageswara Rao.

### Observations Made by the Bench

“We have approved the provisions of the constitution in the said terms. We direct the AIFF administration to call for a special general body meeting and adopt the draft constitution with the modifications in this judgment. This shall be done at the earliest, preferably within four weeks,” stated a bench comprising Justices P S Narasimha and Joymalya Bagchi.

The 78-page verdict, authored by Justice Narasimha, addressed 12 critical issues including membership, suspension, age bar, and conflict of interest related to AIFF and state football associations.

### Applicability to State Associations

The Supreme Court clarified that the draft constitution will also apply to state associations, despite their resistance. The bench emphasized that the inclusion of eminent players, coaches, referees, and club representatives in the general body will usher in greater transparency and fair play.

It observed, “The inclusion of eminent players, coaches, referees, and club representatives in the general body, with only further good governance, heralds transparency and fair play.”

The bench further noted that continuous monitoring of a sports federation by any forum, including the Supreme Court, is not appropriate. “Having taken up the matter and ensured that the Constitution is brought to this stage, it is necessary to take it to its logical end. Our monitoring will only be that far and no further,” it added.

### Tenure of Current Executive Committee

The court refused to interfere with the tenure of the current AIFF executive committee headed by President Kalyan Chaubey. It stated that since the committee was elected for a four-year term, their tenure will expire in September 2026—less than a year from now.

“The current executive committee can be treated as a permanent body which shall discharge its function in accordance with the relevant laws as well as the AIFF constitution,” the bench observed.

### Enforcing Discipline Across All Levels

Addressing the contentious issue of applicability of the AIFF constitution to state associations, the bench stressed the importance of maintaining a pyramidal structure of Indian football. It said constituent units and lower-level associations must implement the same discipline, fairness, transparency, and good governance standards applied at the top.

“In view of the FIFA statute, the relevant comments of Justice L N Rao and on analysis of the far-reaching implications of this provision, we are not inclined to accept the argument that the AIFF Constitution ought not be extended to the state associations and local bodies,” the court stated.

### Modifications to Criteria for “Eminent Player”

The Supreme Court modified the criteria for the “eminent player” who is a member of the AIFF executive committee. The revised criteria specify that the player should be retired for at least two years and must have represented India (senior team) in at least seven competitive matches for men and three for women, sanctioned by FIFA/AFC.

However, the bench proposed a reasonable reduction: five matches for men and two for women, to ensure a wider pool of retired players actively participating as efficient administrators and guiding lights for Indian football.

### Definition of “Office Bearers” and Governance Reforms

The bench emphasized that the term “office bearers” must be understood in the context of AIFF’s functioning and necessary reforms. This definition will impact the applicability of cooling-off periods, terms, tenure, and age limits, aligning with reforms introduced for vibrant federation governance.

### Women’s Representation and Vice Presidents

Accepted AIFF’s proposal to increase the number of vice presidents to three, including one woman representative. This amendment aims to strengthen women’s representation while keeping the executive committee size to fifteen members.

### Disqualification Norms and Other Modifications

On disqualification issues, including criminal charges and convictions of AIFF and state association members, the bench adopted standards similar to those in the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) case. It modified disqualification provisions to apply only upon conviction followed by imprisonment, not merely on framing of charges.

The Supreme Court also stated that public servants with necessary government approvals can become members of the football body without issues.

Several other modifications were incorporated into the draft constitution to align it with the National Sports Code.

—

*Note: Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by FPJ’s editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.*
https://www.freepressjournal.in/sports/sc-clears-new-aiff-constitution-calls-it-a-new-beginning-for-indian-football

“Donald Trump made the deal with the Taliban” – Martina Navratilova criticizes US President over airfield move in Afghanistan

Martina Navratilova has responded to Donald Trump’s announcement regarding the United States’ efforts to negotiate a takeover of Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan.

The former tennis champion shared her thoughts on the development, highlighting the potential implications of U.S. involvement in the region. Navratilova’s reaction adds a unique perspective to the ongoing discussions about Afghanistan’s strategic sites and international relations.

