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An out-of-control truck hit a car and a bus before crashing into a bridge in Katni, leaving three dead and 29 injured. Rescue teams used a crane to free trapped passengers as the state announced compensation for the victims.
Most of the passengers travelling in the buses were on their way to the pilgrimage town of Soron Shukar Kshetra. (Representative image)
An out-of-control truck rammed into a car, hit a bus and crashed into a bridge in Katni, Madhya Pradesh, on Sunday, leaving three passengers in the bus dead and 29 injured, police said.
The accident occurred near the Industrial Area bridge under Kuthla police station limits, when the bus, carrying around 35 passengers, was travelling from Katni to Vijayraghavgarh, while the truck was coming from the opposite direction, Superintendent of Police Abhinav Vishwakarma told PTI over the phone.
Preliminary investigation suggests that the truck driver lost control of the wheel due to a brake failure, he said.
The collision impact caused the bus to overturn, leaving several passengers trapped. A crane was used to lift the bus and rescue the passengers in an operation that lasted over 35 minutes, he added.
Locals joined police personnel and administrative officials in rescue operations.
The deceased passengers were identified as Kishan Kol (30), Neelam Prajapati, and Raju Choudhary, police said.
A girl, who sustained serious injuries, has been shifted to the government medical college and hospital in Jabalpur divisional headquarters, while others are being treated in the district hospital, said Vishwakarma.
The driver of the truck was also injured.
Eyewitnesses said the collision triggered panic, trapping passengers inside and beneath the overturned bus. One person was trapped inside the truck’s cabin.
Expressing grief, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav announced a financial aid of Rs 4 lakh each to the three deceased, and Rs 1 lakh assistance for the severely injured girl.
In the Gurugram IVF case, the parents are asking: Where is their biological child? If it goes to court, this case could lead to change in the way India regulates IVF centers.
Gurugram IVF case: The Supreme Court has been averse to DNA tests as routine tests, but in the case of ART births, it is time to integrate the DNA test into some kind of process.
The recent case of a Gurugram couple who found that their IVF baby was not actually their biological child at all has grabbed headlines.
The couple has spoken out in the media about how they found that the child born to them after spending lakhs at an IVF center had different features from the rest of their family, and then a DNA test found that she was not related to the father or the mother. They have filed a complaint before the Authority under the Assisted Reproductive Technology Act, and also an FIR under the Act against the IVF center and the hospital where the child was born.
Unfortunately, this is not an exceptional or uncommon case.
In 2023, the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) imposed a Rs 1.5 crore fine on a Delhi-based clinic after it was found that the child did not have the husband’s DNA but some other sperm donor, which was not approved by the couple.
The NCDRC also flagged rampant unethical practices by IVF clinics, noting that they use donor gametes without the consent of the parents, and often don’t have proper storage facilities. The Commission also held the clinic responsible for medical negligence and mental trauma caused to the couple.
One important outcome of the 2023 case was that the NCDRC recommended to the Government of India to amend the ART Act to allow DNA testing. The Commission suggested that a DNA test be done for a baby born through ART procedures, which shows the DNA match to the parents. Till now, there does not seem to have been any action by the Health Ministry or the National Medical Council on this suggestion.
In 2025, a similar case was reported from Secunderabad in Andhra Pradesh, where an FIR was filed against the clinic for using someone else’s sperm sample.
WHAT IS IVF MIX UP?
In IVF, embryos are created using the intended parents’ (or donor’s) egg and sperm, then implanted into the uterus.
A “mix-up” occurs in these cases:
1) The wrong sperm or egg is used
2) Another couple’s embryo is transferred
3) Stored samples are mishandled or mislabelled
Such an error can only come to light after birth, often during a DNA test, a medical complication, or simply when a child looks very different, as was the case for the Gurugram couple.
What is also important is that the ART Act does not restrict the commissioning couple to using only one gamete i.e either sperm or oocyte for IVF treatment of infertility. A commissioning couple can obtain both the counterparts — sperm as well as oocyte to be condensed into an embryo and then implanted in the wife’s uterus.
In such case, the DNA profile of child would certainly be different from the commissioning couple, but in such a case the couple must be fully informed and sign the consent form.
The law also has provisions barring the disclosure of any identification or information about the donor to the couple, except where there is a medical emergency or by order of a court.
Additionally, the law specifically protects the rights of IVF children. They are legally identified as the biological children of the commissioning couple with all rights and titles under law, and cannot be abandoned or rejected by the couple.
WHAT IF COUPLE HAS USED THEIR OWN SAMPLES BUT FOUND SOMEONE ELSE’S BIOLOGICAL CHILD?
Under Section 33 of the ART Act, 2021, a complaint can be filed for “exploiting the commissioning couple, woman or gamete donor” against the clinic and the doctors who performed the IVF.
However, the punishment under the act lacks teeth – Section 33 provides for punishment of up to 10 lakh rupees fine for the first offence by a medical practitioner, gynaecologist, geneticist or any other person. But if the malpractice is done for the second time, or any subsequent times, there is provision for a jail term of 3-8 years and a fine of minimum Rs 10 lakh.
Advocate Ameyavikrama Thanvi tells India Today that couples can claim both civil and criminal action against the clinic.
“Under the ART Act, a couple can raise a complaint with District/ State authority who will then file a criminal complaint in accordance with sections 33 and 35 of the ART Act. The couple can also file private complaint against doctors by filing FIR under the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita for cheating and criminal breach of trust. Additionally, the couple may also approach a consumer forum for compensation for medical negligence,” says Thanvi.
Unfortunately, the Law lacks real teeth, and complaints take a long time to get resolved.
In 2023, the UP state Consumer Commission awarded over Rs 40 lakh as compensation and for medical treatment of a child born through IVF, after it was found that the clinic did not disclose foetal abnormalities in the baby during pregnancy. The forum held that the clinic intentionally did not disclose the complications of the child in the womb. This case was of a baby born in 2016.
Speaking to India Today, Advocate Neeraj Kumar Jha, who has handled cases of IVF clinics, said that there are rampant unethical practices by IVF clinics, which rarely get reported.
“These is rampant practices involving violation of medical ethics as couple are ready to pay huge amount to become parents. Presently I am advising about 30 IVF and Surrogacy Clinics in Delhi NCR. These are most common issues. Most often, the clinics enter into compromise with the couple and pay some settlement amount as clinics are financially extremely sound,” said Jha.
While the NCDRC has suggested genetic matching, the law as it stands allows for pre-implantation genetic testing in very limited situations only. Section 25 of the Act allows for genetic screening of the Embryo for “known, pre-existing, heritable or genetic diseases” only, in situations where “one or both genetic parents has a known genetic abnormality and testing is performed on an embryo to determine if it also carries a genetic abnormality.”
Thanvi says that the government would be able to introduce DNA matching by amending Section 25.
The Supreme Court has been averse to DNA tests as routine tests, but in the case of ART births, it is time to integrate the DNA test into some kind of process. Also, while the court’s concerns are legitimate in not making DNA testing a routine test, let’s not forget that today we are living in times when people can conduct these tests at home. In the case of ART, testing at pre-implantation stage may be advisable to avoid this kind of added burden on parents who are already going through mental and emotional stress combined with legal paperwork,” says Thanvi.
The video, posted by Macron on social media, captured highlights from PM Modi’s visit to Nice, where the two leaders held bilateral talks and jointly inaugurated the Bharat Innovates 2026 conclave.
The post quickly gained traction online, with users praising the blend of diplomacy and popular culture.
French President Emmanuel Macron gave Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Nice a Bollywood twist by sharing a recap video set to the popular song ‘Aari Aari’ from the film ‘Dhurandhar’. The video, posted by Macron on social media, captured highlights from PM Modi’s visit to the French city of Nice, where the two leaders held bilateral talks and jointly inaugurated the Bharat Innovates 2026 conclave. The post quickly drew attention online, with many users noting Macron’s continued use of Indian popular culture in diplomatic messaging.
Posted on X and Instagram, the video opened with the two leaders greeting each other with a handshake and a hug before showcasing key moments from PM Modi’s visit. The montage highlighted their discussions on technology, innovation, and the growing India-France partnership, while the Bollywood soundtrack added a distinctly Indian touch.
The clip served as a cinematic “thank you” message from Macron following PM Modi’s participation in the Bharat Innovates 2026 conclave and the Global AI Summit in France.
Responding to the video, PM Modi thanked Macron and reiterated that India and France would continue working closely in areas such as technology, innovation and emerging industries.
Les entretiens d’aujourd’hui avec mon ami le Président Macron ont été exceptionnellement productifs. Au regard de l’amitié de longue date entre nos deux nations, nous avons décidé d’élever nos relations au rang de Partenariat stratégique global d’exception.
This is not the first time Macron has used music from Dhurandhar in his social media content. Earlier this year, the French President shared a farewell video from his India visit that also featured music associated with the film, highlighting the growing cultural connect between the two countries.
PM Modi’s Visit To Nice
During the visit, PM Modi and Macron held bilateral talks at Villa Kerylos in Nice, marking their first meeting since India and France elevated their relationship to a Special Global Strategic Partnership earlier this year. The two leaders discussed a range of issues, including defense cooperation, space collaboration, nuclear energy, technology, and innovation. They also reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the India-France Special Global Strategic Partnership.
Technology and innovation were central themes of the visit. Earlier in the day, PM Modi and Macron jointly inaugurated the Bharat Innovates 2026 Conclave in Nice, where they addressed discussions on artificial intelligence, start-ups, trade, space and emerging technologies before holding their bilateral meeting.
Amid the ‘Rs 370 Biryani’ controversy, he took to X to share a few guidelines for comedians, asking them to stop hiding behind crowd work
Kunal Kamra was booked under multiple FIRs in Maharashtra. Kunal Kamra, Pranit More/ Instagram
Kunal Kamra is one of the country’s most prominent stand-up comedians who has been embroiled in his fair share of controversies and has been booked in multiple FIRs in Maharashtra. Amid the ‘Rs 370 Biryani’ controversy, he took to X (formerly Twitter) and issued a few guidelines for comedians. His simple ask is for comics to stop hiding and take ownership of their content.
Taking to the social media platform, Kunal Kamra wrote, “Things comedians should stop hiding behind: Storytelling, crowd work, hard work, bank balance, and parents.”
His message could not be clearer than this amid the viral clips from Pranit More’s crowd work show. The comedian is under fire for giving a platform to Himanshu Jangra, the man linked to the Rs 370 biryani row.
Things comedians should stop hiding behind…
1. Storytelling.
2. Crowd Work.
3. Hard Work
4. Bank Balance.
5. Parents.
Replying to Kamra, a user wrote, “It’s not crowd work but let the crowd do all the work.”
Another said, “Just because you guys can’t do good crowd work doesn’t mean crowd work is bad!”
A third said, “So basically, if the jokes are cheap, the excuses are cheaper.”
A fourth disagreed with the comedian and questioned, “Why storytelling? If it’s funny then I don’t see anything wrong about it.”
A fifth commented, “Indian comedians stopped writing punchlines and started doing crowd work because an Instagram algorithm won’t file an FIR against you for asking a guy about his biryani story.”
‘Rs 370 Biryani’ Row
Pranit More posted a clip from his crowd work show in which Himanshu Jangra narrated a date. He paid Rs 370 for a plate of chicken biryani, and when the girl asked him to drop her off at her home, he said, “Maine kaha ki Rs 370 lage hain to use to wasool to karunga hi [I thought, I invested Rs 370, I need a return].”
He further went on to describe the evening in grave detail. People laughed and even More called him funny and reportedly gave him money at the end. When the clip went viral and the backlash intensified, both men apologised and deactivated their accounts.
The National Commission for Women (NCW) took suo motu cognisance of the matter. Hearing notices were issued to both Pranit More and Himanshu Jangra, directing them to appear before the Commission on June 22, 2026, at 4 pm.
After the FIR, the comedian said that his account was suspended and posted a video apologising. Himanshu also spoke with his ex-boss in a video interview, which is live on Starvik Design, where he was fired after the backlash escalated.
While many users are empathising with More, people are not ready to forgive Himanshu, saying he was sorry for attending the show and not for what he said.
Along with the ‘Rs 370 Biryani’ controversy, Dr Sejal Pawar’s video from the same show was also circulated online, in which she joked about comparing the sizes of male cadavers’ private parts. She apologised later.
Learning to pause before committing can help you protect your time, energy, and priorities—and avoid saying yes on impulse
Sometimes we end up saying “yes” before our brain has had a chance to join the conversation and figure out the consequences. A friend needs a favour. A colleague wants help. Someone invites you to an event three weeks from now. Before you know it, you’re committed! And then left exhausted, and wondering why your calendar looks like a game of Tetris.
Power of a pause
Always remember there’s a pause button on all remotes and you are allowed to use that in real life as well. Instead of an instant yes, try saying, “Let me check and get back to you.” A small pause can prevent a big regret. After all, every yes takes up space in your life. Make sure it’s a space worth giving away.
It is important to ask yourself these three simple questions before saying “yes” to anything and anyone.
Do I actually want to do this?
It sounds obvious, but many of us say “yes” out of habit. We don’t want to disappoint people, seem rude, or miss out on something. Take a moment and ask yourself: if nobody’s feelings were involved, would I still want to do this? If the answer is no, then pause before answering.
Do I have the time and energy?
A free slot in your schedule does not automatically mean you’re available. Time and energy are not the same thing. You may technically have a Saturday afternoon free, but if you’ve had a hectic week, that time might be better spent resting. Before agreeing, consider what the commitment will cost you, not just in hours but in effort.
The Assam Cabinet has approved a ban on fresh Aadhaar enrolment for individuals above 18 years, citing concerns over illegal immigration. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said exceptions will apply in special cases, with continued enrolment for SC, ST and Tea Garden communities till 2027. The decision aims to prevent misuse and ensure stricter identity verification across the state.
Assam Bans Fresh Aadhaar Enrolment For Adults Above 18 To Curb Illegal Immigration, Exempts SC/ST/Tea Garden Till 2027 | X –
In a significant decision aimed at tightening identity verification measures, the Assam Cabinet on Saturday approved a ban on fresh Aadhaar enrolment for individuals above 18 years of age, citing concerns over illegal immigration.
Cabinet Meeting Details
The decision was taken at a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma at Lok Sewa Bhawan in Dispur.
Announcing the Cabinet decisions, Sarma said Aadhaar cards would no longer be issued in Assam to individuals above the age of 18, except under special circumstances.
Rationale Behind Ban
“From now on, people above 18 years of age will not be issued Aadhaar cards in Assam. We have already achieved near-total Aadhaar saturation in the state. This decision has been taken to ensure that illegal Bangladeshi immigrants are unable to obtain Aadhaar cards,” Sarma told reporters.
The restriction will not apply to individuals below 18 years of age.
Extended Deadline for Exempted Groups
The government has, however, exempted members of the Divyang, Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST) and Tea Garden communities from the immediate implementation of the new rule. For applicants belonging to the SC, ST and Tea Garden communities, Aadhaar enrolment will continue until March 31, 2027. From April 1, 2027, the same restrictions will apply to them unless special permission is obtained from the state government.
Sarma said Aadhaar enrolment in some districts had already crossed the 100 per cent mark, raising concerns about possible misuse of the system. Under the new policy, any Aadhaar application from a person above 18 years of age will require prior approval from the state government. District Commissioners will have to seek permission before processing such applications.
New Development Authority Approved
The Cabinet also approved the creation of the Guwahati Satellite Cities Development Authority (GSCDA) to plan, finance and develop satellite townships in and around Guwahati within the jurisdiction of the Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA).
“The proposed satellite city will be developed in areas behind the airport, covering parts of Palasbari, Sualkuchi and adjoining regions near the bridge. The area will fall under the jurisdiction of the Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority,” the Chief Minister said.
Employment Mission Framework
In another major decision, the Cabinet approved the implementation framework of the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025, in Assam from July 1, 2026.
The scheme will have a budget allocation of Rs 2,000 crore and provide 125 man-days of direct wage employment. Besides generating employment, the programme will focus on creating durable community assets through the work undertaken under the scheme.
Panchayat-Wise Funds
Under the initiative, each panchayat will receive financial assistance ranging from Rs 70 lakh to Rs 1.5 crore, depending on local requirements. The government expects the scheme to generate employment opportunities, strengthen rural livelihoods and create community infrastructure.
To ensure transparency in implementation, the Cabinet approved the formation of a monitoring committee. Sarma said the government would closely track the programme from the beginning and address deficiencies that had affected earlier employment schemes, including MGNREGA.
The Cabinet also decided that issuance of No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for Central and inter-state deputation of All India Service officers, including IAS officers, will now require Cabinet approval.
The group was carrying out mining in a 40-foot-deep mine when the incident happened, according to authorities. A rescue team from CCL was called in to pull them out.
The incident happened inside a 40-foot-deep illegal coal mine in Jharkhand’s Ramgarh.
Four men died due to inhalation of toxic gases and a lack of oxygen inside an unauthorised coal mine in Jharkhand’s Ramgarh district on Saturday. The incident took place in a forestland area near Argada. The group was carrying out mining in a 40-foot-deep mine when the incident happened, according to authorities.
After the miners lost consciousness, a rescue team was called in from the Central Coalfields Limited’s (CCL) Argada unit. The men were pulled out of the illegal mine following considerable efforts and were rushed to a hospital, where they were declared brought dead.
The people who lost their lives have been identified as 25-year-old Dev Kumar Bedia, 26-year-old Dablu Bedia, 26-year-old Kishore Ravani, and 29-year-old Ashish Rajwar.
It is suspected that two of them got trapped while extracting coal, and the other two got caught in the same situation when they tried to rescue them.
Thousands of Bihar Police exam candidates blocked tracks at Patliputra Railway Station in Bihar after trains arrived late. The agitation disrupted rail services for hours before officials arranged special transport and cleared the lines.
Large number of students jumped onto the railway tracks and stopped train movement,demanding arrangements to help them reach their examination centres.
Thousands of candidates appearing for the Bihar Police Prohibition Department recruitment examination brought rail traffic to a grinding halt on Saturday after protesting against an alleged shortage of trains to examination centres, triggering hours of chaos, vandalism and police action at Patliputra railway station.
The situation escalated when large numbers of candidates jumped onto railway tracks, stopped train movement and raised slogans, forcing railway and district authorities to intervene. Police later resorted to firing aerial shots to bring the situation under control after tensions mounted at the station.
The cops also fired tear gas shells to disperse the large crowd that was disrupting the railway traffic.
TRAIN SHORTAGE SPARKS PROTEST
The recruitment examination was scheduled to be held in two shifts on Sunday. Candidates had begun arriving at the station late on Saturday night to travel to their allotted examination centres.
According to the protesters, adequate train arrangements had not been made despite the large number of candidates expected to travel for the examination. As crowds swelled at the station, frustration among aspirants grew.
The flashpoint came when candidates attempted to board an examination special train operating between Patliputra and Katihar. Amid a rush to enter the train, confusion and overcrowding led to unrest.
Angry candidates then sat on the railway tracks and blocked the train, raising slogans and demanding immediate transport arrangements.
VANDALISM REPORTED, TRAIN SERVICES HIT
During the protest, reports emerged of vandalism inside the examination special train. Several trains remained stranded on different platforms for hours as rail operations were severely affected.
Railway officials, along with Danapur Sub-Divisional Magistrate and senior police officers, reached the station and tried to persuade the candidates to clear the tracks.
To ease the situation, the Railways arranged special trains and made alternative travel arrangements to transport candidates to different examination centres.
SENIOR OFFICIALS RUSH TO SPOT
As the protest intensified, senior police and administrative officials camped at the station to monitor the situation.
Inspector General Jitendra Rana, the district police chief and other senior officers reached the scene. During the unrest, IG Rana reportedly suffered minor injuries. The officer-in-charge of Rupaspur police station was also said to have sustained minor injuries.
Candidates continued sloganeering and disrupting train operations even as officials held discussions with them.
POLICE RESORT TO AERIAL FIRING
With tensions refusing to subside, police fired three rounds in the air to disperse the crowd and restore order.
Even after the firing, the station remained tense for a considerable period as authorities worked to prevent further escalation.
Additional police personnel were deployed at the station, while railway and district authorities continued efforts to normalise train services and ensure candidates could reach their examination venues.
Arvind Kejriwal accused the Centre in Jalandhar of protecting Lawrence Bishnoi in Sabarmati jail. He also linked the row to Punjab’s anti-drug campaign and alleged Gujarat had become a narcotics gateway.
Arvind Kejriwal accused the Centre of shielding Bishnoi, who is currently lodged in Sabarmati jail in Gujarat.
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener and former Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday launched a sharp attack on the BJP-led Centre, alleging that jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi enjoys official protection and describing him as the “son-in-law” of the “ED Party”, a term he used to refer to the BJP.
Addressing a gathering in Jalandhar after attending a meeting of the Punjab State Traders Commission alongside Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Kejriwal accused the Centre of shielding Bishnoi, who is currently lodged in Sabarmati jail in Gujarat.
“The only gangster left is Lawrence Bishnoi. He is sitting in Sabarmati jail and is the ‘damaad’ (son-in-law) of the ED Party. He is under their protection,” Kejriwal alleged.
Claiming that the Union Home Ministry has ensured Bishnoi remains in the Gujarat prison, Kejriwal said the gangster continues to operate his network from behind bars. He alleged that even when crimes linked to Bishnoi take place in Punjab, the Punjab Police cannot bring him to the state for questioning and investigators have to travel to Sabarmati jail instead.
“He is sitting there and running his network not just across India but across the world. Punjab Police officers have to go to Sabarmati jail to question him. He has been given every facility,” Kejriwal said.
“Not a single gangster emerged during the AAP government’s tenure. They are all products of older parties,” he said, adding that his government had brought seven gangsters back to Punjab from seven different countries and was continuing its crackdown on organised crime and drug trafficking.
The AAP chief also linked his criticism of the Centre to the issue of drug trafficking, alleging that Gujarat has emerged as a major source of narcotics entering the country despite being governed by the BJP for decades.
“When we came to power in Punjab, 70 per cent of drugs were coming from Pakistan through drones and 30 per cent from Gujarat. Today, 70 per cent of the drugs and ‘chitta’ are coming from Gujarat,” Kejriwal claimed.
He said the Punjab government had significantly reduced drug smuggling through the Pakistan border by deploying anti-drone systems capable of intercepting drones before they enter the state.
Referring to the 2021 seizure of around 3,000 kg of narcotics worth Rs 21,000 crore at Mundra Port in Gujarat, Kejriwal alleged that the state had become a gateway for drugs entering India. He also cited reports regarding missing drug stocks in Gujarat and questioned how much narcotics escaped detection.
The procession marched to Goa Power Minister Ramkrishna alias Sudin Dhavalikar’s residence in North Goa district, claiming that consumers were receiving inflated electricity bills and being subjected to steep penalties for surpassing their sanctioned power load limits.
The protest was held outside Goa Power Minister Ramkrishna alias Sudin Dhavalikar’s house in North Goa district. (@AAPGoa/X)
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders and workers staged a protest outside the residence of Goa electricity minister Ramkrishna alias Sudin Dhavalikar over what the Arvind Kejriwal-led party described as “exorbitant” power bills. The protesters also voiced their opposition to the penalties imposed on electricity consumers.
The protest took place on Saturday morning under the banner of “Jan Aakrosh Morcha.” The procession marched to Dhavalikar’s residence at Nagueshi village in North Goa district, claiming that consumers were receiving inflated electricity bills and being subjected to steep penalties for surpassing their sanctioned power load limits.
REPEATED DEMANDS IGNORED: AAP
The protest was attended by dozens of people. AAP’s Goa unit chief, Valmiki Naik, alleged that repeated demands and an ultimatum to the power minister for waiver of penalties were ignored by the BJP government.
He asserted that the government is using the electricity department as an “extortion machine”, accusing it of burdening consumers by issuing inflated bills, imposing penalties, and introducing smart meters.
Sharing photos of the protest, AAP Goa said on its official X handle: “The voice of Goa is loud and clear. Give relief to the people, not excuses.”
Four people, including the alleged kingpin of the drug trafficking ring, have been arrested in connection with the matter. Moreover, three police personnel have been suspended for varying reasons.
The consignment was recovered from a pickup truck near the Nepal border.
A consignment of cannabis (ganja) weighing 419 kg was recovered from a pickup truck in Bihar’s Madhubani district, with an angle of police collusion suspected in the case. The seizure was made in an area near the international border with Nepal.
Four people, including the main accused named Vinod Sahni, have been arrested in connection with the matter. Moreover, three police personnel have been suspended for varying reasons.
The disciplinary action against the policemen came after the investigation into the case allegedly revealed that the driver of a Dial 112 emergency response vehicle colluded with the traffickers.
A sub-inspector assigned to the unit has also been put on suspension over his alleged absence from duty. The revelations of the probe also prompted senior officials to suspend the in-charge of the local police station on charges of dereliction of duty.
Madhubani Superintendent of Police (SP) Yogendra Kumar said that negligence or involvement in illegal activities at any level of the police hierarchy will not be tolerated by the department.
The incident took place in December 2025. A criminal case has been filed against the nurses in connection with the fatal mistake.
A three-year-old child, battling blood cancer, allegedly died at AIIMS Bhopal after a nurse injected formalin into his body instead of medicine. The chemical, toxic for humans, is used to preserve biopsy samples, tissues and bodies.
The incident took place in December 2025. A criminal case has been filed in connection with the fatal mistake.
The child, Sarthak Yadav, was a resident of Kaurja village in Bina tehsil of Sagar district. He was admitted to the paediatric ward of AIIMS Bhopal on December 15, 2025, in a critical condition. His family says he was undergoing treatment for blood cancer and was under constant medical supervision.
According to the family, the fatal error took place on the morning of December 17. Sarthak’s IV line had reportedly been blocked. A nursing officer on duty allegedly picked up a syringe lying in the ward, marked with the letter “F”, and injected its contents into the IV bottle without proper vetting. His father, Siddharth Yadav, claims he tried to stop the nurse but failed.
“My son had cancer, and we had admitted him to AIIMS. In the morning, a nurse came. The IV line was blocked. She picked up a syringe marked with an ‘F’ and injected it into the IV bottle. I tried to stop her three times, but she said, ‘Am I the doctor here, or are you?’ Shortly after that, my son lost consciousness,” Siddharth alleged.
What followed, according to the family, was panic inside the ward. Sarthak’s condition deteriorated rapidly after the injection. He lost consciousness and was rushed to the PICU. Doctors administered CPR, but the three-year-old could not be saved. He died at 8:45 AM.
The family has alleged that after the child collapsed, hospital staff tried to take away the IV bottle. Siddharth allegedly managed to grab it, but it was later snatched from him. “The doctor told me there was only a 50-50 chance of survival. By the time I ran to the nurse, they took the bottle away from me,” he alleged.
Internal Probe Report Fixes Accountability
AIIMS’ internal inquiry reportedly found that the direct cause of Sarthak’s death was the intravenous administration of formalin. The report held the nursing staff responsible for gross negligence.
The report allegedly states that formalin, meant for a biopsy sample, had been drawn into a syringe and left exposed in the ward.
Nursing officer Madhubala Sharma is accused of administering the chemical to the child. Another nursing officer, Anuka Gujarati, is accused of failing to store the formalin safely.
The test allegedly indicated that the embryo of another couple was implanted into Meenu Rathore’s womb.
The couple says they simply want their own child.
Gurugram’s Rahul Rathore and his wife, Meenu Rathore, opted for In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) last year. In January, she gave birth to twin girls. As the children bore no resemblance to them, they felt something was amiss and decided to match their DNA with the infants.
The medical procedure, which has many applications, including establishing paternity, turned their happiest moment into a nightmare.
According to the couple, the test results showed their DNA didn’t match the infants’, proving they weren’t their biological children.
They claim the embryo of some other couple was implanted into Meenu Rathore’s womb.
A Delhi court has directed the local police to file a case and probe the serious allegation.
IVF Treatment Nightmare
Rahul Rathore said a hospital in Dwarka referred the couple for IVF treatment to an infertility clinic in Delhi’s Greater Kailash. Dr Shivani Sachdev was handling the case.
According to the couple, on January 9, 2025, the doctors conducted IVF-linked tests on the woman and assured them the embryo would be developed using their sperm and egg.
On May 14, 2025, the embryo was implanted into the woman’s womb. On January 5, 2026, Meenu Rathore gave birth to two girls.
The test report, according to them, proved the children weren’t theirs biologically.
They have alleged that the clinic interchanged their embryo with that of another couple.
Meenu said they want their own child.
“Just as I am searching for my child, the mother whose child I have must also be yearning for them,” she told NDTV.
She said she hasn’t been able to breastfeed the infants.
“Even though these girls are not ours, we are taking care of them,” she said.
According to initial reports, the AN-32 aircraft went down within the Air Force Station premises, triggering a fire after the crash.
The Indian Air Force confirmed the incident and said investigation is underway
An Indian Air Force (IAF) AN-32 transport aircraft crashed and caught fire at the Air Force Station in Assam’s Jorhat on Saturday morning killing five personnel.
The Air Force confirmed five casualties in the mishap and shared details. The personnel who lost their lives in the crash have been identified as Sqn Ldr Prashant Singh, Flt Lt Shubham Kumar, Sgt Jitendra Sharma, Agniveervayu Khemaram Kumawat and Agniveervayu Danish Alam.
The Indian Air Force deeply regrets the loss of five personnel in the An-32 accident at Jorhat, Assam.
Sqn Ldr Prashant Singh, Flt Lt Shubham Kumar, Sgt Jitendra Sharma, Agniveervayu Khemaram Kumawat and Agniveervayu Danish Alam made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty.… pic.twitter.com/9SmOjtS5mU
“An IAF An-32 aircraft met with an accident during a routine sortie today at approximately 1000h at Jorhat, Assam. Crash site management and initial enquiries are on at this time. IAF deeply regrets the loss of lives and stands firmly with the bereaved families in this time of grief,” a post from the IAF stated.
According to initial reports, the AN-32 aircraft went down within the Air Force Station premises while landing, triggering a fire after the crash.
Emergency response teams were immediately deployed to the site to control the blaze and assess the situation.
The cause of the crash is yet to be ascertained.
Further information is awaited as Air Force has begun investigation into the AN-32 crash.
