Pioneer in short
PSU banks to face disruption today
Banking operations at public sector banks across the country are expected to be disrupted on Tuesday as the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) goes ahead with a nationwide strike to press for the implementation of a five-day work week. The strike follows the failure of a conciliation meeting with the Chief Labour Commissioner on January 23. UFBU, an umbrella body of nine unions representing bank officers and employees, said it received no assurance on its long-pending demand to declare all Saturdays as holidays. With banks already closed on Sunday and on Republic Day, the strike will disrupt branch-level services for three consecutive days. Transactions such as cash deposits and withdrawals, cheque clearances and routine administrative work at public sector banks, including State Bank of India, Punjab National Bank and Bank of Baroda, are likely to be affected. Union leaders said the five-day work week was agreed upon during the wage revision settlement with the Indian Banks’ Association in March 2024 and would not result in a loss of man-hours, as employees have agreed to work longer hours on weekdays. Private sector banks are expected to function normally. Digital banking services will continue, though ATM cash availability may face localised issues. Several public sector banks, including SBI, have cautioned customers about possible disruptions.
Pakistan delays T20I WC decision
Pakistan on Monday deferred a final decision on its participation in the upcoming men’s T20 World Cup, keeping open the possibility of boycotting its marquee group-stage match against co-hosts India in solidarity with Bangladesh, who were recently ousted from the tournament. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said a final call would be taken either on Friday or next Monday following a meeting between PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad. Naqvi later said the matter was discussed at length and that the Prime Minister had directed the board to consider all available options. According to sources, the Prime Minister asked the PCB to extend all possible support to Bangladesh, who were replaced by Scotland in the 20-team event starting February 7.
States celebrate Republic Day
Leaders cutting across party lines on Monday called for upholding constitutional values as the country marked its 77th Republic Day with parades and official ceremonies in states and Union territories. While ruling party leaders highlighted governance achievements, several opposition leaders accused the BJP-led Centre of weakening constitutional institutions. UP CM Yogi Adityanath said citizens are the true guardians of the Constitution and stressed accountability of all institutions. Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann criticised the Centre over pending funds, saying states were being forced to fight for their rights. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin called for celebrating a “unified, not uniform” India, while Karnataka’s Siddaramaiah and Kerala’s Pinarayi Vijayan warned against efforts to undermine constitutional autonomy and federalism.