As the situation unfolds, public figures like Navratilova continue to voice their opinions, shedding light on the broader impact of such political decisions.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/tennis/news-donald-trump-made-deal-taliban-martina-navratilova-criticizes-us-president-airfield-move-afghanistan

Pune RTO Parking Turns Liquor Den As Alcohol Bottles & Cigarette Packets Shock Citizens (PHOTOS & VIDEOS)

**Pune RTO Parking Area Found Littered with Alcohol Bottles, Raising Concerns Over Official Negligence**

In a shocking revelation, residents discovered the Pune Regional Transport Office (RTO) parking area and its corners strewn with empty alcohol bottles on Friday. This alarming situation has raised serious questions about the functioning and oversight of officials at the government office.

The RTO premises were not only littered with alcohol bottles but also cigarette packets and other waste, leading citizens to question whether the location was a government office or a liquor shop.

An anonymous RTO employee revealed that some agents regularly consume alcohol and even narcotics within the parking area. Furthermore, due to a lack of adequate security and CCTV surveillance, some outsiders reportedly visit the premises to carry out illegal activities.

Rakesh Pandurang, a regular visitor to the RTO, told the Free Press Journal, “This is the condition of a government building; what message is being sent to the public?”

The presence of alcohol bottles inside a government facility raises serious doubts about the vigilance exercised by senior officials. Residents are left wondering if the authorities are unaware of these happenings or if such misconduct is occurring with their tacit approval.

Responding to the issue, Swapnil Bhosale, Deputy Regional Transport Officer, said to the Free Press Journal, “We have submitted written applications to senior officials requesting security staff, but the sanction is still pending. However, we will now file a written complaint with the police to investigate the matter. RTO staff will also conduct checks and take the necessary action.”

The situation highlights an urgent need for increased security measures and stricter monitoring to restore order and public trust within the Pune RTO premises.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/pune/pune-rto-parking-turns-liquor-den-as-alcohol-bottles-cigarette-packets-shock-citizens-photos-videos

Westports, iPay88, RCX Group leaders to speak at Entrepreneurs Summit VI

The Entrepreneurs Summit VI is set to return on 2 October 2025 in Kuala Lumpur as Malaysia’s leading one-day platform that brings together entrepreneurs, corporates, investors, and government representatives to accelerate collaboration, capital, and growth.

### Spotlight on Founder Journeys and Growth Strategies

The summit will highlight founder journeys, practical growth strategies, and high-level networking opportunities designed to drive innovation across industries. Supported by media partner *The Rakyat Post* and community partner Next Up Asia, the event features keynote addresses and interactive panel discussions focused on the real challenges and opportunities involved in building high-growth businesses.

### Key Sessions and Topics

Sessions will explore a range of insightful topics, including:

– Founder journeys to global scale
– A Solarvest case study
– The hidden truths of entrepreneurship
– Data-backed failure vs. scale analysis
– Innovation versus execution
– Government partnership strategies
– Corporate co-founding models
– 2025 investor trends
– Sector forecasts for biotech, fintech, and digital commerce

### Esteemed Speaker Line-Up

This year’s speaker line-up includes prominent business leaders and ecosystem builders such as:

– Ruben Emir Gnanalingam, Executive Chairman, Westports Holdings
– Kent Chua, CEO, RCX Group
– Chan Kok Long, Co-founder of iPay88 & Group CEO, Carehaus Sdn Bhd
– Arieff Aaron Abudullah, Director, Invest Selangor Berhad
– Ben Lim, CEO & Founder, NEXEA

### Insights from Industry Leaders

Kent Chua, CEO of RCX Group, emphasizes the abundant talent, capital, and ideas already present in Malaysia:
“Too often we hear founders complain about the ecosystem—funding, policy, competition. The truth is, Malaysia already has the talent, capital, and ideas. What matters now is whether founders stop making excuses and start making moves. Entrepreneurs Summit VI gives you the tools, but what you build with it is on you. Winners turn insights into action; losers just keep talking.”

