News Arena Network

Shyna Gupta

The Indian economy is set for a major structural shift, aiming for a sustained 8% growth rate, according to the RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das. However, he cautioned that any misstep in monetary policy could derail this growth trajectory.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Speaking at the Annual General Meeting of the Bombay Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday, Das defended the monetary policy committee's (MPC) decision to maintain the 4% inflation target.
&nbsp;
He emphasized the importance of avoiding policy errors related to inflation control. Earlier this month, the MPC kept the policy interest rate unchanged at 6.5% for the eighth consecutive time, citing inflationary concerns.
&nbsp;
"We have to navigate the path of inflation with a clear and unambiguous focus and commitment to bring down inflation.
&nbsp;
There cannot be any distraction at this stage. Any distraction will impact growth. In the game of chess, if you make one wrong move, you can lose the game. In the battle against inflation, one single wrong move can just throw you off track, and coming back to track will be costly," Das said.
&nbsp;
Das assured that the Indian economy is not slowing down, highlighting evidence of increased private sector capital expenditure, particularly in sectors such as cement and steel. He stressed the need for multi-sectoral growth to drive the economy forward.
&nbsp;
Das also noted that a moderate level of current account deficit (CAD) is desirable for economic stability.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
India recorded a current account surplus of $5.7 billion, or 0.6% of GDP, in the March quarter, marking the first surplus in ten quarters. In contrast, the year-ago period saw a CAD of $1.3 billion, or 0.2% of GDP, and $8.7 billion, or 1% of GDP, in the three months ending December 2023.

New Delhi

India nears 8% growth, warns on policy errors: Das

Neha Singh

Bharatiya Janata Party nominee Om Birla has been elected as the Lok Sabha Speaker once again. The NDA candidate was poised to retain the Speaker&rsquo;s post as the numbers were in favour of the ruling coalition.
&nbsp;
Following the win, Om Birla&nbsp; was congratulated by PM Modi and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, both of whom escorted him to the Speaker&rsquo;s chair.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Prime Minister Modi today said that Birla&rsquo;s experience of being a Speaker in the last term would help him guide the country further.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
He was up against Congress candidate K Suresh, who filed his nomination after the ruling party and Opposition failed to reach a consensus last evening.
&nbsp;
On Monday night, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh&nbsp;engaged with Congress President and Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, and other opposition leaders to seek consensus on Om Birla&rsquo;s nomination.
&nbsp;
According to Congress sources, Kharge raised the issue of the Deputy Speaker during their discussion and was informed it could be addressed on Tuesday morning. However, just before the noon deadline for Speaker nominations on Tuesday, the ruling party requested signatures on Birla&rsquo;s nomination papers without committing to the Deputy Speaker issue.
&nbsp;

BJP's Om Birla gets re-elected as the LS Speaker

Shweta Sengar

Ladakh's 'moonland,' a captivating destination with a unique topography reminiscent of the lunar surface, is drawing tourists from across the globe with its extraordinary resemblance to the lunarscape.
&nbsp;
Located in the scenic village of Lamayuru on the Srinagar-Leh highway, about 100 kilometres from Leh, this extraordinary landscape has become a must-visit spot for travellers.
&nbsp;
While Lamayuru has long been renowned for its ancient monasteries, it is now gaining fame for its surreal moonscape, which many believe closely resembles the moon's surface.
&nbsp;
The area has become particularly popular among travellers and content creators, who often visit at sunset to capture the enchanting play of light and shadow across its ridges.
&nbsp;
Local legends attribute these unusual geological formations to a large lake that dried up over time, leaving behind a landscape that resembles the lunar landscape.
&nbsp;
Dr. Binita Phartiyal, a geological scientist, described the landscape as strange, without vegetation, having very little air, and having low pressure that reflects exactly like the surface of the moon.
&nbsp;
One of the tourists from Delhi told reporters after visiting the place with his family that he was amazed at its scenic beauty and its resemblance to the moon's surface.
&nbsp;
Rajath, a habitual traveller, said he had travelled to several countries and had never experienced anything like this anywhere.
&nbsp;
"The scenes here are spectacular, giving the impression of actually being on the moon. I've travelled to several countries, but I have never seen anything like this. It's worth visiting, and I encourage everyone to see it at least once in their lifetime," he said.
&nbsp;
As Moonland's popularity continues to rise, there is a growing call for sustainable tourism practices to preserve its unique environment.
&nbsp;
Visitors emphasise the importance of cooperation between authorities and tourists to protect this geological wonder for future generations. "This place is a treasure, and we must do everything we can to protect it," another tourist added.
&nbsp;
A content creator from Jammu who likes to explore food, culture, and landscape expressed his awe for the landscape, saying, "We have our moonland in Ladakh, and you won't find any place like it on Earth."
&nbsp;
"I've been travelling through Ladakh for ten days and came back specifically to see this place again." Sharma also emphasised the need for preservation, urging authorities to protect the area from tourist damage.

Ladakh's lunar-like 'moonland' a tourist hit

World Cup-winning former Indian cricket team captain Kapil Dev has taken over as the new President of the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI), an elevation that marks a fresh beginning for the iconic player who also excelled as an amateur golfer.
&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">The 65-year-old, who was already a member of the PGTI Board as its Vice President, was chosen unanimously and would be taking over from incumbent HR Srinivasan, whose tenure has come to an end.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">Kapil is known to be a keen golfer, whose handicap was almost down to scratch at one time.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&ldquo;It is an honour to become the President of PGTI, an organisation with which I have now been associated for quite a few years. It is a players body, and I am great friends with all of them and with whom I often play,&rdquo; Kapil said on his new position.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">Kapil, who once nurtured dreams of representing India at the Asian Games when it was still open only to amateurs, also said that golf has been his passion for more than three decades.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&ldquo;&hellip; and now it is the sport where I spend most of my time. I have been a vice-President and I am on the Board, so it&rsquo;s an honour to be chosen by the players to be the President. I promise to do my best as I always have.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&ldquo;What gives me even greater pleasure is that I will be able to spend more time with my golfing friends and play a little more,&rdquo; he added.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">Kapil has been at the forefront of trying to get new sponsors for PGTI and brought in one of the most lucrative events to the Tour, namely Kapil Dev Grant Thornton Invitational at the DLF Golf and Country Club, with a purse of Rs 2 crore (approx. USD 240,000).
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">Over the past few years, Kapil&rsquo;s celebrity status and his passion for golf has led to him being invited to major events like the Dunhill Links, where he played alongside other global celebrities.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&ldquo;Golf is a great sport. You can play it till any age and it is an amazingly relaxing sport. I am busy with cricket often, but it a golf course I go to for relaxation. I am fortunate to be able to serve golf and I want to take it to new levels,&rdquo; he added.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">India's top stars like Jeev Milkha Singh, Arjun Atwal, Jyoti Randhawa, Shiv Kapur and many others are his close golfing friends.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">Kapil played cricket for India from 1978 to 1994.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">One of the greatest all-rounders of all time, he played 131 Test matches and 225 one-dayers and led India to the 1983 World Cup win.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">His 175 not out in 1983 World Cup is considered one of the finest innings in the annals of the game.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">In Tests, He scored 5248 runs, including eight centuries, and took 434 wickets, which was then a world record.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">He also scored 3783 runs in ODIs and took 253 wickets in the format. 
&nbsp;

New innings for Kapil Dev as president of PGTI

Plastic has become an omnipresent material in our daily lives. It is commonly used to produce bowls, wraps, bottles, and bags that contain and store food and drinks. However, there is a growing concern about the potential health risks associated with exposure to plastic.
&nbsp;
Research has demonstrated that certain chemicals present in plastic can migrate from the material into the food and beverages it comes into contact with. Some of these chemicals have been associated with adverse health effects, including metabolic disorders such as obesity and reduced fertility.
&nbsp;
The process of chemical migration from plastic to food, called "leaching," is accelerated when the plastic is exposed to heat. Microwaving food in plastic containers can lead to a higher transfer of potentially harmful chemicals into the food, posing a greater risk to our health.
&nbsp;
Popular health expert Luke Coutinho recently expressed his concerns about Zomato and Swiggy's use of plastic containers for hot food. Coutinho emphasized the health hazards and urged the restaurants affiliated with the food delivery services to switch to biodegradable, non-plastic alternatives for the sake of &ldquo;better health and a better earth.&rdquo;
&nbsp;
The nutritionist shared a note on Instagram that read, &ldquo;Swiggy, Zomato, Restaurants&hellip;. Please work with your partners to ensure food deliveries happen in bio degradable non plastic containers&hellip;many restaurants do this already, please make it uniform&hellip;deliver food and health&hellip;hot food in plastic is making people sicker&hellip;you&rsquo;ll have the power to help make a change.&rdquo;
&nbsp;
Sharing the note, he wrote, &ldquo;people want their food on time &hellip;so restaurants will cook your order on high heat and flame , destroying most ingredients , using more refined oil as a medium for fast cooking &hellip;from pan / vessel straight into a plastic container which is immediately covered with the cover retaining immense heat and steam.&rdquo;
&nbsp;
&ldquo;This heat as we know starts to break down the plastic into dangerous bpa and other toxins that wreck havoc with the human body and hormones , fertility , estrogens etc ..we need to move to biodegradable non plastic asap for better health and a better earth &hellip;. @swiggyindia @zomato @fssai_safefood you&rsquo;ll have the power to make this change and be part of a healthier india respectfully request you&rsquo;ll @swiggyindia @zomato and @fssai_safefood @fssai_group_of_india to work this out,&rdquo; he added.
&nbsp;
Polyethylene terephthalate (PETE) is a commonly used type of plastic for making containers. It is generally deemed safe for single-use applications but should not be reused or exposed to high heat.
&nbsp;
Storing food in plastic containers is a widespread practice, but it can lead to the migration of chemicals from the plastic into the food. This is especially concerning when dealing with hot, oily, or acidic foods, as these can accelerate the leaching process.
&nbsp;
To avoid these potential risks, it's advisable to consider alternative food storage options such as glass, stainless steel, silicone, beeswax, or bamboo containers. These materials are non-toxic and safer for storing food.

Is plastic food packaging bad for your health?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will move the motion that Om Birla be chosen as the Speaker of Lok Sabha at 11 am when Parliament resumes today.
&nbsp;
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will second the motion as the post will see an election for the first time since 1976.
&nbsp;
Om Birla was fielded as the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance&rsquo;s (NDA) candidate for the Speaker for the second time, and will face the Opposition-led INDIA bloc&rsquo;s K Suresh.
&nbsp;
The INDIA bloc decided to field K Suresh, a Dalit Congress leader and an eight-time MP, after a consensus between them and the NDA collapsed.
&nbsp;
There was high drama on Tuesday after the Opposition initially agreed to support Om Birla and not field a candidate of its own, only to make a U-turn at the last minute. The move was a result of senior Bharatiya Janata Party leaders not agreeing to the Opposition&rsquo;s precondition that they be offered the Deputy Speaker&rsquo;s post.
&nbsp;
Union Minister Amit Shah, JP Nadda and Rajnath Singh and INDIA bloc's KC Venugopal from Congress and TR Baalu from DMK failed to solve the crisis after a brief interaction among them at Singh's office saw both the NDA and the Opposition sticking to their positions.
&nbsp;
Later, BJP&rsquo;s Piyush Goyal and Janata Dal(United)&rsquo;s Lalan Singh accused the Opposition of resorting to pressure politics.
&nbsp;

PM to move motion to elect Om Birla as LS Speaker

Half of the adult population in India fails to meet the World Health Organisation's (WHO) standards for adequate physical activity, as per recent findings published in the Lancet Global Health.
&nbsp;
A higher proportion of women (57 per cent) than men (42 per cent) are not physically active. What's especially concerning is the significant increase in the prevalence of insufficient physical activity among Indian adults, from 22.3 per cent in 2000 to 49.4 per cent in 2022.
&nbsp;
This upward trend suggests that by 2030 if left unaddressed, an estimated 60 per cent of our population will be at risk of being unfit and susceptible to health issues due to insufficient physical activity.
&nbsp;
The WHO recommends at least 150 to 300 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week (or an equivalent amount of vigorous activity) for all adults. Insufficient physical activity is described as failing to engage in 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity, 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity, or an equivalent combination per week.
&nbsp;
As reported by the WHO, lack of physical activity increases the likelihood of adults developing cardiovascular conditions like heart attacks and strokes, Type 2 diabetes, dementia, as well as breast and colon cancers.
&nbsp;
Statistics show that India ranks 12th in terms of the prevalence of insufficient physical activity out of 195 countries. Globally, nearly 1.8 billion individuals, which accounts for approximately 31 per cent of adults, did not adhere to the recommended levels of physical activity in 2022.
&nbsp;
&ldquo;The findings point to a worrying trend of physical inactivity among adults, which has increased by about five percentage points between 2010 and 2022,&rdquo; said Dr R&uuml;diger Krech, Director of Health Promotion at WHO.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The region with the highest rate of physical inactivity was the high-income Asia-Pacific area, standing at 48 per cent, followed by South Asia at 45 per cent. In other regions, levels of inactivity ranged from 28 per cent in high-income Western countries to 14 per cent in Oceania.
&nbsp;
The situation is particularly worrying in India, as individuals in this country are inherently more susceptible to developing non-communicable diseases such as heart disease and diabetes, often a decade earlier than people in other regions.

Half of India's adults are physically unfit

Stock market benchmark indices climbed in early trade on Wednesday, with the Sensex hitting its fresh all-time high level, but soon equities faced volatile trends and were trading flat amid the emergence of profit-taking.
&nbsp;
The 30-share BSE Sensex climbed 134.64 points to hit a new all-time high of 78,188.16 in early trade. The Nifty went up by 28.2 points to 23,749.50.
&nbsp;
However, later both the benchmark indices encountered volatile trends and were trading between highs and lows.
&nbsp;
Among the 30 Sensex companies, UltraTech Cement, ICICI Bank, Larsen &amp; Toubro, Kotak Mahindra Bank, NTPC, Bajaj Finance and Tata Motors were the biggest gainers.
&nbsp;
Mahindra &amp; Mahindra, HDFC Bank, Tata Steel and JSW Steel were among the laggards.
&nbsp;
In Asian markets, Seoul and Tokyo quoted with gains while Shanghai and Hong Kong traded lower.
&nbsp;
US markets ended mostly higher on Tuesday.
&nbsp;
Global oil benchmark Brent crude climbed 0.41 per cent to USD 85.36 a barrel.
&nbsp;
Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) bought equities worth Rs 1,175.91 crore on Tuesday, according to exchange data.
&nbsp;
The BSE benchmark jumped 712.44 points or 0.92 per cent to settle at a new closing peak of 78,053.52 on Tuesday. The Nifty went up by 183.45 points or 0.78 per cent to settle at a record closing peak of 23,721.30.
&nbsp;

Mumbai

Sensex hits new all-time high in early trade

Polling was underway for elections to 25 civic bodies in Nagaland on Wednesday morning, amid tight security arrangements, an SEC official said.
&nbsp;
This was a historic election in the northeastern state as the polling to three municipalities and 22 town councils was being conducted after a gap of 20 years.
&nbsp;
The urban local body polls were being held for the first time with 33 per cent women reservation, said the official at the Nagaland State Election Commission.
&nbsp;
The government had announced elections to urban local bodies several times in the past but objections from tribal bodies and civil society organisations against reservation for women, and tax on land and properties had held back the polls.
&nbsp;
Voting began at 7.30 am and will continue till 4 pm.
&nbsp;
&ldquo;Polling has been peaceful so far. Security has been beefed up for the elections,&rdquo; the SEC officials said.
&nbsp;
Over 2.23 lakh voters, including 1,13,521 women, are eligible to exercise their franchise to decide the fate of 523 candidates from 11 political parties.
Instead of EVMs, voting was being conducted in 420 polling stations through ballot papers, he said.
&nbsp;
Meanwhile, the Eastern Nagaland Peoples&rsquo; Organisation (ENPO) has decided that the six districts in the region will not participate in the elections.
ENPO, the apex body of seven Naga tribes living in the six eastern districts, has been demanding a &lsquo;Frontier Nagaland Territory&rsquo;, claiming that the region has been neglected for years.
&nbsp;
There are 14 town councils in the ENPO area. As many as 59 nominations were accepted from the area but the tribal bodies compelled the candidates to withdraw their nominations.
&nbsp;
The ENPO also refrained from participating in the April 19 Lok Sabha polls for the lone seat in the state.
&nbsp;

Kohima

Nagaland: Voting underway for civic body polls

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has recently issued invitations to 487 new members, including well-known Indian personalities like SS Rajamouli, Shabana Azmi, Rama Rajamouli, Ritesh Sidhwani, and others, to join the Class of 2024.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
This group of invitees comprises 71 individuals who have been nominated for an Oscar, with 19 of them being past winners. Apart from the aforementioned celebrities, the invitations have also been extended to cinematographer Ravi Varman, filmmaker Rima Das, and Naatu Naatu choreographer Prem Rakshith.
&nbsp;
If all those invited accept, the Academy's total membership will increase to 10,910, with over 9,000 members eligible to vote.
&nbsp;
As per the press release from The Academy, the Class of 2024 includes 44% female members, and 41% from ethnic/racial groups that are underrepresented, and represents 56 countries and territories outside of the United States.
&nbsp;
The Academy's CEO, Bill Kramer, and President Janet Yang expressed their enthusiasm, saying, "We are very excited to welcome the new members of the Academy this year. These incredibly talented artists and professionals from all over the world have had a significant impact on our film community."
&nbsp;
Those who are invited from various branches will be required to choose one specific branch upon accepting the membership.

Rajamouli, Shabana Azmi invited to The Academy

Shooting has started on the much-anticipated "Freaky Friday 2," as announced by Walt Disney Studios.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
A behind-the-scenes photo from the filming of the sequel to the 2003 movie, which featured Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis, was shared by the studio.
&nbsp;
Lohan and Curtis will reprise their roles as Anna and Tess Coleman, respectively, for "Freaky Friday 2," which will premiere next year.
&nbsp;
"The Colemans are back and coming to theatres in 2025! The sequel to Freaky Friday is now in production!" Walt Disney Studios said in an X post on Monday.
&nbsp;
Variety reports that Sophia Hammons and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan will join the film's cast, alongside returning original cast members Mark Harmon, Chad Michael Murray, Christina Vidal Mitchell, Haley Hudson, Lucille Soong, Stephen Tobolowsky, and Rosalind Chao. Ramakrishnan is known for her role in Netflix's "Never Have I Ever."
&nbsp;
The movie's cast will also include Julia Butters and Manny Jacinto, and Nisha Ganatra will direct the film.
&nbsp;
Mark Waters directed the original "Freaky Friday", a story about a mother-daughter duo played by Curtis and Lohan, whose souls swap after visiting a mysterious Chinese restaurant and wake up in each other's bodies the next morning.
&nbsp;
Andrew Gunn, the producer of the 2003 original, is returning to produce the sequel.
&nbsp;

Los Angeles

Maitreyi Ramakrishnan joins 'Freaky Friday 2' cast

Ayesha Banerjee

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, 52, pled guilty on Wednesday to conspiring to access and disclose classified US military information, skipping a lengthy trial and incarceration and paving the way for his freedom.
&nbsp;
&ldquo;Guilty to the information,&rdquo; Assange joked with the judge during the hearing at a District Court in the US territory of Northern Mariana Islands, following his refusal to travel to the country&rsquo;s mainland.
&nbsp;
In a lighter vein, he told the judge that his satisfaction depended &ldquo;on the outcome of the hearing.&rdquo;
&nbsp;
With this, Assange skips lengthy trials and prison time for his sensational WikiLeaks disclosures in 2010 of alleged wrongdoings of the US government in the Afghanistan and Iraq wars.
&nbsp;
Later, US diplomatic cables were released with security threat assessments and inputs on leaders of other nations, sometimes with embarrassing details.
&nbsp;
Assange left Belmarsh maximum security prison on June 24, after having spent 1901 days there. He was granted bail by the High Court in London and was released at Stansted airport during the afternoon, where he boarded a plane and departed the UK, read a WikiLeaks tweet.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
It has been reported that as part of the plea deal Assange is likely to be sentenced to 62 months in prison but will be credited for the five years already served in Britain.
&nbsp;
A controversial figure, hailed as a hero by advocates of free speech and a villain by those who believe he gave away state secrets, Assange wore a blue shirt and jeans as he boarded a flight at London's Stansted Airport on June 24.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The Australian government, Assange&rsquo;s home country, welcomed the resolution, stating his case had "dragged on for too long."
&nbsp;

Washington D.C.

