The Indian government has extended the tenure of Agniveers by two years, and the Democrats have taken control of the United States Senate and House of Representatives in the mid-term elections. This article provides more details.
The Indian government's recent decision regarding the Agnipath scheme, introduced on June 14, 2022, is significant. Chief of Defence Staff General NS Raja Subramani announced that 75% of Agniveers who are not enrolled in the armed forces permanently after their four-year tenure will be given an option to extend their service by two more years. After six years of service, Agniveers will get another opportunity to join the armed forces as regular soldiers, provided they meet the prescribed criteria. This decision comes as around 18,000 Agniveers from the first batch are expected to complete their four-year tenure and exit in December.
The introduction of the Agnipath scheme had triggered protests in several states due to demands for permanent recruitment with pension benefits. The extension of service will provide higher salaries and an increased exit package for those who opt for the additional two years. It is important to note that the announcement came as a response to these demands.
In a separate development, the Democrats have taken control of the United States Senate and House of Representatives from the Republicans as votes in the mid-term elections were being counted. Before the polls, President Donald Trump-led Republican party had a 53:47 majority in the 100-member Senate. It had a slim 219:214 majority in the 435-member Lower House of the Congress. As of 5.30 pm Indian time on Wednesday, the Democrats held 54 seats and the Republicans had 44 in the Senate. The Democrats had won 228 seats and the Republicans 139 in the Lower House. The remaining 68 seats have not been called. A party needs 218 seats for a majority.
Source:
Scroll.in