Chan Kok Long, co-founder of iPay88 and Group CEO of Carehaus Sdn Bhd, adds:
“This summit brings together all the right players—startups, corporates, investors, and policymakers—under one roof. This is where collaborations are born and future industries are shaped. We believe Malaysia has all the ingredients to produce world-class entrepreneurs, and gatherings like this give founders the momentum, resources, and confidence to turn big ideas into global businesses.”

Ben Lim, CEO & founder of NEXEA, notes:
“NEXEA backs founders with capital and operational support; Entrepreneurs Summit VI multiplies that effect by creating focused opportunities to meet corporates, investors, and policy influencers. The panels deliver practical insights from leaders who’ve scaled businesses, and the networking is engineered to produce measurable outcomes—pilot conversations, advisory relationships, or investor follow-ups.”

### Anticipated Impact and Attendance

The Entrepreneurs Summit VI expects over 1,000 leaders to attend, representing organizations with a combined revenue of up to US$2.2 billion (RM10 billion). This scale significantly increases the potential for meaningful commercial partnerships.

More than just a conference, the Entrepreneurs Summit VI serves as a catalyst for growth, innovation, and collaboration across Malaysia’s startup ecosystem. With its strong focus on founder stories, actionable growth strategies, and curated networking, the summit aims to accelerate entrepreneurs from idea to impact while positioning Malaysia as a regional hub for innovation.

—

Stay tuned for more updates and prepare to join a thriving community that is shaping the future of business in Malaysia and beyond.
https://www.digitalnewsasia.com/startups/westports-ipay88-rcx-group-leaders-speak-entrepreneurs-summit-vi

GST Reforms Will Pump ₹2 Lakh Crore Into The Economy, Boosting Demand Across Sectors: Union Finance Minister Sitharaman

Kolkata: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday announced that the latest round of Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms will inject around Rs 2 lakh crore into the economy, significantly boosting demand across various sectors.

Sitharaman described the “new generation GST reforms” as measures designed to cut tax rates, ease compliance, and eliminate ambiguities. These changes are expected to benefit the poor, middle class, farmers, MSMEs, and several industries in West Bengal.

“The (GST) Council’s decision to reduce rates was possible only because states came together in the spirit of cooperation. There is no donor-donee model in GST. If revenues fall, the Centre bears it equally, and after devolution, our share is even smaller,” she said during an event in Kolkata.

The reforms will directly benefit key sectors in Bengal such as handicrafts, garments, tea, jute, and agro-products, thereby aiding festive season sales, the Finance Minister added.

Products including ‘Nakshi Kantha’, Malda mangoes, Darjeeling tea, hosiery, and jute bags will see lower tax rates. The new GST slabs, mainly set at 5% and 18%, will take effect from September 22, coinciding with the first day of ‘Navratri’. Sitharaman explained that this timing was deliberately chosen to align with the Durga Puja festivities.

“Durga Puja is Bengal’s biggest festival. People make major purchases during this period. The timing ensures they benefit from the reduced tax burden,” she said.

Elaborating on the reform trajectory, Sitharaman noted that India has moved from four GST slabs to largely two but added, “We are not yet ready for a single rate. Maybe sometime in the future.”

She also highlighted efforts to curb past revenue leakages caused by misclassification and loopholes — citing examples such as differential tax treatment on various popcorn types — which have now been plugged.

Calling GST “one of India’s biggest reforms,” the Finance Minister expressed confidence that these changes would spur economic growth, especially benefiting Bengal’s small-scale and craft-based industries, while boosting consumption nationwide.