Post

Julian Assange pleads guilty, skips lengthy trial

In the past five years, a report released on Tuesday found that 80 per cent of small-scale farmers in India experienced crop losses due to extreme weather conditions.
&nbsp;
The survey, which was carried out by the Forum of Enterprises for Equitable Development (FEED) in partnership with the Development Intelligence Unit (DIU), involved 6,615 farmers from 21 different states.
&nbsp;
The results showed that the main reasons for crop damage were drought (41 per cent), irregular rainfall such as excessive or out-of-season rains (32 per cent), and the early or late arrival of the monsoon (24 per cent).
&nbsp;
The report stated that almost 43 per cent of the farmers surveyed lost at least half of their standing crops.
&nbsp;
The irregular rainfall significantly affected rice, vegetables, and pulses. In the northern regions, paddy fields often remained flooded for over a week, destroying newly planted seedlings.
&nbsp;
Conversely, insufficient rainfall delayed the planting of various crops, including rice, corn, cotton, soybeans, groundnuts, and pulses, in states like Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, and West Bengal.
&nbsp;
The report, however, failed to address the consequences of fluctuating temperatures.
&nbsp;
In 2022, early heat waves had a detrimental effect on India's wheat crop, resulting in a production decrease from 109.59 million tonnes in 2021 to 107.7 million tonnes. Consequently, the country, which is the world's second-largest wheat producer, imposed an export ban.
&nbsp;
Once again, the heat in 2023 impacted wheat output, causing the official production target to decrease by nearly 3 million tonnes. 
&nbsp;
According to the Climate Transparency Report of 2021, a temperature rise of 1 to 4 degrees Celsius could lead to a 10 to 30 per cent reduction in rice production and a 25 to 70 per cent decrease in maize production.
&nbsp;
In India's agricultural sector, small-scale farmers, who own less than one hectare of land, make up the largest proportion, accounting for 68.5 per cent of all farmers but only possessing approximately 24 per cent of the total crop area.
&nbsp;

80% of India's marginal farmers suffer crop losses

Television personality Prince Narula and his wife Yuvika Chaudhary have announced that they are expecting their first child together. Taking to Instagram on Tuesday, the duo shared a joint post. They penned a note along with a symbolic photo.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Prince Narula posted a picture featuring a red toy car placed next to his own car. The next picture featured him standing in front of his car. Narula captioned the post in Hindi, announcing, &ldquo;baby aane wala hai jald&rdquo; (baby is coming soon). He expressed gratitude to Yuvika for the &ldquo;best gift&rdquo; he could receive.
&nbsp;
In his emotional message, Prince wrote, &ldquo;Hi everyone, I don&rsquo;t know how to express my feelings right now because we are very happy and nervous at the same time thankful to God and super excited for being parents.&rdquo; He humorously added that Yuvika will now be his &ldquo;second baby&rdquo;, with the first spot reserved for their child.
&nbsp;
Reacting to the post, Yuvika Chaudhary posted red heart and folded hands emojis. Celebrities, including Gauahar Khan, Neha Dhupia, Anita Hassanandani, and Priyank Sharma, extended their best wishes to the couple, showering them with love and support.
&nbsp;
Speculation surrounding Yuvika&rsquo;s pregnancy had been circulating earlier this year after Prince Narula hinted at the possibility during a guest appearance on Bharti Singh and Haarsh Limbachiyaa&rsquo;s podcast.
&nbsp;
Responding to playful banter about their future child, as per news agency ANI, Prince playfully responded, &ldquo;Very soon&rdquo;, sparking anticipation among their fans.
&nbsp;
Prince Narula is renowned for his appearances on popular reality shows such as Bigg Boss, Splitsvilla and Roadies. Yuvika gained fame for her roles in Bollywood, notably in the Shah Rukh Khan-starrer Om Shanti Om. She also captured hearts during her participation and subsequent win on reality shows like Bigg Boss 9 and Nach Baliye 9 alongside her husband.
&nbsp;

Bigg Boss fame Prince & Yuvika to be parents soon

India has urged its citizens in Kenya to be extremely careful and limit unnecessary travel due to the ongoing violent demonstrations in the East African country opposing the government's plans to increase taxes.
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
ADVISORY FOR INDIAN NATIONALS IN KENYA In view of the prevailing tense situation, all Indians in Kenya are advised to exercise utmost caution, restrict non-essential movement and avoid the areas affected by the protests and violence till the situation clears up.
&mdash; India in Kenya (@IndiainKenya) <a href="https://twitter.com/IndiainKenya/status/1805698054550331419?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 25, 2024</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;"In view of the prevailing tense situation, all Indians in Kenya are advised to exercise utmost caution, restrict non-essential movement and avoid the areas affected by the protests and violence till the situation clears up," the Indian consulate in Kenya said in an advisory posted on social media platform X.
&nbsp;
"Please follow local news and Mission's website and social media handles for updates," it added.
&nbsp;
At least five protestors were shot dead and more than 150 others injured in Nairobi as police used tear gas and live rounds after thousands stormed into Kenya's Parliament and set part of it on fire.

Advisory issued for Indians in Kenya amid unrest

Israel is planning to implement a strategy to replace Hamas authority in northern Gaza, as mentioned by Israeli National Security Advisor Tzachi Hanegbi on Tuesday.
&nbsp;
During the Herzliya Conference at Reichman University, Hanegbi stated that weakening Hamas's governance would create opportunities for other nations that support an alternative leadership in Gaza, along with local leadership.
&nbsp;
He outlined that the new leadership in Gaza will involve Israel's Abraham Accords partners, the United States, the European Union, and the United Nations.
&nbsp;
Meanwhile, the Israeli military will be working to remove Hamas's presence from the area.
&nbsp;
"We've been talking about this notion of 'the day after' for many months, and the main thing that we've tried to emphasise throughout is that it's mainly the day after Hamas in the sense that we don't need to wait for it to disappear because that process could take a long time."
&nbsp;
"The idea is, and this is what the Americans agree on, including in the conversations this week and also in the conversation that the minister of defence [Yoav Gallant] is conducting right now [in Washington], is that there will be a so-called top-down leadership, and not only bottom-up," he continued.
&nbsp;
Hanegbi said, "You cannot completely get Hamas to disappear because it's an idea, a concept."
&nbsp;
The Biden administration has urged Israeli authorities to provide a clear plan for governing Gaza after the conflict. They are against Israel taking control of Gaza or letting the situation in the area become chaotic.
&nbsp;
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has emphasised that Israel's objectives in the conflict are to eliminate Hamas's military and governing capacities, secure the release of all hostages, and make sure that Gaza no longer presents a threat to Israel.

Tel Aviv

Israel plans to replace Hamas rule in Gaza

The ABVP has called for a bandh and hence all the schools in Hyderabad will remain shut.
&nbsp;
Schools across Hyderabad sent out holiday notices to parents via WhatsApp messages stating that Wednesday is a non-working day.
&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">The bandh has been called in protest against the government&rsquo;s failure to check the spike in fees by private schools, demanding providing basic facilities in government schools and also filling up the DEO and MEO posts.
<p style="background: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">ABVP (Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad) Telangana state leader G Jeevan demanded that the government should take strict action against the management of corporate, private, and international schools for charging lakhs of rupees as fee from parents.
<p style="background: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">The ABVP also demanded implementation of the Fee Regulation Act, strict action against managements of private schools selling books and uniforms in violation of the rules, and scrapping the registration of private schools failing to follow the rules.
<p style="background: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">Speaking to reporters, he demanded that more than 24,000 teacher posts lying vacant in the state should be filled by conducting Mega DSC. Appointment of attenders and scavengers in schools has also been demanded.
<p style="background: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">He demanded that the government should ensure that every school should allocate 25 per cent of seats to poor students, as per the Right to Education Act (RTE).
&nbsp;

Hyderabad

Hyderabad: Schools to remain shut on ABVP bandh

An auction of Diana memorabilia, including a midnight blue tulle dress and a flamenco-style lace-up number that were sold months before her death, will take place in California this week.
&nbsp;
The auction will feature nearly fifty pieces, such as gowns, shoes, handbags, and hats, and will be held in Beverly Hills.
&nbsp;
"Princess Diana's Elegance &amp; A Royal Collection," brings together some of the style maven's favourite designers, including Victor Edelstein, Murray Arbeid and Catherine Walker.
&nbsp;
Arbeid's blue diamante ball gown, worn by the princess to the London premiere of Andrew Lloyd Webber's "The Phantom of the Opera" in 1986, and a magenta lace dress by Edelstein are among the highlights.
&nbsp;
Julien's Auctions, the auction house handling the sale, estimates that both pieces could sell for up to $400,000.
&nbsp;
"We are here celebrating Princess Diana's elegance," said Gabriela Schwartz, of the auction house.
&nbsp;
"We have some really standout pieces... that Diana wore with a lot of pride and (which are) really emblematic of her style."
&nbsp;
In 1981, Diana and Britain's future King Charles were wed in a lavish ceremony that was observed by millions worldwide.
&nbsp;
The romance turned sour in the subsequent years, and their tumultuous relationship provided material for newspapers and gossip magazines, fueling the rapid growth of celebrity culture in the 1990s.
&nbsp;
The couple, who had two sons - Princes William and Harry, ended their marriage amidst widespread media coverage and reports of infidelity.
&nbsp;
The year following their divorce, Diana lost her life in a car crash in Paris while attempting to evade the paparazzi with her lover.

Beverly Hills

Princess Diana's gown, handbag up for auction

All India Majlis-E-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) president Asaduddin Owaisi stirred controversy on Tuesday by concluding his oath-taking in the 18th Lok Sabha with the slogan &ldquo;Jai Palestine&rdquo;.
&nbsp;
Owaisi, who was re-elected as MP from Hyderabad parliamentary constituency, took the oath in Urdu and ended it with slogans &mdash; &lsquo;Jai Bheem, Jai Telangana, Jai Palestine&rsquo;.
&nbsp;
The unexpected inclusion of &ldquo;Jai Palestine&rdquo; immediately drew objections from Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MPs, including Shobha Karandlaje. Radha Mohan Singh, who was presiding over the swearing-in ceremony, announced that the controversial slogan would be expunged from the official records.
Despite the assurances from Singh, the BJP MPs continued to protest for a brief period.
&nbsp;
Union Minister G Kishan Reddy later criticised Owaisi&rsquo;s slogan calling it &ldquo;absolutely wrong&rdquo;.
&nbsp;
&ldquo;This is against the rules of the House. He does not say &lsquo;Bharat Mata ki Jai&rsquo; while living in India&hellip;. People should understand that he does unconstitutional work while living in the country,&rdquo; Reddy told the media.
&nbsp;
In response to the uproar, Owaisi defended his choice of words, questioning the basis of the objections raised by BJP members.
&nbsp;
&ldquo;Other members are also saying different things... I said &lsquo;Jai Bheem, Jai Telangana, Jai Palestine&rsquo;. How is it wrong? Tell me the provision of the Constitution [that I violated]. You should also listen to what others said. I said what I had to. Read what Mahatma Gandhi had said about Palestine,&rdquo; Owaisi said.
&nbsp;
Owaisi, who has emerged as a powerful voice of Muslims in the country in recent years, defeated his BJP rival Madhavi Latha by a big margin of over 3.38 lakh votes in the Lok Sabha elections, in what is seen as a testament to the iron grip of the Owaisi family over the old city.
&nbsp;
Unfazed by criticism that he is &ldquo;B team of BJP&rdquo;, Owaisi has been making efforts to expand the party's footprint across the country albeit with limited success.
&nbsp;
A sworn critic of BJP and RSS, Owaisi has been vociferous in his opposition to the Citizenship Amendment Act, National Register for Citizens and National Population Register.
&nbsp;

Owaisi defends 'Jai Palestine' slogan

After a few years of rapidly increasing consumer prices, inflation has significantly slowed down in recent months, and the unemployment rate has remained below 4% for over two years.
&nbsp;
The Republican held a larger advantage - 44% to 31% - on immigration. Immigrants comprised 13.9% of the population in 2022, the highest percentage in more than a century. Trump targeted immigrants who were in the country unlawfully. Trump was preferred by 40% to 35% on matters of foreign conflicts and terrorism.
&nbsp;
However, Biden had the upper hand over Trump in addressing political extremism and threats to democracy, the second most important concern of respondents. Registered voters chose the Democrat over Trump by 39% to 33%.
&nbsp;
Trump, who was found guilty last month of manipulating business records, is awaiting three additional criminal trials, two of which are related to his attempts to reverse his 2020 election loss to Biden. Trump, who falsely alleges that his defeat in the 2020 election was due to fraud, included this claim in an impassioned speech shortly before hundreds of his supporters raided the US Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.
&nbsp;
Biden also had a lead over Trump on healthcare policy, with 40% to 29%. Biden served as vice president in 2010 when then-President Barack Obama shepherded a groundbreaking health reform through Congress, significantly increasing access to health insurance.
&nbsp;
Previous Reuters/Ipsos surveys have indicated that Biden and Trump were tied in the presidential race, although several polls in battleground states have shown Trump ahead in recent months.
&nbsp;
The Reuters/Ipsos survey was conducted online and nationwide, gathering input from 1,019 American adults, of which 856 were registered voters. The survey had a margin of error of 3.2 percentage points for all participants and 3.5 percentage points for registered voters.

Voters trust Trump on economy, Biden on democracy

The third edition of the INDUS-X Investor Summit will be held in the Silicon Valley in September, the Pentagon has said.
&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">On June 21 last year, the US Department of Defense (DoD) and the Indian Ministry of Defence launched the India-US Defense Acceleration Ecosystem (INDUS-X) during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's official state visit to Washington DC. Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder told a news conference on Tuesday,
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
&ldquo;INDUS-X is one of the ways the DoD (Department of Defense) continues to help advance the initiative on critical and emerging technology between our two countries. Together with the Indian Ministry of Defense, we&rsquo;re facilitating dynamic partnerships among defense technology companies, investors, and researchers. We&rsquo;ve already convened two INDUS-X summits, one here in Washington and another in New Delhi,&rdquo; Ryder said.
&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">In its first year, the INDUS-X advanced both the countries&rsquo; commitment to build a defence innovation bridge under the initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET), the Pentagon said in a fact sheet.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">The INDUS-X has strengthened private sector cooperation between the US and India by facilitating partnerships among defence technology companies, investors, and researchers.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">The summit in September will focus on harnessing private capital for defence innovation. It will be co-hosted by the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) and the Stanford University. 
&nbsp;

Third INDUS-X Summit to take place in September

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Tuesday has initiated the process to arrest Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal in the liquor policy case. The Aam Aadmi Party chief, who is already in Delhi's Tihar jail, was examined by the CBI on Tuesday. This comes a day before the Supreme Court is scheduled to hear Arvind Kejriwal&rsquo;s bail plea in the money laundering case.
 His statement related to the now-scrapped excise policy case was also recorded. The CBI will produce Kejriwal before the concerned trial court today.
 Alleging conspiracy by the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Central government, AAP leader Sanjay Singh said: &ldquo;At a time when there is a cent per cent possibility that Arvind Kejriwal will get bail from the Supreme Court, sources have informed me that the Centre is conspiring to register a fake CBI case against the Delhi CM and get him arrested by the CBI. The entire nation can see this and is standing in solidarity with Arvind Kejriwal.&rdquo;
&nbsp;
Earlier in the day, the Delhi high court stayed the trial court order granting him bail in the money laundering case related to the alleged excise scam. Stating that the lower court did not &ldquo;appropriately appreciate&rdquo; the material placed before it by the Enforcement Directorate, the high court stayed Kejriwal&rsquo;s bail.
 A vacation bench of Justice Sudhir Kumar Jain said the ED&rsquo;s contentions assailing the bail order required serious consideration.
 Soon after the decision, the AAP had moved Supreme Court challenging the HC order. The matter is listed for hearing on Wednesday.

CBI questions Kejriwal in liquor policy case

Ansh Mavani

The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) has instructed its Members of Parliament (MPs) to be present in the Parliament from 11am onwards tomorrow for the election of the Lok Sabha Speaker.
&nbsp;
Harish Balayogi, TDP's Whip, issued a three-line whip directing all party MPs to attend and vote for Shri Om Birla, the NDA candidate, during the upcoming Speaker elections on June 26, 2024. The MPs are required to assemble at Room Number 111-B in the Parliamentary office by 10:30 AM, according to the official release.
&nbsp;
TDP, an ally in the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), joins other parties in preparing for the crucial election. Earlier today, both the BJP and Congress also issued similar three-line whips to their MPs to ensure their presence in Parliament.
&nbsp;
The opposition INDIA bloc, having failed to reach consensus on BJP MP Om Birla's appointment, has nominated Congress MP K Suresh for the Speaker's post. Their demand for the Deputy Speaker's position remains unresolved, prompting the nomination of K Suresh for the top parliamentary role.
&nbsp;
Om Birla, BJP's Kota MP and the previous Speaker of the 17th Lok Sabha, has been nominated by the BJP for the Speaker's post. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi indicated their willingness to support NDA's candidate under the condition that the Deputy Speaker position is given to the opposition.
&nbsp;
Speaking to the media, Rahul Gandhi highlighted the opposition's stance conveyed to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, emphasising the need for cooperative engagement. He criticised the treatment of opposition leaders, citing instances of alleged disrespect despite Prime Minister Modi's call for constructive cooperation.
&nbsp;
Currently, BJP MP Bhartruhari Mahtab is serving as the pro-tem speaker until the election of the new Speaker on June 26. The NDA, with 293 MPs in the 543-member Lok Sabha, holds a significant majority, while the opposition INDIA bloc comprises 234 MPs.
&nbsp;
The elections for the Speaker's post are set to determine the leadership of the lower house of India's Parliament amidst significant political manoeuvring and strategic alliances.
&nbsp;

TDP whips MPs to back BJP’s OM Birla as LS Speaker

Vats Ambardar

The final and possibly decisive revolt is shaping up against Sukhbir Badal within his party, the Shiromani Akali Dal, which he has been heading for over a decade now.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
On Tuesday, senior Akali leaders gathered in Jalandhar to chalk out the further course of action to redeem the party. The party leadership urged Sukhbir that he should accept the popular verdict, asking him indirectly to step aside.
&nbsp;
The leaders decided to launch the &ldquo;Save Akali Dal Movement&rdquo; also, suggesting the removal of Sukhbir as the party president and replacing him with some eminent leader who has a hold over mainstream and panthic politics. The meeting was attended by some of Sukhbir&rsquo;s loyalists also.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
These leaders appeared to have deliberately organised the meeting in Jalandhar today, while Sukhbir Badal had convened a meeting of the assembly constituency in charge in Chandigarh.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Senior and prominent Akali leaders attended the meeting. They included Prem Singh Chandumajra, Surjeet Singh Rakhra, Sikander Singh Maluka, Bibi Jagir Kaur, Kiranjot Kaur (granddaughter of Master Tara Singh) Manjit Singh, Surinder Bhullewal, Gurpartap Wadala, Charanjit Brar, Harinder Pal Tohra, Gaganjit Barnala, Paramjit Landran, Parminder Dhindsa, Balbir Ghunas, Randhir Rakhra, Sucha Singh Chhotepur, Karnail Panjoli, Sarwan Singh Phillaur and others.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Reacting to this meeting, Sukhbir described it as an attempt to weaken the path. However, his argument may not be taken seriously since there has been a persistent demand from the majority of Akali leaders and workers that there must be a change in the leadership.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The last proverbial straw on Sukhbir&rsquo;s back was the poor performance of the party in the recently held General Elections, in which the party could win only the Bathinda seat and lost security deposit in ten other constituencies.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The vote share of the party also dipped to just 13 per cent, while its erstwhile partner the BJP got 18.5 per cent, although it could not win any seat.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
While the opinion remains divided on whether any non-Badal may be able to lead the Akali Dal and keep the party together, there is a general perception that if Sukhbir Badal steps aside, the party may be able to revive and redeem itself.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The public perception of the Badals is too strong and too deep.
&nbsp;
Some senior party leaders the News Arena India spoke to admitted that the writing was on the wall and that Sukhbir should step aside.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
They said, that while it is a fact that he has managed to keep the flock together despite consistent drubbings and against all odds since 2017, he should be magnanimous enough and hand over the reins to anyone the party wants, in the interest of the party.
&nbsp;
They said, given the deep and strong connection he has with the party&rsquo;s rank and file at the grassroots, it is difficult to imagine that Sukhbir&rsquo;s influence may in any way get reduced.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
They quoted the example of the Congress, where the Gandhis stepped aside by appointing Mallikarjun Kharge as the president.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
They said the Badals&rsquo; contribution to the Shiromani Akali Dal can not be ignored or overlooked. But at the same time, they added, the situation demands that he should step aside, right now while respecting public sentiment, and maybe he will soon return at the helm once things get streamlined.&nbsp;

Jalandhar

Final Revolt against Badal shapes up in Akali Dal

Chinese Ambassador Xu Feihong met with India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday evening to discuss the bilateral relationship between India and China. The meeting marks an important step in the diplomatic ties between the two countries.
&nbsp;
In a post on X, Jaishankar shared, "Received Ambassador of China Xu Feihong this evening. Discussed our bilateral relationship and our common interest in its stabilisation and progress." He also wished Xu a successful tenure.
&nbsp;
Xu Feihong, who arrived in New Delhi on May 10, has officially taken charge as the Chinese Ambassador to India. This makes him the 17th Chinese envoy to India and the first in over 18 months.
&nbsp;
The previous ambassador, Sun Weidong, left his post in October 2022 during a period when India and China were working to manage their strained relations following the Ladakh border standoff in 2020.
&nbsp;
Upon assuming his new role, Xu emphasised the longstanding historical and cultural ties between India and China. In an interview with China Global Television Network, he expressed his commitment to fostering deeper understanding and friendship between the two nations.
&nbsp;
Xu said, "I will do my best to deepen understanding and friendship between the two peoples, expand exchanges and cooperation in various fields, and improve and advance the bilateral relationship."
&nbsp;
He further highlighted the significant roles both countries play as the world's largest emerging markets and developing nations. "As President Xi Jinping said, if China and India speak with one voice, the whole world will listen; if the two countries join hands, the whole world will pay attention," Xu noted.
&nbsp;
This meeting comes at a crucial time as both India and China look to stabilise their relationship and seek progress in various areas of cooperation. The conversation between Xu and Jaishankar is a step towards addressing the complexities and potential of the bilateral ties between the two neighbours.
&nbsp;

Chinese envoy Feihong meets S Jaishankar in Delhi

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi has been named the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha. The decision was made during a meeting of floor leaders from Congress and its allies.
&nbsp;
Party general secretary KC Venugopal announced the appointment after the meeting, stating, "Wrote a letter to pro-tem Speaker Bhartruhari Mahtab, informing the decision of the appointment of Rahul Gandhi as the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha." Venugopal also mentioned that other office bearers would be decided later.
&nbsp;
Rahul Gandhi accepted the Congress Working Committee's decision to take on this significant role. This move comes just before the first major contest of the 18th Lok Sabha, where the opposition and the ruling coalition will face off in the election of the Speaker.
&nbsp;
The decision to appoint Rahul Gandhi as the Leader of the Opposition is seen as a strategic move by the Congress party. It aims to strengthen their position in the Lok Sabha and present a united front against the ruling coalition.
&nbsp;
As the Leader of the Opposition, Rahul Gandhi will play a crucial role in voicing the concerns and viewpoints of the opposition, ensuring that the government is held accountable.
&nbsp;
Rahul Gandhi's new role is expected to bring a new dynamic to the political landscape. Known for his vocal stance on various issues, he is likely to use this platform to push for the opposition's agenda more vigorously.
&nbsp;
His leadership will be tested as he navigates the challenges of this position and works towards consolidating the opposition's efforts in the Lok Sabha.
&nbsp;
The Congress party's decision to elevate Rahul Gandhi to this role highlights their confidence in his leadership abilities. It also signals their commitment to providing a strong opposition to the ruling government. With the upcoming election of the Speaker, Rahul Gandhi's leadership will be crucial in strategizing and mobilising the opposition's efforts.
&nbsp;
The appointment of Rahul Gandhi as the Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha marks a significant development in Indian politics. It sets the stage for a more robust opposition and a potentially more contentious political environment as the 18th Lok Sabha session progresses.

