Category: India

Delhi Police’s Intelligence Fusion and Strategic Operation (IFSO) cell has registered an FIR over an alleged lewd remark made on the widow of Kirti Chakra Captain Anshuman Singh on social media platform X, officials said on Saturday.

The National Commission for Women (NCW) on Monday took a suo motu cognisance and filed a complaint before Delhi Police regarding the matter.

The social media platform has also been contacted to provide details about the handle that allegedly passed the lewd comment, he said.

Source: https://www.news18.com/india/delhi-police-register-fir-over-lewd-remark-on-captain-anshuman-singhs-widow-8964645.html

The speed of the train was slow and it stopped on the bridge but by that time the couple had jumped. The train driver and the guard got down from the bridge and picked up the couple, who were seriously injured.

Source: https://www.deccanherald.com/india/rajasthan/couple-jumps-from-bridge-in-front-of-approaching-train-in-rajasthans-pali-3104794

The Court explained that for Talaq/ Talaak (divorce) pronouncement to be valid, it has to be pronounced at a specific interval, in the presence of witnesses and after efforts to reconcile do not bear any fruit.

The mere pronouncement Talaak or Talaq (a form of divorce) three times by a husband is not enough to end a Muslim marriage or to escape obligations such as the duty to maintain one’s wife, held the Jammu and Kashmir High Court recently.

Justice Vinod Chatterji Koul observed that for a Talaak pronouncement to be valid, there are several accompanying acts to be carried out, including the need to pronounce Talaaq at a specific interval, the presence of witnesses and reconciliation efforts.

“For making divorce (Talaak) valid, it is not enough that it is pronounced in presence of two witnesses. The witnesses must be endued with justice as the purpose is to ensure that the witnesses, prompted by their sense of justice, may request and persuade the spouses on the verge of separation to calm down, resolve their disputes and lead a peaceful marital life,” the Court said.

In this regard, reliance was placed on the High Court’s 2012 ruling in Mohammad Naseem Bhat v/s Bilquees Akhter and another.

Justice Koul added that a husband who wishes to evade any obligation to maintain his wife by claiming that he divorced her must not only prove that he pronounced Talaak or executed a divorce deed, but also prove the following ingredients:

– that efforts were made by the representatives of both husband and wife to settle the marital dispute and that such efforts were not fruitful;

– that there was a valid reason and genuine case for the divorce;

– Talaak was pronounced in the presence of two witnesses endued with justice;

– Talaak was pronounced during a period of tuhr (between two menstrual cycles) without indulging in sexual intercourse with the divorcee during the said tuhr.

“It is only after the husband pleads and proves all the above ingredients that divorce-Talaak would operate and marriage between the parties would stand dissolved so as to enable husband to escape obligations under the marriage contract, including one to maintain his wife. The Court in all such cases would give a hard look to the case projected by the husband and insist on strict proof,” the Court said in its July 4 order.

The High Court was hearing a case where the estranged wife of a man had initially secured an ex-parte maintenance order in 2009. This was challenged by the husband. The dispute later reached the High Court and the matter was remitted back to a trial court in 2013.

In February 2018, the trial court ruled in favour of the husband by finding that the parties were no longer married. However, an additional sessions court set aside this order and ordered the man to pay a monthly maintenance of ₹3,000 to the wife.

This was challenged by the man (petitioner) before the High Court in 2018.

In submissions before the High Court, the petitioner clarified that he did not pronounce instant triple talaq, which was struck down by the Supreme Court as unconstitutional in the Shayaro Bano case.

He also placed on record a Talaknama (divorce deed) conveyed to his wife.

The Court, however, was not impressed by these arguments.

Source: https://www.barandbench.com/news/husband-cannot-avoid-maintenance-pronouncing-talaq-thrice-jammu-and-kashmir-high-court

Chief Justice DY Chandrachud recently spoke at the convocation ceremony of Dr. Ram Manohar Lohiya National Law University, on the value of embracing local languages as a way of efficient justice delivery mechanism.

In the address, he highlighted the cultural adjustments he faced moving from Mumbai to Allahabad as a High Court Judge and how these experiences shaped his views on the legal profession and education in India.

When Chief Justice Chandrachud moved from the Bombay High Court to the Allahabad High Court, he encountered a significant cultural shift. In Mumbai, court proceedings were primarily in English, but in Allahabad, he noticed that many local lawyers presented their cases in Hindi. This experience made him realise that the skill of advocacy gets enhanced when one is presenting a case in the language he is comfortable in.

A CBI Exclusive Magistrate had on July 2 rejected the CBI’s application seeking remand of the accused persons.

The Patna High Court on Friday permitted the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to take custody of 13 persons accused in a National Eligibility cum Entrance Test undergraduate (NEET-UG 2024) paper leak case. [The Central Bureau of Investigation v. Nitish Kumar & Ors]

A CBI Exclusive Magistrate had on July 2 rejected the CBI’s application seeking remand of the accused persons.

However, Justice Sandeep Kumar of the High Court took note of the seriousness of the case and stayed the CBI Exclusive Magistrate’s order.

“Considering the seriousness of the case and in the interest of justice, the operation of the order dated 02.07.2024 passed by the the Exclusive Magistrate, C.B.I., Patna in F.I.R. No. RC.2212024E0006-CBI/EO-III/New Delhi shall remain stayed”, the Court said in its July 12 order.

The Court granted fifteen days of custody of the accused persons to the CBI.

Source: https://www.barandbench.com/news/neet-ug-2024-patna-high-court-allows-cbi-custody-13-accused-paper-leak-case

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said Doval and Sullivan reiterated the need to work ‘collectively’ to address global challenges to peace and security and further expand the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership.

New Delhi: National Security Advisor Ajit Doval held a phone conversation on Friday with his American counterpart Jake Sullivan amid some indication of unease in India-US ties following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Russia.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said Doval and Sullivan reiterated the need to work “collectively” to address global challenges to peace and security and further expand the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership.

It said the two national security advisors agreed to work closely to further advance India-US relations, which are “built on shared values and common strategic and security interests”.

“They discussed a wide range of issues of bilateral, regional and international concern and forthcoming high-level engagements under the Quad framework to be held in July 2024 and later in the year,” the MEA said in a statement.

The phone conversation between the NSAs came a day after US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti appeared to be critical of India’s ties with Russia.

Source: https://www.deccanherald.com/india/nsa-doval-speaks-to-us-counterpart-sullivan-discusses-global-challenges-to-peace-3103955

BMC engineer Sunil Dalvi, who was posted at the ‘N’ ward was questioned by the crime branch but he was not arrested.

The Mumbai Police’s Crime Branch filed a 3,299-page chargesheet in the Ghatkopar illegal hoarding collapse case which killed over 17 and injured 100 plus individuals during the incident that took place on May 13.

According to senior police officials, the charge sheet includes witness statements of 102 people which two officers from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and the Railway Police, Government Railway Police (GRP) statements of six personnel have been added as key witness statements. Along with this, individuals who witnessed the collapse, the workers nearby who witnessed the construction activities, etc, have been added as key witnesses, the police said.

Police even recorded the statements of the family and relatives of the 17 people who were killed which has been made into the chargesheet, along with the survivors of the hoarding collapse incident.

As of now, the Crime Branch has arrested several individuals allegedly involved in the crash of the hoarding and including the owner of the hoarding – Bhavesh Bhinde. Bhinde’s former employees who were present as decision makers in the company when they received the contract for the hoarding – Janhavi Marathe and Sagar Patil along with the structural engineer Manoj Sandhu, who issued stability certificates without inspection – were arrested by the police. All four are in judicial custody for serious criminal offences.

BMC engineer Sunil Dalvi, who was posted at the ‘N’ ward was questioned by the crime branch but he was not arrested.

The Centre on Thursday constituted a single-member committee to investigate the eligibility of the controversial probationary IAS officer Puja Khedkar.

Pune Rural Police on Friday registered an FIR against Manoram Khedkar and Dilip Khedkar, the parents of Maharashtra cadre IAS officer Dr. Puja Khedkar, and five others.

This comes after a complaint from a local farmer who alleged that he was threatened by Manoram Khedkar. The FIR has been filed under sections 323, 504, and 506 of the IPC. Charges under the Arms Act have also been included, said Manoj Yadav, Senior Police Inspector, Paud Police Station.

Puja Khedkar, who is facing an array of allegations ranging from aggressive treatment of junior staff, illegal occupation of the ante-chamber of Additional Collector Ajay More, misusing the disability and Other Backward Class (OBC) quota to secure a position in the IAS, and illegally using a red-blue beacon on her private vehicle, has been transferred to Washim District Collectorate as an assistant collector.

Amid the ongoing row, a video surfaced on social media in which the IAS officer’s mother, Manorama Khedkar, is seen threatening a farmer with a gun.

According to local media reports, the Khedkar family purchased 25 acres of land in Mulshi taluka of Pune district. Allegedly, they attempted to encroach on the neighbouring farmer’s land. When the farmer objected, Manorama Khedkar arrived with bouncers and threatened him while brandishing a gun.

Source: https://www.freepressjournal.in/pune/pune-trainee-ias-puja-khedkars-parents-booked-under-arms-act-for-threatening-farmer

The bypolls in 13 Assembly constituencies across seven states were the first electoral exercise since the Lok Sabha polls.

The counting is currently underway for bypolls to 13 Assembly seats across seven states. The electoral exercise was the first since the Lok Sabha polls, which saw the BJP-led NDA forming the government for a third straight term.

Here are points on Assembly bypoll results 2024:

Regarded as a crucial ‘semi-final’ contest leading up to the Maharashtra Assembly election later this year, the MLC polls witnessed 11 seats up for grabs with 12 candidates vying for them

The BJP entered the fray with five candidates, including Pankaja Munde, daughter of the late senior leader Gopinath Munde, who secured wins. Likewise, both the Shinde Sena and Ajit Pawar’s NCP fielded two candidates, all of whom emerged victorious.

The opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi coalition, consisting of the Congress and factions of Sena and NCP, led by Uddhav Thackeray and Sharad Pawar, respectively, presented three candidates for the election.

Regarded as a crucial ‘semi-final’ contest leading up to the Maharashtra Assembly election later this year, the MLC polls witnessed 11 seats up for grabs with 12 candidates vying for them.

The results, while expected given the indirect election process where MLCs are elected by Assembly lawmakers, reflected the strength of each party’s legislative backing. With BJP boasting 103 MLAs and fielding five candidates, Mahayuti secured four seats, falling just short of the fifth. Similarly, the Shinde Sena and Ajit Pawar’s NCP, being nine and seven MLAs short, had a combined deficit of 28 votes for the nine contested seats.

Source: https://www.businesstoday.in/india/story/maharashtra-mlc-polls-bjp-allies-mahayuti-alliance-clinches-victory-winning-9-of-11-seats-437005-2024-07-13

Speaking exclusively to India Today TV, Captain Anshuman Singh’s father, Ravi Pratap Singh, revealed that his daughter-in-law not only relocated the official address in her late husband’s documents from Lucknow to Gurdaspur but also monopolised all communication regarding their son

The family of the late Captain Anshuman Singh, who very courageously sacrificed his life during a fire incident in Siachen back in July last year, has come forward with disturbing allegations against his widow, Smriti.

The grieving parents of the fallen hero claim that Smriti took possession of the Kirti Chakra, a prestigious gallantry award posthumously bestowed upon their son by the government, along with his personal belongings, including a cherished photo album and clothing.

Speaking exclusively to India Today TV, Captain Anshuman Singh’s father, Ravi Pratap Singh, revealed that his daughter-in-law not only relocated the official address in her late husband’s documents from Lucknow to Gurdaspur but also monopolised all communication regarding their son.

“We married Anshuman with Smriti after his consent. After the wedding, she started staying with my daughter in Noida. On July 19, 2023, when we received information about Anshuman’s death, I called them to Lucknow, and we went to Gorakhpur for his last rites. But after tehravi, (a funeral ritual), she (Smriti) insisted on going back to Gurdaspur,” said Ravi Pratap Singh.

Recounting the aftermath of Anshuman’s tragic demise, Pratap Singh also expressed his dismay at the apparent seizure of the award and belongings by Smriti.

The parents even lamented their inability to even touch the revered Kirti Chakra awarded to his son by the President.

Further, Captain Anshuman Singh’s mother, Manju, detailed a distressing incident. She said, “On July 5, I attended the award ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan with Smriti. When we were leaving the event, upon the insistence of Army officers, I held the Kirti Chakra for a photo once. But after that, Smriti took the Kirti Chakra from my hands.”

Source:https://www.businesstoday.in/india/story/could-not-even-touch-kirti-chakra-parents-of-late-captain-allege-daughter-in-law-took-away-gallantry-award-436879-2024-07-12

MUMBAI: India could emerge as the world’s second largest economy by 2031 and the largest economy by 2060, riding on a stable investment rate, macroeconomic and financial stability, favourable demographics and growth multipliers like digitisation, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) deputy governor Michael Patra said on Friday.

The role of monetary policy will be crucial in navigating India’s inflation rate with global levels, which will help preserve both the internal and external value of rupee, Patra said in a speech at the mid-career training programme for officials of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration, Mussoorie.

According to experts, a strict cycle to eliminate horizontal transmission from adult mosquitoes and vertical transmission in the larvae will help reduce the transmission of Zika virus

To combat the Zika virus disease threat in Maharashtra, especially Pune city, experts from the National Centre for Vector Borne Diseases Control (NCVBDC), ministry of health and family welfare (MoHFW), have decided to focus on reducing viraemia and transmission of the virus in the vector, officials said.

