News Arena Network

Ansh Mavani

The Indian Army contingent has set off for the 13th edition of the India-Thailand joint military Exercise MAITREE, scheduled from July 1-15 at Fort Vachira Prakan in Thailand's Tak Province, announced the Defence Ministry on Tuesday. Previously, the exercise was held in Umroi, Meghalaya in September 2019.
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Comprising 76 personnel, the Indian Army contingent is led by a Battalion of the Ladakh Scouts, supported by personnel from various arms and services. The Royal Thailand Army contingent, also consisting of 76 personnel from the 1st Battalion, 14 Infantry Regiment of 4 Division, will participate alongside them.
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Exercise MAITREE aims to bolster military cooperation between India and Thailand, focusing on joint counter insurgency/terrorist operations in jungle and urban environments under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter. The exercise emphasises high physical fitness, joint planning, and tactical drills.
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Tactical exercises during MAITREE will include setting up a Joint Operation Centre, intelligence and surveillance operations, utilisation of drones and counter-drone systems, securing landing sites, small team insertions and extractions, special heliborne operations, cordon and search operations, room intervention drills, and demolition of illegal structures.
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The exercise will facilitate the exchange of best practices in tactics, techniques, and procedures for joint operations between the two armies. It aims to enhance interoperability, foster camaraderie, and strengthen bonds between soldiers from India and Thailand.
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MAITREE, which means "friendship" in Thai, underscores the ongoing effort to deepen the friendship and cooperation between the armed forces of Thailand and India.
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This annual exercise covers both air and ground forces, including medical support activities, and serves as a practical platform to hone skills necessary for addressing shared security challenges.
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Through exercises like MAITREE, India and Thailand continue to build upon their strategic partnership, promoting regional stability and reinforcing their commitment to mutual defence cooperation.

Bangkok

Indian Army departs for MAITREE exercise in Thailand

Deepan

Dr. Angomcha Bimol Akoijam, newly elected MP from Inner Manipur Parliamentary constituency, has criticised central leaders for their silence on the ongoing crisis in Manipur, calling it a reflection of colonial-era attitudes persisting into the post-colonial period.
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During his address in Parliament presenting a motion of thanks, Dr. Akoijam expressed dismay over Prime Minister Modi's silence and the omission of Manipur's crisis from the President's speech, despite more than a year of turmoil in the state.
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"The silence from the Prime Minister and the neglect of Manipur's plight in the highest addresses of the nation are deeply concerning. It reflects a continuation of colonial-era policies in modern governance," Dr. Akoijam remarked.
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He highlighted the severe humanitarian impact of the crisis, citing over 60,000 people displaced and 200 lives lost amidst a civil war-like situation where communities are forced into armed conflict for self-defense.
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"Manipur is one of the most militarised regions in the country, yet the Indian state has failed to protect its people. How can thousands lose their homes under the watch of extensive armed forces without national leadership addressing this?" he questioned.
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Dr. Akoijam challenged the notion of nationalism, stating, "I will remain silent when the Prime Minister acknowledges Manipur's crisis and assures care for its people. That is true nationalism."
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He criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), expressing disappointment in their complacency towards Manipur's suffering, contrasting it with the state's significant contributions to national honor through figures like Major Laishram Jotin and sportswomen like Mary Kom and Mirabai Chanu.
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"It is a dishonor to these icons and to Manipur itself when the central government remains indifferent to our crisis," Dr. Akoijam added, urging empathy and action from national leaders.

New Delhi

MP Akoijam slams PM's silence on 'ignored crisis in Manipur'

Neha Singh

Superstar Shah Rukh Khan will be feted with the career achievement honour, at the 77th edition of the Locarno Film Festival, the organisers announced on Tuesday.
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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;">He is also the first Indian personality to be honoured with the &lsquo;Pardo alla Carriere Ascona-Locarno Tourism&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;
Italian filmmaker Francesco Rosi, American singer-actor Harry Belafonte, and Malaysian director Tsai Ming-liang are the previous recipients.
&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 58-year-old actor will receive the award on August 10 at the Piazza Grande, located in Locarno, Switzerland.
<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 2002 film Devdas, directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, will also be screened during the gala, set to commence on August 7. Shah Rukh, who completed 32 years in cinema last week, will also appear at the Forum @Spazio Cinema for a conversation open to the public on August 11.
<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;At the 77th edition of the Locarno Film Festival, Indian superstar and global icon, Shah Rukh Khan will be awarded with the Festival&rsquo;s career achievement award, the prestigious Pardo alla Carriera Ascona-Locarno Tourism.
<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 award will pay tribute to his remarkable career in Indian cinema consisting of more than 100 films in a breathtaking multitude of genres,&rdquo; the organisers said in a statement.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">Shah Rukh returned to the big screen after a five-year gap in 2023 with Pathaan. He followed up the blockbuster actioner with back-to-back two releases: another action hit Jawan, and Dunki, a social drama.
<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;">Giona A Nazzaro, Artistic Director of the Locarno Film Festival, said it is a dream come true for the gala to welcome the living legend.
<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 wealth and breadth of his contribution to Indian cinema is unprecedented. Khan is a king who has never lost touch with the audience that crowned him.
<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 festival&rsquo;s website, the Pardo alla Carriera Ascona-Locarno Tourism pays tribute to one or more personalities whose artistic contributions have redefined cinema and the collective imagination. In addition to the awards ceremony on the Piazza Grande, the tribute also comprises a conversation with the audience and a small retrospective.
<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;">A Padma Shri recipient, Shah Rukh has appeared in over 100 feature films and the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres and L&eacute;gion d&rsquo;honneur conferred by the Government of France.
<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 Locarno Film Festival will conclude on August 17. 
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Mumbai

SRK to receive Locarno's Honorary Award

Veteran actor and MP Shatrughan Sinha, who is admitted to a hospital here, says he is away from the &ldquo;controversy and confusion&rdquo; created by a section of social media influencers and spending time with family and friends as he is nursed back to health.
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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;">After developing a strong fever last week, the 77-year-old was taken to a hospital, where he is also undergoing an annual health check-up.
<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 he didn&rsquo;t share his health status, Sinha posted a couple of pictures from his hospital room where he could be seen watching Sunday&rsquo;s T20 World Cup final, in which India emerged victorious, with family and friends.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&ldquo;Away from the &lsquo;controversy &amp; confusion&rsquo; created by some of our good friends from the social media/Youtubers. The fact is enjoying with best of our family members, brothers &amp; dear friends,&rdquo; the actor-TMC MP wrote in an X post on Monday.
<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;">Some on social media had speculated about the actor&rsquo;s ill health just days after daughter Sonakshi Sinha&rsquo;s marriage to Zaheer Iqbal.
<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 veteran actor&rsquo;s son, Luv Sinha, previously thanked well-wishers for their concern over his father&rsquo;s health, reiterating he was admitted to the hospital after he developed a &ldquo;strong fever&rdquo; and not because he underwent a surgery.
<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 his post, Sinha praised the Indian men&rsquo;s cricket team for their &ldquo;magnificent win&rdquo;. The squad, led by skipper Rohit Sharma, clinched the trophy on late Saturday night in Bridgetown, Barbados by defeating South Africa by seven runs in a nail-biter. This is India&rsquo;s second T20 World Cup title since 2007's maiden tournament.
<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;Enjoying the most talked about International Cricket match between #SouthAfrica &amp; #India. Also great to watch the 'hero' of not only our dear #AnushkaSharma but also the hero of the nation #ViratKohli. It was a treat watching great performances of #JaspritBumrah #HardikPandya #SuryaKumarYadav &amp; of course everyone's favorite the one, &amp; perhaps the only one #RohitSharma...
<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;Both stalwarts #ViratKohli &amp; #RohitSharma taking a bold &amp; beautiful decision at the right time of retiring from T20s on a High note &amp; paving the way for the next generation is truly a fantastic encouragement indeed! It was a most thrilling, exciting &amp; entertaining match &amp; we must give full credit to Team South Africa also for their most committed performance. God Bless! Jai Hind!&rdquo; he said. 
&nbsp;

MP Shatrughan Sinha goes to hospital to avoid 'controversy'

Ayesha Banerjee

Less than a per cent of teenagers in middle-income countries, including India, sought professional help for mental health problems, despite 28-50 per cent facing high levels of such issues, according to a study led by the University of Turku in Finland.
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The research also found that informal sources of help are widely used among adolescents for seeking help in many countries, particularly in lower-income nations.
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Researchers found that 0.6-0.9 per cent of girls and 0.9-1.2 per cent of boys in the middle-income countries they studied -- India, Vietnam and China -- sought professional help.
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The study included over 13,000 teenagers aged 13-15 across eight Asian and European countries who responded to surveys between 2011 and 2017.
Overall, girls were found to be more likely than boys to seek help for mental health problems, PTI reported.
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In high-income countries, the researchers found that more adolescents sought formal help -- 6-7 per cent in Greece, Israel and Japan, and 21-25 per cent in Norway and Finland.
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The findings were published in the journal European Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.
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The researchers also surveyed the participants for the means of seeking support and found that informal sources of help are widely used among adolescents and are the key sources of help in many countries, particularly in lower-income countries.
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Among the teenagers who sought help, about 90 per cent sought informal help in all Asian countries, ranging from almost 92 per cent (India) to 96 per cent (China) for girls, and almost 88 per cent (India) to 96 per cent (China) for boys, the authors found.
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Further, in India, more boys were found to seek help from teachers than girls.
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"Adolescents may get help from informal sources such as friends, teachers, and family members or formal sources such as school nurses, psychologists, and counsellors for professional assistance. Where they seek help from depends, for example, on the availability of services, cultural background, and stigma associated with mental illness," said the study's lead author Yuko Mori, a doctoral researcher at the University of Turku.
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Widely used informal sources of help, especially in lower-income countries, highlight a global need for mental health awareness and literacy programmes, according to Andre Sourander, a professor at the University of Turku and leader of the Eurasian Child Mental Health Study (EACMHS), of which this research was a part.
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"Cross-cultural studies on adolescent mental health such as the present study are important because almost all mental health research comes from high-income Western countries. There is a huge knowledge gap because most research represents less than 10 per cent of adolescent population," said Sourander.&nbsp;

Post

Mental health: Less than 1pc teens sought help, says study

Amarpreet Kaur

At least 27 people&nbsp;were killed and several more injured in a stampede at a religious congregation in a village in Hathras district on Tuesday, police said. 
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Senior Superintendent of Police, Etah, Rajesh Kumar Singh said the incident occurred at a 'satsang' in Pulrai village. 
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"Twenty-seven bodies have arrived in Etah hospital. Among those killed are 23 women, three children, and a man," the official told reporters.
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He said people had gathered large numbers for the event. 
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The stampede occurred due to overcrowding, Sikandara Rao police station SHO Ashish Kumar said. 
&nbsp;
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed condolences to the families of those killed in the stampede. He instructed officials to reach the accident site and carry out relief measures.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
VIDEO | Injured persons brought to a hospital for treatment in UP's Hathras following a stampede-like situation at a 'satsang' in the city. (Disclaimer: Video contains disturbing visuals. Viewer discretion is advised.) (Full video available on PTI Videos -&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/b6GEbaC3Ze">pic.twitter.com/b6GEbaC3Ze</a>
&mdash; Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) <a href="https://twitter.com/PTI_News/status/1808095050137518536?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 2, 2024</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;

Lucknow

27 killed in stampede at 'satsang' in UP's Hathras

A team of scientists from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) has unveiled a new species of horned frog, named Xenophrys apatani, found in Arunachal Pradesh's Tale Wildlife Sanctuary.
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This discovery, situated within the Eastern Himalaya Biodiversity hotspot, marks a significant addition to India's amphibian diversity.
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Led by Bhaskar Saikia and Bikramjit Sinha from ZSI Shillong, along with colleagues A. Shabnam and K. P. Dinesh from ZSI Pune, and Ilona Jacinta Kharkongkar from ZSI Itanagar, the study corrects a previous misidentification of the species as Xenophrys maosonensis.
&nbsp;
Initially reported in 2019 by Bhaskar Saikia's team as X. maosonensis due to genetic similarities, further genetic and morphological analyses revealed distinct differences.
&nbsp;
"Through rigorous phylogenetic analysis involving 142 molecular sequences, we identified substantial genetic disparities between the Arunachal specimen and true X. maosonensis," explains Bhaskar Saikia.
&nbsp;
The frog was discovered in a water tank near Pange forest guard camp inside Tale Wildlife Sanctuary, highlighting the sanctuary's role in preserving biodiversity.
&nbsp;
Named Xenophrys apatani after Arunachal Pradesh's Apatani tribe, known for their conservation efforts in the Lower Subansiri Valley, the species exhibits unique genetic and physical traits.
&nbsp;
"Our discovery underscores the importance of meticulous taxonomy and integrative methods in species identification," emphasizes Bikramjit Sinha, formerly of ZSI Itanagar, who led the field team.
&nbsp;
Tale Wildlife Sanctuary, renowned for its rich biodiversity including diverse amphibian species, reaffirms its status as a critical conservation area in the Eastern Himalayas and Indo-Burma region.
&nbsp;
The findings are published in Records of the Zoological Survey of India, contributing significantly to India's biodiversity research and conservation efforts.

Itanagar

ZSI discovers new species of horned frog in Arunachal

The 16th edition of the joint military exercise &lsquo;Nomadic Elephant&rsquo; between the Indian and Mongolian armies is set to begin in Meghalaya's Umroi from July 3 to July 16. The Indian Army announced that this exercise aims to enhance interoperability between the two forces, particularly in semi-conventional operations in semi-urban and mountainous terrains.
&nbsp;
The Additional Directorate General of Public Information, IHQ of MoD (Army) shared on X that the exercise is conducted under the UN mandate, focusing on improving the capabilities of both armies in handling operations in challenging terrains.
&nbsp;
This annual training event alternates between Mongolia and India, with the 15th edition having been held in Mongolia&rsquo;s Ulaanbaatar. The previous exercise saw participation from the Mongolian Armed Forces Unit 084 and the Indian Army's Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry Regiment.
&nbsp;
In May, the 12th Joint Working Group (JWG) meeting between the Defence Ministries of India and Mongolia was held in Ulaanbaatar. The meeting, which took place on May 16-17, reviewed progress on various bilateral defence cooperation initiatives and explored ways to further enhance cooperation between the two nations.
&nbsp;
The meeting was co-chaired by Joint Secretary (International Cooperation) of the Ministry of Defence Amitabh Prasad and Brigadier General Gankhuyag Davagdorj, State Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Mongolia. India's Ambassador to Mongolia, Atul Malhari Gotsurve, also attended the meeting.
&nbsp;
During the JWG, both sides expressed satisfaction with the ongoing defence cooperation and discussed the current geopolitical situation. Joint Secretary Amitabh Prasad emphasised the potential of India's defence industry and its capacity for fruitful partnerships with the Mongolian Armed Forces.
&nbsp;
The Mongolian representatives acknowledged the growing ties and expressed confidence in the capabilities of the Indian defence industry.
&nbsp;
Exercise &lsquo;Nomadic Elephant&rsquo; is a testament to the strong and evolving military relationship between India and Mongolia. It not only strengthens the operational readiness of both armies but also enhances their ability to work together in diverse and challenging environments. The continued success of this exercise underscores the commitment of both nations to maintaining peace and stability in the region while fostering a deep and enduring partnership.