Rahul Gandhi named Leader of Opposition in LS

Recent claims of rainwater leaking from the roof of the Ram Janmabhoomi temple's sanctum sanctorum have stirred controversy. The temple's chief priest, Acharya Satyendra Das, alleged that rainwater had leaked from the roof directly above the spot where he sits in front of Ram Lalla's idol.
&nbsp;
This claim was made following heavy showers that occurred at midnight on Saturday. Das urged the temple authorities to take immediate corrective measures, emphasising that the rainwater leakage had disrupted the temple's sanctity.
&nbsp;
In response, the Ram Temple Construction Committee Chairman, Nripendra Mishra, refuted these allegations. Mishra explained that there was no water leakage in the traditional sense but rather rainwater had trickled down from pipes installed for electric wires.
&nbsp;
"I have personally inspected the temple building. The second floor is still under construction. Once the roof of the second floor is completed, the rainwater issue will be resolved," Mishra stated during a press conference.
&nbsp;
Mishra assured that temporary measures have been taken to protect devotees from rain and sunlight. These include temporary constructions on the roof to prevent any further inconvenience.
&nbsp;
He also addressed concerns raised by the chief priest regarding the lack of proper drainage systems, stating that steps are being taken to ensure proper water outflow from the temple premises.
&nbsp;
Despite the chief priest's concerns, Mishra expressed confidence in the ongoing construction work. He highlighted that engineers from across the country are involved in building the temple and are aware of the necessary measures to prevent such issues. "The temple was inaugurated on January 22, and while it is surprising to hear about the leakage, it is an issue that will be addressed promptly," Mishra said.
&nbsp;
The chief priest's allegations have sparked debates about the quality of construction and the oversight of such a significant project. Das questioned how a world-famous temple could experience such issues despite the involvement of top engineers. He emphasised the need for accountability and immediate rectification to maintain the temple's integrity and the devotees' trust.
&nbsp;
Mishra also provided an update on the progress of the temple's construction. He mentioned that work on the first floor is expected to be completed by July this year, with the entire construction projected to be finished by December. This timeline aims to ensure that the temple is fully operational and free from any structural issues by the end of the year.
&nbsp;
In conclusion, while the allegations of rainwater leakage at the Ram Janmabhoomi temple have raised concerns, the trust's chief has assured that appropriate measures are being taken to address and rectify the situation. The ongoing construction work aims to ensure that such issues do not recur, maintaining the sanctity and structural integrity of the temple.

Ayodhya

Ram Temple Trust dismisses leakage claims

Deepan

Bangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina announced on Tuesday that her country will carefully assess proposals from both India and China for a significant project on the Teesta River, ultimately selecting the one most advantageous to Bangladesh.
&nbsp;
Hasina's remarks followed her recent visit to India, which she described as highly productive, highlighting its role in strengthening bilateral relations and exploring new avenues of cooperation.
&nbsp;
"We have received proposals from both China and India regarding the Teesta project. We will evaluate each proposal based on its benefits and alignment with our national interests," stated the 76-year-old leader during a media conference.
&nbsp;
When questioned about her preference between the Indian and Chinese proposals, Hasina emphasized Bangladesh's approach to international relationships based on developmental needs and mutual benefits.
&nbsp;
"We consider factors such as project suitability, our capacity to manage associated loans, expected returns on investment, and how the project will benefit our citizens," she explained.
&nbsp;
China has conducted a physical survey for the project, while India has expressed readiness to undertake further studies on its implementation.
&nbsp;
However, India has reservations about Chinese involvement near its strategic Siliguri Corridor, a concern acknowledged by Bangladesh's foreign ministry.
&nbsp;
In 2020, China proposed extensive dredging and infrastructure work on the Teesta River independently of Indian participation, prompting Bangladesh to temporarily suspend the billion-dollar project amid potential complications in India-Bangladesh relations.
&nbsp;
The Teesta water-sharing agreement has long been a contentious issue between Bangladesh and India, with ongoing discussions since the Awami League government's return to power in 2009.
&nbsp;
Hasina highlighted Bangladesh's interest in resolving the water-sharing issue through joint efforts with India.
&nbsp;
"India has agreed to collaborate with us on the Teesta project. A joint committee will oversee water sharing, river revitalisation, agricultural use, and navigation enhancement," she stated.
&nbsp;
The discussion on water management includes dredging, embankment construction, and conservation measures, with plans for a technical team collaboration after the 1996 Ganges water treaty expires in 2026.
&nbsp;
Attempts to finalise the Teesta Agreement during former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's visit to Bangladesh in 2011 were hindered by the opposition from West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
&nbsp;
Despite obstacles, Bangladesh and India have agreed in principle to channel Teesta waters for irrigation in Jalpaiguri and Cooch Behar districts, as reported by Indian media.
&nbsp;
Responding to queries about Banerjee's objections to water-sharing agreements, Hasina refrained from comment, citing the issue as India's internal matter. She pressed her positive relations with Indian political leaders, including Prime Minister Modi and Banerjee.
&nbsp;
Regarding Bangladesh's foreign policy towards India and China, Hasina reiterated her government's stance of maintaining friendly relations with all nations.
"Friendship to all, malice to none remains the cornerstone of our foreign policy," she affirmed. 
Reflecting on her recent visit to India and plans for an upcoming visit to China, Hasina highlighted the importance of balanced international relations for Bangladesh's development. 
"We recognise India's historical role in our independence struggle while acknowledging China's developmental successes," she remarked.
 Hasina dismissed concerns about rail connectivity with India, stressing its importance for regional trade and socio-economic development.
 "Bangladesh is an independent nation, liberated through our own efforts. Allegations about selling our sovereignty are baseless and unfounded," she asserted. 
The premier said Bangladesh is an independent country and &ldquo;we liberated the country through the Liberation War&rdquo;. 
She said everyone should keep in mind that India was the only force in the world which left a country after helping in its liberation and referred to the American troops of allied forces which were still staying in Japan and Russian troops in Germany. 
"Even then, some talk about the rail issue that Bangladesh will be sold to India. How do they say this? Those who talk like this are themselves sold to India," she said. 
They criticise India publicly and flatter secretly, she added. 
"Look at Europe where there are no borders. Is one country selling itself to another country there? &hellip;will we keep our doors shut in Bangladesh?" she added.&nbsp;

Dhaka

B'desh to weigh India, China plans on Teesta pact

Amarpreet Kaur

On this day in 1975, the then Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi declared an 'emergency' in the country, which lasted for 21 months. Today, the country marks the completion of 49 years since the emergency was declared, also referred to as the 'darkest day in Indian democracy'. 
&nbsp;
Shortly after the Supreme Court granted a conditional stay on the Allahabad High Court's verdict nullifying Indira's election to the Lok Sabha, the decision of emergency was announced via All India Radio. 
&nbsp;
The emergency officially ended on March 23, 1977, with Indira Gandhi calling for general elections. 
&nbsp;
In 1971, Raj Narain accused Indira Gandhi of electoral fraud, following a complaint against her. Allahabad court's verdict came on June 12, 1975, which found Indira accused of the allegations, i.e. discrepancies in the electoral campaigning. 
&nbsp;
From 1973 to 1975, there was political unrest in the nation. People were protesting against the Indira Gandhi administration. 
&nbsp;
Key points of the 1975 Emergency: 
&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>President Fakhruddin Ali declared an emergency on June 25, following Indira Gandhi's advice. Indira addressed the nation the next day, i.e. June 26. </li>
<li>Basic freedom/Individual rights were suspended. </li>
<li>During the period, mass arrests of well-known political leaders were seen, which also included L K Advani, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and Morarji Desai.</li>
<li>Indira justified the emergency as 'necessary' to bring political stability to the nation and for economic development. </li>
<li>Sanjay Gandhi, Indira's son initiated forced 'mass sterilisation' in 1976, during which vasectomy of 6 to 8 million people was done.</li>
<li>Censorship on the media was imposed. </li>
<li>Large-scale protests were carried out throughout the nation. </li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
Indira's statement announcing the emergency: 
&nbsp;
"The President has proclaimed the Emergency. This is nothing to panic about. I am sure you are all aware of the deep and widespread conspiracy, which has been brewing ever since I began to introduce certain progressive measures of benefit for the common man and woman in India". 
&nbsp;
Post Emergency: 
&nbsp;
* The Congress party lost power, and the Janata Party, headed by Morarji Desai, won decisively with 298 seats in the Lok Sabha elections.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
* Creating history, Desai became the first Prime Minister from a party other than Congress.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
* Indira Gandhi was defeated in the Rae Bareli constituency, losing to Raj Narain by more than 55,000 votes.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Allegations on Indira Gandhi's govt:
&nbsp;
Serious allegations were levelled against the Indira Gandhi government during the Emergency, including the arbitrary detention of individuals, torture of detainees and political prisoners, and unconstitutional enactment of laws.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Nation reflects on 49 years of emergency

Protests erupted in northwest Delhi&rsquo;s Mangolpuri area, where portions of a mosque were demolished due to alleged encroachment, amid heavy deployment of police and paramilitary forces, officials said on Tuesday.
&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">The demolition drive, however, had to be halted after the situation escalated as a large mob gathered, forming a human chain to obstruct the entry of JCBs into the area, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), which carried out the drive, said in a statement.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">Additionally, the presence of women protesters, who sat on the unauthorised structure, complicated the law and order situation in the area, it added.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">The demolition drive was undertaken by the civic body at a municipal park in Y Block of Mangolpuri against an illegally extended boundary wall of the mosque, the officials said.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">The MCD removed 20 metres of the unauthorised structure but the situation escalated after a large mob and women protesters gathered at the site objecting to the demolition, the statement said.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&ldquo;Despite the diligent efforts, the authorities were unable to safely disperse the crowd. In light of these developments, the police advised the MCD to temporarily halt the encroachment removal operation to maintain peace and order. A status report regarding this issue has been filed with the Delhi High Court,&rdquo; it said.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&ldquo;The initiative was part of our (MCD&rsquo;s) ongoing efforts to address unauthorised religious encroachments and uphold the integrity of public spaces,&rdquo; the civic body said.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">According to police officials, there were some allegations regarding stone pelting at a journalist during the demolition drive but no official complaint has been filed regarding the matter so far.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&ldquo;We are waiting. If he (journalist) gives any complaint, we will further proceed with the matter,&rdquo; a senior police officer told the media.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">The local police and five companies of paramilitary personnel reached Mangolpuri&rsquo;s Y block in the morning to demolish illegal encroachment at the mosque.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">As the demolition drive started at 6 am, locals gathered at the spot and started protesting, an officer said. 
&nbsp;

Protests in Delhi over mosque demolition

Auma Obama, the half-sister of former US President Barack Obama, found herself in the midst of turmoil in Kenya as she was tear gassed live on air during protests against Kenya's controversial finance bill. The incident unfolded while Auma, a Kenyan-British activist, was speaking with CNN's Larry Madowo alongside a group of teenage demonstrators.
&nbsp;
"I can&rsquo;t even see anymore, we&rsquo;re being teargassed," she exclaimed during the interview.
&nbsp;
Protests have erupted across Kenya in response to the Finance Bill 2024, which includes proposed tax hikes. These demonstrations are part of a series titled "7 Days of Rage" and are expected to culminate in a nationwide "total shutdown."
&nbsp;
"I&rsquo;m here because look at what&rsquo;s happening. Young Kenyans are demonstrating for their rights. They are demonstrating with flags and banners," Obama expressed during the interview.
&nbsp;
Kenya's President, William Ruto, has expressed support for the demonstrators, stating he is "proud" of their actions and hopes to engage with them.
Amidst the protests, there have been reports of security personnel allegedly targeting prominent Kenyans, particularly those with significant social media followings.
&nbsp;
Amnesty International Kenya has raised concerns about the apparent abduction of up to 12 individuals, including bloggers, content creators, human rights activists, doctors, and legislative staff members.
&nbsp;
Amnesty Kenya's executive director, Irungu Houghton, informed CNN that they are investigating these cases, highlighting the troubling trend of individuals being taken away during the night.
&nbsp;
The protests coincide with Kenya's heightened international visibility following US President Joe Biden's recent decision to designate the country as a "major non-NATO ally." This historic move marks the first time a sub-Saharan African nation has received such a status.
&nbsp;
President Biden's announcement came during a significant state visit to the White House, commemorating 60 years of diplomatic relations between the United States and Kenya. Biden underscored his commitment to enhancing bilateral ties, including elevating Kenya's strategic importance on the global stage.
&nbsp;
The developments in Kenya underscore a pivotal moment in its domestic and international affairs, highlighting both the country's internal challenges and its evolving role in global geopolitics.

Nairobi

Obama’s sister teargassed during Kenya protest

&nbsp;All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) supremo Asaduddin Owaisi after taking oath as the Member of the Parliament on Tuesday raised the slogan, &ldquo;Jai Palestine&rdquo;, which has rightly provoked widespread anger and outrage. This is a clear expression of religious loyalty overriding national loyalty. Owaisi did not say &ldquo;Jai Hind&rdquo;.
&nbsp;
Owaisi wrapped up his oath saying, &ldquo;Jai Bhim, Jai Meem, Jai Palestine, Jai Telangana and Allahu Akbar&rdquo;. He did not say &ldquo;Jai Hind&rdquo;, which he could have easily added along with other slogans. Why he avoided saying &ldquo;Jai Hind&rdquo; can be anybody&rsquo;s guess.
&nbsp;
Owaisi has been elected to the Lok Sabha for the fifth consecutive term from the Muslim dominated Hyderabad parliamentary constituency in Telangana state.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Legally or constitutionally there is nothing wrong in saying &ldquo;Jai Palestine&rdquo;, particularly when Palestine is not considered to be an &ldquo;enemy state&rdquo; by India.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
In fact India has always maintained a position of &ldquo;two state solution&rdquo; to the Israel-Palestine conflict. India was among the first countries to recognise Palestine as a country. The famous Palestine leader, Yasser Arafat would describe India as his second home.
&nbsp;
Owaisi&rsquo;s &ldquo;Jai Palestine&rdquo; slogan needs to be viewed in historical context on two counts. First, the AIMIM is the ideological and political descendant of the infamous &lsquo;Razakars&rsquo; patronized by the Nizam of Hyderabad who unleashed a reign of terror on the Hindus during Nizam&rsquo;s rule. Owaisi, however, has been repeatedly denying that AIMIM is a descendant of Razakars.
&nbsp;
Second, his &ldquo;Jai Palestine&rdquo; slogan reminds of the Khilafat Movement, which was launched by the Indian Muslims in solidarity with the Caliph of Turkey, the seat of the Ottoman Empire that time, from 1919 to 1922.
&nbsp;
The Khilafat Movement for defending the Islamic &lsquo;Caliphate&rsquo; was supported by Mahatma Gandhi and eventually by the Indian National Congress in order to express solidarity with the Muslim sentiment in India. Gandhi believed his support for the Khilafat Movement will generate reciprocal support from the Muslim community for the Congress which would strengthen the freedom movement against the British.
&nbsp;
That did not happen. Rather, the opposite thing happened. The Khilafat Movement later turned out to be the &ldquo;foundational idea&rdquo; for Pakistan. It helped the Muslims to consolidate under one idea, which was then taken over by the Indian National Muslim League, which eventually ended up in the partition of the country and creation of Pakistan in 1947. An overwhelming majority of the Muslims before partition considered the Congress as a &ldquo;Hindu communal party&rdquo;.
&nbsp;
It is important to be noted that Owaisi did not say &ldquo;Jai Hind&rdquo;, while he did say, Jai Bheem, Jai Meem (apparently Jai Muslim or Jai Mohammad, as &lsquo;Meem&rsquo; is the first Arabic alphabet for Muslim and also the first alphabet for Mohammad), Jai Telangana, Jai Palestine and Allah-u-Akbar.
&nbsp;
If not nipped in the bud, such tendencies eventually turn into sectarian and secessionist cancer that is difficult to treat once it spreads across the community.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
There may be nothing wrong legally or constitutionally about such a slogan, but those who framed laws and drafted constitution obviously must not have visualised such a situation where a democratically elected member of the parliament is raising a slogan in favour of another country and not in favour of his own country.
&nbsp;
That is how the separatist and secessionist movements are built up. These are initially built up by exploiting legal loopholes and ambiguities till they become so strong and powerful that it becomes a problem to tackle them at later stages.
&nbsp;
People like Owaisi also know about the deep fault lines existing within Indian polity, which may make it virtually impossible for everyone to come together. Right now, what Owaisi did may be dismissed as insignificant and inconsequential, but it has a potential for long term consequences, which obviously will not be good for the country.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
There has to be a minimum consensus on the issues of national integrity and security. The BJP and the Congress, the two main political ideologies of the country may have hundreds of differences between one another, they must not let these differences be exploited by the people like Owaisi.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
He knows the Congress will never oppose such slogans, and if the BJP opposes and acts against him, the Congress will come to his defence for obvious reasons, which certainly is not good for the country.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Remember, Congress's support for the Khilafat Movement eventually led to the creation of Pakistan. Those who don&rsquo;t learn from history are doomed to repeat it. Better take the queue and clue from history and not let anyone pander to the sectarian sentiments, which may turn into a secessionist and separatist cancer in later stages too difficult to treat.&nbsp;
&nbsp;

Owaisi wrong in saying Jai Palestine, not Jai Hind

Nagaland is all set to embark on a historic civic body elections after a hiatus of two decades, scheduled for Wednesday, marking a significant political milestone in the northeastern state. The elections, encompassing three municipal councils and 36 town councils, are poised to include a groundbreaking 33% reservation for women, a first in Nagaland's municipal election history. 
Previous attempts to hold these elections were marred by objections from tribal bodies and civil society organisations, particularly against reservations for women and taxation on land and properties.
&nbsp;
However, the state government's recent measures, including the abolition of these taxes and legislative mandates from the Parliament and Supreme Court, have paved the way for the electoral process to proceed.
&nbsp;
A total of 523 candidates from 11 political parties, including prominent names such as NDPP, BJP, Congress, NPF, and others, will vie for victory in 214 wards.
&nbsp;
The electorate comprises 2,23,636 eligible voters, with arrangements made for voting across 420 polling stations categorized as hyper-sensitive, sensitive, and normal.
&nbsp;
Voting will commence at 7:30 am and continue until 4 pm, with ballot papers replacing electronic voting machines (EVMs) for this election cycle.
&nbsp;
Stringent security measures have been put in place, with varying levels of personnel deployment at polling stations to ensure smooth conduct of the electoral process.
&nbsp;
The state government has declared a general holiday on election day to facilitate maximum voter turnout and participation. Officials have assured that all logistical arrangements, including the deployment of polling personnel and security forces, are in place to maintain peace and order during the elections.
&nbsp;
Meanwhile, the Eastern Nagaland Peoples' Organisation (ENPO) has opted out of participating in the civic polls, representing six eastern districts. ENPO, advocating for a 'Frontier Nagaland Territory' due to perceived neglect, has influenced the withdrawal of candidates from 14 town councils within its jurisdiction.
&nbsp;
Despite these regional complexities, Nagaland braces for a momentous electoral event that promises to shape the future landscape of its local governance.
&nbsp;
The outcomes of these elections are anticipated to reflect not only political preferences but also the evolving social dynamics within the state.