Dr Sarita Sakpal, senior regional director (Maharashtra, Goa, and Daman & Diu), NCVBDC, said, “The infected adult mosquitoes will be eliminated, including the larvae which might be carrying the virus. The patients who are infected with Zika virus will be protected from mosquito bites to prevent mosquitoes from being infected with the Zika virus.”

Dr Sakpal further said that the current spread of Zika virus will be contained if we follow this, and it has to be followed strictly for 14 days. The patients who have tested positive for Zika virus will be asked to use mosquito repellent creams, liquids, coils, mats etc. Furthermore, they will be asked to wear full sleeve shirts and full pants with socks and use bed nets to prevent mosquito bites, she informed.

“Containment activities will kill the infected mosquitoes but new mosquitoes can get infected with the virus and spread it to other people. The Zika-infected patients cannot be isolated so they will be asked to live in a mosquito-free environment. Eventually, everyone should follow the personal prophylactic measures to prevent vector-borne diseases,” Dr Sakpal said.

According to experts, a strict cycle to eliminate horizontal transmission from adult mosquitoes and vertical transmission in the larvae will help reduce the transmission of Zika virus. There is a system developed in rural areas with a hierarchy that is not seriously followed in the municipal corporation areas of Pune, Mumbai, Nashik and Kolhapur among others. Due to this, there is a high prevalence of vector-borne diseases like dengue and chikungunya in these areas, they said.

CBI had arrested the accused Gunde on June 26 from Dehradun. This case was initially registered by the Latur Police at Shivaji Nagar Police Station. Later on, the FIR was taken over by the CBI.

The Rouse Avenue court on Friday granted bail to one Gangadhar Gunde whose counsel claimed that he was wrongly arrested by the CBI due to mistaken identity in an NEET paper case linked to Latur, Maharashtra.
CBI had arrested the accused Gunde on June 26 from Dehradun. This case was initially registered by the Latur Police at Shivaji Nagar Police Station. Later on, the FIR was taken over by the CBI.

Special CBI judge Ankit Singla granted bail to Gangadhar Gunde after hearing arguments of counsel for CBI and the accused.

He has been granted bail on furnishing of a bail bond of ₹ 25,000 and a surety bond of the same amount.

Advocate Kailash More counsel for Gangadhar Rangnath Gunde argued that Gunde had been arrested by the CBI on June 26 from Dehradun due to mistaken identity. He is not the actual man for whom CBI was looking for.

It was also submitted that an FIR was lodged by the CBI about the NEET UG exam 2024 against a person whose name is also Gangadhar but the full name was not revealed. N Gangadhar Appa Nanjuthappa was arrested by the CBI later on.

CBI had lodged the case against unknown persons. N Gangadhar Appa Nanjuthappa has been arrested in Bengaluru.

Advocate More also submitted that Gangadhar Gunde’s name surfaced during the investigation as he met one Sanjay Tukaram Jadhav on October 2.

Gunde met him in Osmanabad about his daughter’s matrimonial dispute at her in-law’s house. There Gunde and Jadhav exchanged their mobile numbers. Gunde made a call to Jadhav on October 3, the bail plea stated.

On the other hand, the counsel for the CBI disputed the submissions of the defence counsel. She argued that one suspect Irenna Konagalwar is on the run and only knows who is actual Gangadhar agency was looking for. So as far now, it can’t be said with surety that the present accused is not the same Gangadhar agency was looking for.

Relying upon the statement of arrested teachers Sanjay Tukaram Jadhav and Jalil Umar Khan Pathan, CBI submitted that Konagalwar knew Gangadhar.

She further pointed out that they have arrested another accused N Gangadhar Appa Nanjuthappa. It was also submitted that the mobile number CBI had was being used by Gunde. Jadhav and Gunde had a conversation.

CBI counsel also submitted that Gangadhar has been arrested in the initial FIR registered on June 23, 2024. His name surfaced during the interrogation of Sanjay Tukaram Jadhav and Jalil Umar Khan Pathan, the FIR named the accused persons.

Counsel for CBI submitted in the court that Gandhar has been arrested on the basis of complaint given by the Inspector ATS Maharashtra police against four persons including Gangadhar. The Complaint had his name and his number and he is Delhi Delhi-based person.

Another man N Gangadhar Nanjuthappa also has been arrested.

One accused namely Irenna Konagalwar is on the run, only he can identify who is real Gangadhar, the agency looking for, CBI counsel submitted.

Source: https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/neet-case-accused-claims-mistaken-identity-led-to-cbi-arrest-gets-bail-6092458

The three gangsters killed in the encounter have been identified as Ashish Kalu, Vicky Ridhana, and Sunny Gujjar

A man who was involved in a murder at a Burger King outlet in Delhi was among three gangsters who were shot dead by a joint team of the Delhi Police Crime Branch and the Haryana Special Task Force in Sonipat today.
The three gangsters killed in the encounter have been identified as Ashish Kalu, Vicky Ridhana, and Sunny Gujjar.

The gang had been going around extorting lakhs of rupees from businessmen in Haryana, the police said. The joint force recovered five pistols from the encounter site.

The Haryana Police had placed rewards of several lakhs of rupees for giving information that could lead to the three men’s hideout.

In the Burger King outlet shooting, a woman was also involved. She allegedly honey-trapped 26-year-old Aman Joon before he was shot dead.

Anu, also known as “Lady Don” among her gang members, is a close aide of gangster Himanshu Bhau. She was part of the trap set up to lure Aman Joon to the Burger King outlet in Delhi’s Rajouri Garden.

As many as 38 bullets of three different makes were fired at Aman Joon inside the fast food outlet. In security camera footage, Anu was seen sitting with Aman when the gunmen opened fire.

Aman’s body was found behind the billing counter, indicating that he tried to flee when the killers opened fire.

The government think tank gave India a score of 71 out of 100 on sustainable development goals, compared with 57 in 2018

The government think tank NITI Aayog on Friday released its fourth evaluation report of India’s progress on the 16 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted in 2015 by all United Nations member countries, giving India a score of 71 out of 100, as compared to 57 in 2018. “SDGs are directly linked to people’s welfare, well-being and quality of life,” B.V.R. Subrahmanyam, NITI Aayog’s CEO, told presspersons at the report’s launch.

The SDG on poverty improved due to what Mr. Subrahmanyam said was a reduction in extreme poverty; the one on hunger reduced while work remained to be done on quality nutrition. Health conditions improved, he said, thanks to better public health and insurance coverage. Education was helped by high teacher-student ratios but teacher quality needed targeted interventions, Mr. Subrahmanyam said.

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/niti-aayog-report-shows-improved-progress-on-sdgs/article68397077.ece

US Ambassador Eric Garcetti expressed concerns regarding Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Russia, particularly in light of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Garcetti argued that concepts like “strategic autonomy” should not hinder international cooperation during crises, suggesting India could leverage its relationship with Russia to influence a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

While addressing an event held at the United Service Institution of India, Garcetti compared the Ukraine crisis with India’s border issue with China at the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

“I know…and I respect that India likes its strategic autonomy. But in times of conflict, there is no such thing as strategic autonomy. We will, in crisis moments, need to know each other. I don’t care what title we put to it, but we will need to know that we are trusted friends, brothers and sisters, colleagues…,” Garcetti said.

Nudging India for a more direct response to Putin’s aggression in Ukraine, Garcetti said, “No war is distant anymore and we must not just stand for peace, we must take concrete actions to make sure those who don’t play by peaceful rules, that their war machines cannot continue unabated.”

Garcetti also compared PM Modi’s visit to Russia with his US visit last year.

“We can read leaders’ agreements, as we might have done this week…look through the ones that are kind of dressed up versus the ones that have to be edited down. I was told when we had the prime minister’s visit, that a state visit that has five to 10 deliverables is a very strong visit. At our peak, we had 173 separate deliverables, that the US and India were working on together,” he said.

Source: https://www.timesnownews.com/india/us-envoys-china-reference-in-blunt-message-to-india-over-pm-modis-russia-trip-article-111674939

This comes after a lizard was allegedly found in the breakfast served to students of a girls’ hostel attached to a government school in Medak district of Telangana on Tuesday, an official said.

Justifying Kejriwal’s arrest in the case, the ED had told the court that he was the mastermind and main conspirator in the case.

Source: https://www.deccanherald.com/india/delhi/excise-case-supreme-court-to-deliver-verdict-on-kejriwals-plea-challenging-arrest-by-ed-on-july-12-3102166

The video of the incident went viral on social media. In the video, it is seen that following an argument, the woman SpiceJet employee slapped the CISF jawan at Jaipur Airport. Her action shocked the other people and staff members and security standing there.

A shocking incident was reported from Jaipur Airport on Thursday where a SpiceJet woman employee slapped a CISF jawan. The shocking incident was captured on camera.

The video of the incident went viral on social media. In the video, it is seen that following an argument, the woman SpiceJet employee slapped the CISF jawan.

The woman’s action shocked one and all standing there. The SpiceJet staff member was reportedly arrested after the incident.

She has been identified as Anuradha Rani and worked as food supervisor with SpiceJet airline.

The woman was reportedly furious after she was stopped by Assistant Sub Inspector Giriraj Prasad from using the vehicle gate. Even as the CISF personnel was trying to make his point, the SpiceJet woman employee suddenly slapped him.

The woman was reportedly furious after she was stopped by Assistant Sub Inspector Giriraj Prasad from using the vehicle gate. Even as the CISF personnel was trying to make his point, the SpiceJet woman employee suddenly slapped him.

However, the CISF jawan exercised restrained and was not provoked by the incident. Meanwhile, a lady security guard took her aside and tried explaining her, showed the video. The incident took place at 4 am on Thursday. The woman has been arrested.

CISF Official Issues Statement

“A female SpiceJet employee was asked to undergo mandatory screening at the nearby entrance for airline crew at Jaipur airport, but no female CISF personnel were available at the time. The female employee got agitated and slapped the on-duty CISF personnel. A case has been registered against her and she has been arrested,” said a senior CISF official.

Source: https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/spicejet-female-employee-slaps-cisf-jawan-at-jaipur-airport-shocking-video-surfaces

It is the first visit by an Indian prime minister to Austria in over 40 years, the last being of Indira Gandhi in 1983.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Vienna on Tuesday from Moscow on a two-day visit to Austria during which the two nations will explore ways to further deepen their bilateral relationship and closer cooperation on the many geopolitical challenges.
It is the first visit by an Indian prime minister to Austria in over 40 years, the last being of Indira Gandhi in 1983.

Prime Minister Modi will call on the President of the Republic of Austria, Alexander Van der Bellen, and hold talks with Chancellor of Austria Karl Nehammer on Wednesday.

The Prime Minister and Chancellor will also address business leaders from India and Austria.

Ahead of his visit to Austria, Modi on Sunday said that the shared values of democracy, freedom and the rule of law form the bedrock upon which the two countries will build an ever-closer partnership.

Modi’s remark came a day after Austrian Chancellor Nehammer posted on ‘X’, “I very much look forward to welcoming Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of India, the world’s largest democracy, next week in Vienna.” “This visit is a special honour as it marks the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister in over 40 years and a significant milestone as we celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations with India,” he said.

“We will have the opportunity to talk about further deepening our bilateral relationship and closer cooperation on the many geopolitical challenges,” the Austrian chancellor said.

Source: https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/pm-modi-arrives-in-austria-1st-visit-by-indian-pm-in-over-40-years-6070774

The 2023-batch on-probation IAS officer is facing serious charges of impropriety and “abuse of power”.

Trainee IAS officer Puja Khedkar, caught in the middle of a massive controversy over claims she made in her UPSC candidature, has properties worth crores, NDTV has found.
According to Ms Khedkar’s “statement of immovable property for the year 2023”, updated as of January 1, 2024, and exclusively accessed by NDTV, the junior officer owns five plots of land and two apartments across Maharashtra. The value of these assets totals a whopping ₹ 22 crore.

The disclosure lists her as the owner of two plots of land in Pune district’s Mahalunge worth nearly ₹ 16 crore, one in Pune district’s Dhadawali worth ₹ 4 crore, and two in Ahmednagar’s Pachunde and Nandur worth ₹ 25 lakh and ₹ 1 crore respectively. The plots in Pachunde and Nandur were a gift from her mother. In all, she owns over 22 acres of land.

She also has two apartments in Ahmednagar and Pune. The 984-square-foot flat in Ahmednagar’s Savedi is worth ₹ 45 lakh and the 724-square-foot apartment in Pune’s Kondhwa is worth ₹ 75 lakh.

All the assets were acquired between 2014 and 2019 and Ms Khedkar earns ₹ 42 lakh annually from them. Moreover, according to Vijay Kumbhar, an RTI activist from Pune, her father has assets worth ₹ 40 crore.

Ms Khedkar posed as an OBC non-creamy layer candidate in her UPSC candidature. In Maharashtra, to qualify as an OBC non-creamy layer candidate, the annual income of the applicant’s parents or the yearly income of the family should not be more than ₹ 8 lakh.

Ms Khedkar, who had an all-India rank of 841, also claimed visual and mental disability. However, she did not undergo the mandatory medical tests to corroborate her disability claims.

Source: https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/exclusive-non-creamy-layer-and-rs-22-crore-assets-the-puja-khedkar-story-6085237

‘San Fernando’, a vessel of the world’s second-largest shipping company Maersk, arrived at the port country with over 2,000 containers on it, thus creating history.

