News Arena Network

Ansh Mavani

Keir Starmer's recent victory in the UK general election has garnered congratulations from various corners, including the British Royal family. On Friday, the Royal family extended their congratulations to Starmer for his significant electoral triumph, which led to his appointment as the UK Prime Minister.
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After securing a landslide win in the House of Commons, Starmer met with King Charles III. During this meeting, the King formally appointed him as the new Prime Minister following the resignation of Rishi Sunak.
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The Royal Family's official message on X highlighted that the King had requested Starmer to form a new administration, an offer which Starmer accepted. The message read, "The King received in Audience The Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer MP today and requested him to form a new Administration. Sir Keir accepted His Majesty&rsquo;s offer and was appointed Prime Minister and First Lord of the Treasury."
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Starmer's victory was not only historic for the Labour Party but also significant on a global scale, as he received congratulatory messages from leaders worldwide. His win marked the end of a 14-year tenure of the Conservative Party in government. Starmer, a former barrister who became a Member of Parliament in 2015 and assumed Labour leadership in 2020, has since worked to steer his party towards the political centre.
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The outgoing Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, managed to secure 47.5 percent of the vote in his constituency but saw his Conservative Party win only 109 seats in the 650-member House of Commons. In contrast, Labour secured a commanding 403 seats.
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Accepting the results, Sunak offered his apologies and took responsibility for the Conservative Party's loss. He expressed regret for the many dedicated conservative candidates who, despite their hard work and commitment to their communities, did not win their seats.
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"I take responsibility for the loss to the many good, hard-working, conservative candidates who lost tonight despite their tireless efforts, their local records of delivery and their dedication to their communities. I am sorry," Sunak said. He also emphasised the peaceful and orderly transfer of power, stating, "Today power will change hands in an orderly and peaceful manner, with goodwill on all sides."
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In his victory speech, Starmer acknowledged the enormous responsibility that comes with such a significant win. He pledged to lead the nation towards "national renewal" after years of Conservative governance. This victory, he noted, was not just a win for the Labour Party but a mandate for substantial change and progress in the UK.
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Interestingly, the path to this electoral success was paved by an unexpected move earlier in the year. In May, Sunak had called for a snap vote, a decision that surprised many within his party and beyond. This call for an early election set the stage for the Labour Party's decisive victory and Starmer's subsequent rise to the premiership.
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Starmer&rsquo;s new role marks the beginning of a new chapter for the UK, with expectations of significant policy changes and a shift in the country's political landscape. As he steps into his role, all eyes will be on how he navigates the challenges and responsibilities that come with leading the nation.

London

Royal Family congratulates Keir Starmer on election win

Aam Aadmi Party Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh has been appointed as the chairperson of the AAP Parliamentary Party. This significant appointment also includes his selection as the leader of the party in the Rajya Sabha, highlighting his influential role within the party.
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In response to his appointment, Singh expressed his gratitude and commitment through a post on X (formerly Twitter), in Hindi. He acknowledged the trust and opportunities provided by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, emphasising his determination to fulfil his new responsibilities with dedication. Singh's message conveyed his deep appreciation for the confidence placed in him by Kejriwal and the Aam Aadmi Party.
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Sanjay Singh has had a notable political journey within the AAP. During his first term, he served as the leader of the party in the Rajya Sabha, demonstrating his leadership abilities and dedication to the party's principles.
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His re-election to the Rajya Sabha and subsequent oath-taking as a member of the Upper House on March 19 of this year marked a continuation of his active involvement in national politics.
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The Aam Aadmi Party currently holds a significant presence in the Rajya Sabha, being the fourth largest party with 10 MPs. Additionally, the party has three MPs in the Lok Sabha. This representation underscores the AAP's growing influence and its commitment to bringing about change through legislative efforts.
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Singh's appointment as the chairperson of the AAP Parliamentary Party and leader in the Rajya Sabha comes at a crucial time. It reflects the party's confidence in his leadership and ability to navigate the complexities of parliamentary proceedings. His role will be pivotal in shaping the party's legislative strategies and ensuring that the AAP's voice is effectively heard in both houses of Parliament.
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As the chairperson, Sanjay Singh will be responsible for coordinating the party's parliamentary activities, leading discussions, and representing the AAP's stance on various national issues.
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His experience and dedication are expected to contribute significantly to the party's efforts to address key challenges and advocate for policies that align with their vision for India.
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This appointment not only signifies a personal milestone for Sanjay Singh but also highlights the AAP's strategic approach to strengthening its parliamentary presence. By entrusting Singh with this dual role, the party aims to leverage his leadership to enhance its impact on the national stage.
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Sanjay Singh's appointment as the chairperson of the AAP Parliamentary Party and leader in the Rajya Sabha marks a significant development in the party's political journey. His gratitude towards Arvind Kejriwal and commitment to his new responsibilities underscore his dedication to the AAP's mission.
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As the AAP continues to expand its influence in Parliament, Singh's leadership will be crucial in advancing the party's legislative agenda and advocating for meaningful change.

New Delhi

Sanjay Singh named chairperson of AAP Parliamentary Party

Vats Ambardar

The Delhi High Court on Friday asked the CBI to respond to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's bail plea in the corruption case registered by the CBI in connection with the alleged excise policy scam.
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Justice Neena Bansal Krishna issued a notice to the CBI on the bail plea and listed it for further hearing on July 17.
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Kejriwal sought bail claiming that there was no necessity to arrest him in the CBI case and that his custody was illegal.
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Senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi, representing Kejriwal, said the AAP leader is not a flight risk and not a terrorist, and the CBI arrested him after he got bail in the ED's money laundering case.
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He said Kejriwal has deep roots in society and added he was pressing for an interim relief in the matter.
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Advocate DP Singh, appearing for the CBI, objected Kejriwal directly approaching the high court without first filing the bail plea before the trial court.
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The high court took note of the objection and said "the contention shall be considered at the time of arguments".
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"In how many cases the Supreme Court or the high courts have said that please go back, on propriety. On law, there is no quarrel. I am not on law. They also say don't clog the higher courts when alternate remedy is available. There should be a reason why this (court) is better. We also have the benefit of going through the trial court's decision," Justice Krishna said.
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The high court added that parties also have the benefit of first hearing before the sessions court and they may succeed there.
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Senior advocate Vikram Chaudhari, also representing Kejriwal, said while remanding him in custody, the trial court had said the arrest was illegal and when that argument has been addressed, there is no point of sending it back and it will be a futile exercise.
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The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener was arrested by the CBI on June 26 from Tihar Jail, where he is still lodged in judicial custody in a connected money laundering case filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED).
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He has already challenged his arrest in the CBI case and the plea is pending before the high court. The court had issued notice and asked the CBI to file its reply while listing it for arguments on July 17.
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Kejriwal, who was arrested by the ED on March 21, was granted bail by the trial court in the money laundering case on June 20. However, the trial court's order was stayed by the high court.
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The excise policy was scrapped in 2022 after the Delhi lieutenant governor ordered a CBI probe into alleged irregularities and corruption involving the formulation and execution of the policy.
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According to the CBI and the ED, irregularities were committed while modifying the excise policy and undue favours extended to the licence holders.

Delhi HC asks CBI to respond to Kejriwal's bail plea

Amarpreet Kaur

A shutdown in Hisar was seen on Friday, as traders protested against the police's failure to arrest the individuals involved in a shooting incident outside a car dealership 12 days ago. The traders are demanding the arrest of the culprits who allegedly demanded a ransom of Rs 5 crore.&nbsp;
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According to the traders, the owners of an automobile showroom and a car accessories shop have also received ransom demands of Rs 2 crore each from unknown individuals via mobile phone. The traders have criticized the police for their inaction in these cases, as the culprits remain at large.&nbsp;
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The protest resulted in the closure of shops and petrol pumps, highlighting the traders' frustration with the lack of progress in the investigations.&nbsp;
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Meanwhile, Hisar District Bar Association President Viney Kumar Bishnoi said the lawyers of the association suspended their work on Friday in support of the bandh.&nbsp;
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Petrol Pumps Association chief Raj Kumar Salemgarh said all 15 petrol pumps in Hisar remained closed on Friday as the miscreants have not yet been arrested.&nbsp;&nbsp;
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The day-long shutdown was called by the Haryana Pradesh Beopar Mandal and other traders' organisations.&nbsp;&nbsp;
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During the bandh, all establishments and shops of Hisar remained closed and the markets wore a deserted look. More than 70 market associations joined the bandh.&nbsp;&nbsp;
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The traders' organisations alleged that the police have nothing except assurances.&nbsp;&nbsp;
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Haryana Pradesh Beopar Mandal State President Bajrang Dass Garg said the bandh was successful.&nbsp;&nbsp;
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He said the police administration should immediately arrest those who opened fire outside a car dealership and also apprehend those who demanded a ransom from two other traders of Auto Market, Hisar.&nbsp;&nbsp;
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On June 24, three unidentified men opened fire outside a car dealership in Hisar and demanded Rs 5 crore from its owner.&nbsp;&nbsp;
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A video that surfaced on social media showed two of them leaving the showroom with their faces covered.&nbsp;&nbsp;
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The police had earlier said that the three miscreants arrived on a motorcycle, barged into the dealership, left a note with a ransom demand, and fired shots in the air outside the showroom before leaving.

Chandigarh

Hisar firing incident: Traders stage protest, observe bandh

At least 15 engineers were suspended on Friday, in connection with a series of recent incidents of bridge collapse in Bihar, a senior official said. The decision was taken after a probe panel submitted its report to the Water Resources Department (WRD).
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A total of 10 bridges collapsed in Siwan, Saran, Madhubani, Araria, East Champaran and Kishanganj districts in the past 17 days, officials said.
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The report found that the engineers were &ldquo;negligent&rdquo; and monitoring was &ldquo;ineffective&rdquo;, which is the main reason behind the collapse of small bridges and causeways in the state, Additional Chief Secretary of WRD, Chaitanya Prasad, told reporters here.
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Those suspended include four executive engineers.
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&ldquo;The Rural Works Department has also initiated the process of blacklisting the contractor who was involved in the construction of the bridge in Araria district. The department has also stopped payment of the contractor/firm for its previous work till the completion of the probe,&rdquo; said Dipak Kumar Singh, Additional Chief Secretary, RWD.&nbsp;
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Besides, the department has sought explanation from officials concerned for the collapse of bridges in East Champaran on June 23 and in Madhubani on June 26.&nbsp;
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&ldquo;A probe has already been ordered into the collapse of RWD bridges in these two districts,&rdquo; said Singh.&nbsp;
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Commenting on the bridge collapse incidents, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav told reporters: &ldquo;Why are leaders of the NDA-led Bihar government, including Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, maintaining a stoic silence&hellip; These incidents prove how corruption is rampant in the ruling dispensation."
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&ldquo;The portfolio of the RWD, which constructs most of the small bridges in the state, is always with JD(U) leaders. Who should be held responsible for this mess?&rdquo; the former deputy CM said.&nbsp;
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Reacting to Yadav&rsquo;s comments, Jitan Ram Manjhi, Union minister and founder of the Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular), which is an alliance partner of the NDA, said the matter should not be politicised.&nbsp;
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&ldquo;Our chief minister has already issued strict instructions to senior officials of the department to take stern action against those who are found guilty,&rdquo; he said.&nbsp;
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Chirag Paswan, the chief of Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), another alliance partner of the NDA, added: &ldquo;The NDA government in Bihar has taken the matter very seriously, and action is being initiated against the erring officials and contractors.&rdquo;&nbsp;

Patna

Bihar bridge collapse incidents: Govt suspends 15 engineers

Neha Singh

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and his Telangana counterpart A Revanth Reddy will meet here on Saturday to resolve pending issues related to bifurcation of two Telugu states.
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<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 meeting would take place at the Mahatma Jyoti Rao Phule Bhavan here on Saturday evening.
<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;">TDP leaders and activists in Telangana accorded a grand welcome to Naidu when he arrived at the Begumpet airport here on Friday evening after concluding his Delhi trip.
<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;">Telangana came into existence on June 2, 2014 following the bifurcation of undivided Andhra Pradesh.
<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;">Ten years after separation, several issues such as bifurcation of assets, state-run institutions, power bills dues, transfer of leftover employees to their native states are still unresolved between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
<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;">Hyderabad ceased to be the common capital for both the states from June 2 this year as per the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014.
<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 metropolis is now the capital city of Telangana only.
<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;">Opposition BRS leaders here demanded that the Telangana government press for return of some villages from Andhra to Telangana.
<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;">These villages were merged with Andhra Pradesh at the time of bifurcation to facilitate the construction of multi-purpose Polavaram project.
<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;">Taking the initiative for the talks, Naidu wrote a letter to the Telangana Chief Minister last week, proposing a face-to-face meeting on July 6 to address unresolved bifurcation issues.
<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;">Revanth Reddy, who welcomed Naidu&rsquo;s proposal, invited him for a 'tete-e-tete' on July 6.
<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;">It is understood that Naidu and Revanth Reddy share a cordial relationship as the latter was a TDP leader before he joined the Congress and had even served as the working president of TDP's Telangana unit.
<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;">During the last 10 years, the Chief Ministers of both states have met to resolve the bilateral issues.
<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;">Former Andhra Pradesh CM YS Jagan Mohan Reddy had met the then Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao in 2020.
<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;">Prior to that, Naidu and KCR too had a meeting during the TDP chief&rsquo;s previous tenure as Andhra Chief Minister between 2014 and 2019.
<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;">KCR had also attended the foundation laying ceremony of Andhra's capital Amaravati then. 
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Telangana

Two Telugu state's CMs to meet on July 6

Ayesha Banerjee

It's enough to give everyone goosebumps, the T20 World Cup-winning Indian cricket team members pumping their fists in the air and singing composer
AR Rahman's Vande Mataram with the crowds joining in at the felicitation ceremony at Mumbai's Wankhede.
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It was also a proud moment AR Rahman, who on Friday shared the video on X.
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The Indian team, led by skipper Rohit Sharma, danced and took a victory lap at Mumbai's iconic stadium on Thursday evening.&nbsp;
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The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the national governing body of cricket in India, shared a clip of team members Sharma, Virat Kohli, Hardik Pandya, Kuldeep Yadav and Jasprit Bumrah singing along with Rahman's Maa Tujhe Salaam at Wankhede, PTI reported.
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In the 41-second video posted on X, the cricketers can be seen asking the spectators to sing along to the 1997 composition, penned by Mehboob.
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"Vande Mataram," wrote Rahman along with the emojis of a trophy, heart, handshake and clapping hands as he shared the video on his X page.
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"It's truly moving to see an anthem we created 27 years ago still igniting the nation's spirit #vandemataram #maatujhesalaam," said filmmaker Bharatbala in an Instagram post.
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Maa Tujhe Salaam was part of the 1997 studio album Vande Mataram, which was released on the Golden Jubilee anniversary of India's independence. Since then, the song has become a symbol of patriotic pride and national unity among citizens.
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India defeated South Africa by seven runs in a thrilling men's T20 World Cup final on Saturday in Bridgetown, Barbados

Mumbai

Post

Team India sing Vande Mataram, AR Rahman shares video

Amid the growing clamour for cancellation of the controversy-ridden NEET-UG, 2024 exam over alleged malpractices, the Centre and the National Testing Agency told the Supreme Court on Friday that scrapping it would be &ldquo;counterproductive&rdquo; and &ldquo;seriously jeopardise&rdquo; lakhs of honest candidates in the absence of proof of large-scale breach of confidentiality.
&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 National Testing Agency (NTA), which conducts the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test-Undergraduate (NEET-UG) for admissions to MBBS, BDS, AYUSH and other related courses, and the Union Education Ministry have been at the centre of media debates and protests by students and political parties over alleged large-scale malpractices ranging from question paper leak to impersonation in the test held on May 5.
<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 Union Education Ministry and the NTA filed separate affidavits opposing the pleas which have sought scrapping of the exam plagued by controversy, a re-test and court-monitored probe into entire gamut of issues involved.
<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 their responses, they said the CBI, the country&rsquo;s premier investigating agency, has taken over the cases registered in different states.
<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 also submitted that at the same time, in the absence of any proof of any large-scale breach of confidentiality in a pan-India examination, it would not be rational to scrap the entire examination and the results already declared,&rdquo; the Centre said in its preliminary affidavit filed by a director in the Ministry of Education.
<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;Scrapping the exam in entirety would seriously jeopardise the lakhs of honest candidates who attempted the question paper in 2024,&rdquo; the ministry 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 NTA, in its separate affidavit, reiterated the Centre&rsquo;s stand and said: &ldquo;The cancellation of the entire examination on the basis of the aforesaid factor, would be hugely counterproductive and significantly harmful to the larger public interest, especially to the career prospects of the qualified candidates.&rdquo;
<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;
The agency said the entirety of NEET-UG 2024 exam was carried out fairly and with due confidentiality without any illegal practices, and the claim of &ldquo;mass malpractice&rdquo; during the exam is &ldquo;completely unfounded, misleading, and lacks any basis&rdquo;.
&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 submitted that if the entire examination process is cancelled without their being any tangible factors warranting such actions it would be highly detrimental to the larger public interest involving the academic career of lakhs of students who have attempted the examination fairly without any wrongdoing or even an allegation of wrongdoing,&rdquo; the NTA 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 government said it has constituted a high-level committee of experts to suggest effective measures for conducting transparent, smooth and fair examinations by the NTA.
<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 affidavit said the panel shall make recommendations on reforms in the mechanism of the examination process, improvement in data security protocols and structure, and functioning of the National Testing Agency.
<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 top court is scheduled to hear on July 8 a batch of pleas, including those alleging irregularities in the examination held on May 5 and seeking a direction that it be held afresh. 
&nbsp;

Centre, NTA oppose pleas for scrapping NEET 2024

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to embark on an official visit to Moscow on July 8-9, as confirmed by Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra. The visit comes at the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin for the 22nd India-Russia Annual Summit. Modi's itinerary includes a private dinner hosted by President Putin upon his arrival in Moscow on Monday afternoon.
&nbsp;
Kwatra highlighted the ongoing engagement between Modi and Putin, noting their last informal meeting in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, in 2022, and subsequent telephonic conversations. The 21st summit took place in New Delhi in December 2021, followed by a meeting in Samarkand during the SCO summit in September 2022.
&nbsp;
"On July 9, Prime Minister Modi will engage with the Indian community in Russia and visit the Kremlin," Kwatra further announced. "He will also lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and attend an exhibition in Moscow as part of the scheduled events."
&nbsp;
The visit will feature a series of engagements, starting with restricted-level talks between Modi and Putin, followed by delegation-level discussions. The discussions will encompass a comprehensive review of the extensive bilateral relations between India and Russia.
&nbsp;
Modi's visit underscores the strategic partnership and close ties between the two nations, spanning various sectors including defence, trade, energy, and cultural exchanges. The annual summit aims to strengthen these ties further and explore new avenues of cooperation in line with the Indo-Russian strategic partnership.

PM Modi set for private dinner with Putin in Russia

The National Commission for Women (NCW) on Friday said it has initiated legal action against Lok Sabha MP Mahua Moitra for her remarks against its chairperson Rekha Sharma.
&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 came a day after the Trinamool Congress, commenting on a video posted on X showing the NCW chairperson&rsquo;s arrival at the site of a stampede that recently took place in Uttar Pradesh&rsquo;s Hathras, wrote, &ldquo;She is too busy holding up her boss&rsquo;s pajamas&rdquo;.
<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 NCW in a statement said that a formal complaint has been filed with the Delhi Police and a letter has been sent to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla at the Parliament stating that Moitra&rsquo;s remarks are condemnable in strongest possible words and being a Member of Parliament, it is unbecoming of her stature.
<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;">Reacting to the same, Moitra took a jibe at the NCW and posted on X, &ldquo;Come on @DelhiPolice please take action immediately on these suo moto orders. Am in Nadia in case you need me in the next 3 days to make a quick arrest. I Can Hold My Own Umbrella&rdquo;.
<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 the letter to Birla, the NCW has urged the speaker of the Lok Sabha to look into the matter and take appropriate action against Moitra.
<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;These crude remarks are not only outrageous but also a severe violation of a woman&rsquo;s right to dignity,&rdquo; the NCW 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;">While in the letter to the Delhi police, the NCW said upon careful consideration, the Commission said it has determined that Moitra&rsquo;s remarks fall under Section 79 of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita, 2023.
<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 NCW demanded registration of FIR against Moitra.
&nbsp;

Row over Mahua's remark against NCW chief

In a recent session of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, the Opposition staged a dramatic walkout after they were denied the opportunity to respond to Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar&rsquo;s remarks during the debate on the state&rsquo;s additional budget for 2024-25.
&nbsp;
The walkout, led by Leader of Opposition Vijay Wadettiwar, underscored deep-seated frustrations over parliamentary procedure and the perceived marginalisation of opposition voices.
&nbsp;
The session, marked by heated exchanges and procedural disputes, culminated in a decisive action by the Opposition. Wadettiwar expressed dismay at not being granted adequate time to address the Assembly following Ajit Pawar&rsquo;s extensive reply, which, according to him, exceeded the duration of the entire budget presentation itself.
&nbsp;
"The Opposition was not permitted to articulate our views on the Deputy CM's response," Wadettiwar lamented. He highlighted specific grievances regarding the budget, citing discrepancies between allocated funds and actual expenditures.
&nbsp;
For instance, he pointed out that allocations for the agriculture sector amounted to only 47% of the previous year&rsquo;s provisions, suggesting potential disparities in resource allocation.
&nbsp;
Moreover, Wadettiwar raised concerns about the disparity in expenditures allocated for the welfare of Backward Class communities compared to the budgetary provisions made.
&nbsp;
These discrepancies, he argued, could undermine the intended benefits and equitable distribution of resources crucial for inclusive development across the state.
&nbsp;
The walkout itself was a symbolic gesture of protest against what the Opposition perceives as procedural injustices and inadequate representation in the legislative process.
&nbsp;
By leaving the session, they aimed to draw attention to their sidelined role in shaping critical debates and decisions affecting Maharashtra&rsquo;s governance and public welfare.
&nbsp;
In response to the walkout, the ruling coalition defended the parliamentary procedures upheld during the session. They emphasised the Deputy CM&rsquo;s right to conclude the debate and asserted that adequate time had been allocated for discussions prior to Ajit Pawar&rsquo;s remarks.
&nbsp;
The incident highlights broader tensions within the legislative framework concerning the balance of power and representation between the ruling party and the Opposition. It underscores the importance of procedural fairness and equitable opportunities for all members to contribute meaningfully to legislative deliberations.
&nbsp;
Looking ahead, the fallout from this episode may influence future parliamentary sessions and discussions on budgetary allocations and policy decisions in Maharashtra.
&nbsp;
It underscores the ongoing challenges in fostering a robust and inclusive democratic process that respects diverse viewpoints and ensures transparency and accountability in governance.
&nbsp;
As Maharashtra continues its legislative sessions, the incident serves as a reminder of the need for constructive dialogue and fair representation to address the state&rsquo;s pressing challenges effectively.
&nbsp;
The role of the Opposition in holding the government accountable remains crucial in safeguarding democratic principles and promoting equitable development across the region.

