Happy New Year 2025

Tag: Government

  • Trump administration to pause federal government websites in effort to eliminate DEI, anti-Trump content

    Trump administration to pause federal government websites in effort to eliminate DEI, anti-Trump content

    The Trump administration will put a pause on most federal government websites Friday evening in an effort to eliminate DEI content and any language opposed to President Trump’s agenda, Fox News Digital has learned. 

    A Trump administration official told Fox News Digital that federal government websites are expected to go dark at around 5:00 p.m. Friday evening.

    The official told Fox News Digital that the length of the pause on federal websites is unclear at this time, but will seek to remove content that is “anti-Trump administration.” 

    This is a developing story. Please check back for updates. 

    Brooke Singman is a political correspondent and reporter for Fox News Digital, Fox News Channel and FOX Business.

  • White House press secretary defends Trump’s purge of government watchdogs

    White House press secretary defends Trump’s purge of government watchdogs

    White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt on Tuesday defended the legality of President Donald Trump’s abrupt firing of at least 17 inspectors general, telling reporters that the administration is confident that the oustings, ordered across nearly every major federal agency, would survive any potential challenges in court.

    Speaking to reporters for the first time from the podium of the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room, Leavitt defended Trump’s decision to fire, without warning, the inspectors general of nearly every Cabinet-level agency – an abrupt and unprecedented purge that shocked many outside observers.

    Asked about the terminations Tuesday, Leavitt doubled down on Trump’s argument that the president is well within his power to fire the independent watchdogs, regardless of their Senate-confirmed status. 

    Trump’s firings of the inspectors general included watchdogs for the Departments of Defense, State, Transportation, Labor, Health and Human Services, Housing and Urban Development, Interior, Energy, Commerce, as well as the EPA, among others. 

    “It is the belief of this White House and the White House counsel’s office that the president was within his executive authority” to do so, Leavitt said Tuesday.

    ‘BLATANTLY UNCONSTITUTIONAL’: US JUDGE TEMPORARILY BLOCKS TRUMP’S BAN ON BIRTHRIGHT CITIZENSHIP

    President Donald Trump and White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt speak to reporters on Air Force One, Jan. 27, 2025. (Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images)

    Trump, she added, “is the executive of the executive branch, and therefore he has the power to fire anyone within the executive branch that he wishes to.”

    Leavitt then referenced a 2020 Supreme Court decision, Seila Law LLC v. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, which ruled that the CFPB’s agency structure violates the separation of powers under the U.S. Constitution.

    “I would advise you to look at that case, and that’s the legality that this White House was resting on,” Leavitt said. 

    Asked by the reporter whether the Trump administration believed its order would survive a lawsuit or court challenge from the former inspectors general, Leavitt responded affirmatively.

     “We will win in court,” she said decisively, before moving on. 

    The remarks come as Trump’s Friday night terminations have sparked deep concern from lawmakers. The terminations were criticized by Republicans and Democrats in Congress, who noted that the independent watchdogs were created to identify and root out government waste, fraud, abuse and misconduct. 

    Many of the individuals fired were also installed during Trump’s first term. 

    Lawmakers have noted that Trump ordered the terminations without notifying Congress of his intent to do so at least 30 days in advance, as required for the Senate-confirmed roles.

    TRUMP’S AG PICK HAS ‘HISTORY OF CONSENSUS BUILDING’

    Karoline Leavitt closeup shot

    Press secretary Karoline Leavitt holds her first news conference at the White House on Jan. 28, 2025. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

    A group of House Democrats criticized the action in a letter this week as “unethical,” arbitrary and illegal.

    “Firing inspectors general without due cause is antithetical to good government, undermines the proper stewardship of taxpayer dollars, and degrades the federal government’s ability to function effectively and efficiently,” reads the letter, signed by Reps. Jamie Raskin, Maxine Waters, Adam Smith, Bennie Thompson and Gregory Meeks, among others.

    Tuesday’s briefing is the first conducted by Leavitt as White House press secretary. At 27, she is the youngest person in White House history to serve in the role.

    It is unclear how often Leavitt will hold press briefings. 

    Her role was announced in November by Trump, who praised the “phenomenal job” she did as his campaign and transition spokesperson.