Shillong

India and Mongolia to begin joint military exercise

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak launched his campaign with an early morning visit to a distribution center in eastern England, marking the penultimate day before polling day on Thursday.
&nbsp;
Urging voters to avoid "regrettable decisions," Sunak cautioned against granting a "supermajority" to Labour under Keir Starmer, as polls indicate a strong lead for the opposition.
&nbsp;
The Conservative leader and Starmer are crisscrossing the UK in a final bid to sway undecided voters, highlighting stark policy differences amid predictions of a potential Labour landslide.
&nbsp;
Sunak's campaign pivots on tax hikes and migration concerns under Labour rule, warning of unchecked governance and fiscal impacts.
&nbsp;
"In these final 48 hours, prevent a Labour supermajority that spells higher taxes," Sunak emphasised, framing the election as pivotal for economic policies and national security.
&nbsp;
Sunak maintained his commitment to tax cuts, pension protection, and border security, challenging the perception of an inevitable Labour victory as forecasted by polling experts.
&nbsp;
Meanwhile, Starmer countered with a message of every vote counting and the need for a strong mandate to overhaul a perceived broken system after 13 years of Tory rule.
&nbsp;
The Labour leader advocated for economic growth through planning reforms and skills development, disputing Conservative claims of across-the-board tax hikes.
&nbsp;
As both leaders intensify their campaigns ahead of Thursday's vote, the electorate faces a critical choice that could reshape UK policies and governance post-election.

London

British PM Sunak warns against 'Regrettable Choices'

Pro-Khalistani leader Amritpal Singh's written request seeking 'temporary bail' to take oath has been forwarded to the Lok Sabha Assembly speaker, Om Birla by the Punjab ruling AAP government. Singh, currently, is detained under the National Security Act (NSA) in Dibrugarh jail, Assam.
&nbsp;
 He recently won from the Khadoor parliamentary constituency with a record margin as an independent candidate. 
&nbsp;
Singh's lawyer, Rajdev Singh Khalsa, speaking on the matter, cited, "The Punjab home secretary has told us that he has forwarded the letter to the Lok Sabha Speaker. Once received, the Speaker can decide about the oath-taking within 60 days that starting from June 25. According to the procedure, the Speaker takes the advice of the home department before taking a decision." 
&nbsp;
Amritpal&rsquo;s legal adviser, Imaan Singh Khara, informed on Tuesday that the plea by the radical Sikh leader was submitted to the Punjab government via the jail superintendent under Section 15 of the NSA on June 9.
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
What comes under Sec 15 of NSA? 
&nbsp;
It states, "The appropriate Government may, at any time, direct that any person detained in pursuance of a detention order may be released for any specified period either without conditions or upon such conditions specified in the direction as that person accepts, and may, at any time, cancel his release."

Chandigarh

Punjab govt forwards Amritpal's oath request to LS speaker

Books by two Indian authors and one writer of Indian origin have made it to the shortlist of the Asian Prize for Fiction, an award which celebrates the nuanced and diverse voices that shape the global literary landscape.
&nbsp;
Besides Witch in the Peepul Tree by Arefa Tehsin, Rescuing a River Breeze by Mrinalini Harchandrai and Woman Who Climbed Trees by Nepali-Indian writer Smriti Ravindra, the other three shortlisted books are Nigerian writer Ayobami Adebayo's Spell of Good Things, The Idle Stance of the Tippler Pigeon by Safinah Danish Elahi of Pakistan and Sri Lankan-American author VV Ganeshananthan's Brotherless Nights, PTI reported.
&nbsp;
Each narrative offers a nuanced portrayal of life, weaving together an intricate tapestry of human experiences from different corners of the world, the organisers said.
&nbsp;
Following an extensive process spanning seven months, 13 group discussions were conducted by five book clubs from Africa, Asia, and Europe, according to the Asian Review. This global participation resulted in the identification of the six books for the shortlist from the 10-book longlist.
&nbsp;
From the shortlist, three books will be selected to The Asian Trio. The winner will be determined by a composite criterion encompassing book club-based selection, a public poll, and evaluation by the Asian Committee. The Asian Committee consists of five permanent members and three rotating members annually.
&nbsp;
The Trio or the super-shortlist will be announced on November 13.&nbsp;

Colombo

2 Indians in Asian Prize for Fiction shortlist

The Orang National Park in Assam faces a critical situation as 70% of its expanse succumbs to rising waters from the Dhanashree and Brahmaputra rivers.
&nbsp;
The deluge, exacerbated by River Pasnai, inundates the park's southern region, posing dire threats to wildlife and park personnel alike.
&nbsp;
Of the park's 50 camps, 35 are now underwater, with areas like Khayarasali and Balicamp submerged under seven to fifteen feet of water.
&nbsp;
Foresters struggle amid the deluge to protect endangered one-horned rhinos from both flooding and potential poaching activities, complicating wildlife management efforts.
&nbsp;
The sudden surge in the Dhanashree River's levels has worsened conditions, particularly impacting camps on the park's eastern perimeter.
&nbsp;
Authorities have pointed out the urgency and the help of all, including locals in safeguarding animals and supporting forest staff in these challenging times.

Guwahati

Floods threaten wildlife at Assam's Orang National Park

Portions of Rahul Gandhi&rsquo;s maiden speech as Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha have been expunged from the parliamentary records on the orders of the Speaker.
&nbsp;
His speech, which targeted the central government on various issues including minorities, the NEET row, and the Agnipath scheme, contained remarks that were deemed inappropriate and have been removed from the official records.
&nbsp;
During the debate on the motion of thanks on President Draupadi Murmu&rsquo;s address, Rahul Gandhi accused the BJP and RSS of spreading violence and hatred.
&nbsp;
His comments drew strong protests from the Treasury benches, with BJP leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, expressing their objections. They accused Gandhi of misleading the House and making false statements about the Hindu community.
&nbsp;
In his speech, Rahul Gandhi invoked religious figures such as Lord Shiva, Prophet Mohammad, Guru Nanak, Jesus Christ, Lord Buddha, and Lord Mahavir, claiming he drew his inspiration of fearlessness from their teachings.
&nbsp;
However, his remarks on the BJP&rsquo;s treatment of minorities and his criticism of the party&rsquo;s alleged connections with industrialists Adani and Ambani, as well as comments on the Agniveer Scheme, were among the portions expunged from the records.
&nbsp;
Prime Minister Modi criticised Gandhi&rsquo;s speech, calling his accusations against the Hindu community serious. Home Minister Amit Shah demanded an apology from Gandhi.
&nbsp;
The BJP held a press conference to denounce Gandhi&rsquo;s remarks, while the Congress responded with its own press conference, attacking the ruling party.
&nbsp;
Dilip Mandal, a prominent Dalit voice, defended the BJP government, claiming that the past decade under BJP rule has been the most peaceful time for India since independence.
&nbsp;
He dismissed Gandhi&rsquo;s claims of violence against minorities and accused the Congress leader of attempting to scare investors and appease Muslims for electoral gains, particularly targeting votes in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.
&nbsp;
Mandal argued that the number of communal riots has significantly reduced under BJP rule compared to the Congress regime. He stated that during the Congress era, numerous riots occurred, whereas in the last ten years, only two major communal incidents have been recorded, referring to the Delhi and Manipur riots.
&nbsp;
According to Mandal, Gandhi&rsquo;s remarks were an attempt to regain Muslim votes from parties like the Samajwadi Party (SP) and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD).
&nbsp;
The expunging of portions of Rahul Gandhi&rsquo;s speech highlights the contentious nature of the current political climate, with both major parties, BJP and Congress, trading accusations and defending their respective positions.
&nbsp;
The removal of these remarks from the parliamentary records underscores the Speaker&rsquo;s role in maintaining decorum and ensuring that the debates within the Lok Sabha adhere to established parliamentary norms.

Speaker expunges parts of Rahul Gandhi's LS address

In a fiery exchange within the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday, Chairperson Jagdeep Dhankhar admonished Congress MP Mallikarjun Kharge, accusing him of repeatedly disrespecting the Chair.
&nbsp;
"You (Kharge) cannot continually disparage the chair. You cannot consistently show disrespect... You rise abruptly and speak without comprehending my words," a visibly irate Dhankhar asserted.
&nbsp;
"Never before in the history of our country's parliamentary democracy and Rajya Sabha proceedings has there been such disregard for the chair as exhibited by you... It's time for introspection... Your dignity has been repeatedly undermined... I have always endeavored to safeguard your dignity," the Rajya Sabha Chairperson further remarked.
&nbsp;
These remarks emerged amid a sharp verbal duel between Dhankhar and Kharge, who serves as the Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha.
&nbsp;
During the session, Dhankhar also reprimanded Congress's Jairam Ramesh as he attempted to interject.
&nbsp;
"You are so intelligent, so talented, so capable that you should promptly replace Kharge. In essence, you are performing his role, undermining him," Dhankhar commented.
&nbsp;
In response to the Vice President's comments, Kharge, gesturing towards Sonia Gandhi, retorted, "The person who shaped me is seated here. No one like Jairam Ramesh can shape me."
&nbsp;
"The varna system is still ingrained in your mind. This is why you deem Ramesh as intelligent and me as unintelligent," Kharge, a Dalit leader, added.
&nbsp;
Last week, Dhankhar expressed dismay over Kharge's act of entering the Well of the House during an opposition protest, highlighting it as a first-time breach of decorum by a Leader of the Opposition.
&nbsp;
However, the two leaders shared lighter moments on Monday.
&nbsp;
During the debate on the Motion of Thanks on the President's address, as Kharge rose to speak, he mentioned his difficulty in standing due to knee pain. Dhankhar promptly suggested, "You may address the House while seated."
&nbsp;
Kharge responded, stating that a seated speech lacks the impact of one delivered standing. Dhankhar chuckled in agreement, noting that sitting speeches lack the "jazba" (passion).

Dhankhar, Kharge exchange heated words in Rajya Sabha

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut has backed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's recent remarks in Parliament, which have stirred significant political controversy. Raut emphasised that the INDIA bloc, which includes the Shiv Sena (UBT), does not support what he termed the "fake Hindutva" promoted by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
&nbsp;
In a media address in the national capital, Raut stated that Gandhi's comments about Hindutva being distinct from the ideology of the BJP were accurate. According to Raut, Hindutva is a broader concept that the BJP does not fully comprehend. He clarified that Gandhi did not criticise Hindus but rather pointed out the BJP's misinterpretation of Hindutva.
&nbsp;
The controversy began with Rahul Gandhi's speech in the Lok Sabha, his first as the Leader of the Opposition, during which he criticised the BJP and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) for spreading hatred and violence.
&nbsp;
This led to protests from BJP leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, who demanded an apology from Gandhi. They accused him of misleading the House and labelling the entire Hindu community as violent.
&nbsp;
Gandhi's speech covered several contentious issues, including the NEET-UG controversy and the Agniveer scheme. He criticised the Agniveer scheme, claiming it offers temporary employment without the benefits typically afforded to soldiers, such as pensions.
&nbsp;
Gandhi argued that Agniveers, who serve for only four years, are not given the same recognition or benefits as regular soldiers, and he referred to them as "use and throw labourers."
&nbsp;
Gandhi also invoked the Hindu symbol 'Abhayamudra,' which represents fearlessness and reassurance, as a symbol of the Congress party. He argued that true Hinduism, as taught by great spiritual leaders, emphasises non-violence and truth, contrasting this with the BJP's promotion of violence and hatred.
&nbsp;
The BJP leaders responded strongly, accusing Gandhi and the Congress of spreading falsehoods and demanded an apology. In response, the Congress held a press conference to counter the BJP's allegations and to defend Gandhi's statements.
&nbsp;
As the debate on the motion of thanks on President Draupadi Murmu's address continued, Prime Minister Modi criticised Gandhi's remarks, calling them a serious matter. The session saw heated exchanges, with both parties defending their positions vigorously.
&nbsp;
The political drama is set to continue, with PM Modi scheduled to deliver his reply to the Motion of Thanks on the President's address. Various other leaders, including JP Nadda, MoS Jadhav Prataprao Ganpatrao, and Union Minister Ramdas Athawale, are also expected to lay papers on the table in Lok Sabha.
&nbsp;
This incident highlights the deepening political divide and the intense scrutiny of the BJP's policies and rhetoric by opposition parties. The debate over what constitutes true Hindutva and the role of the BJP in promoting its version of this ideology is likely to remain a significant point of contention in Indian politics.

Sanjay Raut supports Rahul Gandhi on BJP's Hindutva stance

Manoj Jha, a prominent leader of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and a Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha, has emerged as a vocal figure in Indian politics, known for his articulate speeches and staunch advocacy on various social and political issues. His recent comments regarding Rahul Gandhi's remarks in Parliament reflect his unwavering stance on principles of justice and representation.
&nbsp;
Jha's response came swiftly after portions of Rahul Gandhi's speech, criticising the central government and its policies, were expunged from the parliamentary records.
&nbsp;
He emphasised that while the official records may erase these remarks, they cannot be erased from the memories of the people. This statement underscores Jha's belief in the enduring impact of political discourse beyond procedural constraints.
&nbsp;
Born into a modest family in Bihar, Manoj Jha's journey into politics has been shaped by his academic background and commitment to social justice. He holds a PhD in Social Work and has been associated with academia before entering mainstream politics. His academic insights often inform his political perspectives, especially on issues related to education, social welfare, and minority rights.
&nbsp;
As an RJD leader, Jha has been instrumental in shaping the party's narrative on inclusive development and secularism. He has consistently voiced concerns over rising communal tensions and the need for policies that safeguard the interests of marginalised communities. His role as an MP has been marked by advocacy for legislative measures that promote equity and justice across various domains of governance.
&nbsp;
In addition to his parliamentary duties, Jha has actively engaged in public debates, media interactions, and grassroots mobilisation efforts. His speeches in Parliament are noted for their eloquence and depth, often resonating with constituents and political observers alike. He has used these platforms to critique government policies, advocate for legislative reforms, and champion causes that align with his party's agenda.
&nbsp;
Jha's stance on Rahul Gandhi's remarks reflects his broader ideological alignment with secularism and his commitment to defending pluralism in Indian society. By asserting that no political entity can claim exclusive representation of any religion, he underscores the RJD's stance on inclusive politics and diversity.
&nbsp;
Beyond his political engagements, Jha's personal integrity and dedication to public service have earned him respect across party lines. He remains a formidable voice in Parliament, navigating complex issues with clarity and conviction.
&nbsp;
His ability to articulate the concerns of marginalised communities has positioned him as a leader capable of bridging ideological divides and advocating for comprehensive socio-economic reforms.
&nbsp;
Manoj Jha's response to Rahul Gandhi's expunged remarks exemplifies his role as a conscientious parliamentarian committed to upholding democratic values and representing the diverse voices of his constituents.
&nbsp;
His journey from academia to politics underscores a deep-rooted commitment to social justice and inclusive governance, making him a pivotal figure in India's political landscape.