*Disclaimer: This story is from a syndicated feed. Nothing has changed except the headline.*
https://www.freepressjournal.in/business/gst-reforms-will-pump-2-lakh-crore-into-the-economy-boosting-demand-across-sectors-union-finance-minister-sitharaman

DUSU Elections 2025: Vote Counting Today Amid Tight Security In DU North Campus; Voter Turnout Recorded At 39.45%

**DUSU Election 2025: Vote Counting Begins Today**

The highly awaited vote counting for the Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) Elections 2025 will commence today, September 19, at 8:00 AM. The counting will take place at the Multipurpose Hall, University Sports Stadium, North Campus.

Voting for the elections was conducted in two shifts on September 18. The morning shift ran from 8:30 AM to 1:00 PM for day colleges, while the evening shift took place from 3:00 PM to 7:30 PM for evening colleges.

—

### DUSU Election 2025: Voting Turnout

According to media reports, by 2:30 PM on polling day, voter turnout had already reached 35%, reflecting strong student participation. By the end of polling, over 1,55,000 students had cast their votes, leading to an overall turnout of 39.45% across 195 booths in 52 centers.

As of 5:45 PM, Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) at 43 polling booths recorded 1,33,412 votes, out of which 52,635 votes had been counted.

—

### DUSU Election 2025: Key Candidates for President

The contest for the DUSU President post features prominent candidates including:

– Joslyn Nandita Choudhary from NSUI
– Aryan Maan from ABVP
– Anjali representing the SFI-AISA alliance

—

### Modernising Student Voting: A Dual Voting System

This year’s DUSU elections have embraced modernisation through a dual voting system. Central panel votes are being cast using Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) while college-level voting continues with paper ballots. This approach balances technological advancement with traditional practices.

In addition to the voting system updates, the administration has implemented increased security measures, rigorous surveillance, and controlled campaigning. These efforts aim to ensure a transparent, secure, and malpractice-free electoral process.

—

### Restrictions on Celebratory Processions

The Delhi High Court has imposed restrictions on candidates and student groups, prohibiting victory processions after results are declared. The court has directed the Delhi Police, Delhi University administration, and the city government to take necessary steps to prevent any untoward incidents.

Furthermore, the University has strictly enforced the Lyngdoh Committee’s anti-defacement regulations for this election cycle. As a result, hostel and college walls remain free from graffiti and posters—a sight not seen in years.

—

Stay tuned for further updates on the DUSU Election 2025 results and post-election developments.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/education/dusu-elections-2025-vote-counting-today-amid-tight-security-in-du-north-campus-voter-turnout-recorded-at-3945

Bombay HC Raps State On Pothole Deaths, Seeks Policy For Victim Compensation

Mumbai: Taking a serious view of accidents occurring due to potholes, the Bombay High Court on Thursday urged the state government to consider framing a policy to compensate victims or their kin. The court emphasized that contractors should be held accountable and penalties should be recovered from the salaries of the concerned civic officers.

### Court Pulls Up BMC and Other Authorities

A bench comprising Justices Revati Mohite-Dere and Sandesh Patil expressed severe displeasure over the passing of the buck by various agencies and authorities regarding road maintenance and pothole repairs.

“Each one of you is passing the buck,” the court chided the counsels representing these agencies.

### BMC’s Pothole Claim Questioned

BMC counsel Anil Sakhare informed the bench that only 688 potholes remain to be repaired under its jurisdiction. He claimed the BMC receives pothole complaints and fixes them within 48 hours.

Sakhare added that the BMC had received 15,526 complaints from citizens, and junior engineers had detected 11,808 potholes across Mumbai and its suburbs.

However, the court was unsatisfied with this explanation and questioned the BMC over the recurrence of potholes on newly constructed roads, which often lead to accidents.

“If a pothole fills with water, a person may not see it,” the bench observed.

### Deaths Highlight Gravity of the Issue

The court was informed that six deaths due to potholes had occurred in Mumbai and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) during this monsoon season — three in Bhiwandi-Nizampur, and one each in Thane, Kalyan, and Mumbai.

The judges criticized the respective civic bodies’ counsels when they claimed that the deaths were due to negligence of truck drivers or bikers and not the potholes.