“We are aware of the IAF transport aircraft accident in Jorhat. We are awaiting further details,” Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said.
The Antonov AN-32 is a rugged, twin-engine turboprop military transport aircraft that serves as the “workhorse” of the Indian Air Force. First built in the Soviet Union specifically for Indian requirements, the IAF operates a fleet of about 100 of these aircraft.
The AN-32 is designed to excel in extreme environments, functioning perfectly in high-altitude airfields and hot tropical climates. It can transport up to 7.5 tons of cargo, 50 passengers, or 42 paratroopers, and it is extensively used for supply drops in remote regions.
Offering his condolences, Rahul Gandhi said, “The news of the martyrdom of our five brave soldiers in the Indian Air Force aircraft accident in Assam is extremely heartbreaking.”
In a video released by the Instagram account of Gurugram-based Starvik Design, the company from which Jangra was fired recently, he spoke at length with the company’s founder, Vivek Vishwakarma.
The controversy began after a clip from comedian Pranit More went viral.
The 22-year-old Haryana man, Himanshu Jangra, whose remarks at a stand-up comedy show triggered a national controversy, has said he is living with “regret”, facing legal trouble, social isolation and relentless online abuse after a clip from the event went viral across social media platforms.
In a video released by the Instagram account of Gurugram-based Starvik Design, the company from which Jangra was fired recently, he spoke at length with the company’s founder, Vivek Vishwakarma. The conversation comes days after Jangra lost his job, received legal notices and was summoned along with comedian Pranit More by the National Commission for Women (NCW).
“Sir, now I am in a very bad condition, I am very tense,” Jangra said during the interaction. “Now, when I see my family, I feel very regretful that ‘why did I go to that show’.”
The controversy began after a crowd-work segment from comedian Pranit More’s show in Gurugram spread widely online. During the interaction, Jangra recounted a date in which he had spent Rs 370 on a plate of chicken biryani and suggested that the expense entitled him to sexual favours. More was seen laughing during the exchange.
The clip drew widespread criticism online, with many viewers accusing both the audience member and the comedian of normalising coercive attitudes towards women. Both men later apologised.
In the interaction with his former boss, Jangra described how the fallout gradually spread from social media into his personal life.
“As you know I have been getting a lot of trolls on my Instagram for the past two weeks,” he said. “Till one week, no one knew about it. No one at home, no one in my hometown knew about it. But last Sunday my uncle got to know about it.”
He said his uncle called him after seeing the circulating clips and demanded an explanation.
“My uncle called me and asked what was happening. I explained to him, and he asked why did you go to the show. He scolded me,” Jangra said. “But in the next two days, I didn’t have any expectation that I would get so much hate for this. This video went to my relatives, it went to the neighbours.”
According to Jangra, neighbours visited his family’s home and questioned them about the remarks.
“The neighbours came to my house and told my parents that their son is in this video. This is a very shameful thing. Then the family got to know about it,” Jangra said.
His family subsequently called him home and confronted him. The pressure intensified further after he lost his job.
“Till here it was still fine. But when they found out that I was fired from the job, they got very tense. Now I have a case on me, I have also received a notice,” Jangra said.
He explained that he had attended because it was his first live comedy event. He said he decided to attend out of curiosity.
“Actually, I had seen this show’s episode before, the real show. So, this was happening for the first time in Gurgaon. It is mostly done in Mumbai,” he said. “I thought that let’s attend once, let’s see how it is. It was the first time in my life that I was watching a comedy show.”
Jangra claimed that parts of the story he told on stage were not entirely accurate.
“The girl I am talking about, yes, I had dated a girl like this. We had a good talk, and we spent a lot of time. But what I said there, it was not totally true. I improvised. I agree because I used some wrong words there. I would like to apologise for this,” Jangra added.
At the same time, he argued that he had viewed the exchange as entertainment rather than a reflection of his actual beliefs.
“What I said there, I said only in an ‘entertaining’ way. I have no such intention, I have no such mentality,” Jangra claimed. “Sir, you know that I have worked with you, there are many female colleagues in our office, and I have no complaints from them to date.”
According to Jangra, the atmosphere inside the venue encouraged him to continue.
“What happened there, the environment was such that people were taking it in an entertaining way.”
He said the reaction of comedian Pranit More also emboldened him.
“The host was also taking it in an entertaining way. Looking at his confidence, I got a boost and added a little more,” he said.
When the backlash continued growing, he said he issued an apology and eventually deactivated his social media account. Jangra also rejected claims that newly created social media accounts using his name belonged to him.
The interview came as Vishwakarma himself provided the first detailed account of how the controversy affected Starvik Design and why he eventually terminated Jangra’s employment.
Speaking separately to NDTV, Vishwakarma said he initially paid little attention to the viral clips.
“I was busy with office stuff,” he said. “It was only after messages, emails and negative comments began flooding the company’s digital pages that he watched the full video.”
While he found the remarks offensive, Vishwakarma said the behaviour did not resemble the employee he knew.
“Things were offensive, but that was not the person that I knew at the workplace — that was a totally different personality,” he said. “I know his mindset. He is quite a good employee.”
Vishwakarma also argued that comedian Pranit More could have intervened sooner.
In a second public apology issued on Saturday, comedian Pranit More described his failure to challenge the remarks during the performance as a “lapse in judgment”.
“I deserve this hate,” More said. “That man said many derogatory things, but everyone was laughing so I also got carried away. This was a big mistake.”
“I could have stopped him then and there and taken a stand. I gave him a platform and that escalated matters so fast,” he added.
More apologised to those who were hurt and asked for a second chance, promising that his future work would reflect lessons learned from the episode.
The NCW has meanwhile summoned both More and Jangra for a hearing scheduled for June 22.
The government said it believed it had identified a way to bypass, or “jailbreak”, Fable 5 so that it could assist hacking.
Anthropic said it received an export-control directive at 5.21pm local time barring all foreign nationals from using Fable 5 and Mythos 5, on national-security grounds. (Reuters)
Anthropic suspended access to its two most capable artificial intelligence models on Friday to comply with a US government national-security order, disabling the systems for every customer worldwide three days after opening access to one of them.
The company said it received an export-control directive at 5.21pm local time (3.21am IST) barring all foreign nationals — including Anthropic’s own foreign-national staff — from using Fable 5 and Mythos 5, on national-security grounds. Possibly unable to wall off that group cleanly, it withdrew both models from every user. “The net effect of this order is that we must abruptly disable Fable 5 and Mythos 5 for all our customers to ensure compliance,” the company said in a statement, adding that its other models were unaffected.
It is, on the available record, the first time a leading AI company has taken a publicly deployed model offline at the instruction of the US government. The closest precedent is the chip war: Washington has used the Entity List and the Foreign Direct Product Rule to cut China off from advanced AI processors and the equipment to make them. But those controls bit on hardware rather than a running consumer service switched off mid-use.
The directive came from commerce secretary Howard Lutnick, Axios reported; Commerce officials did not immediately respond to requests for comment, according to news wires AFP and AP. The Wall Street Journal reported that Amazon CEO Andy Jassy — whose company is an Anthropic investor — was among tech leaders who raised concerns to senior administration officials about security risks in Anthropic’s most advanced AI models.
The shutdown landed first on allies. The European Union, which secured access to Mythos only this month after weeks of negotiation, said the episode reinforced “Europe’s need for technological sovereignty”. “We take note of Anthropic’s statement and are assessing,” said Thomas Regnier, a spokesman for the European Commission, which in June unveiled measures to cut the 27-nation bloc’s reliance on the United States and Asia for critical technologies, AI among them.
Similar concerns are valid for India. The country is the second-largest market for Anthropic’s consumer service after the United States, accounting for 5.8% of global Claude.ai use in November 2025, rising to 6.16% by the company’s March update, according to its Economic Index. The use is narrow and deep: four states — Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Delhi — generate more than half the national total, and Indian users turn to Claude for software development more than for almost any other task, mirroring the IT-services industry that anchors the economy.
The letter from the government did not state the concern, the company said, but its understanding was that the government believed it had identified a way to bypass, or “jailbreak”, Fable 5 so that it could assist hacking.
Anthropic ‘disagrees’ with govt order
Fable 5, released on Tuesday, is a restricted version of Mythos 5, a frontier model Anthropic has withheld from the public over its capacity to find software vulnerabilities — the flaws in code that attackers exploit. Mythos 5 has gone only to a handful of selected firms.
Anthropic disputed the basis for the order. It said it had examined the jailbreak method in question and did not believe Fable 5 gave hackers any capability unavailable through other public models, and that none of its testers had found a “universal jailbreak” able to defeat its safeguards across the board. “We disagree that the finding of a narrow potential jailbreak should be cause for recalling a commercial model deployed to hundreds of millions of people,” it said. Applied across the sector, it argued, the same standard “would essentially halt all new model deployments for all frontier model providers”.
Those characterisations of severity are the company’s own. The government has not made its reasoning public.
But in the days after Fable 5 reached the public, one jailbreak claim circulated widely among security researchers. It came from a pseudonymous figure known as Pliny the Liberator, prominent enough in the field to have been named to TIME’s list of 100 most influential people in AI, who specialises in stripping the safety controls from new models within hours of their release. On June 10, his account declared the model “liberated” and said his collaborators had drawn restricted material from it across several categories of harm, among them cyber, chemical and explosives-related content.
His account of how offers a measure of how far the practice has moved. The methods were layered: disguising forbidden words by substituting lookalike letters from other alphabets so filters fail to register them; spreading a request across a long conversation until the model’s safety checks lose the thread; casting a query as fiction, as academic peer-review or as a document-filing task so the system treats it as legitimate. The approach he rated most effective was to break a dangerous request into harmless-looking fragments, have the model answer each in isolation, and reassemble the pieces afterwards — assisted, he said, by a second model that had itself been compromised. He cited a well-known methamphetamine synthesis route as an example, a pathway documented in open scientific literature for decades.
The suspension is the latest in a sustained run of confrontations between Anthropic and the Trump administration. The company has been at odds with Washington since it declined to let its technology be used in ways it judged unsafe, including for mass surveillance and autonomous weapons; the Pentagon subsequently cut contracts, and the Department of Defense designated Anthropic a supply-chain risk — a label more commonly reserved for foreign adversaries, which obliges defence contractors to certify they will not use the company’s models. That litigation is still ongoing.
Anthropic called the order a likely “misunderstanding” and said it was working to restore access, with fuller technical detail promised within a day.
Whether or not it succeeds, the episode has handed every government that rents its frontier AI rather than building its own a worked example of what that dependence can cost when the supplier’s home capital decides otherwise.
Sejal Pawar, an MBBS student, faced backlash after joking about male cadavers’ private parts during a show.
Sejal Pawar is a final year MBBS student stationed at KEM Hospital, Mumbai.
Sejal Pawar sparked backlash for her comments on ‘male corpses’ made during stand-up comedian Pranit More’s show. She has been sent to 15-day forced leave after Mumbai’s KEM hospital launched a probe against her. Sejal Pawar is a medical student at KEM Hospital.
What AIMSA President said
Now, All India Medical Students’ Association President, Jitendra Singh, has commented on the incident. Speaking to news agency ANI, he said, “First, regarding Sejal Pawar, I must clarify that a donated dead body is referred to as a ‘cadaver.’ A cadaver is a body donated by the family after death for medical study or research. Every medical student takes a ‘cadaver oath’ during their studies. In this oath, the student pledges to treat the body with respect, a sense of duty, and ethical consideration. Sejal Pawar is an MBBS student—that is the information we have. She would certainly have studied the medical oath…Therefore, the remarks she made about the dead body—a body that is revered and god-like—are highly condemnable.”
‘People like Pranit More are curse on society’
Speaking about the controversy that started from the show, he added, “As for Pranit More, people like him are a curse on society. In the name of comedy, chasing TRPs, and garnering views, they target our sisters and daughters, our religion, and specific individuals. Our primary demand to the Government of India is to define the parameters of comedy—to establish what kind of comedy is acceptable.”
#WATCH | Indore, MP: On the Sejal Pawar and comedian Pranit More controversy, All India Medical Students’ Association President, Jitendra Singh says, “First, regarding Sejal Pawar, I must clarify that a donated dead body is referred to as a ‘cadaver.’ A cadaver is a body donated… pic.twitter.com/z88eSrQJ1a
In a clip from Pranit More’s show that went viral on social media platforms, Dr Pawar was heard making remarks about ‘male corpses’ and comparing the sizes of male cadavers’ genitalia. This sparked backlash, with Mumbai’s King Edward Memorial (KEM) hospital, wherein Dr Pawar is an MBBS student, sending her on 15 days’ forced leave after ordering an inquiry.
KEM hospital said that Dr Pawar will be counselled, in her parents’ or guardian’s presence, and an appropriate course of action would be decided upon thereafter. The institution has constituted a five-member committee which will take a final decision on the matter within a week’s time.
Bhagwat said the programme was organised to help people understand the Sangh in a clearer way, which he said was viewed incorrectly from the outside
RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat said the organisation is often misunderstood by those who view it from outside | File image credit: PTI
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat acknowledged that the organisation is the largest voluntary body in the world, but also “one of the most misunderstood”.
Addressing an event held as part of the RSS centenary celebrations in Keralam’s Thiruvananthapuram, Bhagwat said the programme was organised to help people understand the Sangh in a clearer way, which he said was viewed incorrectly from the outside.
“This programme has been organised to provide an opportunity to understand an organisation that is often misunderstood. People say it is the largest voluntary organisation in the world, and at the same time, one of the most misunderstood”, he said, according to PTI.
VIDEO | Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala: RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat says, “This programme has been organised to provide an opportunity to understand an organisation that is often misunderstood. People say it is the largest voluntary organisation in the world, and at the same time, one of… pic.twitter.com/IBUrtMOEHc
“As we entered the 100th year of our work, it was decided that we should once again reach out to people and tell them about the Sangh”, the RSS chief added.
Bhagwat argued the best way to understand the RSS — the ideological parent of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) — is to join it and observe its internal ecosystem.
“As we entered the 100th year of our work, it was decided that we should once again reach out to people and tell them about the Sangh”, the RSS chief added.
Bhagwat argued the best way to understand the RSS — the ideological parent of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) — is to join it and observe its internal ecosystem.
‘Thinkers Looking Towards Bharat’
Mohan Bhagwat noted that the global thinkers are looking towards Bharat for a new path, arguing that many of the existing models have delivered benefits but have not fully resolved problems of the mankind.
“Development has brought progress, but it has also led to pollution and environmental challenges. The prevailing view often presents a choice between development and environmental protection”, he said, according to PTI.
VIDEO | Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala: RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat says, “Today, thinkers across the world are looking towards Bharat for a new path. In their view, many of the existing models have delivered benefits, but they have not fully resolved humanity’s problems and, in some… pic.twitter.com/kxkr6cqNsO
The RSS chief emphasized the need to strike a balance between development and environmental concerns.
“If you want to avoid pollution, you are told to stop development. If you want development, you are told not to worry about nature. The challenge before humanity is to find a way that can reconcile both”, Bhagwat said.
‘Some Object To Being Called Hindus’
Mohan Bhagwat, the sixth Sarsanghchalak of the RSS, said: “…People from Muslim and Christian faiths sometimes meet us. We tell them that by tradition, ancestry and cultural influence, they are also part of the same civilisational heritage. Some object to being called Hindus and say they would rather be called Hindavi or Bharatiya. The meaning, however, is the same”, as quoted by PTI.
Abjeet Singh Kingra, convicted for his involvement in an extortion attack on Punjabi singer AP Dhillon, testified that the Bishnoi gang has threatened his life and family if he returns to India.
During an admissibility hearing, Kingra claimed that he was unaware of his connection to the gang until he saw footage of the incident online. (Image: AP Dhillon/FILE)
An Indian national convicted for his role in the September 2024 extortion-linked attack on Punjabi singer AP Dhillon’s residence in Canada has claimed that the notorious Bishnoi gang has threatened to kill him if he is deported back to India. Appearing via video link from a British Columbia prison during an Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) hearing on Thursday, 26-year-old Abjeet Singh Kingra alleged that gang members have also been targeting his family in India, CBC reported.
“I got the news that this gang was threatening my family in India, and they said if I went back they would kill me,” said Kingra. “As I’m not a member of their gang — they’re thinking that I’m helping the police here as I was the first one that was arrested.”
Kingra, who is serving a six-year sentence for arson and firearms offences, said the gang now views him as a potential police informant because he was the first suspect arrested in connection with the attack.
His testimony came during an admissibility hearing to determine whether he should be removed from Canada on grounds of organised criminality, shedding fresh light on the violent assault that saw vehicles set ablaze and multiple gunshots fired at Dhillon’s Victoria-area home.
‘Didn’t realise Bishnoi gang was involved’
This is the first time that Kingra, who has been serving his time at Mission Institution since pleading guilty, spoke publicly at length about his role in the attack. According to him, he didn’t realise the Bishnoi gang was involved until he saw the video he filmed of himself firing the gun turn up on social media.
“Even I was surprised that it was everywhere on the news channel in the morning,” CBC reported him as saying. “If I would have known earlier that Bishnoi gang is involved in it and it would have been that serious — extortion and all that — I would have [refused] at that point.”
He also claimed holding his admissibility hearing in public puts himself and his family at risk, but the IRB member overseeing the tribunal rejected his bid to make the proceedings private.
“My family was already getting threatened, and now it would be 100 per cent for them because the things will be out in the media,” Kingra said.
“And if I went to India — definitely — they would kill me.”
Kingra was reportedly offered $4,000 for the attack, but said he was told Dhillon’s house would be empty. According to court records, although Dhillon was not home, the musician’s roommate narrowly missed injury or death.
Canada listed the Bishnoi gang as a terrorist entity last year, claiming that “specific communities have been targeted for terror, violence and intimidation.”
Rahul Gandhi emphasized the importance of unity within the INDIA bloc, asserting that they have not lost the 2024 Lok Sabha elections and are already victorious for 2029.
Congress President and Rajya Sabha LoP Mallikarjun Kharge and Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi interact during a meeting | File photo Photo : ANI
Congress MP and Leader of Opposition (LoP) in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, shared his speech delivered at the INDIA bloc meeting, that took place on June 8, in Hindi. Taking to X, Rahul Gandhi said that many of his colleagues had requested him a Hindi translation of his speech, so here it is. Sharing his speech in Hindi, Rahul at the INDIA bloc meeting stressed upon the need for unity in the Opposition camp and claimed that they did not lose the 2024 Lok Sabha election and have already won the 2029 polls.
After listening to the speeches and remarks of over 20 leaders at the INDIA Coalition meeting on June 8th, I finally addressed them with this speech, the LoP said.
Originally sharing in Hindi, Rahul Gandhi said, “When India’s thinking, the nation’s soul, is in crisis… when institutions are captured… when the voice of the people is suppressed… only resistance combined with unity is effective.”
“I say it again — we did not lose the 2024 elections, and we have already won the 2029 elections,” Rahul wrote on X.
“We will remain united, organise the people, and with the power of resistance, defeat the BJP and its takeover of India’s institutions,” he said.
कई साथियों ने INDIA गठबंधन की बैठक में मेरे भाषण का हिंदी अनुवाद मांगा था – यह रहा, ज़रूर सुनें।
8 जून को INDIA गठबंधन की बैठक में 20 से भी ज़्यादा नेताओं के भाषणों और बातों को सुनने के बाद आखिर में मैंने इस भाषण से उन्हें संबोधित किया।
Next Parliamentary Elections Are Already Won, Says Rahul Gandhi
In his speech, Gandhi told leaders of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) that going by the anger among people, the next parliamentary polls are “already won”, but the main problem is that there will be no free-and-fair election to win.
At the INDIA bloc meeting on Monday, Gandhi also gave a clarion call to the opposition leaders to stay united, saying it is easy to beat the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) “if we stand together and resist”.
While the mourners were converging at the site, the government announced that the probe report was yet to be completed.
A fire offical stands next to the crashed Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft, in Ahmedabad, India. Credit: Reuters Photo
A mother sobbed into the folds of her saree, while another wailed as she gazed at damaged buildings from behind iron gates. Another family came with a pastor to offer prayers for their departed son and daughter-in-law.
Emotions ran high as families of the 260 people killed in last year’s plane accident in Ahmedabad gathered near the crash site on Friday evening to mark the first anniversary of one of the deadliest aviation disasters in the country.
The reason behind the crash is still not known. While the mourners were converging at the site, the government announced that the probe report was yet to be completed.
On June 12, 2025, Air India flight 171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, carrying 242 passengers had plunged into the hostel and canteen buildings of the BJ Medical College seconds after taking off. The incident killed 260 people, including 241 passengers and 19 on the ground. Only one passenger survived the accident.
Several families said even after 365 days, the government was not able to find what led to the disaster. They said that they were looking forward to a closure.
“We don’t understand why the report has been delayed. It’s been a year now. A comprehensive report should have come by now,” David Christian, who lost his son and daughter-in-law in the accident, told reporters at the site.
At the crash site, a large police contingent was deployed and the road was cordoned off to make way for a ‘bhajan sandhya’ held in memory of 12-year-old Akash Patni and other victims of the tragedy.
Patni was at a tea stall near the BJ Medical College hostel buildings when the crashing aircraft claimed his life. His family had erected a life-size cutout adorned with flowers as a tribute at the site. His mother Sitaben remained inconsolable as relatives and well-wishers gathered to remember him.
Earlier in the day, the British High Commissioner to India, Lindy Cameron, visited the crash site and paid her respects to the victims.
NTA has announced candidate-friendly changes for NEET UG 2026, including a 195-minute exam window and a revised question paper layout. The move adds more rough-work space and is aimed at making the exam smoother for candidates.
NTA has announced candidate-friendly changes for NEET UG 2026, including a 195-minute exam window and a revised question paper layout.
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has announced a set of student-friendly changes for NEET (UG) 2026, scheduled to be held on 21 June 2026.
The official public notice issued on June 12, 2026 states that the measures aim to make the examination “fair, secure and responsive to the needs of candidates,” while improving exam-day comfort and clarity.
EXAM WINDOW MADE LONGER
Based on feedback from previous years, NTA has revised the examination duration to 195 minutes, with the exam scheduled from 2:00 pm to 5:15 pm.
The agency clarified that this includes mandatory pre-exam formalities such as signing attendance sheets and invigilation procedures. The aim is to ensure candidates do not lose usable writing time due to administrative steps and can fully focus on attempting the paper.
MORE SPACE FOR ROUGH WORK
In another major change, NTA has increased the space provided for rough work in the question paper booklet. Candidates will now get four rough-work pages instead of two, giving them additional room for calculations, diagrams and working notes during the examination.
The structure of the question paper booklet has also been revised. Earlier, rough-work pages were placed only at the end of the booklet.
Now, in response to candidate feedback, two rough-work pages will appear immediately after the instruction page, while the remaining two will stay at the end. This revised format will be available in both English and regional language question papers.
NTA noted that this change particularly helps candidates, including left-handed students, who found the earlier layout less convenient. The agency said the updated design is meant to improve usability without affecting exam security or fairness standards.
Two interceptor missiles tested by the DRDO are capable of destroying enemy missiles with ranges between 2,000 km and 5,000 km, classified as IRBMs.
DRDO has stepped up on the ballistic missile defence as Pakistan is acquiring missiles with multiple warheads. (X/@rajnathsingh)
India joined an elite group of countries on Friday, having successfully conducted three consecutive flight tests against long-range ballistic missiles. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted the flight tests on June 10 and 11, and the completion marks a big step in India’s defence capabilities.
Not just the flight tests, the maiden flight test of an anti-ship defence at medium range was also successful. Defence minister Rajnath Singh congratulated the DRDO for both achievements.
HT has learnt that two interceptor missiles tested by the DRDO are capable of destroying enemy missiles with ranges between 2,000 km and 5,000 km, classified as Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missiles (IRBMs).
The interceptor missiles, which remain unidentified by the government, are both exo-atmospheric and endo-atmospheric, and would soon be headed for trials as the flight tests were a success, government sources said.
Why India wants to bolster ballistic missile defence
India has seen enhanced focus on ballistic missile defence over the past few months. This time last year, the DRDO reportedly began work on a modified version of the Agni-5 intercontinental ballistic missile, designed to penetrate reinforced subterranean facilities.
More recently in April, the Navy commissioned its newest nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, INS Aridaman, India’s third Arihant-class submarine, with the capability to become a launch platform for delivering nuclear warheads thousands of kilometres away.
India has been developing a new class of high-powered missiles, some even with bunker buster capabilities, which can target enemy installations buried beneath layers of concrete.
The focus on ballistic missile strengthening has grown because Pakistan is also developing long-range ballistic missiles such as Fateh-I, Fateh-II and the Chinese-origin P282, sources told HT.
India now part of elite group of countries
With the success of three consecutive missile flight tests, India is now part of a select group of countries possessing the capability to defend against ballistic missile attacks, including threats posed by long-range and intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), Rajnath Singh said on Friday, without specifying which other nations are part of the list.
A Finnish family is moving to Mumbai, leaving behind “one of the safest countries” so their children can experience a new culture.
A family in Finland is relocating to settle in Mumbai. (Instagram/@thefindianfamily)
A Finnish family shared on social media that they were leaving the country to start a new life in India. In a series of social media posts, the dad explained that his decision to make this big change was motivated by his kids.
“We are leaving one of the safest countries in the world… Not because we have to. Because we want our children to see more of the world. New people. New cultures. A completely different way of life. So this summer. Our family is moving to Mumbai, India,” the dad wrote on an Instagram page dedicated to the family.
Why is the family relocating?
The post prompted a series of questions on social media. Just like this individual who asked, “Why would you do that?” The family replied,“Because life isn’t only about choosing the safest path. We want our children to experience different cultures, people and ways of life — and grow with us along the way.”
In a separate Instagram post shared in May, the Finnish family shared a “note to India”. It read, “A little idea… In about 2 months, our family is moving to Mumbai. And our daughter has just started learning to write. So we started wondering. Maybe somewhere in India there’s another little child, who might become her very first little pen friend. Tiny messages. Little drawings. A friendship before we even arrive. Mumbai… maybe help us make this little idea real…?”
A week ago, another post was shared on the family’s Instagram account that read, “Today was a big little day. The last daycare day in Finland. One last bike ride there. One last bike ride home. It’s hard to put into words how grateful we are for the people who have been part of these early years. The care. The support. The laughter. The everyday moments. Soon our family begins a new chapter in Mumbai. New friends. New adventures. New memories. But we’ll always carry a little piece of this place with us. Thank you.”
The suicide note mentioned the names of two colleagues, accusing them of repeatedly humiliating him in front of other colleagues and depriving him of favorable work assignments.
The victim was working at the Hinjawadi office of TCS. (Representational Image)
A case of alleged abetment to suicide has been registered against three persons, including two employees of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), following the death of a 48-year-old staffer of the IT major, police said on Friday.
The case was registered at the Bhosari police station in neighbouring Pimpri-Chinchwad city on the basis of a complaint filed by the deceased employee’s son, PTI reported.
The deceased, identified as Amit Brahme, was employed at the Hinjawadi office of TCS and allegedly hanged himself at his residence in Bhosari on June 2, the official said.
Suicide Note Mentions Harassment, Bias
According to police, a purported suicide note recovered from the spot named a friend, Vinod Palicha, for allegedly sending defamatory emails about Brahme to the company.
The note also mentioned two female colleagues, identified as Archana and Shashwati, accusing them of repeatedly humiliating him in front of other colleagues, denying him favourable work assignments and allocating projects outside his area of expertise, the official said.
The suicide note further claimed that the two women reprimanded him over his performance, asked him to resign in the presence of co-workers and threatened to give adverse feedback, the police official added.
“We have registered a case under section 108 (abetment of suicide) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and are conducting further investigation. No arrest has been made so far,” the official said.
In a statement, TCS said it had taken note of the allegations levelled against its employees and was in the process of ascertaining the facts.
“The wellbeing of our employees is of utmost importance to us and we are extending all support to the bereaved family. We have also taken note of the allegations against the two employees and are ascertaining the facts,” the company said.
A vaccine-derived polio virus was detected in Ghaziabad sewage, prompting a survey of 30,000 households to assess risks.
Vaccine-Derived Polio Virus Detected in Ghaziabad Sewage
Health authorities in Ghaziabad have launched an extensive door-to-door survey covering nearly 30,000 households after a vaccine-derived poliovirus (VDPV) was detected in a sewage sample collected at the Vijay Nagar pumping station earlier this month. The large-scale public health exercise aims to identify vulnerable children, assess vaccination coverage, and prevent any potential spread of the virus.
The survey, which began earlier this week, has already covered 5,421 homes and identified 2,590 children under the age of five. According to news reports, officials say the Uttar Pradesh government is closely monitoring the operation, the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), and the World Health Organization (WHO).
What is the vaccine-derived polio virus?
Vaccine-derived poliovirus originates from the oral polio vaccine (OPV), which contains a weakened form of the poliovirus. After vaccination, the weakened virus can replicate in the intestine and may be excreted in stool for a short period.
In rare circumstances, particularly in areas where immunization rates are low, the weakened virus can continue circulating in the community long enough to genetically change and regain the ability to spread. This is known as vaccine-derived poliovirus (VDPV). According to the WHO, such cases are extremely rare and are generally associated with communities that have gaps in vaccination coverage.
Why was the virus found in Ghaziabad?
The virus was detected during routine environmental surveillance, a system that regularly tests sewage samples to identify poliovirus circulation before any human cases emerge.
Following the detection, authorities mapped the sewage drainage network connected to the Vijay Nagar pumping station and identified 12 localities that could potentially be affected. These include Vijay Nagar, Raj Nagar, Daulatpura, Panchvati Kot Village, Ghukna, Hindon Vihar, Kaila Bhatta, Mirzapur, Kharati Nagar, Bulandshahr, Shastri Nagar, and Vijay Nagar 2. Together, these areas are home to more than 1.5 lakh residents.
Officials have emphasized that the detected strain is largely non-virulent and remains contained. Similar detections have previously been reported in parts of Varanasi and Meghalaya without resulting in major outbreaks.
Is there a risk of polio returning to India?
India achieved a major public health milestone when the WHO certified the country as polio-free in 2014. The certification refers specifically to the elimination of wild poliovirus transmission.