Maharashtra opposition walks out over Budget debate

A record number of around 26 Indian-origin members of Parliament have been elected to the House of Commons in the UK's general election as results were announced on Friday, with several Conservatives surviving an overall brutal outcome for their party.
&nbsp;
Outgoing prime minister Rishi Sunak leads the Tory charge of British Indians holding on to their seats, with a decisive win in his Richmond and Northallerton constituency in Yorkshire. It would have come as small consolation for the Tory leader, who saw his party haemorrhage over 200 seats as the Labour Party's landslide victory unfolded.
&nbsp;
&ldquo;On this difficult night, I would like to express my gratitude to the people of the Richmond and Northallerton constituency for your continued support. Since I moved here a decade ago, you have made me and my family feel so at home and I look forward to serving you for years to come,&rdquo; said Sunak, in a message clearly aimed at dismissing pre-election chatter around his future plans as a politician.
&nbsp;
Other prominent British Indian Tories holding on to their seats included former home secretaries, Suella Braverman and Priti Patel, as did Sunak&rsquo;s Goan-origin Cabinet ally Claire Coutinho.
&nbsp;
Gagan Mohindra held on to his South West Hertfordshire seat for the Conservatives, with Shivani Raja registering a gain for the party in the keenly watched constituency of Leicester East where she was contesting against fellow Indian-origin Labour candidate Rajesh Agrawal.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
They had both canvassed around the topic of saving the city&rsquo;s famous Diwali lights from being switched off over council budget cuts, as did former MP Keith Vaz who was contesting as an Independent this time.
&nbsp;
Among the big losses on the Tory side included Shailesh Vara, who narrowly lost his North West Cambridgeshire seat to Labour, and first-timer Ameet Jogia, who also lost the Tory-held Hendon seat in London to Labour.
&nbsp;
Reflective of the overall election results tally, it was the Labour Party that saw the maximum number of winning Indian diaspora candidates, starting with party veterans such as Seema Malhotra &ndash; who held on to her Feltham and Heston constituency with a comfortable margin.
&nbsp;
Goan-origin Valerie Vaz, sister of Keith Vaz, won in Walsall and Bloxwich, as did Lisa Nandy with a big margin in Wigan.
&nbsp;
British Sikh MPs Preet Kaur Gill, who defeated Tory first-timer Ashvir Sangha, and Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi both won back their seats for Labour in Birmingham Edgbaston and Slough respectively. Navendu Mishra (Stockport) and Nadia Whittome (Nottingham East) were among the other Labour MPs re-elected with convincing majorities.
&nbsp;
It was among the newcomers that British Indians made a big mark for the Labour Party, with Jas Athwal (Ilford South), Baggy Shanker (Derby South), Satvir Kaur (Southampton Test), Harpreet Uppal (Huddersfield), Warinder Juss (Wolverhampton West), Gurinder Josan (Smethwick), Kanishka Narayan (Vale of Glamorgan), Sonia Kumar (Dudley), Sureena Brackenbridge (Wolverhampton North East), Kirith Entwistle (Bolton North East), Jeevun Sandher (Loughborough) and Sojan Joseph (Ashford) among those set to take their seats in Parliament next week.
&nbsp;
For the Liberal Democrats, who had a good election all round gaining over 60 seats, Munira Wilson won back her Twickenham constituency.
&nbsp;
One of the seats on the Labour watch list was Islington North, where suspended former party leader Jeremy Corbyn contested as an Independent to defeat his British Indian Labour challenger Praful Nargund.&nbsp;

Record 26 Indian-origin MPs elected to UK Parliament

Deepan

Iran is expected to have a new President by Saturday morning, informed Iraj Elahi, the Islamic Republic's envoy to India.
&nbsp;
"Today, we are holding the second round of the presidential election. More than 700 polling centres are accepting votes from Iranians. We hope that by tomorrow morning, we will have a new President," Elahi stated after casting his vote at a special polling centre in New Delhi.
&nbsp;
Elahi emphasised that the nation's foreign and internal policies "will not change" regardless of the election outcome.
&nbsp;
The snap presidential election was necessitated by the demise of President Ebrahim Raisi, who tragically perished in a helicopter crash on May 19.
&nbsp;
Raisi, the Islamic Republic's eighth President, was elected in 2021, with the next election originally scheduled for 2025.
&nbsp;
Friday's second round of polling follows the first round on June 28, where no candidate secured a majority.
&nbsp;
Voter turnout in the first phase was 39.93%, the lowest since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
&nbsp;
The two candidates advancing to the second and final round are Masoud Pezeshkian, a reformist, and Saeed Jalili, a hardline conservative.
&nbsp;
In the first round, Pezeshkian secured 10,415,991 votes, while Jalili garnered 9,473,298 votes.
&nbsp;
Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has urged citizens to participate in this "deciding round" of the election process.

Iran set to elect new President by Saturday morning

West Bengal Assembly Speaker Biman Banerjee on Friday administered the oath to two newly elected Trinamool Congress MLAs, instead of the Deputy Speaker who was authorised by Governor CV Ananda Bose for the job.
&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;">After a month-long impasse between the Raj Bhavan and the assembly, two TMC MLAs &mdash;Rayat Hossain Sarkar from Bhagwangola in Murshidabad district and Sayantika Banerjee from Baranagar on the northern outskirts of Kolkata &mdash; took oath during a special session of the state assembly.
<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 a sudden development on Thursday evening, Governor Bose authorised Deputy Speaker Asish Banerjee to administer the oath in the assembly on Friday, shifting from his previous stand that the MLAs would be sworn in at the Raj Bhavan.
<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;">However, during the special session of the assembly, the Deputy Speaker recused himself from the programme and said, &ldquo;It is against the norms for the Deputy Speaker to administer the oath when the Speaker is present on the Chair.&rdquo;
<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;
Following the Deputy Speaker&rsquo;s appeal, Biman Banerjee called both the MLAs to the floor of the House and administered the oath.
&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;">Protesting the governor&rsquo;s stand, both legislators had been on a sit-in on the assembly premises for the past few days, demanding they be administered oath by the Speaker as per the convention of the House. 
&nbsp;

Kolkata

Impasse ends: Bengal Speaker swears in 2 TMC MLAs

A roadside blast killed at least three people and injured seven in northwest Pakistan&rsquo;s restive Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Friday, rescue officials said.
&nbsp;
A Rescue 1122 spokesman said the blast occurred near Jalala Bridge in Tehsil Takht Bai in Mardan district. The rescue authorities immediately shifted the deceased and the injured to Mardan Medical Complex.
&nbsp;
Police teams rushed to the site and collected evidence to determine the nature of the explosion, whether it was caused by explosive material or a cylinder blast.
&nbsp;
On Wednesday, a former Senator and three others were assassinated in a car bomb blast triggered through a remote-control device in restive northwest Pakistan, police said.
&nbsp;
Hidayat Ullah was in the Damadola area of Mamond Bajaur tribal district bordering Afghanistan in connection with a by-election campaign for his nephew
Najeeb Ullah Khan when the blast occurred.
&nbsp;
The by-election for PK 22 Provincial Assembly Constituency is due on July 12.
&nbsp;
On Monday, security forces gunned down nine terrorists, including key commanders, of a banned outfit in two operations in northwest Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Pakistan Army's media wing said.
&nbsp;
The operations were conducted in Lakki Marwat and Khyber districts.

Peshawar

Roadside blast kills 3 in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

The Supreme Court of India is set to hear a review petition on July 10 against its earlier judgement that denied marriage equality rights to queer couples. A five-judge bench, led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and including justices Sanjiv Khanna, Hima Kohli, BV Nagarathna, and PS Narasimha, will preside over the hearing.
&nbsp;
The review petition challenges the court's October 17, 2023, majority judgement which rejected petitions seeking legal recognition of same-sex and queer marriages under various acts including the Special Marriage Act, 1954, and the Foreign Marriage Act, 1969.
&nbsp;
The review petitions argue that the majority judgement contains errors of law and represents a grave miscarriage of justice. One such petition, filed through advocates Karuna Nundy and Ruchira Goel, asserts that the majority opinion failed to recognize the petitioners&rsquo; request to extend existing marriage laws to queer couples, rather than create a new legal institution. The petitioners claim this misinterpretation leads to discriminatory practices contrary to constitutional protections.
&nbsp;
The majority judgement, delivered by justices SR Bhat, Hima Kohli, and PS Narasimha, stated that there is no fundamental right to marry for queer individuals. It allowed transgender persons the right to heterosexual marriage under existing laws but denied the creation of a legal framework for same-sex unions.
&nbsp;
Furthermore, the judgement did not extend adoption rights to queer couples, upholding Regulation 5(3) of the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) Regulations, which treats children of married and unmarried couples differently.
&nbsp;
Chief Justice Chandrachud and Justice SK Kaul had delivered minority opinions that diverged from the majority, emphasising the need for non-discriminatory treatment and equal protection under the law for queer individuals.
&nbsp;
The review petitions argue that the majority judgement failed to consider these perspectives adequately and overlooked the constitutional rights of queer couples and their children.
&nbsp;
The petitioners also highlight the practical implications of the judgement, noting that it leaves queer relationships unprotected by law and perpetuates discrimination. They emphasise that the lack of legal recognition impacts not only the couples but also their children, who remain outside the legal framework that protects families.
&nbsp;
In seeking a review, the petitioners request the Supreme Court to reconsider its earlier decision and provide remedies under the Special Marriage Act.
&nbsp;
They propose that provisions under Sections 15-18 of the Act be interpreted to allow non-heterosexual marriages to evolve through common law, thereby respecting the constitutional rights recognized by the court.
&nbsp;
The upcoming hearing on July 10 will be crucial in determining whether the Supreme Court will reassess its stance on marriage equality and address the legal and social implications of its earlier judgement. The outcome has significant implications for the rights and recognition of queer couples and their families in India.

Supreme Court to review decision on queer marriage rights

Union Home Minister Amit Shah is set to visit Mizoram next month to oversee the relocation of the Assam Rifles&rsquo; headquarters from central Aizawl to Zokhawsang, announced Chief Minister Lalduhoma on Tuesday.
&nbsp;
The decision to move the Assam Rifles&rsquo; base to the outskirts of the state capital has been finalized following discussions between Shah and Lalduhoma during the Chief Minister's recent visit to the national capital in June.
&nbsp;
"We are committed to shifting the Assam Rifles&rsquo; headquarters to the designated place," Lalduhoma affirmed during a joint meeting attended by key state officials and Assam Rifles representatives.
&nbsp;
Discussions at the meeting centered on the necessary infrastructure developments at Zokhawsang to facilitate the relocation.
&nbsp;
Key challenges, including the relocation of existing facilities like the magazine building and firing point within the Zokhawsang complex, were highlighted by Assam Rifles officials.
&nbsp;
In response to infrastructure concerns raised, authorities agreed to conduct a joint inspection aimed at expediting necessary relocations.
&nbsp;
Assam Rifles officials committed to repairing internal roads and transformers within the Zokhawsang complex, highlighting their responsibility for these facilities since their transfer from local authorities five years ago.
&nbsp;
The Assam Rifles battalion headquarters is currently situated in Treasury and Zodin Square in the heart of Aizawl city.
&nbsp;
The Ministry of Home Affairs had directed the relocation of the battalion headquarters to Zokhawsang, approximately 15 km from Aizawl, in February 2019.
&nbsp;
Historically, demands for relocating the Assam Rifles battalion headquarters away from Aizawl's urban center have persisted since 1988.
&nbsp;
The incident involving the killing of 12 civilians by Assam Rifles personnel prompted the Mizo National Front (MNF) government, led by then Chief Minister Laldenga, to advocate for the move.
&nbsp;
Basic infrastructure at Zokhawsang, necessary for accommodating the Assam Rifles battalion headquarters, has already been constructed. The inauguration of these facilities took place on April 1 last year, with Union Home Minister Shah in attendance. Assam Rifles' 
Assam Rifles, a Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) under the Ministry of Home Affairs, engages in counterinsurgency operations across northeastern India and other critical regions. During peace and proxy war times, it secures India's borders with China and Myanmar.
&nbsp;
Under Army oversight, it intervenes when other paramilitary forces cannot manage internal security.
&nbsp;
Operational command rests with a Lieutenant General, unique as its Director-General's headquarters is in Shillong, unlike other CAPFs in New Delhi.
&nbsp;
Established in 1835 as 'Cachar Levy,' it protected British tea estates. Evolving into the 'Frontier Force,' it conducted expeditions and merged into Assam Military Police in 1870, contributing 3,000 soldiers to British efforts in Europe and West Asia.
&nbsp;
Renamed Assam Rifles in 1917, it has expanded from 17 battalions in 1960 to 46 today.
&nbsp;
The force has evolved post-Independence, from combat roles during the Sino-India War 1962 to being a part of the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) in Sri Lanka in 1987, besides performing peacekeeping roles in north-eastern India.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
From 17 battalions in 1960 it has grown to 46 battalions today.
&nbsp;
On July 15, 2004, 12 Manipur women staged a naked protest in front of the Assam Rifles headquarters at Kangla Fort in Imphal against the custodial rape and death of 32-year-old Manorama Thangjam four days earlier.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
She was picked up by Assam Rifles personnel for questioning and her bullet-riddled body was later found in a paddy field.
&nbsp;
The force&rsquo;s HQ was shifted from Kangla Fort, and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh handed the fort over to the Manipur government on November 20, 2004.
&nbsp;
&nbsp;

Aizawl

Amit Shah to oversee Assam Rifles' base shift in Mizoram

Nepal's embattled Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda', who lost support from two major alliance partners earlier this week, is set to seek a vote of confidence from the House of Representatives on July 12, it was announced on Thursday.
&nbsp;
The prime minister sent a letter to the Parliament Secretariat asking the latter to make arrangements for the vote, local media reported.
&nbsp;
&ldquo;Dahal chose to go for the floor test by the article 100(2) of the Constitution which says &lsquo;if the political party which the prime minister represents is divided or a political party in coalition government withdraws its support, the prime minister shall table a motion in the House of Representatives for a vote of confidence within thirty days,&rsquo;&rdquo; The Kathmandu Post reported.
&nbsp;
Earlier, Prachanda had announced that he would not quit after the resignation of eight Cabinet ministers belonging to the largest party and instead face a vote of confidence in Parliament.
&nbsp;
His announcement was prompted after Nepali Congress (NC) president Sher Bahadur Deuba and Communist Party of Nepal-Unified Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML) chairman K P Sharma Oli, both former premiers, inked a power-sharing deal on Monday night to form a new NC-UML alliance government.
&nbsp;
The Nepali Congress, which is the largest party in the 275-member House of Representatives (HoR), has 89 seats, while CPN-UML has 78 seats. Prachanda's party, the Communist Party of Nepal-Maoist Centre (CPN-MC), has 32 seats.
&nbsp;
The CPN-Unified Socialist (CPN-US), which has 10 seats in the Lower House, has said it will vote in favour of the Prachanda-led government. Despite that support, Prachanda enjoys support from just 63 members of the HoR.
&nbsp;
He requires 138 votes for the government to win the vote of confidence in the House.
&nbsp;
This will be the fifth time Prachanda, 69, will seek a vote of confidence within a term of one and a half years.
&nbsp;
Nepal has had 13 governments in the last 16 years, indicating the fragile nature of the Himalayan nation's political system.&nbsp;

Kathmandu

Nepal PM Prachanda to face floor test on July 12

Unlike his Bihar counterpart Nitish Kumar, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu chose not to press with the demand for granting his state special category status (SCS).&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Instead, he adopted a more pragmatic approach during his interactions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and a host of Union Ministers. He sought liberal central financial assistance for rebuilding the new capital city of Amaravati, his dream project, the multipurpose Polavaram irrigation project and for developing the state&rsquo;s backward regions.
&nbsp;
Though SCS was a key emotive issue in the recent past, it has lost its appeal now in the wake of the central government doing away with the practice based on the recommendations of the 14th Finance Commission.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Since the commission had considered the level of backwardness of states in the proposed transfer of funds to states, the idea of special category status has now become irrelevant.
&nbsp;
The idea was that adequate resources would be allocated through tax devolution and grants to address interstate inequalities. The special category status is therefore restricted to the three hill states of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand and those in the Northeast.
&nbsp;
Realising the futility of insisting on the special status demand in the present context, Naidu, whose support is crucial for the survival and stability of the NDA government, is keen on extracting adequate funds for projects that are close to his heart.
&nbsp;
During his two-day visit to Delhi, his first since assuming office on June 12, Naidu had a hectic schedule, meeting the Prime Minister and chairman of 16th Finance Commission Arvind Panagariya and half a dozen Union ministers including Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Home Minister Amit Shah, Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, among others.
&nbsp;
The Chief Minister sought central handholding for the state finances in the short-term, incentives for industrial development and additional allocation under the Scheme for Special Assistance to States for capital investment, targeting essential sectors such as roads, bridges, irrigation, and drinking water projects.
&nbsp;
&ldquo;The preference would be to get money released for big-ticket projects such as the Polavaram national irrigation project and development of Amaravati,&rdquo; the sources in the Chief Minister&rsquo;s Office said.
&nbsp;
Andhra has asked for central assistance in building Amaravati as the &ldquo;sole capital&rdquo;, and an allocation of Rs 15,000 crore towards essential infrastructure development. The provisional estimate to construct Amravati city is around Rs 1 lakh crore, of which essential infrastructure such as the Raj Bhawan, high court, secretariat, Legislative Assembly and Council and the land development and trunk infrastructure could cost over Rs 50,000 crore in the next five years.
&nbsp;
Polavaram project&rsquo;s total cost stood at around Rs 55,500 crore when it was approved by the Technical Advisory Committee in 2019.
&nbsp;
Naidu conveyed to the PM that Andhra&rsquo;s growth has plummeted, revenue receipts have tapered, and liabilities peaked because of the &ldquo;unproductive expenditure and fiscal hara-kiri, marked by the exploitation of natural resources for personal use and no focus on the development of human resources&rdquo;, of the previous YSR Congress Party regime.
&nbsp;
Andhra Pradesh, he explained, is &ldquo;severely constrained&rdquo; by lack of financial resources. &ldquo;Committed expenses, including salaries, pensions and debt servicing, exceed the state's revenue receipts, leaving no fiscal space for productive capital investment," Naidu told the PM.
&nbsp;
He pointed out that the previous government resorted to indiscriminate borrowings, marked by hypothecation of future excise revenues and pledging of government buildings, combined with large-scale diversion of funds, which resulted in a situation of high public expectation and acute scarcity of resources.
&nbsp;
"There is no other way to face such a challenge except by way of financial handholding by the central government," Naidu said.
&nbsp;
According to the state government data, the public debt of Andhra Pradesh has increased from 31.02 per cent of the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) in 2019-20 to 33.32 per cent in 2023-24 fiscal, indicating deterioration in the fiscal health of the state in the last five years.&nbsp;

Amaravati

Naidu seeks liberal central funds for his dream projects

A court here on Friday extended till July 18 the judicial custody of BRS leader K Kavitha in a corruption case linked to the alleged Delhi excise policy scam.
&nbsp;
Special Judge Kaveri Baweja passed the order.
&nbsp;
The CBI had arrested Kavitha, the daughter of former Telangana chief minister K Chandrashekar Rao, in April from the Tihar Jail, where she was lodged after her arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED).
&nbsp;
The ED had arrested the 46-year-old from her Banjara Hills residence in Hyderabad on March 15, and she was in judicial custody in the case.
&nbsp;
The Rouse Avenue court is likely to consider the charge sheet filed against her on July 6.
&nbsp;
The CBI had arrested Kavitha, the daughter of former Telangana chief minister K Chandrashekar Rao, in April from the Tihar Jail, where she was lodged after her arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED).
&nbsp;
The ED had arrested the 46-year-old from her Banjara Hills residence in Hyderabad on March 15, and she was in judicial custody in the case.
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
&nbsp;

Court extends Kavitha's custody till July 18

While everyone must be acquainted with the term &lsquo;suicide&rsquo;, not many must have heard about robots dieing by suicide.
&nbsp;
In absurd turn of events, a robot civil servant working for the Gumi City Council in South Korea has sparked a national debate after what many are calling the country&rsquo;s first &ldquo;robot suicide&rdquo;.
&nbsp;
The incident took place on Thursday, leaving the community both puzzled and mourning.
&nbsp;
The robot was discovered in a heap at the bottom of a stairwell between the first and second floors of the council building, said the robot supervisor.
&nbsp;
This undated handout photo provided by South Korea&rsquo;s Gumi City Council on June 26, 2024 shows an administrative officer robot at the Gumi City Council building in Gumi.
&nbsp;
A city council in South Korea said on June 26, their first administrative officer robot was defunct after throwing itself down some stairs, in the country&rsquo;s first apparent robot suicide.
&nbsp;
City council officials were quick to respond, stating that pieces of the shattered robot have been collected for analysis. The cause of the fall remains unclear, but the incident has prompted questions about the robot&rsquo;s workload and its implications.
&nbsp;
Employed since August 2023, this diligent mechanical helper was a jack-of-all-trades. From delivering documents and promoting the city to providing information to residents, the robot was a fixture in the city hall, complete with its own civil service officer card. The robot worked from 9 am to 6 pm, tirelessly moving between floors using elevators&mdash; a rare capability among its kind.
&nbsp;
The robot was developed by Bear Robotics, a startup from California known for creating robot waiters.
&nbsp;
The robot&rsquo;s sudden demise has stirred up a mix of emotions and opinions in local media and online forums.
&nbsp;
Some people are questioning whether the robot was overworked, while others wonder about the broader implications of integrating robots into everyday human tasks.
&nbsp;
For now, the Gumi City Council has decided not to replace their fallen mechanical colleague.
&nbsp;
The tragic event has led to a pause in their robot adoption plans, reflecting a moment of reconsideration in a nation famous for its enthusiasm for automation.
&nbsp;
So, was it really a &ldquo;robot suicide&rdquo; or just a tragic malfunction? While we may never fully understand the mechanical mind, one thing is certain&mdash; this incident has sparked an important conversation about the future of robots in our society.
&nbsp;

Seoul

Workload compels robot to die by suicide in South Korea?