Manoj Jha stands firm on Rahul Gandhi's expunged remarks

parvesh_kapoor

Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa will look to sharpen his game after squandering winning opportunities when he takes on last-placed Deac Bogdan-Daniel of Romania in the sixth round of the Superbet Classic Chess tournament.
&nbsp;
While Praggnanandhaa has not been at his best in better positions, World Championship challenger D Gukesh has survived pretty well despite living dangerously in a couple of games in the tournament, which is a part of the Grand chess tour.
&nbsp;
With five rounds gone and just four more to come, the two Indians with three points apiece, are within striking distance of the tournament leader Fabiano Caruana of United States who is on 3.5 points.
&nbsp;
Alireza Firouzja and Maxime Vachier-Lagrave of France, Russian Ian Nepomniachtchi and American Wesley So share the fourth spot on 2.5 points each, a half point ahead of Dutchman Anish Giri and Uzbek Nodirbek Abdusattorov. Bogdan-Daniel is at the bottom of the table with 1.5 points.
&nbsp;
Gukesh will have black pieces against Maxime Vachier-Lagrave and it should not be a tall order for the Indian who has been trying various set ups against the King pawn opening.
&nbsp;
Vachier-Lagrave, on the other hand, will be hoping for a complicated struggle but the fact that he is not very adventurous when it comes to opening choices makes his task a little more difficult.
&nbsp;
Praggnanandhaa will not only be favourite but will also be under pressure. In the previous round, the Indian missed out on a straightforward winning manoeuvre against Wesley So while earlier on, Gukesh survived what was a technically difficult but theoretically lost endgame against him.
&nbsp;
With the white pieces to back him the ball will be in Praggnanandhaa's court to deliver the goods.
&nbsp;
Bogdan-Daniel is still hunting for an elusive victory with just three draws thus far and the Romanian knows it will not be easy to cross a tiger on the prowl.
&nbsp;
Caruana has had some good games and will like to continue in similar fashion. The next round is against Ian Nepomniachtchi who has drawn all his games so far in the tournament.
&nbsp;
Pairings round 6: Maxime Vachier-Lagrave (Fra, 2.5) vs D Gukesh (Ind, 3); Nodirbek Abdusattorov (Uzb, 2) vs Anish Giri (Ned, 2); Alireza Firouzja (Fra, 2.5) vs Wesley So (Usa, 2.5) R Praggnanandhaa (Ind, 3) vs Deac Bogdan Daniel (Rou, 1.5); Fabiano Caruana (Usa, 3.5) vs Ian Nepomniachtchi (FID, 2.5).

Bucharest

Praggnanandhaa to take on Bogdan-Daniel; Gukesh up against Vachier-Lagrave

Structural engineers from IIT Delhi, engaged by the Civil Aviation Ministry, are expected to complete an independent assessment of the roof collapse incident at Delhi airport's T1 in a month's time, according to a senior official.
 After a thorough assessment of the findings and taking into consideration other aspects, the decision will be taken on restarting operations at the terminal.
 All flights from T1 have been shifted to Terminal 2 (T2) and Terminal 3 (T3), and all of them were being operated, the senior government official said.
&nbsp;
On June 28, a canopy at the old departure forecourt of T1 partially collapsed amid heavy rains resulting in the death of a person and injuries to at least six people.
&nbsp;
Following the incident, the Civil Aviation Ministry said structural engineers from IIT Delhi have been asked to immediately assess the partial collapse of the canopy.
&nbsp;
The official said the ministry is engaging structural engineers from IIT Delhi to do an independent assessment of roof collapse incident at T1 and they are expected to complete the assessment in one month.
&nbsp;
After the findings come in, a decision will be taken about recommencing operations at T1, the official added.
&nbsp;
The Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA), operated by a GMR Group-led consortium DIAL, has three terminals -- T1, T2 and T3 -- and handles around 1,400 flight movements daily.
&nbsp;
T1 was used for domestic flight operations by IndiGo and SpiceJet.
&nbsp;
From T1, the official said 72 flights of IndiGo have been shifted to T2 and T3, and 17 flights to T3, adding that all the flights are operational.
&nbsp;
Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu held a meeting with senior officials from regulators, airport operator DIAL and airlines to review the measures in place to ensure smooth functioning and deployment of additional manpower to manage the increased passenger movements at T2 and T3.
&nbsp;
Naidu visited the Airport Operations Control Centre (AOCC) on Sunday to review the operations as T2 and T3 are now also handling the traffic of T1.
&nbsp;
As per an update provided by the ministry on Monday, the war rooms to help passengers have been activated and close coordination between DIAL and airlines is being facilitated.
&nbsp;
Two sources in the know said it might take a few months before operations can resume at T1.
&nbsp;
In response to a set of detailed queries related to T1, DIAL on Sunday said its cross-functional teams are actively evaluating the situation and engaging with various stakeholders to ensure passenger safety and convenience.
&nbsp;
"We remain committed to maintaining flight operations at T3 and T2, while operations at T1 are temporarily suspended. We appreciate the understanding and support of all stakeholders," a DIAL spokesperson said in a statement on Sunday.
&nbsp;
To queries about business loss of concessionaries operating shops and services at T1, the spokesperson had said as the evaluation process is still ongoing, it is too early to provide specific inputs.

IIT-Delhi assessment of IGI Airport damage in a month

The Tripura government has announced a prohibition on registering all types of three-wheeler passenger and goods vehicles within the v(AMC) area starting July 10, aimed at easing traffic congestion and promoting sustainable urban mobility.
&nbsp;
A notification issued on Monday under Section 115 of the MV Act 1988 highlighted the decision's objective to enhance alternative transportation systems in West Tripura District's civic body areas.
&nbsp;
"All types of three-wheeler passenger and goods vehicles, including e-rickshaws, e-carts, e-autos, petrol autos, diesel autos, CNG autos, and vehicles using bio-fuel (methanol &amp; ethanol), are covered under this ban," the notification clarified.
&nbsp;
According to data from the transport department, West Tripura district currently registers 23,474 three-wheelers and 4,259 e-rickshaws, with 70 operational within Agartala.
&nbsp;
"The recent decision follows discussions with Chief Minister Manik Saha and senior officials on managing Agartala's traffic challenges," noted Superintendent of Police (SP), Traffic, Manik Das, on Tuesday.
&nbsp;
"We emphasised the growing issue of three-wheeler traffic contributing to congestion, and it appears the government has taken proactive steps based on our inputs," SP Das added.

Agartala

Tripura govt bans three-wheeler vehicles in Agartala

Swati Maliwal, a Rajya Sabha MP and former Chief of the Delhi Commission for Women (DCW), has raised serious allegations against the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Delhi.
&nbsp;
She claims that the Delhi government is determined to shut down the DCW and has already terminated the 181 women helpline, a crucial support service for women in distress.
&nbsp;
Maliwal highlighted the significant role DCW has played over the past eight years. The commission has handled around 170,000 cases, offering support and justice to countless women. However, since her resignation from the chairperson's post, Maliwal alleges that the Delhi government has been consistently undermining the commission's efforts. She stated that the government has not released any funds for the DCW for the past six months and has also slashed the commission&rsquo;s budget for the year by 30%.
&nbsp;
Maliwal expressed deep concern over the leadership vacuum at DCW, noting that the chairperson's position has been vacant for six months, along with two other critical positions. She described the closure of the 181 Helpline as a particularly shameful act, given Delhi's reputation as a city with high rates of violence against women. The 181 Helpline served as a vital lifeline for many women facing abuse and harassment, providing them with immediate assistance and support.
 In an attempt to address these issues, Maliwal has written a letter to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, urging him to reconsider the government&rsquo;s stance. She questioned how the women of Delhi can feel safe and protected if the state&rsquo;s women&rsquo;s commission is incapacitated.
&nbsp;
Maliwal suggested that the government might be uncomfortable with women who speak out and challenge the status quo.&nbsp;Maliwal also took to social media to voice her concerns. In a post on 'X,' she lamented the systematic dismantling of the DCW since her resignation in January 2024.
&nbsp;
She described how the systems she had built with great effort since 2015 are being eroded by the government, expressing her deep regret over these developments.
&nbsp;
This situation has sparked a broader debate about the government&rsquo;s commitment to women's safety and empowerment. Many see the alleged actions against the DCW as a step backward in the fight for women's rights and protection in Delhi.
&nbsp;
The closure of the 181 Helpline, in particular, has raised alarm among activists and the general public alike, who fear that this could lead to an increase in unreported and unaddressed cases of violence against women.
&nbsp;
The ongoing conflict between Swati Maliwal and the Delhi government underscores the need for robust support systems and leadership within organisations dedicated to women's safety.
&nbsp;
As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how the government will respond to these allegations and what steps will be taken to ensure the protection and empowerment of women in Delhi.

Maliwal alleges systematic dismantling of DCW by Delhi govt

Two newly elected Trinamool Congress MLAs resumed their dharna on Tuesday, demanding that they be administered oath in the assembly rather than in the Raj Bhavan as per Governor CV Ananda Bose&rsquo;s invite.
&nbsp;
Baranagar MLA Sayantika Bandyopadhyay and Bhagabangola legislator Rayat Hossain Sarkar, who were elected in by-polls held simultaneously with the Lok Sabha elections, have refused to take oath in the Raj Bhavan.
&nbsp;
Their dharna entered the fourth day on Tuesday as they staged the sit-in on the West Bengal assembly premises on June 27, 28 and July 1.
&nbsp;
They resumed their sit-in in front of BR Ambedkar&rsquo;s statue in the assembly complex, demanding that Governor Bose facilitate the oath-taking ceremony in the House, enabling them to perform their duties as legislators.
&nbsp;
The governor had invited the two MLAs to take oath in the Raj Bhavan last Wednesday.
&nbsp;
They declined the invitation, claiming that convention dictates that in the case of by-poll winners, the governor assigns the Speaker of the House or the Deputy Speaker to administer the oath.
&nbsp;

Kolkata

Two TMC MLAs continue dharna outside WB assembly

BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj has given a notice in the Lok Sabha, highlighting alleged inaccuracies in the speech made by Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi. On Tuesday, Speaker Om Birla acknowledged Swaraj's notice, where she claimed that Gandhi's statements during his speech on Monday contained certain "inaccurate" elements. She urged the Chair to take cognizance of her notice.
&nbsp;
Following Gandhi's speech on the Motion of Thanks to the President's address, Union ministers Ashwini Vaishnaw and Kiren Rijiju accused the Congress leader of making "untruthful" claims on various issues, including the Agnipath scheme and compensation paid to locals in Ayodhya. These claims have stirred a significant political debate, leading to a closer scrutiny of Gandhi's statements.
&nbsp;
Under Direction 115 of the Speaker, if a member wishes to point out any mistake or inaccuracy in a statement made by a minister or any other member, they must write to the Speaker before referring to the matter in the House.
&nbsp;
This letter should detail the particulars of the mistake or inaccuracy and seek permission to raise the issue. The member may also provide evidence in support of their allegation.
&nbsp;
The Speaker then has the discretion to bring the matter to the notice of the concerned minister or member to ascertain the factual position. This process ensures that any inaccuracies or mistakes in parliamentary statements are addressed and corrected.
&nbsp;
In this instance, significant portions of Rahul Gandhi's speech were expunged from the records early Tuesday morning by the Chair. This expunging of records indicates the seriousness with which the Chair viewed the alleged inaccuracies in Gandhi's speech.
&nbsp;
Bansuri Swaraj's action comes amid heightened political tensions in the Lok Sabha, following Gandhi's pointed remarks during the debate. His speech targeted the central government on various fronts, drawing sharp reactions from the Treasury benches.
&nbsp;
The expunged portions of his speech included comments on sensitive topics such as the Agnipath scheme and the handling of compensation in Ayodhya, both of which have been contentious issues in recent times.
&nbsp;
The political implications of this incident are significant. It underscores the ongoing tussle between the ruling party and the opposition, with each side leveraging parliamentary procedures to advance their respective positions.
&nbsp;
The scrutiny of Gandhi's speech by BJP leaders and the subsequent expunging of parts of his address highlight the intense political contestation within the Lok Sabha.
&nbsp;
The expunging of speech portions is a rare and serious parliamentary procedure, reflecting the gravity of the allegations made by Bansuri Swaraj and others. It also brings to light the critical role of parliamentary oversight and the mechanisms in place to ensure the accuracy and integrity of statements made by members.
&nbsp;
As the debate continues, it is clear that the Lok Sabha will remain a battleground for political contestation, with both sides keenly aware of the stakes involved.
&nbsp;
The scrutiny of Rahul Gandhi's speech and the actions taken by the Speaker will likely be a topic of discussion and analysis in the days to come, as both the ruling party and the opposition navigate the complexities of parliamentary politics.

Bansuri Swaraj challenges Rahul's parliamentary accuracy

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has announced a rare two-day holiday for the upcoming Rath Yatra scheduled on July 7 and 8 in Puri, marking a significant occasion not witnessed since 1971.
&nbsp;
Chairing a high-level meeting to oversee preparations for Lord Jagannath's annual Rath Yatra, Majhi underscored the festival's auspicious timing coinciding with the tenure of the new BJP government.
&nbsp;
"I direct all concerned officers to declare public holidays on these days," Majhi stated, emphasising the festival's importance in upholding Puri and Odisha's cultural pride.
&nbsp;
President Droupadi Murmu is expected to grace the Rath Yatra celebrations, arriving in Puri on July 6 to participate in the festivities and chariot pulling on July 7.
&nbsp;
Highlighting the convergence of key rituals such as &lsquo;Nabajaubana Darshan&rsquo;, &lsquo;Netra Utsav&rsquo;, and the &lsquo;Gundicha Yatra&rsquo; on July 7th, Majhi urged stakeholders to collaborate for the seamless execution of rituals and the successful culmination of the festival.
&nbsp;
The meeting, attended by Deputy Chief Ministers K V Singh Deo and Pravati Parida, along with ministers and senior officials, marked the final coordination effort for ensuring a smooth Rath Yatra.