Nagaland gears up for first civic polls in 20 yrs

Tribal organisations representing the Kuki-Zo communities in Manipur have appealed to Union Home Minister Amit Shah for the creation of a Union Territory for the hill districts, citing it as a solution to ongoing state violence.
&nbsp;
The Indigenous Tribal Leaders&rsquo; Forum (ITLF) and the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) submitted memoranda to Shah through district magistrates, advocating for a Union Territory with legislative powers under Article 239 (A) of the Indian Constitution.
&nbsp;
In their proposals, the CoTU also recommended the formation of a Kuki-Zo regiment within the Indian military by integrating existing village volunteer forces, aimed at curbing armed insurgency among young defenders.
&nbsp;
Highlighting stalled public infrastructure projects in Kuki-Zo areas, the tribal outfits accused the state government of discriminatory job recruitments, which excluded tribal youth unable to travel to the capital.
&nbsp;
Pending a political resolution, the ITLF suggested establishing a separate secretariat for the hill districts under central administration.
&nbsp;
Meanwhile, in Imphal, vendors from Ima Market organized under the Khwairamband Ima Keithel Coordinating Committee for Peace protested for parliamentary intervention against state violence.
&nbsp;
Contrary to the Kuki-Zo community&rsquo;s separatist demands, the women urged the Centre to uphold Manipur&rsquo;s unity and integrity.
&nbsp;
Police intervened as protesters attempted to march towards the Manipur Raj Bhavan and Chief Minister&rsquo;s Bungalow, halting them at Kangla Fort and redirecting them to Khwairamband Bazar.
&nbsp;
Separately, the World Meetei Council reiterated its call for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for Meiteis in a letter to Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, a long-standing issue that sparked violence last May.
&nbsp;
Following a recent meeting, the Council issued an ultimatum for Singh to recommend ST status by August, aligning with the 2026 delimitation exercise.

Imphal

Manipur tribes seek UT status, rope in Amit Shah

English statistician and one of the inventors of the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method, Frank Duckworth died at the age of 84, according to a report.
&nbsp;
Duckworth passed away on June 21, according to a report in ESPNcricinfo.com.
&nbsp;
The Duckworth-Lewis method, devised by Duckworth and fellow statistician Tony Lewis, was introduced to determine results in rain-affected cricket matches.
&nbsp;
The method was first used in international cricket in 1997 and was formally adopted by the ICC as the standard method for setting revised targets in truncated games in 2001.
&nbsp;
The method was renamed the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method after the retirement of Duckworth and Lewis, followed by some modifications by Australian statistician Steven Stern.
&nbsp;
Duckworth and Lewis were both awarded MBEs (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in June 2010.
&nbsp;
The DLS method is based on a complex statistical analysis that considers many factors like wickets remaining and overs lost, among others, to set a revised target for the team batting second.

London

DLS method co-inventor Frank Duckworth passes away

The NHRC on Tuesday said it has issued notices to the Tamil Nadu government and police chief in connection with the hooch tragedy in Kallakurichi district and sought a report in a week.
&nbsp;
The death toll in the Kallakurichi hooch tragedy climbed to 58 on Monday. As many as 219 people have been admitted to various hospitals.
&nbsp;
In a statement, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) said it has taken suo motu cognisance of a media report that several people lost their lives after &ldquo;consuming spurious liquor&rdquo; in Kallakurichi.
&nbsp;
Reportedly, a large number of people including women are under treatment in hospitals and some of them are in critical condition. The content of the news report, if true, raises a serious issue of violation of the right to life of the victims, it said.
&nbsp;
States have the exclusive power to regulate the production, manufacture, possession, transport, purchase and sale of intoxicating liquors.
&nbsp;
Accordingly, notices have been issued to the chief secretary and the director general of police of Tamil Nadu, seeking a detailed report within one week, the statement said.
&nbsp;

Chennai

NHRC seeks report from TN govt over hooch tragedy

Odisha is planning to augment the operations of government buses and connect the state with prominent pilgrimage sites in the country. As part of the plan, buses of Odisha State Road Transport Corporation (OSRTC) will be engaged to ferry devotees to the religious sites.
<p style="background: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: var(--arrow-lh-5); font-stretch: normal; word-break: break-word; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px; margin: 0cm 0cm 11.25pt 0cm;">&ldquo;In the first phase, we are planning to launch bus services from Odisha to pilgrimage destinations like Ayodhya, Varanasi and Mathura (Vrindavan) in Uttar Pradesh, Shree Mahakaleshwar Temple in Madhya Pradesh&rsquo;s Ujjain and Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh,&rdquo; Commerce and Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena told the media.
<p style="background: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: var(--arrow-lh-5); font-stretch: normal; word-break: break-word; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px; margin: 0cm 0cm 11.25pt 0cm;">Jena said bus operations to connect Odisha with other famous religious places will be launched at a later stage. 
&ldquo;Our priority is to provide bus services to everyone in the state. Efforts will also be made to improve the revenue of OSRTC and make its business profitable like that of Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC),&rdquo; he said.
<p style="background: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: var(--arrow-lh-5); font-stretch: normal; word-break: break-word; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px; margin: 0cm 0cm 11.25pt 0cm;">Sources said Andhra Pradesh is unwilling to permit private buses of Odisha to carry out operations between the two states as it may impact the business of APSRTC. Hence, operation of OSRTC buses in Andhra Pradesh and other neighbouring states will be increased in the coming days.
As of now, OSRTC has a fleet of at least 478 buses. For convenience of devotees, the government has also planned to provide bus services from every block headquarters to Puri during Rath Yatra festival on July 7.
<p style="background: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: var(--arrow-lh-5); font-stretch: normal; word-break: break-word; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px; margin: 0cm 0cm 11.25pt 0cm;">In a bid to foster a sustainable public transport system, the government will run more electric buses in Odisha. Besides, e-buses will be engaged to carry out inter-state operations at places having EV charging infrastructure. &ldquo;We are expecting to receive a decent number of vehicles under PM-eBus Sewa scheme,&rdquo; said Jena.
<p style="background: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: var(--arrow-lh-5); font-stretch: normal; word-break: break-word; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px; margin: 0cm 0cm 11.25pt 0cm;">The minister also informed that OSRTC bus operations between Umerkote and Visakhapatnam, Bhubaneswar and Machkund and Cuttack and Baliguda will resume soon.
<p style="background: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: var(--arrow-lh-5); font-stretch: normal; word-break: break-word; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px; margin: 0cm 0cm 11.25pt 0cm;">On the day, Jena held a meeting with Transport Secretary Usha Padhee, commissioner Amitabh Thakur and OSRTC officials and discussed measures to strengthen bus services in the state.
&nbsp;

Bhubaneswar

Odisha to expand bus services for religious places

The flood situation in Assam has taken a severe turn as the River Kushiyara in Karimganj has surged past the danger level, affecting over 170,000 people across ten districts.
&nbsp;
With 631 villages now submerged, the region faces widespread displacement and disruption.
&nbsp;
In response, authorities have established 102 relief camps, providing shelter for 13,094 displaced individuals.
&nbsp;
The state grapples with the challenge of delivering adequate relief and support as the floodwaters continue to rise, posing a threat to additional areas.
&nbsp;
Emergency assistance efforts are underway, with close monitoring of water levels to mitigate further damage.
&nbsp;
The Assam government has mobilised resources and personnel to ensure the safety and well-being of those affected.
&nbsp;
The situation remains critical, with the state bracing for potential additional flooding and its subsequent impacts. Water Resource Minister Pijush Hazarika has been actively overseeing the flood response in Karimganj.
&nbsp;
Hazarika visited several relief camps and interacted with flood victims, addressing concerns about the distribution of relief supplies.
&nbsp;
Despite widespread allegations of improper relief distribution, Hazarika stated after his visit and a review meeting with district administration and local MLAs that he had received no complaints regarding malpractice in the camps.
&nbsp;
Karimganj district has been particularly hard-hit in this recent flood episode. Hazarika noted that the floods have affected at least 200,000 people in the state.
&nbsp;
The government has already disbursed ex gratia compensation to those impacted by the initial flood earlier this year.
&nbsp;
Hazarika also announced plans for new dykes along the Barak and Singla rivers to control future flooding.
&nbsp;
Concerned departments have been instructed to prepare project reports for these proposed dykes.
&nbsp;
In a related visit, Hazarika called on former Union Minister Kabindra Purkayastha, who is recuperating at home in Silchar after suffering a minor brain stroke.
&nbsp;
Hazarika wished the nonagenarian BJP leader a speedy recovery.

Guwahati

Assam flood woes continue, 13,094 still in camps

The Uttar Pradesh government, under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's leadership, is poised to introduce the Uttar Pradesh Public Examinations Ordinance 2024 in response to recent paper leaks affecting exams for police constable recruitment and RO-ARO positions.
&nbsp;
This ordinance, sanctioned by the State Cabinet, proposes stringent penalties including life imprisonment and fines up to Rs 1 crore for those found guilty.
&nbsp;
The move comes after the Uttar Pradesh Police Recruitment and Promotion Board cancelled the written exam for direct recruitment-2023 following allegations of paper leaks on February 24. Over 48 lakh candidates had participated in the constable recruitment exam held on February 17 and 18, highlighting the scale and impact of the issue.
&nbsp;
A press release from the Uttar Pradesh government outlines the ordinance's key provisions. It mandates a minimum sentence of two years to life imprisonment and imposes hefty fines for violating its stipulations.
&nbsp;
Additionally, the ordinance allows for the recovery of financial losses caused by exam disruptions from those involved in the malpractice. Companies and service providers found complicit in irregularities may face permanent blacklisting.
&nbsp;
Furthermore, the ordinance empowers authorities to seize property connected to criminal activities related to exam fraud. Offences under this law are categorised as cognizable, non-bailable, and triable exclusively by Sessions Courts. It also establishes stringent criteria for bail, emphasising the severity with which the government intends to tackle such violations.
&nbsp;
Previously, the Uttar Pradesh government had taken the decision to cancel the statewide police constable recruitment exam following reports of leaked question papers, underscoring the need for stricter measures to maintain the integrity of public examinations.
&nbsp;
This initiative by the Uttar Pradesh government reflects its commitment to ensuring fair and transparent recruitment processes. By introducing this ordinance, the state aims to deter future incidents of exam malpractice and uphold the trust of millions of aspiring candidates and the public at large in the recruitment system.

Lucknow

Yogi Govt takes drastic action on exam scandals

After confusion over the closing time of shops in Hyderabad, the city police on Monday, June 24, clarified that the shops can remain open until midnight.
&nbsp;
In a social media post, the Hyderabad police said, &ldquo;The recent social media news making rounds that city police are closing shops by 10.30 or 11 pm are totally misleading. The shops and establishments will open/close as per the already existing rules only.&rdquo;
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
The recent social media news making rounds that city police are closing shops by 10.30 or 11 pm are totally misleading. The shops and establishments will open/close as per the already existing rules only. Hence the same may be noted by all.
&mdash; Hyderabad City Police (@hydcitypolice) <a href="https://twitter.com/hydcitypolice/status/1805269733891002532?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 24, 2024</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
While police blamed social media for spreading the &lsquo;fake news&rsquo;, it was the Telangana Congress&rsquo; post on X which triggered the controversy by saying that CM Revanth Reddy had directed police to shut down commercial establishments by 10.30 or 11 pm.
&nbsp;
The post was later deleted when some asked why directions were issued by the ruling party instead of the police.
&nbsp;
Adding to this, in a video clip which went viral, police from a patrol vehicle were seen making an announcement threatening to assault people if they were seen hanging around on roads after 11 pm. &ldquo;11 ke baad dikhtey nai, agar dikhtey toh lathi charge kardete. No friendly police after 11 pm, it will be lathi-charge police.&rdquo;&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The police announcement was widely condemned. Taking offence to this, Hyderabad MP and AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi asked the police would make such announcements in the upscale Jubilee Hills area. &ldquo;Big metros across the country allow shops to be open in the night. There&rsquo;s already an economic downturn. Why is it different in Hyderabad?&rdquo; Owaisi wrote on X.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The police have increased vigilance in the city after a series of murders in the past few days. A special drive is underway in areas like Yakutpura, Rein Bazar, Talabkatta, Moghalpura, Charminar, Shalibanda, Laldarwaza and other neighbouring areas.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Police have also advised restaurant owners not to keep the establishments open beyond the permissible hours. Meanwhile, 12 persons were arrested by the Shalibanda police on June 24 for their alleged involvement in the murder of a person during a brawl outside a restaurant in Mecca Colony on June 18 night.
&nbsp;

Hyderabad cops deny orders to shut shops by 11 PM

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi today alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi does not want constructive cooperation from the opposition as he said something and did something else.
&nbsp;
In an informal conversation with reporters here today, Gandhi said, Modi says something and means something else.
&nbsp;
Quoting newspaper reports that Modi wanted constructive cooperation from the opposition, he said, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had called the Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and sought opposition support for the election of the Speaker.
&nbsp;
He said Kharge told Singh that the opposition was ready to support the government for the Speaker&rsquo;s post, provided according to the convention, the Deputy Speaker&rsquo;s post was given to the opposition.
&nbsp;
He said, Singh told Kharge that he would get back to him, which he never did till now. He alleged that the ruling party was insulting their leader (Kharge) with this attitude.
&nbsp;
Claiming that it was a convention that the Deputy Speaker was from the opposition, the senior Congress leader pointed out, that the UPA had given the Deputy Speaker&rsquo;s post to the opposition.
&nbsp;
He said, there was a difference between what Modi said and what he meant and did. He observed Modi does not want constructive cooperation from the opposition, notwithstanding what he says.&nbsp;&nbsp;

PM doesn’t want cooperation from Oppn: RaGa

Assamese culture and conservation efforts took center stage at the Natural History Museum in London, where intricately woven Mekhela Sador adorned with hargila motifs are on display.
&nbsp;
The garments not only celebrate Assam&rsquo;s traditional attire but also convey a powerful message about hargila (greater adjutant stork) conservation efforts led by Dr. Purnima Devi Barman, a renowned biologist and UNEP Champion of the Earth.
&nbsp;
The teal-colored Mekhela Sador, intricately designed by Dr. Barman in collaboration with the Hargila Army women members, showcases the unique blend of traditional Assamese weaving and wildlife conservation.
&nbsp;
This initiative was spurred by Jess Simpson from the Natural History Museum, who sought to highlight Assam&rsquo;s conservation success story through textiles.
&nbsp;
&ldquo;This display allows visitors from London and around the world to learn about our conservation efforts in Assam through our cultural heritage,&rdquo; remarked Dr. Barman, expressing her delight at the global recognition of their work.
&nbsp;
Last year, a similar exhibition at the Design Museum in London garnered significant attention and is now set to travel to the Wereldmuseum in the Netherlands.
&nbsp;
Dr. Barman highlighted the broader impact of these initiatives, stating, &ldquo;This is not just about showcasing textiles; it&rsquo;s about environmental education and community empowerment. It demonstrates how local communities can integrate conservation messages into their traditional crafts, preserving our biodiversity and culture.&rdquo;
&nbsp;
As the Director of Women in Nature Network, India chapter, and associated biologist with Aaranyak, Dr. Barman urged youth to initiate small steps towards conservation, stressing the transformative power of grassroots efforts.
&nbsp;
&ldquo;I started this small initiative, which has now touched everyone&rsquo;s heart. I urge all our youth to start with a small initiative for conservation, which can become something bigger one day,&rdquo; she encouraged.

Assam's 'Mekhela' attire wows at London Museum

The maiden Cabinet meeting of the NDA government, chaired by Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu at the State Secretariat on Monday, approved a slew of decisions.
<p style="background: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: var(--arrow-lh-5); font-stretch: normal; word-break: break-word; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px; margin: 0cm 0cm 11.25pt 0cm;">The Council of Ministers decided that starting June 28, seven white papers pertaining to the Polavaram irrigation project, Amaravati, energy, environment (land, sand, mines), liquor, law and order, and State finances will be released. All the documents will be released by July 18. 
The aim of approving the release of the white papers was to &ldquo;sensitise the people on the erratic approach of the previous government in dealing with key projects&rdquo;.
<p style="background: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: var(--arrow-lh-5); font-stretch: normal; word-break: break-word; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px; margin: 0cm 0cm 11.25pt 0cm;">Further, he said a total of 16,347 teacher posts, including 6,371 secondary grade teachers, 132 physical education teachers, 7,725 school assistants, 1,781 trained graduate teachers, 286 post-graduate teachers and 52 principal posts, will be filled through the Mega DSC.
Naidu told the Cabinet that the DSC will be conducted on an annual basis to fill the vacant teacher posts.
<p style="background: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: var(--arrow-lh-5); font-stretch: normal; word-break: break-word; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px; margin: 0cm 0cm 11.25pt 0cm;">Further, the Cabinet approved the decision to rename the social pension scheme as NTR Pension Bharosa scheme and to hike monthly pension for the elderly, widows, fishermen and others to Rs 4,000 from Rs 3,000.&nbsp;
The annual burden on the exchequer has been pegged at over Rs 33,000 crore. Volunteers will not be involved in the process as the government is yet to take a call on how to utilise their services.
Additionally, it was decided that pensions for persons with disabilities will be increased to Rs 6,000 from Rs 3,000, while those who are totally disabled will get Rs 15,000 from the present Rs 5,000. 
Conducting Skill Census in the State was among the other decisions taken during the Cabinet meeting. The government felt it was necessary to have the details of skilled youth for the social and economic progress of any State or country. 
In view of the rise in drug abuse by youth, it was decided that a five-member Cabinet sub-committee will be formed to formulate an action plan for checking drug menace.&nbsp;
Further, the Council of Minister also approved the reopening of Anna Canteens to provide quality food for the poor at subsidised prices. 
Chief Minister directed the departments concerned to take preventive measures to check the spread of seasonal diseases. Steps will also be taken to repair roads in the State.
&nbsp;
Primary decisions in a nutshell
1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Mega DSC to fill 16,347 teacher&rsquo;s post
2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Hike in pension from Rs 3,000 to Rs 4,000
3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Five-member Cabinet sub-committee to draw plan for checking drug menace
4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Reopening of Anna Canteens
5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Conducting Skill census
6.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Repealing AP Land Titling Act
7.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Renaming YSR Pension Kanuka as NTR Pension Bharosa
&nbsp;

Vijayawada

AP Cabinet's nod to slew of welfare measures

The Srinagar administration has formed an expert panel with members from the local National Institute of Technology (NIT) and Kashmir University to investigate Monday&rsquo;s land sinking incident in Rainawari, which left several houses damaged.
 This is the third land sinking incident in Jammu and Kashmir this year, following subsidence events in Ramban and Udhampur.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDNA) is still investigating causes of the previous incidents.
&nbsp;
Informing reporters about the investigations, the deputy commissioner of Srinagar, Dr Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din, said, "The team is working diligently and will soon submit their report, after which further action will be initiated.&rdquo;
&nbsp;
Steps would be taken to rehabilitate the affected families once the report was filed, Dr Mohi-Ud-Din, who is also the chairman of the Disaster Management Authority, added.
&nbsp;
Six houses were damaged due to land sinking on Monday. Residents reported a gradual subsidence in the area and promptly informed officials, who visited the site and advised residents to vacate their homes and move to safer locations.
&nbsp;
Some affected families, now living in rented accommodation, expressed concerns about having no place to stay. They have temporarily taken shelter with families living close by and urged the government to rehabilitate them.
&nbsp;
&ldquo;We don&rsquo;t know how long it will take to rehabilitate us. We are homeless and cannot afford to build new houses,&rdquo; some of them told reporters. Most of them remain anxious about their future.
&nbsp;
Residents noted that such incidents are unprecedented in their locality, though land sinking has become increasingly common across the Kashmir Valley in recent years.

Srinagar

NIT, KU experts to study land sinking in Srinagar

In its heyday, the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS), headed by K Chandrasekhar Rao, used to take pride in its &ldquo;Operation Akarsh&rdquo;, a drive to lure the then-opposition Congress legislators into its fold to eventually make Telangana &ldquo;Congress-Mukt&rdquo;.
&nbsp;
It did succeed in its mission to a large extent.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
In June 2019, as many as 12 Congress MLAs, who had switched over to the TRS in phases, met the Assembly Speaker P Srinivas Reddy, seeking to merge with the ruling party.
&nbsp;
The move was significant because they constituted two-thirds of the Congress&rsquo; tally in the 119-member assembly and hence their switch over would not attract the provisions of the Anti-defection Act.
&nbsp;
Five years later, Karma has hit back the TRS, now rechristened as Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) and smarting from the drubbing it received in the recent assembly elections. The regional party is now facing a steady desertion from its camp.
&nbsp;
As many as five BRS MLAs have crossed over to the ruling Congress in the recent weeks, dealing a major blow to the party. It had managed to win 39 assembly seats in the elections held in December last year, while Congress came to power with 64 seats. The party is now struggling to keep its flock together.
&nbsp;
Ironically, the former assembly speaker P Srinivas Reddy is among the defectors. Four other legislators who defected to Congress are Tellam Venkat Rao, Danam Nagender, Kadiam Srihari and Sanjay Kumar. Hyderabad Mayor Vijaya Laxmi R Gadwal too has quit the BRS and joined the Congress. There is a speculation in political circles that some more BRS MLAs are preparing to join the Congress in the days ahead.
&nbsp;
To knock the doors of SC
&nbsp;
The BRS is planning to approach the Supreme Court seeking disqualification of its MLAs who defected to the Congress. The apex court said in the past that the Speaker must decide on a disqualification petition within three months of receiving the petition.
&nbsp;
A hearing on the disqualification of Danam Nagender, the city MLA, is scheduled in the High Court on June 27. If the High Court does not immediately decide the case, the BRS will take the matter to the Supreme Court.
&nbsp;
Taking strong exception to the series of defections, the BRS working president and former minister K T Rama Rao said his party had seen similar defections in the past when Congress was in power and that the grand old party had to eventually "bow down".
&nbsp;
"We had faced several defections of MLAs in the past in 2004- 06 when Congress was in Government. Telangana responded strongly by stepping up the people&rsquo;s agitation and eventually Congress had to bow its head. History shall repeat itself," Rao said on 'X'.
&nbsp;
"Chief Minister Revanth Reddy's unconstitutional actions of poaching MLAs from other parties starkly contradict the principles of democracy championed by the late Rajiv Gandhi, particularly regarding the anti-defection law introduced during his tenure to preserve the values and integrity of the democratic process.
&nbsp;
It is ironic that Revanth Reddy, as the Telangana Congress chief, who once vociferously decried political defections, now brazenly indulges in the same practices he previously condemned. This hypocrisy not only highlights his manipulative tendencies but also shows his disrespect to the legislative measures put in place by Rajiv Gandhi to prevent such political opportunism," said BRS spokesperson Sravan Dasoju.