Adani Group’s Vizhinjam Port, India’s first trans-shipment port near Kovalam Beach in Kerala, received its first mothership.
‘San Fernando’, a vessel of the world’s second-largest shipping company Maersk, arrived at the port country with over 2,000 containers on it, thus creating history.

The giant ship was given the traditional water salute following which she berthed successfully.

With the arrival of the first mother ship, Adani Group’s Vizhinjam Port has catapulted India into the world port business as globally this port will rank 6th or 7th.

Those present to receive the mothership included State Ports Minister V.N. Vasavan, officials from the Adani Port and senior state government officials.

The official function will take place on Friday. It will be attended by Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Adani Ports and SEZ Ltd (APSEZ) Managing Director Karan Adani.

Soon after the official inauguration, the mothership will move to its next destination at Colombo and after that many more ships are scheduled to arrive with cargo.

Friday will mark the official completion of the first phase of the port, which has a 3,000-metre breakwater and 800-metre container berth ready.

Of the 32 cranes required, all but one have come. A 1.7 km approach road for connectivity is almost complete, while the office building, security area and electric lines are all ready.

Another feature of this port is that it is the first semi-automated container terminal in the country and will also be a global bunkering hub, supplying clean and green fuels like hydrogen and ammonia. Full-fledged commercial operations in the port are slated to begin in a few months.

The second and third phase of the project is planned to be completed in 2028 and will be one of the greenest ports in the world.

Source: https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/adani-groups-vizhinjam-port-welcomes-1st-mothership-puts-india-in-world-league-6080867

The 2023-batch on-probation IAS officer is facing serious charges of impropriety and “abuse of power”.

Videos of a massive queue, marked by pushing and shoving, as aspirants tried to get a toehold on a ramp leading to the entrance of a hotel in Ankleshwar where the interview was being held, has gone viral on social media.

The Bharuch Police has started a sou motu probe into a stampede-like situation that was witnessed on July 9, when around 1,000 people turned up for walk-in interviews held by a firm for 40 vacancies at Ankleshwar in the district.

Videos of a massive queue, marked by pushing and shoving, as aspirants tried to get a toehold on a ramp leading to the entrance of a hotel in Ankleshwar where the interview was being held, has gone viral on social media. The railing of the ramp finally collapsed, leading to several aspirants falling off, though no one was injured.

A private chemical company, Tharmax Limited, had invited aspirants for walk-in interview for 40 vacancies at hotel Lords Plaza between 9 am and 4.30 pm, the police said. As per the advertisement, the company was to fill vacancies of shift in charge, plant operator, supervisor-CDS, fitter-mechanical and executive-ETP at its new plant in Jhagadia industrial area.

Bharuch SP Mayur Chavda said, “The company was expecting over 150 to 200 applicants, but over 1,000 applicants reached the hotel. The company representatives allowed around 150 to 200 applicants (inside) and closed the main door of the hotel. As those outside tried to enter into the hotel premises, some of them fell… But nobody was injured in the incident.”

He added that no police complaint has been filed in the matter yet. “However, we have taken suo motu action and started an inquiry, as the video has gone viral on social media. We have started calling the company representatives who were handling the interview process and also hotel staffers. If anything comes up during the inquiry, we will take appropriate steps.”

Despite repeated attempts, Thermax Limited officials could not be contacted for a comment.

Meanwhile, late Thursday, the office of Employment Officer (Bharuch), in a statement, said that more than 500 candidates had come for the interview and the company had organised the recruitment drive on its own at the hotel, which was a small place to accommodate over 500 people.

Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/ahmedabad/stampede-like-situation-in-bharuch-as-over-1000-aspirants-arrive-for-walk-in-interview-for-40-vacancies-9447908/

“Smriti, our daughter-in-law, receives most entitlements after our son’s death. However, she does not live with us,” the Captain’s parents told a news channel.

Days after their son received a posthumous Kirti Chakra, India’s second-highest peacetime gallantry award, parents of Captain Anshuman Singh have called for changes in the Indian Army’s ‘next of kin’ (NOK) policy, under which financial assistance is provided to family members in case of an army personnel’s death.

Speaking to TV9 Bharatvarsh, Ravi Pratap Singh and Manju Singh, the late army officer’s parents, put forward their appeal, saying that they want NOK rules to be ‘revisited’ as Smriti Singh, their daughter-in-law, receives most of the entitlements after Anshuman’s death, but does not live with them any more.

An on-duty Captain Anshuman Singh died in a fire incident in Siachen in July last year.

“The criteria set for NOK is not correct. I have also spoken to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh regarding this. Anshuman’s wife does not live with us now…their marriage was only five months old and they have no child. Though we are the co-recipients of his Kirti Chakra, we only have our son’s photo hanging on the wall with a garland on it,” Ravi Pratap Singh told the news channel.

Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/siachen-martyr-captain-anshuman-singhs-parents-want-changes-in-next-of-kin-policy-heres-why-101720748645354.html

The Court upheld a ₹5 lakh fine for non-deployment of airbags, and an additional ₹5 lakh fine for the failure of Mercedes Benz to disclose the limits of the functioning of its airbag features.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday upheld a ₹10 lakh fine imposed on Mercedes Benz India Private Limited for deficiency of service and unfair trade practice on account of the non-deployment of airbags in one of its cars during an accident [Mercedes Benz India Private Limited v. CG Power and Industrial Solutions Limited and Others].

Justices Bela M Trivedi and Justice Pankaj Mithal also rejected an argument by Mercedes that there was no need for airbags on the driver’s side of the car to deploy since the driver was sufficiently restrained by his seat belt.

“Even if it is accepted that the airbags would deploy only when the seat belt was fastened by the passenger, in the instant case admittedly, the frontal airbags of the car were not deployed though the driver had already fastened the seat belt. Thus, the defect in the car was clearly established so far as non-deployment of frontal airbags was concerned,” the Court said.

The Court further pulled up Mercedes Benz for not disclosing either in the owner’s manual or in its brochure about the limits of its airbag feature.

The Court concluded that this was an unfair trade practice and upheld the National Consumer Dispute Redressal Commission’s (NCDRC) decision to slap a total fine of ₹10 lakh for unfair trade practice and deficiency in service.

The Court upheld the NCRDC’s decision to impose ₹25,000 on the automotive company as litigation costs as well.

“Incomplete disclosure or non-disclosure of the complete details with regard to the functioning of the airbags at the time of promotion of the car, has rightly been considered by the National Commission as the “unfair trade practice” on the part of the appellants, and awarded a sum of Rs. 5 lakhs towards it. The National Commission has also rightly balanced the equity by awarding Rs. 5 lakhs only towards the deficiency in service on account of the frontal airbags of the car having not deployed at the time of accident,” the Court said.

The Court was dealing with a case involving a Mercedes Benz, E-Class – E 240 petrol version, bought for around ₹45 lakhs in 2002.

In 2006, a goods carrier collided with the Benz car, leading to serious injuries for both its driver and a passenger (vehicle owner) sitting at the rear seat.

A consumer complaint was lodged over this incident. The vehicle’s owner (complainant) argued that Mercedes Benz had advertised the car as being the safest location on the road, while also boasting of airbags as safety features. However, the airbags did not deploy during the accident.

Source: https://www.barandbench.com/news/airbag-failure-supreme-court-rejects-mercedes-benz-defence-seat-belt-sufficient-protection

Amid the ongoing controversy over “misuse of power” by 2022-batch probationary IAS officer Puja Khedkar, the central government has formed a one-member committee to look into the matter. The panel will probe allegations related to fake certificates and scrutiny at the time of her interview, while the IAS Academy will additionally look into her conduct during probation.

The joint secretary level one-member committee, which will be chaired by a senior officer of the rank of additional secretary to the Government of India, will submit the investigation report in two weeks’ time, top government sources told News18.

The Pune traffic police, meanwhile, sent a notice to Puja after initiating action against her on the use of an amber beacon on her personal Audi car, with ‘Government of Maharashtra’ written on it. A legal action was taken against the vehicle under Section 177 of the Motor Vehicles Act and for violating traffic rules earlier, for which a challan is yet to be paid, the notice said.

“We have received information that you are using the said private vehicle. However, it should be noted that the said private vehicle should be presented at the Chaturshringi Transport Department along with the necessary documents for further legal inspection,” said senior police inspector Shafeel Pathan, Chatushringi traffic division in Pune City.

Police sources further said action there is a fine of Rs 21,000 for violation of traffic rules against Khedkar’s vehicle.

WHAT IS THE CONTROVERSY SURROUNDING TRAINEE IAS OFFICER PUJA KHEDKAR?

The controversy is centred around accusations that she improperly utilised a personal Audi car equipped with VIP registration and emergency lights — a vehicle marked ‘Maharashtra Government’.

Guidelines typically restrict probationary civil servants from availing of certain perks and privileges.

Police on Thursday arrived at Puja’s residence to seek details of the Audi car regarding its ownership and purchase. They are also trying to determine how did she secure permission for the beacon.

Source: https://www.news18.com/india/pressure-mounts-on-pooja-khedkar-police-to-initiate-action-for-use-of-beacon-on-personal-audi-car-8962013.html

A bench of Justices BV Nagarathna and Justice Augustine George Masih pronounced separate but concurring judgments.

The Supreme Court on Wednesday ruled that a divorced Muslim woman can file a claim for maintenance under Section 125 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) against her former husband [Mohd Abdul Samad vs State of Telangana and Another].

Source: https://www.barandbench.com/news/divorced-muslim-woman-claim-maintenance-section-125-crpc-supreme-court

In a notable Judgment delivered by the Supreme Court regarding the right of the Muslim woman to claim maintenance from her husband under Section 125 Cr.P.C., the Court has adverted to the vulnerability suffered by married women in India particularly ‘Homemakers’ who do not have an independent source of income and the problems faced by them in routine life due to not having access to…

Source: https://www.livelaw.in/supreme-court/indian-husbands-must-financially-empower-their-wives-who-dont-have-independent-source-of-income-supreme-court-262944

Jugti Bai’s eldest daughter is 22 years old. She was born when the woman was just 13.

Just two days before the World Population Day on Thursday, a 35-year-old woman becomes the mother of the tenth child in 30 years.

The woman Jugti Bai belonging to the Baiga tribe gave birth to her tenth child at the district hospital. Jugti Bai’s eldest daughter is 22 years old. She was born when the woman was just 13.

When Jugti Bai, wife of Aklu Singh Marawi, resident of Mohgaon, was suffering from labour pain, his family members rushed her to Birsa Hospital from where she was referred to the district hospital, because her condition was deteriorating.

Dr Archana Lilhare of the district hospital who operated upon Jugti Bai said when the woman was brought to the hospital, her condition was serious.

Nevertheless, the operation has been performed and the woman delivered a healthy child, Dr Lilhare said.

The doctors at the Birsa Hospital said there was nothing new in surgical delivery, but a woman giving birth to her tenth child in 30 years was something new.

Nevertheless, neither Jugti Bai nor her husband has undergone a family planning programme as the government excluded the Baiga tribe from it because of their dwindling numbers, the doctors said.

This is the reason why the woman did not undergo any FP operation, the doctors further said.

According to census 2001, there are only 7, 85, 320 people of Baiga tribe in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, and their number across the country is only three million.

In a heartwarming gesture ahead of their wedding festivities, Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant have opened their hearts and home to the larger community. The Ambani family commenced the celebrations that lay ahead with a grand ‘bhandara,’ providing a sumptuous feast for the community. The function was organised at their home Antilia, in Mumbai.

Source: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/company/corporate-trends/anant-ambani-shares-his-joy-by-hosting-a-generous-bhandara-at-antilia/articleshow/111641588.cms?from=mdr

According to officials, the truck was travelling behind the army vehicles on a mountainous road when it slowed down near Badnota village in Lohai Malhar.

The authorities in Jammu and Kashmir have detained 50 people, including a truck driver, for questioning as they searched for the terrorists who ambushed an Army vehicle. Five army personnel died in the attack.

According to officials, a truck was moving behind the army vehicles on a mountainous road. It slowed down near Badnota village in Lohai Malhar, where terrorists attacked from two directions, resulting in the deaths of five army personnel, including a Junior Commissioned Officer.

Authorities are investigating whether the civilian driver intentionally delayed the convoy by requesting to pass through the culvert.

A large-scale search operation, carried out by the army and police despite heavy rain in thick forests spanning four districts, is ongoing.

An official told PTI, “The role of a civilian tipper, which slowed down the speed of this convoy, has come under investigation as it is perceived that the driver deliberately asked for a pass on the culvert. Usually, army vehicles are given preference in these areas, but the tipper still asked for a pass, which slowed down both vehicles.”

The operation — initiated from Kathua, Udhampur, and Bhaderwah — has led to the detention of 50 people for questioning regarding the ambush, officials reported.

Efforts are underway to locate and eliminate terrorists suspected to be hiding in the forest, they added. In another related effort, a search operation is in progress in the upper areas of Doda district following a shootout between terrorists and security forces.

Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/kathua-attack-police-detain-50-people-including-a-truck-driver-101720627711988.html

The accused Mihir was arrested by police on Tuesday from Virar Naka with his friend Avdeep , who was also immediately detained.

Mihir Shah (23), the man driving a BMW limousine who fatally knocked down a woman and injured her husband at Worli on Saturday, had changed his looks when he was on the run after the horrific accident. The Worli police, who produced him before the metropolitan magistrate’s court in Sewri, alleged that he was not cooperating. Also his mobile phone phone, number plate of the car and his licence were yet to be seized.