Arunachal Pradesh is set to introduce India's inaugural integrated aqua park and aqua museum at Tarin in Ziro, announced State Horticulture and Agriculture Minister Gabriel D Wangsu.
&nbsp;
Scheduled for imminent inauguration, the project marks a significant milestone in the region's development, as highlighted by Wangsu following a recent site inspection on July 5.
&nbsp;
Spanning across 10 hectares within the picturesque Ziro valley, the park promises to elevate local tourism prospects while providing substantial socio-economic benefits to the community.
&nbsp;
Minister Wangsu emphasised its dual role in fostering sustainable tourism and supporting local livelihoods.
&nbsp;
The Integrated Aqua Park and Aqua Museum are poised to become prominent landmarks in Ziro, renowned for its scenic beauty and cultural heritage.
&nbsp;
The facility aims to offer an immersive experience by blending educational insights into aquatic ecosystems with recreational activities.
&nbsp;
Anticipated to draw a diverse range of visitors including tourists, nature enthusiasts, researchers, and students, the park will showcase the region's rich aquatic biodiversity.
&nbsp;
The accompanying museum will serve as an educational hub, advocating for conservation awareness.

Itanagar

Arunachal to launch India's first aqua park in Ziro

Ahead of the Union Budget presentation, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Friday met Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, pressing for enhanced financial support to the debt-burdened state.
&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;">Sources said Naidu, during the meeting in North Block, highlighted various ongoing projects in Andhra Pradesh that require urgent central assistance.
<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 CM presented a detailed memorandum outlining the state&rsquo;s financial requirements and the rationale behind the demand for increased allocation,&rdquo; the sources 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;">Telugu Desam Party ministers in the Centre were present during the meeting.
<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;">Naidu also met Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Health Minister JP Nadda.
<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 the state government data, the public debt of Andhra Pradesh has increased from 31.02 per cent of the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) in 2019-20 to 33.32 per cent in 2023-24 fiscal, indicating deterioration in the fiscal health of the state in the last five years.
<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;">Key among Naidu&rsquo;s demands were funds for the Polavaram irrigation project, special assistance for backward regions, and support for the development of the new capital, Amaravati.
<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 chief minister also sought resolution of pending issues stemming from the bifurcation of the erstwhile Andhra Pradesh.
<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 meeting assumes significance as it comes just weeks before the presentation of the Union Budget 2024-25.
<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 sources indicated that Sitharaman gave a patient hearing to Naidu&rsquo;s concerns and gave an assurance that she will look into Andhra Pradesh's demands within the broader fiscal constraints.
<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;">Naidu has been vocal about the state&rsquo;s financial distress and sought increased central support to tide over the fiscal challenges, when he met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several Union Ministers on Thursday.
<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 Naidu-led TDP is a crucial partner of the NDA with its 16 Lok Sabha MPs supporting the Narendra Modi-led government. 
&nbsp;

Naidu seeks added financial aid for debt-ridden Andhra

Himachal Pradesh's Una district has been adjudged as the 'top performer' in the country for implementing the joint action plan 'Ek Yudh Nashe Ke Virudh', a nationwide initiative to combat drug abuse. Deputy Commissioner Una Jatin Lal, on Friday, accepted the award from Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, on June 30. 
&nbsp;
Una District was the first in the country to launch this initiative, a collaborative effort between the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights and the Narcotics Control Bureau, in February 2021. The program aims to raise awareness about the dangers of drugs and substance abuse in educational institutions.
&nbsp;
He said that various departments have made commendable contributions to the 'Nasha Mukt Una Abhiyan' (drug-free Una campaign), which was implemented as a pilot project and has shown positive results. 
&nbsp;
Lal said that under the campaign, 26,000 students were engaged through various skill and life development programmes at school and college levels to raise awareness against drug abuse. Additionally, about 247 teachers and school heads received training. 
&nbsp;
The main objective of the programme was to strengthen the emotional and mental health of students and keep them away from negative thoughts that could lead to drug addiction, he said. 
&nbsp;
Along with this, 'Har Ghar Dastak Abhiyan' was also conducted in Una to raise awareness against drug abuse in one lakh houses, Lal said. Under this initiative, people were made aware of the ill effects of drugs, he added. 
&nbsp;
The deputy commissioner thanked Una residents for joining the 'Nasha Mukt Una Abhiyan' and expressed hope that they will continue to cooperate in future campaigns to make the district drug-free.&nbsp;

Himachal's Una tops nationwide anti-drug campaign

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed his gratitude to Rishi Sunak for his efforts in strengthening the ties between India and the United Kingdom during his tenure as the UK Prime Minister. In a heartfelt message, PM Modi acknowledged Sunak's leadership and his active role in deepening the relationship between the two nations. Modi extended his best wishes to Sunak and his family for the future, appreciating the positive impact he had during his time in office.
 Rishi Sunak, the Conservative Party leader, conceded defeat in the recent UK general election. The Labour Party, under the leadership of Keir Starmer, secured a significant victory. This change marks the end of Sunak's tenure as Prime Minister.
 Recently, Modi and Sunak met at the 50th G7 Summit in Italy&rsquo;s Apulia. During their meeting, they reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and the UK.
&nbsp;
Their conversation highlighted the robust relationship between the two countries and the mutual agreement that this relationship would continue to grow in the future.
&nbsp;
Sunak had also taken the opportunity to congratulate PM Modi on the BJP-led NDA's third consecutive election victory in India. He emphasised the close friendship between the UK and India, expressing confidence that this bond would remain strong and continue to thrive.
&nbsp;
In addition to their diplomatic interactions, Sunak had previously hailed India's rise as an economic superpower. He recognized the significant role of emerging economies like India, Indonesia, and Nigeria in reshaping the global economic landscape.
&nbsp;
His remarks underscored the importance of India's growing influence on the world stage.
&nbsp;
PM Modi's acknowledgment of Sunak's contributions reflects the mutual respect and positive dynamics that have characterised the India-UK relationship during Sunak's term. As both nations look to the future, the foundation laid by their leaders promises continued collaboration and strengthened ties.

PM Modi acknowledges Sunak's work on India UK ties

Amitabh Bachchan on Friday expressed gratitude to fans for the love that has come his way for Kalki 2898 AD and praised the audacious mind of director Nag Ashwin for transforming the Hindu epic Mahabharata for modern-day viewing.
&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 81-year-old actor is receiving glowing reviews for his role of the immortal warrior Ashwathhama in the star-studded sci-fi spectacle. Released worldwide on June 27, the movie has grossed over Rs 700 crore at the box office.
<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 essence of KALKI resounds within and without&hellip; and my gracious gratitude,&rdquo; Bachchan wrote on X.
<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 a lengthy post on his personal blog, the screen icon said he watched Kalki 2898 AD for the third time recently.
<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 experience just keeps building&hellip; every time you notice and admire the pains taken by the Director in purring this massive vision in fructification, and presenting it in a manner that makes the film historic&hellip; historic not just in its commercial prospects, but historic in its values of the audacious mind of the Director in metamorphosing the legend of the Mahabharat with its manifestation after 6000 years , into the viewage of modern day humans that go to see the film TODAY in 2024&hellip;&rdquo; he wrote.
<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;">Bachchan revealed he had an on-camera conversation with Ashwin about Kalki 2898 AD, which he said will be put out soon as a podcast or an interview on TV channels.
<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;">It also stars Prabhas, Deepika Padukone, and Kamal Haasan, with Saswata Chatterjee, Shobana, and Disha Patani. Mounted on a reported budget of Rs 600 crore, the film released in Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, Hindi, and English. 
&nbsp;

Big B praises Kalki 2898 AD as 'marvellous spectacle'

Unknown armed miscreants launched an attack on a chariot being readied for the upcoming Ratha Yatra festival in Imphal, Manipur, early on Thursday.
&nbsp;
The incident unfolded around 12:30 am near the Sana Konung crossing, where the assailants, arriving by car from the direction of Advance Hospital, fired two rounds at the parked chariot before swiftly fleeing towards Palace Gate.
&nbsp;
Imphal East police swiftly responded to the scene, initiating an investigation to apprehend the perpetrators behind the brazen assault.
&nbsp;
The motive behind the attack remains shrouded in uncertainty amid ongoing regional tensions and a lively discourse on social media regarding the appropriateness of celebrating the Ratha Yatra festival, slated for June 8.
&nbsp;
Last year, concerns akin to those arising now led to a scaled-down observance of the Ratha Yatra, with ritual ceremonies held but the customary procession cancelled.
&nbsp;
Manipur, troubled by recurring unrest, had opted out of the annual Rath Yatra procession, a centuries-old event integral to the cultural fabric of the region.
&nbsp;
The celebration in Imphal Valley traces its origins to 1780 during the reign of Maharaja Bhagyachandra, gaining public prominence in 1832 with the construction of the Govindaji Temple under Maharaja Gambhir Singh's rule.
&nbsp;
This year, amid heightened security concerns and the decision by the Shree Shree Govindaji Temple Board&mdash;custodians of the local Rath Yatra, known as Kang Chingba&mdash;to refrain from organising public events, the atmosphere surrounding the festival remains tense.
&nbsp;
Traditionally, the festival involves placing idols of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra in a towering 30-foot wooden chariot, pulled ceremonially by devotees from the palace compound through the streets.

Imphal

Armed attack on Ratha Yatra chariot in Imphal

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday, highlights, India's defence production has reached an unprecedented high of Rs 1.27 lakh crore in 2023-24, marking a significant milestone for the Make in India initiative. This achievement surpasses the previous year's production value of Rs 1,08,684 crore in FY 2022-23.
&nbsp;
Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the development as "encouraging" and extended his appreciation to all contributors. He reaffirmed the government's dedication to fostering a supportive environment that enhances India's defence capabilities and solidifies its position as a leading global defence manufacturing hub.
&nbsp;
"This will enhance our security apparatus and make us Aatmanirbhar!" he said on X. 
&nbsp;
Singh said the government is committed to creating a more conducive regime for developing India as a leading global defence manufacturing hub.&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;
"The Ministry of Defence has achieved the highest-ever growth in indigenous defence production in value terms during financial year (FY) 2023-24, on the back of successful implementation of the policies and initiatives of the government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, focussing on achieving 'Aatmanirbharta'," the defence ministry said in a statement. 
&nbsp;
The annual defence production has hit a record high of approximately Rs 1.27 lakh crore in 2023-24, it said. 
&nbsp;
"As per the data received from all Defence Public Sector undertakings (DPSUs), other PSUs manufacturing defence items and private companies, the value of defence production in the country has gone up to a record-high figure, i.e., Rs 1,26,887 crore, reflecting a growth of 16.7 per cent over the defence production of the previous financial year," the statement said. 
&nbsp;
Singh congratulated the Indian industry, including defence public sector undertakings and other public sector undertakings manufacturing defence items, and the private industry for the feat. 
&nbsp;
"The Make in India programme is crossing new milestones, year after year, under the leadership of PM Shri @narendramodi," he said. 
&nbsp;
"India has registered the highest ever growth in the value of defence production in 2023-24. The value of production has reached to Rs. 1,26,887 crore in 2023-24 which is 16.8 per cent higher than the value of production of previous financial year," he wrote on X. 
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The defence ministry said that of "the total value of production (VoP) in 2023-24, about 79.2 per cent has been contributed by DPSUs/other PSUs and 20.8 per cent by the private sector". 
&nbsp;
The data shows that in terms of absolute value, both DPSUs/PSUs and private sector have recorded a steady growth in defence production, the statement said. 
&nbsp;
The feat has been achieved due to the policy reforms and initiatives and ease of doing business brought in by the government in the last 10 years with focus on attaining self-reliance, the ministry said. 
&nbsp;
"The indigenisation efforts have been pursued aggressively on a sustained basis, that resulted in the highest ever VoP. Moreover, the spiralling defence exports have contributed tremendously to the overall growth in the indigenous defence production," the statement said. 
&nbsp;
Defence exports touched a record-high of Rs 21,083 crore in FY 2023-24, reflecting a growth of 32.5 per cent over the last fiscal when the figure was Rs 15,920 crore, it added. 
&nbsp;
In the last five years (since 2019-20), the value of defence production has been increasing steadily, and grown by over 60 per cent, the statement said and also shared year-wise data in this period.&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
The Make in India programme is crossing new milestones, year after year, under the leadership of PM Shri <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a>. India has registered the highest ever growth in the value of defence production in 2023-24. The value of production has reached to Rs. 1,26,887 crore in&hellip;
&mdash; Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) <a href="https://twitter.com/rajnathsingh/status/1809080387408441775?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 5, 2024</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;

India's Defence production hits record high in 2023-24

The devastating floods in Assam have claimed six more lives, including two children, bringing the death toll to 52 since May.
&nbsp;
The Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) reported that despite a slight dip in the water levels of the Brahmaputra and other rivers on Thursday, the flood situation remains dire with 21.13 lakh people displaced.
&nbsp;
More than 39,300 individuals among the flood-hit populace have sought refuge in 247 relief camps.
&nbsp;
Western Assam's Dhubri and northern Assam's Darrang are the worst-affected districts, with 6.49 lakh and 1.9 lakh people displaced, respectively, according to an ASDMA spokesperson.
&nbsp;
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma attributed the worsening flood conditions to the breaching of at least eight strategic embankments, exacerbated by heavy rainfall in Arunachal Pradesh and Bhutan.
&nbsp;
Impact on Kaziranga&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The floods have also severely impacted the Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve, spanning 1,307.49 sq. km.
&nbsp;
Floodwaters have claimed the lives of 31 animals, including 30 hog deer and one otter pup.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
However, forest guards have successfully rescued 82 animals, among them a two-month-old rhino.
&nbsp;
"The situation has seen slight improvement over the last 24 hours, with 95 of the 233 anti-poaching camps now under water up to 5 feet, compared to 179 camps on Wednesday," a park official stated.
&nbsp;
Heavy rainfall has also wreaked havoc in other northeastern states.
&nbsp;
Officials in Arunachal Pradesh reported that at least seven districts in the central and eastern regions, including Lohit, Changlang, Anjaw, and East Siang, have been cut off due to landslides caused by flash floods.
&nbsp;
In the past 48 hours, rain-induced landslides and floods have claimed the lives of eight people, including two children, in Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura.

Guwahati

Assam floods death toll rises to 52, displaces over 21 lakh

In a significant boost to India's defence capabilities, Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited (IRRPL) has successfully delivered 35,000 AK-203 assault rifles to the Indian Army.
&nbsp;
This delivery comes ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi&rsquo;s visit to Russia and marks a milestone in the collaboration between India and Russia in defence production.
&nbsp;
The production of these rifles has been carried out in India, fully aligning with the Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan (Self-Reliant India) initiatives. This project is notable for its comprehensive technology transfer and the commitment to achieving 100 percent localization of AK-203 production.
&nbsp;
Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited, a joint venture co-founded by ROSOBORONEXPORT on the Russian side, has completed the first phase of producing AK-203 Kalashnikov assault rifles in India.
&nbsp;
Alexander Mikheev, Director General of ROSOBORONEXPORT, highlighted that all necessary equipment has been shipped to the Korwa Ordnance Factory in Amethi, Uttar Pradesh. The production facilities are now fully equipped, allowing the production and timely delivery of the 35,000 rifles to the Indian Army.
&nbsp;
The Kalashnikov AK-203 assault rifle, a variant of the AK-200 series, is chambered for the 7.62x39mm cartridge used by the Indian Army. The rifle retains the traditional advantages of Kalashnikov designs, such as reliability and ease of maintenance.
&nbsp;
The AK-203s produced in India are manufactured using exclusive Russian technologies on certified equipment, ensuring high product quality and adherence to the specified characteristics.
&nbsp;
This collaboration represents a significant step in strengthening India&rsquo;s defence manufacturing capabilities. By producing these advanced assault rifles domestically, India not only enhances its self-reliance in defence but also builds a strong foundation for future technological advancements in the sector.
&nbsp;
The successful delivery of the AK-203 rifles underscores the effectiveness of the joint venture and sets a precedent for further cooperation between India and Russia in defense production.

Amethi

Indian Army gets 35000 AK203 rifles from IRRPL Amethi

Shyna Gupta

India's first human space mission, Gaganyaan, and its inaugural Deep Sea mission, Samudrayaan, are set to take place by 2025, according to Union Science and Technology Minister Jitendra Singh.
&nbsp;
Announcing the ambitious projects at a media event on Thursday, Singh highlighted India's advancements in space and ocean exploration.
&nbsp;
Gaganyaan will see a crew of four astronauts embarking on a three-day mission orbiting 400 km above Earth. The selected astronauts include three Group Captains, Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair, Ajit Krishnan, and Angad Pratap, along with Wing Commander Shubanshu Shukla. This mission marks a significant milestone in India's space exploration efforts.
&nbsp;
The Deep Sea mission, Samudrayaan, will involve a crewed expedition to a depth of 6,000 meters in the central Indian Ocean. The mission will use the Matsya6000, an indigenously developed manned submersible vehicle by the Ministry of Earth Sciences.
&nbsp;
Singh emphasized the broader impact of the space sector, stating, "The space sector is not limited to launching rockets and satellites but will also propel growth and positively impact agriculture, infrastructure development, and communication."
&nbsp;
He also mentioned initiatives aimed at boosting farm productivity, such as land record management, the new geospatial policy, the new space policy, and programs like the soil health card, direct benefit transfer, and land mapping.
&nbsp;
The minister highlighted the rapid growth of startups in the space sector, noting that their number has increased from just one in 2022 to 200, with many achieving global capabilities.&nbsp;He also shared how the space sector has attracted over Rs 1,000 crore in private sector investment in just a few months.

India to launch space, deep sea missions by 2025

Benchmark stock market indices ended Friday's trading session on a weak note as banking and financial stocks declined.
&nbsp;
The S&amp;P BSE Sensex was down 53.07 points, closing at 79,996.60, while the NSE Nifty50 settled 26 points higher at 24,328.15.
&nbsp;
Despite the dip in major indices, most broader market indices ended in positive territory as volatility declined. Among sectoral indices, Nifty Financial Services and Nifty Bank were the top losers, primarily due to a significant 4.5% drop in HDFC Bank shares.
&nbsp;
Conversely, a surge in Oil &amp; Gas stocks, led by ONGC and Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), helped markets recover some of the losses incurred earlier in the trading session.
&nbsp;
The top five gainers on the Nifty50 were ONGC, Reliance, SBI, Britannia, and Cipla. On the other hand, the biggest drags were HDFC Bank, Titan, LTIM, Tata Steel, and IndusInd Bank.
&nbsp;
Vinod Nair, Head of Research at Geojit Financial Services, commented, "The domestic market traded with a mixed bias, with the heavyweight banking sector acting as a laggard. Adding to the worry are the top lending banks, which recorded a sequential decline in deposit growth in the June quarter."
&nbsp;
"While Midcap and Small Cap outperformed, with the respective BSE indices hitting an all-time high. Globally, investors now await the US non-farm payroll data to be released later today to gauge the trajectory of the US Fed's potential rate cuts," he said.

Banking stocks weigh on Nifty, Sensex loses 53 pts

Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren today criticised the Central government for the delay in appointing the Jharkhand High Court Chief Justice.
&nbsp;
Soren questioned the delay despite the Supreme Court collegium clearing the name of Justice B.R. Sarangi for the post 7-8 months ago.
&nbsp;
The senior-most judge of the Orissa High Court, Justice B.R. Sarangi, today took oath as the Chief Justice of the Jharkhand High Court. Justice Sarangi is due to retire on July 20.
&nbsp;
Soren, along with Assembly Speaker Rabindra Nath Mahto, attended the swearing-in ceremony at Raj Bhawan in Ranchi, where Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan administered the oath of office to the Chief Justice.
&nbsp;
Talking to media persons at Raj Bhawan, the Jharkhand CM said, &ldquo;Finally, we have a new Chief Justice in the Jharkhand High Court. According to Indian law, an acting Chief Justice can only be appointed under exceptional circumstances and only for a maximum of one month.&rdquo;
&nbsp;
Soren said, &ldquo;From what I understand, the newly appointed Chief Justice also has a very short tenure. Although the Supreme Court appointed him 7-8 months ago, it took the Central Government this long to send him here. I believe he could have been sent earlier.&rdquo;
&nbsp;
Notably, the position of Chief Justice of the Jharkhand High Court became vacant after Justice Sanjaya Kumar Mishra retired on December 28, 2023.
&nbsp;
On July 3, the Union Ministry of Law and Justice announced the appointment of Justice Sarangi as the new Chief Justice of the High Court.