However, health experts stress that continued surveillance remains essential because vaccine-derived strains can occasionally appear in environmental samples. Detecting the virus in sewage does not mean there is an active outbreak or confirmed cases of paralysis. The discovery instead highlights the effectiveness of India’s surveillance system, which is designed to identify potential threats early and respond quickly.
A 21-year-old man was detained in Uttar Pradesh’s Shahjahanpur for allegedly impersonating a Brigadier in the Indian Army. Officials said Aryan Verma had been under surveillance for months before being caught in a sting operation at a cantonment venue. Investigators recovered suspected fake identity cards, military paraphernalia and other items from his possession
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A shocking case has come to light from Uttar Pradesh’s Shahjahanpur. Army personnel detained a 21-year-old man for allegedly impersonating a Brigadier in the Indian Army.
The accused has been identified as Aryan Verma. He was caught during a sting operation at the Shaheed Museum after reportedly spending months posing as a high-ranking officer while travelling through Shahjahanpur and nearby areas in full military attire.
उत्तर प्रदेश के शाहजहांपुर मिलिट्री कैंप में फर्जी ब्रिगेडियर आर्यन वर्मा पकड़ा गया है। अपने साथ 2 फर्जी NSG कमांडो भी रखता था। अप्रैल से सेना को इसकी तलाश थी। पूर्व सैनिकों ने इसे शहीद संग्रहालय के एक कार्यक्रम में बुलाया और पकड़वा दिया। नकली पिस्टल, आर्मी का फर्जी कार्ड मिले… pic.twitter.com/NohOB4yOhZ
Army authorities as well as intelligence agencies had been keeping Verma under strict surveillance after getting information regarding his suspicious movement in a Brigadier’s ceremonial uniform since April. In order to track Verma’s movement precisely, officials decided to make use of a trap.
Verma was asked to give a motivational speech to aspirants for defence jobs ahead of their recruitment exams. The venue selected for the supposed event was Shaheed Memorial, located inside the Shahjahanpur cantonment.
Detained at the venue
The imposter arrived at the venue on Friday morning dressed as a Brigadier. He was travelling in an SUV bearing military stars and flags associated with senior officers, officials said.
Akhilesh Yadav accused the BJP in Kasganj of trying to manipulate Uttar Pradesh’s electoral process. He tied the charge to voter roll scrutiny, reservation, and wider complaints on governance.
SP chief Akhilesh Yadav
Samajwadi Party president and former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Akhilesh Yadav on Friday accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of manipulating elections and alleged that if the “same dishonesty” witnessed in Bihar and West Bengal was repeated in Uttar Pradesh, future elections could be jeopardised.
Addressing a public meeting after inaugurating Urmila Garden at Soron Gate in Kasganj, Yadav said, “The kind of dishonesty seen in the Bihar and West Bengal elections, if the same loot and dishonesty happen in Uttar Pradesh, then there may never be elections in the future.”
He alleged that the BJP was trying to reshape the electoral process to suit its interests.
“The BJP has also played games with women’s reservation. They want a Lok Sabha of their own design, one in which opposition leaders are unable to win,” he said.
Referring to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, Yadav claimed that the BJP had been preparing to “steal votes” but asserted that the SP was now fully prepared.
“We have to ensure, village by village and house by house, that no voter’s name is deleted,” he said.
The SP chief alleged that scrutiny of voter lists for panchayat and assembly elections would expose the BJP. He claimed that the ruling party had sought to delete votes but ended up affecting its own supporters.
“The BJP has snatched the rights of PDA (Backward, Dalit and Minority communities) and looted reservation benefits,” he said, adding that people of Uttar Pradesh had made up their minds to “teach the BJP a lesson” and that a Samajwadi Party government would be formed in 2027.
Raising the issue of alleged fake encounters, Yadav warned that those responsible would face action if the SP returned to power.
“Those who have carried out fake encounters will face action in accordance with justice when the Samajwadi government is formed, and they will go to jail,” he said.
According to a statement issued by the SP headquarters, Yadav also said, “There was open dishonesty in the Bengal elections. The BJP does not believe in Babasaheb’s Constitution. If it has its way, there will be no elections in the country.”
Targeting the BJP government in Uttar Pradesh, Yadav claimed inflation and corruption had increased while farmers continued to suffer.
In a swipe at Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Yadav said, “The chief minister says this region had no identity before 2017, whereas he himself had no identity before 2017. Socialists have always worked for the development of the state.”
He also alleged deterioration in public services, claiming that ambulance services launched during the SP regime had been weakened and that government hospitals were facing shortages of doctors and medicines.
Pune Police raided two suspected call centres in Amanora and Fursungi and booked 12 people in an alleged online gaming fraud case. The investigation also found five minors at the premises, suspected forged documents and an illegal firearm.
The accused allegedly targeted users of online gaming platforms and cheated them by diverting money through multiple bank accounts. (Representational image)
Pune Police have booked 12 people after raiding two suspected call centres allegedly linked to an online gaming fraud racket operating from the Amanora and Fursungi areas of the city.
The action was carried out at the offices of J K India Private Solutions Limited located at Amanora Chambers in Amanora Mall and at Bhakti Commercial Complex in Fursungi. According to investigators, the accused allegedly targeted users of online gaming platforms and cheated them by diverting money through multiple bank accounts.
Police suspect that several bank accounts and SIM cards used in the alleged fraud were procured using forged Aadhaar and PAN card documents.
During the raids, officers found five minors allegedly working at the two premises. An illegal firearm along with six live cartridges was also recovered during the operation.
An FIR registered at Hadapsar police station names 47-year-old Santosh Datta Venjanekar, a resident of Fursungi, among the key accused. Investigators allege that Venjanekar used forged identity documents of employees to obtain SIM cards and open bank accounts that were allegedly used to facilitate the fraud.
Police further claimed that Venjanekar had illegally employed minors and was in possession of the firearm without a valid licence.
As part of the investigation, police seized a large quantity of electronic devices and financial records, including computer hard disks, laptops, pen drives, CCTV DVRs, auto-dialler machines, SIM box equipment, bank-related documents, passbooks, cheque books and jewellery.
Rajnath Singh said that Op Sindoor has shown the world that India knows how to respond to those who do not understand the language of peace
India suspended the Indus Water Treaty after the Pahalgam terror attack
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday condemned Pakistan’s support for terrorism and said the NDA government would not allow the waters of the Sindhu river to reach those who sponsor it.
Addressing an ‘Intellectuals Meet’ organised in Hyderabad by Telangana BJP, he said that through Operation Sindoor, the government had shown the world that it knows how to respond to those who do not understand the language of peace and harmony.
“After the Pahalgam terror attack, by suspending the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), we said that those whose tears have dried up should not expect water from us. We will not let the waters of the Sindhu reach the patrons of terrorists and enemies of humanity,” Singh’s statement is a reiteration of Prime Minister’s Narendra Modi’s declaration after Pahalgam terror attack that “blood and water will not flow together”.
The IWT was signed between India and Pakistan on September 19, 1960, concerning the utilisation of the waters of the Indus system rivers.
After last year’s heinous Pahalgam terror attack, India exercised its rights as a sovereign nation under international law and placed IWT in abeyance until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably abjured its support for cross-border terrorism.
India’s message since Pahalgam has been consistent: treaties cannot function in isolation from ground realities. And until Pakistan addresses what New Delhi calls “abnormal hostility,” even the world’s most cited water-sharing agreement will remain suspended in more ways than one.
Talking about the NDA government’s achievements over the past 12 years, the Defence Minister cited the abrogation of Article 370, progress towards making the country largely Naxal-free, the implementation of GST, nationwide electrification and reforms in the justice system.
“There was a time when Congress used to say that no one could abolish Article 370. But you have seen our government abolish it with ease,” he said.
He added that Kashmir, once associated with terrorism, is now witnessing growth in tourism, investments and employment opportunities. “The tricolour is flying at Srinagar’s Lal Chowk, Krishna Janmashtami is being celebrated there for the first time, Muharram processions are being taken out peacefully, and cinema halls that had remained shut for decades are being reopened,” he said.
A video from stand-up comedian Madhur Virli’s 2024 show ‘Love & Latex’ has surfaced amid ‘Rs 370 ki biryani’ row and shows him making remarks about rape.
The backlash comes at a time when a clip from comedian Pranit More’s show had triggered strong reactions
Inside comedy shows, people laughed. Outside, many did not.
For survivors, rape is not just a topic, it is a life-altering trauma marked by fear, violation and long-term psychological scars. Yet, a joke about “cuddling after rape” drew laughter in an old stand-up clip now going viral, leaving many questioning how such deeply painful experiences are being reduced to punchlines.
A video from stand-up comedian Madhur Virli’s 2024 show ‘Love & Latex’ has surfaced amid ‘Rs 370 ki biryani’ row and shows him making remarks about rape.
In the video, Virli jokes about rape cases in a way that many users found offensive. The clip quickly spread on social media, with people saying that topics involving violence and trauma should not be used for comedy.
In the clip, Virli says that out of 10 rape cases, nine involve only rape, while one involves murder after the assault. He goes on to describe that in such a case, the victim might ask the perpetrator about “cuddling” afterwards, prompting him to stab her.
Several users also criticised the audience reaction in the video. One user wrote, “This isn’t smart writing or edgy comedy. This is harmful. When jokes normalise putting down certain groups of people, it does something to society that we don’t even realise at the moment.”
Another said, “The shocking part isn’t even the joke. It is the audience’s reaction, the audacity to sit there and laugh.”
The EAM S Jaishankar while speaking to his US counterpart Rubio on Friday evening also added that “such lethal actions against commercial shipping are ‘not justified'”.
S Jaishankar said “such lethal actions against commercial shipping are ‘not justified'”.
India’s External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar spoke to the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and lodged a strong diplomatic protest with the United States after the latter’s Navy strike on an oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman killed three Indian seafarers.
The EAM while speaking to his US counterpart Rubio on Friday evening also added that “such lethal actions against commercial shipping are ‘not justified'”.
In a post on social media platform X, EAM Jaishankar wrote, “Spoke to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio this evening. I reiterated India’s strong protest at the attacks by the US Navy in the Gulf that killed three Indian mariners. Such lethal actions against commercial shipping are not justified.”
Earlier on Friday, the US’ Charge d’Affaires (CDA), Jason Meeks, was summoned to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
A strong protest was lodged with US’ CDA regarding the continuing attacks by United States’ naval forces on commercial vessels carrying Indian sailors in the Gulf of Oman, which have already resulted in the tragic and avoidable loss of three Indian lives, the MEA said in a statement.
The Ministry once again conveyed its deep concern over the use of lethal and deadly force against civilian shipping, adding that “such actions are unacceptable and undermine the safety, security and stability of international maritime commerce in a sensitive region at a difficult time”.
The US’ CDA was requested to convey India’s strong concerns to his authorities and to ensure that US forces operating in the region take all necessary measures to prevent the loss of civilian life, the MEA added in the statement
The diplomatic intervention comes after Indian authorities confirmed that three crew members initially reported missing following the US military strike have been found dead.
The Palau-flagged oil tanker Settebello had a crew of 28 people when it was attacked. The crew included 24 Indian nationals and four foreign nationals — two Pakistanis, one Ukrainian and one Russian. Twenty-one Indian sailors were rescued after the incident, while efforts to locate the missing crew members continued until their deaths were confirmed.
The US military acknowledged carrying out the strike on the vessel. According to US Central Command, American forces targeted the tanker after it allegedly failed to comply with instructions from US naval personnel and was attempting to transport oil from Iran in violation of an ongoing American blockade.
Underlining that the signing of the MoU was a “historic moment”, Shah said it has removed the last hurdle in PM Modi’s vision of a developed Northeast.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah addresses the signing of the MoU between the governments of India, Nagaland, and Assam, in New Delhi. (ANI )
Union home minister Amit Shah on Thursday said that the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act or AFSPA will be withdrawn from the entire Northeast next year, barring one or two states.
Speaking at the signing of a tripartite MoU between the Centre, Assam and Nagaland to facilitate mineral oil operations in the Assam-Nagaland boundary areas, Shah said that shrinking of areas covered under AFSPA is an indicator of peace. “I am confident that barring one or two states, we will withdraw AFSPA from the entire Northeast next year,” he said.
Underlining that the signing of the MoU was a “historic moment”, Shah said it has removed the last hurdle in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a developed Northeast. The MoU is aimed at undertaking oil and mineral explorations in the disputed area belt (DAB) along the Assam-Nagaland border. Exploration activities remained stalled for more than three decades in the region due to jurisdictional differences.
“This will open new avenues for mineral exploration in the Northeast. The area not only has oil and gas but huge mineral deposits, which could not be explored due to law and order issues,” Shah said.
With just one MoU, the extraction capacity of 1,000-1,500 barrels per day can be increased by 10 times, he said. “In one field alone, there are possibilities of recovery of more than ₹15,000 crore. If we extract the oil deposits spread across Nagaland, we would be able to reduce dependence on foreign countries for our oil needs,” he said.
Shah also said that since Narendra Modi took charge, he kept his focus on the Northeast and became the prime minister with the highest number of visits to the region. Since 2019, 12 accords have been signed between various groups and state governments, which resulted in a significant drop of around 80% in incidents of violence in the region, Shah said.
“The development of both Assam and Nagaland remained hampered for a long time because a consensus could not be reached for an MoU. The avenue that opened today will open doors for development for both states. It is the best example of cooperative federalism,” he said.
The MoU is expected to provide fresh momentum to India’s pursuit of energy self-reliance, he added.
The agreement seeks to facilitate exploration and production activities across more than 1,000 sq km of land along the Assam-Nagaland border, an area believed to possess substantial energy and mineral reserves, an Assam government statement said.
The MoU was inked in the presence of Shah, Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, and Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.
German school students buried a skeleton from their biology lab after discovering it was likely of an Indian man exported during the colonial-era bone trade. This came even as a joke on cadavers in medical colleges by an Indian doctor, Sejal Pawar, triggered outrage.
A remark by Sejal Pawar at Pranit More’s comedy show in India has reignited an uncomfortable debate about how the dead are treated in India. (Image: YouTube)
School students in Germany recently did something long pending for a man whose identity nobody knows. He was most likely an Indian, who had been dead for decades, perhaps longer. They gathered to bury “Niran”, a classroom skeleton that hung in their biology lab as a teaching prop. Ribs exposed, jaw wired into place, missing bones replaced by plaster. They gave the skeleton a name because they discovered that Niran was a real man, likely from India, and was one among thousands of cadavers exported to Europe during the British era for medical research.
The students decided Niran deserved dignity in death, and finally gave him a burial.
The story, reported by Germany-based news outlet Deutsche Welle (DW), surfaced coincidentally close to the controversy surrounding a doctor’s remarks at comedian Pranit More’s show, where she casually joked about cadavers and the sizes of their penis from anatomy lab days.
The two incidents are contrasting. One recognised that even the anonymous deserve to be treated with respect. The other reduced the dead to objects of crass humour. The latter is problematic because it might discourage people from donating their bodies for medical research and studies.
WHAT IS PRANIT MORE RS 370 BIRYANI ALL ABOUT?
For the uninitiated, at a recent comedy gig by Pranit More, Sejal Pawar, a doctor, casually narrated how she and her classmates joked about male cadavers during anatomy dissections in medical college. The audience laughed as Pawar, linked to Mumbai’s KEM Hospital, described conversations around penis sizes of dead bodies brought into the anatomy lab, recalling how students would save “the main part” for last while working through dissections.
As clips targeting a youth in the “Rs 370 biryani” Pranit More controversy went viral, videos of Pawar from the same show were circulated by a section of social media users to counter the former group.
Whether the “Rs 370 biryani” and the joke about cadavers deserve equal outrage is an entirely separate debate. But the backlash over the latter has also reopened how casually the dead can become objects of neglect.
HOW GERMAN STUDENTS BID FAREWELL TO NIRAN
Meanwhile, just days before, around 6,000 km away, in Germany, in a classroom there, school students bid farewell to Niran as they thought it was time to let him rest in peace.
Niran was part of the massive skeleton trade that once supplied western institutions, something that changed over the years. Thousands of such skeletons from India still hang in classrooms and laboratories across the Europe, used as educational tools to teach anatomy and to aid in medical research.
But the gesture by the German students was poignant because they stopped seeing Niran as an object.
The students discussed his history not only in biology class, but in ethics lessons too, reported DW. Eventually, with the help of teachers and funeral workers, they organised a burial for him. The skeleton received a final resting place, decades after becoming anonymous teaching material in another continent.
The episode also shines a light on the massive skeleton and cadaver trade that flourished under British colonial rule. Even in death, Indians were not spared exploitation. Thousands of bodies and skeletons, many believed to belong to poor and unclaimed Indians with little agency or protection, were shipped to Europe and North America to serve medical education and scientific advancement.
THE LARGER STORY ABOUT THE DEAD IN INDIA
The German students’ action and Sejal Pawar’s joke lead us to an uncomfortable story about India’s dead.
The business of bones and cadavers survived well into independent India and was banned only in 1985.
The German students who buried Niran were confronting that dark legacy. It is a reminder that countless unnamed Indians became scientific material in death, often without consent or ceremony.
But the question of dignity in death is not confined to colonial history.
Take for example the Odisha episode. A 52-year-old man, Jitu Munda, exhumed his sister’s skeletal remains and carried them to a bank because officials allegedly refused to release her savings without proof of death. Videos showed him transporting a cadaver wrapped in burial cloth after repeated failures by the bank pushed him to desperation.
The image was horrifying not only because a grave had been exhumed, but because the system appeared to leave him believing this was his only option.
Now, the joke about cadavers has revived a serious question of how we treat the dead.
Bodies are abandoned in hospital morgues for months because families cannot afford transport. Poor people have often been forced to carry bodies on bicycles, carts and shoulders because ambulances were unavailable or unaffordable.
Even body donation and organ donation continue to struggle because of mistrust. Many families fear that once handed over, bodies will not be treated respectfully. Medical institutions themselves refer to cadavers as “first teachers”, acknowledging the enormous gift donors make to science and education. Which is perhaps why public jokes about dissected bodies triggered such strong reactions.
To be fair, gallows humour has long existed in professions that constantly encounter death. Doctors, emergency workers and soldiers often develop dark humour as a coping mechanism. Anatomy labs can be emotionally difficult spaces, especially for young students confronting human dissection for the first time.
AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for what he described as surrendering India’s ‘sovereignty, pride and the lives of its citizens’ to US President Donald Trump.
AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal targeted PM Narendra Modi over recent US military strikes on merchant ships carrying Indian crew members. (PTI photo)
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday took aim at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over recent incidents involving attacks on commercial ships carrying Indian crew members and the deaths of Indian nationals.
The former Delhi chief minister criticised the central government for what he described as surrendering India’s “sovereignty, pride and the lives of its citizens” to US President Donald Trump.
Reacting to a post by PM Modi on X in which he thanked Trump for congratulating him on becoming India’s longest-serving elected head of government, Kejriwal referred to the US military strikes that targeted foreign-flagged vessels carrying Indian sailors near the conflict-hit Strait of Hormuz recently and asked what the prime minister was exactly expressing gratitude for.
“PM Modi is saying ‘thank you’ to Trump. Thank you for exactly what? For attacking ships with Indians on board and killing Indian nationals? The situation has become hopelessly embarrassing for our country now,” the AAP supremo said.
He added, “Modi ji has completely surrendered India’s sovereignty, pride and the lives of its citizens to Trump.” Kejriwal further asserted that India needs a “strong” leadership and that Trump cannot be allowed to “do whatever” he feels like with India and its citizens.
“India needs a strong Prime Minister. Trump cannot be allowed to do whatever he pleases with our country and our people,” the ex-Delhi CM stated.
Around 150 students of Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology in Uttarakhand fell sick after consuming a special hostel meal that included butter chicken, paneer and other dishes.
Pantnagar University
Panic gripped Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology in Udham Singh Nagar after around 150 students allegedly suffered food poisoning following a special meal served at Patel Bhawan hostel.
According to university officials and students, nearly 185 second-year engineering students reside in Patel Bhawan. The incident occurred after students consumed a special diet arranged by the mess operator. Vegetarian students were served paneer, while non-vegetarian students were given butter chicken, naan, rice and rasmalai.
Students began complaining of vomiting and diarrhoea about one to one-and-a-half hours after eating the meal. As the number of affected students rose, hostel authorities informed the hostel manager, warden and the Dean Student Welfare (DSW).
University authorities rushed the students to the university hospital using all three university ambulances and a bus. Around 150 students received treatment at the hospital. Doctors later discharged most of them after providing primary medical care and sent them back to their hostel. However, five students remained admitted as their condition was reported to be serious.
Several students alleged that the mess operator had been using substandard food ingredients. They claimed that insects had been found in the food on two previous occasions. Despite those complaints, the mess operator was not replaced. The university administration had earlier imposed a financial penalty on the operator, following which the special diet was arranged for students.
A Haryana judge allegedly transferred more than Rs 52 lakh to a man she met on Tinder, who promised high returns on investments. A Delhi court denied his bail and questioned why the complaint was filed in the name of the judge’s domestic worker while key digital evidence remains missing.
A Haryana judge allegedly transferred more than Rs 52 lakh to a man she matched on Tinder.
A Haryana judge was allegedly duped of more than Rs 52 lakh in a suspected honeytrap scam after matching on Tinder with a man who claimed to be working in a secret government department.
The alleged fraud, however, took an unusual turn when the complaint was not filed by the judge herself, but in the name of her domestic worker, who told police she had been cheated through the online dating app.
While the Delhi court denied bail to the accused, it also raised concerns over the manner in which the complaint was filed.
As per the complaint, the judge connected with the accused on Tinder in November. The man introduced himself as “Abhimanyu Vashishth.”
Over time, the two started a relationship, during which the judge transferred more than Rs 52 lakh to bank accounts linked to the accused after he persuaded her to invest funds with promises of lucrative returns.
When the promised profits never materialised, allegations of cheating and fraud surfaced.
However, the FIR was not filed by the judicial officer herself. Instead, the complaint was lodged in the name of her domestic help, who claimed she had been deceived through an online dating platform.
The accused was arrested and sent to judicial custody. After a lower court declined bail, he approached a sessions court seeking relief.
While considering the plea, Additional Sessions Judge Saurabh Partap Singh Laler noted that nearly all disputed transactions originated from the judge’s bank accounts rather than those of the domestic worker.
The court observed that the complaint did not appear to identify the actual victim and remarked that a judge had chosen to approach the criminal justice system indirectly rather than in her own name.
The judge acknowledged that victims of romance scams may experience embarrassment, but stressed that such concerns cannot override the need for a transparent and complete investigation.
The order also highlighted significant gaps in the probe.
Investigators neither obtained the Tinder chats through which the two allegedly connected nor secured the complete WhatsApp exchanges between the judge and the accused. Call detail records, as well, had not been collected.
The court also criticised the accused for allegedly withholding information. It noted that he had selectively produced messages sent by the officer while omitting his own responses and had not provided access to his phone.
Calling the conduct “hide and seek”, the court said the accused’s actions had further complicated the investigation.
The extent of discord within the Trinamool was underlined Thursday after veteran leader Kalyan Banerjee lashed out at Abhishek Banerjee.
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Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar, Satabdi Roy, Saayoni Ghosh, and Yusuf Pathan are among the big names in a group of senior Trinamool leaders who have rebelled against party boss Mamata Banerjee after defeat in the April-May Bengal election.
NDTV accessed a letter signed by a total of 19 Trinamool lawmakers, some of whom – such as Satabdi Roy and Saayoni Ghosh – were previously staunch supporters of the ex-chief minister. A 20th – a ‘big name’, sources said – could sign soon.
The letter – addressed to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on May 18 – states the rebels wish to distance themselves from the party and align with the ruling National Democratic Alliance. Curiously, however, the party’s own letter to Birla – requesting that Kalyan Banerjee, Mamata Banerjee’s aide, be recognised as its Chief Whip over Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar – was sent May 20.
Earlier Ghosh Dastidar confirmed a group of wantaway Trinamool leaders – she did not reveal names then – had sought separate seating arrangements and indicated it would support the BJP. Three MPs have already resigned. On Thursday, Prakash Baraik quit the Rajya Sabha, while Sushmita Dev resigned June 10 and Sukhendu Ray stood down June 8.
It is unclear if any of these three have also signed the rebels’ letter.
Separately, it is significant that the rebel leaders – Dastidar and Roy – claim the support of 20 MPs.
The Trinamool has 28 Lok Sabha MPs, meaning that if the breakaway bloc wants to be recognised as the main party (and therefore not have to resign House membership) it needs at least 19 signatures to circumvent the anti-defection law.
Trinamool hits back
Meanwhile, NDTV also spoke to Kirti Azad, one of the few Trinamool MPs still backing Mamata Banerjee.
The former cricketer hit out at the BJP for trying to poach disgruntled colleagues and alleged that those who had signed the letter had been coerced into doing so by the saffron party.
“You see the first eight (MPs to have signed the letter) are in one ink.. they agreed to sign after getting whatever terms they got (from the BJP). But some were threatened… I know three in that group were threatened. And then from the eighth signature to the 14 it is another ink…”
“Then you have Mitali (Baig, another signatory) … who was again forced. These names are added later. And then you have Mala Roy… who signed the day before yesterday,” Azad said, and then slammed the BJP over a “failed” Operation Lotus. “Well… let the traitors go then,” he declared.
Asked about the rebels skirting the anti-defection law and trying to control the Trinamool – drama that played out twice in two years in Maharashtra with the Shiv Sena and Nationalist Congress Party – Azad said they could never be the “asli Trinamool”
“You can’t just go and say ‘I am a political party… The Election Commission gives you this recognition,” he said, though he also indirectly echoed accusations over the BJP colluding with the poll body to smooth its road in such cases. “Who is at the Election Commission… who is recognised… who is the president… this BJP can do anything. This happened in Maharashtra.”
The Trinamool breakdown
Since the May election – in which the Trinamool (80 seats) was thumped by the BJP (208) and lost power for the first time in 15 years – the chorus of discontent against Mamata Banerjee’s leadership and her handling of party affairs has grown steadily.
Among the rebels’ major complaint are allegations Mamata Banerjee has lost touch with ground realities, in the state and in the party, and allowed corruption to take root in both. The rebels have also complained about the Trinamool chief’s nephew – Abhishek Banerjee, the party’s National General Secretary and second-in-command – being given too much power.
Roy, a four-time MP who has been with Mamata Banerjee since 2009, echoed that sentiment when told NDTV the former chief minister – fondly called ‘didi’ – had changed, and the scale of that change, she said, had forced her to support the BJP.
“I am leaving because our voices were unheard. I want to work for the people…but no one heard us. Only selective people had access to Mamata Banerjee.” The actor-politician also echoed corruption claims.
The extent of discord within the Trinamool was underlined Thursday after veteran leader Kalyan Banerjee lashed out at Abhishek Banerjee. “His arrogant attitude has destroyed the party…” Banerjee – one of didi’s strongest supporters – fumed.
“He thinks he is the ‘king’… Even in the bad days. When I am standing for the party, standing behind Mamata Banerjee, it is impossible for me to work. It is impossible because of this attitude of Abhishek Banerjee,” he raged.
The government said bulk procurement through retail stations could divert supplies intended for ordinary consumers.
Any restrictions imposed under the new framework can remain in force for up to 90 days.
The government has restricted industrial, commercial and institutional users from buying petrol and diesel from petrol pumps and instead asked them to source their requirements from bulk sale points, according to an official order.
The restrictions, which will be in place for up to 90 days, follows abnormal demand growth, particularly that of diesel, in some pockets after bulk users started buying fuel from petrol pumps due to the pricing difference. While diesel at petrol pumps costs Rs 95.20 a litre in Delhi, bulk sales are priced at Rs 134.50.
The differential arose as state-owned oil companies modulated retail prices to insulate common users from the spike in cost that followed the Middle East crisis in late February. While bulk users such as telecom towers and industries using diesel for power generation and other feedstock needs are charged market price, the retail pump rates are way lower than cost.
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas on June 11 issued the Motor Spirit and High Speed Diesel (Temporary Regulation of Supply through Retail Outlets) Order, 2026, directing fuel retailers and oil marketing companies to curb bulk purchases from retail outlets for periods of up to 90 days at a time.
The government said the move was necessitated by the “current prevailing geopolitical situation affecting certain regions of the world” that has adversely impacted international petroleum supply chains, shipping logistics and the availability of petroleum products.
“It has been observed in current situation that abnormal increases in sales of Motor Spirit (petrol) and High Speed Diesel (diesel) through Retail Outlets in certain parts of the country are driven by shifting of industrial, commercial and institutional consumers to Retail Outlets owing to the price difference between retail and bulk sale prices,” the notification said.
According to the order, institutional, industrial and commercial consumers may be barred from procuring petrol and diesel from retail fuel stations and would instead be required to source supplies through their own consumer pumps.
The notification also restricts diesel sales at retail outlets to vehicle fuel tanks or Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO)-approved containers, with purchases capped at 200 litres per customer or vehicle per day. Such diesel “cannot be resold”, the order said.
The government said bulk procurement through retail stations could divert supplies intended for ordinary consumers and “create the potential for localised shortages and disruption of essential services to the common man”.
The order empowers public-sector oil marketing companies and other authorised fuel retailers to enforce the restrictions and requires state governments and union territories to take action against hoarding, black marketing, unauthorised procurement and diversion of fuel supplies.
Any restrictions imposed under the new framework can remain in force for an initial period of up to 90 days and may be extended through a fresh government order.
The government said the measures were aimed at ensuring the “equitable availability” of petrol and diesel, preventing hoarding and diversion, and maintaining uninterrupted supplies across the country.
A massive fire broke out in a residential building in Delhi’s Tughlakabad area early Friday, killing three people and injuring several others. Rescue operations by the Delhi Fire Service (DFS) saved multiple trapped residents, with injured shifted to hospitals including AIIMS Trauma Centre. The blaze, believed to have started from parked vehicles, was brought under control after intensive efforts.
Delhi Tragedy: 3 Dead, Several Injured As Massive Fire Erupts In Tughlakabad; DFS Conducts Major Rescue Operation | Video | X / PTI & ANI
Three people died after a massive fire broke out in a building in Delhi’s Tughlakabad area in the early hours of Friday, police said.