Mihir Shah’s medical examination was done at JJ Hospital, but the report is not ready yet. He had had alcohol at Global Tapar Bar at Juhu. But medical experts said it is impossible to trace alcohol in the blood after three days. That could be the reason why Mihir avoided getting arrested for that many days. The magistrate has granted six days police custody which will end on July 16.

The police alleged that Mihir’s father Rajesh Shah (50), who is a builder of Palghar, had asked the driver Rishiraj Bidawat (26) to take the blame for the accident. Rajesh Shah, who was expelled from the Shiv Sena by chief minister Eknath Shinde on Wednesday , was arrested earlier and he is currently on bail.

The police said the statements of Mihir Shah and Rishiraj Bidawat, vis-a-vis the accident are not matching. The police have recorded the statement of Pradeep Nakhwa, husband of the deceased, who was riding the scooter that day. Nakhwa said when Mihir rammed into his scooter his wife fell on the road, but she was caught in the front wheel and Mihir drove the car along with her for over 1.5 km. “I was thrown on the bonnet and was screaming to Mihir to stop the car, but he went on high speed,” he added.

The police have recreated the crime scene with Mihir Shah and the driver. Mihir is reported to have confessed that he was behind the wheel at the time of the accident.

Source: https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/worli-hit-and-run-case-bmw-driver-mihir-shah-arrested-accused-changed-appearance-while-on-the-run

Of the nine, five were admitted to a hospital while four others suffered minor injuries, said Puri Collector Siddharth Shankar Swain

At least nine servitors of the Puri Jagannath temple were injured on July 9 when the idol of Lord Balabhadra fell on them while it was being taken out from the chariot to a temple as part of the Rath Yatra festival, an official said.

Of the nine, five were admitted to a hospital while four others suffered minor injuries, Puri Collector Siddharth Shankar Swain said.

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/odisha/idol-of-lord-balabhadra-falls-on-servitors-during-rath-yatra-ritual-in-puri-nine-injured/article68386502.ece

Magistrate KN Shivakumar rejected the application after taking into account the objections raised by the prosecution.

A court in Bengaluru on Tuesday rejected the bail application filed by Karnataka Member of Legislative Council (MLC) Suraj Revanna, elder son of HD Revanna and brother of Prajwal Revanna, in connection with a sexual abuse case.

Magistrate KN Shivakumar, who had reserved orders on Suraj’s bail plea on July 4 this year, rejected the application after taking into account the objections raised by the prosecution.

Earlier, Special Public Prosecutor Ashok Naik had opposed Suraj’s bail plea arguing that there existed prima facie evidence against the accused and that the allegations against him were grave and attracted the maximum punishment of life imprisonment.

Naik had also argued that there was the possibility of Suraj tampering with evidence if let out on bail.

Senior Advocate Aruna Shyam represented Suraj Revanna.

The court’s order is yet to be made public.

Suraj Revanna was arrested by the Hassan Police on June 23 following his interrogation a day prior.

Source: https://www.barandbench.com/news/litigation/bengaluru-court-rejects-suraj-revanna-bail-plea-in-sexual-abuse-case

The Court made the observation while dismissing the Madhya Pradesh’s government appeal against acquittal of an accused in a case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POSCO Act).

The public is largely unaware that the age of consent for sexual intercourse with a girl has been raised from 16 years to 18 years, the Supreme Court said on Tuesday.

A Bench of Justices Sanjiv Khanna, Sanjay Karol and PV Sanjay Kumar today dismissed the Madhya Pradesh’s government appeal against acquittal of an accused in a case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POSCO Act).

“Awareness is still not there that age of consent has been increased from 16 to 18. Else families can intervene and while opposing also say wait till 18,” Justice Khanna remarked before disposing of the matter.

The age of consent was increased from 16 to 18 in India in 2012, with the enforcement of the POSCO Act and subsequent amendments to the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

The problems in proceeding with trial in POCSO cases involving consenting girls have been flagged by multiple members of the judiciary since consensual romantic and sexual relationships involving young girls often lead to prosecution against the male partner.

Many a time, the couple would be married with kids by the time trial starts posing further problems since punishing the accused would mean the woman and the child would be left to fend for themselves.

Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud had in December 2022 noted that the current age of consent under the Act poses difficult questions for judges dealing with such cases, and that the growing concern surrounding this issue needs to be considered by the legislature.

Former Supreme Court judge Justice Indira Banerjee had earlier that year echoed the same view.

The Madhya Pradesh High Court had last year urged the Central government to reduce the age of consent for sex to 16, to redress the “injustice going on with adolescent boys” who enter into consensual sexual relationships.

Source: https://www.barandbench.com/news/awareness-age-consent-sex-18-16-supreme-court

The 850-page report said that the organisers did not disclose the number of devotees expected to take part in the event while applying for permission.

It is the first visit by an Indian prime minister to Austria in over 40 years, the last being of Indira Gandhi in 1983.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Vienna on Tuesday from Moscow on a two-day visit to Austria during which the two nations will explore ways to further deepen their bilateral relationship and closer cooperation on the many geopolitical challenges.
It is the first visit by an Indian prime minister to Austria in over 40 years, the last being of Indira Gandhi in 1983.

Prime Minister Modi will call on the President of the Republic of Austria, Alexander Van der Bellen, and hold talks with Chancellor of Austria Karl Nehammer on Wednesday.

The Prime Minister and Chancellor will also address business leaders from India and Austria.

Ahead of his visit to Austria, Modi on Sunday said that the shared values of democracy, freedom and the rule of law form the bedrock upon which the two countries will build an ever-closer partnership.

Modi’s remark came a day after Austrian Chancellor Nehammer posted on ‘X’, “I very much look forward to welcoming Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of India, the world’s largest democracy, next week in Vienna.” “This visit is a special honour as it marks the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister in over 40 years and a significant milestone as we celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations with India,” he said.

“We will have the opportunity to talk about further deepening our bilateral relationship and closer cooperation on the many geopolitical challenges,” the Austrian chancellor said.

It took the Mumbai Police three days to catch the BMW hit-and-run accused Mihir Shah because he, along with his mother and sisters, had switched off their mobile phones, sources said.

The mobile phone of a friend of the key accused in the Mumbai BMW hit-and-run case led the police to Mihir Shah, who had fled the scene after allegedly running over a woman with his luxury car on Sunday. It took the Mumbai Police three days to catch the accused because he, along with his mother and sisters, had switched off their mobile phones, sources said.
The police had been searching for the family members using their car number. The phone number of Mihir’s friend was also under surveillance.

The BMW car hit fish-seller couple Pradeep Nakhwa and Kaveri Nakhwa in Worli early on Sunday. The 24-year-old was allegedly behind the wheels at the time while his driver, Rajrishi Bidawat, was in the passenger seat. The woman was dragged for nearly 1.5 kilometres. Afterward, Shah and Bidawat exchanged seats and mowed her down again while reversing the car, police said. They then sped away and Shah was missing since then.

According to the police, he left the BMW near Kala Nagar in Bandra and went to his girlfriend’s house in Goregaon. The girlfriend informed his sister about the accident after she came to her house, picked him up and drove to their house in Borivali. From there, the family – his mother (Meena) and two sisters (Puja and Kinjal) – and the friend (Avdeep) left for a resort in Shahpur, nearly 70 km from Mumbai.

How Was Mihir Shah Caught?

Last night, Mihir Shah separated from his family and came with his friend to Virar, around 65 km from Mumbai.

This morning, the friend switched on his phone for 15 minutes and the police got his location and then arrested Shah.

A total of 12 people, including Shah’s mother and sisters, were taken into custody.

Mihir Shah is the son of deputy leader of the Eknath Shinde-led party in Maharashtra’s Palghar district, Rajesh Shah. He allegedly called his father after the crash who then asked him to escape. Rajesh Shah soon reached the spot  and was planning to tow the BMW but a patrolling team, alerted by Kaveri Nakhwa’s husband, reached the spot and caught him and the driver, Bidawat.

Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah on Monday said that the only way to compel Pakistan to cease its sponsorship of terrorism is to increase pressure from the international community.

“The only way forward now is that the pressure of the world on that country must increase,” Abdullah told news agency ANI. “This is not the path to peace. This is the path to destruction. Stop it now.”

Abdullah’s remarks come a day after a deadly ambush in Kathua’s Badnota area, where five soldiers were killed and five injured by heavily-armed terrorists. A large-scale search operation is underway to hunt down those responsible for the attack.

During the interview, Abdullah condemned Pakistan’s belief that infiltrating terrorists into India could bring about change.

“They are wrong. They will fail… I am afraid that our anger will increase so much after this that we might resort to aggression and retaliation. They have already destroyed their country, and now a war will only further destroy it,” he asserted.

Source: https://www.news18.com/india/they-will-fail-farooq-abdullah-calls-for-increased-global-pressure-on-pakistan-to-stop-terrorism-8959488.html

Worli BMW hit-and-run case accused Mihir Shah was hiding in a resort in Virar Phata with his friend. The friend switched on his mobile for 15 minutes this morning, leading to the police tracking them down.

Mihir Shah, the prime accused in the Worli hit-and-run case, was arrested on Tuesday after being untraceable for three days. The police managed to trace Mihir after one of his friends switched on his mobile phone.

Mihir Shah, son of Shiv Sena leader Rajesh Shah, allegedly rammed his BMW into a scooter in Worli, killing a woman. The incident occured on July 7, following which Mihir was untraceable.

After the incident, Mihir Shah went to Bandra’s Kala Nagar area riding the same BMW. His driver Rajrishi Bidawat, who was later arrested, was also with him in the car, sitting in the passenger seat.

Mihir called his father Rajesh Shah and told him about the incident. Rajesh asked his son to leave the city and said that Rajrishi would take blame for the incident.

Mihir then called his girlfriend and reached her home in Goregaon in an autorikshaw. The police found that there were 40 calls between them on July 7 morning.

The accused then slept at his girlfriend’s home for two hours and told her about the accident and death of the woman. She then called his elder sister Pooja, who is also her business partner. Pooja went to the Goregaon home and took Mihir back to their Borivali residence.

Source: https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/mumbai-worli-bmw-hit-and-run-mihir-shah-hid-resorts-police-caught-friend-phone-trace-2564572-2024-07-09

In order to ascertain the extent of leak, the Court sought details from the NTA on when the leak first took place, the manner in which the question papers were leaked and the time duration between leak and the exam.

However, the Bench of Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud and Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra said it would have to determine to what extent the exam was compromised to decide whether a retest would be needed or not.

“The fact that the sanctity of the exam has been compromised is beyond doubt. Now, what is the consequence of that leak would depend on the nature of that leak. If it is not extensive, then there is no cancellation. Before we order a retest, we must be careful. We are dealing with the careers of 23 lakh students,” the CJI remarked.

In any case, the Court said that it was important to acknowledge that there were irregularities that took place during the exam this year.

“Let us not be in self-denial. Self-denial is only adding to the problem,” the CJI said.

The Court also said that if the leak was on social media, then it would have been very widespread.

Hence, it set out the following parameters on the basis of which it would decide whether a retest would be needed or not.

– One, whether the alleged breach took place at the systemic level;

-Two, whether the breach is of a nature which affects the integrity of the entire exam process; and

– Three, whether it is possible to segregate the beneficiaries of the fraud from the untainted students.

If the breach of the exam’s sanctity is widespread and if it is not possible to segregate tainted and untainted candidates, a retest may be ordered, the Court said.

But if beneficiaries are identified and limited, then a retest won’t be needed, the Court made it clear.

Hence, the following details were sought from the National Testing Agency (NTA) which conducted the exam.

– When did the leak first take place?

– What was the manner in which the question papers leaked were disseminated?

– What was the time duration between the leak and the exam on May 5?

The NTA shall also inform the Court about steps taken to identify beneficiaries of the leak, the steps taken by the NTA to identify the centres/ cities where the leak took place, and the modalities followed to identify beneficiaries of the leak.

The Court further sought a status report from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on its probe into the alleged leak and malpractices.

“We are also of the view that CBI shall file a status report before this court on the status of investigation as on today and material which has come to light till today,” the Court directed.

The Court added that the Central government and NTA should inform the Court about whether it would be feasible for the government’s cyber forensics unit to use data analytics to identify suspicious cases, to segregate tainted from the untainted students.

All these details have to be submitted by 5 PM on July 10. The case will be heard next on July 11, Thursday.

The Court was hearing a batch of petitions relating to alleged irregularities – including allegations of mass question paper leaks – in the conduct of the NEET-UG exam this year.

On June 11, the Supreme Court ordered the NTA to respond to some of the petitions but refused to halt counselling for admissions of students to medical colleges.

The Central government as well as the NTA had earlier contended that there is no need to cancel the exam or hold a retest as there was no proof of large-scale breaches of confidentiality.

When the matter was heard today, Senior Advocate Hooda submitted on behalf of certain candidates that they were seeking cancellation of the exam and a re-exam.

He submitted that the question paper for the exam had been disclosed via Telegram shortly before the May 5 exam. He alleged that there was a leak from the bank vaults at SBI and Canara Bank, where the question papers were stored prior to the exam date.

Hooda also pointed out that an extraordinarily high number of students secured full marks this year.

“In 2021 it was only three candidates who got full 720 marks. In 2020 there was only one candidate. This time 67 students got full marks,” he submitted.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, however, maintained that all the alleged instances of exam irregularities were not cases involving allegations of paper “leaks.”

In one case, he said that wrong question papers were given, and extra time was provided after the correct papers were given. In another case, a superintendent was accused to tampering with the papers after collecting the answer papers, he said.