Ranchi

Soren slams Centre over HC Chief Justice appointment delay

The National Conference (NC) is gearing up for the upcoming Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, party Vice President Omar Abdullah said on Friday.
&nbsp;
He said that any decision regarding a pre-poll alliance would be made by party President Dr. Farooq Abdullah.
&nbsp;
Speaking to the media after the two-day Working Group (WG) meeting, Omar Abdullah said it &ldquo;primarily focused on preparations for the assembly polls, along with discussions on other issues.&rdquo;
&nbsp;
When asked about forming a pre-poll alliance with INDIA bloc partners, he replied, &ldquo;The decision will be taken by (NC President) Dr Farooq Abdullah Sahib. The Working Group has authorised him to make this decision.&rdquo;
&nbsp;
He was also optimistic of the elections being held on time,&nbsp;referencing the Supreme Court's directive for the Election Commission of India (ECI) to conduct assembly polls in J&amp;K by September 30.
&nbsp;
There had been assurances from the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister on conducting the polls as scheduled, he added.
&nbsp;
&ldquo;ECI has started the election process. If the Prime Minister did not mention J&amp;K assembly polls in a recent speech, it doesn&rsquo;t imply the elections won't be held,&rdquo; he said.
&nbsp;
Abdullah also criticised the BJP&rsquo;s conduct in Parliament, suggesting they behave as if they have won 400 seats instead of 240.
&nbsp;
Pointing out to the expunging of parts of speeches by NC MP Aga Ruhullah and opposition leader Rahul Gandhi in the Lok Sabha, he said that in a&nbsp;
democracy everyone should have the right to speak as long as they do not use inappropriate language.
&nbsp;
The WG meeting included Abdullah, general secretary Ali Muhammad Sagar, senior leader Abdul Rahim Rather, provincial president Nasir Aslam Wani, and other key members.
&nbsp;
&nbsp;

Srinagar

Farooq to take call on J&K pre-poll alliance: Omar

In a display of immense gratitude, Indian cricket stars Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja lauded the Mumbai Police for their exemplary crowd control during the grand victory parade celebrating India's T20 World Cup triumph.
&nbsp;
The parade, which took place on Thursday, saw lakhs of fans gathering to cheer for their heroes, and the Mumbai Police played a crucial role in ensuring the event was conducted smoothly.
&nbsp;
Returning to an ecstatic reception after a 16-hour nonstop flight from Barbados, the team was welcomed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi for breakfast before heading to Mumbai for the victory parade.
&nbsp;
The parade concluded with a felicitation ceremony at the iconic Wankhede Stadium, where players shared their thoughts on the victory that ended an 11-year trophy drought, danced, and took a victory lap.
&nbsp;
Virat Kohli, who was awarded the player of the match in the final against South Africa, took to social media platform 'X' to express his appreciation.
&nbsp;
"Deep respect and heartfelt thanks to all the officers and staff of @MumbaiPolice &amp; @CPMumbaiPolice for doing a phenomenal job during Team India's Victory Parade. Your dedication and service are highly appreciated. Jai Hind," Kohli posted.
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Deep respect and heartfelt thanks to all the officers and staff of <a href="https://twitter.com/MumbaiPolice?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MumbaiPolice</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/CPMumbaiPolice?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CPMumbaiPolice</a> for doing a phenomenal job during Team India&rsquo;s Victory Parade. Your dedication and service is highly appreciated.🙏🏼 Jai Hind !🫡🇮🇳
&mdash; Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli/status/1809120208390430843?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 5, 2024</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
The 35-year-old, who announced his retirement from T20 internationals after the final, left for London early Friday morning following the celebrations.
&nbsp;
All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja also praised the Mumbai Police for their efforts in managing the enormous crowd at Marine Drive. "Big thank you to Mumbai police. You did a fantastic job last night #realhero," he posted.
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Big thank you to Mumbai police. You did a fantastic job last night <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/realhero?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#realhero</a>👮🫡
&mdash; Ravindrasinh jadeja (@imjadeja) <a href="https://twitter.com/imjadeja/status/1809092067441639843?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 5, 2024</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
India's captain, Rohit Sharma, who also announced his retirement from T20 internationals at the end of the World Cup, was greeted with enthusiastic cheers from his neighbors and friends upon returning to his home in Mumbai.
&nbsp;
Fans gathered outside his residence, and Sharma, amid heavy police presence, waved and smiled at the crowd. "...this is for you," Sharma posted on 'X', accompanied by the national flag emoji.
&nbsp;
Senior off-spinner R Ashwin, though not part of the squad in the Americas, shared his sentiments about the celebrations.
&nbsp;
"Watching all the videos and pictures from the celebrations yesterday in Mumbai just fills my heart. This nation has given and continues to give so much to the sport. Once again so proud of the champions," he remarked.
&nbsp;
Despite the festive atmosphere, the massive gathering led to minor injuries and dizziness for at least 11 individuals, who were rushed to hospitals for treatment. The authorities ensured that all necessary precautions were taken to manage the safety of the fans.

Kohli, Jadeja laud Mumbai police for victory parade success

Under heavy deployment of forces and tight security in and around the Parliament complex, jailed leaders, radical Sikh preacher Amritpal Singh and Kashmiri leader Sheikh Abdul Rashid, who were granted parole to take oath as members of the Lok Sabha, were sworn in as MPs on Friday. The oath ceremony took place&nbsp;
 While Rashid, popularly known as Engineer Rashid, is in Delhi's Tihar jail in a terror funding case registered under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, Singh is lodged in a prison in Assam's Dibrugarh district for offences under the National Security Act.&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;
They were brought to the Parliament complex by security personnel this morning.&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The MPs-elect took oath in the chamber of the Lok Sabha speaker after completing formalities, a source said.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Singh, 31, and Rashid, 56, won the recent Lok Sabha elections from Khadoor Sahib in Punjab and Baramulla in Jammu and Kashmir, respectively, as Independents while being incarcerated.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
They could not take oath as members of the 18th Lok Sabha on June 24 and 25 along with the other winning candidates.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
For taking oath, Rashid was granted a two-hour custody parole, excluding the travel time from Tihar to Parliament, and Singh a four-day custody parole, beginning July 5, in view of the travel from Assam to Delhi and back.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Their parole orders stated that during their period of temporary release, they can neither speak to or address the media on any issue or make any statements. Their family members also cannot make a statement in any form of media.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
While Singh, a Khalistani sympathiser who heads the 'Waris Punjab De' outfit, has been allowed to meet his family in Delhi, Rashid's family had permission only to attend his oath taking. The parole for Rashid, who has been in jail since 2019 after his arrest in 2017, was granted by a court in Delhi and that of Singh by the district magistrate of Amritsar from where he was arrested in April 2023 for barging into a police station in February and clashing with police personnel in a bid to free one of his aides from custody.&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Both Singh and Rashid are to be accompanied by security personnel at all times during their parole periods, the orders stated.&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The Delhi Police and Punjab Police were directed to coordinate with the secretary general of the Lok Sabha for procedures inside the Parliament complex.&nbsp;
The name of Rashid, a former MLA, cropped up during the investigation of Kashmiri businessman Zahoor Watali, who the NIA had arrested for allegedly funding terrorist groups and separatists in the Kashmir valley.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The NIA had filed a charge sheet against several individuals, including Kashmiri separatist leader Yasin Malik, Lashkar-e-Taiba founder Hafiz Saeed and Hizbul Mujahideen chief Syed Salahuddin in the case. Malik was awarded life imprisonment by a trial court in 2022 after he pleaded guilty to the charges.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Singh styled himself after slain Khalistani militant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale and is in jail along with nine of his associates under the National Security Act.&nbsp;

Out on parole, Jailed Amritpal, Rashid take oath as MPs

The average cost of a vegetarian thali saw a significant increase of 10% in June, driven primarily by the rising prices of onions, potatoes, and tomatoes, according to Crisil Market Intelligence and Analysis' monthly "Roti Rice Rate" report released on Friday.
&nbsp;
The report highlighted that the cost of a vegetarian thali, which includes roti, vegetables (onions, tomatoes, and potatoes), rice, dal, curd, and salad, rose to Rs 29.4 per plate in June. This marks an increase from Rs 26.7 in the same period last year and from Rs 27.8 in May 2024.
&nbsp;
The overall hike in vegetarian thali prices can be attributed to significant increases in vegetable costs: a 30% rise in tomato prices, a 59% increase in potato prices, and a 46% surge in onion prices.
&nbsp;
These price hikes are due to various factors, including lower onion arrivals resulting from a significant drop in rabi acreage and lower potato yields caused by unseasonal rainfall in March. Additionally, high temperatures in key growing regions of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh led to a virus infestation in the summer tomato crop, reducing arrivals by 35% year-on-year.
&nbsp;
Rice prices also saw a 13% increase due to a dip in acreage, resulting in subdued arrivals. Pulse prices rose by 22% owing to a dry spell during the key kharif months, further contributing to the overall rise in thali costs.
&nbsp;
In contrast, the cost of a non-vegetarian thali, which includes chicken instead of dal, declined to Rs 58 in June, down from Rs 60.5 in the same period last year. However, this was still higher compared to the preceding May's price of Rs 55.9 per thali.
&nbsp;
The report attributes the decline in non-vegetarian thali costs to a 14% year-on-year decrease in broiler prices, driven by oversupply and lower feed costs compared to the previous year.
&nbsp;
Despite the monthly increase in both vegetarian and non-vegetarian meal prices, the report indicates that the surge in vegetable prices was the primary driver of the overall hike.

June sees 10% hike in veg thali prices

The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) has rescheduled the NEET PG exam to August 11, 2024, following its abrupt cancellation on June 22.
&nbsp;
The exam will be conducted in two shifts on the newly announced date.
&nbsp;
The NEET PG, originally set for June 23, was postponed due to concerns raised by the authorities, which led to last-minute confusion among the aspirants.
&nbsp;
The updated schedule now places the exam on August 11, with detailed information about the two-shift format to be made available on the NBEMS website, natboard.edu.in.
&nbsp;
Candidates must ensure they meet the eligibility criteria by August 15, 2024, to appear for the exam. To address any queries or requests for clarification, students are encouraged to use the NBEMS Communication Web Portal at <a href="https://exam.natboard.edu.in/communication.php?page=main">https://exam.natboard.edu.in/communication.php?page=main</a>.
&nbsp;
In the interim, NBEMS has issued a warning regarding the circulation of fake circulars and notices on social media, which have been causing considerable confusion and stress among NEET PG candidates.
&nbsp;
These fraudulent communications, purporting to be from NBEMS, have misled many with false information about the exam schedule and procedures.
&nbsp;
In a formal announcement on July 3, NBEMS reiterated that all official alerts since July 2020 include a QR code for verification.
&nbsp;
Candidates are advised to scan this QR code to confirm the authenticity of any notices. This measure aims to help candidates identify and disregard false information.

NEET PG rescheduled to August 11 in two shifts

In a significant operation, Tripura Police intercepted seven Rohingya nationals, including two infant girls, at Churaibari in the North district.
&nbsp;
The group, which comprised five adults and two children, was detained while attempting to travel to Hyderabad by a night bus, following a tip-off.
&nbsp;
During routine checks at the Naka Point of Churaibari police station on National Highway No. 8 Assam-Agartala, police officers searched a night bus bearing the registration number ML05T/8382.
&nbsp;
The authorities noticed two men and three women behaving suspiciously.
&nbsp;
Upon interrogation, it was revealed that all detainees had come from the Cox's Bazar Rohingya camp in Bangladesh. Officer-in-charge Khokon Saha stated that the group had illegally entered Tripura via touts at the Indo-Bangla border in Dhanpur, Sepahijala district, with the intended destination being the Royal Colony in Hyderabad.
&nbsp;
The adult detainees were identified as Abdul Ilahi (22), Abdul Sukkur (19), Rumi Begum (19), Rozina Begum (22), and Chakhina Begum (18). Along with Rumi Begum&rsquo;s two infant daughters, they formed the apprehended group.
&nbsp;
A case has been registered at the local police station under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code, Foreigners Act, and Passport Act. The detainees are scheduled to appear before the Dharmanagar district court on July 5.

Agartala

Seven Rohingyas en route to Hyderabad held in Tripura

Four 'Nihangs' attacked a Punjab Shiv Sena leader with swords on Friday, the police stated. The condition of Sandeep Thapar is critical.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Thapar was allegedly attacked when he came out of the office of Samvedna Trust near Civil Hospital after attending a ceremony to mark the fourth death anniversary of Trust's founder-president Ravinder Arora, said police.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The attackers were waiting outside, and allegedly attacked Thapar with swords, causing injuries to his head, said police.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
He was immediately rushed to a hospital where his condition was stated to be serious.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Thapar's security personnel were present on the spot when he was attacked.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The assailants managed to escape, Inspector Gurjit Singh said.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Samvedna Trust provides free of cost ambulance service to patients and vehicles to carry bodies to cremation grounds.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Nihangs belong to a warrior Sikh sect whose members are usually seen in blue robes, carrying traditional weapons.&nbsp;

Ludhiana

Shiv Sena leader attacked by Nihangs, critically injured

Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir are likely to take place after the Amarnath Yatra, which commenced on June 28 and will mark its official conclusion on August 19.
&nbsp;
BJP national leaders, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP President JP Nadda, have instructed state BJP leaders to gear up for the polls, a news outlet quoted sources as saying.
&nbsp;
Amit Shah and JP Nadda have reportedly directed the state unit start thorough preparations confirming that the BJP will contest all 90 seats in the Assembly.
&nbsp;
Since the state&rsquo;s special status was revoked in 2019, it has been split into two Union Territories after the dissolution of the Legislative Assembly in November 2018.
&nbsp;
The party leadership has also clarified that BJP will not form a pre-election alliance with any other party in the state.
&nbsp;
However, it could consider seat adjustments and electoral understandings with like-minded parties.
&nbsp;
There will be no specific chief ministerial candidate projected by the BJP for the upcoming elections, sources said.
&nbsp;
&nbsp;Over the next few days, key Union Ministers and national BJP leaders will visit the state even as the&nbsp;party plans to launch a mass contact programme to engage with the people of Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
BJP President JP Nadda, who is visiting Jammu on July 6, will kick-start these preparations by addressing the state executive meeting.
&nbsp;
The state BJP unit, currently led by Ravinder Raina, will not undergo any leadership changes or organisational restructuring, the media outlet said, quoting sources.
&nbsp;
Sources also hinted at the possibility of simultaneous elections in Jammu and Kashmir, along with Jharkhand, Maharashtra, and Haryana, although no final decision has been made yet.

Jammu

Assembly polls likely in J&K after Amarnath Yatra

In the wake of the jubilant celebrations marking India's T20 World Cup victory, Mumbai's iconic Marine Drive was left strewn with heaps of garbage, including water bottles and footwear, which the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) subsequently cleared using seven vehicles.
&nbsp;
On Thursday evening, thousands of fervent cricket fans descended upon Marine Drive to witness the victory parade of the Indian cricket team.
&nbsp;
The procession, which began at the National Centre for Performing Arts (NCPA) in Nariman Point at around 7.30 pm, crawled its way to Wankhede Stadium, a journey that ordinarily takes a mere five minutes but stretched to over an hour and a half due to the overwhelming turnout.
&nbsp;
The aftermath of this massive gathering was evident as piles of trash were left in its wake.
&nbsp;
Water bottles and footwear were scattered along the route, from Nariman Point to Wankhede Stadium, where the victory parade took place.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<img src="https://api.newsarenaindia.com//uploads/bmc-trashhpng_1720170410220.png">
<img src="https://api.newsarenaindia.com//uploads/bmc-trashpng_1720170372235.png" width="1500" height="800">
&nbsp;
The BMC reported that in addition to a significant number of food wrappers and water bottles, an extensive collection of shoes and chappals (slippers) was amassed during the cleanup operation.
&nbsp;
The civic body utilised five jeeps to collect the shoes and chappals, while two dumpers were employed to gather the remaining garbage.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
🏆 A sea of cricket fans gathered at Marine Drive in Mumbai until late last night to welcome the Indian Cricket Team after their victory in the T20 Cricket World Cup 2024. 🧹 After the grand welcome and once the crowd dispersed, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) conducted&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/JruPxUAfLo">pic.twitter.com/JruPxUAfLo</a>
&mdash; माझी Mumbai, आपली BMC (@mybmc) <a href="https://twitter.com/mybmc/status/1809142775583310072?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 5, 2024</a></blockquote>
Instead of consigning this waste to dumping grounds, the BMC announced that all collected items would be sent to recycling plants, highlighting the city's commitment to sustainable waste management practices.
&nbsp;
The extensive cleanup drive commenced at 11.30 pm on Thursday night and concluded at 8 am on Friday morning.
&nbsp;
Over one hundred staff members from the civic solid waste management department, alongside workers from various NGOs, participated in the operation, ensuring that the Marine Drive promenade was restored to its pristine condition.
&nbsp;
This effort was particularly crucial as numerous people utilise the promenade for morning walks and exercise routines.
&nbsp;
During the victory parade, a substantial police presence was maintained to ensure safety and order.
&nbsp;
The authorities deployed a large number of personnel along the route, from Marine Drive to Wankhede Stadium, to prevent any untoward incidents.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Despite these measures, at least 11 individuals were transported to hospitals, having sustained minor injuries or experiencing dizziness due to the dense crowds.

Marine drive victory parade leaves tonnes of trash behind

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Thursday, had a light-hearted and inspiring interaction with Indian Olympians bound for Paris, urging them to stay calm and get adequate rest for optimal performance.
&nbsp;
The interaction also featured the men's hockey team and the 21-strong shooting contingent in person, while some others, including Chopra, Sindhu and Zareen, joined online from their respective training bases abroad.&nbsp;Chopra shared his fitness concerns, Sindhu highlighted the importance of self-belief, and Zareen expressed her excitement about being a first-time Olympian.
&nbsp;
PM Modi offered words of wisdom, advising the athletes to manage their nerves and focus on their strengths. He also encouraged them to enjoy the experience and make the most of this opportunity.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Interacted with our contingent heading to Paris for the <a href="https://twitter.com/Olympics?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Olympics</a>. I am confident our athletes will give their best and make India proud. Their life journeys and success give hope to 140 crore Indians. <a href="https://t.co/OOoipJpfUb">pic.twitter.com/OOoipJpfUb</a>
&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1808877249124507716?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 4, 2024</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
Chopra, who has been troubled by an adductor niggle for the past couple of months, said he wants to reach Paris "fully fit" to defend his Olympic gold in the javelin throw. 
&nbsp;
"We are now training in Germany and it is going very well. This time I am playing in less competitions because on and off I am suffering from an injury. But now it is a lot better, a few days back I played a competition in Finland and that was pretty good," Chopra told the PM, referring to his top finish in the Paavo Nurmi Games last month. 
&nbsp;
"We have one month before the Olympics and I am trying to reach Paris completely fit and give 100 per cent for my country," he added. 
&nbsp;
"Olympics comes in four years and I would like to tell every athlete that you get this chance once in four years and we must try to find out what is that thing which can push us to give our best." 
&nbsp;
Be fearless: Chopra advises athletes
&nbsp;
Chopra advised his fellow Paris-bound athletes to be fearless while competing in the world's biggest sporting extravaganza. 
&nbsp;
"Tokyo was my first Olympics and in first Olympics, the result was pretty good, I won gold for the country. There was no fear in my mind, and I had self belief because I had good training," he said. 
&nbsp;
"I would tell every athlete not to fear anyone or anything. We don't have to fear Europeans or Americans because they are also human beings like us. 
&nbsp;
"If we can recognise ourselves, we have been living outside our homes for long time and training hard, so nothing is impossible." 
&nbsp;
Promises mom-made Churma for PM Modi 
&nbsp;
After returning from Tokyo Olympics, Chopra had promised homemade Churma (a popular sweet delicacy in Haryana) to Modi during his meeting with him but Modi reminded the dashing javelin thrower that he was yet to keep his word. 
&nbsp;
"I will bring Churma for you this time. Last time in Delhi, I got churma made in sugar but I will bring desi ghee and gur (jaggery) churma from Haryana (this time)," Chopra responded. 
&nbsp;
To this, Modi replied: "No I want to eat churma made at home by your mother." 
&nbsp;
Have sound sleep, keep your focus: Modi 
&nbsp;
Emphasising that winning and losing are a part of any sport, Modi advised the Paris-bound athletes to stay calm and also never compromise on their sleep schedule because of competition anxiety. 
&nbsp;
"Don't get lost in the magnitude of the Olympics because that can break your focus. We need to have faith in our talent, and the focus should be on it and it will produce results," Modi said in his address. 
&nbsp;
"Whether you get medals or not, there is no issue, just give your 100 per cent which is important." Modi also emphasised on the need to give the body ample rest. "In the world of sports, practice and consistency are important, but the same level of importance should also be given to sleep. Good sleep is very important for sports or any other field. 
&nbsp;
"It is important to sleep free of all stress, don't compromise on sleep. We tried to give the best facilities to you, we have tried to give you all comfort." Wishing the contingent all the very best, Modi also promised to invite the Olympic-bound athletes to this year's Independence Day programme. 
&nbsp;
"I wish you all the very best. I will try to invite you all to the Independence Day programme in Red Fort after you come back from Paris." 
&nbsp;
Athletes confident 
&nbsp;
Two-time Olympic medallist Sindhu is eyeing a hat-trick in Paris but her only desire is to change the colour of the medal. 
&nbsp;
"It is my third Olympics, in 2016 I won silver, in Tokyo it was a bronze but this time I hope to change the colour of the medal. 
&nbsp;
"Obviously I am experienced enough, but it is not going to be easy but I will try my best," she said while interacting with the PM. 
&nbsp;
Two-time world championship gold-medallist boxer Zareen (women's 50kg) also wants to live upto her top billing in her maiden Olympics.
&nbsp;
"...I am excited but at the same time I am focussed because there are expectations from me from the entire nation. I want to live up to their expectations and make the country proud and return," she said. 
&nbsp;
Indian men's hockey team, which won a bronze in Tokyo, too expects another podium finish. 
&nbsp;
"It was a proud moment for us because the history of hockey in the country is big. We are giving our best, putting in hard work and hope to bring back a medal," skipper Harmanpreet said.&nbsp;