    “Karoline is smart, tough, and has proven to be a highly effective communicator,” Trump said in a statement announcing her role. “I have the utmost confidence she will excel at the podium, and help deliver our message to the American People as we Make America Great Again.”

    Trump’s first term saw several White House advisers and communications aides, who struggled at times to communicate the views of a president who frequently opted to share his views directly via public rallies, briefings and social media posts.

    four former Trump WH press secretaries and comms directors

    Trump’s first term saw several White House advisers and communications aides. (Getty Images | Fox News’s Emma Woodhead)

    This prompted high-profile clashes with some of the individuals tasked with officially communicating his views. 

     CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

    Trump’s most recent White House press secretary, Stephanie Grisham, did not hold a single press briefing during her time in office. Famously, former White House communications aide Anthony Scaramucci served in his post for just 11 days.

    Breanne Deppisch is a politics reporter for Fox News Digital covering the 2024 election and other national news.

  • Trump fires 17 government watchdogs at various federal agencies

    Trump fires 17 government watchdogs at various federal agencies

    President Donald Trump fired 17 independent watchdogs at various federal agencies late Friday, a Trump administration official confirmed to Fox News, as he continues to reshape the government at a blistering pace.

    Trump dismissed inspector generals at agencies within the Defense Department, State Department, Energy Department, Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Department of Veterans Affairs and more, notifying them by email from the White House Presidential Personnel Office, the Washington Post first reported.

    “It’s a widespread massacre,” one of the terminated inspector generals told the Post. “Whoever Trump puts in now will be viewed as loyalists, and that undermines the entire system.”

    Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, the chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, said that Trump’s action may violate federal law that requires the president to give 30 days’ notice to Congress of his intent to fire any independent watchdog, the Associated Press reported. 

    ‘FLOODING THE ZONE’ TRUMP HITS WARP SPEED IN FIRST WEEK BACK IN OFFICE

    President Donald Trump holds up outgoing President Joe Biden’s letter as he signs executive orders in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 20, 2025.  (Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images)

    “There may be good reason the IGs were fired. We need to know that if so,” Grassley said in a statement. “I’d like further explanation from President Trump. Regardless, the 30 day detailed notice of removal that the law demands was not provided to Congress.” 

    The White House did not respond to a request for comment. 

    Inspector generals at federal agencies are called on to investigate government waste, fraud and abuse. They operate independently and can serve in multiple administrations.

    The mass firing is Trump’s latest attempt to force the federal bureaucracy into submission after he shut down diversity, equity and inclusion programs, rescinded job offers and sidelined more than 150 national security and foreign policy officials. Trump began his second term with the intent of purging any opponents of his agenda from the government and replacing them with officials who would execute his orders without hesitation. 

    TRUMP TO DECLASSIFY JFK FILES: FAMED DOCTOR WHO INVESTIGATED ASSASSINATION PREDICTS WHAT AMERICANS COULD LEARN

    Michael E. Horowitz

    Justice Department Inspector General Michael E. Horowitz testifies to Congress. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)

    Among those spared from Trump’s wrath was Department of Justice inspector general Michael Horowitz, the New York Times reported. Horowitz led the investigation of the FBI’s Russian collusion probe, which exposed at least 17 “significant inaccuracies and omissions” in the FBI’s application for a FISA warrant in the Crossfire Hurricane investigation. 

    Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., slammed Trump’s firings, calling them a “purge of independent watchdogs in the middle of the night.” 

    TRUMP MEETS WITH CALIFORNIA RESIDENTS, FIRE AND LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICIALS TO SEE LA WILDFIRE DAMAGE FIRST HAND

    Grassley during a hearing

    Senate Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa., said the president’s firing of more than a dozen inspector generals did not comply with federal law requiring him to give Congress 30 days’ notice.  (ALLISON BAILEY/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images)

    “President Trump is dismantling checks on his power and paving the way for widespread corruption,” Warren posted on X.

    During his first term, Trump fired five inspectors general in less than two months in 2020. This included the State Department, whose inspector general had played a role in the president’s impeachment proceedings.

    CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

    Last year, Trump’s predecessor Joe Biden fired the inspector general of the U.S. Railroad Retirement Board, after an investigation found the official had created a hostile work environment.

    In 2022, Congress passed reforms that strengthened protections for inspectors general and made it harder to replace them with political appointees, requiring the president to explain their removal.