Karma bites back, BRS faces desertion in Telangana

A Canadian Member of Parliament from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's Liberal Party has criticised the decision to mark the first anniversary of the death of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar with a moment of silence in the House of Commons. Chandra Arya, an MP from Napean, Canada, expressed his disapproval, stating that the tribute was inappropriate.
&nbsp;
Chandra Arya emphasised that the Parliament's practice of observing a minute of silence is reserved for individuals who have significantly served Canadians throughout their lives. According to Arya, Nijjar did not fit this criterion, as reported by The Globe and Mail.
&nbsp;
Despite this, MPs from all parties participated in the tribute to Nijjar, who was murdered outside the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia, on June 18, 2023.
&nbsp;
The situation has been complicated by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's assertion of "credible allegations" linking Nijjar's murder to the Indian government. These allegations have caused diplomatic tensions between Canada and India. India has strongly denied any involvement, calling the allegations "absurd and motivated."
&nbsp;
Chandra Arya reiterated his condemnation of the tribute, highlighting that the recognition should be limited to Canadians who have made substantial contributions to the country.
&nbsp;
He pointed to an investigation by The Globe and Mail that raised concerns about Nijjar's ties to extremism, his entry into Canada with a false passport, and his involvement in the Khalistan separatist movement. Arya stressed that the Parliament's minute of silence should be reserved for those who have genuinely served the nation.
&nbsp;
The controversy surrounding Nijjar's tribute is further intensified by ongoing tensions related to the 1985 Air India bombing, which resulted in the deaths of 329 people.
&nbsp;
Canadian investigations have attributed the attack to Sikh extremists in Canada. Arya expressed concerns about conspiracy theories promoted by some Khalistan supporters, which claim that the Indian government was involved in the bombing. These theories have caused distress to the families of the victims.
&nbsp;
Deepak Khandelwal, who lost two sisters in the Air India bombing, criticised the Trudeau government's handling of the situation. He stated that it "emboldens" such behaviour and emphasised the need to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. Khandelwal's sentiments were echoed by Mahesh Sharma, a professor at Concordia's business school, who lost his wife and daughters in the attack. Sharma dismissed the conspiracy theories as "totally absurd."
&nbsp;
Despite the controversy, the federal New Democratic Party (NDP) defended the minute of silence for Nijjar. NDP House Leader Peter Julian described Nijjar's death as a terrifying incident that has caused fear and unease among many Canadians.
&nbsp;
Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland responded to questions about protests at Air India memorials by reiterating the government's commitment to protecting Canadians' rights. She emphasised that it is unacceptable to kill Canadians on Canadian soil.
&nbsp;
In conclusion, the decision to honour Hardeep Singh Nijjar in the Canadian Parliament has sparked significant controversy, drawing criticism from within Prime Minister Trudeau's own party.
&nbsp;
The incident has also brought renewed attention to historical and ongoing tensions between Canada and India, highlighting the complexities of addressing issues related to terrorism and extremism.

Ottawa

Trudeau's MP rues Parliament's Nijjar tribute

Nagaland Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio, has spoken out on behalf of the 45 Naga youth detained in Punjab's Patiala and Ropar District Jails for alleged involvement in cybercrime. He asserts that these individuals are being &ldquo;falsely implicated.&rdquo;
&nbsp;
Among the detainees, ten hail from the Lotha tribe. The male detainees are currently held in Nabha Jail, Patiala, while the female detainees are in Ropar District Jail.
&nbsp;
The plight of these youth was brought to light by Neeraj Punj, a volunteer with Helping Hands, an NGO based in Chandigarh. Speaking at an event in Wokha district on Tuesday, Punj detailed the situation.
&nbsp;
He revealed that the Naga individuals were arrested following a bust by Punjab Police of two fake call centres in Patiala on May 15, leading to approximately 155 arrests.
&nbsp;
&ldquo;These individuals have been in jail for over a month, enduring extreme temperatures exceeding 46 degrees Celsius,&rdquo; Punj highlighted, stressing on the harsh conditions faced by the detainees.
&nbsp;
Punj also pointed out a significant gap in awareness among the parents of the detained youth regarding their children&rsquo;s incarceration in Punjab.
&nbsp;
&ldquo;When I contacted the parents, many were completely unaware of their children being locked up in a Punjab jail. Some were apprehensive about the legal process, indicating their limited understanding of the severity of cybercrimes,&rdquo; he lamented.
&nbsp;
In response to the situation, Chief Minister Rio, after a meeting with Advocate General K N Balgopal in New Delhi on Saturday, directed him to personally intervene and deploy a legal team to secure the immediate release of the detained youth.
&nbsp;
A report from the Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), published in the local press, detailed Rio&rsquo;s instructions and emphasized the urgency of legal action.
&nbsp;
Rio has also instructed the Resident Commissioner in-charge of Nagaland House in New Delhi to maintain contact with the families of the detained youth and provide necessary assistance.
&nbsp;
Families have been urged to cooperate with the Government of Nagaland by providing all relevant information to facilitate the release of their children.
&nbsp;
Punj further stressed the need to scrutinize the authenticity of recruiting companies that lure unsuspecting individuals from the Northeast under false pretences of employment, subsequently involving them in criminal activities.
&nbsp;
&ldquo;Everything is just a few taps away on Google. The first thing you need to do is verify the contact details of the recruiting company. Check if the company is registered with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs on the MCA website. Also, verify if the physical address provided by the company actually exists,&rdquo; he advised.
&nbsp;

Nagaland CM Rio defends 45 Nagas jailed in Punjab

Indian equity markets closed on a record-high note on Monday, with both the NSE Nifty 50 and the BSE Sensex reaching unprecedented levels.
&nbsp;
The NSE Nifty 50 surged to a new all-time high of 23,754.15, before closing 183 points or 0.78% higher from its previous close, at 23,721. Similarly, the BSE Sensex touched a historic high of 78,165 and settled above the psychological 78,000 mark for the first time ever, ending the day 712 points or 0.92% higher at 78,054.
&nbsp;
Leading the charge in the Nifty 50 were Shriram Finance, Axis Bank, ICICI Bank, and both HDFC entities. Meanwhile, the Bank Nifty index also saw a remarkable rally, gaining over 1,000 points in a single day and reaching an all-time high of 52,746.50. The Bank Nifty closed 902 points or 1.74% higher from its previous close, at 52,606.
&nbsp;
However, not all sectors shared in the jubilation. The Nifty Midcap 100 index fell 209 points or 0.38%, closing at 55,369, with midcap stocks generally ending the day in the red. Sectoral indices such as Nifty Bank, Financial Services, and Private Banks were the primary drivers of the market&rsquo;s new highs, while realty and metal stocks saw significant profit booking.
&nbsp;
Despite the overall upward trend, the broader markets experienced mixed outcomes. Realty and metal stocks faced profit booking pressures, which tempered gains in other areas. Conversely, the financial sector, particularly private banks, propelled the market to new heights.
&nbsp;
Vinod Nair, Head of Research at Geojit Financial Services, commented on the day&rsquo;s performance: &ldquo;The domestic market experienced a financial sector-driven rally today, primarily led by private banks, with the Nifty Bank reaching a new high and the Sensex surpassing 78,000. However, profit booking was evident in sectors such as realty, power, metals, and midcaps. Amidst moderate consolidations and sector rotations, the market is moving upwards due to expectations from the upcoming budget. Additionally, the progress of the monsoon is being watched for insights into the consumption outlook.&rdquo;

Nifty hit highs, banks drive market up

Ahead of the Urban Local Body (ULB) Elections 2024 in Dimapur, the State Election Commission has announced stringent measures to ensure peace and public tranquility.
&nbsp;
The elections, scheduled for June 26, 2024, will encompass the Dimapur Municipal Council, East Dimapur Town Council, Chumoukedima Town Council, Medziphema Town Council, and Niuland Town Council.
&nbsp;
To prevent any disturbances, Commissioner of Police, Dimapur, Kevithuto Sophie, IPS, has imposed a prohibitory order under Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973. This order aims to curb any breach of peace during the election period.
&nbsp;
The order prohibits the assembly of five or more people in public places within the jurisdictions of the specified councils, with exceptions made within 100 meters of polling stations during voting hours.
&nbsp;
Movement between wards or from neighboring villages to Municipal/Town Councils is restricted on polling day. Public meetings, processions, and any unlawful assemblies related to the election are also banned.
&nbsp;
Additionally, the display or propagation of election-related material through print, electronic media, or similar means is prohibited.
&nbsp;
Carrying lethal weapons, firearms, inflammable objects, and using public address systems in public places or near polling stations is also forbidden.
&nbsp;
The order will be enforced from 5:00 PM on June 25, 2024, until 7:00 PM on June 27, 2024. Violators will face punitive action under Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code and the Nagaland Municipal Act 2023.
&nbsp;
The order has been passed ex-parte due to urgent circumstances and will be disseminated to the public via press releases and notice boards at the offices of District Administration, DCPs, ADCPs, ACPs, and Police Stations in Dimapur, Chumoukedima, and Niuland districts.

Sec 144 imposed in Dimapur for Nagaland ULB polls

Research reveals that individuals who do not consume coffee and sit for six or more hours daily face nearly a 60% higher risk of dying as compared to coffee drinkers who sit less than six hours.
&nbsp;
This indicated an increased risk of dying in sedentary people not consuming coffee, but not among those drinking coffee, researchers following over 10,000 adults in the US for up to 13 years said, in research published in the journal BioMed Central (BMC) Public Health.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The researchers at the Medical College of Soochow University's School of Public Health in China also found that sedentary coffee drinkers were at a 24 per cent lower risk of death compared to non-coffee drinkers sitting for at least six hours a day.
&nbsp;
The result, not featured in the study, was calculated at The Washington Post's request, according to the media website's report.
&nbsp;
"The benefits of coffee consumption in improving overall survival in adults compared to sedentary behaviour are manifold," the authors wrote in the study.
Consuming coffee lowers the risk of metabolic problems known to worsen inflammation, which contributes to heightening death risks because of sedentary behaviour, they said.
&nbsp;
In their study, the authors found that the risk of dying from any cause significantly lowered by 33% among a fourth of all the participants consuming the highest amounts of coffee compared to non-coffee drinkers.
&nbsp;
The results were consistent with those from previous studies, which have found a link between drinking more coffee and a lowered risk of dying from any cause and heart disease, they said.
&nbsp;
Compounds present in coffee, including caffeine and polyphenols, are anti-inflammatory. However, how exactly coffee works in the body to lower the risk of dying is still unclear, the researchers said.
&nbsp;
Further, the team also found that sitting for more than eight hours a day was linked with over 40 per cent higher risk of death from any cause and almost 80 per cent higher risk of dying due to heart disease.
&nbsp;
For their analysis, the researchers used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), which follows Americans' health and nutrition.
&nbsp;
"Given that coffee is a complex compound, further research is needed to explore this miracle compound," the authors wrote.&nbsp;

Non-coffee drinkers at 60% more risk of dying

A pest outbreak likely to have originated from Pakistan or China on poplar trees in Ladakh has alarmed experts who attribute the infestation to changing climatic conditions. &nbsp; The Pheosia Albivertex, first detected a few years ago, has re-emerged, severely impacting poplar trees, which are vital for the livelihood of local farmers.&nbsp; &nbsp; The outbreak was highlighted when a video showing the damaged trees went viral on social media, prompting swift action from the administration. Scientists and officials from the Forest Department with experts from Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Kargil, have been working tirelessly to mitigate the impact of the pest attack. &nbsp; Councillor Sajjad Khan from Saliskot has said, &ldquo;Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), Kargil, will extend complete support to the farmers whose trees have been damaged due to the pest attack.&rdquo; &nbsp; Dr. Mohammad Mehdi, Principal Scientist at KVK Kargil said, &ldquo;The insect can damage the trees, causing potential economic losses if not managed promptly. &nbsp; The poplar tree is a main source of livelihood in the region, and failure to manage the pest could spread to adjoining areas, making it more difficult to control,&rdquo; he said.&nbsp; &nbsp; He added that managing the pest requires the cooperation of the entire village as the insects cause complete defoliation of the trees. &nbsp; A recent study in the Journal of Asia-Pacific Biodiversity, authored by scientists from Ladakh and J&amp;K, highlights the climate-induced pest problem.&nbsp; &nbsp; &ldquo;Ladakh, characterised by high-intensity sunshine, low humidity, and water stress conditions, experienced no heavy poplar pest infestation for a long time. &nbsp; However, due to climate change and the prevalence of warmer and humid summers, significant damage to poplar plantations has been observed in the last 10 years,&rdquo; the study notes. &nbsp; The study suggests that the pest may have been introduced from neighbouring regions like China or Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, where it has been previously reported. &nbsp; Ladakh is currently in the grip of a severe heatwave, intensifying the threat posed by the recent pest infestation on its poplar trees. Experts warn that as temperatures soar, the impact of climate change on Ladakh could have far-reaching consequences.
&nbsp;

Experts worried as pests attack poplars in Ladakh

A row has erupted between the Centre and the West Bengal government over water-sharing talks with Dhaka. The rift stems from Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina&rsquo;s visit to New Delhi last week during which she held bilateral talks with her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi on River Teesta and the 1996 Ganga Water Treaty.
&nbsp;
On Monday (24 June), West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee expressed anguish for not being included in the discussions with Bangladesh. However, the Centre has rebuffed her claims of not being consulted over the issue.
&nbsp;
Centre rejects CM Banerjee&rsquo;s claims
&nbsp;
The Central government has denied CM Banerjee&rsquo;s claim of being excluded from the water-sharing talks with Bangladesh.
&nbsp;
Central government sources told the media that the state government was notified about the discussions with Dhaka.
&nbsp;
According to the sources, the West Bengal government was part of the review process regarding the Ganga water treaty.
&nbsp;
Last July, the Centre asked Bengal for a nominee for the panel tasked with reviewing the 1996 India-Bangladesh Treaty.
&nbsp;
In August of that year, Banerjee&rsquo;s government nominated the Chief Engineer (Design and Research) at the Irrigation and Waterways Directorate for the committee, said sources.
&nbsp;
The West Bengal government, reportedly, was an active participant in the discussions and provided important data needed for the renewal of the 1996 Ganga Water Treaty.
&nbsp;
&nbsp;In April, they said, Biplab Mukhopadhyay, Joint Secretary of the Irrigation &amp; Waterways Department, kept forward West Bengal&rsquo;s demand for domestic and industrial water for the next 25-30 years.
&nbsp;
Mamata Banerjee&rsquo;s letter to PM Modi
&nbsp;
CM Banerjee wrote a letter to PM Modi expressing &ldquo;strong reservation&rdquo; over the alleged exclusion from the talks with Bangladesh on Teesta water sharing and the 1996 Farakka Treaty.
&nbsp;
&ldquo;I am writing this letter in the context of the recent visit of the Prime Minister of Bangladesh. It seems that water-sharing issues relating to the Ganges and Teesta rivers may have been discussed during the meeting.
&nbsp;
Such unilateral deliberations and discussions without consultation and the opinion of the state government is neither acceptable nor desirable,&rdquo; she said in a three-page letter.
&nbsp;
She urged the PM not to hold such discussions with Dhaka without involving the West Bengal government.
&nbsp;
She said that the people of her state would be the &ldquo;worst sufferers&rdquo; of any pacts on water sharing.
&nbsp;
&ldquo;I would like to bring to your notice that river morphology has changed in the eastern part of India and Bangladesh over many years which has deprived West Bengal and negatively impacted the water availability in the state,&rdquo; she added.
&nbsp;
On Saturday (22 June), Hasina and Modi held talks on the conservation and management of River Teesta and the continuation of the 1996 Ganga Water Treaty.
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Glad to have welcomed PM Sheikh Hasina to Delhi today. Over the year, we have met about ten times but this visit is special because she is our first state guest after our Government returned to power for the third term. Be it the &lsquo;Neighbourhood First&rsquo;, &lsquo;Act East&rsquo; or SAGAR policy,&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/qi4q3FRNDO">pic.twitter.com/qi4q3FRNDO</a>
&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1804487676738891890?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2024</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Why the Teesta water-sharing treaty remains elusive?
&nbsp;
India and Bangladesh share 54 rivers flowing from the Himalayas to the Bay of Bengal.
 The Ganga and the Brahmaputra (known as Jamuna in Bangladesh) are the largest rivers the two countries share. The Teesta is a tributary of the Brahmaputra, cascading from Sikkim and West Bengal before entering Bangladesh.
&nbsp;
Talks between the two countries over the sharing of Teesta waters went on for decades, without much progress until 2011.
&nbsp;
<figure class="image"><img title="Tourists enjoy a boat ride at the Teesta river in Jalpaiguri district" src="https://api.newsarenaindia.com//uploads/teesta-rivernaijpg_1719313866286.jpg" alt="Tourists enjoy a boat ride at the Teesta river in Jalpaiguri district" width="1500" height="800">
<figcaption><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0cm; padding: 0cm; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;">Tourists enjoy a boat ride at the Teesta river in Jalpaiguri district.</figcaption>
</figure>
According to the pact, discussed under the Manmohan Singh-led UPA government, India would get 42.5 per cent of the Teesta&rsquo;s waters and Bangladesh 37.5 per cent during the dry season.
&nbsp;
Bangladesh&rsquo;s farmers have long flagged the shortage of water in the winter months.
&nbsp;
However, the 2011 agreement had to be shelved after Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee refused to sign, saying the pact would be against the interest of her state&rsquo;s farmers.
&nbsp;
As Trinamool Congress (TMC) was a key coalition partner of the UPA government and water is a state issue, the deal fell through due to Banerjee&rsquo;s disapproval, according to sources.
&nbsp;
The Teesta water-sharing agreement between India and Bangladesh has been waiting to be signed since 2011.
&nbsp;
The renewed talks on Teesta assume significance amid China showing interest in the river.
&nbsp;
Beijing had, reportedly, proposed to dredge and embank a portion of the Teesta river but New Delhi opposed the project due to security concerns. Bangladesh&rsquo;s Hasina has not given a nod to China&rsquo;s plans yet.
&nbsp;
What is the 1996 Ganga Water Treaty?
&nbsp;
The aim behind the 1996 treaty on the sharing of the Ganges waters at Farakka was to end the differences over the entitlement to water flows between India and Bangladesh, which arose after the commissioning of the Farakka barrage in 1975 to divert water from the Ganges to the River Hooghly to maintain the Calcutta port's navigability.
&nbsp;
The treaty's main objective was to determine the amount of water to be released by India.
&nbsp;
Essentially, under the treaty, the upper riparian state, India, and the lower riparian, Bangladesh, agreed to share the Ganges water at Farakka, which is a dam on the River Bhagirathi around 10 kilometres from the Bangladesh border.
&nbsp;
The treaty, which will expire on December 12, 2026, entails a schedule of flows from the Farakka barrage from January to May, the dry season months. Under the treaty, India can withdraw up to 40,000 cusecs of flow if the availability at Farakka exceeds 75,000 cusecs.
&nbsp;
However, if the availability falls below 70,000 cusecs, the flow is to be divided equally between the two countries. The treaty guarantees 35,000 cusecs to Bangladesh if the flow is in the range of 70,000-75,000 cusecs.
&nbsp;
A cusec is a unit of flow, especially of water, which is equal to one cubic foot per second.
&nbsp;
There was also an earlier agreement between the two neighbours, signed in 1977 for five years.
&nbsp;
The first arrangement was signed on November 5, 1977, between the governments of Morarji Desai in India and Major-General Ziaur Rahman in Bangladesh.
&nbsp;
The second arrangement was signed on December 12, 1996, between the governments of HD Deve Gowda in India and Sheikh Hasina in Bangladesh.