Rescues and hospitalisation
Six people have been rescued so far by the Delhi Fire Service (DFS) staff and were shifted to a nearby hospital with the help of Centralised Accident and Trauma Services (CATS), officials said.
According to the fire department, at least eight injured people were evacuated earlier and shifted to the AIIMS Trauma Centre for treatment.
Delhi | ADO Yashwant Meena further reported that fire was in 03 Scooty, 02 bikes, 01 bicycle at ground floors parking area of the house and fire and smoke travels to all ground + 05 floors. Ground, 1st, 2nd floor is completely burned and rest floors are partially burned. DFS also… https://t.co/RrjR9QTS7opic.twitter.com/VgTHWN7USv
The blaze erupted at a building located in Gali No. 1, near Naya Tara Apartment on Madhyam Marg, under the jurisdiction of Okhla Fire Station-1 (OKH-1).
DFS’ Assistant Divisional Officer (ADO) Yashwant Singh Meena informed that the building comprises a ground floor and five upper floors and is situated in a narrow street, posing challenges for rescue and firefighting operations.
VIDEO | Delhi Tughlakabad Extension Fire: A local resident Renu, says, “At about 2 am, we came to know about the fire. Several two-wheelers had caught fire and multiple blasts were heard. The locals here somehow managed to douse the fire in the two-wheelers. The occupants of the… https://t.co/hxjTGxSIk4pic.twitter.com/d546C7T6uH
According to the fire department, multiple emergency calls reporting a building fire and people trapped inside were received between 2:35 am and 2:37 am.
In response, the department dispatched three water tenders, two water bowsers, one breathing support unit, and one Quick Response Vehicle. An additional water tender/light fire unit was later rushed to the spot following several distress calls.
Firefighting leadership
Along with ADO Meena, the firefighting and rescue operation was led by Station Training Officer (STO) Mukul Bhardwaj, Station Officer (SO) Samarth Lal and Station Officer (SO) Raj Kumar.
VIDEO | Delhi Tughlakabad Extension Fire: A local resident Renu, says, “At about 2 am, we came to know about the fire. Several two-wheelers had caught fire and multiple blasts were heard. The locals here somehow managed to douse the fire in the two-wheelers. The occupants of the… https://t.co/hxjTGxSIk4pic.twitter.com/d546C7T6uH
Preliminary information from the fire department indicated that the fire originated in vehicles parked inside the house. Firefighters launched rescue operations after reports that several occupants were trapped inside the building.
AAIB is set to release an interim report on Air India flight AI-171 crash on its first anniversary, missing ICAO’s 12-month deadline for a final probe. The delay stems from ongoing multi-nation investigation involving NTSB, Boeing and GE Aerospace, with engine analysis and flight data recovery still incomplete. Pilots’ body has opposed the interim findings, warning of confusion.
AI-171 Crash: AAIB Set To Publish An Interim Investigation Report, Final Report To Take Over A Month | X @GlobalKashmir_
India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is expected to release an interim investigation report on Friday, the first year anniversary of the catastrophic crash of Air India flight AI-171. The investigative body has missed the one-year deadline for releasing its final investigation report and is believed to substitute it with an interim report.
Under the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)’s Annex 13 protocols, investigative bodies are expected to deliver a definitive final report within 12 months of an accident. When a probe remains unfinished, an interim statement or status update must be published. According to senior ministry sources, the final dossier on India’s deadliest aviation disaster will not be released on the first anniversary.
According to sources, the delay stems from a complex, multi-nation investigation involving the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), Boeing, and GE Aerospace. Highly specialised technical analysis remains incomplete, specifically regarding the forensic review of the GE Engines and flight data recorder.
The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner’s engines – which were burnt but largely structurally intact – were shipped to the United States for a teardown analysis. Investigators are awaiting final reports from GE Aerospace engineers to conclusively determine mechanical integrity before impact. On the other hand, the severely damaged flight data recorder was sent to the US twice for retrieval, but reportedly failed both times.
Indian-origin businessman Mahender Makhijani was arrested by US federal authorities over allegations that he orchestrated a nearly USD 100 million bank fraud scheme. Prosecutors claim he submitted falsified documents to misrepresent loan collateral and mislead a lender. Makhijani appeared in federal court following his arrest and faces up to 30 years in prison if convicted.
Indian-Origin Businessman Arrested From Luxury California Mansion In $100 Million Bank Fraud Case, Likely To Face 30 Years In Prison |
Indian-origin businessman Mahender Makhijani, 44, was arrested by federal authorities in the United States for allegedly orchestrating a nearly USD 100 million bank fraud scheme. The arrest took place on Wednesday morning at his luxury residence in Corona del Mar, an upscale neighbourhood in Newport Beach, California. A video of his arrest has gone viral.
According to a New York Post report quoting the US Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California, Makhijani controlled Newport Beach-based Cantor Group V LLC, which had a lending agreement requiring it to pledge only first-lien real estate loans as collateral to a victim bank. Investigators allege that between September 2024 and April 2025, Makhijani falsified title insurance policies to falsely portray that Cantor held first-priority claims on certain real estate loans when, in reality, other creditors had superior positions.
Federal prosecutors claim Makhijani and an associate altered documents using Adobe software, manipulated metadata and submitted forged records to the bank. Authorities further allege that misleading explanations were provided through spreadsheets, phone calls and other communications to conceal the fraud.
The case comes amid wider scrutiny of Makhijani’s business dealings. Just last month, an arbitrator reportedly ordered him to pay more than USD 1.3 billion in damages in a civil dispute involving Laguna Beach businessman Mohammad Honarkar. Court filings in that matter accused Makhijani of engaging in intimidation tactics, including allegedly deploying armed individuals to take control of hotels, vacation rental properties and a restaurant linked to Honarkar during a bitter business conflict.
Legal documents also allege that mobile billboards targeting business rivals and local public figures were used as part of a campaign aimed at damaging reputations. Honarkar claimed Makhijani threatened to ruin him financially and personally amid the escalating dispute.
Mahender Makhijani, 44, a lawful permanent resident from India living in Corona del Mar, was arrested this morning on a federal criminal complaint charging him with defrauding a bank out of nearly $100 million.
Nearly a year after the Air India Flight 171 crash that killed 260 people, many victims’ families are still waiting for mobile phones held by investigators. Relatives say the devices contain cherished memories and possible clues, while aviation experts argue Boeing 787 flight data should suffice. Families are demanding answers, transparency, and the return of belongings.
FPJ Exclusive: 8 Hours Of Ringing, 1 Year Of Silence – Air India Flight 171 Families Seek Answers | ANI
Almost twelve months after Air India Flight 171 crashed on June 12, 2025, and killed 260 people, phones of many passengers and crew remain in official custody, their photos and chats locked away from families who say they are being punished twice over — first by the crash, then by the investigation. Only a small minority have seen any devices returned. One of them is UK‑based Zeba, whose 53‑year‑old mother, Mariyam Inayat Padaray, was travelling alone to visit her daughter and two‑year‑old granddaughter for the first time. Others, like the family of 22‑year‑old cabin crew member Irfan Shaikh from Pune, are still waiting for the handset and its contents.
Authorities have told families that mobile phones and other electronics are being retained because they might hold information relevant to the crash investigation.
But Federation of Indian Pilots president Capt Randhawa says he sees “no need to hold the phones hostage” when a Boeing 787 already leaves behind a rich digital trail, including satellite transmissions, maintenance logs and multiple non‐volatile memory (NVM) devices embedded across the aircraft.
Zeba remembers the hours after she first saw news of the crash. For two days after the crash, Mariyam’s phone continued to ring, showed WhatsApp double ticks and remained traceable on Google services. “We had at least one hope – that my mom would survive after seeing the video of the solo survivor walk out relatively unharmed,” she told Free Press Journal, describing how the ringing phone seemed to defy the images of fire and wreckage now etched in her mind.
The family did everything by the book. They sent Air India and investigators the IMEI number and even the phone box details by email, following up repeatedly from the UK and India. Months later, after DNA identification, the handset finally came back — but in a condition that raised more questions than it answered. The device, Zeba says, was broken and burnt from the bottom. This was the same phone that had been ringing and locatable days after impact. “We can’t get our mom back,” she says. “We just want justice and the truth about what happened to her, and to the data on her phone.”
In another home in the UK, the sound of a ringing mobile became the last fragile tether to a young wife who never made it to her destination. Mohammed Shoeb Iproliya, who lost his 28‐year‐old wife, Nusratjahan Jethara, says he saw news of the crash that morning and immediately began dialing her number. Her phone rang steadily, he recalls, for seven‐and‐a‐half to eight hours. From his call records and recollection, it is evident Nusratjahan’s phone survived the initial impact and post‐crash fire for hours, long after the official count of the dead had hardened. And yet he’s got no answers from the AAIB.
For some families, the contrast between what was returned and what is missing has become a riddle. In Pune, the parents of Air India cabin crew member Irfan Shaikh say his personal effects were returned and everything had survived the fire intact. “Nothing was burnt. His jacket, shirt, pants, socks. Nothing. Even the tissue paper in his shirt pocket was still there, returned to us intact,” says the father.
What they did not find were items that should have been inseparable from a 22‐year‐old crew member at work: his watch and the phone that, relatives say, kept ringing for hours after the crash. “The mobile in his pocket, which was ringing till evening, was not found,” his father Amir says. When the family asked Air India and police officials for the device or at least its contents, they were told the same thing again and again: it’s part of the investigation, all electronics are in custody.
In at least one case, persistence and a relentless trail of emails have prised a phone out of the system. Romin Vahora, a medical professional, lost his brother Parvez (33), niece Zuveriya (3) and aunt (50) in the crash. According to his account, Parvez’s phone was returned only on May 13 — eleven months after the crash — and only after Romin says he sent more than fifty emails to Air India and other authorities.
Other relatives describe similar battles with bureaucracy. Zeba talks of websites crashing when families tried to log in to identify belongings from photographs, of tracking IDs, promises and then silence. She recalls piles of luggage left aside in Ahmedabad, bags opened and re‐packed, and a sense that her mother’s phone — and the last photos of a much‐awaited first trip to see a granddaughter — had simply vanished into that chaos.
Mukti Arjunsinh Vansadiya, who lost her parents Divya (60) and Arjunsinh (65) in the crash, still watches a news clip, which shows amidst the wreckage their checked‐in bags broadcast, by a television channel in the days after AI 171. Yet, despite that visual proof that her parents’ luggage survived, she says the AAIB has still not returned their belongings or their mobile phones to the family.
Investigators and airline officials have told families that phones are being held because they may contain information relevant to the crash. But aviation engineers and pilots point out that a Boeing 787 does not rely on passenger mobiles to reconstruct its final minutes. The AAIB’s own report notes that the aircraft’s tail section and Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) were recovered — both contain non‐volatile memory capable of preserving fault and operational data through loss of power. Other systems in the tail, including stabilizer‐related electronics, also carry NVM chips that retain fault histories even after the jet goes dark.
US President Donald Trump praised PM Narendra Modi on Truth Social, calling him “strong, healthy and wise” and a “great one” while congratulating him on becoming India’s longest-serving PM. PMO officials also felicitated Modi for the milestone, highlighting his 12-year tenure marked by governance and stability, as he surpassed Nehru’s 4,399-day record.
US President Donald Trump Congratulates PM Modi On Becoming India’s Longest-Serving Prime Minister | X/@narendramodi
US President Donald Trump on June 10 (IST) took to his social media platform Truth Social to extend praise and congratulations to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for becoming India’s longest-serving Prime Minister, lauding his leadership and longevity in office.
In his post, Trump described Narendra Modi as a “strong, healthy, and wise man,” adding that he is “a great one” and would have “many years of greatness and success ahead of him.”
US President Donald Trump posts on Truth Social, “Congratulations to my friend, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on becoming India’s longest-serving Prime Minister – And a Great One he is! He is a strong, healthy, and wise man, and will have many years of Greatness and Success ahead… pic.twitter.com/Ph1NIDRSno
The message was framed as a personal note of admiration and friendship, highlighting the continuing political rapport between the two leaders.
Officials from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) on Wednesday extended their congratulations to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for becoming India’s longest-serving democratically elected Prime Minister in consecutive terms.
In a post on X, the PMO said that officials of the office felicitated Modi, noting that his 12-year tenure has been marked by stable leadership, transparency, and a strong focus on good governance, inclusive development, and national progress.
Officers of the Prime Minister’s Office congratulated PM @narendramodi on becoming the longest serving democratically elected Prime Minister of India in consecutive terms. Over the last twelve years, he has provided leadership characterised by stability, transparency and a… pic.twitter.com/YrGnu5zbfx
Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister Dr. P. K. Mishra and Principal Secretary-2 Shaktikanta Das were present to welcome him on the milestone occasion.
In a social media post, Malti criticised the mindset behind the joke and spoke about the importance of respecting women and understanding consent. She said such comments explain why many women prefer financial independence and often choose to split bills.
Malti Reacts To ‘₹370 Biryani’ Remark Made On Bigg Boss 19 Co-Contestant Pranit More’s Show | X
Deepak Chahar’s sister Malti Chahar has reacted to the viral “₹370 biryani” controversy linked to Bigg Boss 19 co-contestant Pranit More’s live crowd-work show. In a social media post, Malti criticised the mindset behind the joke and spoke about the importance of respecting women and understanding consent.
The controversy started during a live show hosted by Pranit More. During an interaction with the audience, a man named Himanshu shared that he had gone on a date with a slightly older woman. He said they shared a plate of chicken biryani worth ₹370 and then joked that he would have to “recover” the money, suggesting that he expected something in return. Pranit laughed and continued the conversation, and the clip later went viral on social media.
Stand-up comedian Pranit More mocked on girls when a person told that he served a girl biryani of ₹370.
₹370 Ka Biryani Khila Di Toh Vasool karne Ka Haq Mil Gya.
Reacting to the video, Malti said such comments explain why many women prefer financial independence and often choose to split bills. She added that some women even support men financially, yet women continue to be objectified.
A 22-23-year-old Gurugram-based web developer named Himanshu Jangra lost his job after a crude joke he made at a stand-up comedy show went viral.
She also said that a woman’s consent should never be treated as something that can be exchanged for money or gifts. According to Malti, it is disappointing that women still have to deal with such attitudes despite years of efforts towards equality and respect.
In her post, she urged parents to teach their sons to respect women and understand the value of consent. She also said people should not dismiss such incidents as “just a joke” because content in media and entertainment can influence society and shape behaviour.
At the conclave, a resolution was passed congratulating Modi on becoming the longest continuously serving elected prime minister.
The Chief Ministers and leaders of the NDA with PM Narendra Modi in Delhi. Credit: X/@narendramodi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday launched a blistering attack on the Congress, saying the sluggish economic growth during its rule was cunningly dubbed the “Hindu growth rate” when it should have been named the “Congress growth rate” as it was characterised by a complete absence of governance.
Addressing a conclave of NDA leaders on a day when he crossed the record of Jawaharlal Nehru’s 4,398 days in power as an elected prime minister, Modi said a big success of 12 years of NDA rule since 2014 was that it freed the country from the Congress’s “vicious trap” and asserted that the people of the country have understood the importance of political stability and decisive governance.
The sluggish growth under the Congress rule was labelled the “Hindu growth rate”, implying that while the style, responsibility, and failure were all Congress’s but the stigma was pinned on the country’s vast Hindu population, Modi said.
At the conclave, a resolution was passed congratulating Modi on becoming the longest continuously serving elected prime minister.
“On this occasion, the members of the NDA family have presented a resolution. I view this not as a personal achievement, but as a testament to your generosity and our collective efforts. From every perspective, this accomplishment belongs to all of us — it is equally the achievement of every NDA member. Therefore, I dedicate this resolution to all members of the NDA, including the dedicated BJP karykartas,” he said.
In the resolution, the ruling alliance hailed Modi’s “visionary leadership and tireless dedication to public service” and said his governance model is responsive to citizens, innovative in its approach and transformative in its impact, in the true spirit of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas’.
In his 37-minute speech largely focussed on his government’s achievements of the last 12 years and his vision for achieving Viksit Bharat, Modi said the dream of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ does not belong to a person or any party, but has become the resolve of every person in the country.
“We recognise the challenges faced by the middle class, as well as their aspirations for a better future. To support them, income up to Rs 12 lakh per annum is now tax-free. Today, the country benefits from a simple and faceless tax system. Improved infrastructure has made daily life easier, and over the past 12 years, new opportunities have been created for the children, students and the middle class,” he said.
Attacking the Congress, he said the party had plunged the country into an abyss of “helplessness, destitution, and an inferiority complex” during its rule.
He attributed the stronger economic growth during the 12 years of his government to the difference between the Congress growth rate and the NDA growth rate.
“The nation was conditioned to believe that development in India inevitably moves at a slow pace and rapid growth was simply not possible here. With great cunningness, this sluggish growth was labelled the ‘Hindu Growth Rate’, implying that while the style, responsibility, and failure were all Congress’ but the stigma was pinned on the country’s vast Hindu population,” Modi said.
“This should have been named ‘Congress Growth Rate’. This ‘Congress Growth Rate’ was characterised by a complete absence of governance, policy, intent, and decisiveness,” he said.
It was under Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s leadership that the NDA government first came to power and only then did the country catch a glimpse of what accelerated development looks like, Modi said.
“Unfortunately, however, in 2004, the country was once again caught in a cycle of instability,” he said, referring to the Congress-led UPA rule from 2004-2014.
He said the Congress dragged the country into multi-crore rupee scams.
“The nation’s destiny changed again when the NDA government was formed in 2014. The country witnessed the pace of development when intent, policy, and decision-making align and work in unison,” Modi said.
Congratulatory messages by world leaders, standing ovation at Union Cabinet meeting and puja-aarti by BJP leaders across the country marked the day when Modi broke Nehru’s record.
President Droupadi Murmu wrote a personal letter to him, while former president Ram Nath Kovind and several other leaders including JD-U chief Nitish Kumar and former Union minister in the Indira Gandhi government, Karan Singh, wrote articles in newspapers.
Kovind termed the feat as a journey from “discovery of India to trust in Bharat”, in a reference to Jawaharlal Nehru’s ‘Discovery of India’.
Separately, the Union Cabinet unanimously passed a resolution applauding Modi for achieving the feat and gave him a standing ovation for it.
On Wednesday, Modi crossed the record of Nehru’s 4,398 days in power as an elected prime minister following the 1952 general elections. Nehru’s stint from 1947 to 1952 was as head of an interim government as elections were not held till 1952.
Leaders from several countries have extended their greetings to Modi.
Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake sent a congratulatory letter to Modi for his rare distinction.
Those who greeted Modi on social media include Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni, Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, South Korean President Lee Jae-Myung, Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, and former Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison.
US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor and Israeli envoy Reuven Azar congratulated the prime minister and said this achievement is a powerful testament to Modi’s decades of dedicated public service and leadership.
Congratulating Modi, key NDA ally and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said some leaders govern a nation, a few reshape its trajectory.
“Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji’s 4,399 consecutive days in office have been defined by a singular effort to transform India at every level, from the everyday lives of its citizens to the nation’s standing in the world. Today, as he becomes India’s longest-serving Prime Minister, we celebrate not merely a record, but a period of change that has touched every corner of the country,” Naidu said.
Apart from the article, Nitish Kumar, a key NDA partner, also wrote on ‘X’ terming the occasion “historic”.
“Under your leadership, the country has achieved numerous significant milestones in the fields of development, good governance, and public welfare. India’s global stature has also continued to rise,” Kumar said.
Most of the Union ministers took to social media to congratulate Modi for the milestone.
Prayers and public activities were organised in Modi’s parliamentary constituency Varanasi, while ‘maha aartis’ performed across temples in Gujarat, his home state.
Union minister Kiren Rijiju posted a video of offering prayer. “Prayed to Lord Buddha to bless Hon’ble Prime Minister @narendramodi ji with good health and long life,” Rijiju, a Buddhist, said on X.
According to a booklet released to mark the occasion, the reduction in income tax burden over the past 12 years reflects the government’s vision of ‘Ramrajya’.
Asked whether she felt conflicted, Satabdi Roy said, “I feel politically I made the right decision. But emotionally and morally I’m wrong.”
Satabdi Roy, Tollywood actor who was brought into politics by Mamata Banerjee, is deputy to Trinamool Congress’s rebel ‘Chief Whip” Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar. The group of 20 rebel MPs who formed a bloc within the Trinamool, have written to the Speaker Om Birla, saying they would support the NDA — a decision Roy endorses, but only politically.
Asked whether she felt conflicted, Roy, in an exclusive interview to NDTV’s Shiv Aroor, said, “I feel politically I made the right decision… But emotionally and morally I’m wrong… Otherwise I’m done. Good thing”
Asked what she’d like to say to Mamata Banerjee, Roy delivered a surprise comment: “I miss you Didi!”
Mamata Banerjee and her Trinamool Congress, just weeks after the crushing defeat to the BJP, is struggling to contain rebellion within its ranks in the state assembly and parliament.
While in the assembly, at least 60 MLAs are backing first-time MLA Ritabrata Banerjee who claims to the “real Trinamool”, in the Lok Sabha, the 20 rebel MPs have declared that they will support the NDA in view of the people’s mandate. Two days ago, Trinamool MP Sukhendu Sekhar Ray quit the party and his seat, bitterly criticising the Trinamool. Today, Trinamool MP Sushmita Dev quit the party and her Rajya Sabha seat.
Satabdi Roy agreed that it is the corruption that alienated the party from the people, and Mamata Banerjee’s refusal to address it alienated the leaders from the party chief.
Describing the tipping point, she said it was the day when Banerjee had called the party leaders to discuss the election results. While the scope of the defeat, and its causes, were clear to everyone, Banerjee, she said, refused to accept defeat and no one could contradict her.
“No one could tell their opinion. No, no, no one. She said, ‘We are not defeated against BJP. They are threatening me’. She told me, ‘If you have any problem, if you have a complaint, just write it down’. We don’t have time to write. You (Banerjee) have to take decision immediately,” Roy told NDTV.
Asked what decision she wanted the party chief to take, Roy said: “First analyse why we were defeated? It is an I-PAC problem. It is an Abhishek problem. It is our corruption problem. Corruption is a huge problem. But she is not addressing that point. And we could not say anything that day. That day, that time, I decided. The party does not want any changes, any new concept or any reshuffling… It’s going to go on and on.”
Asked if there was any possibility that Mamata Banerjee will merge with the Congress, Roy said, “I don’t think there is any option left. If Trinamool Congress join with the Congress, then it is a better opportunity”.
AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi questioned why the SIR enumeration form allows details of only up to five children and argued that no law bars citizens with larger families from voting.
AIMIM chief and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi. (Photo: PTI)
Alleging that the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process for updating electoral rolls allows details of only up to five children to be entered in the enumeration form, Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi questioned the provision, saying there was no law in India that barred citizens with more than five children from voting.
Addressing a gathering in Hyderabad, where he urged people to furnish their details accurately during the process, Owaisi also took a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying even the Prime Minister comes from a family with more than five children.
“They are saying they do not map more than five children. For example, I have six children. Similarly, Prime Minister Narendra Modi comes from a family with more than six siblings, and Home Minister Amit Shah also comes from a large family. Even the family of Yogi Adityanath has several members,” the AIMIM president said.
“There is no law in India that prevents a person from voting simply because they have six children. The right to vote is a constitutional right available to every eligible citizen,” he added.
The SIR of electoral rolls in Telangana is scheduled to begin on June 15, with Booth Level Officers set to conduct door-to-door verification from June 25 to July 24. A draft electoral roll will be published on July 31, while claims and objections can be submitted till August 30. The final electoral roll will be published on October 1.
Owaisi, who has strongly criticised the exercise, argued that the SIR could be used to create a “permanent class of excluded Indians”.
However, he also directed party leaders to extend every possible assistance to people to ensure that no genuine voter faces inconvenience during the process.
Security forces recovered six bodies in Manipur believed to be among the Naga civilians missing since 13 May. DNA tests, an ongoing investigation and fresh tensions now shape the aftermath.
Large numbers of relatives and community members gathered outside the mortuaries as authorities prepared for forensic examination.
The bodies of six persons believed to be among the Naga civilians reported missing since May 13 were recovered in Manipur on Wednesday following an extensive joint search operation by security forces, officials said.
Authorities have stated that DNA testing will be conducted to formally establish their identities.
The recovery comes a day after 14 Kuki civilians, who had been held by Naga groups for several weeks, were released unharmed by Naga civil society organisations.
According to Manipur Police, the search operation involved nearly 450 personnel from the state police, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and the Assam Rifles, supported by sniffer dogs and forensic teams.
In a statement posted on X, Manipur Police said: “After nearly 24 hours of sustained search operations involving around 450 personnel of the Manipur Police, CRPF, and Assam Rifles, assisted by sniffer dogs and forensic expert teams, the mortal remains of six persons were recovered this afternoon. The deceased are believed to be among those taken hostage from Leilon Vaiphei on 13 May 2026. Necessary legal formalities are being carried out by the police, and the investigation is underway.”
After nearly 24 hours of sustained search operations involving around 450 personnel of the Manipur Police, CRPF, and Assam Rifles, assisted by sniffer dogs and forensic expert teams, the mortal remains of six persons were recovered this afternoon. The deceased are believed to be…
Officials familiar with the recovery operation said the bodies were found in a highly decomposed and mutilated condition, making visual identification difficult. The remains are expected to undergo DNA testing at the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS) and the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Imphal.
Large numbers of relatives and community members gathered outside the mortuaries as authorities prepared for forensic examination. Additional security personnel were deployed and barricades erected around the facilities to maintain order.
The six missing Naga men have been identified by family members and community organisations as Manu Thiumai, Kenpibou, Phenrongwi Thiumai, Dilip Thiumai, Kaliwangbou Abonmai, and Ch Phenrilung. They had been untraceable since May 13 and were reportedly travelling through Leilon Vaiphei Village in Kangpokpi district after returning from Konsakhul when they allegedly went missing.
The incident is linked to violence reported on May 13 in parts of Noney and Kangpokpi districts, where four civilians, including three church leaders and a Naga man, were killed. In the aftermath, 48 civilians from both Naga and Kuki communities were reportedly taken captive by rival groups.
Two days later, 28 hostages — 14 from each community — were released. However, six Naga civilians and 14 Kuki civilians remained unaccounted for until the Kuki captives were released on Tuesday.
The United Naga Council (UNC) said it released the remaining 14 Kuki civilians unconditionally on humanitarian grounds. UNC president Ng Lorho stated that the decision was influenced by assurances from authorities that efforts to trace the missing Naga civilians would continue.
“Nagas are cultured people. We uphold our ethics and respect international human rights principles. We are also considering the commitment conveyed through the Government of Nagaland that all efforts would be made to trace the missing six Naga hostages,” Lorho said during the release.
The UNC had earlier said that the Manipur government assured Naga civil bodies on June 7 that every effort would be made to determine the status of the missing persons within 48 hours.
Meanwhile, the Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), the apex Kuki organisation in the state, expressed condolences following the recovery of the bodies and called for a thorough investigation.
“We strongly urge the concerned authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter and allow the law to take its legal course,” KIM said in a statement.
India’s first domestically built Airbus C295 completed its maiden test flight from Vadodara. The sortie moves the aircraft into post-production testing before delivery to the Indian Air Force later this year.
Airbus C295 military transport aircraft made in India.
India’s first indigenously manufactured Airbus C295 military transport aircraft successfully completed its maiden test flight from the Tata-Airbus Final Assembly Line (FAL) in Vadodara, marking a significant milestone in the country’s defence manufacturing ambitions and the Centre’s ‘Make in India’ initiative.
The aircraft, the first of 40 C295 transport planes to be produced in India, undertook its inaugural sortie as part of the post-production testing process ahead of its planned induction into the Indian Air Force (IAF) later this year.
The successful test flight is being seen as a landmark moment for India’s aerospace and defence ecosystem, as the C295 programme is the country’s first military aircraft manufacturing project led by the private sector. The programme is being executed through a partnership between European aerospace major Airbus and Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL).
“A game changer in the Government of India’s ‘Make in India’ vision, the C295 India programme is the first instance of a military aircraft being manufactured in India by the private sector,” the Airbus Defence said.
The Vadodara-based final assembly facility, inaugurated in 2024, serves as the hub for assembly, testing and delivery of the aircraft. Officials said the maiden flight demonstrated the aircraft’s operational readiness and marked the beginning of the next phase of certification and evaluation.
The project stems from the Rs 21,935 crore contract signed in 2021 between India and Airbus Defence and Space for the procurement of 56 C295 aircraft for the IAF. Under the agreement, the first 16 aircraft are being delivered in fly-away condition from Spain, while the remaining 40 are being manufactured in India.
A fresh Nipah virus case was reported in Kerala after a 40-year-old man tested positive in a preliminary test in Kozhikode. Kerala has seen four Nipah outbreaks, with 31 cases and 24 deaths reported between 2018 and 2023.
People wear surgical masks amid Nipah virus outbreak in Kerala. (File photo)
A fresh case of Nipah virus was reported in Kerala on Wednesday after a 40-year-old man tested positive for the disease in a preliminary test conducted in Kozhikode.
Health authorities initiated precautionary measures and began contact tracing following the detection of the case. The patient is currently undergoing treatment at the Kozhikode Medical College Hospital.
Officials said the initial test returned positive for Nipah virus, while confirmation from the virology laboratory is still awaited. Despite the pending confirmatory result, state health officials moved swiftly to implement containment protocols to prevent any possible spread of the infection.
The patient’s contacts are being identified and monitored as part of the standard public health response.
Nipah virus, which spreads from animals – primarily fruit bats – to humans and can also be transmitted through close human contact, has a high fatality rate and no approved vaccine or specific treatment. Kerala has witnessed outbreaks in 2018, 2019, 2021 and 2023, with most cases reported from Kozhikode district.
The Delhi High Court said recognised private schools cannot deny women teachers child care leave. The ruling brings their leave benefits in line with government school teachers and ties the right to equality.
The Delhi High Court said recognised private schools cannot deny women teachers child care leave.
The Delhi High Court has ruled that women teachers working in private schools are entitled to Child Care Leave (CCL) on par with their counterparts in government schools, describing the benefit as part of the fundamental right to equality.