Bhubaneswar

Odisha CM announces two-day Rath Yatra holiday

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has written a letter to his Telangana counterpart A Revanth Reddy, proposing a face-to-face meeting on July 6 to address unresolved bifurcation issues.
&nbsp;
Naidu proposed to meet at Reddy&rsquo;s place in Hyderabad.
&nbsp;
&ldquo;It has been 10 years since bifurcation of erstwhile Andhra Pradesh. There have been multiple discussions concerning issues arising from the Reorganisation Act, which hold significant implications for the welfare and advancement of our states,&rdquo; said Naidu in the letter.
&nbsp;
It is incumbent upon the CMs of the Telugu speaking states to foster close collaboration to ensure sustained progress and prosperity of both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, he said.
&nbsp;
He said a face-to-face meeting will provide an opportunity to engage comprehensively towards achieving mutually beneficial solutions.
&nbsp;
Detail on issues pertaining to both the states
&nbsp;
This includes both asset sharing and joint capital
&nbsp;
Row over payment of dues for supply of power. Transfer of employees is one of the issues which is waiting for final resolution. The Telangana Non-Gazetted Officers&rsquo; Union Central that they submitted a memorandum to Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka on May 18 urging the government to bring back the leftover (144) Telangana employees allotted to AP during state bifurcation. These employees have been working in AP since 2014. Another example is the disagreement between the two states over assets of the state-run Road Transport Corporation. A senior official of the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC) told the media that AP sought a share in assets of the corporation located in Hyderabad and that the TSRTC has denied and disagreed on it. The TSRTC feels that these assets belong to it as per the definition of &lsquo;headquarters&rsquo; given by the Sheela Bhide panel. CM A Revanth Reddy had instructed the officials to settle amicably the pending transfer and repatriation of employees to Andhra Pradesh. He had told the officials to resolve the issues where there is reconciliation between the two states and to act in such a way to protect the interests of Telangana over other pending matters. It was fulfilment of a decades-long demand when Telangana came into existence on June 2, 2014 following the passage of Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation bill in Parliament in February, 2014, during the previous UPA regime. According to Section 5 of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014, after 10 years of bifurcation, Hyderabad will be the capital of Telangana only.
Buildings like the Lake View government guest house in Hyderabad which were given to Andhra Pradesh for a period of 10 years have been asked to return. The row over Andhra Pradesh Bhavan in Delhi was resolved in March this year with the Centre making land allocation to the two states. The Centre had held a meeting with senior officials from both the states in the National Capital in March on bifurcation issues.
&nbsp;
The asset sharing between the two states detailed in Schedules IX and X of the Reorganisation Act of 2014 still stands unresolved. Even now, both states are fighting in tribunals for the share of Krishna and Godavari waters.
&nbsp;
While Schedule X listed training institutes that the two states must share, Schedule IX listed the division of state public sector units. The division of 22 PSUs, out of 91 PSUs, remains unresolved.
&nbsp;
The act distributes assets according to their location and debt, and liabilities according to population.
&nbsp;
The 10th Schedule of the Act includes 107 training institutions/centres like AP State Co-operative Union, Environment Protection Training and Research Institute, AP Forest Academy, Centre for Good Governance and Andhra Pradesh Police Academy.
&nbsp;
Though an expert committee headed by retired bureaucrat Sheela Bhide gave recommendations on bifurcation of Schedule IX and X institutions, the matter remained unresolved.
&nbsp;
The total fixed asset value of 245 institutions that are to be shared between the states has been pegged at Rs 1.42 lakh crore. The headquarter assets of institutions under Schedule IX were valued at Rs 24,018.53 crore, while those under Schedule X were valued at Rs 34,642.77 crore.
&nbsp;

Amaravati

Naidu calls on Reddy to solve bifurcation issues

The Delhi High Court has taken cognisance of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's plea challenging his arrest by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in connection with an alleged excise policy scam.
&nbsp;
Justice Neena Bansal Krishna's bench issued a notice to the CBI, demanding a response within 7 days.
&nbsp;
Kejriwal, also the national convenor of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), contested his arrest and subsequent remand in CBI custody for three days, as ordered by a trial court on June 26.
&nbsp;
He was later sent to judicial custody until July 12, following allegations that he played a central role in the purported corruption scheme under investigation.
&nbsp;
The CBI, which took Kejriwal into custody from Tihar jail on June 26 in connection with a related money-laundering case pursued by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), asserted non-cooperation during interrogation and raised concerns about potential witness tampering.
&nbsp;
Despite defence claims seeking to invalidate the arrest timing, the trial court declined, underscoring that while the circumstances might raise suspicion, they did not meet the threshold for illegality.
&nbsp;
Kejriwal, previously granted bail in the ED case on June 20 after an initial arrest on March 21, faced a setback when the high court intervened and stayed the trial court's bail order.
&nbsp;
The controversy stems from the 2022 scrapping of Delhi's excise policy, following allegations of procedural irregularities and favoritism in its implementation, prompting a CBI inquiry at the behest of the Lieutenant Governor.

Delhi HC seeks CBI response on Kejriwal arrest

Two judicial tribunals, led by a Delhi High Court judge, have approved the government's decision to ban two pro-Pakistan groups based in Jammu and Kashmir, including late Syed Ali Shah Geelani&rsquo;s Tehreek-e-Hurriyat (TeH).
 The confirmation of TeH as a banned organisation under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) was given on June 22 by a tribunal headed by Justice Sachin Datta of the Delhi High Court.
&nbsp;
The group was founded by the late separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani.
&nbsp;
Another tribunal led by Justice Datta confirmed the ban on the Muslim League Jammu and Kashmir (Masrat Alam faction) or MLJK-MA under the UAPA.
&nbsp;
According to a notification from the Union Home Ministry, Tehreek-e-Hurriyat was declared an unlawful association by the Indian government on December 31, 2023.
&nbsp;
The tribunal was later formed to review this declaration on January 16, 2024.
&nbsp;
The latest notification stated, &ldquo;The tribunal, exercising its powers under subsection (3) of section 4 of the UAPA, confirmed the declaration on June 22, 2024.&rdquo;
&nbsp;
In a separate notification, the Home Ministry said that the MLJK-MA was declared an unlawful organisation on December 27, 2023, and a tribunal, also including Justice Sachin Datta, was set up on January 15, 2024. This tribunal confirmed the ban on June 22, 2024.
&nbsp;
Earlier, Union Home Minister Amit Shah stated that the TeH was banned for fomenting terrorism and spreading anti-India propaganda in Jammu and Kashmir.
&nbsp;
He mentioned that TeH has been declared an 'Unlawful Association' under the UAPA. The group is involved in activities aimed at separating J&amp;K from India and establishing Islamic rule.
&nbsp;
The outfit has been found spreading anti-India propaganda and engaging in terror activities to fuel secessionism in J&amp;K.
&nbsp;
"Under PM Narendra Modi's zero-tolerance policy against terrorism, any individual or organisation found involved in anti-India activities will be thwarted forthwith," Amit Shah stated in a post on X.
&nbsp;
According to data on the Ministry of Home Affairs website, at least ten associations from Jammu and Kashmir have been banned under the UAPA Act. &nbsp;
&nbsp;

Tribunals uphold ban on two J&K separatist factions

A chilling plot to assassinate Bollywood superstar Salman Khan has been uncovered, with jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi at the helm.
&nbsp;
According to a Maharashtra Police chargesheet, Bishnoi issued a ₹25 lakh contract to murder the actor, revealing an elaborate conspiracy.
&nbsp;
The chargesheet details the sinister plan, establishing clear links to Bishnoi and his gang. On April 14, two men allegedly associated with Bishnoi fired shots outside Khan's Bandra residence.
&nbsp;
Multiple arrests followed, and the chargesheet includes charges of conspiracy to murder and other serious offences.
&nbsp;
The investigation revealed that the plot spanned several months, from August 2023 to April 2024.
&nbsp;
The Bishnoi gang attempted to procure advanced firearms from Pakistan, including AK-47s, AK-92s, M16 rifles, and the Turkish-made Zigana pistol.
&nbsp;
The same Zigana pistol was used in the murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala in 2022, a crime also attributed to the Bishnoi gang.
&nbsp;
The chargesheet indicates that the gang aimed to kill Khan in a manner similar to Moosewala's murder.
&nbsp;
The plan involved attacking Khan either during a movie shoot or while he was leaving his Panvel farmhouse.
&nbsp;
Extensive surveillance was conducted on Khan, with 60 to 70 individuals tracking his movements at his Mumbai residence, Panvel farmhouse, and Goregaon Film City.
&nbsp;
The gang employed minors to monitor Khan's residence, acting under the orders of Goldy Brar and Bishnoi's brother Anmol.
&nbsp;
Communication within the gang was carried out through a WhatsApp group with 15-16 members, including Brar and Anmol.
&nbsp;
Mumbai Police recovered audio from one of the arrested suspects in the firing incident, which matched the voice of Anmol Bishnoi.
&nbsp;
This recording was sent to a forensic laboratory for verification.
&nbsp;
Lawrence Bishnoi's brother Anmol played a crucial role in the plot, motivating the shooters and providing them with target information.
&nbsp;
After receiving a weapons delivery in Panvel on March 15, 2024, Anmol instructed the shooters to carry out the attack at Khan's residence.
&nbsp;
The police recently recorded statements from Salman Khan and his brother Arbaaz regarding the case.
&nbsp;
This detailed conspiracy highlights the extent of the Bishnoi gang's reach and their methodical approach to executing the assassination plot.
&nbsp;
The involvement of minors and the procurement of advanced weaponry underscore the grave nature of the threat posed by the gang.

Police reveals details of Bishnoi's plot to kill Salman Khan

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to deliver a significant address today in the Lok Sabha, marking his first speech to the MPs of the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) during this parliamentary session. This comes as PM Modi assumes office for a third consecutive term, aiming to respond to the Motion of Thanks on the President's address.
&nbsp;
Alongside PM Modi&rsquo;s address, Union Health Minister JP Nadda will present updates on the implementation status of recommendations from various parliamentary committee reports related to health and family welfare ministries. This includes reports on demands for grants pertaining to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the Ministry of AYUSH.
&nbsp;
Joining JP Nadda, a lineup of ministers including Jadhav Prataprao Ganpatrao, Jitin Prasada, Ramdas Athawale, Ram Nath Thakur, Nityanand Rai, Satya Pal Singh Baghel, Shobha Karandlaje, BL Verma, L Murugan, Ajay Tamta, Kamlesh Paswan, and Ravneet Singh will present papers in the Lok Sabha today.
&nbsp;
In his recent address, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi stirred controversy during his first speech as Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha. His remarks, which accused the BJP of spreading violence and misleading the House, drew strong reactions from BJP leaders.
&nbsp;
Prime Minister Modi, responding to Gandhi&rsquo;s allegations, emphasised the seriousness of labelling the entire Hindu community as violent and called for an apology from Rahul Gandhi.
&nbsp;
The political atmosphere remains charged following these developments, with both BJP and Congress engaging in press conferences to counter each other&rsquo;s claims.
&nbsp;
Rahul Gandhi, in his speech, targeted the BJP over various issues including the NEET-UG controversy and the Agniveer scheme. He also asserted the symbol of &lsquo;Abhayamudra&rsquo; as emblematic of fearlessness, safety, and reassurance across Indian religions.
&nbsp;
Meanwhile, discussions in the Rajya Sabha were equally tense, with BJP members raising objections to Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge&rsquo;s allegations against PM Modi&rsquo;s divisive speeches during the Lok Sabha campaign.
&nbsp;
The debate on the motion of thanks on the President&rsquo;s address has sparked broader political debates on governance and communal harmony in India.
&nbsp;
As PM Modi prepares to address the Lok Sabha today, his response is anticipated to further shape the ongoing discourse on national policies and political rhetoric.

PM Modi set to respond to President's address motion today

Embattled Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' has opted not to resign despite an agreement between the Nepali Congress and CPN-UML to form a new coalition government.
&nbsp;
Instead, Prachanda will face a vote of confidence in Parliament, as decided in a meeting of the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Centre) office-bearers in Baluwatar on Tuesday, according to party Secretary Ganesh Shah.
&nbsp;
"The Prime Minister has decided to seek a vote of confidence," Shah confirmed.
&nbsp;
Prachanda, 69, has previously won three confidence votes during his one-and-a-half-year term.
&nbsp;
This development follows a midnight power-sharing deal between Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba and CPN-UML leader KP Sharma Oli to form a new 'national consensus government' to replace the current Prachanda-led coalition.
&nbsp;
Nepali Congress, the largest party in the House of Representatives (HoR), currently holds 89 seats, while CPN-UML has 78 seats.
&nbsp;
Together, their combined strength of 167 seats surpasses the 138-seat majority required in the 275-member HoR. Deuba, 78, and Oli, 72, have agreed to rotate the Prime Ministerial position for the remainder of the parliamentary term.
&nbsp;
Meanwhile, efforts to preserve the existing coalition between Prachanda and CPN-UML chief Oli have failed, according to Maoist sources.
&nbsp;
Prachanda has accused his opponents of conspiring to topple the government and destabilise the country at a time when the government is focused on combating corruption and promoting good governance.
&nbsp;
Under constitutional provisions, the Prime Minister has 30 days to seek a vote of confidence in the House of Representatives, providing Prachanda with some time for political maneuvering.
&nbsp;
"We will engage in discussions with various parties, including the Rashtriya Swatantra Party (RSP), Nepali Congress, and CPN-UML, to save the coalition," Prachanda stated.
&nbsp;
Nepali Congress President Deuba briefed party officials about the agreement with CPN-UML during a meeting at his residence in Budhanilkantha on Tuesday morning, explaining that the leadership of the new government would alternate between the two parties.
&nbsp;
The RSP, a key ruling coalition partner, has decided not to participate in the new alliance between the Nepali Congress and CPN-UML.
&nbsp;
During a secretariat meeting on Tuesday, the party also resolved to withdraw from the current government. The RSP holds 21 seats in the House of Representatives.
&nbsp;
Nepal has experienced 13 governments in the last 16 years, underscoring the fragile nature of the country's political landscape. The current political turmoil adds to this history of instability.

