corporate governance

Singapore's Education Minister Desmond Lee clarified that caning in schools is a last resort, strictly regulated, and applied only to boys in serious cases. This measure, alongside detention and suspension, aims to enforce clear boundaries and foster a safe learning environment. The ministry is also enhancing support for cyberbullying victims and students with special needs.

Kalyan-Dombivli's Deputy Commissioner of Solid Waste Management, Ramdas Kokare, has been abruptly transferred, sparking speculation. Known for significantly boosting waste segregation and pushing for scientific processing, Kokare's proactive approach may have clashed with political disagreements over waste management contracts. His departure leaves a crucial post vacant, with no replacement yet named.

The Orissa High Court has directed the State government and the State Election Commission to initiate civic elections in Rourkela, pending for over a decade. The court upheld the upgrade of Rourkela Municipality to a Municipal Corporation, while leaving the decision on election dates to the authorities.

State-run fuel retailers will not receive government financial backing for losses incurred from selling petrol, diesel, and aviation turbine fuel below cost. Despite rising crude oil prices, the government has opted to shield consumers by not revising retail prices for these fuels, focusing instead on price adjustments for bulk diesel and commercial LPG.

Government's net direct tax collections for FY26 reached over Rs 23.4 lakh crore, a 5.1% increase, though it fell short of the revised target. Corporate tax saw a healthy 11.4% rise, while non-corporate tax remained flat. Refunds saw a slight dip. These collections follow recent income tax cuts.

Hotels, restaurants, bakeries, and canteens across Kerala will observe a 24-hour shutdown on May 6 to protest a significant increase in cooking gas prices. Online food delivery services will also be suspended during the statewide agitation, which includes protest marches and dharnas demanding a rollback of the LPG price hike.