    Reuters contributed to this report.

    Chris Pandolfo is a breaking news reporter for Fox News Digital. Send tips to [email protected] and follow him on Twitter @ChrisCPandolfo.

  • Republic Day 2025 Holiday: Will Schools Remain Open or Closed in Maharashtra on Sunday, January 26? Here’s What State Government Has Said

    Republic Day 2025 Holiday: Will Schools Remain Open or Closed in Maharashtra on Sunday, January 26? Here’s What State Government Has Said

    Is it a school holiday in Maharashtra on Republic Day to be observed on Sunday, January 26? No, there won’t be a school holiday in Maharashtra on Sunday, January 26. The state government has cancelled the Republic Day Holiday for students. All schools have been directed to organise day-long celebrations to mark the Republic Day 2025. Therefore, all government and private schools will remain open on Sunday, January 26, to commemorate the Republic Day 2025. Students will have to attend and participate in the activities. In the past, students would get a holiday after the flag-hoisting ceremony on January 26. Maharashtra Government Holiday List 2025: State Govt Announces Dates for All Holidays on Account of Festivities and Observances, Check Complete Details.

    No Republic Day 2025 Holiday in Maharashtra Schools on Sunday, January 26

    (SocialLY brings you all the latest breaking news, viral trends and information from social media world, including Twitter (X), Instagram and Youtube. The above post is embeded directly from the user’s social media account and LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body. The views and facts appearing in the social media post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY, also LatestLY does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.)

  • Texas Gov. Abbott asks government to reimburse B spent on border security

    Texas Gov. Abbott asks government to reimburse $11B spent on border security

    Texas Gov. Greg Abbott is requesting that the federal government reimburse his state more than $11.1 billion for taxpayer money spent on securing the southern border during former President Joe Biden’s administration.

    Abbott, who sent letters to U.S. Congressional members on Thursday, said the Biden administration’s “refusal to do its job the last four years” resulted in the crisis at the southern border that has spilled into the rest of the country.

    “President Biden’s policies left Texas and the rest of America defenseless against an unprecedented infiltration of violent criminals, known terrorists, and other hostile foreign actors, like the dangerous Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua,” the governor wrote.

    HOUSE REPUBLICAN INTRODUCES BILL TO REIMBURSE TEXAS FOR BILLIONS SPENT TO SECURE BORDER

    Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has asked the federal government to reimburse his state for the more than $11 billion of taxpayer money it has spent on border security over the past four years. (REUTERS/Callaghan O’hare)

    In response to the federal government’s lack of action at the border, Abbott took matters into his own hands and launched Operation Lone Star in March 2021, which deployed the Texas National Guard and Texas Department of Public Safety to the US-Mexico border.

    Operation Lone Star has reduced illegal immigration into Texas by 87% over the past four years, proving the “effectiveness of President Donald Trump’s border measures,” according to Abbott, who added that his efforts have shone a national spotlight on the crisis.

    The governor outlined that the operation has also resulted in the apprehension of more than half a million illegal immigrants, stopped more than 140,000 illegal attempts to enter the US, made more than 50,000 criminal arrests, seized more than half a billion lethal doses of fentanyl, built more than 240 miles of border barriers and established the only National Guard base along the Texas-Mexico border.

    “In short, Texas stepped up where the federal government refused and in doing so, protected all Americans from President Biden’s dangerous policies,” Abbott wrote.

    HOUSE REPUBLICANS RENEW PUSH TO REIMBURSE TEXAS FOR ‘OPERATION LONE STAR’ BORDER SECURITY PUSH

    Though he is proud of the operation, Abbott noted that its success came with a high price tag of more than $11.1 billion, which has been, and continues to be, paid by Texas taxpayers when it “should have been the federal government’s responsibility.”

    In a document breaking down the costs, Abbott said that prior to the Biden administration, the state of Texas spent approximately $800 million every two years to supplement federal efforts at the border.

    Illegal immigrants crossing US-Mexico border

    Illegal immigrants pass through coils of razor wire while crossing the U.S.-Mexico border in El Paso, Texas, in March 2024. The wire was placed by the troops as part of Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s “Operation Lone Star” to deter migrants from crossing into Texas. ( John Moore/Getty Images)

    “The burden that our State has borne is a direct result of a refusal by the federal government to do its job,” Abbott wrote. “The work that Texas has done through Operation Lone Star has protected and will continue to benefit the entire country.”

    CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

    House Republicans have introduced bills in the past requesting Texas be reimbursed for the billions spent on border security, but legislation has never been passed.

  • ‘Complete failure’: Government shutdown crisis threatens Capitol Hill as Trump plans policy overhaul

    ‘Complete failure’: Government shutdown crisis threatens Capitol Hill as Trump plans policy overhaul

    There are less than two months until the next government funding deadline on March 14, and House lawmakers are growing increasingly concerned about the speed of their progress on spending talks.

    “I think it’s a complete failure for us to not have a topline number,” said Rep. Cory Mills, R-Fla. 

    Congressional Republicans have been busy negotiating a massive conservative policy and budget overhaul via a process called “reconciliation,” which allows the party holding both the House and Senate to enact sweeping changes by lowering the Senate’s threshold for passage from 60 votes to 51.

    But all the while, Republicans who spoke with Fox News Digital are worried about falling behind on the federal appropriations process for fiscal year (FY) 2025, with no topline funding numbers to work from yet and just 19 days left in session until the deadline.

    TRUMP’S REMAIN IN MEXICO POLICY COULD BE REVIVED UNDER NEW HOUSE GOP BILL 

    U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson is navigating multiple critical legislative actions in the next few months. (Getty Images/AP)

    Congress has extended the FY 2025 deadline twice since the period began Oct. 1 – most recently passing a short-term funding extension of FY 2024 funding levels, known as a continuing resolution (CR), in late December.

    “Appropriation bills have to get done. If we end up with another CR, that would be catastrophic. That would mean, in essence, a reduction on defense [funding],” said Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart, R-Fla., a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee. “But for us to start doing it, we need a topline number. But I’m optimistic we’ll get there.”

    If nothing is done by March 14, Congress could be forced to contend with a partial government shutdown in the middle of their reconciliation talks – and within the first 100 days of President Donald Trump’s second term.

    Other members of the committee suggested they were similarly in the dark about a topline number, but were cautiously hopeful.

    “We are less than eight weeks away from the CR expiring. We need to be able to get those toplines as soon as possible and get to work,” said Rep. Stephanie Bice, R-Okla. “I have full faith and confidence that Tom Cole will be able to make that happen in the next week or two.”

    Cory Mills speaks during press conference

    Rep. Cory Mills blasted Congress for not having a topline appropriations number yet. (David Dee Delgado)

    Rep. Mark Alford, R-Mo., said House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole, R-Okla., has been “in consultation” with his counterparts on a towline number.

    Asked about the possibility of another CR, he said, “We have several things going on at once – the reconciliation package, raising the debt ceiling, and the appropriations process. So let’s just hope for the best and deal with the worst if we have to.”

    Republican leaders have previously been forced to seek Democratic support to pass CRs, which normally hit a wall of opposition among a cross-section of the GOP.

    TRUMP’S ICE RACKS UP HUNDREDS OF ARRESTS, INCLUDING ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS ARRESTED FOR HORROR CRIMES

    Conservative hardliners told Fox News Digital they’re bracing for another CR or, worse in their eyes, a massive package combining Congress’ 12 regular appropriation bills into one massive “omnibus.”

    Rep. Ralph Norman, R-S.C., said he and other conservatives were working on a bill to keep border security operations funded in the event of a government shutdown.

    “We’re running out of time,” he said, adding that Republicans should “probably stay in next week” instead of flying to their annual issues conference in Miami.

    Rep. Ralph Norman, R-S.C.

    Rep. Ralph Norman said he is working on a bill to keep the border funded in the event of a shutdown. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

    Rep. Keith Self, R-Fla., pointed out that House lawmakers have just over two weeks’ worth of days in session to come up with a plan.

    “I’m very concerned. I’m also concerned that if we screw up the CR on March the 14th, does it poison the reconciliation negotiations?” Self posed.

    CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

    But not all conservatives are concerned. House Freedom Caucus Chair Andy Harris, R-Md., said he would be in favor of a full-year CR if “we write it properly.”

    “You tell me what the topline is, and I’ll tell you whether I’m concerned,” he said.

    Fox News Digital reached out to congressional Republican leaders and the House Appropriations Committee for comment.

