The Odd-Even scheme has worked to an extent in other countries but may require more supporting transport infrastructure here to make travel comfortable for commuters, leading industrialist Ratan Tata said today.  Tata declined to get into the merits of the scheme that is being followed in the capital till January 15, saying that he is not the 'qualified person' to comment on it.

"Even Odd licence plate solution has been tried in other countries. It has worked to some extent. So I am not quick to dismiss it...may be it needs more supporting (transport) infrastructure to make it comfortable to other people to avail it," Tata told reporters in New Delhi. Delhi government introduced the Odd-Even formula for fortnight from January 1 to check pollution in the city. Under this scheme private 4-wheeled vehicles bearing registration numbers ending with even number can ply on roads only on even dates like 2,4,6,8,10 from 8 am to 8 pm.

Madras HC grants stay on dress code for temple entry
The Madras high court has granted interim stay on the order to implement a dress code for men, women and even children in temples across Tamil Nadu.Justices V Ramasubramanian and N Kirubakaran of the Madurai bench granted the interim stay on a writ appeal preferred by the state government and argued by Advocate General A.L. Somayaji, who contended that it may not be possible to force devotees and others to wear only those dresses which were prescribed by the single judge. The Advocate General argued that there could be a conflict between the code prescribed by the single judge and the Tamil Nadu Temple Entry Authorisation Act, 1947, which prescribes several restrictions on entry into temples besides permitting individual temple managements to prescribe dress code as per the their customary and traditional practices.

Railways seek suggestions for formulating hawker policy
Railways are seeking suggestions from stakeholders to formulate a holistic hawker policy for the public transporter. Besides transporting passengers and goods, railways also provide a means of living to many including hawkers. Railways have invited suggestions at [email protected] by March 31, 2016. There are also complaints that many times these hawkers are seen selling prohibited items like tobacco and occupying spaces in railways stations, coaches and foot-over bridges which becomes a safety hazard and restricts movement of bonafide passengers. Besides hawker policy, railways have also sought stakeholders' views on setting up of Rail Development Authority.

Court allows Subramanian Swamy's plea to summon documents in National Herald case
A Delhi court today allowed the plea of BJP leader Subramanian Swamy seeking summoning of documents from the Ministries of Finance, Urban Development and Corporate Affairs, Income Tax Department and other agencies in the National Herald case. Metropolitan Magistrate Lovleen asked Swamy to file the process fee for sending summons to these departments, including Delhi Development Authority and the Registrar of Companies. During the brief hearing, Swamy told the court he needed these documents, which are in the custody of these ministries, for advancing arguments in the case. "They (these ministries and agencies) have the documents. I do not know what all documents they have. These documents can be summoned," Swamy told the court. "You file the PF (process fee). Your application is allowed," the judge said.

Sachin Bansal steps down as Flipkart CEO in major reshuffle
In a major management overhaul, Flipkart, the country's largest ecommerce company, announced on Monday that current Chief Executive Sachin Bansal will step down from his role, and will be replaced by his co-founder Binny Bansal. An official statement, released on Flipkart's website, stated that Sachin Bansal will, however, continue as executive chairman of India's largest ecommerce company and "will provide strategic direction for Flipkart, mentor the senior leadership of the company and look for new investment opportunities." "Binny as chief executive officer will now be responsible for operationally driving the company and will be accountable for Flipkart's overall performance. All the business areas - Commerce, Ekart and Myntra will now report to Binny. All corporate functions including Human Resources, Finance, Legal, Corporate Communications and Corporate Development will also report to Binny," Bansal was quoted as stating in the company-issued statement.

Arun Jaitley brainstorms with secretaries on DBT scheme
Finance Minister Arun Jaitley today held a meeting with secretaries and the CEA to discuss ways to streamline the Direct Benefit Transfer scheme for ensuring that only the needy get the subsidies. The government transfers subsidy to LPG users as well as to beneficiaries of scholarships and pension schemes directly to their bank accounts under the DBT. They looked at ways to improve the JAM (JanDhan-Aadhar- Mobile) trinity which aims at using technology to promote social sector schemes.

Maharashtra may mulling change in office timings to reduce crowding in local trains
The Maharashtra government is considering change in office timings to reduce peak hour crowding in suburban local trains which is resulting in many commuter deaths, the Bombay High Court was informed today. A division bench of justices N H Patil and A A Sayed was hearing a public interest litigation regarding safety of commuters, facilities provided to them and reservation of seats for senior citizens in local trains. The court had on earlier hearings suggested that office timings be changed from the usual 10 am to 5 pm. "What if some department begins work after 11 am ? Some offices can work on weekends and have holidays on weekdays," the court had said. Government lawyer P P Kakade today told the court that the suggestions made were feasible and that the government was seriously considering the same. "Half hour change in office timings is being considered. The principal secretaries of every department have been asked to look into the same and give their suggestions," Kakade told the court.