Why Teesta & Ganga treaties leave Mamata upset?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to visit Russia in July, as per reports from the Russian state news agency RIA. The visit is currently being organised by both Indian and Russian diplomatic channels. This will be Modi's first visit to Russia since 2019 and his first since the onset of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
&nbsp;
The Kremlin had extended an invitation to PM Modi earlier in March, confirming that a meeting between Modi and President Vladimir Putin is anticipated. President Putin, who was sworn in for his fifth consecutive term in May this year, had congratulated PM Modi on his third consecutive term as Prime Minister of India following the recent parliamentary elections.
&nbsp;
If the visit occurs, it will mark an important diplomatic engagement between the two leaders. The last high-level meeting between them took place on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, on September 16, 2022. During that meeting, Modi urged Putin to pursue dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
&nbsp;
Despite India&rsquo;s growing strategic and security ties with the United States and other Western nations, it has refrained from publicly condemning Russia's actions in Ukraine. India has continued to purchase Russian crude oil, arguing that it is necessary to manage domestic oil prices amidst global uncertainties.
&nbsp;
India has consistently advocated for the cessation of hostilities in Ukraine and has called for dialogue and diplomacy to achieve a lasting solution to the conflict. The anticipated visit by PM Modi to Russia could potentially address these ongoing issues and further strengthen bilateral relations between India and Russia.
&nbsp;
President Putin's last visit to India was in 2021 for the annual India-Russia Summit, which has not been held for the past two years. The upcoming visit by PM Modi is expected to further discussions on various bilateral, regional, and global issues, reaffirming the strong ties between the two nations amidst the complex geopolitical landscape.
&nbsp;
This visit also comes at a time when the global community is closely watching the dynamics of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The outcomes of the Modi-Putin meeting could have significant implications for international diplomacy and the ongoing efforts to find a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Ukraine.
&nbsp;
Both leaders are expected to discuss ways to enhance cooperation in various sectors, including defence, energy, and trade. The meeting is anticipated to underscore the longstanding friendship between India and Russia, while also addressing current geopolitical challenges and opportunities for collaboration.

PM Modi plans Russia visit in July as per reports

Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh said on Tuesday that the government has approved an extension of the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, originally aimed at textiles, to include the garments sector.
&nbsp;
This move is intended to strengthen domestic manufacturing capabilities and enhance export potential.
&nbsp;
Addressing attendees at the India International Garment Fair (IIGF), Minister Singh, highlighted government's commitment to boost growth within the textiles and garments industry. The PLI scheme, which initially received a budgetary allocation exceeding Rs 10,000 crore, has already been instrumental in promoting the production of man-made fibre apparel, fabrics, and technical textiles across the country.
&nbsp;
"We are considering to cover your (garments) sector also (under the scheme)," stated Minister Singh, highlighting the potential for expanding the scheme's benefits to include garment manufacturers as well.
&nbsp;
Singh outlined the government's vision to elevate the Indian textiles industry from its current market size of USD 165 billion to USD 350 billion, aiming to surpass global competitors like China in the process.
&nbsp;
In addition to expanding the PLI scheme, Singh proposed adopting a 'hub and spoke' model to enhance domestic manufacturing capabilities.
&nbsp;
He encouraged collaboration between large and small industry players, emphasizing the importance of leveraging synergies within the sector.
&nbsp;
Further addressing the gathering, Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) Chairman Sudhir Sekhri acknowledged the challenges posed by global economic headwinds but expressed optimism about the future growth prospects for Indian apparel exports.
&nbsp;
"Despite global challenges, the Indian apparel export industry has shown resilience," said Sekhri, highlighting the industry's ability to mitigate adverse effects and sustain its market position.
&nbsp;
Meanwhile, AEPC Secretary General Mithileshwar Thakur emphasized the potential for Indian apparel exporters to capitalize on favorable global economic trends, predicting robust growth opportunities in developed markets.
&nbsp;
"We must seize this opportunity to expand our footprint across developed countries," Thakur said.
&nbsp;
At the fair, different representatives from the industry highlighted the growing demand of Indian textiles. Meenakshi, owner of Gurgaon-based garment firm Cocoon Kapas, stressed upon the same, saying that the demand of textiles are particularly in natural fibres, from markets such as the US and Japan.
&nbsp;

India extends ₹10,000 cr PLI scheme to garments

Assam's tea industry is facing a significant new threat as a newly identified fungal disease begins to impact tea leaf quality and production.
&nbsp;
A dedicated team of scientists from Assam University, Silchar, has discovered a novel disease called leaf necrosis, posing a serious challenge to tea yields in the region.
&nbsp;
Led by Professor Piyush Pandey, Director of the Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) and professor in the Department of Microbiology, the research team has spent the last two years studying this new fungal disease caused by Lasiodiplodia theobromae.
&nbsp;
This fungus, previously reported in China, has now made its first documented appearance in India. "This marks the first report of Lasiodiplodia theobromae-induced leaf necrosis in India," Prof. Pandey revealed.
&nbsp;
The team collected samples from Dibrugarh and Barak Valley districts, discovering that leaf necrosis affects the upper parts of tea leaves, causing them to turn brown and rot.
&nbsp;
Historically, these plantations have combated fungal diseases like Corticium-induced black rot. "Our research initially focused on black rot, but we found that the symptoms of leaf necrosis caused by Lasiodiplodia theobromae are strikingly similar to those of Corticium infections, complicating diagnosis and treatment," Prof. Pandey explained.
&nbsp;
The research team further discovered that conventional fungicides are ineffective against Lasiodiplodia theobromae, presenting a significant problem for tea garden owners.
&nbsp;
"We have not only identified this disease at the molecular level but also reported its genome sequencing in our publication. Our current focus is on developing a treatment for this disease," Prof. Pandey added.
&nbsp;
Lauding the researchers' breakthrough, IB Ubhadia, General Manager of Rosekandy Tea Estate in Cachar, emphasized the importance of this research. "This vital research will help improve the control mechanisms needed to protect tea leaves from this fungal infection," Ubhadia stated.
&nbsp;
Discussing the disease, Ubhadia mentioned that the fungicides previously used in the plantations were ineffective against this unknown threat.
&nbsp;
"This prompted us to request assistance from the professors at Assam University, leading to the discovery of this new fungus. I want to thank the Vice Chancellor of Assam University, Prof. Rajiv Mohan Pant, for encouraging research that addresses the challenges faced by the tea industry," Ubhadia said.
&nbsp;
Experts warn that the rapid spread of this disease could potentially lead to more than a 50% loss in tea production if not effectively controlled.

New fungal threat hits Assam's tea industry

In a case of mistaken identity of a dead person, a man turned up alive at his "funeral" in Vikarabad district of Telangana where his family and relatives were making arrangements for burial after being informed about his death.
&nbsp;
The incident took place in Navandgi village in Basheerabad mandal of Vikarabad district, an official of the Government Railway Police (GRP) said on Tuesday.
The man P Yellappa, (40), a daily wage labourer was presumed dead after his family members were informed about his death when a body was found with a mobile phone on it.
&nbsp;
The GRP personnel found the body of an unidentified person on the tracks at Vikarabad railway station on June 22 night, with the head crushed and beyond recognition, the official said.
&nbsp;
One mobile phone was found near the body and police officials called up the family members from the phone, who informed them that it belonged to Yellappa. 
Yellappa's wife and his family members reached the government hospital in Vikarabad on June 23 and "identified" the body to be that of Yellappa, the official said.
&nbsp;
After an autopsy, the family members handed over the body and they took it to their village.
&nbsp;
As the family and relatives were making arrangements for the burial, some villagers informed them in the afternoon that they had seen Yellappa alive in Tandur town of the district.
&nbsp;
In the meanwhile, Yellappa also returned home to the surprise of the family members.
&nbsp;
Yellappa's family members immediately informed the GRP about it, who reached the village and brought back the body and kept it in mortuary at a government hospital in Vikarabad, the official said, adding the deceased man had not identified so far.
&nbsp;
The GRP also examined Yellappa and he told them that he had left home as part of work and someone stole his phone when he was sleeping at a bus stop in Tandur on June 20.
&nbsp;
His family members told the police that Yellappa used to return home after a week or so after being away on work, the official said.
&nbsp;
With regard to the unidentified man, police said he was hit by a train while crossing the tracks at the railway station on June 22 and a case was registered by the GRP. Further probe was on.&nbsp;
&nbsp;

‘Dead man’ turns up at his funeral

Delhi High Court, on Tuesday, stayed the trial court order granting bail to Arvind Kejriwal in a money laundering case related to liquor excise case. On the other hand, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), said that they will challenge HC's decision in the Supreme Court.&nbsp;&nbsp; 
A vacation bench of Justice Sudhir Kumar Jain said the trial court failed to appreciate the material placed before it by the Enforcement Directorate and did not apply its mind while deciding the AAP leader's bail plea.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The judge also said the trial court ought to have given adequate opportunity to the agency to argue its case.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Reacting to the development, the AAP said they will approach the apex court.
&nbsp;
"We disagree with the Delhi High Court order. We will challenge it in the Supreme Court," the party said.
&nbsp;
The trial court had granted bail to Kejriwal on June 20 and ordered his release on a personal bond of Rs 1 lakh.
&nbsp;
The ED moved the high court the next day and contended that the trial court's order was "perverse", "one-sided" and "wrong-sided" and that the findings were based on irrelevant facts.
&nbsp;
The excise policy was scrapped in 2022 after the Delhi lieutenant governor ordered a CBI probe into alleged irregularities and corruption involving its formulation and execution.
&nbsp;
According to the CBI and the ED, irregularities were committed while modifying the excise policy and undue favours extended to the licence holders.

Kejriwal's bail denied, AAP to move SC

The Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF) on Tuesday announced a hike in milk prices with effect from June 26, but it also said it would be enhancing the quantity of milk in its half and one litre packets by 50 ml.
&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">This comes days after the Karnataka government hiked sales tax on fuel, following which petrol prices have gone up by Rs 3 per litre and diesel by Rs 3.5 per litre in the state.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&ldquo;As it is the current harvest season, the storage of milk in all district milk unions is increasing every day and the current storage is close to one crore litres. In this background, the price of each packet is being increased by Rs 2 with an additional 50 ml of milk being given to the consumers only for each half liter (500ML) and one liter (1000ML) packets,&rdquo; KMF said in a statement.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">Currently, the 500 ml toned milk packet of Nandini costs Rs 22. With this hike, the 550 ml packet will now cost Rs 24. Similarly, the 1000 ml (1 litre) packet was priced at Rs 42 and will now be sold as 1,050 ml at Rs 44.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">Similarly, prices will go up for other categories of milk under Nandini brand.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&ldquo;In the dairy industry, Karnataka Cooperative Milk Producers Mahamandal (federation) is the second largest Mahamandal in the country... KMF has been procuring and processing milk from more than 27 lakh dairy farmers of the state through its member milk unions for the past five decades and has been introducing a variety of superior quality milk and milk products under the brand name &lsquo;Nandini&rsquo;,&rdquo; it stated.

Bengaluru

Nandini milk price to go up by Rs 2 from June 26

Hitting fifties, and hundreds isn't the goal of Rohit Sharma, instead, he looks 'to bat with the same tempo and carry on'. Rohit fell 8 runs short of hitting a hundred in yesterday's T20 WC match against Australia.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
"It was a good wicket, and you want to try and back yourself to play those kinds of shots. I've been trying to do that for a few years now, and I'm glad it came off today. The fifties and hundreds don't matter, I wanted to bat with the same tempo and carry on," said Sharma.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Rohit's 92-run knock that came off 41 deliveries steered India to a 24-run win over former champions Australia in their final Super 8 outing of the ongoing T20 World Cup on Monday. The record for the fastest T20 World Cup hundred belongs to West Indian swashbuckler Chris Gayle, who pulled it off in 47 deliveries in the 2016 edition.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Expectedly adjudged player of the match for the memorable effort, which was punctuated by eight sixes and seven fours, the 37-year-old said his focus was only on maintaining the "tempo" of the match. India will take on England in the second semifinal on June 27.
&nbsp;
"You want to make big scores, yes, but at the same time you want to make the bowlers think where the next shot is coming, and I think I managed to do that today," Rohit added.
&nbsp;
"You need to put the bowlers under pressure, and you need big scores for that. I tried to access all sides of the field, not just one side."&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Winning was not a 'breeze' for India and Rohit said he had to tweak his batting style to take the wind out of the 2021 champions' sails.
&nbsp;
Rohit played some delectable strokes on the off side after his opening partner Virat Kohli departed for a duck. With wind a perpetual hindrance, Rohit said he had to play more strokes on the offside to negate the impact.
&nbsp;
"I thought right from over number one, there was a strong breeze blowing across. They (Australia) changed their plan, bowling against the breeze, so I realised I had to open up the offside as well," he said.
&nbsp;
"You've got to factor in the breeze and understand that the bowlers are smart as well and open up all sides of the field. When you keep an open mind and not just think of one shot, you can access all areas of the field," said the India skipper after the match.
&nbsp;
"When you're playing on grounds like this where wind is a factor, anything is possible, but I thought we used the conditions very well. It was very pleasing to see how we were getting through those overs and getting the wickets at the same time."&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Rohit also said he knew wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav would be at his potent best in the West Indies after encountering seamer-friendly conditions in the US. Kuldeep repaid his faith with excellent figures of 2/24 in his four overs on Monday.
&nbsp;
"Kuldeep, we understand the strengths he has, but you have to use it when you need it. The pitches in New York were seamer-friendly, but we knew he would play a big role later."&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The skipper added that he would like India to continue playing the same way in the knockouts as well.
&nbsp;
"We don't want to do anything different (in the knockouts). We want to play the same way, understand what the individuals need to do in a given situation and play freely.
&nbsp;
"So far we've been doing that consistently, and semifinals, we have to try and do the same thing. It'll be nice (to play England in the semifinal). Nothing changes for us, we want to focus on what we can do as a team, and take the game on."&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Marsh rues missed chance:&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Australian skipper Mitchell Marsh, who was guilty of grassing a sitter and also failed to build on his good start with the bat, conceded that India was better on the day.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
"It's disappointing...today India got the better of us. I think throughout 40 overs there's a lot of small margins, but honestly, India was the better team," he admitted "We've seen for 15 years what Rohit Sharma can do in that kind of mood, and he got off to an absolute flier. In a run chase like that, you're in it if you can keep it at tens (10 runs per over) for as long as possible, but India was too good for us."

West Indies

Fifties, hundreds don't matter: Rohit Sharma

Seemingly expressing his displeasure against ministers demanding three more deputy chief minister posts in Karnataka, state Congress President DK Shivakumar on Tuesday said the party would respond to them appropriately.
&nbsp;
Currently, Shivakumar from the Vokkaliga community is the only DCM in the Siddaramaiah-led cabinet.
&nbsp;
Some of the ministers in the cabinet have been pitching for DCM posts to be given to leaders from Veerashaiva-Lingayat, SC/ST and minority communities.
&nbsp;
&ldquo;You people (media) put in news if someone says something. Why should I say no to people who are happy (by appearing in news).... Let anyone make any demand, the party will respond to them appropriately. Simple,&rdquo; Shivakumar told the media in response to a question.
&nbsp;
Asked whether there is a plan in the party to have more deputy chief ministers, he said, &ldquo;You please meet Mallikarjun Kharge (AICC president) and our in-charge general secretary or ask the chief minister.&rdquo;
&nbsp;
A section within the Congress is said to be of the opinion that the statement by ministers seeking three more DCM posts was part of a plan by Siddaramaiah&rsquo;s camp to keep Shivakumar in check, amid talks that he might seek the CM post after two-and-a-half years of this government&rsquo;s tenure, and to counter his influence both in the government and the party.
&nbsp;
The ministers &mdash; Co-Operation Minister KN Rajanna, Housing Minister BZ Zameer Ahmed Khan, Public Works Minister Satish Jarkiholi and few others &mdash; who have pitched for three more DCMs are considered close to Siddaramaiah.
&nbsp;
The Congress had decided that Shivakumar will be &ldquo;the only&rdquo; deputy CM amid stiff competition between him and Siddaramaiah for the chief minister&rsquo;s post after the assembly election results in May last year.
&nbsp;

Siddaramaiah-led cabinet demands 3 more DCMs

The Congress high command has summoned a crucial meeting ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, and following the party's setback in the UT in the recent Lok Sabha polls.
&nbsp;
Scheduled for June 27 at the AICC office in Delhi, the meeting will be attended by JKPCC chief Vikar Rasool Wani, working president Raman Bhalla, Udhampur candidate Chaudhary Lal Singh, and other senior party leaders.
&nbsp;
Confirming the developments, a party spokesman stated that &ldquo;Wani, Bhalla, and Singh (have) already arrived in Delhi for this significant meeting.&rdquo;
&nbsp;
&nbsp;The meeting aims to chart out a fresh strategy and discuss the party's future course of action in light of the challenges faced in the recent Lok Sabha elections.
&nbsp;
He added, &ldquo;Invitations have been extended to former ministers, ex-legislators, senior vice presidents, vice presidents, and heads of frontal organisations of the party to participate in the deliberations.&rdquo;
&nbsp;
While the Congress and its allies have shown an increase in vote percentage compared to the 2019 elections, they did not secure any seats in Jammu and Kashmir during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
&nbsp;
Sources indicate that Congress alone gained approximately 10% vote share, contrasting with the BJP's reduced vote share.
&nbsp;
Internal challenges have surfaced recently, with some Congress leaders from Kashmir raising concerns about JKPCC president Vikar Rasool Wani's leadership style and decision-making process.
&nbsp;
Sources suggest that despite calls from Kashmir leaders to replace Wani, the AICC leadership is inclined towards maintaining unity within the party ranks.
&nbsp;
The meeting agenda is likely to include introspection into the reasons behind the party's failure in the Jammu and Udhampur Lok Sabha constituencies, as well as devising a robust plan for the forthcoming Assembly elections.
&nbsp;
While fact-finding committees have been set up in certain states to assess the party&rsquo;s electoral performance, Jammu and Kashmir is not on that list according to the AICC's general secretary (org), KC Venugopal.
&nbsp;
Leaders from Jammu and Kashmir are expected to convene in Delhi on Wednesday or Thursday morning for the afternoon meeting on June 27.

J&K Assembly polls: Cong to hold crucial meet

The Bombay High Court on Tuesday ordered the immediate release of a 17-year-old boy involved in the Porsche car accident in Pune last month.
&nbsp;
The teen, who the police allege was drunk and driving the luxury car when it struck a two-wheeler, resulting in the deaths of two techies, had been held at an observation home in Pune.
&nbsp;
A division bench comprising Justices Bharati Dangre and Manjusha Deshpande quashed the Juvenile Justice Board's (JJB) orders that had remanded the minor to the observation home.
&nbsp;
"We allow the petition and order his release. The CCL (Child in Conflict with Law) shall be in the care and custody of the petitioner (paternal aunt)," the court declared.
&nbsp;
The bench deemed the JJB&rsquo;s remand orders illegal and issued without proper jurisdiction.
&nbsp;
"Amid the immediate reaction to the accident, the kneejerk reaction and the public outcry, the CCL's age was not considered," the bench remarked, highlighting that the minor's age necessitated different treatment under the Juvenile Justice Act.
&nbsp;
Despite the gravity of the crime, the court asserted its obligation to follow the law and the principles of the Juvenile Justice Act, which mandate that children in conflict with the law be treated distinctly from adults.
&nbsp;
"CCLs are to be considered differently," the bench stated.
&nbsp;
The court also noted that the boy was already undergoing rehabilitation, which is the primary objective of the Act, and had been referred to a psychologist, a process that should continue.
&nbsp;
The order came in response to a plea filed by the boy's paternal aunt, who argued that his detention was illegal and sought his immediate release.
&nbsp;
The accident occurred in the early hours of May 19, and the boy had been granted bail the same day by the JJB, which placed him under the care of his parents and grandfather.
&nbsp;
However, the police later sought an amendment to the bail order. On May 22, the JJB ordered the boy into custody and remanded him to an observation home.
&nbsp;
The boy's aunt contended that public uproar and political agendas had led the police to deviate from proper investigation protocols, undermining the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act's intent.

Bombay HC releases accused in Pune Porsche crash

The Supreme Court has issued a notice to the Uttar Pradesh government in response to a plea from Congress leader Ajay Rai. Rai is challenging a decision by the Allahabad High Court, which refused to stop criminal proceedings against him.
&nbsp;
These proceedings are ongoing in a Varanasi trial court under several sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Gangsters Act. The case dates back to 2010.
&nbsp;
A bench of Justices Abhay S. Oka and Rajesh Bindal has requested a response from the Uttar Pradesh government and Bhanu Pratap Singh, who lodged the original complaint.
&nbsp;
Rai&rsquo;s lawyer, who contested the Varanasi seat against Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a recent election, sought to halt the trial proceedings. However, the bench declined this request and scheduled the next hearing for July 15.
&nbsp;
On May 19, the Allahabad High Court dismissed a petition from Ajay Rai, who is the president of the Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee (UPCC). Rai wanted the case against him under the Gangsters Act to be dismissed.
&nbsp;
The original complaint in this case was filed on March 26, 2010, by Bhanu Pratap Singh at the Chetganj police station in Varanasi. The complaint named six individuals, including Rai.
&nbsp;
The High Court had previously rejected a compromise agreement between the accused, including Rai, and the complainant, which was reached on September 28, 2023.
&nbsp;
The court stated that offences under the Gangsters Act are independent and not at the complainant's discretion but imposed by the state government to meet the Act's objectives.
&nbsp;
Therefore, it ruled there was no legal basis to dismiss the proceedings under section 7 of the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act and section 3(1) of the UP Gangsters Act, even if there had been a compromise for the IPC offences.
&nbsp;
Ajay Rai, a prominent Congress leader, has had a long political career and has contested multiple elections. He recently ran for the Varanasi seat against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
&nbsp;
Rai's legal troubles have been a significant point of contention, and the outcome of this case could impact his political career.&nbsp;The Supreme Court&rsquo;s notice is a significant development, giving Rai an opportunity to present his arguments at the highest judicial level.
&nbsp;
The response from the Uttar Pradesh government and Bhanu Pratap Singh will be crucial in determining the next steps in the legal process. The hearing scheduled for July 15 will be pivotal in deciding whether the proceedings under the Gangsters Act will continue or be dismissed.
&nbsp;
This case continues to draw attention due to its political implications and the legal principles involved in applying the Gangsters Act. The Supreme Court's involvement underscores the importance of judicial oversight in ensuring that the application of such laws aligns with legal standards and protects individual rights.

