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In the middle of intensifying Centre-state tussle over economic issues, a move by the DMK government in Tamil Nadu to seek revenue share from privatised airports and equity against land provided by the state for building new airports is finding resonance in other Opposition-ruled states. Congress-ruled Chhattisgarh and the JMM-led government in Jharkhand have now come out in support of Tamil Nadu’s proposal.

The Centre has not officially commented on the plans being drawn by states but Central officials have signalled an unwillingness to accede to the states’ demand, stating that it could potentially hamper the “sentiments of privatisation”.

The eight-member committee, set up by Congress president Sonia Gandhi, has submitted its report by way of recommendation after Prashant Kishor's presentation to the party high command a week ago, sources told media.

The poll strategist who is likely to join the grand old party had presented the 2024 blueprint before Congress chief Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and other senior leaders.

It is now up to the Congress president to take the final call on the recommendations and "initiate the changes in organisation as desired."

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Thursday filed its first charge sheet against National Stock Exchange's ex-MD and CEO Chitra Ramkrishna, and ex Group Operating Officer Anand Subramanian in connection with the NSE co-location scam.

Both Ramkrishna and Subramanian, currently lodged in Tihar Jail under judicial custody, have been charge sheeted under various sections of the IPC.

The court, after accepting the charge sheet, fixed framing of changes for the next hearing.

The CBI's probe in the matter is on and they will file supplimentary charge sheet in coming months.

Power ministry on Friday announced that it has amended the methodology for use of coal (allocated to states) by private power generating stations (IPPs). The move is in line with other measures taken by the government to deal with the increasing power demand of the country.

"Larger visibility has been given to the power plants by extending the period of supply of coal from 1 year to 3 years," noted the Power Ministry. The ministry has further made amendments in the timeline of bidding process which has been reduced from 67 days to 37 days. The measures have been taken for ensuring more efficient utilisation of domestic coal, it added.

Describing Prashant Kishor as a brand with proven credentials, Congress general secretary Tariq Anwar on Thursday said the poll strategist is willing to join the party without any preconditions and his induction would certainly help the party.

Congress president Sonia Gandhi, Anwar said, wants to take senior leaders into confidence and seek their opinion on whether Kishor’s entry into the party will be beneficial or not and then take a decision on the much speculated matter.

Discussing the party’s fortunes, Anwar said the Congress would be the natural leader of an anti-BJP front for the 2024 general elections as no other party has its pan-India appeal or its presence. He also backed Rahul Gandhi as president, saying party workers and leaders wished it too but ultimately the party would decide in the upcoming polls.