Hooda, however, asserted that the May 2024 NEET must be scrapped if the authorities are unable to properly identify who the wrong-doers are.

“If the integrity of the exam has been compromised, if the beneficiaries of the machinations of fraud at the systemic level cannot be segregated from the untainted, then this court has held that not a single candidate will be allowed to get in by unfair means,” he argued.

The Court took note of the concern, but empahsised that it must be convinced that the exam irregularities were widespread before ordering any retest.

“We are dealing with a situation of 23 lakh students,” CJI Chandrachud pointed out.

Source: https://www.barandbench.com/news/neet-ug-2024-compromised-extent-leak-determine-whether-retest-needed-supreme-court

Lionel Messi’s bodyguard, Yassine Chueko, gained viral fame after a Reddit video showcasing his quick interventions to protect Messi from fans.

The world-famous football player Lionel Messi is a prime target for overly passionate supporters. To ensure his safety, Messi has a bodyguard, Yassine Chueko, who has recently gained recognition online.

On Reddit, a video showing Chueko’s attentiveness became widely popular and received over 175,000 upvotes. The video demonstrates Chueko’s quick action to shield Messi from enthusiastic supporters in a variety of scenarios. Many on social media complimented Chueko’s professionalism and efficacy in defending the renowned athlete.

Watch the video here:

Messi’s bodyguard
byu/Efficient_Sky5173 ininterestingasfuck

“If a lot of people know you, a lot of psychos know you too. Eventually, it’s just not worth the risk to let people touch you. Messi is one of the most famous people on the planet, so that number of psychos is as big as it could possibly be for a human being. People way less famous than Messi have been hurt or killed by random people who think the world is flat and famous people are all lizards,” commented a user.

“This dude sprints at full speed, and then he just calmly hugs the people running towards him and walks them away from him. I bet this person is expensive as hell, but worth every penny,” wrote another user.

The Supreme Court on Monday said that the NEET-UG 2024 test was indeed compromised since a paper leak had happened and ordered the National Testing Agency to submit a full disclosure affidavit on the case. The court, while a hearing multiple petitions, also noted that before a retest is ordered, “We must be conscious of extent of leak as we are dealing with 23 lakh students.”

The Supreme Court was hearing 38 petitions related to the NEET UG 2024 exam irregularities and a demand for retest. A three-judge bench, comprising the CJI and Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, was hearing the petitions. The court asked the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to file a status report, it also ordered the NTA to disclose the steps taken to identify the centres where the paper leak had happened.

WHAT SUPREME COURT SAID ON RETEST

“The fact that the sanctity of the exam has been compromised is beyond doubt, that there has been a leak. We take it that there is a leak, there is no question about it. But the nature of the leak is what we are determining,” said CJI DY Chandrachud said, adding that the extent of the leak will determine the need for a retest.

Heavy rains in Mumbai have led to disruptions in not just road and rail traffic, but air traffic as well. The operations at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai (CSMIA) has been temporarily suspended amid heavy rains, leading to several flights being diverted and over 50 getting cancelled.

As per the latest update from the Mumbai airport authorities, heavy rains and low visibility led to the suspension of runway operations from 2:22 am to 3:40 am on Monday. At least 27 flights were diverted due to this suspension.

Meanwhile, 51 flights were cancelled to and from Mumbai till 11 am on Monday, the CSMIA told CNBC-TV18. A total of 42 IndiGo flights were cancelled, which included 22 arrivals and 20 departures, 6 Air India flights (3 arrivals and 3 departures) were cancelled, 2 Air India Express flights were cancelled and 1 Qatar Airways departure was cancelled on Sunday night due to an FDTL issue.

Flights that were scheduled to land in Mumbai were diverted to other places like Ahmedabad, Hyderabad and Indore. The airport authorities said that priority was being given to arrivals, and consequential changes that were made to accommodate diverted flights, delaying departures.

TRAVEL ADVISORY FOR PASSENGERS

The CSMIA also asked passengers to check their flight status in advance. “In light of the inclement weather and forecast of heavy to very heavy rains, Mumbai Airport advises all the passengers to check their flight status with their respective airlines and leave for the airport a little earlier,” CSMIA posted on X (previously Twitter).

Pradeep Nakhwa, the husband of Kaveri Nakhwa who was killed in a BMW car hit-and-run incident in Mumbai, on Monday demanded stringent punishment for the accused and said his wife could have been saved if the driver stopped the car on time.

In an interview with India Today, the victim’s husband said his wife could have been saved if the driver, son of Shiv Sena leader Rajesh Shah, had stopped the car adding that “he will drag the accused the same he dragged his wife.”

He also recounted the fateful day when the couple was returning from Crawford Market on Sunday morning after purchasing fish when their two-wheeler was struck from behind by a speeding car at around 5:30 am.

Kaveri Nakhwa, who died in the deadly crash, was riding a pillion.

“We were riding at a speed of 30 to 35 kilometres per hour when a speeding car hit us from behind. Due to the impact, we landed on the bonnet of the car,” Pradeep Nakhwa, who also sustained injuries, told PTI.

During her visit, traders provided complete information over the phone and complained about the responsible officers.

Kanpur Mayor Pramila Pandey, known for her outspoken nature, held a meeting with municipal corporation officials on Monday following heavy rains and highlighted the officials’ negligence regarding the city’s condition. Due to the rains over the past five days, many areas of Kanpur were submerged. Numerous videos went viral, prompting people to stay indoors. Expressing her displeasure with the officials, Kanpur’s BJP Mayor Pramila Pandey stated, “Main Amarnath Thi, Nahi Toh Tumko Duba Deti (Thank God I was in Amarnath, otherwise I would have drowned you in water).”

The terrorists, believed to be two to three in numbers, first lobbed a grenade and then resorted to firing from automatic weapons

Five soldiers were killed and five others were injured after terrorists ambushed an army truck in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kathua district on Monday afternoon, said officials. The six injured soldiers have been shifted to a military hospital.

The attack unfolded around 3.30pm at Badnota village of Loi Malhar in Billawar tehsil. The village is 120km from Kathua district headquarters and is located along the district’s boundary with the adjoining Doda district.

“An army truck was ambushed by armed terrorists in Badnota village of Loi Malhar area in Billawar on Monday afternoon. The terrorists, believed to be two to three in numbers, first lobbed a grenade and then resorted to firing from automatic weapons. At least four soldiers were killed and six others injured in the ambush,” said a police officer, who declined to be named.

The army is yet to issue a statement on the attack.

Earlier, a statement issued by police said, “Exchange of fire between terrorists and security forces in the Machhedi area of Kathua district. Two Army personnel injured. Massive search operation has been launched.”

“After attacking the army truck, terrorists fled into the nearby forest. Additional reinforcements have been rushed to the area and a search operation has been launched to track down the attackers,” it said.

Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/terrorists-attack-army-vehicle-in-kathua-gun-fight-erupts-101720439711175.html

Rahul Gandhi in Manipur Today: Leader of Opposition (LoP) in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi is visiting relief camps in Jiribam, Churachandpur, and Moirang in his one-day visit to strife-torn state. He is also scheduled to meet Governor Anusuiya Uikey at 5.30 pm.

Rahul Gandhi in Manipur today: Congress Member of Parliament (MP) and Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi met displaced people from the Meitei community staying in a relief camp in Manipur’s Jiribam on July 8 . Before heading to Manipur, the Congress leader was in Assam where he met with displaced Kuki-Zo members and those affected by floods.

Gandhi is on a one-day visit to Assam and Manipur. This is his first visit to the ethnic conflict-hit Manipur after becoming LoP.

Gandhi is scheduled to fly to Silchar in Assam from the national capital. From Silchar, the Congress leader will travel to Assam’s Cachar district where he will meet displaced residents of Manipur at around 10 am before heading to Manipur where the ethnic violence between the Meiteis and the Kuki-Zos broke out on May 3 last year.

Rahul Gandhi Visits Relief Camps
Rahul Gandhi will also visit relief camps in Churachandpur, and Moirang, according to his scheduled shared by the Congress party. He is also scheduled to meet Governor Anusuiya Uikey at 5.30 pm. The day-long visit will end with a press conference at the Manipur Congress office at 6. 15 pm.

“(Rahul) Gandhi has chosen to visit Manipur where peace is necessary…. We are grateful that he chose to visit the state after being chosen as leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha,” news agency PTI quoted a Congress leader in Manipur as saying.

‘Message for PM Modi’
Rahul has visited Manipur twice before. The Congress-led Opposition INDIA bloc raised the issue of Manipur crisis repeatedly in both Houses of Parliament in the recent session.

The opposition disrupted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s two-hour-long reply to the debate on motion of thanks on the President’s address on July 2 chanting “Justice for Manipur” and “Bharat Jodo” slogans. In his speech, PM Modi said that efforts were on to bring peace in Manipur, with 11000 FIRs and 500 arrests made. Incidents of violence decreasing, showing potential for peace.

Senior Congress leaders have said that Rahul Gandhi’s first trip to Manipur as Lok Sabha LoP would send out a message that it is high time for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit the strife-torn state roiled by ethnic conflict for over a year now.

Rahul meets Assam Flood Victims
In Assam, Rahul Gandhi also met with flood victims, party leaders said. Assam Congress leaders apprised me of the situation on ground 60+ deaths, 53,000+ displaced and 24,00,000 affected. These numbers reflect the gross and grave mismanagement by BJP’s double-engine government which came to power with the promise of a “flood-free Assam,” Gandhi said in a post on X.

Source: https://www.livemint.com/politics/news/rahul-gandhi-to-visit-relief-camps-in-manipur-today-first-visit-to-strife-torn-state-as-leader-of-opposition-11720405327562.html

A shattered but proud Smriti recalled the words of her husband Captain Anshuman Singh of the Army Medical Corps who has been posthumously awarded Kirti Chakra for exceptional bravery.

New Delhi: “I would die with a brass on my chest. I would not die an ordinary death”. A shattered but proud Smriti recalled the words of her husband Captain Anshuman Singh of the Army Medical Corps who has been posthumously awarded Kirti Chakra for exceptional bravery.

Wearing a white saree and grief on her face, the young wife of the late officer, with her mother-in-law Manju Singh by her side, accepted India’s second-highest peacetime gallantry award from President Droupadi Murmu on Friday during an investiture ceremony.

In a video shared by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Defence on ‘X’ on Saturday, Smriti shared her memories of her husband and how they became soulmates.

“He was very much capable. He would tell me, ‘I would die with a brass on my chest. I would not die an ordinary death like no one would know,” recalled Smriti.

And, indeed the story of his death is anything but ordinary. Captain Singh died while rescuing people from a major fire in July last year.

Source: https://www.deccanherald.com/india/wont-die-ordinary-death-wife-of-captain-anshuman-singh-recalls-his-words-3095509 

According to the CBI, in the first case, reliable source information had revealed that some granting officers (GO) and verifying officers posted at PSK, Lower Parel under the Regional Passport Office are indulging in collusive corruption.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has registered two separate fresh cases of corruption against Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) officials and others.

According to the CBI, in the first case, reliable source information had revealed that some granting officers (GO) and verifying officers posted at PSK, Lower Parel under the Regional Passport Office are indulging in collusive corruption. They were allegedly in regular contact with passport facilitation agents and conspired with them to obtain undue advantage in lieu of issuance of passport based on fake/forged documents or changing the personal particular of applicants in their passports.

“Sources informed that some of the officers are receiving the bribe directly in their bank accounts or the bank accounts of their family members from agents. Some are in touch with agents who are indulging in preparation of fake passports by compromising the national security of our country,” said a CBI official.

CBI Conducts A Surprise Check

Later, a CBI team conducted a surprise check on June 26, at the PSK office and mobile phones of the suspect officers were analyzed and after perusal of WhatsApp chats/ message/UPI ID activities various suspicious transactions were found. Prima facie it is revealed that the public servants indulged in corrupt practices and demanding and accepting undue advantages in lieu of their official work.

Source: https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/mumbai-cbi-files-2-fresh-corruption-cases-against-passport-seva-kendra-officials

On the Central line, train movements have been suspended on the main lines between CSMT and Thane.

The heavy rains over the past 24 hours have significantly impacted Mumbai’s transportation. Both the Western and Central lines have been affected. Commuters have reported train cancellations on social media. Officially, trains on the Western lines are still running, albeit with delays. However, on the Central line, train movements have been suspended on the main lines between CSMT and Thane.

Western line

Western Railway passengers encountered waterlogging problems on the way to Churchgate after Dadar station.

Rawat, a six-time MLA from Vijaypur in Sheopur district, quit the Congress and joined the ruling BJP during the Lok Sabha poll campaign on April 30.

Source: https://www.deccanherald.com/india/madhya-pradesh/mp-cabinet-expanded-ramniwas-rawat-takes-oath-as-minister-3096385

The accused in the Worli hit-and-run case, Mihir Shah and his friend allegedly went to a bar at Mumbai’s Juhu, hours before the BMW that he was driving hit a couple leading to the death of a woman.

CNN News18 accessed the bill from the night and found that the duo had gone to Juhu’s Global Tapas Bar and had paid a total bill of Rs 18,730.

Meanwhile, following the accident, Mihir Shah’s father, Rajesh Shah has been arrested. Along with the Shiv Sena leader, his driver Rajrishi Rajendrasingh Bidawat has also been arrested. Bidawat was allegedly present inside the car at the time of accident.

Rajesh Shah allegedly helped accused Mihir Shah escape and several attempts were made to destroy evidence.