Kathmandu

Nepal PM Prachanda opts for confidence vote over resignation

A young Indian cricket team, led by Shubman Gill, departed for Zimbabwe to play a five-match T20I series starting in Harare on July 6. Under the guidance of National Cricket Academy head VVS Laxman, the squad includes promising talents like Riyan Parag and Abhishek Sharma, who have earned their maiden India call-ups following impressive performances in the latest IPL season.
&nbsp;
Skipper Gill, the reserve opener for the T20 World Cup was on a break and will link up with the Zimbabwe-bound squad directly in Harare from the US.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The BCCI took to X to post pictures of those who boarded the flight, which includes Sharma, Parag, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Avesh Khan, Ravi Bishnoi, Washington Sundar, Tushar Deshpande and NCA head Laxman.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Five members of the squad - Shivam Dube, Sanju Samson, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rinku Singh, and Khaleel Ahmed were either part of the T20 World Cup-winning team or were travelling reserves are stranded in Barbados due to Hurricane Beryl. They will join the squad later.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
With Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja retiring form the shortest format of the game, the T20 series against Zimbabwe will provide the youngsters with the perfect opportunity to cement their places in the team for future series.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
India's squad for T20I series against Zimbabwe:
&nbsp;
Shubman Gill (Captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Abhishek Sharma, Rinku Singh, Sanju Samson (WK), Dhruv Jurel (WK), Shivam Dube, Riyan Parag, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Avesh Khan, Khaleel Ahmed, Mukesh Kumar, Tushar Deshpande.&nbsp;

Indian team heads to Zimbabwe for T20I series

The Telangana government has decided to expand the disaster management wing of the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) to offer various services, including protecting government assets like water bodies against the threat of encroachments.
&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;">A preliminary decision has been taken at a meeting held by Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy to name the expanded wing as Hyderabad Disaster Response and Assets Monitoring and Protection (HYDRA), an official release said on Monday night.
<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 view of the expansion of the geographical area of Hyderabad, the CM directed expanding the purview of the disaster management wing up to the city's Outer Ring Road (ORR).
<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 wing would serve the GHMC and also the 27 municipal bodies, 33 Gram Panchayats neighbouring the city.
<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;">CM Revanth Reddy directed Chief Secretary Santhi Kumari to prepare a draft on the reorganisation, requirement of personnel, duties, allocation of funds and responsibilities of the wing.
<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 CM decided that the disaster management wing would take up key responsibilities of protecting the lakes and ponds within the GHMC area of about two thousand kilometers, 'nalas' (drainages) in the city and the government properties from the threat of encroachment.
<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;">Apart from this, the disaster management wing will also provide services like controlling hoardings, drinking water pipelines, power supply lines, drainages, flood management and traffic control, the release 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 Chief Minister instructed officials to speed up the works of Musi Riverfront Development project and said it should work in tune with the government&rsquo;s goal to promote Hyderabad as the &lsquo;best international city&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;">Officials were also asked to take appropriate measures to restore the buildings of historical importance in Hyderabad.
<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 GHMC officials made a powerpoint presentation on various historic places, including City Library, ayurvedic hospital near Charminar, Nizamia Observatory, Gudimalkapur lake.
<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 suggested exploring ways to develop them as tourist spots, the release added. 
&nbsp;

Telangana

T'gana: Govt to expand city's disaster management system

The flood situation in Assam remains dire, with over 6.71 lakh people impacted across 20 districts in the second wave of flooding this year.
&nbsp;
The Indian Air Force (IAF) played a crucial role, rescuing 13 stranded fishermen from the heavily affected Dibrugarh district on Tuesday, an official stated.
&nbsp;
The Brahmaputra and 12 other major rivers are flowing above the danger mark at various locations.
&nbsp;
The state's weather forecast predicts heavy to very heavy rainfall in several districts, further exacerbating the flood situation, according to an official bulletin.
&nbsp;
The fishermen were stranded in Hatia Ali, a 'char' (sandbar) area in Dibrugarh. Their rescue was facilitated by the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), which requested the IAF's assistance.
&nbsp;
"ASDMA requested IAF to airlift these 13 stranded fishermen. All the expenditure for airlifting the people will be borne by ASDMA," the official noted.
&nbsp;
The IAF, sharing pictures of the rescue operation on social media, wrote: "#IAF rescued 13 marooned survivors from a small island in the flooded Brahmaputra, north of Dibrugarh in Assam. On 2 Jul 24, after a sunrise takeoff, a Mi-17 IV helicopter from AFS Mohanbari flew in challenging weather conditions and undertook rescue ops from a marshy piece of land."
&nbsp;
The coordinated efforts of the pilot and flight gunner ensured prompt and safe boarding of the 13 survivors, it added.
&nbsp;
Emergency first aid was provided to the rescued individuals by the IAF. This rescue operation follows a similar mission on Sunday when the IAF saved eight State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) personnel and a revenue official stranded during relief operations in Jonai, Dhemaji district.
&nbsp;
Dibrugarh remains one of the most severely affected districts, with the major town in Upper Assam submerged for the sixth consecutive day.
&nbsp;
According to an ASDMA bulletin, 6,71,167 people are reeling under floodwaters in 67 revenue circles across 20 districts including Biswanath, Cachar, Charaideo, Darrang, Chirang, Dhemaji, Dibrugarh, Golaghat, Jorhat, Kamrup, Lakhimpur, Sivasagar, Sonitpur, Morigaon, Nagaon, Majuli, Karimganj, Tamulpur, Tinsukia, and Nalbari.
&nbsp;
The death toll from this year's floods, storms, and landslides has risen to 46, with one fatality reported in the last 24 hours.
&nbsp;
The Brahmaputra is flowing above the danger mark at Neamatighat (Jorhat), Tezpur (Sonitpur), Guwahati (Kamrup), and Dhubri (Dhubri).
&nbsp;
Other major rivers breaching danger levels include Subansiri at Badatighat (Lakhimpur), Burhidihing at Chenimari (Dibrugarh), Dikhou at Sivasagar, Disang at Nanglamuraghat (Sivasagar), Dhansiri at Numaligarh (Golaghat), Jia-Bharali at NT Road Crossing (Sonitpur), Kopili at Kampur (Nagaon), Puthimari at NH Road Crossing (Kamrup), Beki at Barpeta Road Bridge, Dhaleswari (Hailakandi), Kushiyara (Karimganj), and the Barak river at BP Ghat.
&nbsp;
The Regional Meteorological Centre in Borjhar, Guwahati, has issued an alert for potential heavy to very heavy rain in isolated areas over Goalpara, Bongaigaon, Karbi Anglong, and Dima Hasao. In response to the worsening conditions, 8,142 people are taking shelter in 72 relief camps spread across the affected districts.
&nbsp;
For ongoing relief and rescue operations, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams have been deployed in Cachar, Barpeta, Bongaigaon, Dibrugarh, Jorhat, Golaghat, Majuli, and Lakhimpur.
&nbsp;
Additionally, SDRF, fire and emergency services, police forces, and AAPDA Mitra Volunteers from ASDMA are aiding district administrations in flood-affected areas. The Indian Army is also actively participating in relief efforts, particularly in Golaghat district.
&nbsp;
A total of 614 SDRF personnel, including 159 deep divers, with 295 boats have been deployed in 54 locations.
&nbsp;
Reports indicate breaches in embankments in Golaghat, Jorhat, Nagaon, and Majuli, alongside damage to other infrastructure, such as roads, according to the ASDMA bulletin.
&nbsp;
Kaziranga National Park has not been spared, with 95 out of 233 forest camps inundated.
&nbsp;
In response, the Golaghat district administration has issued prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), restricting vehicular movement on NH-37 (New NH-715) and limiting vehicle speeds to between 20 and 40 km/hour.

Over 6.71 lakh hit in Assam floods, IAF steps In

West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose met the victims of Uttar Dinajpur incident in Cooch Behar on Tuesday, informed sources.
&nbsp;
In the&nbsp;North Dinajpur incident, a man and a woman were publicly whipped allegedly by a TMC leader. A video of the incident surfaced on social media.
&nbsp;
Bose arrived in Bagdogra from New Delhi in the morning and proceeded directly to Cooch Behar, where the victims were waiting for him.
&nbsp;
&ldquo;At the moment, the Governor is interacting with the victims at the Cooch Behar circuit house and gathering details from them,&rdquo; an official told the media.
&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 Bose would decide later whether to proceed with the planned visit to Chopra.
<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;Since the victims expressed their desire to meet him in Cooch Behar and have already arrived here, the Governor is meeting them here. Whether or not he visits Chopra will depend on his assessment,&rdquo; the official 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;">Bose on Monday had sought a report from Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on the flogging of a couple.
<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;">Police on Sunday registered a case after the video of the incident that happened on Friday went viral on social media, sparking widespread outrage. PTI could not independently verify the 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;">The man seen in the video beating up the couple with a bamboo stick was identified as Tajmul alias &lsquo;JCB&rsquo;, claimed to be a local Trinamool Congress leader. He was later arrested.
<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 couple was allegedly engaged in an illicit relationship because of which they were flogged on the direction of a kangaroo court, police said. 
&nbsp;

West Bengal

WB Guv meets victims of Uttar Dinajpur incident

The southwest monsoon arrived before the time it was scheduled for, the India Meteorological Department said on Tuesday. The southwest monsoon covered the entire nation six days ahead of the normal date. 
&nbsp;
"The southwest monsoon has further advanced into the remaining parts of Rajasthan, Haryana, and Punjab today. Thus, it covered the entire country on 2nd July 2024, against the normal date of July 8 (six days before the normal date of covering the entire India)," the IMD said in a statement. 
&nbsp;
The monsoon arrived in Kerala and the northeastern region on May 30, two and six days earlier than usual.
&nbsp;
It progressed normally up to Maharashtra but lost momentum, extending the wait for rains in West Bengal, Odisha, Jharkhand, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh, and worsening the impact of a scorching heat wave in northwest India.
&nbsp;
The country recorded 16 days of below-normal rainfall activity - from June 11 to June 27 - which led to an overall below-normal precipitation in June, 147.2 mm of rainfall against a normal of 165.3 mm for the month, the seventh lowest since 2001.
&nbsp;
June rainfall accounts for 15 per cent of the total precipitation of 87 cm recorded during the four-month monsoon season in the country.
&nbsp;
The IMD on Monday said India could experience above-normal rainfall in July, with heavy rains potentially leading to floods in the western Himalayan states and river basins in the central parts of the country.&nbsp;

Southwest monsoon covers India early

A devastated David Miller described South Africa's narrow defeat to India in the T20 World Cup final as a "tough pill to swallow," but expressed pride in his team&rsquo;s journey and resilience.
&nbsp;
The Proteas, shedding their infamous "chokers" tag, reached their first-ever T20 World Cup final unbeaten. Despite their stellar run, they fell short by seven runs in a nail-biting finish against India.
&nbsp;
In an Instagram story posted late on Monday, Miller shared his heartbreak: "I am gutted!! Really tough pill to swallow after what transpired 2 days ago. Words don't explain how I am feeling. One thing I do know is how proud I am of this unit."
&nbsp;
South Africa had enjoyed a remarkable tournament, emerging victorious in high-pressure situations and becoming the favorites for the title.
&nbsp;
"This journey was an incredible one, with highs and lows throughout the entire month. We have endured pain, but I know this team has the resilience and will keep raising the bar," Miller added.
&nbsp;
The final saw South Africa on track for a historic win, needing 30 runs from the last 30 balls. However, a superb effort by India's bowlers, led by Jasprit Bumrah, saw them snatch victory. Key wickets of Heinrich Klaasen and Marco Jansen turned the tide.
&nbsp;
With Miller at the crease and 16 runs needed off the last over, South Africa's hopes were still alive. However, a brilliant boundary catch by Suryakumar Yadav ended Miller's innings and dashed the Proteas' dreams.
&nbsp;
This was South Africa's closest attempt at a title, having exited&nbsp;in the semifinals seven times in ICC events. Despite the loss, Miller remains optimistic about the future and the team's potential to break new ground.

Barbados

Painful T20 loss, but proud of proteas' journey: Miller

Farmers in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar district have successfully implemented a lift irrigation system on the Sigdi-Chatroo river which now, &nbsp;supports their horticultural operations and hybrid walnut nurseries. This initiative is carried out in collaboration with the district administration.&nbsp;
 The project was spearheaded by Suneel Singh, a progressive orchardist from Gunderna-Tagood in Mughal Maidan tehsil. Singh and fellow farmers and orchardists sought technical and financial assistance from the district administration to lift water from the Sigdi-Chatroo river. This support was crucial in ensuring adequate irrigation for their orchards and hybrid walnut nurseries, according to an official.
 The official said the total project cost was substantial, with a major portion funded by the district administration, Kishtwar under the convergence of the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) and other agriculture schemes, and the remaining contribution by the progressive farmer himself.&nbsp;
 This successful endeavor exemplifies the achievements possible through the convergence of the HADP and other agricultural schemes, the official said, adding by proactively engaging with these government initiatives, farmers can significantly benefit.
 Farmers from Satarwajan in Dadpeth area of Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar have overcome various challenges to establish a lift irrigation system.
 The farmers approached deputy commissioner, Kishtwar Devansh Yadav, who provided financial and technical support, the official said, adding the technical resolution involved using 18mm steel wire and 50mm High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) pipes to cross the rivers, drilling holes, and erecting pillars on both sides.
 Despite the odds, their persistent efforts paid off, leading to the successful lifting of water from the Sigdi Chatroo river, the official said, adding that the results of this achievement are manifold, boasting high-value crops in the area.
 The official said the high-value crops now grown in the area have not only boosted yields but also enhanced the farmers' income, improved food security, and stimulated local economies.
 Additionally, this success has inspired other farmers to adopt similar practices, leading to overall agricultural development and sustainability in the region, he said.
 The official said the endeavour is a testament to the power of determination, hard work, and the collaborative efforts of the administration and farmers in tapping the horticultural potential of the area by utilizing the ongoing HADP and agriculture schemes.&nbsp;

Srinagar

JK's Kishtwar farmers implement lift irrigation system

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has sounded a Red Alert for Assam and Meghalaya, warning of extremely heavy rainfall today. Uttarakhand is also under the same warning as North India braces for intense monsoon activity.
&nbsp;
The forecast predicts continued heavy rain across North India, impacting states like Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Bihar over the next few days. Coastal regions of Gujarat and the West Coast are also expected to experience significant rainfall.
&nbsp;
IMD&rsquo;s monthly outlook suggests that July will bring above-normal rainfall across the country.
&nbsp;
While most regions are likely to receive normal to above-normal precipitation, parts of Northeast India, including Assam, and some areas in Northwest, East, and Southeast Peninsular India might experience below-normal rainfall.
&nbsp;
The Monsoon Mission Climate Forecast System indicates a potential development of La Nina conditions in the latter part of the monsoon season, which could influence weather patterns.
&nbsp;
In response to the Red Alert, authorities in Assam and Meghalaya are gearing up for the severe weather.
&nbsp;
With heavy rain forecasted, there are concerns about potential flooding and landslides.
&nbsp;
Local administrations have been placed on high alert, and precautionary measures are being implemented to ensure the safety of residents and infrastructure.
&nbsp;
Meanwhile, Delhi witnessed light drizzles this morning, with cloudy skies and heavy rain expected in the coming days.
&nbsp;
The capital's temperatures are forecasted to range between 27 and 33 degrees Celsius.