    Elizabeth Elkind is a politics reporter for Fox News Digital leading coverage of the House of Representatives. Previous digital bylines seen at Daily Mail and CBS News.

    Follow on Twitter at @liz_elkind and send tips to [email protected]

  • Ben & Jerry’s co-founder launches contest to support Elon Musk’s Dept of Government Efficiency: ‘DOGE vs Blob’

    Ben & Jerry’s co-founder launches contest to support Elon Musk’s Dept of Government Efficiency: ‘DOGE vs Blob’

    Andreessen Horowitz general partner Katherine Boyle discusses the impact of leadership change on the defense sector on ‘The Claman Countdown.’

    Ben & Jerry’s co-founder Ben Cohen threw his support behind Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) with the launch of a new meme contest on Monday.

    On the day of President Donald Trump’s inauguration and the establishment of DOGE, Cohen posted on X that he would be launching the “DOGE vs. Blob” website as a way of backing the department.

    “Pentagon bureaucrats torch $2 million of taxpayer money every minute. In honor of @DOGE, I’m launching @dogevsblob, a meme contest highlighting the biggest gov’t spender + waster. We’re giving away 1,000 @dogecoin a day. If anyone can slash the Pentagon budget, @elonmusk can. Let’s support him,” Cohen wrote.

    VERMONT NATIVE AMERICAN CHIEF SAYS BEN & JERRY’S HEADQUARTERS ON ‘STOLEN’ LAND

    Cohen linked to the website and told followers that they could enter for free up to nine times a day for the next 100 days. He wrote that he will select the two best memes for the grand prize of 10,000 DOGE coins each.

    The “DOGE vs. Blob” website highlighted multiple examples of government waste at the Pentagon, stressing how the DOD had failed its seventh consecutive audit in a row.

    “Unelected bureaucrats in Washington are torching $2 million of taxpayer money every minute — fueling endless wars, lining their pockets, and drowning the nation deeper into debt. Over $6 trillion has gone to disastrous war efforts, malfunctioning weapons systems, and crony contracts. That ends now,” the website says.

    President Donald Trump established Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) after his inauguration on Monday. (Getty Images / iStock / Getty Images)

    It continued, “Elon created DOGE to take down the Pentagon’s bloated budget, nicknamed the Blob for its uncontrollable sprawl. Join the coalition of Blob slayers by spreading facts that inform, shock, and move the needle on Washington’s most wasteful farce — and stack some dogecoin while you’re at it.”

    BEN & JERRY’S GETS ‘BUD LIGHT TREATMENT’ AFTER CLAIMING JULY 4 THAT US SITS ON ‘STOLEN INDIGENOUS LAND’

    In a comment to FOX Business, Cohen said, “I’m supporting an issue and I’m happy to work together with anyone else who supports that issue… I think the key to get anything done in the country is to work with people of any political persuasion where you have common ground. And that’s what I’m looking to do.”

    Cohen and his company have often supported progressive politicians and causes, such as Ben & Jerry’s controversial July 4th tweet in 2023 calling for the U.S. to return “stolen Indigenous land.”

    However, Cohen has also previously voiced his disdain for U.S. involvement in Ukraine’s war with Russia and called for peace negotiations, which Musk has endorsed.

    Ben & Jerry's logo on smartphone

    Ben & Jerry’s co-founder Ben Cohen launched the “DOGE vs. Blob” website. (Pavlo Gonchar/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images / Getty Images)

    GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE

    “In the end, money won,” Cohen said in 2023. “And today, not only are they providing weapons to all the new NATO countries, but they’re providing weapons to Ukraine.”

    “I’m not supporting Russia, I’m not supporting Ukraine,” he added. “I’m supporting negotiations to end the war instead of providing more weapons to continue the war.”

  • As second Trump term starts, anger at government, business soars globally

    As second Trump term starts, anger at government, business soars globally

    Rep. Mark Harris, R-N.C., expresses confidence in passing Trump’s legislative priorities through both Republican-controlled chambers and the ‘strong indication’ that America is a world leader again.

    Edelman has now been conducting its annual trust survey –  which is a nonprobability-based survey – for a quarter-century, and the global communications firm says this year’s findings are particularly alarming.