A division bench comprising Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela overturned the decision of a single-judge bench and held that recognised private schools cannot deny female employees Child Care Leave for matters related to the care, education and illness of their children.
The Delhi High Court has ruled that women teachers working in private schools are entitled to Child Care Leave (CCL) on par with their counterparts in government schools, describing the benefit as part of the fundamental right to equality.
A division bench comprising Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela overturned the decision of a single-judge bench and held that recognised private schools cannot deny female employees Child Care Leave for matters related to the care, education and illness of their children.
In accordance with the Central Civil Services (CCS) Leave Rules, a woman employee can avail a maximum of 730 days, or two years, of Child Care Leave during her entire service period. The leave can be taken for the care of her first two surviving children, including for their upbringing, examinations, illness and other related needs.
The rules also provide that Child Care Leave must be taken for a minimum period of 15 days. A female employee cannot avail this category of leave more than three times in a calendar year.
Congress has approached the Supreme Court after Meenakshi Natarajan’s Rajya Sabha nomination from Madhya Pradesh was rejected. The dispute over a Telangana proceeding has sharpened the contest for the third seat ahead of the June 18 poll.
Congress leader Meenakshi Natarajan looks on during a press conference in Delhi on Wednesday. (Photo: PTI)
The Congress has moved the Supreme Court challenging the rejection of its Rajya Sabha nominee Meenakshi Natarajan’s nomination from Madhya Pradesh and is likely to mention the matter early in the morning seeking an urgent hearing before the court’s vacation bench on Thursday.
The legal challenge comes days after the Returning Officer rejected Natarajan’s nomination papers following objections raised by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The ruling party had alleged that the Congress leader failed to disclose details of a legal proceeding in Telangana in the affidavit submitted with her nomination papers.
On Wednesday, a high-level Congress delegation comprising K.C. Venugopal, Randeep Surjewala, Jairam Ramesh, Deepa Dasmunshi, Vivek Tankha, Abhishek Singhvi and Meenakshi Natarajan met Election Commission officials and sought reversal of the Returning Officer’s decision.
The Congress maintained that the Telangana matter relates merely to a court notice and does not constitute a criminal case requiring disclosure in an election affidavit. Party leaders argued that the Election Commission’s rules mandate disclosure only of pending criminal cases and not legal notices or proceedings in which no criminal charges have been formally taken cognisance of by a court.
The dispute began after BJP leaders formally objected to Natarajan’s candidature, alleging suppression of material facts. The party contended that her failure to mention the Telangana case amounted to concealment of information and warranted rejection of her nomination.
Rejecting the allegation, the Congress asserted that Natarajan faces no criminal prosecution and was therefore under no obligation to disclose the matter cited by the BJP. Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi said that the alleged criminal case cited as the basis for rejecting Natarajan’s nomination does not legally exist as the competent court has not yet taken cognisance of the matter.
The nomination dispute has added a new twist to the Rajya Sabha election in Madhya Pradesh, where voting for three seats is scheduled on June 18.
In the 230-member Assembly, the BJP’s strength of 164 MLAs gives it a comfortable path to winning two Rajya Sabha seats. The contest for the third seat, however, has emerged as a closely watched political battle.
Jun 8, 2026; New York, New York, USA; Fans cheer during game three of the 2026 NBA Finals between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images Purchase Licensing Rights
The New York Knicks still hold a 2-1 lead and home-court advantage in the NBA Finals, but ticket prices for Game 4 on Wednesday night have plummeted 70% since they lost Game 3.
With the prospect the Knicks could close out their first championship in more than a half century, the get-in price for Game 4 had reached as high as around $13,500 and was still at $8,600 on Monday. However, the price fell to $4,025 by Tuesday afternoon — although that would still be more expensive than this year’s Super Bowl, according to ticket tracking service TicketData.com.
Following the Spurs’ win in Game 3, the soonest the Knicks can now clinch the series would be Game 5 back in San Antonio. However, the get-in price to even that potential closeout game has decreased by 40% over the past three days.
The only game to see an increase is a potential Game 7, which would also take place in San Antonio. The get-in price for a potentially decisive game either way has spiked 38%, in part due to the expectation that many New York fans would then seek to travel to San Antonio.
NBA FINALS GET-IN PRICES*
Game 4 — New York: $4,025 (Down 70% past three days)
Game 5 — San Antonio: $1,438 (Down 40%)
Game 6 — New York: $10,282 (Down 8%)
Game 7 — San Antonio: $5,181 (Up 38%)
*Source: TicketData
For comparison, the past two Super Bowls had day-of-game get-in prices of $2,002 in 2025 and $3,251 this year. The average Super Bowl get-in price since the end of the COVID-19 pandemic has been $3,914, according to TicketData.
The Maharashtra DFSL has launched a forensic probe into the suspected killing of Mikey, a community dog from Madh’s Raheja Exotica, Malad. Actor Sanket Kadam and Manjari Phadnis reported prior abuse and hostility by society staff, while CCTV footage was missing. Blood samples collected by the forensic team are under analysis.
Manjari Phadnis and Sanket Kadam With Mikey |
Maharashtra’s state forensic team has been deployed to investigate the suspected killing of a stray dog, which went missing from a high-profile residential enclave in Malad. The incident marks the first time the Directorate of Forensic Science Laboratories (DFSL) has initiated a field forensics probe into an alleged stray dog murder in the city.
Forensic deployment
The investigation centers on a community dog named Mikey, who went missing from Madh’s Raheja Exotica housing society – a coastal neighbourhood home to several prominent Bollywood and television personalities. On Saturday, actor Sanket Kadam, a resident of the society, submitted a written complaint to the Malvani police station, on the basis of which a first information report (FIR) was registered.
According to Kadam’s statement, he was informed on May 29 by Manjari Phadnis – an actor and resident of the society – that Mikey was missing from the society. He claimed that both of them actively circulated missing alerts on the society’s WhatsApp groups, urging anyone with information to come forward but did not receive any lead. However, he alleged that the society’s secretary offered vague answers when asked about the dog’s whereabouts while the society’s manager and housekeeping supervisor refused to show the CCTV footage, claiming that it had been “formatted.”
FIR registration
In his official statement to the police, Kadam alleged a history of systemic hostility toward the animal by the residential body’s management. He accused the secretary and the housekeeping staff of resisting Mikey’s presence on the property and of having previously beaten the dog while making active attempts to forcibly evict him from the premises. Based on the context and situation, Kadam expressed severe apprehensions that Mikey was beaten to death and his body was disposed of to destroy crucial physical evidence.
While the local police jumped into action following the FIR and started their investigation based on human and technical intelligence, the state home department’s Directorate of Forensic Science Laboratories has also initiated a field forensics probe. This marked the first time that the state forensic team has been deployed alongside the detection and cyber cell units to investigate the suspected killing of a neighbourhood stray dog.
Alleged history of hostility
According to sources close to the investigation, a specialised forensic unit from the DFSL team visited the housing society on Sunday and scanned the suspected spots inside the society and successfully retrieved multiple physical samples. Among the collected evidence is suspected blood spatter, which is currently undergoing laboratory analysis to determine whether it belongs to the missing canine.
While animal cruelty cases are treated with low priority, often resulting in minor, non-cognisable reports or negligible fines, the deployment of the state’s top forensic department signifies a stark shift in how local authorities are treating crimes against community animals. The findings of the DFSL blood sample analysis are expected to dictate the next course of action in the case.
Animal welfare activist Xavier Santiago, who is assisting Kadam and Phadnis in the case, demanded that intentional killing of an animal should be tried for criminal conspiracy under Section 61 of Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita. “This is an act of intentional killing, which is a part of a criminal conspiracy. If there is a conspiracy for intentional killing of a living being, it should be tried under BNS 61, leading to the death penalty or life sentence. Today, they have criminally conspired to kill an animal, it won’t be long before they conspire to kill a human being.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi etched his name into India’s political history books on Tuesday, surpassing Jawaharlal Nehru’s record to become the country’s longest-serving elected Prime Minister.
PM Modi first assumed office in May 2014
Prime Minister Narendra Modi etched his name into India’s political history books on Tuesday, surpassing Jawaharlal Nehru’s record to become the country’s longest-serving elected Prime Minister.
The milestone drew a wave of congratulations from world leaders, who praised his transformative domestic governance and growing influence on the global stage.
PM Modi, who first assumed office in May 2014 and secured a third consecutive term in 2024, has led India through a period of sweeping economic and social change. His tenure has seen India rise to become the world’s fifth-largest economy, claim a seat at the high table of global diplomacy, and position itself as the foremost voice of the Global South.
Among the first to reach out was Sri Lanka’s President Anura Kumara Disanayaka, who in a letter dated June 8 called the milestone “a testament not only to your years in office, but also to the trust and confidence that the people of the world’s largest democracy have repeatedly placed in your leadership.” Sri Lanka holds a special place in PM Modi’s foreign policy record – he has visited the island nation four times, most recently in April 2025, when he was conferred the Mitra Vibhushana, Sri Lanka’s highest civilian honour for a foreign dignitary. India’s critical support during Sri Lanka’s devastating economic crisis in 2022 remains a defining chapter in the bilateral relationship.
From the Pacific, Papua New Guinea’s Prime Minister James Marape sent a personal video message describing PM Modi as “a role model and an example of leadership,” pointing specifically to the feat of lifting over 200 million Indians out of poverty. PM Modi’s May 2023 visit to Papua New Guinea – the first ever by an Indian Prime Minister – for the FIPIC-III Summit signalled India’s deepening commitment to Pacific Island nations and the broader Global South agenda.
Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar added her voice to the chorus of praise, noting that “under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, India has evolved as a leading voice on global matters.” She highlighted his journey from modest origins to leading a nation of 1.4 billion across three terms – a narrative that has resonated widely. PM Modi visited Trinidad and Tobago in July 2025, the first bilateral Indian prime ministerial visit in 26 years, timed to mark the 180th anniversary of the arrival of Indian indentured immigrants to the Caribbean nation.
Gurbinder Singh, a village sarpanch and AAP youth leader, was shot by motorcycle-borne assailants in Gurdaspur. Police have registered a case and are verifying online claims of gangster involvement.
The attackers reportedly fired three shots, two of which struck Gurbinder Singh in the legs. (Representational image)
A village sarpanch and local youth leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) was seriously injured after being shot by unidentified motorcycle-borne assailants in Punjab’s Gurdaspur district on Tuesday evening, police said.
The victim, Gurbinder Singh, the sarpanch of Kadian Rajputa village in the Fatehgarh Churian Assembly segment and AAP’s youth president for that constituency, sustained two bullet injuries in the attack.
According to family members, the incident occurred when Gurbinder Singh was stepping out of his uncle’s house and preparing to get into his vehicle. At that moment, two youths waiting nearby on a motorcycle allegedly opened fire on him without warning.
The attackers reportedly fired three shots, two of which struck Gurbinder Singh in the legs. After carrying out the attack, the assailants fled the scene.
Family members and villagers rushed the injured leader to the Civil Hospital in Batala. Given the seriousness of his condition, doctors referred him to a hospital in Amritsar after providing initial treatment.
Police teams reached the spot soon after receiving information about the incident and launched an investigation.
DSP Fatehgarh Churian Lalit Kumar said police assisted in shifting the injured man to hospital and have registered a case. He added that investigators are examining all possible angles and gathering evidence to identify the attackers.
The RJD has questioned Nishant Kumar’s educational qualifications after details from his election affidavit surfaced. The disclosure has sharpened Bihar’s political debate over public image, education and dynastic politics.
Nishant Kumar
A fresh political row has erupted in Bihar after the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) questioned the educational qualifications of Nishant Kumar, the son of former Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.
The controversy centres on claims made by the opposition party that Nishant Kumar, long referred to by many as an engineer, never completed his engineering degree and is not a graduate. According to the RJD, Nishant is only Class 12 pass, having left his engineering course midway.
The issue gained traction after details from Nishant Kumar’s election affidavit came into the public domain. As per the affidavit, he completed his Class 12 education from Patna Science College in 1998 and subsequently enrolled in the Bachelor of Engineering programme at Birla Institute of Technology (BIT), Mesra, Ranchi.
However, the affidavit reportedly states that Nishant did not complete the course. He is said to have studied only five of the eight semesters required for the degree before leaving the programme in 2001. The document also records that he is not a graduate.
Seizing on the disclosure, the RJD launched a sharp attack on Nitish Kumar and the Janata Dal (United), accusing them of allowing a misleading public image to persist.
In a post on X, the party said: “Son of Nitish Kumar, whom people kept calling an engineer, has turned out to be only Class 12 pass. In his election affidavit, he himself has stated that he is not a graduate. The layers of people who spent their entire life doing drama in the name of opposing dynastic politics will now be exposed.”
जिस नीतीश कुमार के बेटे को लोग इंजीनियर बताते नहीं थकते थे वह 12वीं निकला। चुनावी हलफनामें में स्वयं बताया कि वह ग्रेजुएट नहीं है। ताउम्र परिवारवाद के विरोध की नौटंकी करने वाले बेईमान लोगों की सारी परतें खुलेंगी। इंतजार कीजिए।
— Rashtriya Janata Dal (@RJDforIndia) June 9, 2026
The opposition argues that the issue extends beyond educational qualifications and raises questions about the image cultivated around Nishant Kumar over the years. Several JD(U) leaders had publicly referred to him as an engineer, while neither Nitish Kumar nor Nishant Kumar had publicly disputed those descriptions.
The controversy has acquired political significance in a state where the educational backgrounds of political leaders have frequently become subjects of public debate.
The all-women police force named ‘Singappen’ to enhance the safety of women and children in public spaces will function under the direct supervision of the Chief Minister.
Vijay launching the ‘Singappen’ all-women police force in Chennai. (Photo: India Today)
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph Vijay on Tuesday inaugurated a special all-women police force named ‘Singappen’ to enhance the safety of women and children in public spaces. The force, aimed at strengthening preventive policing across the state, will function under the direct supervision of the Chief Minister.
Launching the initiative in Chennai, Vijay said the newly formed unit would focus on preventing crimes before they occur. The word ‘Singappen’ translates to “a woman as brave as a lioness”.
The force will specifically target offences such as stalking, sexual harassment, attempted abductions, public obscenity, harassment in crowded places and public transport, and other forms of violence against women.
“For me, the complete success of a government does not lie solely in infrastructure growth or economic development. The true success of a government lies in whether women and children live with dignity and respect,” Vijay said during the launch event.
Describing the initiative as “very close to my heart”, the Chief Minister said ensuring the safety of every “mother, sister and girl child” was not merely an election promise, but a sincere commitment.
“We have zero tolerance towards crimes against women. Those who think they can harass women and escape will not be tolerated. Strict punishment will be ensured and charge sheets will be filed rapidly,” he warned.
Linking women’s safety to the issue of narcotics, Vijay said crimes against women, the spread of drugs and law and order issues were interconnected.
“When we analysed why such crimes happen, the root cause repeatedly pointed towards drug abuse. This problem has existed for years because it was ignored for a long time,” he said, in remarks seen as an indirect attack on previous DMK and AIADMK governments.
Women’s safety was one of the key poll planks in Vijay’s campaign, and he had repeatedly attacked the previous DMK government over crimes against women.
The special unit will be headed by Inspector General of Police K Bhavaneeswari and operate under the Chief Minister’s direct supervision.
As part of the first phase, the Tamil Nadu government has allocated over Rs 354 crore for the initiative. The government will also create 2,545 new posts exclusively for the force, including inspectors, sub-inspectors and constables. Personnel recruited for the unit will undergo special training.
Initially, 70 units of the force will begin operations across Tamil Nadu with 140 sub-inspectors and 420 constables. Each patrol vehicle will have an all-women team comprising one sub-inspector, two head constables and a driver.
The Singappen personnel will wear a special uniform consisting of khaki trousers and blue shirts. Vijay also unveiled the unit’s insignia featuring the image of a lioness and a policewoman, and flagged off patrol vehicles for the force. The Chief Minister also drove one of the patrol vehicles for a short distance within the venue.
The Maharashtra DFSL has launched a forensic probe into the suspected killing of Mikey, a community dog from Madh’s Raheja Exotica, Malad. Actor Sanket Kadam and Manjari Phadnis reported prior abuse and hostility by society staff, while CCTV footage was missing. Blood samples collected by the forensic team are under analysis.
Manjari Phadnis and Sanket Kadam With Mikey |
Maharashtra’s state forensic team has been deployed to investigate the suspected killing of a stray dog, which went missing from a high-profile residential enclave in Malad. The incident marks the first time the Directorate of Forensic Science Laboratories (DFSL) has initiated a field forensics probe into an alleged stray dog murder in the city.
Forensic deployment
The investigation centers on a community dog named Mikey, who went missing from Madh’s Raheja Exotica housing society – a coastal neighbourhood home to several prominent Bollywood and television personalities. On Saturday, actor Sanket Kadam, a resident of the society, submitted a written complaint to the Malvani police station, on the basis of which a first information report (FIR) was registered.
According to Kadam’s statement, he was informed on May 29 by Manjari Phadnis – an actor and resident of the society – that Mikey was missing from the society. He claimed that both of them actively circulated missing alerts on the society’s WhatsApp groups, urging anyone with information to come forward but did not receive any lead. However, he alleged that the society’s secretary offered vague answers when asked about the dog’s whereabouts while the society’s manager and housekeeping supervisor refused to show the CCTV footage, claiming that it had been “formatted.”
FIR registration
In his official statement to the police, Kadam alleged a history of systemic hostility toward the animal by the residential body’s management. He accused the secretary and the housekeeping staff of resisting Mikey’s presence on the property and of having previously beaten the dog while making active attempts to forcibly evict him from the premises. Based on the context and situation, Kadam expressed severe apprehensions that Mikey was beaten to death and his body was disposed of to destroy crucial physical evidence.
While the local police jumped into action following the FIR and started their investigation based on human and technical intelligence, the state home department’s Directorate of Forensic Science Laboratories has also initiated a field forensics probe. This marked the first time that the state forensic team has been deployed alongside the detection and cyber cell units to investigate the suspected killing of a neighbourhood stray dog.
Alleged history of hostility
According to sources close to the investigation, a specialised forensic unit from the DFSL team visited the housing society on Sunday and scanned the suspected spots inside the society and successfully retrieved multiple physical samples. Among the collected evidence is suspected blood spatter, which is currently undergoing laboratory analysis to determine whether it belongs to the missing canine.
While animal cruelty cases are treated with low priority, often resulting in minor, non-cognisable reports or negligible fines, the deployment of the state’s top forensic department signifies a stark shift in how local authorities are treating crimes against community animals. The findings of the DFSL blood sample analysis are expected to dictate the next course of action in the case.
Animal welfare activist Xavier Santiago, who is assisting Kadam and Phadnis in the case, demanded that intentional killing of an animal should be tried for criminal conspiracy under Section 61 of Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita. “This is an act of intentional killing, which is a part of a criminal conspiracy. If there is a conspiracy for intentional killing of a living being, it should be tried under BNS 61, leading to the death penalty or life sentence. Today, they have criminally conspired to kill an animal, it won’t be long before they conspire to kill a human being.”
The matter was raised in 2024 by VMC councillors, two days after his election as a Member of Parliament from the Baharampur constituency in West Bengal on a Trinamool Congress ticket.
Former cricketer Yusuf Pathan Credit: PTI Photo
Ahmedabad: The Gujarat High Court on Monday came down heavily on former Indian cricketer Yusuf Pathan in an alleged land encroachment case.
The court while adjourning the hearing for next week orally told Pathan’s lawyer to be “ready for damages (rent)” for encroaching upon the public land without any formal order of allotment.
The division bench of chief justice Sunita Agarwal and justice D N Ray was hearing Pathan’s petition challenging a single judge’s order passed last year which had held him as an “encroacher” of a residential plot in Vadodara and directed the civic authorities for the removal.
“How could you occupy this plot? There is no allotment in your favour. You have not paid a single penny of allotment. This was only a proposal for allotment which was sent to the state govt for approval which was rejected. How can you enter into it? This is sufficient to reject…” the bench orally stated.
The land in question is an open residential plot located next to Pathan’s bungalow in the Tandalja area. In 2012, he approached the Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC) to allot the plot to him at market price citing family security.
The civic body carried out a valuation and forwarded a proposal to the VMC commissioner to allot the plot to Pathan. The commissioner then referred it to the state government. In 2014, the government rejected the proposal.
However, Pathan continued to retain possession of the plot. Pathan claims that he was not communicated in any manner about the rejection until 2024.
The matter was raised in 2024 by VMC councillors, two days after his election as a Member of Parliament from the Baharampur constituency in West Bengal on a Trinamool Congress ticket.
The Trinamool Congress faces a deepening internal revolt as rebel MPs move to back the NDA, challenging Mamata Banerjee’s authority and raising fresh questions about the party’s future and unity.
TMC Supremo Mamata Banerjee With MP Abhishek Banerjee At a Public Event (File Photo) Photo : ANI
The Trinamool Congress’ internal crisis has spilled from the West Bengal Assembly to Parliament, with a group of rebel MPs openly challenging Mamata Banerjee’s leadership and moving closer to the BJP-led NDA.
The latest flashpoint comes days after a revolt by TMC legislators in the Bengal Assembly. Now, dissident MPs claim they have the numbers to chart an independent political course, raising questions about Mamata Banerjee’s grip over the party at a time when she is attempting to reposition herself at the national level through the INDIA bloc.
On a day when Mamata Banerjee and party national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee attended an INDIA bloc meeting in Delhi, Lok Sabha MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar, who has emerged as the face of the rebellion in Parliament, said a group of MPs had decided to formally declare support for the NDA.
“Nearly twenty TMC MPs, including me, have decided to write to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and formally support the NDA,” she told PTI.
“We have accepted the people’s verdict and believe that our future political course should be aligned with the NDA,” Ghosh Dastidar said.
The TMC currently has 28 Lok Sabha MPs, with one vacancy following the death of Basirhat MP Haji Nurul Islam. If the rebels indeed command the support of 20 MPs, they would cross the two-thirds mark often cited in discussions surrounding anti-defection provisions.
Sources said the dissident camp plans to argue before the Speaker that Ghosh Dastidar continues to be the party’s chief whip in the Lok Sabha.
The TMC leadership, however, rejected the claim. Party leaders said Mamata Banerjee had already communicated the removal of Ghosh Dastidar as chief whip and the appointment of Kalyan Banerjee in her place through a letter sent to the Lok Sabha Secretariat in May.
Party MP Kirti Azad backed the leadership’s position and questioned the rebels’ political motives.
“The question is for how long the BJP will keep hoodwinking the people?” he said.
Rebels Test Legal Limits, TMC Questions Morality
According to sources, the rebel MPs are not planning to immediately resign from the TMC or join the BJP. Instead, they intend to function as a separate bloc that supports the NDA, a strategy that they believe could help them avoid disqualification under anti-defection provisions.
The TMC, however, insists the rebels’ reading of the law is flawed.
“As per the law, even if two-thirds of MPs wish to leave a party, the only choice they have is to merge with another political party. There is no provision for a separate group,” a senior TMC leader said.
The leader also questioned the ethics of remaining elected on a TMC ticket while backing the BJP-led alliance.
“Since all these MPs got elected on TMC ticket they should do what Sukhendu did — resign instead of getting into a situation where they will support BJP from the backdoor. If they wanted to fight the BJP they should fight now,” the leader said.
“They’ve all been elected on the TMC symbol, opposed to BJP policies. None of them can form another bloc even if they get two-thirds. It is a legislative party, not a political party. Lawyers have told us they have no case. It’s illegal, unconstitutional and unethical,” the person added.
Meanwhile, the political messaging from the rebel camp has become increasingly public.
A group of dissident MPs reportedly met senior BJP leader Bhupender Yadav in Delhi. Photographs circulating online showed Rajya Sabha MP Sukhendu Shekhar Ray alongside several TMC parliamentarians. Sources also claimed that around 20 MPs attended a separate strategy meeting in the national capital, where concerns were raised over the party’s parliamentary leadership structure.
Not everyone in the TMC appears ready to switch sides.
Veteran MP Sougata Roy dismissed speculation of a mass exodus and revealed that he had rejected overtures from the BJP.
“I have heard that some MPs held a separate meeting last night. Only they can say what transpired in the meeting. I was not contacted by them,” Roy said.
“I told them I will remain with the TMC. At this age, it won’t be possible for me to change camp,” the 78-year-old four-term MP told PTI.
Mahua Moitra’s Sharp Attack, Sukhendu Ray Quits
As the crisis deepened, TMC MP Mahua Moitra launched a blistering attack on the dissident camp.
In a post on X, she reminded rebel MPs that they were elected on a TMC mandate and not on a platform supporting the NDA.
“MPs won in 2024 on TMC ticket. Mandate was NOT for NDA. All the greedy self-serving traitors with yellow-stained pants can please join BJP now — resign your seats & contest on BJP ticket. Let’s see what big heroes you are,” she wrote.
Moitra also targeted TMC MP Yusuf Pathan directly.
“And @iamyusufpathan you are rushing to Delhi because @AmitShah has called you? Have some courage. You played for India. Our district voted you in with a huge margin. Have some shame & some spine,” she wrote.
The rebellion received a significant boost when Rajya Sabha MP Sukhendu Shekhar Ray resigned from both the Upper House and the TMC.
“I have met the Rajya Sabha chairman and submitted my resignation. I have conveyed my decision to resign from the party through WhatsApp and email to Mamata Banerjee,” Ray told reporters.
“I had my tenure till 2029 in the Rajya Sabha, but I have resigned in principle from the party as it would be difficult for me to continue,” he said.
Ray also accused the TMC of presiding over “15-year anarchical rule” in West Bengal.
The government cut subsidized gas cylinders for poor households from nine to four, citing rising costs and efforts to control fuel subsidies.
A petroleum ministry official said that all cooking gas customers (about 333.7 million) are still getting LPG refills cheaper by ₹700 per cylinder compared to market rates. (Sanjeev Verma/Hindustan Times)
The government has reduced the number of subsidised cooking gas cylinders that 105 million poor households get under a popular welfare scheme from nine to four, a top petroleum ministry officer said Monday, a day after the reduction was communicated almost as an aside in a statement justifying the ₹29 increase in the price of a 14.2 kg cyclinder that was announced on Sunday.
Praveen M Khanooja, an additional secretary in the petroleum ministry justified this by pointing to the fact that state-run oil companies are still losing ₹700 on every 14.2 kg LPG refill, ₹6 per litre on petrol, and ₹30 a litre on diesel.
He added that all cooking gas customers (about 333.7 million) are still getting LPG refills cheaper by ₹700 per cylinder compared to market rates. In addition the beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) , around 105 million poor households, get a ₹300 per cylinder subsidy up to four refills in a year.
His clarification came a day after a petroleum ministry statement on the price hike said: “A PMUY beneficiary will additionally receive the direct benefit transfer of ₹300 a cylinder on the first four refills each year — broadly the average consumption of a typical Ujjwala household…”
That was the first sign that the government had officially reduced the number of subsidised cylinders from nine to four. In August 2025, the Union Cabinet had approved the subsidy for nine cylinders a year.
PMUY was first launched in Ballia, Uttar Pradesh in 2016 as a scheme to give free connection to clean fuel (LPG) with no installation charges for deprived households. From August 2021 (Ujjwala 2.0), each connection also included the first free LPG cylinder and a stove. Some states gave add-on free cylinders along with the centre’s scheme.
During the Covid-19 pandemic (under under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana), the government provided three cylinders to Ujjwala beneficiaries for free. From May 2022, the government started giving a targeted subsidy of ₹200 per 14.2 kg cylinder for PMUY beneficiaries for up to 12 refills a year for years 2022-23 and 2023-24. In October 2023 the targeted LPG subsidy was raised to ₹300 for up to 12 refills per annum.
On August 8, 2025, the Cabinet approved the targeted subsidy of ₹300 per 14.2 kg cylinder for up to nine refills per year to Ujjwala beneficiaries for 2025-26. Now, the number has been reduced to four with a subsidy cap of ₹300 per 14.2 kg cylinder.
The government’s efforts saw a jump in consumption of domestic LPG. As per a statement issued by the Union cabinet on August 8, 2025, average per capita consumption of PMUY consumers, which was only about three refills in 2019-20 and 3. 68 refills in 2022-23, improved to about 4.47 in 2024-25.
Experts said the reduction in number of subsidized cylinders from nine to four is to check the ballooning fuel subsidy bill despite two rounds of price hikes. Global energy markets have been roiled by the war in West Asia. Khanooja did not give an estimate of LPG subsidy outgo in 2026-27 under a volatile international energy scenario.
According to the petroleum ministry’s June 7 statement, over 333.7 million consumers get two types of price protection, one of the under-recoveries incurred by the OMCs for all consumers and the other is an additional ₹300 per cylinder subsidy to 105.8 million Ujjwala beneficiaries.
“The under-recovery is the gap between the international cost of the molecule and the regulated retail price; it is absorbed by the public sector marketing companies and compensated in part by the exchequer,” the ministry said in a statement.
A vacation bench of justice Neena Bansal Krishna observed that these heritage and open spaces serve as vital “breather” for Delhi residents.
A car enters the Delhi Gymkhana Club, one of the oldest clubs in India, in New Delhi, India, May 26, 2026. (REUTERS File)
The Delhi High Court on Monday questioned the Centre’s move to take over nearly 200-year-old properties, including the iconic Delhi Gymkhana Club, Delhi Race Club, and Jaipur Polo Grounds, purportedly for “public purpose”.
A vacation bench of justice Neena Bansal Krishna observed that these heritage and open spaces serve as vital “breather” for Delhi residents in a city grappling with pollution, and replacing them with high-rise structures could cause the Capital to “suffocate” and eventually render it unfit for its inhabitants.
“What are you going to do with all these heritage structures? Even Gymkhana is a heritage structure. What are you going to do? Make 20-storey buildings? Delhi will suffocate. You do all that you want to. [That area] is a little breather we have. That is all also going to go. All of us will suffocate and die,” the court remarked to the Centre’s standing counsel Ashish Dixit.