PM meets Indian Olympians, gives pep talk for Paris

MP-elect Jailed Kashmiri political leader Engineer Rashid is scheduled to take oath as a Lok Sabha member today. His family and members of the Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) that Rashid leads have already arrived in Delhi to witness the event.
&nbsp;
On Tuesday, a Delhi court granted Rashid two-hour custody parole after the National Investigation Agency (NIA) allowed him to take the oath.
&nbsp;
Prince Parvez Shah, General Secretary of the AIP, confirmed that several party leaders and Rashid's family members were in Delhi for the ceremony.
&nbsp;
He said while interacting with reporters, &ldquo;For now, we have been informed that only family members will be allowed to participate in the oath-taking event today.&rdquo;
&nbsp;
He mentioned that Rashid&rsquo;s sons, Abrar and Asrar, who managed his campaign during the Lok Sabha elections, are also present in Delhi.
&nbsp;
Under the constitutional provision, the swearing-in ceremony will occur in Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla&rsquo;s chamber.
&nbsp;
Rashid, 56, a two-time MLA from the Langate Assembly constituency in Kupwara district, first contested elections in 2008.
&nbsp;
Rashid has been in jail since 2019 after being charged by the NIA for his alleged involvement in a terror funding case. He is currently lodged in Tihar Jail.
Last month, he moved to the Delhi court seeking interim bail or custody parole to take his oath.
&nbsp;
Rashid's party leaders and supporters remain hopeful and have shown solidarity by being present in Delhi at this significant moment.
&nbsp;
The politician's temporary release marks a critical point in his political journey, highlighting the intersection of legal battles and democratic responsibilities.
&nbsp;

Engineer Rashid to take oath in Speaker’s chamber

Swiggy, the prominent online food and grocery delivery platform, has introduced its own UPI (Unified Payments Interface) service, aiming to reduce reliance on external payment apps, minimize payment failures, and streamline the checkout experience.
&nbsp;
In partnership with Yes Bank and Juspay, Swiggy has launched its in-app UPI payment service through the UPI-Plugin, diverging from its competitor Zomato, which applied for a Third Party Application Provider (TPAP) license for a similar service last year.
&nbsp;
This development comes at a time when Zomato has scaled down its fintech ambitions, surrendering its Payment Aggregator (PA) license and withdrawing its application for a Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) license.
&nbsp;
A source revealed that Swiggy has been testing the UPI service with its employees for the past month and plans to gradually roll out the service to all users in phases over the coming months.
&nbsp;
The UPI Plugin, launched by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) in 2022, allows merchants to offer UPI payment services within their apps without needing a TPAP license.
&nbsp;
Swiggy aims to enhance user experience by eliminating the need for customers to switch to different apps like Google Pay or PhonePe for payments, reducing the risk of payment failures, especially in areas with poor network connectivity.
&nbsp;
&nbsp;Other non-payment platforms, including Zomato, Flipkart, Goibibo, MakeMyTrip, and TataNeu, have opted for the TPAP licensing route to offer in-house UPI payment services.
&nbsp;
An industry expert noted that the adoption of UPI plug-ins is expected to increase this year, as more merchants are ready to integrate these solutions.&nbsp;

Swiggy introduces In-app UPI to cut payment failures

BJP national chief and Union minister JP Nadda arrives in J&amp;K tomorrow, July 6.
&nbsp;
In his first visit to Jammu and Kashmir after the BJP&rsquo;s third consecutive victory, Nadda&nbsp;&nbsp;is expected to review the party&rsquo;s operations.
&nbsp;
This visit is important as it will involve discussions with senior leadership regarding the party's strategy for the upcoming assembly elections in J&amp;K.
&nbsp;
"Nadda is arriving in Jammu to assess the party&rsquo;s functioning and discuss strategies for the upcoming assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir," said J&amp;K BJP chief Ravinder Raina.
&nbsp;
The Supreme Court had previously directed the Election Commission of India to hold assembly elections in J&amp;K by September 30 this year. The last assembly elections in the region were held in 2014.
&nbsp;
Upon his arrival, Nadda will address the BJP&rsquo;s executive meeting starting on July 5, which will be attended by over 2,000 senior party leaders and officials.
The agenda includes reviewing operations, discussing election strategies, and planning future actions related to the elections.
&nbsp;
Additionally, accompanying Nadda will be J&amp;K election in-charge G. Kishan Reddy, who is expected to announce election-related programmes. "We anticipate the ECI will announce the elections soon," Raina added.
&nbsp;
The BJP aims to form an independent government in Jammu and Kashmir without alliance partners. However, the unique demographics of the UT may hinder these ambitions.
&nbsp;
Kashmiri voters are likely to support any party other than the BJP, but the party's stronghold in the Jammu region increases their chances of forming a coalition government with one of the major parties in J&amp;K.
&nbsp;
Meanwhile, key participants in tomorrow&rsquo;s meeting include J&amp;K BJP in-charge Tarun Chugh, Co-in-charge Ashish Sood, Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh, MP Jugal Kishore, and several senior BJP and RSS leaders.
&nbsp;

JP Nadda in Jammu on July 6 to review poll planning

Shweta Sengar

The 17-year-old minor reportedly involved in the fatal Porsche car crash in Pune, which resulted in the death of two techies, has fulfilled the bail conditions of the Juvenile Justice Board (JJB) by submitting a 300-word essay on road safety, as stated by an official on Friday.
&nbsp;
According to the official, the teenager handed in the essay to the JJB on Wednesday.
&nbsp;
Last month, the juvenile was released from an observation home after the Bombay High Court deemed the orders sending him to the facility unlawful.
&nbsp;
Following the tragic accident in Kalyani Nagar on May 19, the JJB had instructed that he be placed under the care and supervision of his parents and grandfather. Additionally, the minor was tasked with writing a 300-word essay on road safety.
&nbsp;
As per the authorities, a juvenile was operating a Porsche vehicle while under the influence of alcohol and collided with a two-wheeler, resulting in the deaths of two software engineers.
&nbsp;
Following a nationwide outcry over the quick and lenient bail granted to the juvenile, the police took the matter to the JJB to request a modification of the bail terms. On May 22, the board ruled that the juvenile should be placed in an observation home.
&nbsp;
The High Court facilitated his release, declaring the previous orders to be unlawful and emphasizing the full implementation of laws pertaining to juveniles.

Pune

Teen in Porsche crash submits 300-word road safety essay

The Labour Party has secured a landslide victory in the UK general election, ending 14 years of Conservative rule. In his victory speech, Labour leader and incoming Prime Minister Keir Starmer exclaimed, &ldquo;We did it! Change begins now.&rdquo; This marks a significant shift in the UK political landscape, as the Labour Party takes the helm from the Conservatives.
&nbsp;
Outgoing Conservative Prime Minister Rishi Sunak conceded defeat, acknowledging it had been a &ldquo;difficult night&rdquo; for his party. The election saw a notable surge in support for the Liberal Democrats, while the populist right-wing Reform UK party, led by Nigel Farage, gained traction among disgruntled Conservative voters, winning several parliamentary seats.
&nbsp;
However, the Scottish National Party faced a disappointing outcome, with party leader John Swinney describing it as a &ldquo;very poor result&rdquo; as they lost numerous seats.
&nbsp;
Key issues driving voters' decisions included the cost of living, the health service, and housing. Following his concession, Sunak is expected to formally tender his resignation to King Charles in the coming hours. Subsequently, Starmer will meet with the monarch, who will request that he form a new government.
&nbsp;
Traditionally, the incoming prime minister then heads to Downing Street to address the British public. Over the next few days, Starmer will begin appointing government ministers, starting with senior positions and then moving to junior roles.
&nbsp;
Despite Labour's victory, it is clear that the country is not as enamoured with Keir Starmer or the Labour Party as it was with Tony Blair in 1997. This election is as much a reflection of the Conservative Party's losses as it is of Labour's win.
&nbsp;
The expected lower voter turnout compared to recent elections indicates widespread anger and apathy toward the main parties, particularly the Conservatives and, to a lesser extent, Labour.
&nbsp;
The surge in support for smaller parties highlights this sentiment. The Liberal Democrats performed particularly well, and Reform UK also made significant gains. Although Reform UK may not secure as many seats as the Liberal Democrats, they could become the third most popular party by vote share.
&nbsp;
The UK&rsquo;s electoral system often does not translate vote share directly into parliamentary seats, which might disadvantage Reform UK. However, in terms of influence on discussions and the agendas in the media and Parliament, Nigel Farage and his populist, anti-immigrant, anti-European party are poised to set many of the talking points and the agenda moving forward.
&nbsp;
As the new government forms and begins its work, the political dynamics in the UK are set for significant changes, with Labour leading the way and smaller parties continuing to influence the broader conversation.

Starmer's Labour ends 14 years of Tory rule

Alia Bhatt and Sharvari have been cast as super-agents in the upcoming Spy Universe film "Alpha" by Yash Raj Films, as announced by the makers on Friday.
&nbsp;
The film, titled "Alpha," will be the first female-led YRF Spy Universe movie and will be directed by Shiv Rawail, who previously directed YRF's Netflix series "The Railway Men."&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
It&rsquo;s the time of the ALPHA.. Girls! 💥💥💥<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Sharvari?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Sharvari</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/shivrawail?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@shivrawail</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/yrf?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@yrf</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/YRFSpyUniverse?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#YRFSpyUniverse</a> <a href="https://t.co/3EbeeU0GXA">pic.twitter.com/3EbeeU0GXA</a>
&mdash; Alia Bhatt (@aliaa08) <a href="https://twitter.com/aliaa08/status/1809100579706200428?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 5, 2024</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
In "Alpha," the actresses will enter the spyverse, which already includes successful titles such as "Pathaan" and the "Tiger" and "War" franchises.
&nbsp;
Reports have suggested that Alia and Sharvari would be the leads in the female-led spy movie, which was produced by YRF's Aditya Chopra.
&nbsp;
In the title reveal video, Alia can be heard saying, "Greek alphabet ka sabse pehla akshar. Aur humare programme ka motto.. sabse pehle, sabse tezz, sabs veer. Dhyaan se dekho toh har sheher mein ek jungle hai. Aur jungle mein hamesha Raj karega.. ALPHA!" The YRF Spy Universe was launched back in 2012 with Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif's "Ek Tha Tiger". Its success spawned two sequels "Tiger Zinda Hai" (2017) and "Tiger 3" (2023).
&nbsp;
In 2019, "War" featuring Hrithik Roshan and Tiger Shroff was released, and this was followed by "Pathaan" in 2023, which starred Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone.
&nbsp;
Upcoming projects from the banner include "Alpha," a sequel to "War" with Hrithik and NTR Jr., "Pathaan," a sequel with Shah Rukh, and Tiger vs. Pathaan, featuring Salman and Shah Rukh.

Alia Bhatt, Sharvari as super-agents in YRF's 'Alpha'

The ninth Governing Council meeting of Niti Aayog, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and comprising state chief ministers, is expected to convene in August to deliberate on the &lsquo;Viksit Bharat @2047&rsquo; vision document.
&nbsp;
This initiative aims to transform India into a developed nation by 2047, marking the 100th anniversary of its independence.
&nbsp;
Sources reveal that ahead of the Council meeting, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will provide an initial overview of the &lsquo;Viksit Bharat&rsquo; vision and action plan in the upcoming Budget later this month.
&nbsp;
The ambitious goal includes positioning India as a $30 trillion economy by 2047, driven by significant policy reforms and governance changes by 2030.
&nbsp;
The vision document, which has been in the making for about 30 months since its conception by Prime Minister Modi in December 2021, outlines India's expected advancements in various socio-economic indicators by 2047.
&nbsp;
It highlights the sectors and technologies where India should aim to lead globally, the areas where the country would nurture global champions, and the institutional capabilities required to achieve these goals.
&nbsp;
Central to India's growth strategy is the interdependence between national and state progress, emphasizing an inclusive and sustainable development path for the next quarter-century.
&nbsp;
The vision document was crafted through extensive consultations with ten sectoral groups of secretaries (SGoSs), each focusing on key areas: rural and agriculture, infrastructure, resources, social vision, welfare, finance and economy, commerce and industry, technology, governance, and security and foreign affairs. Niti Aayog integrated these sectoral visions into a unified document, with inputs from industry leaders and thought leaders.
&nbsp;
The Finance Ministry has projected a template for economic development over the next 25 years, anticipating a population of around 1.5 billion and a per capita income ranging between $18,000 to $20,000 by 2047.
&nbsp;
In FY24, India's economy was approximately $3.7 trillion, with a per capita income estimated at around $2,500 in FY23. Nations with a per capita income exceeding $17,000 are generally classified as developed countries.

PM Modi to chair Niti Aayog meet on India 2047 vision

Approximately 50 foreign terrorists are believed to be operating in the Jammu region, with half of them in the border districts of Rajouri and Poonch.
&nbsp;
Police officials working to counter the revived militancy in Jammu, attributed to Pakistan over the last two years, informed reporters that around 25 terrorists are active in the Dudu-Basantgarh belt, covering the mountainous regions of Udhampur, Doda, Kishtwar, and surrounding areas. An equal number of people are reportedly operating in Rajouri and Poonch.
&nbsp;
&ldquo;Almost all of them are believed to be foreign terrorists, mostly Pakistanis,&rdquo; officials said. The estimate of 50 terrorists is on the higher side. The said terrorist groups work closely with each other in 4&ndash;5 groups.
&nbsp;
Police officials pointed out the challenges posed by the porous international border, which includes riverine areas.
&nbsp;
They are working diligently to secure infiltration routes and prevent new intrusions while aiming to eliminate terrorists hiding in the forests. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s a matter of time. We will get them,&rdquo; they assured.
&nbsp;
Officials revealed a new tactic used by terrorists: bodycams to record interactions with OGWs when receiving supplies.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Who are OGWs?&nbsp;
&nbsp;
According to Indian security forces, Over Ground Workers (OGWs) are individuals who provide crucial support to militant groups, such as Hizbul Mujaheddin and Jaish-e-Muhammad, operating in Jammu and Kashmir. OGWs offer various forms of assistance, including logistical support, financial aid, shelter, and infrastructure, enabling these groups to carry out their activities. They play a vital role in facilitating militant attacks by providing real-time intelligence and support to the militant elements, making them an essential part of the militant ecosystem.
&nbsp;
These videos are sent across the border using secure communication channels and shown to OGWs as a form of coercion.
&nbsp;
&ldquo;The terrorists use this strategy to pressure OGWs into continued cooperation by threatening to expose them,&rdquo; officials explained.
&nbsp;
Foreign terrorists are well-equipped with bodycams and secure communication systems, allowing them to coordinate with each other and their handlers in Pakistan and send videos of their activities.
&nbsp;
Last month alone, four terror incidents occurred in the Jammu region between June 9 and 13. In Teryath, Reasi district, an attack resulted in the deaths of nine civilians, including seven Shiv Khori pilgrims, and injured 43 others.
&nbsp;
In Doda, seven security personnel were injured. In an encounter in Hiranagar, two Pakistani terrorists and a CRPF Jawan were killed, and a civilian was injured. Later, the police and Army eliminated three Pakistani terrorists in Doda.

Terrorists using new tactics to blackmail OGWs in J&K

A new study sheds light on the critical role of patient education in managing cardiovascular diseases. Researchers examined the information needs of over 1,600 heart patients from diverse regions, revealing significant insights into the challenges faced by individuals dealing with heart-related issues.
&nbsp;
Cardiovascular diseases continue to impact millions of people worldwide. Patients who have lived through a cardiac event (such as a heart attack) often find themselves navigating a complex maze of symptoms, medications and lifestyle adjustments. Understanding the pivotal role of patient education in this journey, our international team of researchers sought to identify the specific information needs of heart patients globally.
&nbsp;
Our study used a validated scale, the Information Needs in Cardiac Rehabilitation (INCR-S), to assess cardiac/heart patients&rsquo; top information needs. Administered across various countries spanning all six World Health Organization regions and encompassing different income classes, the scale provided a comprehensive view of patients&rsquo; information requirements.
&nbsp;
Diverse needs of heart patients&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Our findings showed that patients have a strong desire for information on a wide range of health topics. They want to understand cardiac events, adopt heart-healthy diets, manage medications, recognize symptoms, control risk factors and engage in cardiac rehabilitation programs. This highlights the need for comprehensive patient education to meet the diverse needs of heart patients.
&nbsp;
Studies consistently show that education in cardiac rehabilitation is associated with significant benefits. These include patients&rsquo; better understanding of their condition, improved medication adherence, management of risk factors and reduced rates of hospital readmission and mortality.
&nbsp;
By addressing these informational needs comprehensively, patients can make more informed decisions about their health and improve their overall well-being.
&nbsp;
Our study also illuminated significant variations across regions and income levels in information needs and knowledge sufficiency (whether or not they perceive they already know enough about each topic).
&nbsp;
While patients in higher-income countries tended to report greater knowledge sufficiency, those in lower-middle-income countries articulated a pressing need for more information, particularly concerning medication management, symptom response and exercise benefits. These disparities underscore the importance of tailoring educational interventions to diverse populations&rsquo; specific contexts and needs.
&nbsp;
The role of cardiac rehabilitation programmes&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Crucially, the study underscored the vital role of cardiac rehabilitation programmes in addressing patients&rsquo; information needs. These programs provide structured education and support, empowering patients to effectively understand and manage their conditions, leading to improved health outcomes such as enhanced disease knowledge, adoption of heart-healthy behaviours, increased functional capacity and better quality of life.
&nbsp;
However, our research also identified challenges in delivering comprehensive education through these programs, highlighting the ongoing necessity to improve patient education. The availability of evidence-based resources, such as those provided by the Cardiac College, freely available and in multiple languages, plays a crucial role in bridging the gap in patient education.
&nbsp;
These resources ensure that patients have access to accurate information and support in their preferred language, further empowering them to take control of their health and well-being.
&nbsp;
As healthcare providers grapple with the challenges posed by cardiovascular diseases, this study&rsquo;s findings offer valuable insights for informing educational strategies and interventions. Prioritizing patient education and addressing the diverse information needs of heart patients can significantly improve outcomes and enhance the quality of care for individuals living with cardiovascular diseases.&nbsp;
 This article first appeared in The Conversation. 
&nbsp;

Toronto

How can heart patients manage their health better?

When we see an older family member handling a bulky box of medications sorted by day of the week, we might stop and wonder, is it too much? How do all those pills interact?&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The fact is, as we get older we are more likely to develop different chronic illnesses that require us to take several different medications. This is known as polypharmacy. The concept applies to people taking five or more medications, but there are all sorts of definitions with different thresholds (for example, four, 10 or 15 medicines).
&nbsp;
I&rsquo;m a pharmacist and pharmacoepidemiologist interested in polypharmacy and its impact on the population. The research I carry out with my team at the Faculty of Pharmacy at Universit&eacute; Laval focuses on the appropriate use of medication by older family members. We have published this study on the perceptions of older adults, family carers and clinicians on the use of medication among persons over 65.
&nbsp;
Polypharmacy among older adults&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Polypharmacy is very common among older adults. In 2021, a quarter of persons over 65 in Canada were prescribed more than ten different classes of medication. In Qu&eacute;bec, persons over 65 used an average of 8.7 different drugs in 2016, the latest year available for statistics.
&nbsp;
Is it a good idea to take so many drugs? 
&nbsp;
According to our study, the vast majority of seniors and family caregivers would be willing to stop taking one or more medications if the doctor said it was possible, even though most are satisfied with their treatments, have confidence in their doctors and feel that their doctors are taking care of them to the best of their ability.
&nbsp;
In the majority of cases, medicine prescribers are helping the person they are treating. Medications have a positive impact on health and are essential in many cases. But while the treatment of individual illnesses is often adequate, the whole package can sometimes become problematic.
&nbsp;
The risks of polypharmacy: 5 points to consider When we evaluate cases of polypharmacy, we find that the quality of treatment is often compromised when many medications are being taken.
&nbsp;
1. Drug interactions: polypharmacy increases the risk of drugs interacting, which can lead to undesirable effects or reduce the effectiveness of treatments.
&nbsp;
2. A drug that has a positive effect on one illness may have a negative effect on another: what should you do if someone has both illnesses? 3. The greater the number of drugs taken, the greater the risk of undesirable effects: for adults over 65, for example, there is an increased risk of confusion or falls, which have significant consequences.
&nbsp;
4. The more medications a person takes, the more likely they are to take a potentially inappropriate medication. For seniors, these drugs generally carry more risks than benefits. For example, benzodiazepines, medicine for anxiety or sleep, are the most frequently used class of medications. We want to reduce their use as much as possible to avoid negative impacts such as confusion and increased risk of falls and car accidents, not to mention the risk of dependence and death.
&nbsp;
5. Finally, polypharmacy is associated with various adverse health effects, such as an increase in frailty, hospital admissions and emergency room visits. However, studies conducted to date have not always succeeded in isolating the effects specific to polypharmacy. As polypharmacy is more common among people with multiple illnesses, these illnesses may also contribute to the observed risks.
&nbsp;
Polypharmacy is also a combination of medicines. There are almost as many as there are people. The risks of these different combinations can vary. For example, the risks associated with a combination of five potentially inappropriate drugs would certainly be different from those associated with blood pressure medication and vitamin supplements.
&nbsp;
Polypharmacy is therefore complex. Our studies attempt to use artificial intelligence to manage this complexity and identify combinations associated with negative impacts. There is still a lot to learn about polypharmacy and its impact on health.
&nbsp;
3 tips to avoid the risks associated with polypharmacy&nbsp;
&nbsp;
What can we do as a patient, or as a caregiver? Ask questions: when you or someone close to you is prescribed a new treatment, be curious. What are the benefits of the medication? What are the possible side effects? Does this fit in with my treatment goals and values? How long should this treatment last? Are there any circumstances in which discontinuing it should be considered ?
&nbsp;
Keep your medicines up to date: make sure they are all still useful. Are there still any benefits to taking them? Are there any side effects? Are there any drug interactions? Would another treatment be better? Should the dose be reduced? Think about de-prescribing: this is an increasingly common clinical practice that involves stopping or reducing the dose of an inappropriate drug after consulting a health-care professional.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
It is a shared decision-making process that involves the patient, their family and health-care professionals. The Canadian Medication Appropriateness and Deprescribing Network is a world leader in this practice. It has compiled a number of tools for patients and clinicians. You can find them on their website and subscribe to the newsletter.
&nbsp;
Benefits should outweigh the risks&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Medications are very useful for staying healthy. It&rsquo;s not uncommon for us to have to take more medications as we age, but this shouldn&rsquo;t be seen as a foregone conclusion.
&nbsp;
Every medication we take must have direct or future benefits that outweigh the risks associated with them. As with many other issues, when it comes to polypharmacy, the saying, &ldquo;everything in moderation,&rdquo; frequently applies.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
This article first appeared in The Conversation.