SC notice to UP in Ajay Rai's Gangster Act case

parvesh_kapoor

Skipper Rashid Khan believes that Afghanistan's maiden T20 World Cup semifinal qualification, following spectacular wins over New Zealand and Australia along the way, is a momentous feat that will inspire the youth of the strife-torn nation.
&nbsp;
Afghanistan, who became a full ICC member only in 2017, scripted history by qualifying for their maiden T20 World Cup semifinal with a win over Bangladesh here.
&nbsp;
"I think the semi-final is going to be a massive, massive like inspiration for the youngsters back home in Afghanistan. That Afghanistan team get into the semis for the first time," Rashid said at the post match press conference.
&nbsp;
"And we have done it under 19 level, but this level we haven't done that. Even Super Eight was first time for us and then in semis," he added.
&nbsp;
Moments after the win, visuals of jubilant fans back home celebrating Afghanistan's historic achievement started doing the rounds on social media.
&nbsp;
With the feat, Afghanistan have showed how much they have progressed in the white ball formats. At last year's ODI World Cup, they upset defending champions England and former winners Sri Lanka and Pakistan. They are continuing their giant slaying run at the T20 World Cup having beaten heavyweights New Zealand and Australia.
&nbsp;
"The cricket we have played in the whole tournament so far - I think we deserve to be in the semis. The way everyone took the responsibility of getting into the game and performing best for the team," said Rashid.
&nbsp;
"So, I don't know how I can describe my feeling but it's a massive achievement for us as a team and as a nation to be in the semis and now looking forward to the semis." The Afghanistan cricket team is a group of individuals who have honed their skills by plying their trade in T20 leagues around the world. But when they come together to play for their country, it's hard to find a more passionate bunch.
&nbsp;
Afghanistan have found the perfect head coach in former England cricketer Jonathan Trott, who balances things out with his calm and composed demeanour.
&nbsp;
The result is a side high on self belief.
&nbsp;
"To me, there is no good team and bad team. Every team is equal to each other. As long on a day, we took the right decision the right time, and that's where the difference comes when you're a loser. So other than that, skill-wise, everyone is equal, I think," Rashid said.
&nbsp;
An unbeaten South African team awaits them in the semifinal. But the Proteas were stretched a few times in the tournament, especially by minnows Nepal, who stumbled at the final juncture, losing by a run.
&nbsp;
"Well, it's always you get that kind of inspiration for any team you watch on TV and those small totals when team defend that it gives you lots of things to learn from and definitely the way Nepal performed in the whole competition was something pleasing to see." "They have played great cricket against all the sides they have played. And that's how T20 is all about. You need to have that kind of self-belief that we are capable of beating any side as long we do the right thing in the right time and we're making sure we keep the thing simple." There was a moment during the game against Bangladesh when Gulbadin Naib dramatically fell on his back, clutching his thigh after Trott signalled his players to slow things down.
&nbsp;
But minutes later, not only was the all-rounder back on the field but he also went on to take Tanzim Hasan's wicket, causing several former players and commentators to question the genuineness of his discomfort.
&nbsp;
But Rashid shought to play down the incident.
&nbsp;
"Well, he had some cramp, I don't know what happened to him and I don't know what's going on in social media but that doesn't matter - it's just the end field injury which comes and then we haven't lost any overs, the rain came and we just went off, it's not something like brought a massive difference in the game.
&nbsp;
"We came back on field after five minutes and there was no massive difference. For me, it's just like a small injury comes in, then you have to take some time."&nbsp;

Kingstown

Afghanistan's journey to the semifinals will inspire the youth back home: Rashid

The growing influx of Myanmar refugees into six Maring Naga villages in Manipur&rsquo;s Tengnoupal district has sparked significant unease among local residents.
&nbsp;
The Maring Students&rsquo; Union (MSU) has raised alarms, claiming the increasing number of refugees could outnumber the indigenous population.
&nbsp;
According to the MSU, around 1,428 Myanmar nationals, with documented biometric details, have sought refuge in villages including Saibol, Moirengthel, Chanringphai, Lamlong Khunou, Choktong, and Satang.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
These individuals fled their homeland amid violent clashes between Myanmar&rsquo;s ruling junta and democratic reform advocates.
&nbsp;
While acknowledging the refugees' plight, the MSU warned that their presence could permanently alter the villages' demographics, disrupting the delicate balance of local life.
&nbsp;
The issue gained prominence after Naga People&rsquo;s Front (NPF) MLA Leishiyo Keishing expressed similar concerns in a letter to Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh, highlighting local insecurities over the demographic shift.
&nbsp;
In response, BJP MLA Paolienlal Haokip acknowledged the refugee situation but emphasized the need for balanced attention across all affected communities, not just Kuki villages.
&nbsp;
Contrary to the MSU's claims, the Assam Rifles, tasked with guarding the Indo-Myanmar border, denied allegations of illegal settlements, confirming only temporary refugee accommodations in basic shelters and assuring ongoing repatriation efforts as security improves.
&nbsp;
Additionally, the Rilram Area Maring Organisation (RAMO) refuted allegations of intimidation and misleading reports, asserting their cooperation with local authorities to monitor the situation.
&nbsp;
Meanwhile, several Naga civil bodies in Manipur have urged Home Minister Amit Shah to expedite the repatriation of what they term &ldquo;illegal Myanmar immigrants,&rdquo; following visits to the affected border areas.

Manipur Naga villages fear Myanmar refugee influx

Srinagar recently welcomed Indian movie legends Asha Parekh, Waheeda Rehman, and Helen, who took a nostalgic trip to the Kashmir Valley, delighting fans and rekindling memories of the golden era of Indian cinema.
&nbsp;
Asha Parekh, renowned for her iconic roles in classic Bollywood films, shared a heart-warming picture on social media with her close friends Waheeda Rehman and Helen from their Srinagar vacation.
&nbsp;
&nbsp;The photo quickly went viral, with fans showering love and admiration, dubbing them the "Vintage Queens" of Bollywood.
&nbsp;
The trio, who have been friends for decades, appeared to be enjoying their time in the Valley, famous for its scenic beauty and peaceful environment.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
From enjoying a lavish breakfast spread to boating in shikaras, they seemed to have had a fun getaway.
&nbsp;
Fans expressed their excitement and nostalgia on various social media platforms. "It's heartening to see our vintage queens together, reliving beautiful moments in Kashmir," commented one user.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Another wrote, "These legends have not only graced our screens but also our hearts. Seeing them in Srinagar brings back so many fond memories."
&nbsp;
The visit of these Bollywood icons to Srinagar highlights the timeless allure of Kashmir as a favoured destination for filmstars.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
With its breathtaking landscapes and captivating ambience, the valley has been a preferred shooting location for countless films over the decades.
&nbsp;
During the golden era of Bollywood, numerous iconic films were shot in the scenic locales of Kashmir, including Phir Wohi Dil Laya Hoon" (1963); Kashmir Ki Kali (1964); Junglee (1961); Arzoo (1965); Jab Jab Phool Khile (1965) and&nbsp;&nbsp;Kabhi Kabhie (1976); among others.
&nbsp;
These films, featuring stars like Shammi Kapoor, Sharmila Tagore, Amitabh Bachchan, and Rajendra Kumar, showcased the region's stunning landscapes and contributed to its popularity as a tourist destination.

Movie icons' trip to Kashmir evokes nostalgia

Mian Qayoom, formerly remained as the J&amp;K Bar Association president, was on Tuesday, arrested in link to the 2020 murder of an advocate, the officials stated.&nbsp;Babar Qadri, who was also a TV news channel panellist, was shot dead at his residence in the city's Hawal area in September 2020.
&nbsp;
"Former Kashmir Bar Association president advocate Mian Qayoom has been arrested in connection with Qadri's killing. During the investigation of the case, it came to the fore that Qayoom was the main conspirator in the case and was behind Qadri's killing," said an official.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The probe is on and, Qayoom is being questioned. Police had formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe Qadri's murder.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The case was later handed over to the Jammu and Kashmir State Investigation Agency (SIA).
&nbsp;
In August 2022, police carried out searches at the residences of Qayoom and two other lawyers in Srinagar.
&nbsp;
Digital devices, bank statements, and other documents were seized from them as part of the probe.
&nbsp;
In September last year, the SIA announced a cash reward of Rs 10 lakh for information about Qadri's killers.
&nbsp;
Qadri was a vocal critic of the bar association leadership, particularly of Qayoom, and had claimed a threat to his life three days before he was killed.
&nbsp;
Police had also said Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) commander Saqib Manzoor, who was killed in an encounter in August 2021, was responsible for Qadri's murder.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Qayoom is the father-in-law of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh High Court judge Javed Iqbal Wani.&nbsp;

Ex-JK bar association president held for murder

As the monsoon unleashed its fury over Sikkim on June 18, with torrential rain, landslides, and floods, a rare and spectacular phenomenon was captured in the skies above the Himalayas by NASA.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Amid torrential rains, landslides, and flooding, the skies between China and Bhutan lit up with an extraordinary phenomenon known as gigantic jets or sprites.
&nbsp;
Featured prominently as NASA's 'Picture of the Day,' the images reveal a dazzling display of massive jets shooting upwards from thunderstorms, a stark contrast to conventional lightning bolts that strike downwards.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
NASA's 'Picture of the Day' showcased these dazzling gigantic jets, which are the most powerful form of lightning known to humanity.
&nbsp;
Unlike typical lightning that strikes downward, these jets shoot upwards, reaching astonishing heights of over 80 kilometers, extending into the ionosphere where the atmosphere meets outer space.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
These upside-down bolts, packing more than 50 times the power of standard lightning strikes, are a rare spectacle, with only around 1,000 sightings recorded annually.
&nbsp;
In an electrifying composite image, four massive jets were captured mid-flight, soaring skyward within minutes of each other over China and Bhutan.
&nbsp;
This image provides a rare glimpse of a phenomenon only documented in the last two decades.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Blue jets are created when a positively charged upper part of a cloud interacts with a negatively charged layer immediately above it, causing a brief, bright blue discharge of static electricity. As explained by NASA, Gigantic jets, documented only in this century, are a type of lightning discharge that occurs between some thunderstorms and the Earth's ionosphere high above them.&nbsp; They are an unusual type of lightning that is much different from regular cloud-to-cloud and cloud-to-ground lightning. The bottoms of gigantic jets appear similar to a cloud-to-above strike called blue jets, while the tops appear similar to upper-atmosphere red sprites.
&nbsp;
Although the mechanism and trigger that cause gigantic jets remains a topic of research, it is clear that the jets reduce charge imbalance between different parts of Earth's atmosphere.
&nbsp;
A good way to look for gigantic jets is to watch a powerful but distant thunderstorm from a clear location.
&nbsp;
Botably, this extraordinary occurrence wasn't the first time blue lightning was observed in the Indian subcontinent.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
On September 8, 2015, astronaut Andreas Mogensen captured the first recorded video of blue lightning from the International Space Station, documenting 245 brief blue discharges over the Bay of Bengal.
&nbsp;
<img src="https://api.newsarenaindia.com//uploads/indiapng_1719307492497.png" width="1506" height="803">
&nbsp;
One of these discharges ascended into the stratosphere, showcasing the rare and powerful nature of these jets.
&nbsp;
Further sightings of gigantic jets have been noted over the Indo-Gangetic plains. In 2013 and 2014, four gigantic jets were recorded over the Indian mainland.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
On August 2, 2013, two were observed approximately 430 kilometers southwest of Allahabad, and on September 7, 2014, another two were captured about 350 kilometers south of Allahabad.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
These jets, emerging during thunderstorms with cloud altitudes reaching 17 kilometers, had a short lifespan of 40&ndash;80 milliseconds, with one displaying a unique horizontal tilt.
&nbsp;
To investigate these phenomena further, the Indian Institute of Geomagnetism (IIG) deployed a camera system in 2012 specifically for observing sprites, blue jets, and gigantic jets above thunderstorms.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Positioned outside Allahabad at coordinates 25.4&deg;N, 81.9&deg;E, the cameras monitor thunderstorm activity across the Indo-Gangetic plain.
&nbsp;
Despite this research, understanding of gigantic jets, also known as reverse lightning to the sky, remains limited.
&nbsp;
Their occurrence over the Himalayas, particularly above areas close to the Bay of Bengal, prompts further curiosity about other potential sightings that may have gone unnoticed.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The monsoon season's heavy rainfall in Sikkim and parts of the Himalayas nearer to the Bay of Bengal, combined with weather anomalies in the region, may be linked to these remarkable sightings of gigantic reverse lightning.
&nbsp;
These phenomena, while rare, highlight the dynamic and often unpredictable nature of our atmosphere, providing scientists and sky watchers alike with a glimpse into the electrifying forces that shape our world.

Thimphu

Reverse lightning over Himalayas stuns NASA

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, 52, &nbsp;was released from a UK prison on Monday after agreeing to plead guilty to one count of conspiracy to obtain and release military secrets in the US.
&nbsp;
"Julian Assange is free," WikiLeaks announced on Tuesday on social media platform X, formerly Twitter.
&nbsp;
"He left Belmarsh maximum security prison on the morning of 24 June, after having spent 1901 days there. He was granted bail by the High Court in London and was released at Stansted airport during the afternoon, where he boarded a plane and departed the UK," read the WikiLeaks tweet.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Assange's plea agreement was filed in a court in the Northern Mariana Islands, a remote US territory in the Pacific ocean and he will appear over there on Wednesday.
&nbsp;
It has been reported that as part of the plea deal Assange is likely to be sentenced to 62 months in prison but will be credited for the five years already served in Britain.
&nbsp;
A controversial figure, hailed as a hero by advocates of free speech and a villain by those who believe he gave away state secrets, Assange wore a blue shirt and jeans as he boarded a flight at London's Stansted Airport on June 24.&nbsp;
 With that, the curtains seemed to be coming down on Assange's decade-long legal battle after founding WikiLeaks in 2006 and leaving the world stunned with a video released in 2010 of an alleged air strike by US helicopter in Baghdad that left many civilians dead.
&nbsp;
Again in the same year, WikiLeaks released thousands of documents reportedly containing classified US military information on the Afghanistan war.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Soon however, he was embroiled in a legal problem after an arrest warrant was issued in Sweden shortly after Assange visited, alleging rape and molestation.
&nbsp;
He denied the charges in Stockholm.
&nbsp;
Soon after, another lot of documents were released on WikiLeaks, this time on the Iraq war. Later, US diplomatic cables with security threat assessments and inputs on leaders of other nations, sometimes with embarrassing details.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
By the end of 2010, an international arrest warrant was issued by Interpol after a court in Sweden approved a detention request on suspicion of the rape and molestation charges.
 Assange was extradited to London where a court granted him bail. As the decision was challenged by Sweden he was kept in custody. However, through 2011 and 2012 he fought Sweden's extradition request and as his final appeal was rejected he took refuge in the Ecuadorean Embassy in London.
&nbsp;
By 2015, the rape and unlawful coercion charges against him were withdrawn due to passing of the legal time limit, and in 2017 the rape charge was also dropped.
&nbsp;
However, even though Ecuador had granted Assange "asylum," meaning he was free to stay in the embassy with British police not allowed in as long as he did not venture out, in April 2019 he was arrested after the police were reportedly "invited" in by the Ambassador.
&nbsp;
In 2019 Assange was jailed &nbsp;for seeking asylum while out on bail even as Swedish authorities announced they were reopening the rape case - which was dropped again however due to lapse of time.&nbsp;
 In the meantime, US requested UK for Assange's extradition to US to face charges of violation of espionage law and hacking government computers.
&nbsp;
in 2021, US said it wouild appeal a British judge's ruling against the extradition for fears of Assange taking his own life.
&nbsp;
Assange's extradition to the US was approved by the UK government in 2022, which after various appeals by Assange, was put on hold in 2024, after the court sought&nbsp;assurances that he would not face death penalty.
&nbsp;
On April 10, 2024, US President Joe Biden announced dropping of charges against Assange after requests from Australia that he be allowed to return to his home country.
 On June 24, the deal was revealed in which Assange agreed to plead guilty to one criminal count and be "sentenced to time served."
&nbsp;
&nbsp;What happens now will be interesting to watch.
&nbsp;
As the WikiLeaks tweet read," WikiLeaks published groundbreaking stories of government corruption and human rights abuses, holding the powerful accountable for their actions. As editor-in-chief, Julian paid severely for these principles, and for the people's right to know.
&nbsp;
"As he returns to Australia, we thank all who stood by us, fought for us, and remained utterly committed in the fight for his freedom.
&nbsp;
"Julian's freedom is our freedom."

Long war for Assange - a timeline

In a heart-wrenching incident at Rajaji Tiger Reserve, two tiger cubs, recently translocated from Corbett Tiger Reserve, were killed by leopards.
&nbsp;
"Two of the four cubs of a tigress, who were translocated from Corbett Tiger Reserve, have been killed by leopards in Beriwada range of Rajaji Tiger Reserve (RTR)," officials said on Tuesday. 
"One of the cubs was male and the other female," RTR Director Saket Badola said.
 The cubs were estimated to be about one to one and a half months old, he said.
 One cub had a broken neck, and the other's head was crushed, Badola said.
 The translocated tigress had given birth to four cubs in the Chillawali range on May 24.
 Now, only two cubs of this tigress are alive.&nbsp;
&nbsp;

Dehradun

Leopards kill two tiger cubs in Rajaji reserve

Punjab and Haryana governments conspire to defame ongoing agitation, said protesting farmers on Tuesday, sitting at the &nbsp;Shambhu border in Punjab's Patiala district over various demands. The farmers also demanded the arrest of miscreants who allegedly tried to create a ruckus at the protest.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
As per claims of farmers, a group of individuals on Sunday attempted to take control of the stage at the protest. Meanwhile, the individuals, comprising traders from Ambala, refuted these allegations, saying their sole intention was to draw attention to their financial losses resulting from the blockade of the Ambala-Ludhiana national highway and urged the farmers to end the blockade.
&nbsp;
Addressing reporters at the Shambhu border, KMM leader Dilbagh Singh Harigarh alleged that some "miscreants" had "hatched a conspiracy to defame" the farmers' stir.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
"We have not blocked any road. It is the Centre which has created obstacles on the highway," he said, adding the farmers have been demanding since day one that the road be cleared so they can move towards Delhi.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
"The miscreants were backed by the Punjab and Haryana governments and the Centre. We demand that those who tried to create a ruckus at the (protest) site should be booked and arrested," said Harigarh.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Bharatiya Kisan Union (Ekta Sidhupur) leader Kaka Singh said it was not the farmers but the Haryana government which had put up blockades on the national highway to prevent them from marching to Delhi.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
"If the government clears the blockades today, we will go to Delhi," he said.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Singh claimed that villagers from the nearby areas were completely supporting the farmers' agitation.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Bharatiya Kisan Union (Shaheed Bhagat Singh) president Amarjit Singh Mohri accused the state governments of hatching a conspiracy to defame and weaken the agitation.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Farmers have been camping at the Shambhu and Khanauri border points between Punjab and Haryana since February 13 after their march to Delhi was stopped by security forces.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The march was led by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) to press the government to accept their demands such as a legal guarantee on minimum support price (MSP) for crops.&nbsp;