IMD warns of heavy rain in Assam, Meghalaya today

Shyna Gupta

Gross Goods and Services Tax (GST) collections in June rose 7.7 percent year-on-year to Rs 1.74 lakh crore, marking the slowest rate of growth in three years, according to sources.
&nbsp;
This growth figure, based on sales in May, is the lowest since June 2021.
&nbsp;
The announcement coincided with the seventh anniversary of the GST rollout. In a significant move, the government announced that it will cease the official release of monthly gross GST collections, which had typically been published on the first day of each month.
&nbsp;
Henceforth, no statements regarding GST collections will be issued, according to sources.
&nbsp;
Historically, the monthly release included a state-wise breakdown of the revenue, serving as an indicator of economic and consumption activities. It also detailed the breakup of Central GST (CGST), State GST (SGST), and compensation cess collected from imports and domestic sales.
&nbsp;
For the current financial year (April-June), the gross GST collection has reached Rs 5.57 lakh crore. The government collected Rs 1.73 lakh crore in May 2024 and Rs 1.61 lakh crore in June 2023. The Integrated GST (IGST) of Rs 39,586 crore was settled towards CGST and Rs 33,548 crore towards SGST, sources added. The GST mop-up had hit a record high of Rs 2.1 lakh crore in April 2024.
&nbsp;
In a series of posts on social media platform X, the Finance Ministry highlighted the benefits of the GST regime on its seventh anniversary. "With reduced tax rates on household goods after GST implementation, #7yearsofGST has brought happiness and relief to every home through lower GST on household appliances and mobile phones," the Ministry stated.
&nbsp;
The GST regime, implemented on July 1, 2017, was hailed as a significant tax reform intended to simplify the tax structure and boost compliance.

GST collection rises 7.7% to Rs 1.74 lakh crore in June

Bhaderwah, famed as &lsquo;Mini Kashmir&rsquo; for its pristine beauty, meadows, lakes, mountains and valleys is also called the lavender capital of India for its cultivation of best quality lavender flowers.
&nbsp;
It is now becoming one of the best offbeat destinations for tourists, including vloggers, offering cool temperatures, and picturesque landscapes. 
&nbsp;
In 2022, Bhaderwah celebrated its first-ever lavender festival in a bid to promote lavender farming among locals.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
While the plains endure a severe heatwave and traditional tourist spots are overcrowded, "tourist demands have become more specific this year," said Muzzafar Farooq, who runs a travel agency in Srinagar.
&nbsp;
The lavender farms, renowned for their sprawling fields of vibrant purple blooms, have emerged as popular destinations for travellers seeking to unwind in picturesque locales.
&nbsp;
The blooming season lasts typically from late spring to early summer.
&nbsp;
Agri-tourism activities further enhance visitor experience at lavender farms. Guided tours provide insights into lavender farming techniques and include tastings of lavender-infused products, such as oils, soaps, and culinary delights.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The rise of social media has contributed significantly to the popularity of the farms.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Also referred to as the birthplace of India's purple revolution, Jammu and Kashmir's Doda district is experiencing a boom in lavender farming under the 'one district, one product' scheme with the government, Army and institutions supporting its production.
&nbsp;
The Centre also designated lavender as a 'Doda brand product' to promote the exotic plant, aiming to help agri startups, entrepreneurs and farmers associated with its cultivation under the Aroma Mission of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).
&nbsp;
And now, tourism is getting a boost too.
&nbsp;
Picturesque scenes of lavender fields have become Instagram sensations, attracting influencers and travellers seeking unique, natural backdrops for their content creation.
&nbsp;
As global travel trends continue to emphasise wellness, nature, and unique experiences, lavender farms are poised to remain sought-after destinations for tourists across the country.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
On offer is a sensory escape into fields of fragrant lavender, coupled with opportunities for relaxation and education.

Why J&K’s Bhaderwah lavender farms are a tourist hit

This morning, some containers fell off a goods train onto the tracks in Haryana, affecting the rail traffic. The incident took place near Taraori in Haryana's Karnal district on Tuesday.&nbsp;
 The train was on its way from Ambala to Delhi, a Government Railway Police official said.
 Speaking on the incident, the officials stated, "Eight containers fell off, the reasons for the same are under investigation by the railway authorities. The train was on its way from Ambala to Delhi when the incident happened near Taraori in Karnal."
 He said the rail traffic on the Ambala-Delhi railway route has been affected.
 "Efforts are on to restore the traffic, but it is going to take a few hours more," he said.&nbsp;

Containers fall off goods train in Haryana

In just the first three days of the annual pilgrimage, over 50,000 devotees from across India have visited the holy cave of Shri Amarnath Ji, officials said.
&nbsp;
The Yatra, which commenced on June 29 from the twin tracks of Baltal and Nunwan-Pahalgam, has seen a steady influx of pilgrims negotiating the challenging terrain to reach the sacred site in the south Kashmir Himalayas.
&nbsp;
On Tuesday, a fresh batch of more than 6,500 pilgrims embarked on the journey from Jammu, departing at 3:05 am in 261 vehicles, accompanied by tight security measures.
&nbsp;
This group included 4,431 pilgrims who opted for the 48-kilometre traditional Pahalgam route, while 2,106 chose the shorter but steeper 14-kilometre Baltal route.
&nbsp;
The officials noted that on Monday alone, over 23,000 devotees paid obeisance at the 3,880-metre high cave shrine, with more than 2,000 on-the-spot registrations completed that day.
&nbsp;
Before the commencement of the Yatra, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, who flagged off the pilgrimage on June 28, extended an invitation to people from across the country and abroad to participate in this year's Amarnath Yatra, aiming to make it a successful spiritual journey.
&nbsp;
Personally overseeing the arrangements, LG Sinha is ensuring the smooth conduct of the pilgrimage. On Thursday, he, along with top police officials, reviewed the ongoing arrangements at the base camp in Jammu.
&nbsp;
The 52-day pilgrimage, which concludes on August 19, continues to attract a large number of devotees, demonstrating their unwavering faith and dedication in undertaking this spiritually significant journey.
&nbsp;
&nbsp;

Jammu

50,000 pilgrims visit Amarnath Shrine in three days

Manan Tandon

Blame game over rescue

New law, criminals trapped

A new group of over 6,500 pilgrims set off for the Amarnath shrine in the south Kashmir Himalayas on Tuesday under tight security, officials reported.
 On Monday, more than 23,000 devotees visited the 3,880-metre-high cave shrine, bringing the total number of pilgrims to over 51,000. Additionally, more than 2,000 on-the-spot registrations were completed that day.
&nbsp;
The fifth batch of 6,537 pilgrims departed in 261 vehicles at 3:05 am, heading towards the twin base camps of Baltal and Pahalgam, escorted by security vehicles.
&nbsp;
Of these, 4,431 pilgrims chose the 48-km traditional Pahalgam route, while 2,106 opted for the shorter but steeper 14-km Baltal route.
&nbsp;
Since June 28, when Lt Governor Manoj Sinha flagged off the first batch, a total of 26,101 pilgrims have left the Jammu base camp for the valley. The 52-day Yatra began on June 29 and will conclude on August 19.
&nbsp;
Meanwhile, multi-layered security has been put in place to thwart any terror threat. &ldquo;Stringent security arrangements have been put in place for the smooth conduct of the Yatra,&rdquo; an official said.
&nbsp;
Additionally, thousands of security personnel from the police, Central Reserve Police Force, Indo-Tibetan Border Police and other paramilitary forces have been deployed along the route. Aerial surveillance is also being carried out.
&nbsp;
Over 50,000 pilgrims from across the country have paid obeisance at the holy cave of Shri Amarnath Ji in the first three days of the pilgrimage, which began on June 29 from the twin tracks of Baltal and Nunwan-Pahalgam.

New batch of 6,500 pilgrims leaves for Amarnath

Indian stock markets experienced a notable dip today after opening at record highs. The S&amp;P BSE Sensex, which hit an all-time high of 79,855.87 at the opening bell, fell 38.34 points to 79,437.85 around 10:17 am.
&nbsp;
Meanwhile, the NSE Nifty50 declined 8.70 points to 24,133.25, after initially surging to 24,236.35.
&nbsp;
The downturn was primarily driven by significant declines in major sectoral indices, including Nifty Bank and Nifty Financial Services.
&nbsp;
This came after the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) issued a directive for stock exchanges to levy uniform charges on brokers, causing a sharp fall in brokerage stocks.
&nbsp;
The slide in banking and financial services overshadowed a more than 1% gain in information technology stocks. Among the top gainers on the Nifty50 were Infosys, Coal India, LTIM, Wipro, and ONGC. On the flip side, the top losers included HDFC Life, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Shriram Finance, Bajaj Finance, and SBI Life.
&nbsp;
Dr. VK Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist at Geojit Financial Services, commented on the market dynamics, noting the impressive performance of the Nifty in recent times. "Nifty has delivered 10.4% returns in the first half of 2024 on top of the 20% returns in 2023. These are impressive returns. An important feature of this bull market which began after the COVID crash of March 2020 (Nifty at 7511) is that it has been devoid of any significant correction."

Brokerage stocks fall, drag markets down

The Delhi High Court is set to hear Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal&rsquo;s petition today, challenging his arrest by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in connection with the alleged liquor policy scam. This comes after Kejriwal's request for two additional video conferencing meetings with his lawyers was denied by the Rouse Avenue court on July 1.
&nbsp;
Special judge Kaveri Baweja dismissed the application, noting that Kejriwal's counsel failed to present convincing reasons for additional legal meetings. The judge emphasised that the grounds presented were previously discussed and rejected in an earlier order. The court highlighted that a similar application was already dismissed on April 10, 2024, reinforcing the decision to deny Kejriwal&rsquo;s recent request.
&nbsp;
Kejriwal's legal team argued that he is involved in around 30 litigations nationwide, necessitating more frequent consultations with his lawyers to ensure a fair trial. They also mentioned his recent arrest in another case by the CBI and pointed out that co-accused Sanjay Singh was previously granted additional legal meetings in February 2024.
&nbsp;
During the hearing, the CBI argued that Kejriwal was uncooperative during his police custody remand. They claimed that he provided evasive answers and failed to explain the increase in the profit margin for wholesalers from 5% to 12% under the new Delhi Excise Policy 2021-22. The agency maintained that, based on the evidence, further custodial interrogation of Kejriwal was not necessary at this stage.
&nbsp;
The controversy surrounding Kejriwal's arrest began on June 26 when the CBI detained him after obtaining permission from a Vacation Judge of the Delhi Court.
&nbsp;
The court had allowed the CBI to interrogate Kejriwal in the courtroom, paving the way for his formal arrest. The court also directed the CBI to present the material evidence justifying his arrest.
&nbsp;
The alleged liquor policy scam has been a point of contention, with accusations of financial irregularities and favouritism in the formulation and implementation of the policy.
&nbsp;
The policy, introduced in 2021, aimed to revamp the liquor trade in Delhi but faced criticism and allegations of corruption.&nbsp;As the Delhi High Court prepares to hear Kejriwal&rsquo;s petition, the case continues to draw significant attention.
&nbsp;
The outcome of the hearing could have major implications for both Kejriwal and the broader political landscape in Delhi. Kejriwal&rsquo;s supporters argue that the arrest is politically motivated, while his critics insist that the legal process must take its course.
&nbsp;
The hearing today will be crucial in determining the next steps in this high-profile case, as Kejriwal seeks relief from what his legal team describes as unjust treatment by the CBI. The court's decision will be closely watched, with significant ramifications for the Chief Minister and his party.

Delhi HC to hear Kejriwal's plea on Liquor scam arrest

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) recently reported the destruction of a kilometre-long terror tunnel and the elimination of approximately 100 terrorists. The operation was part of a broader effort by the IDF's 99th Infantry Division to neutralise terrorist threats in the central Gaza Strip.
&nbsp;
During this mission, the IDF successfully targeted and destroyed more than 100 terrorist structures, which included weapons storage facilities, observation posts, rocket launch pits, and underground tunnel routes.
&nbsp;
The 99th Division, notable for being the only reserve division operating in Gaza, has been actively engaged in this region for several months, focusing on dismantling terrorist infrastructure.
&nbsp;
The terror tunnel, equipped with multiple branches for underground movement, was destroyed with the assistance of the Yahalom (Diamond) Special Forces Engineering Unit. This unit specialises in handling such complex operations, ensuring the tunnel's complete destruction to prevent further terrorist activities.
&nbsp;
In addition to the tunnel, IDF troops also targeted a booby-trapped mosque that served as a hideout for terrorists. The strike on the mosque resulted in secondary explosions, indicating the presence of a substantial cache of weapons stored at the site. This further highlights the ongoing efforts of the IDF to dismantle terrorist capabilities and ensure the safety and security of the region.
&nbsp;
The success of this operation underscores the IDF's commitment to combating terrorism and protecting civilian lives. By targeting and eliminating key terrorist structures and personnel, the IDF aims to disrupt terrorist activities and restore stability in the area.
&nbsp;
The coordinated efforts of the 99th Infantry Division and the Yahalom Special Forces Engineering Unit have been crucial in achieving these objectives.
&nbsp;
As the conflict continues, the IDF remains vigilant and prepared to respond to any threats, maintaining their stance against terrorism and ensuring the safety of their nation.
&nbsp;
The destruction of the terror tunnel and the elimination of terrorists mark significant steps in this ongoing battle, demonstrating the IDF's resolve and capability in counter-terrorism operations.