Quebec City

Taking too many medicines is risky: How to avoid it

The temperature in Srinagar reached 35.7 degrees Celsius on Thursday, surpassing the July average by six degrees and marking the highest July temperature in 25 years.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The last time the city experienced such high temperatures in July was in 1999 when it reached 37 degrees Celsius.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Srinagar was even hotter than Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, which recorded temperatures of 31.7, 31, 32, and 28 degrees Celsius, respectively.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Other areas in the Valley also experienced intense heat, with Qazigund reaching 32.8 degrees Celsius and Kupwara reaching 35.2 degrees Celsius.
&nbsp;
In recent weeks, the Valley has been experiencing increasing temperatures and intense heat, which has resulted in water scarcity in various areas.
&nbsp;
The health department has released guidelines to cope with the heatwave. In response, the school education department has declared a 10-day summer break for all schools in the Valley starting July 8.
&nbsp;
In response to the intense heat, people are opting to remain indoors.
&nbsp;
Some relief from the heat is expected on Friday as the meteorological department has predicted occasional periods of light to moderate rain or thunderstorms in many areas.
&nbsp;
The weather office also said that intermittent moderate rainfall is possible at many places in Jammu and Kashmir on Friday and Saturday, and heavy spells are possible at a few places.
&nbsp;
Light rainfall is expected on Sunday. It said that hot and humid weather is likely from July 8 to 10.&nbsp;

At 35.7°C, Srinagar warmer than Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata

The IMD has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall in Northwest and East India and heavy rainfall in Northeast India over the next 4-5 days.
&nbsp;
The weather department anticipates light to moderate rain in Northwest and Central India in the next five days. Isolated heavy rainfall is expected in the Jammu-Kashmir-Ladakh-Gilgit-Baltistan-Muzaffarabad region on July 4 and 6.
&nbsp;
Himachal Pradesh is likely to experience rain on July 6 and 7, Uttarakhand on July 8, Punjab on July 4, 6, and 7, Haryana-Chandigarh on July 4 and 7, Uttar Pradesh on July 4-8, West Rajasthan and Vidarbha on July 4, East Rajasthan on July 5 and 6, West Madhya Pradesh on July 5, East Madhya Pradesh on July 4 and 5, and Chhattisgarh on July 4, 7, and 8 are expected to witness light to moderate rain.
&nbsp;
The Jammu division is predicted to experience heavy rainfall on July 5. Himachal Pradesh is expected to experience heavy rainfall on July 4 and 5, Uttarakhand from July 4 to 7, Punjab on July 5, and Uttar Pradesh on July 4 and 5.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Additionally, Uttarakhand is predicted to witness heavy rainfall from July 4 to 7, Punjab on July 5, Uttar Pradesh on July 5 and 6, East Rajasthan on July 4, and West Madhya Pradesh on July 4 are also predicted to have heavy rainfall.
&nbsp;
Over the next five days, light to moderate rainfall is anticipated in East and Northeast India. On July 4, West Bengal is expected to have isolated heavy rainfall, while the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are predicted to have heavy rainfall on July 4 and 5.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Jharkhand is expected to have light to moderate rainfall on July 4 and 5, Odisha on July 4, 6, and 8, Bihar from July 6 to 8, and Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura on July 7 and 8. Additionally, Assam and Meghalaya are anticipated to experience light to moderate rainfall on July 8.
&nbsp;
The states of Bihar will experience isolated very heavy rainfall on July 4 and 5. Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim are predicted to witness isolated very heavy rainfall from July 4 to 6.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
From July 6, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura are expected to experience isolated, very heavy rainfall. Furthermore, Assam and Meghalaya are anticipated to have isolated very heavy rainfall on July 6 and 7, and Odisha on July 7.
&nbsp;
On July 4 and 5, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and Meghalaya are expected to endure isolated extremely heavy rainfall.
&nbsp;
IMD said isolated very heavy rainfall is likely over Konkan and Goa from July 4 to 6, Madhya Maharashtra from July 4 to 8, Saurashtra and Kutch from July 4, Coastal Karnataka from July 4 to 7, and South Interior Karnataka from July 4 to 6 and 7.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Gujarat is expected to witness isolated extremely heavy rainfall today.

IMD forecasts heavy rain across India in next 5 days

Rishi Sunak has conceded defeat, and Keir Starmer is set to become the next Prime Minister. Keir Starmer's Labour Party achieved a massive victory in the UK general elections, indicating a major shift in British politics as Rishi Sunak's Conservative Party suffered a major loss.
&nbsp;
Despite Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's efforts to sway voters at the last minute, his Conservative Party was unsuccessful in the UK general elections. Before the voting, the Conservatives warned that choosing Labour would result in higher taxes.
&nbsp;
Under Keir Starmer's leadership, the Labour Party has surpassed the majority mark of 326 in the 650-member House of Commons. Rishi Sunak's party only secured 60 seats.
&nbsp;
Conceding defeat, Rishi Sunak stated, "Today, power will change hands peacefully and orderly, with goodwill on all sides. That is something that should give us all confidence in our country's stability and future." Addressing his supporters in Richmond and Northern Allerton, he added, "I am sorry. I take responsibility for the loss."
&nbsp;
Keir Starmer is expected to be sworn in as the Prime Minister later today. "Tonight people here and around the country have spoken, and they're ready for change," he said. "The change begins right here."
&nbsp;
The official election exit poll had predicted that Labour would win 410 seats, the highest since Tony Blair's 1997 landslide victory, with a projected majority of 170. Only one exit poll has been incorrect in the last six UK elections.
&nbsp;
In May, Rishi Sunak surprised many in his own party by calling the election earlier than necessary. In opinion polls, the Conservatives trailed Labour by about 20 points.
&nbsp;
Keir Starmer, the son of a toolmaker and a nurse, has promised "a decade of national renewal" after post-financial crash austerity measures, Brexit upheaval, and a cost-of-living crisis.

Rishi Sunak concedes defeat, Keir Starmer to be next UK PM

An eight-member team of the Punjab Police would escort jailed 'Waris Punjab De' activist Amritpal Singh to New Delhi for his swearing-in as an MP, an official said.&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Singh, who has won the Lok Sabha polls from the Khadoor Sahib constituency in Punjab, has been granted four-day parole for the swearing-in.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The police team, led by a Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP)-rank official, arrived here on Thursday afternoon and is scheduled to escort Singh, lodged in Dibrugarh Central Jail, to New Delhi in a special flight amid tight security for the swearing-in on Friday.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Singh's lawyer Rajdev Singh Khalsa said he would be taken to Delhi aboard a "military aircraft" for the swearing-in.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Singh's parole orders are stringent, prohibiting him or his relatives from making any public statements during his visit to New Delhi.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Moreover, any form of media coverage, including videography or circulation of statements, is strictly prohibited.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
In addition, Singh has been instructed not to engage in any activities that might compromise national security.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The deployment of security personnel during his temporary release and presence in Delhi will be overseen by the SSP, Amritsar (Rural).&nbsp;
&nbsp;
His parents, Tarsem Singh and Balwinder Kaur, and his wife Kirandeep Kaur, met the jailed activist in Dibrugarh Central jail last month after his poll win.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Amritpal won the Khadoor Sahib Lok Sabha seat by 1,97,120 votes as an Independent candidate by defeating Congress's Kulbir Singh Zira, while AAP's Laljit Singh Bhullar came third.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The jailed activist polled 4,04,430, while Zira got 2,07,310 votes and Bhullar 1,94,836 votes.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Ten members of the outfit, including Amritpal and one of his uncles, have been lodged in jail since last year after they were arrested under the National Security Act from different parts of Punjab following a crackdown on the outfit.

Dibrugarh

Amritpal's oath-taking day: Tight security, media restricted

With 12 IAS officers facing transfers, on Thursday, during the appointment of 1990-batch officer Anurag Rastogi as the new home secretary, Haryana sees a major administrative reshuffle. 
&nbsp;
As cited in the government order, Rastogi has been transferred and posted as additional chief secretary of home, jails, criminal investigation, and administration of justice departments. Rastogi takes over as home secretary from Chief Secretary TVSN Prasad.
&nbsp;
In addition, as additional chief secretary, Rastogi will continue to hold his finance and planning departments. 
&nbsp;
The reshuffle in the top bureaucracy was on the cards for some time after the Lok Sabha polls and comes months before assembly elections, due later this year. 
&nbsp;
More than a week ago, in another major reshuffle, the Haryana government transferred 23 Indian Police Service (IPS) and 27 Haryana Police Service officers. 
&nbsp;
Among other transfers of Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers, Anurag Agarwal - the chief electoral officer and additional chief secretary of the elections department - has been posted as additional chief secretary in the irrigation and water resources department. 
&nbsp;
Phool Chand Meena, the managing director of Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam, will be the new Hisar division commissioner in addition to his present duties. 
&nbsp;
Geeta Bharti, the Hisar division commissioner and managing director of the Haryana Scheduled Castes, Finance, and Development Corporation, will also be the commissioner of the Ambala division. 
&nbsp;
Ankur Gupta, additional chief secretary in the agriculture and farmers welfare department, has been transferred and posted as additional chief secretary in the cooperation department and as additional chief secretary in the personnel department (appointments). 
&nbsp;
Anand Mohan Sharan, additional chief secretary in the environment, forests, and wildlife department, has been posted as additional chief secretary in the labour department, in addition to his present duties.
&nbsp;
Raja Sekhar Vundru, the cooperation department's additional chief secretary, will be the new additional chief secretary in the agriculture and farmers welfare department and additional chief secretary in the animal husbandry and dairying department. 
&nbsp;
Vineet Garg, additional chief secretary in the higher education department, has been posted as additional chief secretary in the school education department. 
&nbsp;
Rajiv Rattan, director general of higher education and secretary of the higher education department, will be commissioner of the Karnal division, in addition to his present duties.

With new home sec's appointment, Haryana transfers 12 IAS

A temporary ban of 6 days on the social media platforms - YouTube, WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok will be put in place by Pakistan's Punjab government in a bid to control "hate material" during Muharram (first month of the Islamic calendar). These six days will begin from July 13, till July 18. 
&nbsp;
The decision has been taken on the recommendations of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz's cabinet committee on law and order. 
&nbsp;
It's been over 4 months since the Islamic nation blocked 'X', formerly Twitter. 
&nbsp;
The committee has recommended banning all social media platforms - YouTube, X, WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, among others - during 6 to 11 Muharram (July 13-18) in Punjab, a province of over 120 million people, to "control hate material, misinformation to avoid sectarian violence", according to a Punjab government notification issued here late Thursday night. 
&nbsp;
The Punjab government of Maryam Nawaz has requested her uncle Shehbaz Sharif's government at the Centre to notify the suspension of all social media platforms on the internet for six days (July 13-18). 
&nbsp;
Pakistan Army Chief Gen Asim Munir has already declared social media a "vicious media" and underscored the need to fight what he called "digital terrorism".
&nbsp;
Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, who also holds the portfolio of foreign minister, recently called for placing a complete ban on social media.
&nbsp;
The Shehbaz government had shut down X last February following allegations of change of general election results by the Election Commission of Pakistan, apparently on the order of the military establishment to stop Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf's jailed founder Imran Khan from coming to power. 
&nbsp;
Both the military and the government have been receiving backlash on social media since the ouster of former prime minister Imran Khan through a no-confidence motion in April 2022. 
&nbsp;
The government has arrested dozens of social media activists of Khan's party since then.&nbsp;

Islamabad

Pakistan's Punjab govt to ban social media during Muharram

Mirzapur, the popular Indian crime thriller series, returns after four years with its third season, featuring Ali Fazal and Ali Fazal reprising their roles as Guddu Bhaiya and Kaleen Bhaiya.
&nbsp;
While the show ramps up the bloodshed and gore, it struggles with a weak storyline and an overabundance of characters, despite some exceptional performances and an engaging first half.
&nbsp;
The series, known for introducing violence and gore to the Indian OTT space, takes it up a notch this season. At its core, Mirzapur narrates a tale of violence in the Hindi heartland, intersecting with Indian politics and law enforcement.
&nbsp;
The power games, sex, drugs, death, conflicted relationships, and betrayals form the crux of this gripping series.
&nbsp;
What's exciting this season?
&nbsp;
The third season picks up where the second ended. Guddu Bhaiya (Ali Fazal) and Golu (Shweta Tripathi Sharma) revel in their newfound power after claiming the Mirzapur throne. Kaleen Bhaiya (Pankaj Tripathi) grieves the loss of his son Munna (Divyenndu) after narrowly escaping death himself.
&nbsp;
Directors Gurmmeet Singh and Anand Iyer utilize locations to enhance realism. Symbolic scenes, like the breaking of Kaleen Bhaiya&rsquo;s statue, depict the shackling of his control over Mirzapur.
&nbsp;
Madhuri (Isha Talwar) stepping in to light Munna&rsquo;s pyre adds depth to the narrative.
&nbsp;
The use of elaborate graphics to illustrate the expanding map of the Mirzapur universe, spanning Eastern Uttar Pradesh, Northern Bihar, and Nepal, adds to the series' visual appeal.
&nbsp;
The bloodshed that follows is depicted with stark intensity.
&nbsp;
Performance-wise, Ali Fazal, Shweta Tripathi Sharma, and Anjum Sharma excel as Guddu, Golu, and Sharad. Their tension, conflict, and vengeance resonate with the audience.
&nbsp;
Anjum and Vijay Varma stand out, showcasing layers of dark ambitions and emotional vulnerabilities.
&nbsp;
Harshita Shekhar Gaur, Rajesh Tailang, and Sheeba Chadha provide strong support, elevating the flat screenplay with their emotive performances.
&nbsp;
The third season delivers on gore and variety, with twists and turns that keep viewers engaged.
&nbsp;
Turnoff point?
&nbsp;
The season introduces numerous fresh characters alongside the existing ones, making it challenging to connect all the dots. The slower pace of the plot, however, aids in this complex narrative. 
Isha Talwar impresses as Chief Minister Madhuri, though her acting occasionally falters for an otherwise powerful character.
&nbsp;
Some scenes are reminiscent of Game of Thrones, with shock value that might unsettle viewers.
&nbsp;
Fans eagerly awaited a faceoff between Kaleen Bhaiya and Guddu Bhaiya, but it remains absent.
&nbsp;
Pankaj Tripathi&rsquo;s character seems to take a backseat, allowing younger generations and new rivalries to dominate.
&nbsp;
While Rasika Dugal shines as Beena Tripathi, her character feels underwritten. Priyanshu Painyuli&rsquo;s Robin also seems underutilized despite a promising entry in season two.
&nbsp;
The finale feels underwhelming without the anticipated fireworks, leaving viewers questioning the build-up.
&nbsp;
The relentless rhythm of the series might have wasted the promise of the world it created, leaving some loose ends. Yet, the series offers a fun binge-watching experience, best enjoyed with friends.
&nbsp;
Mixed bag of entertainment 
Mirzapur 3 brings high stakes, high risks, and high drama, but the flair is low. Despite a predictable storyline, the season deserves a watch for its performances, direction, and moments of horror soaked in blood.
&nbsp;
Produced by Excel Media and Entertainment, Mirzapur season 3 is now streaming on Amazon Prime Video from July 5.

Mirzapur 3 review: A gory tale with flaws and flair

BJP leader and former Indian Air Force chief RKS Bhadauria on Thursday slammed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for raising questions on the Agniveer scheme and demanded his apology for accusing Defence Minister Rajnath Singh of lying about giving compensation to the next of kin of Agniveer Ajay Kumar, who lost his life in the line of duty. 
&nbsp;
"It&rsquo;s an emotional issue&hellip;The Army should not be involved (dragged) in such kind of politics," he said. 
&nbsp;
This came a day after the Indian Army rejected claims in social media posts that compensation hasn't been paid to the next of kin of Agniveer Ajay Kumar, who lost his life in the line of duty, and said his family has already been given Rs 98.39 lakh out of the due amount. 
&nbsp;
The total amount will be Rs 1.65 crore approximately, it said in the "clarification" on Wednesday that came after Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi shared on X a video purportedly of Ajay's father, who stated that they had not received any money. 
&nbsp;
Gandhi cited Ajay's case to allege in his post that Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has "lied" in Parliament about the issue of compensation to families of martyred Agniveers and demanded an apology for it. 
&nbsp;
"A lot of discussions were held in Parliament on Agniveer. Now, controversy is being created that the defence minister&rsquo;s claim that Rs 1 crore has already been given was a lie. They should apologise for it because the fact is that about Rs 98 lakh has already been given to Ajay Singh&rsquo;s family and Rs 67 lakh more will be given," Bhadauria said without naming Gandhi. 
&nbsp;
Hence, it is "absolutely wrong" to claim that Singh&rsquo;s statement was a lie, he charged.
&nbsp;
The former IAF chief asserted that Agniveer is a "well thought out scheme", implemented after "extensive discussions".
&nbsp;
"Nobody should have any doubt about the (quality of) training provided to those recruited under the scheme. Soldiers raised under the scheme are not less than any regular soldier from any angle. They will work during the battle with the same capacity that the regular soldiers would do. Now, they will be our regular soldiers," he said. 
&nbsp;
Bhadauria appealed to the youth to join the Army under the Agniveer scheme without being &ldquo;misled&rdquo; by any claim against it.&nbsp;

BJP leader, EX-IAF chief slams Rahul over Agniveer claims

The victory parade for India's T20 World Cup-winning cricket team in Mumbai took an unfortunate turn as several fans were injured at Marine Drive on Thursday.
&nbsp;
According to Mumbai police, some fans faced breathing difficulties and required urgent medical attention.
&nbsp;
Eyewitness Ravi Solanki recounted the chaotic scene, "I was coming from the office and heard that the Indian team would arrive between 5 pm-6 pm, but they were delayed. The crowd kept growing, and the police failed to manage the situation. People began shouting, leading to some falling over each other. It was very unorganised, with no proper crowd control. This happened between 8:15-8:45 pm."
&nbsp;
One of the injured, Rishab Mahesh Yadav, described his ordeal, "The crowd was overwhelming. I fell, got choked, and lost consciousness. I was taken to a nearby hospital and received treatment. I feel fine now, but the mismanagement and lack of police alertness were evident."
&nbsp;
The parade, led by Rohit Sharma, started from Marine Drive with fans lining the route to celebrate the team's success.
&nbsp;
Players lifted the T20 World Cup trophy and acknowledged the support of their fans. Some enthusiastic supporters even climbed trees to catch a glimpse of their cricket heroes.
&nbsp;
During the parade, players distributed cricket balls to fans, posed for selfies, and signed autographs. Despite the celebratory atmosphere, the lack of crowd control marred the event.
&nbsp;
After the parade, the team was felicitated at Wankhede Stadium. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) presented the team with a ₹125 crore cheque as a token of appreciation for their victory.
&nbsp;
The entire team stood on stage with BCCI officials, marking the culmination of the day's events.

Several fans injured in Mumbai's T20 victory parade

The Rohit Sharma-led Team India was celebrated at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium on Thursday, following their historic victory over South Africa in Barbados to secure the T20 World Cup for the second time.
&nbsp;
The celebration evoked memories of the 2011 ODI World Cup win at the same venue, where MS Dhoni's men were cheered on by the iconic crowd.
&nbsp;
In a moment reminiscent of the 2011 final, the Wankhede crowd joined Virat Kohli and Hardik Pandya in a powerful rendition of AR Rahman's 'Maa Tujhe Salam'.
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
वंदे मातरम 🇮🇳 <a href="https://t.co/j5D4nMMdF9">pic.twitter.com/j5D4nMMdF9</a>
&mdash; BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1808924161747681755?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 4, 2024</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
Kohli, the only player from both World Cup-winning squads, led the chorus, giving fans an unforgettable experience.
&nbsp;
The video of this emotional moment, shared by the BCCI with the caption 'Vande Mataram,' quickly went viral, garnering nearly two million views.
&nbsp;
The celebratory atmosphere extended beyond the stadium. After being delayed in Barbados due to Hurricane Beryl, Team India arrived in New Delhi on a charter flight early Thursday.
&nbsp;
They met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his residence before heading to Mumbai, where a sea of fans greeted them along Marine Drive.
&nbsp;
In an open bus convoy, Captain Rohit Sharma and his deputy Hardik Pandya proudly displayed the coveted trophy as fans lined the streets, waving the Indian flag and cheering for their cricket heroes.
&nbsp;
The team then participated in an official celebration organised by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) at Wankhede Stadium.
&nbsp;
Fans, who had waited for hours to see their cricket idols, danced, waved flags, and illuminated the night with their smartphone lights.
&nbsp;
This victory marks India's first ICC trophy in 11 years, their first world title in 13 years, and their first T20 championship in 17 years.
&nbsp;
To commemorate the achievement, the BCCI announced a cash bonus of INR 125 crore for the winning squad.