Chandigarh

Farmers blame Pb, Haryana for defaming protest

In a shocking development, Britannia Industries Limited announced the closure of its historic factory in Kolkata&rsquo;s Taratala neighbourhood. While the Bharatiya Janata Party accused the Trinamool Congress over the unit&rsquo;s closure, the ruling party in West Bengal said it was due to the company&rsquo;s internal management issues.
&nbsp;
Established in 1947, the Britannia factory was not only one of the oldest in the company&rsquo;s portfolio but also carried historical significance as one of its second-ever production units in India. The decision not only affects the city&rsquo;s economic landscape but also leaves numerous workers facing uncertain futures.
&nbsp;
This decision follows the closure of Britannia&rsquo;s factories in Mumbai and Chennai. The Taratala factory, located on 11 acres belonging to Kolkata Port, had its lease agreement renewed in 2018 for 30 years, extending to 2048. Kolkata Port sources said the factory&rsquo;s output was no longer economically viable
&nbsp;
West Bengal BJP president and Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar criticised the state government, saying, &ldquo;Industry will not come in the presence of a party which always extorts and also there is an anti-industry image of the chief minister.&rdquo;
&nbsp;
In a post on X, BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya blamed both the current Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the previous Left regimes for the factory&rsquo;s closure.
&nbsp;
He wrote, &ldquo;Today&rsquo;s shutdown of Britannia Industries&rsquo; factory starkly epitomises the descent of Bengal &mdash; a region once renowned for its cultural richness and intellectual prowess &mdash; into profound disarray.&rdquo;
&nbsp;
In response, TMC leader Kunal Ghosh refuted the allegations, emphasising that the closure was due to internal management issues within Britannia.
&nbsp;
&ldquo;There are some issues of their management of the respective industrial organisation&hellip;. Several new biscuit factories have been set up in the state and many people have also got employment due to the biscuit production. If only one particular branch of an organisation faces trouble, then their management will definitely look into it,&rdquo; Ghosh said.
&nbsp;
Why is the factory shutting down?
&nbsp;
The Taratala factory, a landmark in Kolkata&rsquo;s industrial history, ceased production last May. Britannia&rsquo;s recent announcement confirms the complete shutdown of the facility as part of the company&rsquo;s strategic realignment to optimise production and enhance operational efficiency.
&nbsp;
Britannia is shifting its focus to shutting down older, less efficient factories near city centers and establishing modern facilities with higher production capacities. The future use of the Taratala land remains uncertain, despite the company holding 24 more years on the lease.
&nbsp;
The closure affects 122 permanent employees and approximately 250 contractual staff, many of whom have been with the factory for over a decade.
&nbsp;
<figure class="image"><img title="Representational image of workers engaged in making biscuits." src="https://api.newsarenaindia.com//uploads/britannia-newnaijpg_1719305331416.jpg" alt="Representational image of workers engaged in making biscuits." width="1500" height="800">
<figcaption>Representational image of workers engaged in making biscuits at the factory.</figcaption>
</figure>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Britannia has issued closure notices to the affected employees, offering a lump-sum compensation package. Permanent employees with over ten years of service are promised Rs 22 lakhs, while those with seven years of service are set to receive Rs 18 lakhs.
&nbsp;
The Taratala factory has been crucial for manufacturing, planning, logistics, and sales operations in the eastern region. In 2018, Britannia chairman Nusli Wadia announced at the company&rsquo;s Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Kolkata that Britannia was planning to invest up to Rs 350 crore in a new facility in Bengal, marking a significant investment in the state after a hiatus, the report added.
&nbsp;
In addition to the Taratala unit, Britannia operates a contract manufacturing unit near Dankuni. Britannia Industries is one of India's leading food companies, with Bengal representing its third-largest market, generating over Rs 900 crore in revenue.
&nbsp;
&nbsp;

Kolkata

Britannia's iconic Kolkata factory shuts down

In a rain-affected Super 8 encounter, Afghanistan secured their maiden T20 World Cup semifinal berth with an eight-run victory over Bangladesh, etching a historic chapter in their cricketing saga.
&nbsp;
Spearheaded by the indomitable Rashid Khan, Afghanistan triumphed despite formidable odds, overcoming not just their opponents but years of adversity.
&nbsp;
Opting to bat first, Afghanistan's innings stumbled to a modest 115/5, thanks to disciplined Bangladeshi bowling. Leg-spinner Rishad Hossain led the attack with figures of 3/26, while Rahmanullah Gurbaz's laborious 43 off 55 balls stood as the highest individual score for the Afghans.
&nbsp;
Frequent rain interruptions truncated the match to 19-overs-a-side, revising Bangladesh's target to 114.
&nbsp;
Rashid's team displayed the tenacity that has defined their rise in international cricket since becoming a full ICC member in 2017. Their bowlers, led by Rashid (4/23) and pacer Naveen-ul-Haq (4/26), mounted a valiant defense of their low total, skittling Bangladesh out for 105 in 17.5 overs. Litton Das (54 not out) fought a lone battle for Bangladesh, but his efforts were in vain.
&nbsp;
Afghanistan's path to the semifinals was eased by India, who handed Australia a 24-run defeat the previous night, effectively knocking the defending champions out of the tournament. The Afghans, who have often trained and played home matches in India due to the lack of facilities in their war-torn country, now prepare to face South Africa in the semifinals on June 27.
&nbsp;
"It's unbelievable, I don't have any words to describe my feelings. Back home, everyone is so happy for this big achievement," an elated Rashid said post-match.
&nbsp;
The match's onset saw Bangladesh capitalize on a tricky pitch, bowling 66 dot balls. Despite the challenging conditions, Afghanistan's openers, Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran, forged a crucial 59-run partnership. However, the middle-order collapse left Afghanistan teetering before Rashid's late flourish pushed them past the 100-run mark.
&nbsp;
Bangladesh's chase began disastrously with early wickets tumbling. Fazalhaq Farooqi set the tone by dismissing Tanzid Hasan for a duck in the second over. Naveen-ul-Haq then produced a spectacular over, removing Bangladesh skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto (5) and veteran Shakib Al-Hasan (0), leaving Bangladesh reeling at 31/3 when rain intervened.
&nbsp;
Resuming play with aggression, Bangladesh clawed to 46/3 at the six-over mark. Rashid, bringing himself into the attack, spun his web to devastating effect. He claimed two wickets in consecutive overs, turning the tide back in Afghanistan's favor. Yet, Bangladesh's fearless approach saw them edge ahead on the DLS par score.
&nbsp;
The Afghan skipper, refusing to relent, struck again, achieving the milestone of the fastest to 150 T20 wickets, surpassing New Zealand's Tim Southee.
&nbsp;
Controversy ensued as rain interrupted play once more, with Afghanistan ahead on the DLS score. Coach Jonathan Trott was animated on the sidelines, and all-rounder Gulbadin Naib's apparent cramp-induced delay tactics drew ire from commentators, who dubbed him the "eighth wonder of the world" for his swift recovery.
&nbsp;
Despite Litton Das's valiant half-century, the regular fall of wickets at the other end doomed Bangladesh's chase. Naveen-ul-Haq's return to the attack sealed the deal, removing the final two Bangladeshi batsmen.
&nbsp;
Afghanistan's emotional celebrations post-match marked the dawn of a new era for the team, which has faced significant challenges due to the political situation back home.
&nbsp;
Their advancement to the semifinals is a testimony to their resilience and passion for cricket, despite missing out on crucial international exposure due to Australia's refusal to host them, citing the Taliban takeover and concerns over women's rights.
&nbsp;
&nbsp;

Afghanistan reaches maiden T20 World Cup semis

In a historic milestone for lunar exploration, China's Chang'e 6 lunar probe successfully returned to Earth today, carrying precious samples from the far side of the moon.
&nbsp;
The probe landed in northern China's Inner Mongolian region on Tuesday afternoon, marking a significant achievement in space science.
&nbsp;
This mission, led by Chinese scientists, represents the first time humanity has retrieved materials from the little-explored far side of the moon. Unlike the near side, which faces Earth and has been the focus of previous US and Soviet missions, the far side presents a unique opportunity to study untouched geological formations.
&nbsp;
Among the anticipated samples are 2.5 million-year-old volcanic rock and other materials that could provide critical insights into the moon's geological history and potential differences between its near and far sides.
&nbsp;
Scientists are particularly interested in how the far side's mountainous terrain and impact craters compare to the more familiar, relatively flat landscapes of the near side.
&nbsp;
"The return of these samples is a major leap forward in our understanding of the moon's composition and evolution," said Zhang Kejian, head of the China National Space Administration (CNSA). "This achievement demonstrates China's growing capabilities in space exploration and opens new avenues for international collaboration in lunar research."
&nbsp;
The Chang'e 6 mission, part of China's ambitious lunar exploration program, follows the successful missions of Chang'e 4 and Chang'e 5, which respectively achieved the first soft landing on the far side of the moon and returned lunar samples to Earth in recent years.
&nbsp;

Beijing

Chang'e 6 lands with first far side moon samples

The upcoming movie "Ulajh", starring Janhvi Kapoor, has been delayed and will now be released on August 2.
&nbsp;
Originally set to debut in theatres on July 5, the patriotic thriller also features Gulshan Devaiah and Roshan Matthew.
&nbsp;
The change in release date was revealed by the film's creators on Monday.
&nbsp;
"Janhvi Kapoor, Gulshan Devaiah, and Roshan Mathew-starrer 'Ulajh' will hit theatres on 2nd August 2024. The makers are currently working on completing the post-production of the film," they said in a statement.
&nbsp;
Directed by Sudhanshu Saria, "Ulajh" is written by Parveez Shaikh and Saria, and the dialogues are penned by Atika Chauhan. It is produced by Junglee Pictures.
&nbsp;
According to the makers, the upcoming movie delves into "the life of a young diplomat, an Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer, portraying the challenges and complexities she faces in her career and personal life".
&nbsp;
Adil Hussain, Rajesh Tailang, Meiyang Chang, Rajendra Gupta, and Jitendra Joshi also round out the cast of "Ulajh".
&nbsp;
Kapoor most recently starred in the sports romance drama Mr. &amp; Mrs. Mahi. She is set to make her Telugu cinema debut with the action movie Devara: Part 1, which will be released on September 27.&nbsp;

Janhvi Kapoor-starrer 'Ulajh' to release in August

&nbsp;India's benchmark stock indices, the S&amp;P BSE Sensex and the NSE Nifty50, kicked off Tuesday's trading session on a positive note as financial and banking stocks surged, while large caps remained in focus.
&nbsp;
At 10 am IST, the S&amp;P BSE Sensex was up 167.71 points at 77,508.79, and the NSE Nifty50 gained 39.65 points to trade at 23,577.5. The broader market indices also saw gains, despite heightened volatility in early trading.
&nbsp;
Leading the charge were sectoral indices such as Nifty Bank and Nifty Financial Services, which registered gains of 0.6% to 0.7%. However, Nifty Realty bucked the trend, falling over 1.2% and emerging as the top loser among sectoral indices.
&nbsp;
Among the top performers on the Nifty50, Axis Bank, Ultratech Cement, HDFC Bank, Britannia, and Hero MotoCorp led the gainers. Conversely, BPCL, HCLTech, Adani Ports, Asian Paints, and NTPC faced selling pressure and were the top losers.
&nbsp;
Dr. V K Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist at Geojit Financial Services, commented on the market's dynamics, stating, "The sharp rebound in Nifty by 7.5% from its June 4 lows suggests bullish underlying sentiment. While high valuations may trigger selling by Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) and profit booking by Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs), retail investors continue to show enthusiasm, employing a 'buy on dip' strategy effectively in this bullish phase."
&nbsp;
Highlighting a positive development, Vijayakumar noted, "The current account surplus in Q4 FY24 is favorable news for the market as it alleviates pressure on the rupee and sets the stage for potential FII inflows once there's clarity on Fed rate cuts."
&nbsp;
Looking ahead, he suggested, "The market trend favors fairly valued largecaps, particularly in the banking sector. From a valuation standpoint, PSU banks appear attractive."
&nbsp;

Indian markets open strong; banking stocks lead

The Lok Sabha Speaker&rsquo;s post will see an election for the first time after the ruling BJP-led National Democratic Alliance and the opposition failed to reach a consensus.
&nbsp;
While the NDA has picked BJP MP Om Birla as its candidate, the opposition has decided to field veteran Congress leader K Suresh.
&nbsp;
The government had deployed Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju to build a consensus on the Lok Sabha Speaker candidate after the opposition INDIA bloc said it was considering its options.
&nbsp;
Om Birla had won the Kota Lok Sabha seat by a margin of more than 41,000 votes in the general elections.
&nbsp;
Previously, sources said the Deputy Speaker&rsquo;s post could go to the Opposition if a consensus was reached on the NDA&rsquo;s candidate for Lok Sabha Speaker.
&nbsp;
The BJP had appointed AIADMK&rsquo;s M Thambi Durai as Deputy Speaker in 2014. The post has been vacant since 2019.
&nbsp;
Congress MP Rahul Gandhi said party president Mallikarjun Kharge had received a call from Rajnath Singh to extend support to the NDA&rsquo;s candidate.
&nbsp;
The Raebareli MP said, as per convention, the post of Deputy Speaker should be given to the Opposition.
&nbsp;
&ldquo;Rajnath Singh called Mallikarjun Kharge, and he asked him to extend support to the Speaker. The entire Opposition said we would support the Speaker, but the convention is that the Deputy Speaker post should be given to the opposition. Rajnath Singh said that he would call back Mallikarjun Kharge, but he has not done that yet,&rdquo; Rahul Gandhi said.
&nbsp;
The consensus on the Speaker&rsquo;s post comes following a bitter stand-off between the government and the Opposition over the appointment of pro tem Speaker Bhartruhari Mahtab.
&nbsp;
On Monday, opposition leaders refused to be a part of the panel to assist the pro-tem Speaker. The opposition, led by the Congress, accused the government of deviating from tradition in not appointing the senior-most member of the Lok Sabha for the temporary post.
&nbsp;
With the Congress expecting its eight-time MP Kodikunnil Suresh to be chosen as the pro-tem Speaker of the 18th Lok Sabha as per parliamentary norms, a controversy has erupted after seven-term Cuttack MP Bhartruhari Mahtab of the BJP was named for the post, with the Opposition party claiming it is against convention.
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
&nbsp;

Om Birla vs K Suresh— Who will be the LS Speaker?

India's persistent water shortages, exacerbated by a prolonged heatwave and high consumption rates amid rapid economic growth, are posing significant risks to its credit health, according to a recent report by Moody's Investors Service.
&nbsp;
The global ratings agency highlighted that the worsening water scarcity could intensify economic volatility in India, affecting sectors heavily reliant on water such as coal power generators and steel-makers.
&nbsp;
Moody's noted that India's economy is expected to grow at 6.5% in 2024, outpacing other G20 economies, but this growth comes with heightened water consumption challenges.
&nbsp;
"India's large and expanding population coupled with its robust economic growth make it one of the world's largest consumers of water," Moody's stated in its report. The Ministry of Water Resources predicts a further decline in per capita water availability from 1,486 cubic meters in 2021 to 1,367 cubic meters by 2031, highlighting the increasing strain on water resources.
&nbsp;
The situation is particularly dire in urban centers like Delhi and Bengaluru, where millions of residents face acute water shortages every summer. The recent heatwave has exacerbated the shortfall, underscoring the urgency for sustainable water management practices.
&nbsp;
"Below-average water availability per capita indicates water stress, and India is approaching the threshold of water scarcity," the report warned.
&nbsp;
Moody's highlighted the critical importance of long-term investments in water infrastructure to mitigate risks associated with potential water shortages.
&nbsp;
In response to these challenges, the Indian government has been ramping up investments in water management and promoting renewable energy initiatives. Moody's noted that the shift towards renewable energy sources could help reduce the water-intensive demands of sectors like thermal coal power generation.
&nbsp;
"The sustainable finance market in India presents a crucial avenue for companies and regional governments to raise funds aimed at bolstering water infrastructure," Moody's added. It emphasized that such investments could play a pivotal role in safeguarding India's credit ratings and mitigating risks associated with water stress.
&nbsp;
Currently, Moody's maintains a Baa3 rating for India with a stable outlook, acknowledging both the country's economic potential and the challenges posed by its water consumption patterns.

India's growth at risk due to water crisis:Moody's

After years of appeals and litigation, WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has entered into a plea deal with the US government, according to court documents.
&nbsp;
He was facing one count of computer misuse and multiple counts of espionage stemming from his work with WikiLeaks, publishing sensitive US government documents provided by Chelsea Manning. The US government had repeatedly claimed that Assange&rsquo;s actions risked its national security.
&nbsp;
Documents filed in the US Federal Court in Saipan, in the Northern Mariana Islands, show Assange will plead guilty to one count under the US Espionage Act. The rest of the charges would be dropped, and the request for his extradition to the US would be withdrawn. The US is yet to publicly confirm the deal.
&nbsp;
The deal is subject to a hearing and sentencing in Saipan on Wednesday morning, where outlets are reporting Assange will appear in person. He&rsquo;s been released from London&rsquo;s Belmarsh prison, with WikiLeaks sharing vision of him en route to London&rsquo;s Stanstead Airport.
&nbsp;
Assange has been granted bail by the UK High Court. Upon his guilty plea, Assange will be sentenced to 62 months in prison: time he&rsquo;s already served in Belmarsh. It puts an end to all the ongoing legal action, including the proceedings in the UK High Court and the extradition order from the UK Home Secretary.
&nbsp;
The plea deal seems largely consistent with rumours circulating earlier this year. It was widely assumed Assange would plead guilty to one charge, which was expected to be a misdemeanour charge of mishandling documents rather than under the US Espionage Act. The initial rumours also indicated that he would be able to complete the process remotely, whereas he would appear in person before the court.
&nbsp;
This is significant as it&rsquo;s a national security offence for which he&rsquo;s served more than five years behind bars. This will place limitations on his future travel, including to the US, which is unlikely to grant him a visa.
&nbsp;
It also sets a practical precedent, if not necessarily a legal one, that a publisher can be convicted under the Espionage Act in the US. While the devil will be in the details of the deal, this is what many journalists were afraid of.
&nbsp;
It means somebody who did nothing more than receive and publish information has been convicted under major US national security laws. If the deal had been about the Computer Misuse Act, this scenario wouldn&rsquo;t have arisen. The concern may be that now it&rsquo;s been done once, it could happen again.
&nbsp;
We may never know the US&rsquo; full reasoning, but there are several possibilities as to why it decided to go to a plea deal and not continue with litigation.
&nbsp;
The Australian government has been pushing hard for a couple of years now for this case to end. The case for stopping prosecution has had bipartisan support here.
&nbsp;
Although not confirming or denying the existence of a plea deal just yet, a spokesperson for the government reiterated Prime Minister Anthony Albanese&rsquo;s position that there was &ldquo;nothing to be gained from his [Assange&rsquo;s] continued incarceration&rdquo;.
&nbsp;
The fact the government has been consistent on this for about two years has changed the political environment for this prosecution.
&nbsp;
There&rsquo;s a growing consensus in the US, even among some Republicans, that it&rsquo;s not in the public interest to continue.
&nbsp;
The UK general election will be held next week, and given the anticipated change of government there, the extradition order may have been reconsidered anyway. All of this would likely have informed the US&rsquo; cost-benefit analysis to ultimately bring the Assange saga to an end.
&nbsp;
What happens now?&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Following the hearing in Saipan, Assange will be free to return to Australia. The court was chosen because of Assange&rsquo;s opposition to travelling to the continental US, as well as its proximity to Australia.
&nbsp;
Assange will likely find it difficult to travel in the future, given his serious criminal conviction. This may also apply in the UK, where he has also been convicted of absconding from bail, for which he was sentenced to a year&rsquo;s imprisonment.
&nbsp;
Looking further ahead, it&rsquo;s entirely possible he will be pardoned by the US president, whomever it ends up being after the US election in November. The US allows much more discretion than most in the use of pardons.
&nbsp;
For now, Assange will face court in Saipan and come home to Australia, albeit with a serious criminal record.
&nbsp;
This article first appeared in The Conversation.

Sydney

What is Julian Assange’s plea deal with the US

As the deadline for nominating the next Lok Sabha Speaker approaches, senior cabinet minister Rajnath Singh has taken steps to engage with opposition leaders on behalf of the government.
&nbsp;
The aim is to foster consensus for electing the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the Lower House of Parliament, according to reliable sources. Alongside Singh, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju has also reached out to opposition figures in an effort to facilitate dialogue.
&nbsp;
The upcoming election for the Speaker's post could mark a departure from the norm, with the INDIA bloc of the opposition potentially fielding its candidate.
&nbsp;
This would be a significant deviation from the tradition since independence, where Speakers and Deputy Speakers were typically elected through consensus between the ruling party and the opposition.
&nbsp;
While the ruling alliance, led by the BJP, has yet to reveal its nominee for the Speaker's position, speculation abounds that Om Birla, who served as Speaker during the 17th Lok Sabha, may be poised for a return. Additionally, Bhartruhari Mahtab, the current pro-tem Speaker, is also considered a front-runner in the race.
&nbsp;
The nomination process is scheduled for today, and the elections will take place on June 26. Meanwhile, tensions have surfaced over the appointment of Bhartruhari Mahtab as pro-tem Speaker, prompting leaders from the INDIA bloc to stage a symbolic protest inside the Parliament premises in New Delhi. Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Mallikarjun Kharge participated in this demonstration.
&nbsp;
Traditionally, the position of Deputy Speaker, which remained vacant in the previous term, is offered to the opposition. Congress MP K Suresh expressed concerns over the lack of consensus-building efforts from the BJP, stating, "The Speaker should ideally be elected unanimously... It's the BJP's responsibility to initiate discussions with the opposition. So far, they haven't made any effort towards consensus."
&nbsp;
In response, NK Premachandran, an MP from the Revolutionary Socialist Party, affirmed that the INDIA bloc intends to contest both the Speaker and Deputy Speaker positions if consensus is not reached through dialogue with the government.
&nbsp;
Contrary to these assertions, BJP MP Khagen Murmu criticised the opposition's stance, accusing them of attempting to disrupt parliamentary proceedings due to their numerical disadvantage.
&nbsp;
Murmu emphasised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's commitment to national interests and criticised opposition efforts to obstruct legislative business.
&nbsp;
The election of the Lok Sabha Speaker is scheduled for June 26, followed by President Murmu's address to a joint sitting of Parliament on June 27. The ruling NDA, with its 293 MPs in the 543-member Lok Sabha, holds a significant majority over the INDIA bloc, which commands 234 seats.

Bangladesh cops to test MP's blood in Kolkata flat

Bangladesh, India, US cooperate in MP murder probe

Bangladesh court sends 3 in custody for MP murder

Suspect detained in honey-trap murder of Bangla MP

Bangladeshi MP vanishes in Kolkata, last seen on May 13

TOP CATEGORIES

QUICK LINKS