Speaking to India Today, Karan Shah, the bar owner said that Mihir Shah arrived at the bar with four friends and there was no woman with them. They left in the Mercedes car after paying the bill at 1:40 am, he added.

“All of them, except Mihir, had one beer each, and at that time, all four were normal. Mihir had a Red Bull. They arrived in a Mercedes and left in a Mercedes, but the incident happened with a BMW. The police have seized the CCTV DVR. We have provided all the information that the police required. Mihir Shah’s bill was Rs 18,730, which his friend paid. Mihir’s ID card was checked before entry,” the bar owner further said.

Source: https://www.news18.com/india/accused-driving-bmw-visited-bar-with-friends-before-crash-paid-bill-over-rs-18k-8957805.html

Sikh separatist Amritpal Singh, who is serving time in jail and was recently elected to the Lok Sabha from Khadoor Sahib in Punjab, dismissed his mother’s statement where she said that her son was not a Khalistani supporter.

Singh released a statement a day after taking oath as a Lok Sabha MP where he regretted his mother’s statement and said he would choose a ‘cult’ over ‘family’. “Dreaming of a Khalsa state is not a crime,” Singh said in a statement released on social media site X, while disagreeing with his mother.

Jailed radical Sikh preacher Amritpal Singh and Kashmiri leader Sheikh Abdul Rashid, who were granted parole to take oath as members of the Lok Sabha, were sworn in as MPs on Friday, amid heavy deployment of security personnel in and around the Parliament complex.

While Rashid, popularly known as Engineer Rashid, is in Delhi’s Tihar jail in a terror funding case registered under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, Singh is lodged in a prison in Assam’s Dibrugarh district for offences under the National Security Act.

“Today, when I came to know about the statement made by my mother, my heart was very sad. Even though I am sure that she made these remarks with the best of intentions, such a statement should not come from my family or anyone who supports me,” Singh said in a statement issued on social media site X.

Singh’s mother Balwinder Kaur had demanded the release of her son from the jail in Assam and said that her son is not a Khalistani supporter.

“We demand that he be released immediately so that he can thank supporters and work on the issues on the basis of which elections were won,” said Kaur at her residence.

“He is not a Khalistani supporter. Punjab’s rights and saving Punjab’s youth (from drugs), can anyone become a supporter of Khalistan. He fought elections within the ambit of the Constitution and took oath. One should not say such a thing. He will raise Punjab’s issues and will save youth (from drugs),” she was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.

Source: https://www.news18.com/politics/dreaming-of-khalsa-not-criminal-jailed-mp-amritpal-singh-dismisses-mothers-my-son-isnt-a-khalistani-remark-8957733.html

NEET-UG 2024 Row Updates: The Supreme Court will hear a batch of pleas today, July 8, related to irregularities in the medical entrance exam NEET-UG 2024. The exam was held on May 5 with a re-exam for 1563 students who were awarded grace marks on June 23. The SC will now be hearing a batch of almost 40 pleas seeking direction to conduct a fresh exam. A three-judge bench comprising Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and Justices J B Pardiwala and Manoj Misra is scheduled to hear a total of 38 petitions related to the NEET UG 2024, reported PTI. The Centre and the National Testing Agency (NTA), however, had filed affidavits against the demand for the cancellation of the exam stating that scrapping NEET UG 2024 exam held on May 5 would be “counterproductive” and “seriously jeopardise” several students in the absence of any proof of large-scale breach of confidentiality.

• NEET UG 2024 Hearing Updates: CBI Questions Three Accused Arrested From Patna

  A CBI team has left for Delhi with three accused of NEET paper leak case — Sikandar Kumar Yadavendu, Amit Anand and Nitish Kumar, who were lodged in Beur Jail of Bihar. A warrant was issued by Delhi’s Royce Avenue Court for the appearance of these accused. The three accused are being questioned rigorously in Delhi as well. These three accused were arrested by Patna Police in May. Sikandar Kumar Yadavendu is a suspended junior engineer of the Bihar government. He was arrested by the Shastri Nagar police station during vehicle checking. The name of Sanjeev Mukhiya, the mastermind of the paper leak scandal, came to light only after questioning Sikandar Kumar Yadavendu and Patna Police then made Sanjeev Mukhiya a main accused in the FIR registered by them.

• NEET UG 2024 Hearing Today: Irregularities in CUET UG Too?

  NTA on Sunday said that it will “redo” the Common University Entrance Test (CUET-UG) exam “if any grievances are found to be genuine”. The announcement was made via an official notification issued by the agency while releasing the provisional answer keys for the Common University Entrance Test (CUET-UG). The NTA notification says that the test will be retaken between July 15-19 for such candidates under the Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode.

Source: https://www.news18.com/education-career/neet-ug-2024-row-supreme-court-hearing-live-updates-re-test-exam-cancellation-nta-neet-paper-leak-liveblog-8957996.html

According to the CBI, in the first case, reliable source information had revealed that some granting officers (GO) and verifying officers posted at PSK, Lower Parel under the Regional Passport Office are indulging in collusive corruption.

Mumbai: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has registered two separate fresh cases of corruption against Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) officials and others.

According to the CBI, in the first case, reliable source information had revealed that some granting officers (GO) and verifying officers posted at PSK, Lower Parel under the Regional Passport Office are indulging in collusive corruption. They were allegedly in regular contact with passport facilitation agents and conspired with them to obtain undue advantage in lieu of issuance of passport based on fake/forged documents or changing the personal particular of applicants in their passports.

“Sources informed that some of the officers are receiving the bribe directly in their bank accounts or the bank accounts of their family members from agents. Some are in touch with agents who are indulging in preparation of fake passports by compromising the national security of our country,” said a CBI official.

CBI Conducts A Surprise Check

Later, a CBI team conducted a surprise check on June 26, at the PSK office and mobile phones of the suspect officers were analyzed and after perusal of WhatsApp chats/ message/UPI ID activities various suspicious transactions were found. Prima facie it is revealed that the public servants indulged in corrupt practices and demanding and accepting undue advantages in lieu of their official work.

Source: https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/mumbai-cbi-files-2-fresh-corruption-cases-against-passport-seva-kendra-officials

Puri Rath Yatra: The rituals involving three sibling deities – Lord Jagannath, Devi Subhadra and Lord Balabhadra – will be held in a single day on Sunday. This year, the Rath Yatra- related rituals like ‘Nabajouban Darshan’ will also take place in a single day – July 7.

The Odisha government has made elaborate arrangements for the smooth conduct of the festival. The rath yatra, which usually is organized in a single day, will be held for two days this year due to some celestial arrangements. The last time the pilgrim town witnessed a two-day event which was in 1971.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended greetings on the occasion.

In a post on X, PM Modi said: “We bow to Mahaprabhu Jagannath and pray that His blessings constantly remain upon us”.

Source: https://www.timesnownews.com/india/puri-celebrates-2-day-rath-yatra-after-53-years-artificial-intelligence-based-cctv-cameras-180-platoons-of-police-in-article-111547565

Russia is expecting a “full-fledged visit” by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Moscow, which is crucial for the bilateral relations, Kremlin said on Saturday. PM Modi will be in Moscow from July 8 to 9 at the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin to hold the 22nd India-Russia Annual Summit.

The two leaders will review the entire range of multifaceted relations between the two countries and exchange views on contemporary regional and global issues of mutual interest. In an interview with Russia’s state-run channel, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the agenda of PM Modi’s Moscow trip will be extensive.

‘VERY IMPORTANT VISIT’

“Obviously, the agenda will be extensive, if not to say overbusy. It will be an official visit, and we hope that the heads will be able to talk in an informal way as well,” he said. Peskov said that Russian-Indian relations are at the level of strategic partnership. He said that there would be both one-on-one talks in the Kremlin and those involving delegations. “We are expecting a very important and full-fledged visit, which is so crucial for Russian-Indian relations,” he was quoted as saying by the official Tass news agency.

Both gunfights broke out in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kulgam district after security forces received intelligence inputs regarding the presence of terrorists in the area. So far, five terrorists and two soldiers have been killed in the twin operations.

Two soldiers died, and five terrorists were gunned down by security forces in separate gunfights in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kulgam district on Saturday, officials said.

The first encounter occurred in Modergam village, where Lance Naik Pradeep Nain, a para commando, was killed in action. Security forces launched the operation based on intelligence input and cornered at least two to three terrorists in their hideout.

Informing about the gunfight, the Kashmir Zone Police tweeted, “Encounter started at Modergam Village of #Kulgam District. Police and Security Forces are on work. Further details shall follow.”

A second gunfight broke out in Frisal Chinnigam village after security forces received a tip-off about possible Lashkar terrorists in the area. Havaldar Raj Kumar of the 1st Rashtriya Rifles lost his life during the operation. One terrorist was believed to be trapped.

A 29-year-old woman landed herself in trouble after she allegedly made a hoax call to Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport helpline just to stop her boyfriend. The woman’s “he has a Bomb in his bag” call was made to stop her boyfriend from flying to Mumbai.

The incident reportedly took place on June 26 leading police to register a case. However, the cops on Wednesday filed an FIR under IPC Section 505(1)(B) (statements conducing to public mischief).

The accused, Indra Rajwar, is from Pune and works in Bengaluru.

According to Times of India, the complaint filed with KIA police mentioned that the woman called the airport helpline number, saying a passenger named Mir Raza Mehdi, who was flying from Bengaluru to Mumbai, was carrying a bomb in his bag. She claimed he was her boyfriend.

Following this, Mehdi, who was found at the airport, was frisked and checked for explosives. As the search did not yield anything, it was declared as a non-specific call.

Later it was found that Rajwar too was in the airport. The duo had booked tickets to Mumbai on different flights. They came to the airport in the evening and were sitting in the departure lounge speaking to each other before Rajwar called the helpline.

Hiralal Sarkar’s relentless search continues for the eight-year-old Abhinash while the city – the largest in Assam – remains submerged.

It’s been three days since his son fell into a drain in flooded Guwahati, but Hiralal Sarkar has not given up yet. His relentless search continues for the eight-year-old Abhinash while the city – the largest in Assam – remains submerged.
Hiralal has been using an iron rod to search in the sewage, but his son’s slippers were all that he could find. Showing the pair, he lamented, “I have been searching with an iron rod and have managed to find my son’s sandals. I possibly cannot find him with the rod. The government has the machinery, they must find my boy.”

He has handed over the slippers to cops for verification.

Abhinash had slipped from his father’s scooter and fallen into the drain while returning home amid heavy rain on Thursday evening. Hiralal had said he saw his son’s hand in the drain and dived in, but could not get a hold of him.

The man spent the night on the veranda of a shop and vowed he wouldn’t rest till he found him. Since, wearing a t-shirt and half-pants, he has been wading through slush and garbage to look for his son.

The state authorities have launched a massive search operation involving multiple agencies to help Hiralal find his son. Sniffer dogs, super suckers, and excavators have been deployed too.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu met his Telangana counterpart A Revanth Reddy in Hyderabad on Saturday to address disputes arising from the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief N Chandrababu Naidu met his Telangana counterpart A Revanth Reddy in Hyderabad on Saturday to address disputes arising from the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act.

Both state leaders decided to form special committees of ministers and officials to resolve bifurcation issues.

“A committee of senior officials from both states, three members from each, will be formed and will meet in two weeks to find solutions to various issues,” Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka said, as quoted by news agency PTI.

Besides, a committee of ministers will be established to address unresolved issues.

The meeting also emphasised collaboration between the states to combat drugs and cybercrime. Meanwhile, Naidu’s government in Andhra Pradesh has appointed a cabinet sub-committee to curb the supply of narcotics.

Source: https://www.indiatoday.in/india/telangana/story/chandrababu-naidu-revanth-reddy-meet-resolve-andhra-pradesh-telangana-disputes-2563354-2024-07-07

Nalbari, Bongaigaon, Lakhimpur, Morigaon, Jorhat, Kokrajhar are among the worst affected districts in Assam, after Dhubri.

Patanjali group Co-founder Swami Ramdev, who is also Director of Patanjali Foods, on the company’s acquisition of the non-foods business of Patanjali Ayurved, his ambitions for a Rs 1 lakh crore turnover, and more

Yoga guru Swami Ramdev is as at ease in talking about revenues and profits, as he is in twisting his lithe and supple frame into an asana. Having taken sanyas in 1995, Ramdev, who prefers to be referred to as the Mentor and Spiritual Head of the Patanjali group, pulls no punches when it comes to taking on multinational companies in the FMCG space.

As part of that ambition, Patanjali Foods Ltd (erstwhile Ruchi Soya Ltd) has acquired the home and personal care business of Patanjali Ayurved Ltd for Rs 1,100 crore, and a 20-year licensing arrangement for a 3% turnover-based fee. The deal aims to strengthen the company’s position in the fast-moving consumer goods sector.

In an interaction with Business Today TV, Ramdev speaks about his plans to expand the Patanjali business empire in the years to come. Edited excerpts:

What is the rationale for the acquisition?

We are reaffirming our commitment to becoming a major player in the FMCG space. Two years ago, at the time of our FPO (follow-on public offer), we had set an ambitious five-year target of attaining a 50:50 split between the two major verticals—edible oils and FMCG. I am saying ambitious, because the share of FMCG in the total revenue was only 6-7% in FY22. In FY23, it rose to 19-20% and in the recent financial year, it went above 30%.

With the acquisition, we are consolidating the ‘Patanjali’ brand FMCG products portfolio. We see multiple synergies in terms of brand equity, product innovation, cost optimisation, infrastructure and operational efficiencies. This will also have a positive impact on market share, revenue and earnings.