Gaza 

Over 100 terrorists killed as IDF demolishes tunnel

Shweta Sengar

Body mass index (better known as BMI) has long been used to get a quick and easy snapshot of a person&rsquo;s body fat levels. To calculate someone&rsquo;s BMI, you divide their weight in kilograms by their height in metres times itself. The resulting number is used to determine a person&rsquo;s health risk.
&nbsp;
Although there are far better ways of getting an accurate measure of a person&rsquo;s body fat levels &ndash; such as using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (Dexa) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) &ndash; these are very resource-intensive. This may explain why BMI has remained the go-to method for measuring health since it first started being used in the latter part of the 20th century.
&nbsp;
But many health experts believe BMI has significant limitations, particularly for children and young people (whose body fat levels change as they grow), athletic people (who have high levels of muscle mass) and people from ethnic minority groups (who may develop health problems at lower body fat levels).
&nbsp;
BMI was never created for use in health and was developed using data from European people in the 19th century. Although child and ethnicity‐specific adjusted BMI and alternative height and weight ratios have been suggested, none have made sufficient headway to improve BMI&rsquo;s reputation.
&nbsp;
Several alternatives to BMI have also been suggested &ndash; such as using waist-to-hip ratio (waist circumference divided by hip circumference) or body volume index (which uses 3D body scanners to estimate total body fat distribution).
&nbsp;
But a recent study suggests that instead of BMI, we should be using something called body roundness index (BRI) to get a more accurate picture of a person&rsquo;s body fat levels and predict health risk.
&nbsp;
What is body roundness index?
&nbsp;
BRI was developed by US researchers in 2013 in response to criticisms of BMI. Instead of looking at height and weight, BRI mathematically quantifies body fat levels by looking at height and waist circumference instead. This provides a value typically ranging from one to 20. It is the lowest and highest values that suggest the highest health risk.
&nbsp;
Numerous studies have shown that BRI may be better than BMI at predicting the health risks associated with different levels of body fat. This includes predicting risk of weight-related diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, kidney disease and cancer, as well as death from any cause.
&nbsp;
This latest study, which looked at 32,995 US adults between 1999 and 2018, found an association between BRI and death from any cause. Specifically, they also found that people with the lowest and highest BRI scores had the greatest health risks.
&nbsp;
They also found that BRI was better than BMI at accurately detecting this risk. This is because BRI considers the fat held around the abdomen, which is linked to greater risk of health problems. This is different to BMI, which only considers overall weight.
&nbsp;
BRI vs BMI
&nbsp;
Given BRI only requires a tape measure and a maths equation, this means it&rsquo;s as easy to use and accessible as BMI. But assuming BRI is manually measured, it remains as subject to human error as BMI.
&nbsp;
One study even found that eight out of ten trained health professionals demonstrated such high levels of human error when manually measuring the abdomen that they failed to notice an increase of 3cm the second time they took the measurement. This margin of error will probably be even higher in people taking their own measurements at home.
&nbsp;
As a new metric, BRI also does not yet have the kind of extensive data backing up its use that exists for BMI. This makes it harder to know just how effective and reliable it is compared to these more established methods.
&nbsp;
And like BMI, BRI is a composite measure &ndash; meaning it combines multiple highly related measures into a single index. This makes it very hard to unpick the impact that different body fat levels can have on health &ndash; and can lead to misleading interpretations of the results.
&nbsp;
While BRI may improve on some of BMI&rsquo;s shortcomings, it&rsquo;s not immune to misclassification. For example, people with high muscle mass might still face inaccuracies in their health risk assessments if their body fat distribution does not conform to &ldquo;typical&rdquo; patterns around the abdomen. Research also suggests that BRI&rsquo;s accuracy at predicting the health risks may vary depending on a person&rsquo;s ethnicity, age and sex.
&nbsp;
BRI most certainly represents an advancement in the hunt for a more accurate alternative to BMI by focusing more on body shape and fat distribution rather than just body size. But it still has its limitations. Although this latest study gives us more data on BRI&rsquo;s accuracy, more research is still needed before we can be certain it&rsquo;s better than BMI and should replace it.
&nbsp;
Perhaps an even better way of getting a picture of a person&rsquo;s health is to use 3D body surface imaging. This creates a scale digital 3D image of the human body which allows health professionals to explore all potential existing body measures, including both BRI and BMI, as well as allowing us to explore new digital alternatives.
&nbsp;
But regardless of which body measure you or a doctor may use to asses your health, it&rsquo;s important to remember that every person is unique, and our bodies do &ndash; and should &ndash; always come in a wide range of shapes and sizes.
 This article first appeared in The Conversation.
&nbsp;

Time to ditch BMI for Body Roundness Index?

Hina Khan has recently disclosed that she has received a stage 3 breast cancer diagnosis. She posted a video on Instagram on Monday, documenting her hospital visit for her first chemotherapy session immediately after attending an award show.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The video commences with Hina posing for photographers on the red carpet and being presented with an award at the function. It then shows her entering the hospital for her chemotherapy session.
&nbsp;
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&nbsp;
&nbsp;
"All glam is gone and I'm ready for my first chemo in the hospital. Let's get better," Hina said in the video.
&nbsp;
Alongside the post, she wrote, "This award night, I knew about my cancer diagnosis, but I made a conscious choice to normalise it - not just for myself, but for all of us. This was the day that changed everything, it marked the beginning of one of the most challenging phases of my life."
&nbsp;
Hina Khan added, "So Let's do some affirmations. We become what we believe in, and I have decided to take this challenge as an opportunity to reinvent myself. I have decided to keep the spirit of positivity as the first tool in my toolkit. I choose to Normalise this experience for me and have consciously decided to manifest the desired outcome. For me ..my work commitments matter. For me my motivation, passion and art matter. I refuse to bow down. This award that I received right before my first chemo was not my motivation alone, in fact, I attended this event to reassure myself that I am living up to the benchmark, I have set up for myself. Mind over matter."
&nbsp;
"I attended the event and went straight up to the hospital for my first chemo. I humbly urge everyone out there too to first Normalise the challenges of your lives then set goals for yourself and try to live up to them all along the way. No matter how hard. Never back down. Never give up," she concluded.

Hina Khan shares photo from first chemotherapy session

Students at Acharya &amp; Marathe College in Chembur were surprised on Monday when they were prevented from entering the college while wearing jeans and T-shirts.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
This was due to the college implementing a new dress code that prohibits jeans and T-shirts, following the dismissal of a plea by students challenging the previous dress code that banned hijab and other religious symbols.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
As per the notice titled "dress code and other rules" dated June 27, the college has prohibited torn jeans, T-shirts, revealing clothing, and jerseys.
&nbsp;
The notice, signed by the college principal, Dr. Vidyagauri Lele, states, &ldquo;Students should wear a formal and decent dress while on campus. They can wear a half-shirt or full-shirt and trousers. Girls can wear any Indian or Western outfit. Students shall not wear any dress that shows religious or cultural disparity. Nakab, hijab, burkha, stole, cap, badge, etc. shall be removed by going to common rooms on the ground floor, and only then can they move throughout the college campus.&rdquo;
&nbsp;
Ateeque Khan from the Govandi Citizens Association, who was approached by many students, said, &ldquo;Last year, they banned hijab. This year they have banned jeans and t-shirts which are very commonly worn by not only college-going youngsters but by all irrespective of religion and gender. We do not understand what they are trying to impose on the students by bringing such impractical dress-codes.&rdquo;
&nbsp;
However, according to the college, the administration is preparing them to be ready for the corporate world.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The college principal, Dr. Lele, said, &ldquo;We just want students to wear decent clothes. We have not brought in any uniforms, but we have asked them to wear formal Indian or Western clothes. After all, they will be expected to wear those once they are employed.&rdquo;
&nbsp;
Dr. Lele stated that the dress code was provided to students during admissions, and she does not understand why they are raising concerns about it now.
&nbsp;
During the previous academic year, the college implemented uniforms for students in the junior college section. These uniforms prohibited the wearing of hijab and other religious identifiers.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Students were required to remove their hijab or niqab at a specific location within the college after entering the premises. Nine students brought a case against the ban to the Bombay High Court. However, the High Court rejected their petition last month, as it stated that the broader academic interest did not infringe upon their rights.

After hijab, Mumbai college bans jeans, T-Shirts

This summer, India saw 536 days of heatwaves, the most in 14 years, with the northwestern region experiencing its hottest June last month since 1901, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
&nbsp;
In June, the country had 181 days of heatwaves, the most since 2010 when there were 177 days, as stated by IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra during a virtual press briefing.
&nbsp;
"In 2024 summer, India experienced a total of 536 heatwave days, the highest after 2010 (578 days). In June, it experienced 181 heatwave days, surpassing 2010 (177 days)," he added.
&nbsp;
Mohapatra noted that the average maximum monthly temperature in northwest India was 38.02 degrees Celsius, which is 1.96 degrees Celsius higher than the normal average. The average minimum temperature was 25.44 degrees Celsius, 1.35 degrees Celsius above normal.
&nbsp;
In June, northwest India experienced an average temperature of 31.73 degrees Celsius, which is 1.65 degrees Celsius higher than usual, marking the highest temperature since 1901.
&nbsp;
June saw a 33% decrease in rainfall in northeast India, a situation Mohapatra linked to the slow progress of the monsoon in the northern and eastern regions due to the absence of weather systems.
&nbsp;
India recorded more than 40,000 suspected heatstroke cases and over 100 heat-related deaths in one of its hottest and longest heatwaves. The intense heat overwhelmed the water supply system and power grids, with Delhi grappling with a severe water crisis.
&nbsp;
The IMD reported that nearly 40 per cent of the nation experienced twice the usual number of heatwave days from April to June. Some areas in Rajasthan saw temperatures surpassing 50 degrees Celsius, while nighttime temperatures remained around 35 degrees Celsius in many places.
&nbsp;
In Delhi, where temperatures stayed above 40 degrees Celsius for 40 consecutive days since May 13, approximately 60 deaths have been attributed to the heat this year, as per reports from the media.

India saw 536 heatwave days this summer

The Pune district administration issued guidelines for tourists in light of the monsoon following an incident in which a woman and four children were swept away by a waterfall near Bhushi Dam in Lonavala.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
VIDEO | Visuals of five persons who drowned in a waterfall close to the backwater of Bhushi Dam in Pune's Lonavala area earlier today. Officials said that the incident happened at 12:30pm when a family was out for a picnic at the scenic spot. They said the bodies of Shahista&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/qOmk0qQHPa">pic.twitter.com/qOmk0qQHPa</a>
&mdash; Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) <a href="https://twitter.com/PTI_News/status/1807454863279697965?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 30, 2024</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
On Monday, Collector Suhas Divase instructed authorities to conduct a survey to identify potential hazards and ensure necessary safety measures for tourists visiting Maval, Mulshi, Khed, Junnar, Bhhor, Velha, and Ambegaon, which are all located in the Western Ghats, as stated by an official.
&nbsp;
"Divase instructed district officials to visit picnic spots such as rivers, lakes, dams, waterfalls, forts and forest areas and ensure safety measures. He directed to demarcate prohibited areas by installing warning boards. Those places that are disaster-prone and where safety measures cannot be taken must be shut for tourists," he said.
&nbsp;
"A lot of people come to Bhushi, Pavana, Lonavala, Sinhgad, Malshej and Tamhini ghat during the monsoon. Agencies like revenue, forest, railways, municipal corporations and PWD should deploy divers, rescue boats, lifeguards, and life jackets at water bodies which are frequented by tourists. Divase also asked the district administration to rope in NGOs, rescue foundations, trekkers and locals," he added.
&nbsp;
Visitors will not be allowed inside such spots in the forest after 6 pm, Divase said.&nbsp;

Pune

Pune issues tourist guidelines after Lonavala tragedy

The winning Indian cricket team of the T20 World Cup might be able to return home on Tuesday night.
&nbsp;
Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley has mentioned that she anticipates the airport resuming operations within the "next six to 12 hours" following the shutdown caused by a category 4 hurricane.
&nbsp;
The team, led by Rohit Sharma, along with their support staff, a few BCCI officials, and the families of the players, have been stuck here for the past two days due to hurricane Beryl. They clinched the title on Saturday by defeating South Africa in the final by seven runs.
&nbsp;
"We hope, and we're working towards later today. I don't want to speak in advance of it, but I've literally been in touch with the airport personnel, and they're doing their last checks now, and we want to resume normal operations as a matter of urgency," Mottley, who has been overseeing relief operations on the ground, told PTI.
&nbsp;
"There are a number of people who were due to leave yet last night late or today or tomorrow morning. And we want to make sure that we can facilitate those persons, so I would anticipate that within the next six to 12 hours the airport will be open," she said.
&nbsp;
Life-threatening winds and a storm battered Barbados and the neighbouring islands on Monday. Barbados, which has a population of nearly 300,000, has been under lockdown since Sunday evening.

Bridgetown

Indian team might return home on Tuesday night

Australia has increased the cost of student visa fees for international students from $710 to $1,600, which will affect many Indians planning to study in the country.
&nbsp;
Student representatives have expressed outrage over the price hike, as reported by ABC News on Monday. They say it may push potential students to consider other options.
&nbsp;
The fee for international student visas has increased to $1,600 from $710 starting July 1. The federal government indicated that the additional revenue will be utilized to support educational initiatives, including reducing graduate debt, providing financial assistance for apprentices, and continuing the implementation of its migration strategy, the report mentioned.
&nbsp;
"International education is an incredibly important national asset, and we need to ensure its integrity and quality," Minister for Education Jason Clare said in a statement.
&nbsp;
The Indian High Commission in Canberra estimates that as of August 2023, around 1,20,277 Indian students are currently enrolled to study in Australia, placing Indian students as the second largest group of foreign students in Australia.
&nbsp;
Yeganeh Soltanpour, the national president of the Council of International Students Australia, criticized the decision, highlighting that the increased fees and high deposit costs are creating additional financial burdens for international students, as reported by ABC.
&nbsp;
"The possibility of spending all that money only to face rejection is quite disheartening for many students. It has caused many in the student community to explore other options and competitive countries," she said.
&nbsp;
Phil Honeywood, the CEO of the International Education Association of Australia, informed the ABC that the announcement was the &ldquo;last straw&rdquo; for the international education sector, which had already been impacted by a decrease in visa approvals.
&nbsp;
"We are really in danger of losing a USD 48 billion a year industry," he said, adding that it will "heavily impact" relationships with our Indo-Pacific neighbours who rely on Australia to deliver world-class qualifications to young people. He warned that this change could drive prospective students to the United Kingdom, Australia's closest competitor, which currently charges $900 for student visa fees.

How will Australia's visa fee hike affect Indians?