Team India's emotional 'Vande Mataram' rendition at Wankhede

As voting concluded in the landmark UK general election, an exit poll has forecast a substantial defeat for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's Conservative Party.
&nbsp;
Labour, under Keir Starmer, is predicted to secure a resounding victory, marking a significant shift in the political landscape of the country.
&nbsp;
Released shortly after polling stations closed on Thursday night, the exit poll suggests that Labour could win as many as 410 seats.
&nbsp;
This would comfortably surpass the 326-seat majority threshold and give the party a 170-seat lead over the Conservatives, who are projected to drop to 131 seats.
&nbsp;
Labour leader Keir Starmer took to social media to express gratitude to voters and campaigners: "To everyone who has campaigned for Labour in this election, to everyone who voted for us and put their trust in our changed Labour Party &mdash; thank you."
&nbsp;
Early results showed Labour's momentum, with Houghton and Sunderland in north-east England being the first constituency to declare in favour of Labour's Bridget Phillipson.
&nbsp;
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak also addressed supporters on social media after the release of the exit poll.
&nbsp;
"To the hundreds of Conservative candidates, thousands of volunteers and millions of voters: Thank you for your hard work, thank you for your support, and thank you for your vote."
&nbsp;
However, his future as the leader of the Conservative Party appears uncertain, as the party braces for a potentially historic loss.
&nbsp;
Earlier in the day, Sunak and his wife Akshata Murty were seen casting their votes in Richmond and Northallerton, Yorkshire.
&nbsp;
Meanwhile, Starmer and his wife Victoria, donning Labour red, voted in Camden, north London.
&nbsp;
Both leaders were among the first to vote, joining millions of citizens in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
&nbsp;
Throughout the six-week campaign, Sunak faced the daunting task of overcoming voter dissatisfaction with the Conservatives' 14-year tenure.
&nbsp;
Conversely, Starmer's Labour Party consistently led in the polls, capitalising on widespread calls for change.
&nbsp;
As polling closed, the atmosphere was tense, with candidates from across the political spectrum anxiously awaiting results.
&nbsp;
The election saw 650 constituencies contested, with a majority of 326 seats needed to form a government under the first-past-the-post system.
&nbsp;
Aside from Labour and the Conservatives, the election featured a diverse array of parties including the Liberal Democrats, Green Party, Scottish National Party (SNP), SDLP, Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), Sinn Fein, Plaid Cymru, Workers' Party, the anti-immigration Reform Party, and several independents.
&nbsp;
This broad field added to the complexity and unpredictability of the election.
&nbsp;
Polling stations across the country operated from 7 am to 10 pm local time, serving an estimated 46 million registered voters.
&nbsp;
Despite the extensive campaign efforts, experts had predicted a lower voter turnout compared to the 67 per cent seen in the December 2019 general election, where the Conservatives won 365 seats, securing an 80-seat majority.
&nbsp;
In contrast, Labour had won 202 seats, with the SNP, Liberal Democrats, and other parties sharing the remainder.
&nbsp;
This election, initiated by Sunak who had until January 2025 to call for it, was unexpected.
&nbsp;
Choosing a summer election date on July 4th, he sought to solidify his mandate following his ascent to the prime ministership in October 2022 amidst political upheaval.
&nbsp;
Sunak's leadership was marked by his selection as Tory leader and becoming the first Prime Minister of Indian heritage in the UK.
&nbsp;
For Starmer, this election represented his first significant test at the polls since taking over from Jeremy Corbyn after Labour's 2019 defeat.
&nbsp;
His campaign focused on promises of change and stability, resonating with a populace eager for a shift from the longstanding Conservative governance.

UK exit poll predicts huge loss for Sunak's Tories

Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi left Delhi early Friday morning for Hathras, Uttar Pradesh, to meet the families of the stampede victims.
&nbsp;
The tragedy at a religious gathering claimed 121 lives.
&nbsp;
"Rahul ji left for Hathras at around 5.10 am," said state Congress chief Ajay Rai. Accompanying Gandhi are state Congress in-charge Avinash Pande, party spokesperson Supriya Shrinate, and other officials.
&nbsp;
Rai blamed the Uttar Pradesh government for the incident.
&nbsp;
"The Hathras stampede is a failure of the UP government. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak visited Hathras separately, indicating internal conflicts," he stated at a press conference.
&nbsp;
The Congress has demanded compensation of Rs 1 crore for the families of the deceased and Rs 25 lakh for the injured.
&nbsp;
"We also seek a judicial inquiry by a sitting High Court judge," Rai added.
&nbsp;
The Uttar Pradesh government has formed a three-member judicial commission, led by a retired High Court judge, to investigate the tragedy and examine any potential conspiracy behind the stampede.

Rahul Gandhi travels to Hathras to support stampede victims

MP-elect Engineer Rashid was granted two hours of custody parole for his oath-taking on July 5 by the Delhi High Court following multiple hearings on Tuesday.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Currently incarcerated in Tihar Jail, Rashid faces charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention)&nbsp;Act (UAPA) for allegedly funding terrorism and promoting separatism in Jammu and Kashmir.
 Despite being behind bars, Rashid contested the recent Lok Sabha elections as an independent&nbsp;candidate, securing a significant victory over his nearest rival, Omar Abdullah of the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC).
&nbsp;
According to the 1951 Representation of the People Act, an individual who is jailed but not yet&nbsp;convicted retains the right to contest elections. 
&nbsp;
Similar cases have emerged in Indian politics. For instance, in Punjab, Amritpal Singh won his seat&nbsp;from Khadoor Sahib in Punjab while facing charges of fuelling separatism and the Khalistani movement. Like Rashid, Amritpal is also scheduled to take his oath on July 5.
&nbsp;
The high court granted him parole for four days; he is currently lodged in Assam's Dibrugarh jail. His case is typical since jail authorities have to travel back and forth for days to facilitate his oath-taking.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The two-hour parole granted to Rashid presents unique logistical challenges, including the coordination between jail authorities and Parliament to ensure his timely return.
&nbsp;
How authorities will manage this affair is an interesting question.
&nbsp;
While this case was proceeding with the court, the National Investigation Agency ( NIA) was asked to submit its reservations or objections to granting of parole.
&nbsp;
&nbsp;Although NIA had no objections, its officials urged the high court to set restrictions on the bail plea.
&nbsp;
What does the Indian constitution tell us about such cases?
&nbsp;
Article 99 of the Indian Constitution specifies that every MP must take an oath before taking their seat in Parliament. The oath is administered by the President or a person appointed by the President for this purpose.
&nbsp;
Even after winning elections, judicial intervention is usually important in cases where proceedings or&nbsp;rulings must be decided by courts.
&nbsp;
In special cases, if an MP is in jail, arrangements can be made for him or her to take the oath. This situation requires coordination between Parliamentary authorities and jail authorities.
&nbsp;
MPs in custody are typically escorted by police, and they may be handcuffed depending on the security assessment. The use of handcuffs can be decided by the police based on the threat perception and regulations.
&nbsp;
Transportation logistics depend on the distance and security arrangements. For example, Tihar Jail is approximately 18 kilometres from Parliament House in New Delhi.
&nbsp;
Given the distance between Tihar Jail to Parliament House, with heavy rain forecast, will transporting an MP and facilitating his return within two hours be manageable?

Engineer Rashid: Just two hours of freedom for an MP

An eight-member team of Punjab Police arrived on Thursday to escort jailed 'Waris Punjab De' activist Amritpal Singh to New Delhi for his swearing-in as a Member of Parliament, an official stated.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Singh, who won from the Khadoor Sahib Lok Sabha constituency in Punjab, has been granted four days of parole to attend the swearing-in ceremony.
&nbsp;
The police team, led by a Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP)-rank official, arrived here in the afternoon and is scheduled to escort Singh, lodged in Dibrugarh Central Jail, to New Delhi in a special flight amid tight security for the swearing-in on Friday.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Singh's lawyer Rajdev Singh Khalsa said he will be taken to Delhi aboard a "military aircraft" for the swearing-in.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Singh's parole orders are stringent, prohibiting him or his relatives from making any public statements during his visit to New Delhi.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Moreover, any form of media coverage, including videography or circulation of statements, is strictly prohibited.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
In addition, Singh has been instructed not to engage in any activities that might compromise national security.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The deployment of security personnel during his temporary release and presence in Delhi will be overseen by the SSP, Amritsar (Rural).&nbsp;
&nbsp;
His parents, Tarsem Singh and Balwinder Kaur, and his wife Kirandeep Kaur, met the jailed activist in Dibrugarh Central jail last month after his Lok Sabha win.
&nbsp;
Amritpal won from the Khadoor Sahib Lok Sabha seat by 1,97,120 votes as an Independent candidate by defeating Congress's Kulbir Singh Zira, while AAP's Laljit Singh Bhullar came third.
&nbsp;
The jailed activist polled 4,04,430, while Zira got 2,07,310 votes and Bhullar 1,94,836 votes.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Ten members of the outfit, including Amritpal and one of his uncles, have been lodged in jail since March 19 last year after they were arrested under the National Security Act from different parts of Punjab following a crackdown on the outfit.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
&nbsp;

Punjab Police in Assam to escort Amritpal to Delhi for oath

Delhi High Court judge Amit Sharma recused himself on Thursday from hearing a batch of bail pleas in a Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) case linked to an alleged larger conspiracy behind the 2020 communal riots in Delhi, including that of student activist Sharjeel Imam.
&nbsp;
The matters were listed before a division bench headed by Justice Prathiba M Singh after a change in the roster of judges dealing with such cases. Justice Singh ordered that these matters be listed before another bench of which Justice Sharma is not a member, subject to the orders of the acting chief justice, on July 24.
&nbsp;
Other accused in the case include Rashtriya Janata Dal's (RJD) youth wing leader and Jamia Millia Islamia student Meeran Haider, and Alumni Association of Jamia Millia Islamia president Shifa-ur-Rehman.
&nbsp;
Imam, United Against Hate founder Khalid Saifi, and several others, including former Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) student Umar Khalid, have been booked under the UAPA and provisions of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for allegedly being the "masterminds" of the February 2020 riots in northeast Delhi that left 53 people dead and more than 700 injured.
&nbsp;
The violence had erupted during protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) and National Register of Citizens (NRC).
&nbsp;
On April 11, 2022, the trial court denied bail to Imam, who was arrested in the case on August 25, 2020. The Delhi Police opposed Imam's bail plea before a bench headed by Justice Suresh Kumar Kait in March on the ground that he mobilised members of the minority community and "propagated" "chakka jam" as a mode of disruption, with "no window for a peaceful protest."
&nbsp;
Police have claimed that the protests were part of a conspiracy to trigger violence at the time of the visit of then United States president Donald Trump and that Imam, in his public addresses, had propagated the idea of "chakka jam" as the plan of action to paralyse the government.
&nbsp;
The other accused persons in the case, including Haider and Rehman, are also facing similar charges under the UAPA and IPC. The charges stem from the Delhi Police's investigation into the riots, which they allege were premeditated and orchestrated by the accused to incite violence and disrupt peace.
&nbsp;
The police have cited various pieces of evidence, including speeches, social media posts, and witness testimonies, to support their claims.
&nbsp;
The decision of Justice Sharma to recuse himself from the case adds another layer of complexity to the legal proceedings, which have already seen multiple delays and adjournments.
&nbsp;
The bail pleas of the accused have been a contentious issue, with their supporters arguing that they are being unfairly targeted for their activism and dissent against the government's policies.
&nbsp;
As the case progresses, it will continue to be a focal point of debate and scrutiny, both within the legal community and the broader public.
&nbsp;
The outcome of the bail pleas and the subsequent trial will have significant implications not only for the accused but also for the broader discourse on civil liberties, dissent, and the state's response to protests in India.

Delhi HC Judge steps back from 2020 riots bail hearings

The Dagestan province in Russia has imposed a temporary ban on the wearing of niqabs, following a series of terror attacks on Jewish and Orthodox Christian houses of worship.
&nbsp;
The niqab, a full-face veil with an opening for the eyes, is now forbidden "until the identified threats are eliminated" and the religious authorities arrive at "a new theological conclusion." This decision was announced by the muftiate, the administrative body responsible for issuing religious rules in the republic.
&nbsp;
The ban follows a series of attacks on synagogues and Orthodox churches in Makhachkala and Derbent, resulting in the deaths of 22 people and injuring many others.
&nbsp;
Dagestan's authorities attributed the attacks to "international terrorist organisations" but did not specify which groups were responsible. Reports suggest that one of the five attackers planned to escape wearing a niqab as a disguise, prompting the temporary ban.
&nbsp;
Dagestan&rsquo;s governor, Sergei Melikov, called the niqab a 'security risk'. The region, predominantly Muslim, has a history of Islamic insurgency. The niqab ban has sparked various reactions from prominent figures in Russia.
&nbsp;
Alexander Bastrykin, head of Russia&rsquo;s Investigative Committee, suggested a blanket ban on the niqab after the attacks. However, Ramzan Kadyrov, the leader of Chechnya, cautioned against such measures, stating that one should not confuse religions with the actions of extremists. He emphasised that these "fanatics" have no connection to the holy scriptures.
&nbsp;
In June, Russian law enforcement identified five attackers behind the violence in Derbent and Makhachkala. These attacks led to the deaths of at least 15 police officers and four civilians, including an Orthodox priest.
&nbsp;
Some attackers were from the Sergo Kalinsky district, located between Derbent and Makhachkala, and had connections to the district&rsquo;s head. Notably, former MMA fighter Gadzhimurad Kagirov, a cousin of the district head, Magomed Omarov, was involved in the violence in Derbent. Relatives of Omarov, including his son and nephew, also participated in the attacks.
&nbsp;
These attacks are part of a disturbing trend of rising Islamic extremism in Russia. Earlier this year, a terrorist group stormed a concert hall near Moscow, killing 145 people in an attack claimed by the Islamic State.
&nbsp;
These incidents have highlighted the growing threat of extremism in Russia, posing a significant challenge for President Vladimir Putin, who is also dealing with the ongoing war in Ukraine.
&nbsp;
The temporary ban on niqabs in Dagestan underscores the heightened security measures being implemented in response to these threats. While the move aims to prevent further attacks and enhance public safety, it has also sparked debate about religious freedom and the potential for such measures to alienate the Muslim community. The situation remains tense as authorities continue their efforts to address the security concerns and bring stability to the region.

Moscow

Niqab ban in Dagestan after synagogue and church attacks

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Astana on Thursday.
&nbsp;
The meeting focused on the early resolution of remaining border issues between India and China. Following the meeting, Jaishankar emphasised the need for respecting the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and ensuring peace in the border areas.
&nbsp;
He highlighted that the principles of mutual respect, mutual sensitivity, and mutual interest would guide bilateral relations between the two nations.
&nbsp;
Jaishankar shared details of the discussion on the social media platform X, stating, "Met with CPC Politburo member and FM Wang Yi in Astana this morning. Discussed early resolution of remaining issues in border areas.
&nbsp;
Agreed to redouble efforts through diplomatic and military channels to that end. Respecting the LAC and ensuring peace and tranquillity in the border areas is essential. The three mutuals - mutual respect, mutual sensitivity, and mutual interest - will guide our bilateral ties."
&nbsp;
The relationship between India and China has been strained since the border standoff in eastern Ladakh, where 20 Indian soldiers lost their lives while countering Chinese forces.
&nbsp;
The violent clash also resulted in casualties on the Chinese side. Since then, both countries have engaged in multiple rounds of military and diplomatic talks to resolve the issues along the LAC.
&nbsp;
In March, India and China exchanged views on achieving complete disengagement and resolving issues along the LAC in the Western sector of the border. Despite these efforts, tensions have persisted, highlighting the importance of continued dialogue and negotiation.
&nbsp;
During their meeting in Astana, Jaishankar and Wang Yi shared a warm handshake and engaged in conversation before posing for photographs. This gesture of goodwill underscores the ongoing diplomatic efforts to address and resolve the border issues.
&nbsp;
S. Jaishankar is leading the Indian delegation at the 24th Meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of State (SCO Summit) in Kazakhstan. Upon his arrival, he was welcomed by Kazakhstan's Deputy Foreign Minister, Alibek Bakaye.
&nbsp;
Jaishankar also met with Kazakhstan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu. He expressed his gratitude for the hospitality and arrangements for the SCO summit and discussed the expanding strategic partnership between India and Kazakhstan. The conversation also included India's increasing engagement with Central Asia and views on regional and global issues.
&nbsp;
The SCO summit provides a platform for member states to discuss and collaborate on various regional and international issues. India's participation in the summit highlights its commitment to strengthening ties with member countries and addressing common challenges through cooperation and dialogue.
&nbsp;
As India and China continue to navigate their complex relationship, the principles of mutual respect, sensitivity, and interest will play a crucial role in shaping future interactions.
&nbsp;
The emphasis on resolving border issues peacefully and maintaining stability in the region reflects both countries' understanding of the importance of a stable and cooperative relationship for broader regional security.
&nbsp;
The outcome of the recent discussions between Jaishankar and Wang Yi remains to be seen, but the commitment to continued dialogue and cooperation is a positive step towards resolving long standing issues and fostering a more stable and constructive relationship between India and China.

Astana

EAM Jaishankar and Wang Yi discuss border issues at SCO

Former Haryana Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Bhupinder Singh Hooda accused the ruling BJP government of failing to fulfill its election promises and making new announcements to deceive the public. He made the remarks, addressing the 'Meet the Press' program at the Press Club, today, in Chandigarh.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Hooda slammed the BJP for its unfulfilled promises, including implementation of the Swaminathan report, doubling farmers' income, employment for all, and pucca houses for all, which were made in 2014.
&nbsp;
"Who will compensate the loss that the public has suffered in 10 years due to the absurd decisions of the government," he questioned.
&nbsp;
He then criticised the BJP's anti-people policies, including the closure of 5,000 schools, vacancy of 50,000 posts in the education department, and failure to provide an old age pension of Rs 5,100. He also questioned the BJP's decision to take away the right of 100-yard plots from the poor, SC, and OBC, and instead give them 30-yard plots.
&nbsp;
The former Chief Minister highlighted the development works done by the Congress government in Haryana, including the establishment of universities, medical colleges, and industries. He said that the Congress had made Haryana a hub of sports, education, industry, and IT, and had made the state number one in the country in per capita income, investment, and employment generation.
&nbsp;
"This government has committed dozens of scams worth thousands of crores in the state. The government itself has accepted many scams and has talked about investigating them. But to date, no scam has been investigated," Hooda said.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
"This makes it clear that the character of the BJP is still the same, which is not going to change. That is why this government has decided to continue the additional surcharge of 47 paise per unit of electricity. During the entire tenure, this government did not establish any new power plant and did not generate even a single unit of electricity. Whereas the Congress government had established 4 power plants and 1 nuclear plant in the state," he added.
&nbsp;
Hooda challenged the BJP to account for its old promises before making new ones. He said that Congress will make Haryana an unemployment and crime-free state if voted to power, and will fill the vacant posts and curb unemployment.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Congress will take forward the development works started by the previous Congress government, Hooda affirmed.&nbsp;

Hooda slams BJP for unfulfilled promises in Haryana

Northern Israel was engulfed in chaos on Thursday morning as sirens blared across the Galilee region, signalling a sudden barrage of rockets and drones launched by Hezbollah.
&nbsp;
Communities in the Upper Galilee, Golan Heights, and coastal cities like Akko and Nahariya hurried to seek shelter, responding to an unprecedented assault that Hezbollah claims included 200 projectiles within just one hour. The severity of the attack was underscored when shrapnel from an intercepted rocket caused damage to a shopping mall in Akko.
&nbsp;
The escalation follows recent developments, including an Israeli airstrike in Tyre, southern Lebanon, which targeted and killed Muhammad Nimah Nasser. Nasser was a prominent figure, commanding Hezbollah's Aziz Unit responsible for launching rockets at Israeli territories and security forces. In response, overnight airstrikes by Israeli fighter jets hit multiple Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanese areas of Chihine and Blat.
&nbsp;
The backdrop of these events is a mounting crisis that began in October, prompting the evacuation of approximately 60,000 Israelis from northern communities due to relentless daily rocket and drone assaults by Hezbollah.
&nbsp;
The group's leadership, backed by Iran, has vowed to continue these attacks, preventing civilians from returning to their homes. Tragically, the ongoing conflict has claimed the lives of 10 civilians and 15 soldiers, underscoring the humanitarian toll and the urgency of the situation.
&nbsp;
Calls from Israeli officials intensify for Hezbollah's disarmament and removal from southern Lebanon, echoing UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which aimed to stabilise the region after the 2006 Second Lebanon War.
&nbsp;
The resolution emphasised the need to uphold peace and security by disbanding armed groups and enforcing Lebanese sovereignty over its entire territory.
&nbsp;
"Fighting for the North," an organisation representing displaced Israeli families, has demanded robust governmental action to quell the Hezbollah threat and facilitate safe returns. They assert that only establishing a security zone within Lebanon can ensure long-term peace and prevent further hostilities.
&nbsp;
The current crisis represents a critical juncture for Israel, facing a profound challenge to its northern borders and civilian safety. As tensions escalate, the Israeli government's response is crucial in determining the trajectory of this conflict and safeguarding the lives of its citizens.
&nbsp;
The international community watches closely as the situation unfolds, hoping for diplomatic resolutions that can de-escalate tensions and restore stability to the region.
&nbsp;
The recent Hezbollah attacks have thrust northern Israel into turmoil, prompting urgent calls for decisive action to safeguard civilian lives and restore peace to the region.
&nbsp;
The coming days will be crucial in determining the course of this conflict and the measures needed to mitigate its impact on both Israeli and Lebanese populations.