“To avoid a pothole, one may take a detour. That is the main cause,” the judges emphasized.

### ‘Why Potholes at All?’ Asks the Bench

When the BMC claimed that pothole complaints had decreased over the years, the judges questioned why potholes should exist at all.

“Why should roads constructed by you develop potholes in one rain? What action have you taken against the contractors?” the bench asked pointedly.

In response to the court’s observation that there were no potholes outside the High Court for years, Sakhare replied, “Yes, outside the High Court.”

### Accountability and Compensation

The civic counsel argued that other agencies — the MMRDA, MSRDC, PWD, MHADA, and Port Trust — were also responsible for maintaining roads under their jurisdiction.

To this, the bench responded, “We are on a larger issue. If a person sustains injury or dies due to a pothole, who is to be held responsible? There has to be accountability.”

The court further suggested that civic officers found to be corrupt or in collusion with contractors should be held accountable and face consequences.

### State Told to Frame Policy

When the counsels for the corporations of Navi Mumbai, Mira-Bhayander, and Thane, along with other authorities, claimed their roads were well maintained, the court again chided them for passing the buck.

“Each one of you, see how you are passing the buck. We don’t know who it is. We will direct the state,” the bench said, asking government pleader OS Chandurkar to take instructions on whether the government was willing to formulate a policy for awarding compensation to victims and their kin.

“Can the state come up with a policy for pothole-related injury and death? Making corporations accountable for their actions. Recovering compensation from the salaries of civic officials. It should not be a small penalty. They should feel the pinch,” the bench added.

### Directives for Quick Repair

The bench then directed municipal officers present in court to make contractors accountable for shoddy work and ensure that potholes in their jurisdiction are repaired within a week.

—

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https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/bombay-hc-raps-state-on-pothole-deaths-seeks-policy-for-victim-compensation

NCPC partners ICPC to sensitise staff on ethical conduct

The Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC) is taking proactive measures to enhance ethical standards within its organization by partnering with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

The Executive Secretary of NCPC, Bishop Stephen Adegbite, announced this collaboration during a Sensitization and Public Awareness Workshop for staff on Anti-Corruption and Ethical Conduct held on September 17, 2025, at the NCPC Conference Hall in Abuja.

Bishop Adegbite expressed the Commission’s commitment to promoting integrity, justice, honesty, and accountability among its employees. This initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of building a nation rooted in righteousness and the fear of God. He stated that NCPC will do everything possible to ensure the realization of this national aspiration.

He further emphasized that corruption undermines the values of good governance and erodes public trust. Bishop Adegbite urged staff to embrace the ideals encapsulated in NCPC’s corporate slogan, *Service and Satisfaction*. He remarked that the sensitization program conducted by ICPC will equip staff with the knowledge and moral responsibility to resist corrupt practices while upholding the highest standards of professionalism.

Earlier in the event, Dr. Musa Adamu, Chairman of ICPC, was represented by Mr. Olusegun Adigun, Director of the Systems Study and Review Department. Mr. Adigun expressed gratitude to Bishop Adegbite for his support in establishing the Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) within the Commission.

Dr. Adamu noted that corruption is a significant barrier to national development, undermining trust in institutions and reducing the effectiveness of governance. He highlighted that the ACTU acts as a vanguard against corruption and that its success relies heavily on collaboration and collective efforts.

He urged the Management of NCPC to continue its unwavering support for the Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit, ensuring that the unit is equipped with the necessary resources and institutional backing to drive impactful reforms.

The workshop also featured presentations by ICPC resource persons on topics including *Entrenching Ethics and Integrity in the Workplace* and *Public Sector Corruption: Nature and Consequences*.

