Five must-read stories—December 28

Banks want cash curbs to stay till new notes come in

Banks have asked the government to extend the curbs on cash withdrawals beyond December 30 until an adequate quantity of new currency is injected. The banks fear that lifting the curbs immediately could disrupt branch operations as a large number of people could turn up to withdraw cash, according to The Indian Express.

Tainted Suresh Kalmadi named IOA life president

In a stunning development, the Indian Olympic Association has named Commonwealth Games scam-tainted Suresh Kalmadi and controversial former president of the Boxing Federation of India Abhay Singh Chautala as honorary lifetime presidents. A life president has no voting powers and can only attend an AGM, reports The Hindu.

50% reservation in Bihar judicial services, women quota stays

The Bihar government on Tuesday approved 50℅ reservation in the state’s judicial services. The reservation will include 21℅ for EBCs, 12℅ for OBCs, 16℅ for SCs and one for STs. There will be 35℅ quota for women in all categories under the existing policy, reports The Indian Express.

Tax high-value cash transactions, says digital payments panel

A committee on digital payments, headed by Niti Aayog principal advisor and former finance secretary RP Wattal, has recommended that “cash transactions should be disincentivised by imposing nominal charges after a certain limit,” reports The Quint.

Carrie Fisher, ‘Star Wars’ royalty, dies at 60

Carrie Fisher, the actress, author and screenwriter who brought a rare combination of nerve, grit and hopefulness to her most indelible role, as Princess Leia in the “Star Wars” movie franchise, died on Tuesday morning. She was 60. She had a heart attack on a flight from London to Los Angeles on Friday and had been hospitalised in Los Angeles, reports The New York Times.