Jerusalem

Hezbollah launches 200 rockets and drones at Israel

With its massive fandom, Mirzapur has given a lot of love and reach to its actors, says Vijay Varma, who remembers watching the first season as a fan and getting instantly intrigued by the show world.
&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 actor said he was more than happy when he was offered the role of twin brothers in the second season. And now that he is returning for the third one, he said it&rsquo;s a good feeling to be part of the show.
<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&rsquo;s unparalleled (the show&rsquo;s popularity). I can&rsquo;t tell you how much this show gives us because jaha par kisine kuch nahi dekha hai usne Mirzapur dekha hai (people who haven&rsquo;t seen anything have seen the show). So, that&rsquo;s the kind of love and reach&hellip;. It&rsquo;s like you&rsquo;re not worried about what the critics will say. It&rsquo;s a good feeling,&rdquo; Varma 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 crime drama introduced Varma, who has since built an enviable body of work in both movies and on OTT with projects such as Darlings, She and Dahaad, as twin brothers Bharat Tyagi and Shatrughan Tyagi.
<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;I watched the first season of Mirzapur as an audience. I was hooked. The way they ended the first season was so disturbing and gripping. It left you thinking, &lsquo;I want to watch this story, I want to know what happens next&rsquo;.
<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;Then I saw the fandom erupt and I was like, &lsquo;Have we actually become this country that has fandom for shows? It&rsquo;s a one-of-its-kind series, I think Sacred Games, and Mirzapur, are the pioneers&hellip;. So, when I was asked to do the second season, I was more than glad,&rdquo; Varma, 38, 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 show, which borrows its name and fictional setting from the Uttar Pradesh city of Mirzapur, is premiering on July 5 on Prime Video.
<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 praised Singh for creating a universe that remains unchanged on the surface whether it is the lighting, the set, props or the outfits that his character gets to wear in the show, making it easier to slip into the character.
<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 actor is happy that his recent projects gave him the opportunity to expand his horizons.
<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;">Produced by Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani&rsquo;s Excel Entertainment, Mirzapur 3 will stream on Prime Video from Friday. 
&nbsp;

Huge fandom of Mirzapur intrigues Actor Vijay Varma

Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal has managed to survive the crisis triggered by some rebel senior leaders. That, in fact, was a foregone conclusion even when the rebellion started. None of the rebel leaders has the stature to outdo Sukhbir.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;
Within the existing structure of the party, there can be no serious challenge, leaving aside any threat, to Sukhbir&rsquo;s leadership. Most of those who have rebelled against him, have hardly any popular base and are too much dependent on the party support. 
&nbsp;
But the greater challenge for Sukhbir still exists and that is the revival of his party, the Shiromani Akali Dal. That challenge was there before the rebellion and that challenge will continue even after the rebellion will die down, which eventually it will. 
&nbsp;
Sukhbir has on its side the all-powerful Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) and also the Akal Takaht Jathedar, who is appointed by the SGPC.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;
He has a team of senior leaders with him, which includes, Maheshinder Singh Grewal, Balwinder Singh Bhunder, Paramjit Singh Sarna, Daljeet Cheema, his brother-in-law Bikram Singh Majithia, one of the most powerful and promising leaders of the party. 
&nbsp;
Compared to that, those who are opposed to him, have rebelled earlier also like Bibi Jagir Kaur and Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa and his son. The new entrants into the rebels&rsquo; ranks include Surjeet Singh Rakhra, whose rebellion seemed strange given his proximity with the Badal family, Prem Singh Chandumajra, Sikander Singh Maluka, whose son and daughter-in-law are already in the BJP, and Gurpartap Singh Wadala.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
All these leaders do have their respective support pockets. But they can be impactful and influential only along with the Akali Dal and not without it.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;
Manpreet Singh Ayali, the Dakha legislator, who had also demanded implementation of the Iqbal Singh Jhundan committee recommendations, which means replacing Sukhbir Singh Badal, has maintained equal distance from both Sukhbir as well as the rebels. 
&nbsp;
The rebels do not seem to have any concrete alternative programme to revive the party. They assume that the public anger against the Shiromani Akali Dal is exclusively because of Sukhbir Badal. That is not the case. 
&nbsp;
Sukhbir&rsquo;s leadership is only one of the reasons. His removal will certainly not instantly revive the party as long as there is not an influential alternative available. Rather that has the potential of completely imploding the Akali Dal, which will be disastrous for Punjab.
&nbsp;
Former Akal Takhat acting Jathedar, Giani Harpreet Singh has volunteered himself, in a subtle way though, to lead the party. He has started believing himself to fit in the role that the rebels suggested as he considers himself both as a scholar and a political leader. Leading an organisation like the Shiromani Akali Dal will need much more than a PhD degree in religious studies.
&nbsp;
Sukhbir is trapped in a serious dilemma. He realises that his party&rsquo;s revival cannot be possible without external support. He and before him, his father could retain control over the party as they had a friendly ally in BJP with them.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;
Right now, Sukhbir does not have any allies. He is surrounded by certain people, like Sarna, who have always been opposed to the BJP. Sarna is known for his proximity with the Congress leadership.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;
It is also a fact that the Akalis do not have anything against the BJP. Nor does the BJP carry any baggage that should make the Akali Dal defensive. Yes, there has been a narrative built up in Punjab against the BJP during and in the aftermath of the farmers&rsquo; stir. 
&nbsp;
It was partially the failure of the Akali Dal that led the situation to aggravate to such a level. Akali leadership caved into the pressure of those who have always been opposed to the BJP and that too without any apparent reason. Rather, the BJP has done certain things for the Sikh community no other party has done.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;
Had the Akali Dal aligned with the BJP in the 2024 General Elections, they would have together won between six to eight seats. This would have provided much-needed redemption for the party. And of course, there would not have been any rebellion. 
&nbsp;
Sukhbir will need to weigh his options, although he has very limited (options). And rapprochement with the BJP can certainly be one of them. He should stop leaders like his wife Harsimrat Kaur Badal and Sarna from blaming the BJP for the rebellion. He should reassess and rethink who were the people who prevented an alliance with the BJP. Maybe those same people are still trying to create a situation where a rapprochement will be out of the question. 
&nbsp;
The revival and strengthening of the Akali Dal is not only in the interest of Punjab but also in the interest of the country. If the Akali Dal gets weakened, the panthic space will be occupied by radicals and extremists. Khadoor Sahib and Faridkot election results are an indication.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;
The BJP leadership will also need to rethink and reconsider its approach towards its former ally, which has been most trustworthy and least troublesome and has never made any undue or unreasonable demands.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;
It is good that Sukhbir survived the rebellion, which he would have survived anyway. It would be better if he starts and succeeds in reviving the Shiromani Akali Dal. Once the process starts, things will start falling in line immediately.&nbsp;

Sukhbir survives rebel crisis, tough task to revive SAD

As one writes this piece on monsoon preparedness in north India, a newsflash from Himachal Pradesh (HP) on television catches the eye. It&rsquo;s July 4, parts of the state have been hit by heavy rain, leading to 115 roads being closed.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Cracks have appeared on a road between the Manali-Pandoh stretch on the Chandigarh-Manali highway and it has started sinking.
&nbsp;
It is to be noted that monsoons have just hit the northern region after a prolonged and intense heatwave.
&nbsp;
Delhi has already had its deluge by the end of June, the heaviest for the month since 1936, with 228m rain recorded just within 24 hours even as the Capital&rsquo;s record for the entire monsoon season is 800 mm. &nbsp;
&nbsp;
Roads were waterlogged, rainwater inundated buildings, including hospitals, with crucial surgeries postponed at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) and Lok Nayak Hospital.
&nbsp;
The death toll recorded was 11. A cab driver was killed as the canopy of T1 at Indira Gandhi International Airport collapsed.
&nbsp;
Two children were electrocuted in northwest Delhi, two boys and an elderly man drowned in flooded underpasses and three workers were killed as a wall collapsed at a construction site in Vasant Vihar.
&nbsp;
The state governments have had adequate warning to ensure adequate arrangements are made to tackle the monsoon. They should have hopefully&nbsp; learnt lessons from last year, when&nbsp; Delhi, HP, Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh virtually drowned as a monsoon surge coupled with western disturbance simply dumped water over the region, causing landslides, destroying buildings, washing away cars, damaging roads and infrastructure.
&nbsp;
Hundreds of lives were lost.
&nbsp;
This year&rsquo;s early monsoon rain woes in Delhi prove that emergency measures have to be taken to ensure citizens and infrastructure are protected and life is not thrown out of gear as the monsoon season advances.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Adequate noise has been made about flood prevention drives, but the coming days will prove how effective these are.
&nbsp;
DELHI
According to a Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) statement, more than 80,000 metric tonnes of silt was removed from 466-km of drains in the city as part of its first phase target of de-silting operations by the end of June.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Around 713 drains with a depth of four feet or more across 12 MC zones were also desilted. Fourteen drains out of 22 being transferred to the irrigation and flood control department were included in the desilting operations. Twelve out of the 14&nbsp; drains, including the Moat drain at Vijay Ghat, ISBT drain, Kailash Nagar drain and Sweeper Colony drain, had been cleaned.
 In its statement, the MCD said it had &ldquo;achieved an average of more than 100 per cent de-silting target set for drains under its jurisdiction, successfully cleaning 713 drains that are four feet and above, spanning a total length of 466 km," the statement said.
&nbsp;
Around 80,690.4 metric tonnes of silt were removed and were being transported to landfill sites under continuous monitoring, the statement added.
&nbsp;
All drains in areas under MCD were being cleaned in coordination with the irrigation and flood control and public works departments and the Delhi State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (DSIIDC) to avoid waterlogging.
&nbsp;
About 72 permanent pumping stations and 465 mobile and submersible pumps of various capacities were available in case of waterlogging. Extra portable pumps had been set up at vulnerable spots across all zones, read the statement.
&nbsp;
DCs and other senior officials were on standby to sort out desilting and waterlogging issues, ensuring prompt deployment of manpower and resources as needed, MCD said.
&nbsp;
Citizens could register complaints of waterlogging, fallen trees and damage to buildings at the MCD&rsquo;s control rooms at the MCD headquarters and in all its 12 zones.
&nbsp;
HIMACHAL PRADESH Rain created havoc in the state last year, with three "extreme spells" in July and August, more than 150 identified landslides and 72 flash floods affecting various parts of the state, leading to 404 deaths, with 38 missing till September. &nbsp;
 Losses from the natural disasters had amounted to Rs 10,000 crore Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu had said.
&nbsp;
This year, however, he has expressed confidence that all steps are in place to deal with rain related disasters in the state.
&nbsp;
The Disaster Management Authority was coordinating with all departments concerned to prevent any monsoon-related damage, he said at the end of June while interacting with the media.
&nbsp;
&ldquo;Adequate manpower and machinery has been deployed at identified vulnerable locations,&rdquo; the CM added.
&nbsp;
Regular mock drills and disaster management training were being conducted for field staff and other officials.
&nbsp;
The state government had also held regular meetings on disaster preparedness with district administrations.
&nbsp;
PUNJAB A high alert was sounded in the state in July 2023 after unrelenting rain, with Jalandhar, Patiala and Dera Bassi hit hardest.&nbsp;
 Residents of a society close to Chandigarh had to be evacuated in boats as the Ghaggar river overflowed. Roads were damaged and fields flooded.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
This year, a media outlet has quoted drainage department sources as saying that the state government has allocated Rs 300 crore for flood management.
&nbsp;
Vulnerable points had been identified at various places, including the Sutlej, Beas, Ravi and Ghaggar rivers and the countless streams and rivulets emptying into the water bodies as well as the major nullahs and canal systems.
&nbsp;
Efforts are being made to reinforce the embankments of the main rivers, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann had said during a visit to areas near the Ghaggar in the middle of June to &nbsp;check flood-prevention measures.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Speaking to people he said that the Punjab government was working on various measures to combat flooding, including creation of seasonal rivulets to absorb flood discharge and delineating floodplains under the Northern India Canal and Drainage Act.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
From creating a databank of bag suppliers, local volunteers and earth moving equipment operators to developing bamboo plantations on the inner slopes of rivers, the CM said long term planning was being done to combat floods.
&nbsp;
More than 250,000 sandbags would be kept ready at key locations along the Ghaggar river in Sangrur district to prevent breaches.
&nbsp;
Roads damaged by floods would also be promptly repaired, the CM promised, adding that a survey for this purpose was being completed with focus on strengthening the road connecting Moonak to Khanauri via Mandvi.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
At the end of June Punjab water resources minister Chetan Singh Jauramajra also visited various sites and asked &nbsp;officials to fastrack strengthening work of the Tiwana bandh at Ghaggar river.
&nbsp;
The minister also inspected a few villages prone to flooding by the Ghaggar and said water bodies were being cleaned and embankments strengthened.
&nbsp;
Drainage department sources were also quoted by the media outlet as saying that desilting of rivers had begun at some places in the state.
&nbsp;
Repairs were being prioritised at the most vulnerable points first and major drains were being cleared, sources said. These remained blocked and prevented rainwater from draining out, leading to waterlogging in some areas.
&nbsp;
Jouramajra has also said that a fleet of earth-moving machines has been acquired, and these were operating round-the-clock to clear drains, remove silt, and&nbsp; strengthen vulnerable points.
&nbsp;
HARYANA For the first time in its history the Haryana government declared a flood alert last year in July 2023 as incessant rains flooded 1,354 places in 12 districts of the state.
 Ensuring arrangements were in place this year, Minister of State for irrigation and Water Resources, Dr. Abhe Singh Yadav and officials from the Irrigation Department visited several villages in the Ambala and Kurukshetra districts impacted by flooding last year.
&nbsp;
Inspecting the border dam of Tangri river, Yadav also directed officials to get the drains cleaned and widened to ensure drainage of rainwater.
&nbsp;
From identifying the weak points of the border dam near populated areas close to the Tangri River to cleaning of the Markanda River, the minister directed officials to ensure quick completion of all flood control measures.
&nbsp;
The minister also visited Jalbera and Jhansa in Kurukshetra and issued instructions for clean-up of the Markanda River and strengthening of embankments at vulnerable points with sandbags or cement concrete bags.
&nbsp;
Flooding in Kurukshetra District is caused mainly due to the Markanda River, but overflow of water from Tangri River and small nullahs like Rakshi, Chutang, Jodha and Linda in the area also inundates fields and villages.
&nbsp;
Yadav inspected work being done to fortify Damli and Kalsana dams on the Markanda River and directed that all flood prevention work be completed quickly.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
It is to be noted that during the 55th meeting of the Haryana State Drought Relief and Flood Control Board in October 2023, a budget of Rs 1,205.89 crore&nbsp;had been approved. Apart from protection of villages and abadi, the funds will be utilised for procuring of machinery used during flooding and reconstruction of structures to clear drain and ensure uninterrupted flow of drain water.

Ready for rain: Are northern states well prepared?

Television star Hina Khan, who recently revealed her breast cancer diagnosis, has taken a brave step by cutting her hair short after her first chemotherapy session.
&nbsp;
The 36-year-old actress, famous for her role in the TV show &ldquo;Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai,&rdquo; shared an emotional video on Instagram where her mother is seen weeping as the actor chops off her hair.
&nbsp;
Addressing her fans and fellow cancer fighters, Hina wrote, "To all the beautiful people out there, especially women who are fighting the same battle, I know it&rsquo;s hard, I know for most of us, our hair is the crown we never take off. But what if you&rsquo;re facing a battle so tough that you have to lose your hair&mdash;your pride, your crown? If you want to win, you&rsquo;ve got to take some tough decisions. And I choose to win."
&nbsp;
Hina emphasized the importance of making proactive choices in her fight against cancer. "I have decided to give myself every chance possible to win this battle. I choose to let go of my beautiful hair before it starts falling off. I didn&rsquo;t want to endure this mental breakdown for weeks. So, I choose to let go of my crown because I&rsquo;ve realised my real crown is my COURAGE, my STRENGTH, and the love I have for myself."
&nbsp;
Hina hopes her journey will inspire others battling the disease.
&nbsp;
"Hair will grow back, eyebrows will return, scars will fade, but the spirit must remain whole. I am recording my story, my journey, to ensure that my efforts to embrace myself reach everyone out there. If my story can make even one day of this heartwarming yet excruciating experience better for someone, it&rsquo;s worth it."
&nbsp;
She expressed gratitude to her boyfriend, mother, and others who have supported her, referring to them as &lsquo;MY PEOPLE,&rsquo; and asked her fans to pray for her.

Hina Khan cuts hair after chemo, vows to win cancer battle

India's top woman 400m runner, Deepanshi, has been suspended by the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) after failing a dope test during the recent National Inter-State Championships, where she secured a silver medal.
&nbsp;
The 21-year-old clocked a personal best of 52.01 seconds, finishing second to Kiran Pahal's 50.92 seconds in the women's 400m final in Panchkula.
&nbsp;
However, an in-competition urine sample taken on June 27, either after the heats or semifinals, revealed the presence of anabolic steroids.
&nbsp;
"Yes, she has failed the dope test conducted during the National Inter-State Championships and has been provisionally suspended," a reliable source told under anonymity.
&nbsp;
This incident marks the first positive dope case from the National Inter-State Championships (June 27-30), the final qualifying event for the Paris Olympics.
Notably, Deepanshi does not train at the national camp.
&nbsp;
The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) has a policy to select only campers for the national relay team to maintain close supervision.
&nbsp;
Deepanshi's case appears to validate this policy, as she was the third-fastest woman quarter-miler in the country before her suspension.
&nbsp;
A rising star from Haryana, Deepanshi was the national U20 champion in 2021. Her best senior-level finish was third at the Indian Grand Prix in Thiruvananthapuram in March last year.
&nbsp;
At the National Inter-State, she recorded times of 53.87 in the heats and 52.12 in the semifinals, before further improving to 52.01 in the final.

NADA suspends 400m runner Deepanshi for doping violation

The Calcutta High Court on Thursday said it will hear the defamation suit by West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose against Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on July 10.
&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;">Bose had filed a defamation case against Banerjee on June 28, a day after she claimed women complained to her that they were afraid to visit the Raj Bhavan.
<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 counsel Dhiraj Trivedi mentioned the matter before the court of Justice Krishna Rao, who had adjourned hearing of the suit on Wednesday, for an early hearing date.
<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 court said that it will take up the matter for hearing again on July 10.
<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;">Noting that the suit was filed on the basis of news reports, Justice Krishna Rao pointed out to Bose&rsquo;s counsel that publications referred to in the suit have not been made party to it.
<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;">Justice Rao adjourned the case with the liberty to the petitioner to take appropriate steps in this regard. 
&nbsp;

Cal HC to hear defamation case against Mamata on July 10

Bihar's Bridge Collapse saga

The revival of Exercise MAITREE in Thailand marks a renewed phase of defence cooperation between India and Thailand, aimed at bolstering military interoperability and regional stability through joint training and cultural exchange.
&nbsp;
Commencing in Tak Province, Thailand, the 13th edition of Exercise MAITREE launched with a vibrant opening ceremony, marking its return after a hiatus of four years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The last exercise took place in Umroi, Meghalaya, in 2019.
&nbsp;
The ceremony was graced by Lieutenant General Kittipong Jamsuwan, 3rd Corps Commander of the Thailand Army, and Group Captain Brijesh Paul, Defence Attach&eacute; from the Indian Air Force to Thailand, as chief guests.
&nbsp;
Both leaders highlighted the deep-rooted historical and civilizational ties between their countries, underscoring the exercise's role in strengthening military collaboration.
&nbsp;
Symbolising mutual cooperation, Group Captain Paul handed over the Indian Army contingent's flag to Lieutenant General Jamsuwan, marking the formal commencement of joint training activities.
&nbsp;
The event also featured interactive sessions between the contingents, fostering camaraderie and mutual understanding. A captivating display of Thai martial arts by the Thailand Army troops showcased their cultural heritage and military prowess.
&nbsp;
Exercise MAITREE alternates between India and Thailand, serving as a pivotal platform for sharing experiences, enhancing interoperability, and fortifying bilateral defence relations. This edition aims to build upon past successes, deepening military cooperation and operational synergy.
&nbsp;
The resumption of Exercise MAITREE underscores the commitment of India and Thailand to regional security and stability. Beyond honing tactical skills, the exercise promotes mutual respect and understanding, essential for tackling shared security challenges effectively.
&nbsp;
As the joint exercise progresses, it is poised to significantly strengthen the defence partnership between India and Thailand, paving the way for future collaborative endeavours.

Bangkok

MAITREE exercise returns to boost India-Thailand ties

The Congress today accused Defence Minister Rajnath Singh of telling half-truths in the Lok Sabha after Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi raised the issue of the plight of Agniveers there.
&nbsp;
Addressing a press conference at the party headquarters here today, Chairman of the Ex-Servicemen Department in the AICC Col (Retd) Rohit Chaudhary and Wing Commander (Retd) Anuma Acharya demanded that the government should bring in a white paper about the Agnipath scheme.
&nbsp;
The party reiterated its stand to scrap the Agnipath scheme, as it was against the security interests of the country, besides creating differences and discrimination between the soldiers within the defence services.
&nbsp;
Referring to Rajnath Singh&rsquo;s intervention in the parliament claiming that those Agniveers who die in the line of duty are paid Rs one crore, Col Chaudhary said, he (Singh) did not give the complete picture.
&nbsp;
He said, an Agniveer, if he gets killed in the line of duty, gets Rs 48 lakhs from the insurance, Rs 44 lakhs as ex-gratia, and Rs 8 lakh for battle casualty.
&nbsp;
But, he added, what Singh did not say, was what the regular soldiers get if they get martyred.
&nbsp;
He disclosed that a regular soldier gets about Rs 2.4 crores after 15 years of service and about Rs 2.8 crores after more than 15 years of service.
&nbsp;
Besides, he added, if an Agniveer gets killed on day one of his service, his family, besides Rs one crore, gets salary for four years only and nothing more.
&nbsp;
Compared to that, a regular soldier&rsquo;s family gets about Rs 2.4 crores, full salary for 15 years, and family pension after that. Plus, the family gets all the benefits like healthcare, canteen facility, and much more.
&nbsp;
He said the Agniveers are not granted martyrdom status. He said there are certain benefits a martyr is entitled to, which are denied to Agniveers.
&nbsp;
Col Chaudhary disclosed that there was a decline in recruitment in the defence services after the introduction of the Agnipath scheme, saying during the last four years, there was a shortfall of 3 lakh soldiers.
&nbsp;
He also referred to the operational shortcomings of the Agnipath scheme, saying it does not produce battle-hardened soldiers as they are trained for a short duration of six months only.
&nbsp;
Speaking on the occasion, Wing Commander (Retd) Anuma Acharya condemned the misuse of the social media handles of the defence services for spreading disinformation by the government.
&nbsp;
Referring to the Defence Minister&rsquo;s claim that the Agnipath scheme was introduced after consultations with about 150 organizations, she said, he must come out with details as such schemes are not discussed in public.
&nbsp;
She asked, if the families of the Short Service Commission officers are entitled to various post-retirement benefits, why not the families of the Agniveers.

Bengal: Over 15 pc votes polled till 9 am in 3 LS seats

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