This partnership marks a significant step toward fostering a culture of transparency and ethical conduct within the NCPC, reinforcing its dedication to serving the public with honesty and accountability.
https://tribuneonlineng.com/ncpc-partners-icpc-to-sensitise-staff-on-ethical-conduct/

California bill would provide support services to Native American families, reduce foster care

**California Legislature Passes Bipartisan Bill to Support Native American Families and Prevent Foster Care Placements**

SACRAMENTO — A bipartisan bill aimed at ensuring Native American children and families receive culturally appropriate support services to prevent foster care placements passed the California Legislature last week. If signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom, Assembly Bill 1378 (AB 1378) would amend state law to allow tribes and tribal organizations to partner directly with the California Department of Social Services, providing services designed to keep children safely at home and out of foster care.

Currently, while tribes and tribal organizations can access foster care, adoption, and guardianship services, most preventive services—such as legal assistance and family counseling—are only available through nontribal organizations. These organizations often lack the cultural competence necessary to respect each tribe’s unique practices and sovereignty.

AB 1378 seeks to change that by granting tribes and tribal organizations the ability to receive direct services and funding without going through an intermediary. The legislation comes in response to the disproportionate rates at which tribal children enter foster care.

“Native American children in California are placed in foster care at about four times the rate of other children,” said Assemblymember Chris Rogers (D-Santa Rosa), the bill’s author. Multiple factors contribute to this overrepresentation, including poverty, substance use disorders, historical trauma, systemic bias, and bureaucratic hurdles that make it difficult for tribes to access preventive services.

“When we invest in culturally appropriate services, we strengthen families and avoid the trauma of separation,” Rogers added. “AB 1378 will ensure tribes can directly access the same prevention program funding that is available to counties and other service providers. This is a critical step toward equity and better outcomes for tribal youth.”

The bill was co-authored by several legislators, including Bay Area Assemblymembers Cecilia Aguiar-Curry (D-Winters) and Patrick Ahern (D-Sunnyvale), as well as Senator Josh Becker (D-Menlo Park).

**Expanded Services for Tribal Families**

AB 1378 would improve tribal access to a range of services, including mental health care, substance abuse treatment, and parenting education. It would also provide funding for legal representation, ensuring that families and children receive appropriate counsel in court.

In addition, tribes could receive capacity-building support to establish prevention programs, train social workers, and obtain technical assistance for data collection and reporting.

Gov. Newsom has until October 13 to sign AB 1378 into law.

*This story was originally published by The Mendocino Voice and distributed through a partnership with The Associated Press.*
https://timesofsandiego.com/politics/2025/09/18/california-bill-native-american-support-services/

Taxpayers’ Money Must Be Used Wisely: Uttar Pradesh Assembly Speaker Satish Mahana

**Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly’s Public Accounts Committee Holds Inaugural Meeting**

The Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) convened its first meeting in Lucknow on Thursday. Addressing the session, Assembly Speaker Satish Mahana emphasized the importance of the committee’s role in strengthening democracy and serving the public interest.

Mahana highlighted that the committee comprises experienced legislators whose skills are vital for ensuring constitutional accountability. “India’s democratic system is rooted in constitutional accountability and sustained by taxpayers’ contributions,” he stated. The Speaker stressed the responsibility of elected representatives to ensure the proper utilization of public funds, particularly those collected from poor taxpayers.

Describing the PAC as one of the most crucial legislative bodies, Mahana underlined that no development or governance is possible without financial discipline. He urged committee members to engage in serious discussions on public welfare issues. For first-time members, the Speaker advised learning from senior colleagues to improve the committee’s effectiveness.

Newly elected PAC Chair Mahboob Ali expressed his gratitude to the Speaker, calling the meeting historic. He expressed confidence that Mahana’s guidance will continue to strengthen the committee’s functioning.

Senior legislators Om Prakash Singh and Saurabh Srivastava also praised the Speaker for his efforts in enhancing the dignity of the Assembly.

Nearly all committee members attended the meeting, along with senior officials including Assembly Secretary Pradeep Kumar Dubey, highlighting the importance of this crucial gathering.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/uttar-pradesh/taxpayers-money-must-be-used-wisely-uttar-pradesh-assembly-speaker-satish-mahana