    The 2025 Edelman Trust Barometer released Sunday found there is an unprecedented lack of faith in institutional leaders, with an all-time high of 70% of respondents saying they believe government officials, business leaders, and journalists deliberately mislead them.

    A protestor uses a megaphone during a demonstration in front of Apollo theater as New York Mayor Eric Adams delivers his fourth and potentially final State of the City speech in Harlem on January 09, 2025 in New York City. (Kena Betancur/VIEWpress / Getty Images)

    The survey, which polled 33,000 people across 28 countries, also found the fear of falling victim to discrimination is at an all-time high. In the U.S. alone, 50% of the white population expressed feeling discrimination, while more than 60% feel aggrieved by inflation, job loss risk, and downward social mobility.

    The findings also indicated an unprecedented decline in employer trust worldwide.

    ‘BIDENOMICS’ UNDER FIRE: SMALL BUSINESS EARNINGS PLUNGE DESPITE GDP GROWTH

    “Of the highly-aggrieved their observed experience is: You’ve got high inflation, you’ve got job risk, globalization, and [people are asking], ‘Is business really looking out for us?” said Edelman CEO Richard Edelman.

    “I think it’s a moment in time for business to perform better,” he told FOX Business in an interview. “To reskill, to pay good wages, to have affordable products, and do what business does best, which is have an impact by making a profit.”

    A ‘Mornings with Maria’ panel provides their reactions to the December jobs report, detailing the impact it may have on the U.S. economy.

    Another trend shown in the findings is that there is a lack of hope for the next generation. Confidence in a better future is at just 36%, with lows in every Western democracy, including France (9%), the UK (17%), and the U.S. (30%).

    People also increasingly see violence as a solution to their grievances, with 4 in 10 respondents, and 53% of those aged 18–34, saying they approve of violence, property damage, or misinformation as tools for change.

    ENERGY AND FOOD PRICES DROVE INFLATION IN DECEMBER

    At the same time, 67% of respondents said they are convinced the wealthy take more than their fair share, three-quarters overall report having financial issues due to inflation, and respondents increasingly see capitalism as a failure due to their economic situations, with 55% of 18–34-year-olds saying capitalism does more harm than good.

    Protest sign reads, 'Magic doesn't pay the bills' at Disneyland cast member demonstration

    Disney employees rally outside the main entrance of Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California, on July 17, 2024, ahead of a planned strike authorization vote. Distrust of institutions, including business, has soared worldwide, according to the latest (Photo by FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images / Getty Images)

     “It’s amazing to me that half the people in our study now question whether capitalism works – that’s a bad thing, ” Edelman said, suggesting the reason could be because capitalism has been performing for some and less well for others, or possibly because of how it’s been positioned by certain politicians. 

    GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE

    “But we have to make sure that people believe the system works,” he said. “And it’s not just the political system, it’s the economic system, unfairness. And I think the last thing that’s happened that’s really important over the years is the battle for truth and the breakdown of the information system.”

  • Gazetted Holidays 2025 Full Calendar: Check Public and Bank Holiday Dates for Central and Government Office in India

    Gazetted Holidays 2025 Full Calendar: Check Public and Bank Holiday Dates for Central and Government Office in India

    The Central Government of India has officially published the list of gazetted holidays for the year 2025, offering clarity on when government offices across the country will remain closed. This annual list serves as a vital reference for public offices, private companies, and individuals to plan their schedules for the upcoming year. Gazetted holidays are official holidays that all government institutions are required to observe. These holidays commemorate significant national, cultural, or religious events and are observed nationwide. On the other hand, restricted holidays are optional, allowing employees to choose based on personal preference, religious significance, or cultural importance. The availability and observance of restricted holidays may differ depending on the region or the specific organization’s policy. Hindu Festivals Calendar 2025: Know the Dates of Holi, Chaitra Navratri, Durga Puja, Ganesh Chaturthi, Diwali and Other Major Festivals in India. 