Will you look at more acquisitions?

We will acquire domestic brands first, and later, foreign FMCG brands.

There is a trend towards ‘premiumisation’ in the FMCG space. How does Patanjali plan to maintain its market position given the strong competition from global majors?

Patanjali caters to all segments. We have products in the mass-, value- and premium segments as well. We have many products that command a premium in the market. Cow’s Ghee, for example, is among the market leaders and sells at a premium… and we hold nearly 70% [market share]. Nutrela is a market leader and has more than 40% of market share. The nutraceuticals range is again a premium offering by the company.

We launched a slew of premium products last year, including ragi biscuits, seven-grain biscuits, digestive biscuits, and a dry fruits range under the Nutrela brand. We have also introduced a new range of sports nutrition products under the ‘Nutrela Sports’ brand.

We are well connected with consumer aspirations and market trends and posing a very strong challenge to global firms.

The two-wheeler-borne gang attacked Armstrong, a former councillor of Chennai Corporation, near his house in Perambur inflicting grievous injuries on him, and fled.

Chennai: Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) Tamil Nadu president K Armstrong died after he was hacked by a six-member gang near his house here on Friday, said police.

The two-wheeler-borne gang attacked Armstrong, a former councillor of Chennai Corporation, near his house in Perambur inflicting grievous injuries on him, and fled. He died on the way to the hospital, they said.

Source: https://www.deccanherald.com/india/tamil-nadu/bsp-tamil-nadu-chief-hacked-to-death-by-bike-borne-attackers-3094756

This came a day after the TMC, commenting on a video posted on X showing the NCW chairperson’s arrival at the site of a stampede that recently took place in Uttar Pradesh’s Hathras, wrote, ‘She is too busy holding up her boss’s pajamas’.

New Delhi: The National Commission for Women (NCW) has taken suo moto cognizance of the derogatory remark made by TMC MP Mahua Moitra against its chairperson Rekha Sharma and sought an FIR against her.

This came a day after the TMC, commenting on a video posted on X showing the NCW chairperson’s arrival at the site of a stampede that recently took place in Uttar Pradesh’s Hathras, wrote, “She is too busy holding up her boss’s pajamas”.

“The crude remarks are outrageous and a violation of a woman’s right to dignity. The Commission observed that this remark attracts Section 79 of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita, 2023,” the NCW said in a post on X.

Source: https://www.deccanherald.com/india/ncw-seeks-fir-against-mahua-moitra-for-her-crude-remarks-against-rekha-sharma-3094159

In a shocking turn of events, a minor boy from Kerala’s Kozhikode has died of a rare “brain-eating” amoeba infection, marking the third case in the state. According to reports, Mridul, who was a Class VII student, was admitted to the hospital after he complained of headaches and vomiting last month. He had taken a bath in a local pond, following which the symptoms started arising. After days of treatment, his condition deteriorated, and he passed away on Wednesday, July 3.

This event came within two months of similar cases in Kerala. The first death was reported in May this year in Malappuram, where a five-year-old girl died of the “brain-eating” amoeba. The second case came around in June, claiming the life of a 13-year-old boy from Kannur.

The recent deaths have raised concerns about the deadly “brain-eating amoeba”, also known as Naegleria fowleri. While the Kerala Health Department is looking forward to issuing special guidelines for the treatment of the infection, here’s all you need to know about the amoeba.

What is Brain-Eating Amoeba Or Naegleria Fowleri?

The Naegleria fowleri or “brain-eating” amoeba mainly causes the infection that has led to the deaths of three innocent minors. It lives in fresh, warm water, such as lakes and rivers, and can directly infect people upon entering their bodies through the nose. It is a rare but very dangerous microorganism that causes a fatal brain infection, known as primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM). This virus can also be found in poorly maintained swimming pools.

Defence exports also touched a record-high of Rs 21,083 crore in FY24, reflecting a growth of 32.5% over the last fiscal.

The rally in defence stocks continued on Friday, led by Data Patterns (India) Ltd. and Cochin Shipyard Ltd., as Defence Minister Rajanath Singh announced that India registered the highest-ever growth in defence production of nearly Rs 1.27 lakh crore in the financial year-ended March 2024.

Shares of Data Patterns (India) Ltd. jumped nearly 7%, while those of Cochin Shipyard rose over 5%. Stocks of MTAR Technologies Ltd. and Mishra Dhatu Nigam Ltd. rose over 4%.

Marking significant milestones under the ‘Make in India’ initiative, Singh announced on Friday that the growth includes a substantial increase from the Rs 1,08,684 crore recorded in the financial year-ended March 2023.

Singh emphasised the government’s dedication for developing India into a leading global defence manufacturing hub, in a post on X, formerly Twitter.

The Ministry of Defence reported unprecedented growth in indigenous defence production during the previous fiscal, driven by the successful implementation of policies and initiatives aimed at achieving ‘Aatmanirbharta’ under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.

Data from Defence Public Sector Undertakings, other PSUs manufacturing defence related products, and private companies indicated that the value of defence production in the country rose to a record Rs 1,26,887 crore, reflecting a 16.7% increase over the previous financial year.

Source: https://www.ndtvprofit.com/markets/defence-stocks-soar-as-indias-indigenous-defence-production-hits-record-high

Show cause notices also issued to two construction companies, asking why they should not be blacklisted

In the first crackdown following a spurt of bridges collapsing in around a fortnight, the Bihar government on Friday suspended 15 engineers from the water resources and rural works departments for alleged negligence.

The government has also issued show cause notices to two construction companies, asking why they should not be blacklisted. Since June 18, ten bridges have collapsed or caved in across the state – in Kishanganj, Araria, Madhubani, East Champaran, Siwan and Saran. Four of nine bridges/culverts had fallen in Siwan alone.

Apart from issuing show-cause notices and initiating the process to blacklist errant contractors and construction companies, the government is also withholding payment to some of them.

“A total of nine bridges and culverts have collapsed in different districts of the state, out of which six bridges and culverts were very old and three bridges and culverts were under construction,” the government said.

The water resources department suspended 11 officials, including executive engineers, assistant engineers, and junior engineers.

The rural works department also suspended four of its present and former engineers for dereliction of duty.

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar had earlier sought an inspection report regarding all under-construction and old bridges in Bihar within two weeks.

Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/india/bihar-engineers-suspended-bridges-collapse-saran-siwan-9435029/

The Centre submitted an affidavit to the Supreme Court on Friday opposing the cancellation of the NEET-UG 2024 exam since the results have already been announced. They also stated that a panel has been established to provide recommendations for the fair conduct of the exams.

The government argued that “in the absence of proof of any large-scale breach of confidentiality in a pan-India examination, it would not be rational to scrap the entire examination and the results already declared.”

The government also mentioned that the Ministry of Education has formed a High-Level Committee of Experts after the current examination to propose effective measures for conducting transparent, smooth, and fair exams by the National Testing Agency.

WHAT WILL THE COMMITTEE DO?

According to the government, the Committee will make recommendations on Reforms in the mechanism of the examination process, improvement in data security protocols and the structure and functioning of the National Testing Agency.

The said Committee is headed by Dr K Radhakrishnan, former Chairman,

“Your Lords and ladyships, heed thy inner voice, have a spine, rise to the occasion,” the Trinamool Congress MP said in Parliament.

In an address to the Lok Sabha on Monday, All India Trinamool Congress (AITMC) Member of Parliament (MP) Mahua Moitra emphasised on the role of the judiciary as a pillar of democracy and called for ‘judicial integrity’ among judges.

Moitra highlighted the resilience and bravery of India’s poorest people, who, despite having the most to lose by offending those in power, rose to the occasion and voted against the BJP government in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections.

“Today I say the poorest people in India who have perhaps the most to lose from offending the government and power, they have shown spine and risen to the occasion. Your Lords and ladyships, heed thy inner voice, have a spine, rise to the occasion,” she said.

She criticised the judiciary for denying opposition leaders bail and justice, alleging that judges fear offending the government.

“It has come to such a state that opposition leaders framed in politically motivated cases are denied bail and denied justice simply because judges are even scared to touch their case for fear of offending the government.”

In this context, Moitra urged the judiciary follow the example of India’s poor and to rise to the occasion.

The MP made the remarks in her speech during the motion of thanks to the President’s address in the Lower House of Parliament.

Moitra referred to Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud remarking in Kolkata that judges were not deities and were there to serve people with compassion and empathy.

“Just as one can’t be partly pregnant – you either are or you’re not – justice in democracy too must be absolute. It cannot partly be in effect,” she said.

Moitra also raised concerns about the retirement age of judges, which is 62 for High Court judges and 65 for Supreme Court judges. She argued that this leads to High Court judges ‘kowtowing’ to the Supreme Court Collegium for a last minute elevation to be able to serve longer and qualify for holding other positions.

Source: https://www.barandbench.com/news/judges-too-scared-relief-opposition-leaders-fear-offending-government-mahua-moitra-lok-sabha

WhatsApp conversations cannot be used as evidence in a court of law without proper certification under the Indian Evidence Act, the Delhi High Court said recently. [Dell International Services Private Limited v. Adeel Feroze and Ors]

Justice Subramonium Prasad made the observation while dealing with an appeal filed by electronics company Dell India against a district consumer commission’s refusal to take on record its written statement on the ground of delay.

“Whatsapp conversations cannot be read as evidence without there being a proper certificate as mandated under the Evidence Act, 1872,” the Court said.

The district commission’s order had been upheld by the Delhi State Consumer Dispute Redressal Commission in December 2023, leading to the present challenge before the High Court.

Explaining the delay, Dell said that it had not received the entire complaint copy and its annexures in time from the counsel representing the complainant before the district commission. To buttress its claim, it filed a screenshot of a WhatsApp conversation it had with the complainant. However, the Court refused to take into account the screenshot.

“The screen shot of Whatsapp conversations cannot be taken into account by this Court while dealing with a Writ Petition under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, more so, when there is nothing to show that the conversations were produced before the State Commission as this Court does not find any reference of the same in the present Writ Petition. Further, there is no discussion of the same in the Order of the State Commission.”

The Court also observed that the district commission had examined the matter in great detail after calling for postal receipts of the documents which were sent along with the summons received by Dell. The commission had come to the conclusion that a complete set of documents was sent along with the summons and the same was received by Dell.

Source: https://www.barandbench.com/news/whatsapp-conversations-not-evidence-without-certificate-evidence-act-delhi-high-court

Boys can be called for giving them advice not to indulge in these things, but they should not be arrested, the Court said.

The Uttarakhand High Court recently asked the State government to consider whether arrests can be avoided in cases where minor boys and girls go on dates.

A Bench of Chief Justice Ritu Bahari and Justice Rakesh Thapliyal said in its order,

“The State can examine the issue whether recording of the statement under section 161 of CrPC, would be sufficient not to arrest the boy, who has gone on a date with the girl, and at the most, he can be called for giving him advice not to indulge in these things, but he should not be arrested.”

The Court added that the State could examine this issue and issue general directions to the police.

The Court was hearing a plea seeking directions to the State to examine the issue of minors getting arrested for going on dates after the girl’s parents filed complaints against the boys.

Counsel for the petitioner argued that such an incident does not constitute an offence under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

Source: https://www.barandbench.com/news/uttarakhand-high-court-state-avoid-arresting-minors-going-on-dates

Pop star Justin Bieber made a smashing comeback in India as he took the stage on Friday night to perform at Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani and wife Nita Ambani’s son Anant Ambani’s wedding sangeet ceremony in Mumbai. Anant is all set to tie the knot with his fiancee Radhika Merchant next week.

Justin, whose triumphant return to the stage in an intimate Toronto concert at Drake’s club earlier this year made a lot of noise, once again broke the internet with his power-packed performance at the Ambanis’ function. He performed his popular songs such as Baby, Never Let You Go, Love Yourself, Peaches, Boyfriend, Sorry and Where Are U Now. In a video, shared by Bollywood Hungama, Justin was also seen singing Where Are U Now with Orhan Awatramani aka Orry at the sangeet.

Source: https://www.news18.com/movies/justin-bieber-sets-stage-on-fire-at-anant-radhikas-sangeet-sings-where-are-u-now-with-orry-watch-8956210.html

After being alerted by passersby about a child’s body, police launched a probe and arrested Yadav within a few hours.

Hathras stampede incident: An FIR has been registered on the incident naming organisers of the prayer meeting but ‘Bhole Baba’ has not been named yet.

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi on Friday morning reached Hathras in Uttar Pradesh to meet with the families of the people affected by the July 2 stampede.
Enroute to Hathras, Gandhi also stopped in Aligarh and met with families of the victims of the tragedy that took place at a religious ‘satsang’ event in in Fulari village in which 123 people were killed.

Bodies of all the 123 people who died in the stampede at the event of the self-styled godman Suraj Pal alias ‘Bhole Baba’ have been identified and handed over to their families.

The Congress MP arrived in Hathras to meet the family of the stampede victims.

After meeting with the Congress MP, a member of a bereaved family said that there was no proper medical facility or arrangements at the venue.

“He (Rahul Gandhi) assured us that he will help us in every possible way through his party. The administration at the ‘Satsang’ venue was not good. My sister-in-law could have been saved if there was a proper medical facility. There were no proper arrangements at the venue,” she said.

Another woman said that Rahul Gandhi has assured all possible help.

“He said that he’ll help. Have patience. My mother and brother died in the incident,” she said.

Nitin Kumar, the son of Shanti Devi said that he went to the Satsang with his mother but got separated from her during the incident.

