Viral gazette declaring Saturday holiday for PSU banks is fake: PIB Fact Check

Posted on by Vividh Bharathi

New Delhi, Oct 1 (IANS) The Press Information Bureau’s (PIB) Fact Check unit on Thursday dismissed as fake a purported government gazette notification circulating on social media that claims the Centre has declared every Saturday a public holiday for all public sector banks, including the State Bank of India (SBI).

In a post on social media platform X, PIB Fact Check clarified that no such notification has been issued by the Ministry of Finance’s Department of Financial Services.

The agency said the document being shared online is fake and does not represent any official government order.

“A Gazette circulating on social media , purportedly issued by the Ministry of Finance (Department of Financial Services), claims that the Central Government has declared every Saturday a public holiday for all Public Sector Banks , including SBI. The document being circulated is fake,” it said.

The fact-checking unit urged the public not to rely on unverified documents circulating on social media and advised citizens to verify government-related information through official channels before sharing it further.

“No such notification has been issued by Finance Ministry declaring every Saturday as public holiday for public sector banks,” it said.

“Flag suspicious content related to the Central Government to PIB Fact Check,” it added.

The clarification came after the widely circulated document claimed that all public sector banks would remain closed every Saturday following a purported decision by the Central Government.

However, PIB Fact Check firmly denied the claim, stating that no notification declaring every Saturday as a public holiday for public sector banks has been issued by the Finance Ministry.

PIB also encouraged people to report suspicious content related to the Central Government to its Fact Check team to help curb the spread of misinformation online.

This comes after the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) last week deferred its three-day nationwide strike early next week, following an eleventh-hour meeting with the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA).

According to a statement released by the bank union, the IBA and UFBU met on Sunday. After talks, both sides agreed to defer the nationwide bank strike.

–IANS

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PM Modi highlights Surat’s cleanliness drive, development push after launching major projects

Surat, June 5 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday praised Surat’s residents for their continued efforts to improve cleanliness and civic participation after inaugurating and launching major infrastructure and development projects worth around Rs 18,800 crore in the city.

In a post on social media platform X following his visit, PM Modi described Surat as “more than a city” and said its character was reflected in the energy and determination of its people.

“It is a delight to have been in Surat and to inaugurate key development works. I have always believed that Surat is more than a city…it is a spirit. This spirit is seen in the dynamism of the people here,” the Prime Minister said.

Referring to the city’s transformation over the years, PM Modi noted that Surat, once associated with a devastating plague outbreak, had become known nationally for its cleanliness standards. “A city that was once known for a massive plague is now known for cleanliness,” he said.

The Prime Minister said local efforts to improve sanitation had continued despite the city’s achievements in the field.

“What is noteworthy is that the recent strides in cleanliness have not made the people of Surat complacent. On the contrary, they are working even harder to boost Swachhata,” he wrote.

PM Modi said he had been informed that residents had participated in numerous cleanliness campaigns in the days leading up to World Environment Day.

“I was told that over the last few days, people of Surat took part in many cleanliness drives. I applaud all those who joined such efforts,” he added.

The Prime Minister’s remarks came after he inaugurated, dedicated to the nation, and laid the foundation stone for a series of projects spanning road connectivity, power infrastructure, healthcare, and industrial development in Surat.

The projects are valued at around Rs 18,800 crore and are aimed at improving connectivity and supporting economic growth in South Gujarat.

Among the key projects launched during the visit were major packages of the eight-lane access-controlled Vadodara–Mumbai Expressway.

PM Modi also laid the foundation stone for the four-laning of critical stretches of National Highway 56, a project expected to strengthen connectivity in tribal regions and improve access to the Statue of Unity.

Before attending the public function, the Prime Minister visited the Hazira industrial area in Surat, where he reviewed ongoing industrial operations and infrastructure projects.

PM Modi also referred to the recent local body elections in Surat, saying it was his first visit to the city since the polls in which the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured a decisive victory.

“This is also my first visit to Surat after the local body elections in which the BJP received a resounding mandate from the people. These continued blessings give us strength to keep working hard to fulfil people’s aspirations,” he said.

The Surat programme formed part of the Prime Minister’s visit to Gujarat and the Union Territory of Daman on World Environment Day, during which he also inaugurated and launched development projects in Daman.

–IANS

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Meghalaya CM holds review meeting on state’s education performance

Shillong, June 3 (IANS) Meghalaya Chief Minister, Conrad K. Sangma, on Wednesday chaired a high-level review meeting with the Education Department to assess the state’s performance in the Performance Grading Index (PGI) and outlined a road map for accelerating education reforms across the state.