    Gazetted Holidays 2025 Full Calendar

    Here is the official list of gazetted holidays for Central Government Offices in India for 2025:

    • Republic Day:  26-January, Sunday

    • Maha Shivaratri: 26 February, Wednesday

    • Holi: 14 March, Friday

    • Id-ul-Fitr: 31 March, Monday

    • Mahavir Jayanti: 10 April, Thursday

    • Good Friday: 18 April, Friday

    • Buddha Purnima: 12 May, Monday

    • Id-ul-Zuha (Bakrid): 7 June, Saturday

    • Muharram: 6 July, Sunday

    • Independence Day: 15 August Friday

    • Janmashtami: 16 August, Saturday

    • Milad-un-Nabi (Id-e-Milad): 5 September, Friday

    • Mahatma Gandhi’s Birthday: 2 October, Thursday

    • Dussehra: 2 October, Thursday

    • Diwali (Deepavali): 20 October, Monday

    • Guru Nanak’s Birthday: 5 November, Wednesday

    • Christmas Day: 25 December, Thursday

    Restricted Holidays 2025

    In addition to the gazetted holidays, employees can choose up to two restricted holidays from the following list:

    • New Year’s Day: 1 January, Wednesday

    • Guru Gobind Singh’s Birthday: 6 January, Monday

    • Makar Sankranti / Magha Bihu / Pongal 14: January, Tuesday

    • Basant Panchami: 2 February, Sunday

    • Guru Ravi Das’s Birthday: 12 February, Wednesday

    • Shivaji Jayanti: 19 February, Wednesday

    • Birthday of Swami Dayananda Saraswati: 23 February, Sunday

    • Holika Dahan: 13 March, Thursday

    • Dolyatra: 14 March, Friday

    • Ram Navami: 16 April, Sunday

    • Janmashtami (Smarta): August Friday

    • Ganesh Chaturthi / Vinayaka Chaturthi: 27 August, Wednesday

    • Onam or Thiruonam: 5 September, Friday

    • Dussehra (Saptami): 29 September, Monday

    • Dussehra (Mahashtami): 30 September, Tuesday

    • Dussehra (Mahanavmi): 1 October, Wednesday

    • Maharishi Valmiki’s Birthday: 7 October, Tuesday

    • Karaka Chaturthi (Karwa Chouth): 10 October, Friday

    • Naraka Chaturdasi: 20 October, Monday

    • Govardhan Puja: 22 October Wednesday

    • Bhai Dooj: 23 October, Thursday

    • Pratihar Shashthi / Surya Shashthi (Chhat Puja): 28 October, Tuesday

    • Guru Teg Bahadur’s Martyrdom Day: 24 November, Monday

    • Christmas Eve: 24 December, Wednesday

    The gazetted holidays listed above highlight the diverse cultural, religious, and national observances in India. They serve as a valuable tool for planning, ensuring that public and private sector employees alike can observe these important occasions with respect.

    (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 11, 2025 02:15 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).

  • Tamil Nadu Government Holiday List For Pongal 2025: State Govt Employees to Enjoy Extended Holiday, Check Dates and Other Details Here

    Tamil Nadu Government Holiday List For Pongal 2025: State Govt Employees to Enjoy Extended Holiday, Check Dates and Other Details Here

    Chennai, January 4: The Tamil Nadu government has declared January 17, 2025, a holiday for government offices, public sector undertakings, and educational institutions, adding to the existing public holidays for Pongal. This creates an extended six-day holiday from January 14 to January 19, as January 18 and 19 fall on a Saturday and Sunday, respectively.

    The holidays include Pongal on January 14, Thiruvalluvar Day on January 15, and Uzhavar Thirunal on January 16, followed by the newly announced January 17 holiday. To compensate, institutions will function on January 25. List of Long Weekends in 2025 in India: Check Out the New Year Calendar for the Holiday Dates To Plan Vacations and Weekend Getaways.

    Pongal, a major Hindu harvest festival celebrated predominantly in Tamil Nadu, is marked by gratitude to nature and a sense of abundance and togetherness. The festival spans four days, with Thai Pongal on the second day coinciding with Makar Sankranti. This aligns with North Indian traditions like holy dips in the Ganges. Maharashtra Government Holiday List 2025: State Govt Announces Dates for All Holidays on Account of Festivities and Observances, Check Complete Details.

    Earlier, Tamil Nadu government employees were set to enjoy a four-day break for Pongal. However, many had appealed to Chief Minister MK Stalin for an additional public holiday on January 17, which could extend the break to nine days, from January 11 to 19. The request has been considered.

    This long holiday weekend allows people to celebrate the harvest festival with family and friends, embracing the festive spirit and strengthening community bonds.

    (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 04, 2025 06:08 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).