“My mother died. Her name was Shanti Devi. We went to the Satsang together. We were separated during the Satsang. I came out of the event earlier. When the Satsang was over I heard that stampede had occurred. I went there to find my mother. After some time I came to know that my mother was taken to the hospital in the ambulance. My brother went to the hospital and saw that she was dead,” he said.

When asked about what Rahul Gandhi said about providing help, Nitin said, “He asked about our well-being and assured us of help of all kinds. We have also asked him to raise this issue in Parliament so that such kind of incidents do not repeat.”

Lata, the daughter of Shanti Devi said that they had been waiting for Rahul Gandhi since morning but he didn’t come to their house. Instead, some of their family members were called to someone’s else house to meet the Congress MP.

Source: https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-leaves-for-hathras-will-meet-stampede-victims-families-6036977

Lad and his colleagues in the BJP, Pravin Darekar and Ramesh Patil, highlighted the suspension of recruitment and promotions, which has increased workload for current BEST employees.

BJP legislator Prasad Lad on Thursday said BEST should allow commercial development of its depots and redevelopment of colonies on land that the utility owns. BEST has 27 depots around the city, of which several are at prime locations.

The MLC suggested that providing houses at cost-effective rates, similar to those provided to mill workers, would held the utility address its financial challenges. By offering housing to employees and using the remaining space for commercial purposes, the utility could generate a new source of income, he said.

“Can the government address the current lack of recruitment and promotion in BEST, provide a timeline for when the overdue Covid-19 allowance will be paid to employees, and clarify why the gratuity amounts have not been distributed?” Lad asked in the legislative council.

Lad and his colleagues in the BJP, Pravin Darekar and Ramesh Patil, highlighted the suspension of recruitment and promotions, which has increased workload for current BEST employees.

Source: https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/monetise-bests-27-depots-to-tide-over-financial-crisis-bjp-mlc-prasad-lad

The flood situation in Assam worsened on Thursday. Six more people lost their lives in the state due to flood related incidents. The death toll has risen to 62 so far.

Currently, 39,338 affected people are taking refuge in 698 relief camps, while relief materials have been distributed to 7,24,322 non-camp residents. Over 1,000 people and 635 animals have been evacuated by various agencies using boats, according to the bulletin.

Source: https://www.timesnownews.com/india/assam-floods-situation-deteriorates-death-toll-rises-to-62-over-21-lakh-affected-article-111495830

On December 22, 2023, Kedar, a five-term MLA from Saoner in Nagpur, was sentenced to five years in jail on by a magistrate court in Nagpur for alleged criminal breach of trust in a case linked to the Nagpur district cooperative bank when he was the chairman between 1999 and 2002.

Merely because the accused has to represent his constituency, it could not be an exceptional circumstance for grant of stay to the conviction, the Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court observed on Thursday. The high court has rejected the plea of Congress MLA Sunil Kedar, who was convicted in December last year in an alleged scam of over Rs 153 Crores while he was the chairman of the Nagpur District Central Cooperative Bank Limited (NDCC Bank) .

The court noted that disqualifying a person from holding public office post conviction was in the interest of democratic process. On December 22, 2023, Kedar, a five-term MLA from Saoner in Nagpur, was sentenced to five years in jail on by a magistrate court in Nagpur for alleged criminal breach of trust in a case linked to the Nagpur district cooperative bank when he was the chairman between 1999 and 2002.

A day after his conviction, he was disqualified. As per the law, a legislator loses membership of the House with immediate effect if convicted in a crime and sentenced to over two years’ imprisonment. However, the disqualification can be reversed on grounds including a stay on the conviction.

Hence, he approached the HC seeking stay on his conviction. In his application, he said if the conviction is not stayed then he would continue to be disqualified. He had claimed that this would not only affect his rights to continue in public life but also affect the rights of the people, who voted for him to represent their constituency.

The high court, however, said the purpose of the provision of disqualifying a person with a criminal record is to ensure that they are not elected to a public office. “Disqualifying a person who has been convicted of a serious offence from holding public office is in the interest of maintaining the integrity and credibility of the democratic process,” Justice Urmila Joshi-Phalke said.

Source: https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/bombay-high-court-rejects-congress-mla-sunil-kedars-plea-for-stay-on-conviction-in-153-crore-scam-citing-public-interest

Amritpal Singh to be taken to Delhi for oath-taking as MP

Dibrugarh, An eight-member team of the Punjab Police would escort jailed ‘Waris Punjab De’ activist Amritpal Singh to New Delhi for his swearing-in as an MP, an official said.

Singh, who has won the Lok Sabha polls from the Khadoor Sahib constituency in Punjab, has been granted four-day parole for the swearing-in.

The police team, led by a Senior Superintendent of Police -rank official, arrived here on Thursday afternoon and is scheduled to escort Singh, lodged in Dibrugarh Central Jail, to New Delhi in a special flight amid tight security for the swearing-in on Friday.

Singh’s lawyer Rajdev Singh Khalsa said he would be taken to Delhi aboard a “military aircraft” for the swearing-in.

Singh’s parole orders are stringent, prohibiting him or his relatives from making any public statements during his visit to New Delhi.

Moreover, any form of media coverage, including videography or circulation of statements, is strictly prohibited.

In addition, Singh has been instructed not to engage in any activities that might compromise national security.

The deployment of security personnel during his temporary release and presence in Delhi will be overseen by the SSP, Amritsar .

Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/amritpal-singh-to-be-taken-to-delhi-for-oath-taking-as-mp-101720155071889.html

Arvind Kejriwal was arrested by the CBI on June 26 from Tihar Jail, where he is still lodged in judicial custody in a connected money laundering case.

The Delhi high court on Friday issued a notice to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) regarding a bail plea filed by chief minister Arvind Kejriwal in connection with the excise policy case.

Delhi CM and AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal being produced before a court by CBI officials in connection with a money laundering case related to the Delhi liquor policy, in New Delhi, Saturday, June 29, 2024.(PTI)
Delhi CM and AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal being produced before a court by CBI officials in connection with a money laundering case related to the Delhi liquor policy, in New Delhi, Saturday, June 29, 2024.(PTI)
Initially, the high court agreed with the CBI’s contention that Kejriwal should have approached a city court first. However, the bench later opted to consider the merits of Kejriwal’s direct appeal to the high court during the arguments.

Senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi, representing Kejriwal, said the AAP leader is not a flight risk and not a terrorist and the CBI arrested him after he got bail in the ED’s money laundering case.

“Notice accepted. Petitioner has approached directly before the HC, this contention shall be considered at the time of arguments,” said Justice Neena Bansal Krishna in her order.

The court listed it for further hearing on July 17.

The AAP supremo has already challenged his arrest in the CBI case and the plea is pending before the high court.

Arvind Kejriwal, the national convener of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), was arrested by the CBI from Tihar Jail, where he remains in judicial custody in connection with a money laundering case filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED).

Previously, Kejriwal was arrested by the ED on March 21 and was granted bail by the trial court in the money laundering case on June 20. However, the high court stayed this order.

On Wednesday, the trial court extended the judicial custody of Kejriwal till July 12 in the money laundering case filed by the ED.

Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/delhi-hc-issues-notice-to-cbi-on-arvind-kejriwals-bail-plea-in-excise-policy-case-101720158153034.html

The engineers, including currently serving and those either retired or transferred, were involved in alleged demolition of the old official residence of the chief minister at 6 Flagstaff Road, and construction of a new one at its place with a cost of more than Rs 50 crore.

Of the total, Mahadevapura zone has recorded 610 cases, followed by the East zone with 578 cases and the South zone with 325 cases.

Source: https://www.deccanherald.com/india/karnataka/bengaluru/dengue-cases-in-bengaluru-cross-2000-over-9k-residents-tested-since-january-1-3091940

Bhole Baba, aka Narayan Sakar Hari aka Suraj Pal on Wednesday reacted for the first time on the stampede during his ‘satsang’ that claimed 121 lives and left several injured on Tuesday. Through his lawyer, Bhole Baba expressed condolence to the bereaved families of the deceased. He claimed that the stampede was carried out by “anti-social” elements. He also stated that he had left before the incident took place.

According to reports, advocate AP Singh is representing Bhole Baba. He is the same advocate who represented the four convicts of the Nirbhaya case, who were hanged till death.

On behalf of Bhole Baba, his advocate, AP Singh said, “We will make sure the victims are short of no resources, be it medicine, healthcare, or treatment. We condemn allegations that a stampede happened while women tried to touch his feet. He never allows such an act.”

Bhole Baba aka Narayan Sakar Hari will cooperate in the investigation in all possible ways, Singh added.

“I will represent legally all those who are named in the FIR. We believe this all was done by some anti-social elements,” Singh further added.

Sources said that an investigation into all the ‘ashrams’ and lands owned by Bhole Baba has begun. Another ‘satsang’ of Bhole Baba, slated for Thursday in Uttar Pradesh’s Agra, has been cancelled.

Earlier in the day, police filed an FIR against the organisers, accusing them of hiding evidence and flouting conditions with 2.5 lakh people crammed into a venue in which only 80,000 were permitted. Without naming anyone, the UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said, “Some people have the tendency to politicise such sad and painful incidents.”

Source: https://www.news18.com/india/in-first-reaction-on-hathras-stampede-bhole-baba-claims-anti-social-elements-behind-tragedy-8953552.html

Jharkhand Chief Minister Champai Soren on Wednesday resigned from the top post, setting the stage for the return of Hemant Soren as the CM again. According to the sources, Hemant Soren met Governor CP Radhakrishnan and is set to stake claim to form the government in the state.

Hemant Soren has been elected as leader of the ruling Indian National Development Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) bloc parties in the Assembly and is set to return as the 13th Chief Minister of the state.

Soren was granted bail in a land scam case by the Jharkhand High Court on June 28, nearly five months after he was jailed in a money laundering case linked to an alleged land scam. He had resigned as the CM before his arrest on January 31. The court observed that prima facie there seems to be no evidence supporting the ED’s charge against Hemant Soren.

CHAMPAI SOREN WAS A STOPGAP CM: BJP ALLEGES
“Soren family does not tolerate power staying out of their hands…Champai Soren was a stopgap CM. JMM had then claimed that he would stay full term. Even when Champai was the CM…he was humiliated. He was called in the jail where instructions about transfers and postings were given to him. This just shows how family fiefdom runs in the state,” BJP spokesperson Pratul Shehdeo said.

WILL HEMANT SOREN GIVE BETTER RESULTS IN JHARKHAND ASSEMBLY POLLS?
A Congress leader, in charge of Jharkhand, told News18 that the INDIA Front believes Hemant Soren leading the alliance in the upcoming Assembly elections will give them better results. Jharkhand state elections are due by the end of this year.

“The Lok Sabha results show that tribals in Jharkhand believed that Hemant was wronged. The corruption charges against him did not stick. There could be further consolidation in India block’s favour once he is back in the saddle,” he said.

In the recently concluded Lok Sabha polls, the INDIA front won five seats in the tribal-dominated state and the BJP-led NDA won nine of 14 seats. JMM won three seats, while the Congress party registered victory over two seats in Jharkhand. Notably, the INDIA Bloc also defeated big BJP faces like Arjun Munda from Khunti.

Source: https://www.news18.com/politics/champai-soren-resigns-as-jharkhand-cm-stage-set-for-hemant-raaj-again-8953533.html

L K Advani has been kept under observation, and his condition is stable, said Dr. Vinit Suri.

Veteran BJP leader Lal Krishna Advani has been admitted to Apollo Hospital. He has been kept under observation, and his condition is stable, said the hospital. He has been admitted under Dr Vinit Suri, senior consultant, Neurology.

The details of Advani’s illness were not known immediately, news agency PTI reported.

Earlier last week, the 96-year-old leader was admitted to the AIIMS hospital due to age-related health issues.

At AIIMS, the former deputy Prime Minister was examined by a team of doctors from different specialities, including urology and geriatric medicine, and had undergone a minor procedure before getting discharged on June 27.

“Advani was admitted for an old-age-related issue and has been discharged,” the AIIMS official said in a statement.

Earlier this year, President Droupadi Murmu conferred Bharat Ratna, the nation’s highest civilian honour, on the BJP’s veteran leader. The ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and other senior leaders. The event was held at Advani’s residence in the wake of his declining health.

Who Is LK Advani?
Born in Pakistan’s Karachi on November 8, 1927, Advani served as the BJP’s national president for several years. His political journey spanned three decades, during which he held important positions, including Home Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, under the leadership of Atal Bihari Vajpayee from 1999 to 2004.

Source: https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/l-k-advani-apollo-hospital-aiims-bjp-leader-medical-condition-2562022-2024-07-03

The stampede at a ‘satsang’ killed 121 people as devotees suffocated to their deaths and bodies piled atop each other in the worst such tragedy in recent years. Envoys of several countries mourned the loss of lives in the incident.

A deadly stampede during a ‘satsang’ in Uttar Pradesh’s Hathras claimed the lives of 121 people on Tuesday. Scores of bodies were lying on blocks of ice inside a government hospital, as wailing relatives of the victims waited outside to take mortal remains back home. The victims were part of the crowd of thousands that had gathered near Phulrai village in the Sikandrarau area for the ‘satsang’ by religious preacher Bhole Baba.

The stampede took place at around 3.30 pm. According to an eyewitness, thousands of people were there at the venue and when Baba was leaving, many of them rushed to touch his feet. As they were returning, people slipped and fell over one another as parts of the ground had turned boggy with water overflowing from a nearby drain.