During the meeting, officials presented the various indicators that contribute to the PGI framework and highlighted the interventions being implemented to improve learning outcomes, strengthen school infrastructure, expand vocational education and enhance digital governance systems.

The Chief Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to improving educational outcomes and ensuring access to quality education for every child in the state.

Officials informed the meeting that Meghalaya has nearly 14,600 schools serving a population of around 30 lakh, reflecting the state’s extensive educational outreach, particularly in remote and rural areas.

The review focussed heavily on ‘Learning Outcomes’, which carries the highest weightage in the PGI framework.

The government is implementing multiple initiatives aimed at strengthening foundational literacy and numeracy, improving classroom teaching standards and supporting students through targeted interventions.

The meeting also reviewed the phased upgradation of school infrastructure, including the establishment of science laboratories, ICT facilities, smart classrooms, libraries, kitchen gardens, rainwater harvesting systems, drinking water facilities and solar-powered infrastructure.

Emphasising district-level accountability, Sangma directed Deputy Commissioners and district administrations to work closely with the Education Department in a mission-mode approach to ensure timely implementation of educational initiatives and address existing gaps.

Officials also highlighted progress in vocational and skill-based education through the Community Skill Integrated Curriculum, under which students from primary to secondary levels are being introduced to practical and skill-oriented learning.

Student welfare initiatives, including strengthening of the Mid-Day Meal programme and installation of sanitary pad vending machines and incinerators in girls’ schools, were also reviewed during the meeting.

Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma directed the department to continuously monitor performance indicators and adopt targeted interventions wherever necessary. He assured full government support for schools to achieve measurable improvements.

The review further examined steps taken to strengthen digital governance and educational data systems, including improved data reporting, digital compliance, Aadhaar integration and institutional record management to ensure accurate representation of Meghalaya’s educational progress in national assessment frameworks.

A key highlight of the presentation was the progress made under the school rationalisation programme. Officials informed that out of 14,582 schools in Meghalaya, 3,198 schools have already been merged or consolidated to ensure better teacher deployment, improved resource allocation and enhanced delivery of educational services.

Addressing the meeting, Sangma said the government remains focussed on long-term reforms in education.

“We are aware where Meghalaya stands, and we are equally aware of the progress we are making. Education is a long-term investment, and the reforms we have undertaken over the last few years are laying the foundation for lasting change,” the Chief Minister said.

He added that while the government has ensured access to schools for children across the state, the next priority is to ensure quality learning outcomes in every institution.

An official at the meeting said that Meghalaya’s PGI score largely reflects “structural, administrative and data reporting challenges” and does not represent “the talent or potential of our children, which is second to none.”

The Chief Minister further stressed the need for a strategic, scientific and data-driven approach to educational reforms, while emphasising regular assessments, evidence-based interventions and stronger coordination between schools, districts and the state government.

–IANS

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Tesla’s entry will strengthen charging infrastructure in Mumbai: CM Fadnavis

Mumbai, July 15 (IANS) Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday said that Tesla’s arrival in India would significantly strengthen Mumbai’s electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure.

His remarks came at the inauguration of Tesla’s first ‘Experience Centre’ in Mumbai.

Speaking to the media, Fadnavis noted that Tesla’s move to open its Experience Centre marks the American EV giant’s formal entry into the Indian market.

Beyond this, the company is also working on developing a robust ecosystem for delivery, logistics, and servicing in the region.

“Tesla is setting up four major charging stations in Mumbai, which will help build a large-scale charging infrastructure in the city,” CM Fadnavis added.

The Chief Minister also expressed his delight that Tesla has chosen Mumbai for its first showroom in India.

He emphasised that Maharashtra is now emerging as a leader in EVs and mobility, thanks to its supportive policies for charging infrastructure and manufacturing incentives, which are drawing global companies to the state.

Tesla has launched its journey in India with the introduction of its popular Model Y. The rear-wheel drive (RWD) variant of the Model Y is priced at Rs 59.89 lakh (ex-showroom).

The company has also unveiled the long-range RWD variant of the Model Y, priced at Rs 67.89 lakh.

Addressing the gathering at the launch event, CM Fadnavis said, “Mumbai is a symbol of innovation. It represents sustainability. Tesla is not just a car company — it stands for design, innovation, and sustainability.”

Recalling his first encounter with Tesla in the United States, CM Fadnavis said, “Back in 2015, I had my first ride in a Tesla in the US, and I realised then that this is the kind of vehicle we need for mobility in India.”

He added, “It may have taken you 10 years to get here, but we are thrilled you’ve finally arrived. I believe the people of Mumbai and India will truly embrace Tesla. Once you begin vehicle deliveries, India will undoubtedly become one of your best markets.”

–IANS

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