“Delhi people, please go to some small mountain and stay there. Delhi will not be fit for anyone for us. You all know how much we are choking because of pollution. The small lung that we have, do you want to take that away also? No, no, take it away. Ensure that people stop coming to Delhi,” the court said.
It added, “We have only high-rises all over. And you are saying, NDMC colony, we all had two-storey houses, now we have 20-storey houses… and if this is how you want Delhi to live, then God save us.”
The court also questioned the timing of the government’s decision, asking why the need to take over these properties that had remained in existence for centuries without any such intervention.
“They have existed for more than 200 years. Government never felt the need of the land… Defence requirement for what? This has been going on for years. We don’t know what you are going to make Delhi into.”
The observations were made while the court was hearing a petition filed by the Indian Polo Association (IPA) challenging an eviction order issued on May 20 under the Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act. The order directed the vacation of the 15.20-acre Jaipur Polo Grounds by June 4.
IPA sought a stay on the eviction order, contending that although it had informed the trial court that coercive action was likely to be taken after June 4, the court neither considered its appeal nor its request for interim protection, merely issuing notice and adjourning the matter to June 9.
Former India opener Sadagoppan Ramesh criticised the Ajit Agarkar-led BCCI selection committee’s decision to re-include Harshit Rana in the Indian T20I squad.
India’s T20I squads for the upcoming tours of Ireland and England, as well as for the Asian Games 2026, have been announced. Pacer Harshit Rana, who suffered a lengthy injury just ahead of this year’s T20 World Cup, has been included in all three squads, despite not playing a single match since. Former India cricketer Sadagoppan Ramesh blasted the Ajit Agarkar-led BCCI selection committee’s decision to bring Harshit straight back into the side, claiming that it would send a wrong message to players like Mohammed Shami.
“How have you selected Harshit Rana? I don’t think he has played any domestic cricket after knee surgery. Nobody knows the answer to this. Just imagine Shami’s mind voice now, or even the others’ mind voice,” Ramesh said in a video on his Instagram handle, as quoted by Sportskeeda.
Ramesh claimed that the selection committee had already set the precedent for players to prove their fitness in domestic cricket, but not followed it in Harshit’s case.
“Whether it was a Virat Kohli or Rohit Sharma, the management said they had to play domestic cricket to be considered for selection. Even when Hardik Pandya got injured, he was asked to prove his fitness for selection. For Shami, they questioned if he could bowl longer spells after injury and asked him to prove himself after injury,” Ramesh explained.
“The current T20I skipper, Shreyas Iyer, himself was asked to prove his fitness before the New Zealand ODIs by playing the Vijay Hazare Trophy. There are many such examples like this. So they’ve set the precedent that if a player has to come back into the Indian team, especially after injury, he must prove himself and his fitness in domestic cricket,” he added.
Several Indian workers were killed on Monday when a minibus collided with a truck that had stopped in the middle of a road in Dubai, the authorities said.
The officials from the Indian mission visited the hospital and met the injured Indians.
Several Indian workers were killed on Monday when a minibus collided with a truck that had stopped in the middle of a road in Dubai, the authorities said.
“Deeply saddened by the tragic road accident in Dubai that claimed the lives of several Indian workers,” the Indian Consulate in Dubai said in a post on X.
The mission said that it is working closely with local authorities to provide all possible assistance and support.
Brigadier Juma Salem bin Suwaidan, Director of the General Department of Traffic at Dubai Police, said that preliminary investigations showed the truck had stopped suddenly in the middle of the Emirates Road due to a technical fault.
“The bus driver, who allegedly failed to pay attention and keep a safe distance, then rammed into the truck from behind,” he said in a statement.
“The accident resulted in seven fatalities and nine injuries, including five serious and four moderate injuries. All injured were transported to the hospital for treatment,” he added.
The officials from the Indian mission visited the hospital and met the injured Indians.
“Our heartfelt condolences and prayers are with the grieving families during this difficult time,” the mission said.
While the recent dispute may have been triggered by the removal or installation of posters, there is a long backstory to it
Khan Sir and Raushan Anand of Gyan Bindu Coaching in Patna
The controversy surrounding coaching centres in Bihar’s Patna shows no signs of subsiding even after six days. Developments keep emerging one after another. While Raushan Anand of Gyan Bindu Coaching is in jail, Khan Sir faces the looming threat of arrest.
What lies at the heart of the conflict between two prominent coaching centres – Khan Global Studies, and Gyan Bindu GS Academy – located in Patna’s Musallahpur coaching hub? How did this entire dispute begin? NDTV investigated the matter.
Over the past few days, NDTV spoke with teachers, staff and educators associated with both Khan Sir and Gyan Bindu Coaching, residents of Musallahpur and students. These conversations revealed many versions of the story behind the dispute.
The investigation traced the root of the conflict to the results of the Bihar Police recruitment examination. Both coaching centres claimed credit for a large number of successful candidates, one claiming 12,000 and the other 10,000. Tension escalated as associates from both institutes tore down each other’s posters, eventually leading to physical fights.
The results for 24 forest range officer posts were declared in February. Abhishek Kumar alias Abhishek Patel topped the list. Immediately, after the results were announced, both coaching centres claimed him as their student and even produced records to back their claims. Khan Sir asserted that 18 of the 24 successful candidates were from his institute. Raushan Anand also laid claim to the topper.
On March 28, Abhishek Patel visited Khan Sir to be felicitated, an act that angered Raushan Anand and which prompted him to make public his WhatsApp chats with Abhishek Patel in which the student was seen discussing the course with him. Raushan Anand accused Khan Sir of “buying” the topper for Rs 10 lakh.
Abhishek Patel has denied the allegations. While this particular dispute garnered significant media attention, it was not the only conflict between the two. Every year, following the declaration of the Bihar Police sub-inspector exam results, a debate intensifies regarding the toppers and the number of successful candidates.
Battle For Control
An area by the name ‘Kisan Cold Storage’ which acts as a campus lies at the heart of this entire controversy. Located in Musallahpur, Kisan Cold Storage has long been known as a coaching hub. Until 2018-19, the campus housed around 20 coaching centres of various sizes. Gyan Bindu Coaching Centre and Khan Global Studies also operate from there. Many shut down after the COVID-19 pandemic. By that time, Khan Sir had already gained significant popularity.
— Prabhanshu Ranjan (@prabhanshu_1994) June 7, 2026
He expanded his coaching operations, constructing buildings on the campus and renting out halls and offices of coaching centres that had shut down. Consequently, a majority of classrooms and halls at Kisan Cold Storage are now under the control of Khan Global Studies.
Adarsh, a teacher at Gyan Bindu Coaching, claims Khan Sir wants total control of the campus. Currently, only six coaching centres remain on the campus. The site is renowned and serves as an excellent location for running coaching institutes in the area covering Bazar Samiti, Mahendru, and Musallahpur Haat. Khan Sir reportedly enjoys the support of the campus owner.
What Campus Owner Told NDTV
Do the campus owners actually favour Khan Sir? To find out, NDTV spoke to the owner, RB Prasad. He refuted the allegations. “We simply want this place to produce the maximum number of successful candidates; we hold no enmity towards anyone, nor do we favour any specific individual.”
Locals, however, alleged Khan Sir pays them a hefty sum as rent and has expanded the campus, which is why the campus owner is inclined to favour him.
Hostels hold significant sway in this area of Patna, which serves as a coaching hub. These hostels frequently make headlines for the wrong reasons; raids often uncover bombs and explosives on the premises. Residents have faced accusations ranging from physical assault to murder. For students living in hostels like Saidpur, Patel, and university campus hostels such as Minto and Jackson, Saraswati Puja serves as an opportunity to display their strength.
Donations are collected from coaching centres for these events. A hostel tends to favour the coaching centre that contributes the most funds, and some hostel residents pledge their support to specific coaching centres.
Raushan Anand has repeatedly alleged that Khan Sir conspires against him using certain residents of Patel Hostel. In 2023, Gyan Bindu Coaching Centre was attacked; everything from display screens to the office furniture was vandalised. Raushan Anand accused Khan Sir at the time, claiming the attackers were from Patel Hostel and had been supplied with hockey sticks and clubs from Khan Sir’s office.
Khan Sir has also accused Raushan Anand of orchestrating bomb attacks and instigating assaults on his staff through students from other hostels. In March 2021, Khan Sir accused Raushan Anand, his brother Prince, and others of barging into his classroom, engaging in violence and causing vandalism. A police complaint was filed.
Both teachers have frequently made crude or undignified comments about each other without explicitly naming one another. In 2023, Khan Sir appeared on ‘The Kapil Sharma Show’. Following this show, during a class, Raushan Anand claimed that Khan Sir had paid a public relations agency lakhs of rupees to appear in the programme.
“There is a difference between reel and real. Forget the reel persona; connect with the real one” – Khan Sir’s rival would say in class.
Khan Sir is popular on social media and is labeled as a “reel teacher” by rivals. It is also a sentiment Raushan Anand has frequently echoed. Even his students also describe Khan Sir as a “reel teacher.”
Khan Sir accuses Raushan Anand of trying to gain popularity by riding on his coattails. Many refer to Raushan Anand’s coaching centre as the “Daroga Factory” (Sub-Inspector Factory). Khan Sir’s students recount him saying, “Don’t go to the factory. If you go to a factory, you’ll become a labourer. Think about it. Do you want to be a labourer or an officer?”
This was seen as a dig at “Daroga Factory,” or Gyan Bindu. In interviews, he has indirectly accused Raushan Anand of orchestrating attacks against him. At the heart of these conflicts lies a struggle for supremacy in the online and offline markets.
Rishabh, who is in Patna preparing for competitive exams, says, “Khan Global reigns supreme in online coaching, whereas in the offline market, Gyan Bindu has more students than Khan Global Studies.”
This is precisely why thousands of students rallied in support of Raushan Anand. Both teachers aim to establish their dominance in the segment where the other holds sway. Both coaching centres have operated from the same campus since 2017. A staff member on the campus said clashes between the staff of the two coaching centres happen frequently, every three-four months. In an incident, while an exhaust fan was being installed at the Gyan Bindu Coaching Centre, a piece of brick fell from the wall on Khan Sir’s car. The two clashed at that time.
Amid the shifting dynamics that saw the Congress come up on top with Kerala under its belt and a driving seat in Tamil Nadu, the overriding message of unity came from the Grand Old Party.
Mallikarjun Kharge said leaders from 25 parties participated in the meeting.
Hard talk, airing of grievances and a message of unity – this was the big takeaway from the INDIA bloc meeting — held today in the aftermath of a series of setbacks. While key leader Mamata Banerjee’s party was crumbling by the hour, the DMK was absent. Arvind Kejriwal’s Aam Aadmi Party had distanced itself and the CPM was upset over Congress criticism of its former Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.
Amid the shifting dynamics that saw the Congress come up on top with Kerala under its belt and a driving seat in Tamil Nadu, the overriding message of unity came from the Grand Old Party.
“United we stand, divided we fall,” sources quoted Rahul Gandhi as saying, pointing to the bigger national picture during the three-hour meeting at Delhi’s Constitution Club. He warned allies against “pulling down each other” and urged them to fight together against the BJP “for the sake of the country and the Constitution”.
He also attempted to address the CPM’s grievances, saying remarks were made in the context of local political circumstances. His intention was neither to launch a personal attack nor to disparage the party’s ideology, sources quoted him as saying.
His comments came as CPM leader John Brittas raised his objections about the statements Gandhi made during the recent Kerala assembly elections, accusing then Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and the CPM of colluding with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP.
Sources said that Brittas made it clear that CPM cadres were deeply upset by these remarks.
Comments that smacked of criticism also came from Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, who raised the defection of the DMK and AAP from the Opposition ranks, sources said.
Yadav said as the largest party, the Congress bears a significant responsibility to take along the regional parties and ensure coordination within the alliance.
Trinamool chief Mamata Banerjee – who many leaders hoped will spearhead the Opposition bloc one day — raised questions regarding the role of the Election Commission and central security forces during the Bengal Assembly elections.
The resounding defeat of Banerjee’s Trinamool Congress has been followed by an impending exodus by party MPs while in Bengal, 58 of the party’s 80 MLAs are claiming to be the “real Trinamool”.Faced with multiple setbacks, Banerjee has urged alliance leaders to visit Bengal and meet the victims of post-poll violence, sources indicated. The Bengal leader, who greeted Sonia Gandhi with a hug and a 10-minute conversation, was also deeply in favour of avoiding criticism — a departure from her earlier questioning of the Congress’s ability to lead the alliance — sources said. The INDIA allies should “try not to criticise each other”, sources quoted her as saying.
The meeting also included discussions on the Constitutional Amendment Bill related to delimitation.
In his opening remarks, Mallikarjun Kharge noted that on April 17, the Opposition had united to defeat the Modi government on the delimitation bill in the Lok Sabha.
Although the strength of the INDIA alliance has been somewhat diminished due to the absence of the DMK and the rift within the Trinamool, the Opposition coalition remains confident that if the government reintroduces the bill during the monsoon session, the DMK will not support it, he had added.
The ‘Cockroach Janata Party’ (CJP) also came up for discussion at the meeting.
Forward Bloc leader G. Devarajan described it as an expression of the youth’s resentment towards the government. After creating a stir on social media, the CJP had staged a protest at Jantar Mantar last Saturday, demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET paper leak.
Five decisions were taken during the meeting.
Announcing them after the meeting, Mallikarjun Kharge said a letter would be written to the Chief Justice of India regarding irregularities in voter lists and concerns over the fairness of elections.
Citing the NEET paper leak and irregularities related to CBSE examinations, Kharge demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
He also demanded that the government convene an all-party meeting to discuss economic issues.
Eknath Shinde was not invited to the Shivaji statue unveiling at Navi Mumbai International Airport. The omission prompted protests from his camp, opposition jibes and CMO notices over protocol.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
A controversy over an invitation to a high-profile event at Navi Mumbai International Airport has triggered fresh speculation about internal tensions within Maharashtra’s ruling Mahayuti alliance. Deputy Chief Minister and Urban Development Minister Eknath Shinde was allegedly not invited to the unveiling of a 20-foot statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at the airport on Maharashtra Statehood Day, despite his ministry’s direct oversight of CIDCO, one of the key agencies involved in the project.
The event, organised by Adani Airport Authority and CIDCO, was attended by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, former Raigad Guardian Minister Aditi Tatkare and Forest Minister Ganesh Naik. Sources claimed that Shinde was not informed about the programme, while Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar was also left off the guest list.
The omission has sparked political controversy, with leaders from the Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction alleging that the snub was not accidental. State minister Sanjay Shirsat voiced strong displeasure, suggesting that sections of the bureaucracy were functioning under political pressure and attempting to deny due credit for the project.
The issue has also provided ammunition to the opposition. Shiv Sena (UBT) MLC Ambadas Danve mocked Shinde’s position within the ruling alliance, using the incident to highlight what he described as growing strains among Mahayuti partners.
Amid mounting criticism, the Chief Minister’s Office moved swiftly to contain the fallout. The CMO issued show-cause notices to both CIDCO and the Adani Airport Authority, seeking an explanation for the alleged violation of official protocol and the exclusion of the Deputy Chief Ministers from the programme.
SIPRI said India spent USD 92.1 billion on its military in 2025 and held about 190 nuclear warheads at the start of 2026. The report also flagged the severe May 2025 India-Pakistan crisis as part of a wider rise in nuclear risk and military competition.
Brahmos on display during the Republic Day parade (File Photo)
India was the fifth largest military spender in the world, with an expenditure of USD 92.1 billion in 2025, according to a report by an international think-tank, which also mentioned the “unusually severe military crisis” that erupted between India and Pakistan last year.
In its annual assessment report launched on Monday, the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) also said that India has approximately 190 nuclear warheads as of January 2026, compared to Pakistan’s estimated stockpile of 170.
“Key findings of SIPRI Yearbook 2026 are that states are increasingly relying on nuclear weapons as instruments of national power — reversing decades of efforts to reduce the numbers and role of nuclear weapons — even as the risks of miscalculation and escalation are rising,” SIPRI said in a statement.
The Stockholm-based think-tank said India is believed to have once again “slightly expanded its nuclear arsenal” in 2025 and continued development of new types of nuclear delivery systems.
“The modernisation programme is increasingly focused on developing long-range weapons capable of reaching targets throughout China, although planning also continues to be focused on India’s long-standing rivalry with Pakistan,” it said.
SIPRI further said, “Pakistan continued to develop new delivery systems and accumulate fissile material in 2025, suggesting that its nuclear arsenal might expand over the coming decade”.
“The brief armed conflict between India and Pakistan in May 2025 saw India attacking Pakistani air and missile bases that are likely to have nuclear-related roles, but both sides took steps to avoid escalation,” it added.
This edition of the SIPRI Yearbook coincides with the 60th anniversary of its founding in 1966.
At the start of 2026, nine states — the US, Russia, the UK, France, China, India, Pakistan, North Korea and Israel — together possessed approximately 12,187 nuclear weapons, of which 9,745 were in military stockpiles and considered to be potentially operationally available, the report said.
Overall, the number of nuclear warheads in the world continues to decline, but this is only due to the US and Russia “dismantling retired warheads,” the report said.
According to the report, the US remained by far the largest military spender in the world; its expenditure of USD 954 billion in 2025 (7.5 per cent lower than in 2024) accounted for 33 per cent of total global spending.
China is the second largest military spender (USD 336 billion), while Russia stands at the third (USD 190 billion).
Germany was the fourth largest military spender, and India was at the fifth spot, with an expenditure of USD 92.1 billion in 2025, an increase of 8.9 per cent over the last year, according to data shared in the report.
“Taken together, the 15 largest military spenders accounted for 80 per cent of the world’s military expenditure in 2025 (USD 2304 billion),” it said, noting that many of them were involved — either directly or indirectly — in the wars in Gaza and Ukraine in 2025.
The estimated global military expenditure rose for the 11th consecutive year in 2025, to reach USD 2.9 trillion — or 2.5 per cent of the world’s GDP — pushing world spending to the highest level recorded by SIPRI, the report said.
SIPRI said several critical regional flashpoints remained “at risk of escalating into major interstate armed conflicts; for example, an unusually severe military crisis erupted between India and Pakistan in May 2025”.
The think-tank said it has identified 162 states as recipients of major arms in 2021–25. The five largest recipients were Ukraine, India, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Pakistan, which together accounted for 35 per cent of total arms imports in the period.
It further said cyber operations continued to evolve as an integral component of modern conflict over the year, citing Russia and Ukraine as notable examples.
C Joseph VIjay’s first month as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister: Thalapathy has had his mass entrance, closed 717 liquor shops, and packed his own lunch. The stumbles have been real, but so has the intent. The second reel looks promising.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph Vijay completes a month in office on June 10 (PTI Photo)
In Tamil cinema, the hero’s introduction scene is sacrosanct: thunderous, inevitable, larger than life. When C Joseph Vijay was sworn in as Tamil Nadu’s ninth Chief Minister on May 10, the real-world version was no different. The actor-turned-politician had toppled the Dravidian duopoly that had governed the state virtually without interruption since 1967, riding a mandate that would have looked implausible in a script. A month on, however, the interval has arrived early: genuine ambition on one side of the ledger, a handful of significant stumbles on the other.
ORDER AT THE TOP
Perhaps the most remarked-upon aspect of Vijay’s early tenure had nothing to do with policy. The Chief Minister arrives at the Secretariat precisely on time, his sharply tailored black suit and white shirt, a deliberate departure from the white veshti of Tamil political tradition, making a quiet statement before he has said a word.
Vijay spends a full seven hours at his desk from Monday to Friday, has made administrative punctuality a non-negotiable for officials reporting to him, and reportedly brings his own lunch, eating quietly in his cabin. These are the kinds of gestures that are easy to dismiss as theatre, but harder to ignore in a system where signals from the top often matter.
LIQUOR AND WOMEN’S SAFETY
Among the most consequential early decisions was the directive to shut 717 state-run TASMAC outlets located within 500 metres of places of worship, educational institutions, and bus stands. The move, involving 276 outlets near religious sites, 186 near schools and colleges, and 255 near bus terminals, fulfilled a central TVK manifesto commitment and was completed within the stipulated fortnight.
It directly affected 3,474 employees, though the government moved quickly to redeploy most to other TASMAC locations. Critics, however, note that with over 4,700 TASMAC shops still operational across the state, the closures address proximity rather than the broader problem of liquor availability, a tension Vijay will have to navigate carefully given TASMAC’s substantial contribution to state revenue.
On women’s safety, Vijay has moved from announcement to deployment. The Singapenne (Lioness) Special Task Force, formally launched on June 9, is a dedicated police unit focused on crimes against women and children, headed by senior IPS officer K. Bhavaneeswari. Personnel are now being deployed across all districts. Whether the unit delivers in practice what it promises in name will be the real test.
TAKING ON THE CONTRACTOR NEXUS
One of the more politically brave moves of the new administration has been its stated zero-tolerance policy on kickbacks in public infrastructure contracts. Explicit directives were sent to the Public Works Department and the Highways sector, warning contractors and officials alike against the commission system.
Contractors’ Association President Gunamani publicly acknowledged that the new government had instructed contractors not to pay bribes to ministers or government officials, and went a step further, alleging that the previous administration had routinely extracted a 15 per cent commission on contract approvals.
Whether this directive translates into structural change, or remains a statement of intent, will depend on sustained follow-through.
THE VISION DOCUMENT
Vijay’s cabinet has anchored its early governance around the Vetri Tamizhagam Vision Document – a 436-point administrative blueprint distributed across 35 state departments. The document provides a framework for measurable accountability, though its sheer breadth invites the familiar risk of over-promising. Accompanying it is a clear anti-corruption mandate: the Chief Minister has explicitly warned that corrupt officials will face swift penalties regardless of their proximity to the party leadership. In his first address as Chief Minister, he also pledged to eliminate parallel power centres – the informal intermediaries who have historically extracted operational bribes from contractors and citizens – in favour of a single-window clearance system.
REVIVING THE AMMA UNAVAGAM
Within his first fortnight in office, Vijay ordered a comprehensive revamp of the 620 Amma Unavagam canteens operating across Tamil Nadu – 383 under the Greater Chennai Corporation and 237 across other municipalities and town panchayats. Following a review of their condition, the Chief Minister directed local bodies to replace damaged utensils, modernise kitchen facilities, upgrade sanitation standards, and establish mechanisms to address public complaints swiftly. Funding for the renovation and fresh provisions is to be drawn directly from municipal corporation general funds.
The canteen network, which provides affordable meals to daily-wage workers, the urban poor, and low-income families, had fallen into visible disrepair in several locations; the directive signals at least an intent to restore it to functional dignity.
EARLY STUMBLES
The first month has not been without embarrassment. The government’s initial appointment of an astrologer as Officer on Special Duty drew swift and withering criticism from opposition parties and from within the ruling coalition itself, including Congress, the VCK, and the Left. The appointment was revoked within 24 hours – a responsiveness to public pressure that some read charitably, and others as evidence of poor vetting.
A second early controversy involved a water tank tender in Kancheepuram, in which a six-hour submission deadline drew allegations of the process being designed to favour a particular contractor. That tender too was withdrawn, marking back-to-back government order rollbacks within the first week.
The announcement comes two days after the party, which originated as a satirical protest movement against the establishment, warned that it would take its agitation nationwide if Pradhan does not step down.
Fresh off a flight from Leh, educationist-activist Sonam Wangchuk came directly to Jantar Mantar protest site for the Cockroach Janta Party demonstrations. (PTI Image)
Aafter drawing national attention with its protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, the Cockroach Janta Party is now set to take its agitation to Pune on June 11.
The party has announced a peaceful protest on the campus of Savitribai Phule Pune University at 4 pm on June 11, seeking the Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation over the NEET paper leak and alleged irregularities in the CBSE examination process.
The announcement comes two days after the party, which originated as a satirical protest movement against the establishment, warned that it would take its agitation nationwide if Pradhan does not step down.
“We are giving the government seven days. Either Dharmendra Pradhan should resign respectfully, or Prime Minister Narendra Modi should sack him. If his resignation does not come within seven days, this movement will spread across the country,” the party said on June 6.
Earlier in the day, party founder Abhijeet Dipke had urged Pradhan to resign by 5 pm, after which organisers announced a seven-day deadline for action by the minister or the government.
Scores of students, parents, and young professionals had gathered at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar on Saturdat for the first major on-ground mobilisation of the CJP, turning a satirical online movement into a street protest over alleged examination irregularities and recruitment issues, and demanding the resignation of Pradhan.
Wearing cockroach masks and carrying books, flowers, and the national flag, protesters had assembled under tight security in the heart of the capital. Dipke had accused the government of ignoring student concerns while suppressing dissent online.
The demonstration, which drew participants from multiple states, came after weeks of growing online mobilisation over alleged irregularities in exams including NEET, CBSE, CUET, and SSC recruitment tests.
The protest marked a key moment for CJP, which began as a satirical online movement and quickly expanded into a youth-led nationwide campaign.
Originally launched as a satirical response to remarks made by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, the movement has since broadened its focus to issues such as examinations, recruitment processes, unemployment, and accountability.
Kerala has intensified surveillance after a child died, and fresh Shigella cases surfaced in Wayanad. Ministers and officials have ordered inspections, monitoring and precautionary measures amid reports from multiple districts.
Shigella infection (Representative image)
Kerala has reported one death and two other cases of Shigella infection, prompting health authorities to intensify surveillance and preventive measures across the state.
A four-year-old girl, Nila, a native of Kozhikode, died following a Shigella infection. Three children were reported to have been infected with the disease. A 10-year-old child has been discharged from hospital, while the condition of a two-year-old child remains stable.
Kerala Minister T Siddique, who is also the state agriculture minister and MLA of Kalpetta, told reporters that a high-level meeting would be convened on Tuesday to assess the situation and review measures to prevent further spread of the disease.
Considering the possibility of transmission, health authorities have issued precautionary advisories to people who came into contact with the affected children, he said.
Shigella, also known as shigellosis, is a bacterial infection that affects the digestive system, particularly the intestines. It is caused by a group of bacteria known as Shigella. The bacteria can enter the body through contaminated food or water and lead to diarrhoea. The disease is highly contagious and can affect both children and adults.
Siddique said Health Minister K Muraleedharan would visit the district on Tuesday to directly assess the situation and review response measures on the ground.
Speaking in Thrissur, Muraleedharan said 25 students are currently admitted to Sultan Bathery Taluk Hospital and none of them is in serious condition.
He said a medical team from Kozhikode has been deployed in Wayanad to assist local health authorities.
“Some students are also undergoing treatment in private hospitals. There are around 800 students in the school,” the minister said.
Muraleedharan said health authorities are also monitoring students who have already been discharged from hospitals.
“Currently, there is no cause for concern. However, we must remain cautious about this disease. Directions have been given to the food safety commissioner to conduct inspections across the state,” he said.
The minister said Shigella spreads primarily through contaminated water and poor hygiene.
“Currently, the situation is under control. Directions have been given to medical officers in all districts to take precautionary measures and closely monitor the situation. The disease can spread in unhygienic conditions,” he said.
Muraleedharan added that Shigella infections mostly affect children.
“Instructions have been issued to closely monitor people presenting symptoms of Shigella infection. Directions have also been given to ensure adequate stocks of medicines,” he said.
Apart from Wayanad and Kozhikode, authorities have also reported Shigella cases in Alappuzha and Pathanamthitta districts.
Israel is preparing to erect a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in the Jewish country, and bringing to spotlight an overlooked historical connection between Jews and India. The story stretches from the villages of Maharashtra to the armies and navies that helped shape India’s history.
The Consul General of Israel in Mumbai announced the plan to install a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in the Jewish country. (Image for Representation/PTI)
“Proud and historic,” wrote Maharashtra’s Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, in a post on X, announcing that the Consulate General of Israel in Mumbai has announced plans to install a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in the Jewish country. The announcement was made on the occasion of Shivrajyabhishek Din, which is the anniversary of the coronation of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. It was over 350 years ago, on June 6, 1674, that Shivaji was coronated.
At a time when Jews were facing threats from the outside world for centuries, India was among the few countries where they lived without facing persecution, preserving their faith while also contributing to the local society.
From the Marathi-speaking Bene Israel of the Konkan coast to the Jewish merchants who travelled along India’s western shores, the relationship between India and the Jewish people stretches back thousands of years, but the 16th century is an important chapter in the history of the friendship between the two.
Now, with a Shivaji statue to be erected in Israel, the spotlight is on a story of a lesser-known chapter of the shared history involving the Maratha Empire and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
HOW SOME JEWS EARNED ‘SHANIVAR TELIS’ MONIKER IN INDIA
Bene Israelis, one of India’s oldest Jewish communities, fled Galilee during the persecution of the Seleucid ruler Antiochus Epiphanes and reached India’s western coast after a shipwreck near Navagaon, south of present-day Mumbai, in the early 2nd century BCE, according to HS Kehimkar, who was a prominent 19th-century educator, author, and civil servant’s book, History of the Bene Israel of India (1937).
According to community lore, the Bene Israeli survivors were seven men and seven women, and they settled in the Konkan region and gradually became an integral part of local society.
The Bene Israel took up occupations such as oil-pressing and grocery trading, but strictly observed the Jewish Sabbath on Saturdays. Their staying away from work on Saturdays earned them the moniker Shanivar Telis (Saturday oil-pressers). The distinction was notable in Maharashtra’s social landscape as Hindu oil-pressers were known as Somwari Telis because they rested on Mondays, while Muslim oil-pressers who observed Friday prayers came to be called Shukrawar Telis.
Over the centuries, the Bene Israelis adopted the Marathi language and also many local customs of India, while preserving their Jewish identity. Their long presence in Maharashtra helped forge a uniquely Indian Jewish culture, one that thrived without the anti-Semitic persecution experienced elsewhere.
Dipke posted a video on X where he said that if the Education Minister does not resign till Saturday, June 13, 2026, the agitation will go on a wider scale.
Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest at the Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. Credit: PTI Photo
Abhijeet Dipke, the founder of the Cockroach Janata Party has said that they will protest in multiple states and cities if Education Minister Dharmendra Pradesh does not resign.
Dipke posted a video on X where he said that if the Education Minister does not resign till Saturday, June 13, 2026, the agitation will go on a wider scale.
“Going in that direction, if Pradhan won’t resign, I will personally go to different cities and states and undertake protests with a demand for his resignation,” he said.
Police in Vadodara have busted an alleged fake call centre that targeted US citizens with bogus loan approvals. Investigators say the accused copied methods shown in web series and are tracing the scale of the fraud.
Delhi Police arrested three cyber fraudsters who modelled their scam on Money Heist characters, defrauding victims of over Rs 150 crore
A fake international call centre allegedly inspired by web series plots has been busted in Gujarat’s Vadodara, where four men were operating a sophisticated online fraud network targeting US citizens. The accused allegedly posed as loan agents, luring victims with promises of approved loans before extracting fees ranging from $150 to $200.
The Vadodara Local Crime Branch (LCB) Zone-2 uncovered the operation during a raid at an apartment in the city’s Akota area. Investigators found that the suspects were running the call centre without any licence or official authorisation and were making international calls to American citizens as part of an organised scam.
According to police, the callers informed victims that their loans had been approved through a company called “City Credits” and then demanded processing charges. To complete the fraud, they allegedly collected debit card details, including card numbers, expiry dates and CVV codes, before charging victims between $150 and $200.
During the raid, police seized seven mobile phones, eight laptops, a fibre Wi-Fi router, cash and other equipment used in the operation. Authorities said assets and materials worth around Rs 35 lakh were recovered from the premises.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone-2) Manjita Vanjara said one of the accused is a stock market expert, another previously worked in a call centre, while the remaining two were skilled callers with strong English-speaking abilities. Investigators believe the group obtained contact details of potential victims through the dark web and had been operating the fraudulent call centre for the past two months.
Police identified Karan Lokwani and Jonathan Das as the alleged masterminds behind the operation. The duo reportedly recruited and trained two other associates, teaching them how to carry out the scam and interact with foreign victims.
The chief minister further alleged that demographic changes in the state had become a major political issue and said infiltration from Bangladesh was a key plank of the BJP’s successful campaign in the recent Assembly elections.
Illegal Bangladeshi migrants waiting at the Hakimpur border check post to return to Bangladesh. (Image: India Today TV)
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Sunday said around 4,800 illegal immigrants have been deported to Bangladesh from holding centres set up in the state’s border districts, while 836 more are currently awaiting repatriation.
Addressing a preparatory meeting for the BJP’s special training camp, Adhikari said tackling illegal immigration and securing the India-Bangladesh border remain key priorities for his government.
The chief minister said the state has already handed over land to the Border Security Force (BSF) for fencing nearly 100 km of the border, out of the 556 km stretch that still requires barriers. “We have handed over around 100 km of land to the BSF and prioritised the Chicken’s Neck corridor in north Bengal,” Adhikari said.
The Siliguri Corridor, popularly known as the Chicken’s Neck, is a strategically sensitive stretch connecting the northeastern states to the rest of India.
BORDER FENCING, CENSUS AND DEMOGRAPHY IN FOCUS
Highlighting his government’s deportation drive, Adhikari said illegal immigrants who do not fall under the ambit of the Citizenship Amendment Act are being handed over directly to the BSF in accordance with Union government regulations.
He alleged that while similar provisions had been implemented elsewhere in the country, the previous Trinamool government had failed to act, allowing illegal immigrants to remain in state facilities at public expense.
“Around 4,800 illegal immigrants have been sent back from holding centres in border districts, while 836 are awaiting deportation,” he said.
Referring to movement at the Hakimpur border in North 24 Parganas district, Adhikari claimed that many undocumented immigrants had already left voluntarily following the government’s enforcement measures.
The chief minister further alleged that demographic changes in the state had become a major political issue and said infiltration from Bangladesh was a key plank of the BJP’s successful campaign in the recent Assembly elections.
He also said the state had initiated census-related work and that a house-to-house survey would be conducted from August 1 to August 15. According to Adhikari, the census exercise will be completed by the end of February next year and will be followed by delimitation.
50 LAKH WOMEN RECEIVE ANNAPURNA BENEFITS, SAYS CM
The chief minister also highlighted welfare initiatives undertaken by his government since assuming office. He said 50 lakh women have received Rs 3,000 each under the Annapurna Yojana, launched as part of the BJP’s election promise to increase financial assistance provided under the previous government’s Lakshmir Bhandar scheme.
According to Adhikari, more than 28 lakh women received benefits on the first day of the scheme’s rollout.
Defending the extensive verification process for beneficiaries, he said government funds must be distributed only after proper scrutiny. Adhikari alleged that around 27 lakh names among Lakshmir Bhandar beneficiaries were not found on electoral rolls and claimed that nearly three lakh men had also availed benefits under the women-only scheme.
Calling the alleged irregularities “dangerous corruption”, he said the verification exercise would ensure transparency and strengthen the welfare delivery system in the long run.
CORRUPTION CHARGES AGAINST PREVIOUS REGIME
Adhikari accused the previous Trinamool government of widespread corruption, claiming investigations had uncovered irregularities across multiple sectors.
He said numerous criminal cases had been registered against Trinamool leaders and public representatives since the change of government, leading to the arrest of several sitting and former MLAs, councillors and other party functionaries.
“It seems the Brigade Parade Grounds will have to be turned into a jail,” he remarked, alleging that corruption had surfaced wherever investigations were carried out.
HEALTHCARE, WELFARE AND DA IN UPCOMING BUDGET
Taking a swipe at opposition claims that Bengal’s fish-loving population would suffer under a BJP government, Adhikari announced that subsidised fish meals priced at Rs 5 per person would be introduced from next week.
He said several additional welfare measures would be unveiled during the presentation of the state Budget on June 22.
The chief minister also highlighted cooperation between the state and the Centre, saying all Union ministries were extending support to West Bengal at the direction of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Adhikari announced that the state would sign an agreement with the Centre for the Ayushman Bharat scheme on Monday at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi. He said around 1.46 crore families, covering nearly 6.5 crore people, would receive Ayushman Bharat cards providing health insurance coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh annually.
He added that the Union Health Ministry had sanctioned Rs 4,500 crore for West Bengal under the National Health Mission, of which Rs 527 crore had already been released.
Despite a massive multi-agency search involving helicopters, drones, sniffer dogs and specialized mountain rescue teams, 23-year-old MBA student Babita Pandey from Nainital remains missing since May 29 after disappearing from Goi Base Camp during a trek to Dayara Bugyal in Uttarkashi.
Babita has been missing since May 29 after disappearing from Goi Base Camp in Dayara Bugyal.
A woman from Ramnagar in Uttarakhand’s Nainital district, identified as 23-year-old MBA student Babita Pandey, has remained missing since the night of May 29 after she disappeared from Goi Base Camp during a trek to Dayara Bugyal in Uttarkashi district. Despite an intensive search and rescue operation that has continued for several days, authorities have not found any trace of her so far.
A massive search operation was launched after Babita went missing under mysterious circumstances during the trek. Police registered a case and detained her two travel companions for questioning following a complaint filed by her family.
According to the police, Babita had travelled to Uttarkashi with her two friends, Harmanpal Singh of Udham Singh Nagar district and Harmanpreet Singh of Uttar Pradesh’s Shahjahanpur district. After visiting Harsil, Gangotri and nearby tourist destinations, the three stayed in Raithal village on May 28. CCTV footage last captured Babita with her friends in Raithal village.
On May 29, the trio began their trek from Raithal to Dayara Bugyal and spent the night at Goi Base Camp. Police said Babita went missing from the campsite around midnight.
During the initial phase of the operation, the police administration sought assistance from the Army and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP). A 150-member search team comprising personnel from the Army, ITBP, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), police, forest department and disaster management authorities was deployed after the incident was reported on May 30. However, the Army and ITBP teams have now been withdrawn from the operation.
The district administration has since revised its strategy and deployed a specialized team from the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering (NIM) to continue the search. Officials said the NIM team is specially trained for high-altitude Himalayan search and rescue operations and has extensive experience in difficult terrain. Multiple teams are currently carrying out intensive searches across the area.
Despite extensive manual searches, sniffer dog deployments and drone surveillance across a five-kilometre radius covering dense forests, steep slopes, trekking routes and caves, investigators have not found any clues regarding Babita’s whereabouts. Search operations are now focusing on a lake near the Goi campsite, where a six-member SDRF diving team equipped with modern equipment has been deployed.
The administration also launched an aerial search operation on Sunday with the help of a helicopter to scan Dayara Bugyal and nearby inaccessible regions for any possible clues. Authorities continue to investigate all possible angles and assess Babita’s potential location.
Uttarkashi Superintendent of Police Kamlesh Upadhyay said police registered a case under Section 140(3) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and detained Babita’s two companions for questioning. Investigators are examining the possibility of a personal dispute or any other suspicious activity. Trekking guides and individuals associated with the trekking agency are also being questioned.
Meanwhile, Uttarkashi District Tourism Officer KK Joshi said inquiries revealed that no valid digital permits had been issued for Babita or her companions on the official tourism portal, ‘Explore Uttarkashi’.
The investigation found that the trekking agency allegedly bypassed government revenue regulations and the daily cap of 150 trekkers by pasting the names of Babita and her friends onto an expired physical permit.
Officials said scanning the QR code on the permit retrieved details of previous trekkers, indicating that a forged permit had been used. According to Joshi, the forgery initially delayed efforts to identify the trekkers and the agency responsible for handling them.
Following the findings, authorities suspended the registration of the Raithal-based trekking agency, Pro Mountain, with immediate effect. The tourism department said the agency sent the group on the trek using a forged permit and suspended its registration on charges of fraud.
According to a viral social media post attributed to Rahul RK Meena, a barrage of gunfire was unleashed at the alleged hideout of Gurpreet Singh Gill in Vila Nova de Milfontes, Portugal. None of the claims made in the social media post have been independently verified.
Indian gang war playing out in Portugal? (Photo: Representational)
India’s gang wars appear to have spilled far beyond its borders, with an associate of the Sunil Meena gang claiming responsibility for two shooting incidents in Portugal that allegedly targeted an Indian national.
According to a viral social media post attributed to Rahul RK Meena, a barrage of gunfire was unleashed at the alleged hideout of Gurpreet Singh Gill in Vila Nova de Milfontes, Portugal. Unverified reports circulating online claim that between 15 and 20 rounds were fired during the attack.
A video and an audio clip that surfaced on social media purportedly show individuals claiming responsibility for the shooting.
The post further alleged that the Sunil Meena gang was also behind an earlier shooting in Portugal’s Sintra region on May 6, which reportedly targeted Gill. The incidents were described as warning shots aimed at rival groups.
“These firing incidents were just warning shots. Next time, the bullet will hit your head,” the viral post said.
The message also claimed that rival gang members were fleeing Portugal and warned that they would not be able to evade retaliation.
“We will keep chasing you like a shadow across the world. You cannot escape death,” the post added.
Portuguese law enforcement authorities have not issued any official statement confirming either the shootings or the identities of those allegedly involved.
Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee met AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal in Delhi ahead of the INDIA bloc meeting, with both leaders discussing the opposition’s future course.
Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee on Sunday met Aam Aadmi Party convener Arvind Kejriwal in the national capital, a day ahead of a meeting of the opposition INDIA bloc.
The TMC described the meeting as “warm”, and said the two leaders held discussion on “the road ahead.”
Twenty-three political parties of the INDIA bloc will meet on Monday to redraw their strategy to take on the BJP and iron out differences amid changed power dynamics after the defeat of regional anchors TMC and DMK in the recent assembly polls.
“Our Hon’ble Chairperson Smt Mamata Banerjee along with our Hon’ble National General Secretary Shri Abhishek Banerjee met with Shri Arvind Kejriwal Ji today, in Delhi,” the party said in a post on X.
“Following a warm interaction, they held an extensive discussion on the road ahead,” it said.
The TMC also made a call for unity and a “better future” in 2029, in an apparent reference to the next Lok Sabha elections.
“When the people of India unite, no force on earth can stop their march towards justice, dignity and a better future in 2029,” it added.
Mamata Banerjee is in Delhi to attend the INDIA bloc meeting.
The Mamata Banerjee-Kejriwal meeting comes months after AAP announced that it was no longer part of the INDIA bloc.
AAP is unlikely to attend Monday’s meeting.
The INDIA bloc meeting also comes amid strain in ties among some constituents of the opposition alliance, with the DMK set to skip the meeting over what it has described as Congress’ “betrayal” in Tamil Nadu and the CPI(M) expressing its displeasure over allegations by top Congress leaders that the Left had colluded with the BJP in Kerala.
The TMC has continued to maintain direct engagement with Kejriwal and AAP, and leaders of the two parties have met on several occasions over the past two years, including during opposition outreach efforts after the 2024 Lok Sabha elections and ahead of key opposition consultations.
Leaders of 23 opposition parties are set to meet in New Delhi today to review strategy, project unity and address differences. The gathering will test the INDIA bloc’s cohesion as it plans for state contests and the 2029 Lok Sabha polls.
Leaders from 23 political parties of the opposition INDIA bloc are set to meet in New Delhi on Monday for a crucial strategy session.(File Photo: Congress)
The opposition INDIA bloc is set to hold a crucial meeting in New Delhi on Monday, with representatives of 23 political parties expected to participate in an effort to recalibrate strategy, project unity and address internal differences following recent assembly election setbacks.
Top opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge of the Congress, Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee of the Trinamool Congress (TMC), Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Tejashwi Yadav and Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, are likely to attend the meeting at the Constitution Club.
Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said 23 parties have confirmed participation in the gathering, describing it as a meeting of the “INDIA janbandhan” and asserting that the alliance remains united despite ideological and regional diversity.
According to Ramesh, some parties have expressed their inability to attend the meeting but have reiterated their opposition to the Narendra Modi-led government’s policies. The DMK and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) are unlikely to participate, while Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) is expected to be brought into the alliance fold.
The meeting comes at a time when the opposition alliance is facing changing political dynamics after recent state election results. The alliance is expected to discuss a coordinated strategy for upcoming state elections and the 2029 Lok Sabha polls, while attempting to present a united front against the BJP-led NDA.
Leaders are also likely to deliberate on issues ranging from electoral reforms and alleged misuse of investigative agencies to rising prices, unemployment and economic concerns. The TMC is expected to raise the issue of alleged attacks on its leaders in West Bengal and seek support from other opposition parties.
However, the meeting is also expected to highlight tensions within the alliance. The CPI(M) is likely to seek clarification from the Congress over allegations that Left parties had an understanding with the BJP during the Kerala Assembly elections. CPI(M) general secretary M A Baby has already written to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, saying such accusations were inconsistent with the spirit of cooperation underpinning the opposition alliance.
CPI general secretary D Raja said the formal meeting of the INDIA bloc is taking place after a long gap and that Left parties would raise their concerns during the discussions.
The BJP has used the developments to question the cohesion of the opposition alliance. BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla said the differences among alliance partners exposed a lack of unity and common direction.
The meeting marks the first official gathering of the INDIA bloc since June 2024, when alliance leaders met ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. Opposition leaders had also assembled informally in August 2025 during a strategy dinner hosted by Rahul Gandhi, where concerns over electoral processes, including voter roll revisions in Bihar, were discussed.
The incident has triggered outrage and protests, with BJP leader Parijat Ganguly visiting the victim’s family and demanding stringent action against the accused. He also called for an “encounter” of those arrested, arguing that severe punishment was necessary to deter such crimes.
Minor allegedly gang-raped in Durgapur hotel after being drugged; hotel manager among four arrested (Photo: ITG)
A 14-year-old girl was allegedly gang-raped after being lured from her home, drugged, and taken to a hotel in West Bengal’s Durgapur, police said. Four people, including the woman accused of taking the girl from her residence and a hotel manager, have been arrested, while one suspect remains on the run.
The incident has triggered outrage in the area and renewed concerns over crimes against women and minors in the state.
According to a complaint lodged by the victim’s father, the incident took place on Saturday when a young woman identified as Simran Tamang, allegedly persuaded the 14-year-old girl to leave her home with her.
The father alleged that after leaving the house, the minor was taken in a four-wheeler where she was forced to consume alcohol allegedly mixed with an intoxicating substance. Once she lost consciousness, she was taken to a hotel in the Kaviguru area of Durgapur’s City Centre.
The complaint states that the girl was then allegedly sexually assaulted by multiple accused, including Raj Mallik and Sheikh Azharuddin, along with others present there. After the alleged assault, the accused reportedly abandoned the minor near the bypass and fled.
Later, around 10.30 pm on Saturday, an e-rickshaw driver allegedly found the girl in a distressed condition and dropped her near her home. The family then learnt about the incident and rushed her to hospital. She is currently undergoing treatment at a hospital in Bidhannagar.
The victim’s father said his daughter had been taken from home around 1.30 pm and was later found in a heavily intoxicated state. “I appeal to the Chief Minister to ensure the strictest punishment for all those responsible. I seek capital punishment for the accused,” he said.
Following the complaint, police launched an investigation and carried out searches in the area. A forensic team visited the alleged crime scene and the hotel, collecting samples and evidence for examination.
According to Asansol-Durgapur Police Commissioner Praveen Kumar, four people have been arrested so far. He said the arrests include two named accused, the woman accused of taking the victim to the hotel, and the hotel’s manager. One more accused remains absconding and search operations are underway to trace him.
The commissioner added that the victim has undergone a medical examination and forensic evidence has been collected as part of the investigation.
BJP LEADER DEMANDS ENCOUNTER OF ACCUSED
The incident has sparked widespread outrage in the area. BJP leader Parijat Ganguly, who visited the hospital and met the victim’s family at the invitation of local party leaders, demanded the strictest possible punishment for the accused from the state government and the police administration.
In a strongly worded statement, Ganguly said that what SK Azharuddin, Raj Mallik and Simran Tamang – whom he described as the mastermind behind the crime – had allegedly done was “beyond tolerance”.
“We appeal to the Chief Minister and the government not to let such rapists sit in jail and enjoy free meals. If the police have arrested them in the morning, they should be killed in an encounter by the afternoon or evening. Until such fear is instilled, criminals will not be afraid of the law,” he said.
Former US first lady Jill Biden has revealed that she considered buying a synthetic diamond gifted to her by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his 2023 state visit to Washington, but abandoned the idea after US officials valued the stone at eight times its stated price.
In her recently released memoir, View from the East Wing: A Memoir, Biden recounts receiving a 7.5-carat lab-grown diamond from Modi, who presented it as a symbol of India’s ambition to become a global leader in the synthetic diamond industry.
Under US ethics rules, gifts received by the president and first lady during official engagements belong to the federal government. However, recipients may purchase such gifts by paying their fair market value as determined by government appraisals.
“In the case of Modi’s diamond, the prime minister said that it had been handmade in his hometown for $2,500. He even had the bill of sale. I thought, Maybe I’ll buy it. Then the State Department appraised it at $20,000, so I did not,” Biden wrote.
“The diamond was gorgeous,” she added.
The former first lady noted that government officials routinely took possession of gifts she received if they were deemed to have more than nominal value.
Although she chose not to purchase the diamond, Biden had it mounted in a ring that she wore during official occasions while serving as first lady. The ring was later returned to government custody. “When we left office, I gave it back. The ring went into a warehouse along with an infinitude of other presidential gifts, many of which are simply destroyed,” she wrote.
India has similar rules for gifts
The account offers a glimpse into the protocols surrounding diplomatic gift exchanges between world leaders. In India, too, gifts received by ministers and government officials are governed by strict rules.
Official gifts are deposited in the Toshakhana, maintained by the Ministry of External Affairs. If a gift is valued at less than ₹5,000, it may be retained by the recipient. If its assessed value exceeds ₹5,000, the recipient can acquire it by paying the difference between the assessed value and ₹5,000.
Elsewhere in the memoir, Biden recalled some of the logistical and cultural considerations involved in hosting Modi’s state visit in June 2023, including the challenges of planning the White House state dinner.
Senior government sources said Vijay was informed that nearly Rs 102 crore was allegedly being diverted every month through unofficial “party fund” collections embedded within TASMAC operations.
In his first Cabinet meeting on Friday after assuming office, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph Vijay is said to have launched a sweeping crackdown on alleged leakages, unofficial collections and “party fund” practices linked to the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC), ordering officials to ensure that every rupee generated through liquor sales reaches the State treasury.
Senior government sources said Vijay was informed that nearly Rs 102 crore was allegedly being diverted every month through unofficial “party fund” collections embedded within TASMAC operations, with government estimates suggesting that nearly Rs 1,600 crore may have been siphoned from the State exchequer over the last five years. This also brings the spotlight and scrutiny on the DMK’s alleged use of TASMAC, sources said.
The Chief Minister reportedly directed officials to immediately dismantle long-running unofficial cash collection systems operating across TASMAC’s wholesale and retail network. There are nearly 4,048 registered outlets.
The reforms are being overseen by Minister for Prohibition and Excise K Vignesh, a 37-year-old first-time minister from a modest background. His parents reportedly ran a tea stall before he entered the cable distribution business and later politics.
“The Chief Minister made it clear in the Cabinet meeting that his government does not need revenue generated through corruption or through the suffering of people. His instruction was simple – arrest leakages immediately and bring back people’s money to the treasury,” Minister K Vignesh told NDTV.
Sources said prohibition officials and distilleries have already been informed that the government intends to scrap all informal collection systems associated with TASMAC operations.
This marks the beginning of a major administrative overhaul of TASMAC operations, from liquor procurement and warehouse dispatch to retail sales, bottle returns and shop-level collections.
Minister Vignesh said the government was working on a “foolproof transparency mechanism” to ensure that all revenue from liquor sales directly reaches the State exchequer.
Rs 100 Crore A Month Allegedly Routed As ‘Party Funds’
According to Excise Department sources, unofficial collections had allegedly become institutionalised within the TASMAC supply chain over nearly two decades. Officials explained that liquor in Tamil Nadu is supplied through standardised cases depending on bottle size:
180 ml bottles are packed in cases of 48
375 ml bottles come in cases of 24
750 ml bottles are packed in cases of 12
Beer cases generally contain 12 bottles
“For every liquor case, around Rs 90 per case was allegedly diverted as ‘party fund’ collections. In beer cases, around Rs 40 per case was collected, while wine cases allegedly contributed Rs 20 per case towards ministerial or political funds,” a senior source said.
Officials claimed these collections operated across warehouses, transport and retail outlets.
“Nearly 88 lakh consumers buy liquor through TASMAC every month. Internal estimates showed that at least Rs 102 crore every month was allegedly moving into unofficial channels,” the source added.
Sources said the TASMAC crackdown is only the beginning of a wider anti-corruption and revenue-monitoring exercise planned by the new government.
“The Chief Minister has asked officials to identify leakages in every department and ensure that government revenues are fully accounted for. TASMAC was taken up first because of the scale of unofficial collections,” a senior source said.
According to sources, the mining department could be the next major sector to face scrutiny as the government expands its review of alleged revenue leakages and unofficial cash flows across departments.
Empty Bottle Scheme Under Scanner
The government is also reviewing the controversial Rs 10 empty-bottle deposit-and-buyback system followed at TASMAC outlets.
Under the current mechanism, customers pay an additional Rs 10 deposit for every liquor bottle purchased, refundable when the empty bottle is returned. Officials believe the system created significant scope for unaccounted cash transactions.
According to internal estimates, nearly one crore liquor bottles are sold every month in Tamil Nadu. “If one lakh bottles were sold, only around 60,000 bottles actually came back into the system. The remaining deposits stayed unaccounted for. That is where a major portion of the corruption was happening,” an official said.
Sources estimate that irregularities linked to bottle return collections alone may have resulted in corruption worth nearly Rs 300 crore every month.
The government is now examining proposals to integrate the Rs 10 deposit into the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) or introduce a digitised refund mechanism to eliminate leakages.
Vignesh confirmed that the government had already decided to operationalise the empty bottle collection and buy-back system through outsourced agencies before the end of June.
Ashok Gehlot said the stand-off of September 25, 2022, was not against the Congress high command but Sachin Pilot
The latest episode was triggered today by Ashok Gehlot’s comments in Jaipur,
The Ashok Gehlot versus Sachin Pilot feud in Rajasthan refuses to die down, emerging from the fault lines every now and then to dominate the headlines.
The latest episode was triggered today by Ashok Gehlot’s comments in Jaipur,
Gehlot had taken on Pilot indirectly, stressing that on September 25, 2022, when he was asked to move to Delhi as party president and make way — as many said — for Sachin Pilot, the stand-off was not against the party high command. The rebellion of the 100 Congress MLAs was against Sachin Pilot, who was being readied to replace Ashok Gehlot, he said.
“The September 25 episode was against the person whose name was doing the rounds to be sworn in as the next Chief Minister, Pilot sahab. A situation was created where 100 MLAs got together and they said ‘Make anyone of us the Chief Minister. We stuck by the party and saved this government but we cannot have someone who went to Manesar and tried to topple our government as the next Chief Minister’. Now this was misrepresented as a revolt against the high command,” Gehlot said.
“If I had revolted against the high command would I have been allowed to continue as the Chief Minister? Sachin Pilot should also understand this. We are not his enemies. We have retained affection for him since he was a child. Whether it is him or my son Vaibhav, they were 2-3 years old then when we were MPs. So I always consider him like that even today, but I don’t know who guides him in politics now,” Gehlot told reporters in Jaipur.
“I said forgive and forget… everyone can make mistakes. He made a mistake and he should admit it. If he had understood my sentiments that day he too, would have followed my advice of forgive and forget,” he added.
Gehlot’s comments come against the backdrop of a Congress ‘chintan shivir’ held in Pushkar last week. Rahul Gandhi had addressed the training camp for district presidents of Rajasthan and Delhi on June 1.
But the camp was marked by Gehlot’s absence. Sources said the former Chief Minister met Rahul Gandhi at the helipad and then cited ill health and left for Jaipur, missing an important meeting on the sidelines of the event.
But sources in the Gehlot camp claimed there was no such incident.
They said apart from the Rajasthan Congress President and the leader of the party in the assembly, no other senior leader was present at the Pushkar camp. No important meeting had happened on the sidelines of the Pushkar camp either. It was merely an informal chat with NSUI workers, youth Congress members and district presidents, they said.
Gehlot had said nothing to Rahul Gandhi at the Kishangarh airport. He was, in fact, unwell and had returned to Jaipur, sources said.
The former Chief Minister’s absence at Pushkar, however, has set off a political buzz in Rajasthan. Sources suggested that the party is considering a leadership change in the state unit ahead of the next election.
The video quickly sparked debate on social media, with users divided over whether the spending reflected Bengaluru’s soaring living costs or a lifestyle driven by discretionary choices.
Gym memberships, training sessions, supplements, and fitness gear cost around Rs 31,000.
A Bengaluru couple’s candid breakdown of their monthly expenses has gone viral, reigniting conversations around the city’s rising cost of living and lifestyle choices. Megha and her husband, Shubham, shared an Instagram video revealing how their family of three spent almost ₹1.66 lakh in the month of May, excluding investments, EMIs, and holiday expenses. The pair, who describe themselves as millennials, gave a detailed insight into their spending habits, with big costs including housing, fitness, childcare, and household support.
Rent and utilities accounted for the largest share of their budget at Rs 68,000 per month. According to Shubham, housing remains their single biggest expense. A significant portion of the family’s spending also went toward health and fitness. Gym memberships, personal training sessions, sports activities, supplements, and fitness gear together cost around Rs 31,000 during the month.
The couple further revealed that they spend Rs 29,000 on domestic help, including a nanny, cook, and housekeeping staff. Groceries added another Rs 18,000 to the monthly bill.
Expenses related to their toddler and pet dog, including diapers, toys, clothing, and pet food, came to nearly Rs 8,000. Meanwhile, miscellaneous costs such as dining out, entertainment, shopping, OTT subscriptions, and transportation totalled around Rs 12,000. Altogether, the family’s expenditure for May stood at approximately Rs 1.66 lakh.
“Everyone says Bangalore is expensive. But how expensive? This is how much we spent in May as a family, and where it went. This doesn’t include our monthly investments or our summer trip as we maintain separate funds for that,” the video’s caption read.
Watch the video here:
The video quickly sparked debate on social media, with users divided over whether the spending reflected Bengaluru’s soaring living costs or a lifestyle driven by discretionary choices. While some argued that the budget was reasonable for a dual-income urban household with childcare support, others questioned the high allocation toward fitness and domestic help, reigniting the broader discussion around what constitutes a comfortable middle-class lifestyle in India’s tech capital.
One user wrote, “Expenses shud always be compared with income… higher the income higher the money spent on convenience and comfort… so as long as it works for u, it’s good.”
The user revealed that the approach paid off, as after some back-and-forth, the employer increased the offer by $12,000 to close the gap.
The story sparked debate about negotiation norms.
A job seeker has shared how using a high-stakes negotiating tactic landed them a salary bump of $12,000 (around 11.5 lakhs). In a Reddit post, the professional revealed the tactic involved holding firm on salary expectations and letting the employer make the next move, even when it felt uncomfortable. The candidate described it as “a game of chicken”, which in this case was refusing to lower the number first and waiting to see if the company would meet it or walk away. Discussing the “marathon hiring process”, the user revealed that it took nearly six weeks and four rounds of interviews, and when they got to the final call with the recruiter, they were already “exhausted and just wanted to see the numbers”.
“When she finally dropped the offer, it was a classic lowball move,’ the user wrote in the r/jobsearchhacks forum. “It was about fifteen percent lower than the range we discussed in the first screening call. Usually this is where people start stuttering or trying to justify why they deserve more but I decided to try something different this time. I just stayed completely silent.”
The user revealed that the approach paid off. After some back-and-forth, the employer increased the offer by $12,000 to close the gap.
“Companies spend thousands of dollars on these hiring cycles and the last thing a recruiter wants is to lose their top candidate over a few grand right at the finish line. They rely on you being desperate or polite. If you treat the offer call like a technical bug that needs a fix instead of a social interaction, you win,” the user wrote.
“Don’t explain yourself and don’t make excuses for why you need more money. Just shut up and let them realise they are about to lose a month of work because they wanted to save a few bucks on your salary. It is a game of chicken, and the person who talks first usually loses.”
The users must also consider that this kind of negotiation works best when the candidate has strong leverage, like competing offers, in-demand skills, or a critical role to fill. Without that, pushing too hard can risk the offer entirely.
Social media reaction
The story sparked debate online about negotiation norms, with some calling it a smart strategy and others issuing warnings, and alleging that it might backfire. “It is wild how the budget suddenly appears out of thin air once they realise you aren’t desperate. They bank on candidates being too polite to let a silence hang for more than two seconds,” one pointed out.
“The budget for hiring is always greater than the budget for retention. If they only offer a 2-3% increase during the salary negotiation, then they are low-balling. Without a promotion, your hiring salary is going to be your only time to negotiate for higher pay,” another user shared their perspective.
Not every item marketed as a “superfood” actually offers real benefits. Dr Sood shares a food option that truly lives up to the claims.
Read more to find out which superfood it is! (Unsplash)
The term “superfood” is often used so loosely that it can be difficult to separate marketing hype from genuine nutritional value. While many foods are celebrated as miracle ingredients, only a handful truly stand out for packing an exceptional amount of nutrients into a relatively small serving. These foods deliver a combination of essential vitamins, minerals, healthy fats, and other beneficial compounds that can support multiple aspects of health.
Dr Kunal Sood, an anaesthesiologist and interventional pain medicine physician, is spotlighting a nutrient-dense food that may offer a wide range of health benefits. In an Instagram video shared on June 6, the physician explains why sardines are often considered a true superfood, highlighting their rich nutritional profile that can support cardiovascular health, strengthen bones, and contribute to overall well-being.
What makes sardines a superfood?
Dr Sood highlights that sardines may be one of the rare foods that genuinely deserve the title of a “superfood”, thanks to the impressive range of nutrients they deliver in a relatively small serving. These oily fish are rich in EPA and DHA, the two most beneficial forms of omega-3 fatty acids, which play a key role in heart and brain health. According to the doctor, regularly including sardines in your diet may help lower triglyceride levels and support overall cardiovascular health, making them a nutrient-dense addition to a balanced eating plan.
The physician explains, “Sardines might be one of the rare superfood claims that actually have some truth behind it because nutritionally they’re doing a lot in a very small package. They’re fatty fish rich in EPA and DHA, which are the omega-3 fats linked to lower triglycerides and better cardiovascular support. When they’re part of an overall healthy diet, that’s where a lot of the heart health messaging actually comes from. It’s not that sardines magically prevent heart disease, but replacing more processed foods with omega-3 rich fish can consistently support a healthier lipid profile.”
Other essential nutrients
Beyond their heart-healthy fats, sardines are also packed with several essential nutrients. Dr Sood notes that they are an excellent source of vitamin B12, a nutrient vital for nerve function, DNA synthesis, and the production of healthy red blood cells.
When eaten with their soft, edible bones, sardines also provide significant amounts of calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D, all of which play an important role in maintaining strong bones and supporting overall skeletal health. Another advantage, according to the physician, is that sardines are small fish that tend to accumulate far less mercury than larger predatory fish, making them a safer seafood choice for regular consumption.
He highlights, “They’re also packed with vitamin B12, which matters for nerve function, DNA production, and healthy red blood cells. And if you eat sardines with the soft bones, you’re also getting calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D, all which support bone health. Another underrated benefit is that sardines are small fish, so they tend to be lower in mercury than larger predatory fish.”
Justice Vinod Diwakar said the “feudal mindset of politicians and bureaucrats” in the state has long reduced constitutional governance to an instrument of personal dominion rather than public service.
Court flagged transfers, postings, and promotions of officers in UP as instruments of political patronage
Police officers in Uttar Pradesh are more loyal towards the successive ruling dispensations than the Constitution, the Allahabad High Court observed recently.
Justice Vinod Diwakar said the “feudal mindset of politicians and bureaucrats” in the state has long reduced constitutional governance to an instrument of personal dominion rather than public service.
“The administrative machinery of the state has, over successive regimes, been susceptible to deep political penetration,” the court said.
It flagged transfers, postings, and promotions of officers in UP as instruments of political patronage rather than merit-based governance.
“Officers perceived as loyalists are rewarded with preferred postings — urban commissionerates, lucrative districts – while those demonstrating independence are transferred punitively to inconsequential assignments, a well-known fact,” the bench in a judgment passed on June 3 said.
“The vertical loyalty of officers runs not toward the Constitution but toward the ruling dispensation. Field officers, acutely conscious of the transfer-posting economy, calibrate their conduct to satisfy political superiors. Encounter killings, selective crackdowns and targeted use of the Gangsters Act against inconvenient individuals have periodically attracted judicial notice,” the court said.
In a searing commentary on the police’s functioning and rule of law in Uttar Pradesh, Justice Diwakar said, “A considerable section of the officer cadre treats the rule of law not as a constitutional obligation but as an operational inconvenience. Arrests are effected without due process. Many times, FIRs are registered or suppressed with ulterior motives, and preventive detention provisions are invoked arbitrarily, at the whims of officers.” He said that the procedural safeguards under the Code of Criminal Procedure, and now the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, are routinely bypassed, and judicial orders are complied with in form but defeated in substance.
The judge made the comments while dealing with a case filed by Rajendra Tyagi relating to the Gangsters and Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act, 1986.
During the hearing of a petition filed by an accused booked under the anti-gangster law, the court took serious note of the misuse of police powers in the State.
Since the Supreme Court is also considering the issues connected to the 1986 Act, Justice Diwakar refrained from giving any final verdict on the issues he noticed.
The court censured the home secretary and asked the government to independently evaluate the suitability and operational effectiveness of its officers in the department.
“Certain officers who rose to the post of Home Secretary have in practice served as conduits for self-serving interests. Recommendations on postings, approvals of departmental proceedings, and responses to court proceedings have in such instances reflected considerations driven by personal or extrinsic calculations rather than dispassionate and constitutionally informed administrative judgment. This fundamentally compromises the institutional integrity that the position demands,” the judge said.
He said that constitutional governance cannot be held hostage to individual expediency or convenience, and the state apparatus must remain answerable to the law and to the Constitution, not to any ruling establishment.
The court cited a raid carried out in Bikru village to target now-dead gangster Vikas Dubey to illustrate the impunity with which police operate in Uttar Pradesh.
The searches, carried out across Bhubaneswar, Balasore, Jajpur and Baliguda, have also uncovered multiple luxury properties, high-value land holdings and other financial assets. The operation is still underway.
Baikuntha Nath Behera joined government service as a Junior Engineer in 1999.
In a major disproportionate assets investigation, Odisha Vigilance has launched simultaneous raids at nine locations linked to Baikuntha Nath Behera, Assistant Executive Engineer of ITDA, Baliguda in Kandhamal district, recovering around Rs 2 crore in cash from bank lockers allegedly linked to his family.
The searches, carried out across Bhubaneswar, Balasore, Jajpur and Baliguda, have also uncovered multiple luxury properties, high-value land holdings and other financial assets. The operation is still underway.
Acting on allegations that Behera possessed assets disproportionate to his known sources of income, Odisha Vigilance conducted coordinated searches on the strength of warrants issued by the Special Vigilance Court in Bhubaneswar.
A large team comprising Additional Superintendents of Police, Deputy Superintendents of Police, Inspectors and supporting staff participated in the operation.
The searches covered residences in Chandrasekharpur, Sailashree Vihar, Kanan Vihar, Dharmasala in Jajpur district, Baripada, his official residence in Baliguda and his office chamber.
During the operation, Vigilance officials identified five multi-storey buildings allegedly linked to the engineer and his family members.
Among them is a four-storey building spread over about 10,500 square feet in Niladri Vihar, Bhubaneswar. Investigators also traced four other residential properties in Bhubaneswar and Jajpur district.
Officials have further identified 13 land parcels, including seven plots in prime locations of Bhubaneswar and several others in Jajpur and Baripada.
The investigation took a significant turn with the recovery of around Rs 2 crore in cash from bank lockers allegedly linked to the family. Earlier, cash worth over Rs 2.66 lakh had been seized during house searches.
The valuation of gold ornaments, bank deposits, postal savings, investments and other financial assets is currently underway. Technical experts are also assessing the market value of the properties and land holdings.
According to official records, Baikuntha Nath Behera joined government service as a Junior Engineer in 1999 with a monthly salary of around Rs 6,000. Over the years, he served in various tribal development agencies and engineering assignments before being promoted as Assistant Executive Engineer earlier this year.
Senior government sources said Vijay was informed that nearly Rs 102 crore was allegedly being diverted every month through unofficial “party fund” collections embedded within TASMAC operations.
Vijay had ordered the closure of 717 TASMAC retail shops across state.
In his first Cabinet meeting on Friday after assuming office, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph Vijay is said to have launched a sweeping crackdown on alleged leakages, unofficial collections and “party fund” practices linked to the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC), ordering officials to ensure that every rupee generated through liquor sales reaches the State treasury.
Senior government sources said Vijay was informed that nearly Rs 102 crore was allegedly being diverted every month through unofficial “party fund” collections embedded within TASMAC operations, with government estimates suggesting that nearly Rs 1,600 crore may have been siphoned from the State exchequer over the last five years. This also brings the spotlight and scrutiny on the DMK’s alleged use of TASMAC, sources said.
The Chief Minister reportedly directed officials to immediately dismantle long-running unofficial cash collection systems operating across TASMAC’s wholesale and retail network. There are nearly 4,048 registered outlets.
The reforms are being overseen by Minister for Prohibition and Excise K Vignesh, a 37-year-old first-time minister from a modest background. His parents reportedly ran a tea stall before he entered the cable distribution business and later politics.
“The Chief Minister made it clear in the Cabinet meeting that his government does not need revenue generated through corruption or through the suffering of people. His instruction was simple – arrest leakages immediately and bring back people’s money to the treasury,” Minister K Vignesh told NDTV.
Sources said prohibition officials and distilleries have already been informed that the government intends to scrap all informal collection systems associated with TASMAC operations.
This marks the beginning of a major administrative overhaul of TASMAC operations, from liquor procurement and warehouse dispatch to retail sales, bottle returns and shop-level collections.
Minister Vignesh said the government was working on a “foolproof transparency mechanism” to ensure that all revenue from liquor sales directly reaches the State exchequer.
Rs 100 Crore A Month Allegedly Routed As ‘Party Funds’
According to Excise Department sources, unofficial collections had allegedly become institutionalised within the TASMAC supply chain over nearly two decades. Officials explained that liquor in Tamil Nadu is supplied through standardised cases depending on bottle size:
180 ml bottles are packed in cases of 48
375 ml bottles come in cases of 24
750 ml bottles are packed in cases of 12
Beer cases generally contain 12 bottles
“For every liquor case, around Rs 90 per case was allegedly diverted as ‘party fund’ collections. In beer cases, around Rs 40 per case was collected, while wine cases allegedly contributed Rs 20 per case towards ministerial or political funds,” a senior source said.
Officials claimed these collections operated across warehouses, transport and retail outlets.
“Nearly 88 lakh consumers buy liquor through TASMAC every month. Internal estimates showed that at least Rs 102 crore every month was allegedly moving into unofficial channels,” the source added.
Sources said the TASMAC crackdown is only the beginning of a wider anti-corruption and revenue-monitoring exercise planned by the new government.
“The Chief Minister has asked officials to identify leakages in every department and ensure that government revenues are fully accounted for. TASMAC was taken up first because of the scale of unofficial collections,” a senior source said.
According to sources, the mining department could be the next major sector to face scrutiny as the government expands its review of alleged revenue leakages and unofficial cash flows across departments.
Empty Bottle Scheme Under Scanner
The government is also reviewing the controversial Rs 10 empty-bottle deposit-and-buyback system followed at TASMAC outlets.
Under the current mechanism, customers pay an additional Rs 10 deposit for every liquor bottle purchased, refundable when the empty bottle is returned. Officials believe the system created significant scope for unaccounted cash transactions.
According to internal estimates, nearly one crore liquor bottles are sold every month in Tamil Nadu. “If one lakh bottles were sold, only around 60,000 bottles actually came back into the system. The remaining deposits stayed unaccounted for. That is where a major portion of the corruption was happening,” an official said.
Sources estimate that irregularities linked to bottle return collections alone may have resulted in corruption worth nearly Rs 300 crore every month.
The government is now examining proposals to integrate the Rs 10 deposit into the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) or introduce a digitised refund mechanism to eliminate leakages.
Vignesh confirmed that the government had already decided to operationalise the empty bottle collection and buy-back system through outsourced agencies before the end of June.
717 TASMAC Shops Shut
The TASMAC overhaul is closely tied to the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government’s broader anti-addiction agenda.
One of Vijay’s first decisions after taking office was ordering the closure of 717 TASMAC retail shops across the State. According to departmental estimates, shutting these shops could reduce annual liquor revenue by nearly Rs 8,000 crore.
The Cockroach Janta Party thanked Delhi Police after its first Jantar Mantar protest over alleged examination system failures. The group said public frustration was mounting and warned of a nationwide agitation within seven days if no action followed.
The organisation claimed that nearly eight lakh people had already signed petitions seeking the Education Minister’s resignation. (Credits: Aaj Tak)
The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), after their first on-ground protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged failures in the examination system, has thanked Delhi Police for facilitating what it described as a peaceful demonstration.
In a post on X, CJP spokesperson Saurav Das expressed gratitude to the police for extending support to the protest and for taking action against what he described as “anti-social elements”. He said the group’s primary objective was to ensure that the demonstration remained peaceful and orderly throughout the day.
“We would again like to thank the Delhi Police for extending all possible cooperation for this democratic protest! They quickly detained anti-social elements. They ensured things went smoothly,” read his tweet.
WHY THE PUBLIC AGITATION
According to the CJP, the protest was driven by growing public frustration over recurring controversies surrounding competitive examinations and a perceived lack of accountability. The organisation claimed that nearly eight lakh people had already signed petitions seeking the Education Minister’s resignation but alleged that there had been no response from the government.
“This protest is a result of high public frustration and a lack of outlets to register it,” the statement said.
The group also warned that the agitation could expand nationally if its demands are not addressed. “This is the beginning of a movement. If no action is taken within seven days, this movement will spread across the country,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, Delhi Police issued a clarification rejecting reports circulating on social media that claimed an FIR had been registered against the protesters. In a post on social media, the force stated that no such case had been filed and urged people not to spread unverified information.
DELHI POLICE DEPLOY A HEAVY FORCE
The protest prompted an extensive security operation across the national capital. More than 1,000 police personnel, supported by paramilitary forces, were deployed at Jantar Mantar and other key locations, including Indira Gandhi International Airport, major railway stations, interstate bus terminals and border entry points connecting Delhi with neighbouring states.
According to a PTI report, around 40 companies of paramilitary personnel were deployed to assist Delhi Police in maintaining law and order. Security was also heightened around the residence of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan as a precautionary measure.
The NTA chief, Abhishek Singh, said the Indian Air Force will transport NEET question papers for the June 21 exam. Authorities were told to tighten security and counter misinformation after the paper leak fiasco led to the cancellation of previous examination which affected over 22 lakh students.
The NTA chief Abhishek Singh said the Indian Air Force will transport NEET question papers for the June 21 exam.
The National Testing Agency (NTA) will enlist the Indian Air Force (IAF) to transport NEET question papers for the June 21 medical entrance exam, NTA Director General Abhishek Singh said on Saturday, as authorities tighten security following the paper leak controversy that forced the cancellation of the earlier examination.
Singh made the announcement while virtually attending a meeting chaired by Telangana Chief Secretary K Ramakrishna Rao to review arrangements for the examination.
According to a state government release, Singh said enhanced security protocols are being implemented for the examination. He said that, for the first time, the Indian Air Force is being engaged to transport question papers, reflecting the importance being accorded to maintaining the integrity and security of the examination process.
During the meeting, Chief Secretary Rao directed officials to ensure foolproof arrangements for the smooth conduct of the examination. He asked district authorities to work in close coordination with all concerned departments and ensure that candidates are provided a hassle-free environment on the examination day.
State Principal Secretary (Health) Christina Z Chongthu said around 73,000 students are expected to appear for the NEET examination across 208 examination centres in 24 cities in Telangana.
She said authorities are making necessary arrangements related to infrastructure, transportation, security, power supply, drinking water and other essential facilities to ensure the smooth conduct of the examination.
Taking a swipe at the Cockroach Janta Party, BJP president Nitin Nabin accused people sitting abroad of attempting to drag Indian youth into negative politics.
BJP chief Nitin Nabin alleged some forces trying to push country’s youths towards negative politics.
Hours after the Cockroach Jantana Party concluded first on-ground agitation, BJP president Nitin Nabin took a sharp swipe at the collective, saying the country’s youth would not become puppets in the hands of those seeking to drag them into negative politics.
Addressing an interaction with intellectuals in Ranchi, Nabin said India’s youth were focused on nation-building and securing their future, asserting that no one could dictate the direction of the country’s young generation, though he did not directly name the Cockroach Party.
“Today’s youth wants to work for nation-building and secure their future. But some people have labelled the youth of this country as anti-establishment. To those who want to drag India’s youth into negative politics, I want to warn them that the youth of this country will engage in positive politics,” he said.
Without naming US-based Cockroach Party chief Abjijeet Dipke, Nabin added, “Some people sitting abroad think they can dictate the direction of India’s youth.”
“But the youth of India will not move forward as puppets in the hands of a few people,” he asserted.
The remarks came hours after the Cockroach Janta Party held its first on-ground protest, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in entrance and recruitment examinations.
Nabin said people had the democratic right to oppose the government, but such opposition must remain within democratic norms.
“We will oppose on the basis of democracy, but we will not allow democratic standards to be destroyed,” he said.
Highlighting the achievements of the youth, the BJP leader said India’s young generation was known for innovation and creation.
“Because of their dedication, hard work and efforts, around two lakh startups have come up. The country aims to become a global IT hub,” he said.
Referring to anti-government campaigns witnessed in neighbouring countries, Nabin said such politics would not appeal to Indian youth.
“The anti-establishment campaigns we witnessed in our neighbouring countries can never be for the country’s youths, who will work in a disciplined manner to build the nation,” he said.
COCKROACHES HIT DELHI STREETS
Hundreds of protesters gathered at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar on Saturday under the banner of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in examinations and recruitment tests, including the NEET, CBSE, CUET and SSC examinations.
The youth-led political collective emerged through online mobilisation, running campaigns centred on unemployment, corruption and governance issues. The movement is widely seen as a response to remarks by Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant, who had reportedly compared certain confrontational activists and unemployed youth to “cockroaches” and “parasites of society”.
Protesters carrying placards demanding Pradhan’s resignation were seen wearing cockroach masks distributed at the venue. Apart from seeking the minister’s resignation, demonstrators also raised slogans against what they described as the BJP’s “Hindu-Muslim politics” and chanted “Bharat Mata ki Jai”. Several school students were also seen participating in the protest along with their parents.
The protest gathered momentum after CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke called for the agitation and arrived in Delhi from the United States on Saturday morning. Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk also joined the protest in Delhi.
At a press conference later, CJP spokespersons announced that they will wait for a week either for the Centre to sack Pradhan or his voluntary resignation, after which they would launch a countrywide protest.
OPPOSITION PARTIES RALLY BEHIND CJP PROTEST
The protest by the youth collective witnessed solidarity and support from activists and several opposition parties, though Congress maintained a cautious distance despite some of its leaders expressing support.
Prominent parties, including the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), with which Dipke was associated in the past, Samajwadi Party, Trinamool Congress, Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) and Left parties, extended support to the Cockroach Janta Party.
“The cockroach movement is an expression of the huge anger and frustration experienced by the youth of this country. Rather than terming them anti-national, Modi govt should address their issues. AAP supports their demands. The Prime Minister must sack the education minister immediately,” AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal said in a post on X.
Dipke was a key member of AAP’s core social media team before moving to the United States for higher education. He played a pivotal role in steering the party’s social media campaign during the 2020 Delhi Assembly elections, which AAP won by a landslide.
Voicing support for the protest, SP chief Akhilesh Yadav said, “These voices must reach the arrogant rulers, now that the youth too have sparked a revolution,” while sharing a news clip carrying anti-government voices from the gathering.
In a statement, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray described the CJP protesters as “the destiny-makers and future of the country”.
West Bengal government has initiated a detailed survey of madrasas across the state to gather data on their operations and infrastructure.
All district magistrates were directed to submit detailed reports in this regard by July 5. (Representative image)
The West Bengal government has launched a statewide survey of madrasas, seeking comprehensive information on their functioning, infrastructure and legal status, an official said on Saturday.
All district magistrates were directed to submit detailed reports in this regard by July 5.
Officials said the survey would also help the government verify whether all institutions are operating in accordance with existing rules and possess the necessary documentation.
The development came a month after the BJP came to power in the state, dethroning the TMC which had ruled the state for 15 years.
According to a notification issued by the Department of Minority Affairs and Madrasa Education on June 5, district administrations have been asked to collect data on the location of madrasas, the year of their establishment, registration details, availability of valid documents, and the number of students, teachers and non-teaching staff.
The reports will also have to specify whether the institutions are residential, privately aided or unaided, and provide details of the courses being taught.
A senior official at the state secretariat said the exercise was aimed at creating an updated database to facilitate future planning in the madrasa education sector.
“The objective is administrative in nature. The government wants a comprehensive picture of madrasa education in the state so that future policies, student welfare measures and maintenance-related decisions can be taken on the basis of verified information,” the official told PTI.
The notification stated that the information would be used for reviewing educational facilities, planning developmental initiatives and improving institutional management across the sector.
“The district-wise reports will help us identify gaps, if any, in records and regulatory compliance. Appropriate decisions will be taken on the basis of the findings once the exercise is completed,” the official said.
TMC MP Yusuf Pathan called claims that Mamata Banerjee asked him to resign from Baharampur Lok Sabha seat “completely false” in a social media video. He said neither Banerjee nor any party leader conveyed such a request. Earlier, Sourav Ganguly also denied contacting Pathan on Banerjee’s behalf and urged media to avoid rumours.
‘Neither Mamata Banerjee Nor Any TMC Leader Has Asked Me To Resign From My MP Seat,’ Says Yusuf Pathan | X @ANI & File Pic
TMC MP Yusuf Pathan on Saturday issued a clarification over the allegations of TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee asking him to resign as MP from his Baharampur Lok Sabha seat to contest the by-election from there herself, calling the claim “completely false”.
In a self-made video on social media, Pathan said that former CM Mamata Banerjee never discussed it with him, adding that he has also never been reached out to by any party official regarding the news.
Former Captain of the Indian Cricket Team, Sourav Ganguly, says, “…It was alleged that I had contacted Mr Yusuf Pathan on behalf of Mamta Banerjee, the former Chief Minister of West Bengal and had carried her message that he should step down/resign from his Constitutional post… pic.twitter.com/0RkRsRhYfo
Expressing disappointment over the “unofficial news” and the ongoing deliberation around it, he affirmed that no party leader has asked him to tender his resignation.
“For some time now, news has been going viral that Mamata Banerjee asked me to resign from my MP post from the Baharampur Lok Sabha seat so that she can contest the Lok Sabha election from there. Mamata Banerjee has never told me this; even in our last meeting, she didn’t mention this. Nor has she conveyed this through any official party leader. This claim is completely false, and it saddens me that despite there being no official news, this is being discussed and debated on social media and across all media houses. So, neither Mamata Banerjee nor any party leader has asked me to resign from my MP seat,” he said.
Earlier in the day, former Captain of the Indian Cricket Team, Sourav Ganguly, had denied reaching out to Pathan on Banerjee’s behalf, asking him to resign.
In a letter addressed the all media houses, Ganguly wrote, “It was alleged that I had contacted Mr Yusuf Pathan on behalf of Mamta Banerjee, the former Chief Minister of West Bengal and had carried her message that he should step down/resign from his Constitutional post as the elected representative of the aforesaid constituency in order to enable Ms Banerjee to contest the ensuing by-elections from the said constituency.”
Educator Faisal Khan, known as Khan Sir, will file an anticipatory bail plea in Patna civil court after being named in an FIR over vandalism at Khan Global Studies Institute, his lawyer Arvind Kumar Mahuar told PTI. Mahuar alleged conspiracy, saying Khan Sir will not surrender and has no direct role in the incident.
Khan Sir To File Anticipatory Bail Petition After Being Named In FIR Over Coaching Centre Vandalism | ANI
A lawyer representing educator Faisal Khan, popularly known as Khan Sir, said that his client will file an anticipatory bail petition in Patna civil court as he has been named in an FIR in connection with vandalism at his coaching centre here.
The lawyer, Arvind Kumar Mahuar, alleged that the FIR has been registered against his client as “part of a conspiracy to defame him”.
Patna SSP Kartikeya Sharma had said on Friday that the educator and YouTuber was named in an FIR in connection with the case of vandalism of Khan Global Studies Institute.
Police had detained two guards of the coaching centre for allegedly firing shots on Tuesday night when a group of 15-20 people allegedly tore down the coaching centre’s poster and threw stones at its premises.
“Khan Sir has been named in the FIR as part of a retaliatory measure because his staff had registered a case against another coaching centre’s director. He will not surrender and file an anticipatory bail petition before the court,” said the lawyer.
Mahuar said the anticipatory bail petition is likely to be filed on Monday.
He alleged that there are no actual charges against his client.
Delhi Police detained six individuals during the CJP protest at Jantar Mantar as a precaution against possible clashes. Hundreds of students and young professionals joined the demonstration demanding accountability and transparency in examination and recruitment processes.
Students wearing cockroach masks participate in a CJP protest at Jantar Mantar as Delhi Police maintain heavy security and detain six individuals to prevent disturbances | X
Six people were detained by the Delhi Police on Saturday to prevent a possible confrontation between two groups during the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) protest at Jantar Mantar, officials said.
The detentions were made as a precautionary measure to maintain law and order after police received inputs about the possibility of tensions between supporters and opposers of the online movement, they said.
Officials noted that the preventive detentions were made to help ensure the demonstration concluded peacefully without any major law-and-order issues.
Protest details and demands
The protest, led by CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke, drew hundreds of participants, mostly students and young professionals, who gathered at Jantar Mantar demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in examinations and recruitment tests.
Officials stated that the six individuals were taken into preventive custody when they were found attempting to create a disturbance near the protest site. Fortunately, the situation remained under control, and no incidents were reported.
Cockroaches at Jantar Mantar against education minister.
— Cockroach Janta Party (@CJP_for_India) June 6, 2026
Security measures and monitoring
A heavy security presence is being maintained at Jantar Mantar and other key locations in the national capital. More than 1,000 police personnel have been deployed across New Delhi district and other sensitive areas, while additional security arrangements have been made at the Indira Gandhi International Airport and border entry points.
Senior police officers are monitoring the situation on the ground, and barricades have been erected around the protest site to regulate the movement of participants and ensure separation between rival groups.
Youth participation and background
The protest witnessed participation from students wearing cockroach masks and carrying flowers. Several school students attended the gathering along with their parents. Participants raised slogans seeking accountability over alleged irregularities in examinations and recruitment processes.
The move comes after several students flagged issues in accessing answer books and applying for verification and re-evaluation on the CBSE’s post-result services portal launched on June 2.
File photo of students of CBSE-affiliated schools.Credit: PTI File Photo
The CBSE on Friday extended the last date for submission of applications for verification and re-evaluation of Class 12 answer sheets by one day till June 7.
The move comes after several students flagged issues in accessing answer books and applying for verification and re-evaluation on the CBSE’s post-result services portal launched on June 2.
“In the interest of students, the CBSE has decided to extend the last date for submission of applications for verification and re-evaluation for the Class 12 board examinations, thereby providing students additional time and support to complete the process,” the board said in a post on X.
The previous deadline of June 6 (midnight) has now been extended to June 7 (midnight), it said.
“Students are requested to take note of the revised schedule and submit their applications accordingly,” it added.
The CBSE on Tuesday opened the online portal for verification of issues observed in scanned copies of answer books and re-evaluation of answers for students dissatisfied with their board exam evaluation.
The board had said that for verification of issues in scanned copies of answer books, students can report concerns such as missing pages, missing supplementary sheets, missing maps or graphs, blurred pages, incorrect answer books or evaluation against a different question paper set.
The CBSE has been embroiled in controversy after some Class 12 students claimed that the scanned copies of their answer sheets, uploaded by the board, did not match their handwriting, raising concerns about potential mismatches in the on-screen marking (OSM) system.
India chess star R Praggnanandhaa climbed a new peak on Friday. The 20-year-old Praggnanandhaa, pitted against some of the best in world chess, came out victorious in the Norway Chess tournament – a first for any Indian
India chess star R Praggnanandhaa climbed a new peak on Friday. The 20-year-old Praggnanandhaa, pitted against some of the best in world chess, came out victorious in the Norway Chess tournament – a first for any Indian. It’s a feat that had eluded even Indian chess legend Viswanathan Anand and reigning world champion D Gukesh, among others, since the tournament’s inception in 2013. Competing in Norway Chess for only the second time, Praggnanandhaa endured a slow start in the elite six-player field before gathering momentum in the second half of the event.
His campaign was highlighted by a remarkable achievement — defeating seven-time Norway Chess champion and World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen twice in classical chess — a rare accomplishment that underlined his determination to bounce back from the disappointment of an underwhelming Candidates Tournament in Paphos earlier this year.
Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani termed the win as “fearless, focused, deeply Indian.” “Congratulations to Praggnanandhaa on becoming the first Indian to win the Norway Chess tournament – one of the ultimate tests of endurance, intellect and temperament in the world of chess. To defeat the world’s absolute best on one of chess’s grandest stages is a remarkable feat. But what makes it even more special is the spirit with which Pragg plays. Fearless – Focused – Deeply Indian,” Adani wrote in a post on X.
“@rpraggnachess, you represent the confidence of a rising, youthful India. The entire nation is incredibly proud of you, Pragg.”
Congratulations to Praggnanandhaa on becoming the first Indian to win the Norway Chess tournament – one of the ultimate tests of endurance, intellect and temperament in the world of chess.
To defeat the world’s absolute best on one of chess’s grandest stages is a remarkable… pic.twitter.com/Cm8hncebV5
Praggnanandhaa ensured that India’s challenge remained alive, ultimately carrying it all the way to the title.
The result was made possible after American Grandmaster Wesley So, who led the standings with 15.5 points heading into the final round, was held to a draw in his classical game against Alireza Firouzja, sending their contest into an Armageddon tie-break.