A non-bailable warrant (NBW) has been issued against Vijay Mallya, the fugitive businessman, by a special court in Mumbai in connection with a Rs180-crore loan default case involving Indian Overseas Bank (IOB).
&nbsp;
The NBW against Mallya was issued by special CBI court judge SP Naik Nimbalkar on June 29, and a detailed order was released on Monday.
&nbsp;
Citing other non-bailable warrants issued against the 68-year-old businessman after taking into account CBI submission and his status as a "fugitive", the court noted, "this is a fit case to issue an open-ended NBW against him to secure his presence".
&nbsp;
The CBI, probing the case, has claimed the promoter of the now defunct Kingfisher Airlines caused the government-run bank a wrongful loss of more than Rs 180 crore by "wilfully" defaulting on payments.
&nbsp;
The controversial alcohol mogul, who has previously been labelled a criminal economic fugitive in a money laundering investigation led by the Enforcement Directorate(ED), is currently living in London as the Indian government is working to extradite him.
&nbsp;
The warrant was connected to a fraud case filed by the CBI for the alleged misdirection of loans taken by the then-functional Kingfisher Airlines from IOB between 2007 and 2012.
&nbsp;
According to a chargesheet recently submitted in court by the central agency, these credit facilities were granted to the defunct private airline by the bank under a specific agreement.
&nbsp;
In August 2010, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) instructed the State Bank of India (SBI) to review Kingfisher Airlines Ltd's (KAL) request to restructure existing facilities in the aviation sector, relaxing the relevant guidelines as a one-time measure, according to the investigative agency's document.
&nbsp;
Consequently, a consortium of 18 banks, including IOB, restructured KAL's current credit facilities through a Master Debt Recast Agreement (MDRA), which was signed by KAL and the lenders.
&nbsp;
The case's allegations involve false assurances, and the misuse of loans for purposes other than originally intended, as stated by the CBI.
&nbsp;
The chargesheet alleged that the defendant deliberately and with the intention to deceive failed to repay the loans as required and caused a wrongful loss of Rs 141.91 crore due to the loan defaults.
&nbsp;
Furthermore, the investigating agency claimed that an additional wrongful loss of Rs 38.30 crores occurred due to the conversion of loans to shares.

Non-bailable warrant against Mallya in loan default case

The GST and Central Excise Commissionerate in Coimbatore celebrated 'GST Day' with a grand event attended by numerous dignitaries and officials. N Rengaraj, IRS, the Principal Commissioner of Income Tax in Coimbatore, served as the Chief Guest, while SK Sundararaman, Managing Director of M/s Shiva Texyarn Limited and Chairman of The South India Mills Association, was the Guest of Honour.
&nbsp;
Banoth Mrugender Lal, IAS, Joint Commissioner (CT), was the Guest of Event. The occasion also saw participation from various business leaders, auditors, accountants, and government officials from both Central and State levels.
&nbsp;
The keynote address was delivered by K Ramakrishnan, who emphasised the empowerment brought about by the GST Network. He highlighted how this platform has facilitated a more efficient, transparent, and user-friendly system for both taxpayers and tax officials. Ramakrishnan noted the significant growth in the number of taxpayers in the GST and Central Excise Commissionerate, Coimbatore, which has risen from 26,744 in July 2017, when GST was introduced, to 81,552 in 2023-2024.
&nbsp;
This represents a 204 percent increase in the tax base. Furthermore, he mentioned that the tax revenue collected by the Commissionerate increased from Rs 1,106 crore in 2017-18 to Rs 3,390 crore in 2023-24, marking a 206 percent increase.
&nbsp;
Banoth Mrugender Lal, IAS, in his address, informed the attendees that there are approximately 77,000 assesses in Coimbatore State GST, distributed across 36 Circles. He reported that the gross revenue for the previous financial year was Rs 3,810 Crores.
&nbsp;
Sundararaman, Managing Director of M/s Shiva Texyarn Limited, also spoke at the event, acknowledging the efforts of the Departmental Officers. He pointed out that a 1 percent increase in GST corresponds to a 0.6 percent growth in the economy.
&nbsp;
Representing the textile industry, Sundararaman noted that the sector is recovering from the recession, with Tamil Nadu accounting for 46 percent of the spinning and weaving capacity in the country.
&nbsp;
Chief Guest N Rengaraj, in his speech, underscored the collaborative relationship between the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) and the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), both of which operate under the same Ministry.
&nbsp;
He highlighted the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the CBIC and CBDT in 2020 for data sharing. Additionally, he mentioned that the Income Tax department has amended Form 3CB to incorporate GST Data.
&nbsp;
During the event, high revenue achievers in terms of tax payment, as well as successful entrepreneurs and exporters, were recognized and honoured. The celebration saw the felicitation of two large taxpayers, two medium taxpayers, two small taxpayers, and two exporters for their outstanding performance.
&nbsp;
Furthermore, 'Samman Patra' was awarded to 15 officers for their exemplary service, including one officer in the rank of Deputy Director (Cost). Two officers who excelled in sports were also honoured for their achievements.
&nbsp;
The 'GST Day' celebration in Coimbatore thus highlighted the progress and achievements of the GST and Central Excise Commissionerate, showcasing the growth in taxpayer numbers and revenue, and recognizing the contributions of individuals and businesses to the system.

Coimbatore

GST Day celebrations in Coimbatore highlight achievements

Palak Chouhan

The Madhya Pradesh cabinet approved several significant bills on Monday, including measures to seize vehicles involved in the illegal transportation of cows for slaughter and to impose penalties on owners of open borewells. The cabinet also endorsed a proposal requiring state ministers to pay their own income tax.
&nbsp;
The meeting, led by Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, took place at the assembly campus in Bhopal on Monday.
&nbsp;
One bill seeks to amend the Madhya Pradesh Cow Slaughter Prohibition Act, 2004, granting district collectors the authority to confiscate vehicles used for transporting cows for slaughter. This measure aims to address instances where vehicles seized for illegal cow transportation are later released by court order.
&nbsp;
&ldquo;We have decided that vehicles involved in cow slaughter will be confiscated and will not get released,&rdquo; Chief Minister Yadav stated.
&nbsp;
Another bill targets the prevention of accidents involving open borewells. If an open borewell is found to not be properly sealed, the owner will face penalties, with the Public Health Engineering Department authorised to enforce these measures. This initiative follows several tragic incidents in which children fell into open borewells.
&nbsp;
&ldquo;Carelessness and negligence will not be tolerated,&rdquo; Yadav said, urging owners to secure open borewells.
&nbsp;
The cabinet also approved an amendment to the Madhya Pradesh Minister (Salary and Allowance) Amendment Bill, 2024, ending the practice of the state government paying ministers&rsquo; income tax, a rule in place since 1972. Once the bill becomes law, ministers will be responsible for their own tax payments.
Additionally, the cabinet sanctioned a Rs 107.27 crore proposal for the modernization and renovation of Vallabh Bhawan, one of the state secretariat buildings.
&nbsp;
These legislative changes reflect the state government&rsquo;s commitment to improving safety and fiscal responsibility.

Bhopal

Vehicles used in cow slaughter to be seized: MP cabinet

The Shiv Sena (UBT) won the Mumbai Graduates and Mumbai Teachers constituencies, while the BJP secured the Konkan Graduates seat in the Maharashtra Legislative Council elections, the results of which were announced on Monday.
&nbsp;
Elections for the Mumbai Graduates, Konkan Graduates, Mumbai Teachers, and Nashik Teachers constituencies took place on June 26, with 143,297 voters casting their ballots, of which 132,071 votes were deemed valid.
&nbsp;
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Anil Parab won the Mumbai Graduates constituency by defeating the BJP's Kiran Shelar. Parab received 44,784 votes, while Shelar secured 18,772 votes. Out of the total votes cast, 64,222 were considered valid, and the quota for victory was 32,112 votes. Parab was declared elected after receiving 44,784 first-preference votes.
&nbsp;
In the Konkan Graduates constituency, BJP candidate Niranjan Davkhare defeated Ramesh Keer of the Congress, securing 100,719 votes against Keer's 28,585.
&nbsp;
Shiv Sena (UBT) candidate J.M. Abhyankar won the Mumbai Teachers seat, receiving 4,083 of the 11,598 valid votes.

Maharashtra council polls: Sena (UBT) 2, BJP 1

The Madhya Pradesh cabinet approved a proposal on Monday to rename the post of Vice-Chancellor (Kulpati) of universities to "Kulguru," aligning with cultural and traditional values.
&nbsp;
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav stated that the change connects the state's educational institutions with its sanskriti (culture) and Guru Parampara (tradition).
&nbsp;
An official confirmed that the state cabinet has given the green light to amend the relevant act to reflect this new designation. As a result, all university vice-chancellors in Madhya Pradesh will now be referred to as Kulgurus.
&nbsp;
"This decision is significant as we will celebrate Guru Purnima this month, and addressing vice-chancellors as Kulgurus aligns with our cultural traditions," Yadav said.
&nbsp;
Yadav also mentioned that several other states have expressed interest in the proposal and have requested copies of it. "This renaming connects us with the Guru Parampara," he added.
&nbsp;
He further noted that the term Kulpati occasionally posed challenges, particularly for women in the position, as it could be awkward for them to refer to their spouses as husbands of "Kulpatis."
&nbsp;
Previously serving as the higher education minister under former Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Yadav had initially proposed renaming the vice-chancellor designation to Kulguru, but the plan had not come to fruition until now.

MP cabinet approves 'Kulguru' title for VCs

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted above-normal rainfall for July, raising concerns about potential floods in the western Himalayan states and central river basins.
&nbsp;
Conversely, northeast India may experience below-normal rainfall this month, mitigating flood risks in the region.
&nbsp;
Speaking at a virtual press conference, IMD Director Mrutyunjay Mohapatra stated that the anticipated rainfall for July is likely to exceed 106 per cent of the long-period average (LPA) of 28.04 cm across the country.
&nbsp;
"We anticipate normal to above-normal rainfall over most parts of India, except for northeastern regions and certain areas of northwest, east, and southeast peninsular India," Mohapatra noted.
&nbsp;
He pointed out the heightened likelihood of heavy rainfall in specific areas, particularly highlighting Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jammu and Kashmir, and the foothills of the western Himalayas.
&nbsp;
These regions are susceptible to severe weather events such as cloudbursts, landslides, and flooding due to their topography and the origin of numerous rivers.
&nbsp;
"In central India, including the Godavari and Mahanadi river basins, we also expect above-normal rainfall, which increases the potential for flooding," Mohapatra added.
&nbsp;
The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), based in Nepal, has reiterated concerns over the monsoon season in the Hindukush Himalayan region, affecting countries like Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, and Pakistan.
&nbsp;
"Despite below-average rainfall last year, catastrophic floods devastated many mountainous areas of the Hindukush Himalaya," remarked Mandira Shrestha, programme coordinator for climate services at ICIMOD.
&nbsp;
She expressed apprehension over this year's monsoon outlook amidst a warming trend that accelerates snowmelt, glacier retreat, and destabilizes mountain slopes.
&nbsp;
"This forecast serves as a crucial alert for international donors, multilateral agencies, and disaster management officials. Early warning systems must urgently be reinforced in this densely populated region facing escalating risks," Shrestha stressed. 
In July 2023, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand witnessed devastating floods, followed by flooding in the Teesta river in the eastern Himalayas during October. 
Mohapatra also highlighted the below-normal rainfall recorded in June this year, which saw an 11 percent deficit, the highest in five years. Data from IMD indicates a historical trend where below-normal June rainfall often precedes normal to above-normal July rainfall. 
"June's subdued rainfall was attributed to a delayed onset of monsoon over northern and eastern India, exacerbated by unfavorable weather systems," Mohapatra explained. The absence of typical weather phenomena like the Madden-Julian Oscillation and active western disturbances further prolonged dry spells and heatwaves in northwest and central India. 
The IMD's climate analysis revealed that maximum temperatures in July are likely to remain normal to below normal across most of northwest India and peninsular India, except for the west coast. Conversely, central, east, and northeast India, along with the west coast, may experience above-normal maximum temperatures. 
Regarding minimum temperatures, Mohapatra indicated they are expected to be above normal in many parts of India, excluding certain areas of northwest and central India, as well as pockets of southeastern peninsular India. The IMD anticipates cloudy conditions to contribute to higher minimum temperatures during the monsoon season. 
Northwest India recorded its warmest June since 1901, with a mean temperature of 31.73 degrees Celsius, surpassing the long-term average. Maximum temperatures averaged 38.02 degrees Celsius, nearly 2 degrees Celsius above normal, while minimum temperatures settled at 25.44 degrees Celsius, 1.35 degrees Celsius above normal.

IMD rings flood alert for western Himalayas, central India

Politics is the art of the possible. Shiromani Akali Dal and the Congress have always been fierce rivals. They continue till today.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
There is a long history behind this rivalry, although long ago, in the immediate aftermath of the independence of the country, there was an alliance between the Congress and the Shiromani Akali Dal.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Veteran Akali leader and five-time Punjab Chief Minister, Parkash Singh Badal was elected to the assembly for the first time on Congress symbol.
&nbsp;
It was during the Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi&rsquo;s speech on the motion of thanks to the President's address in the Lok Sabha on Monday that he spoke about farmers&rsquo; issues and accused the government of India of describing the farmers as terrorists.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Harsimrat Kaur Badal, the lone Akali member of the Akali Dal seconded Rahul&rsquo;s allegations that the farmers&rsquo; were being described as "terrorists", to which Rahul remarked to BJP, saying, "even your ally agrees with that&rdquo;.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Later, Harsimrat said that she agreed with Rahul Gandhi on the farmers&rsquo; issues, saying, the protesting farmers, particularly those from Punjab, were described as &ldquo;terrorists&rdquo; and &ldquo;Khalistanis&rdquo;.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
At the same time, she made it categorically clear that the Shiromani Akali Dal can never agree with the Congress on anything. &nbsp;
&nbsp;
Harsimrat may have reiterated her party&rsquo;s permanent opposition to the Congress, but still, nothing can be ruled out in politics. So much has changed both in the Congress as well as the Akali Dal over the years.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Right now, it is obviously, impossible to even imagine that the Akali Dal and the Congress can ever be together. But, yes, on certain issues they can be, like their opposition to the Bharatiya Janata Party.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Despite being allies, the Akalis, Harsimrat in particular, have been very bitter critics of the BJP. She has been blaming the BJP for the rebellion that is being faced by the party right now. &nbsp;
&nbsp;
There might come situations like today, when it will be difficult for the Akali Dal not to side with the Congress. The Akali Dal right now sits in the opposition. &nbsp;
At the same time, the party is not part of the Indian National &nbsp;Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA). It obviously cannot be, since two main parties, the Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party are part of the INDIA bloc and both are strongly opposed to the Akalis and vice versa in Punjab.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Like on the issue of farmers, the party may end up siding with the INDIA bloc. The bloc has demanded a legal guarantee for the MSP on crops. In case, the bloc brings in a bill in the parliament on the issue, the Akali candidate will have no option but to support it and side with the bloc.
&nbsp;
That would be the farthest the Akalis can go along with the Congress or the AAP or the INDIA bloc at this stage. &nbsp;
&nbsp;
Given the opposition being faced by the BJP in rural areas and the acceptability of the Congress, a possible understanding/agreement between the Congress and the Akalis may not be unimaginable, although it sounds highly improbable right now.

SAD's Harsimrat sides with Rahul on farmers’ issue

&ldquo;It was god&rsquo;s plan,&rdquo; Suryakumar Yadav said on Monday as he reminisced his incredible match-defining catch in the T20 World Cup final against South Africa, which is being lauded across the board as the perfect execution of athleticism, balance and game awareness.
&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 brief telephonic conversation with PTI, the Mumbaikar was modest about his role in India's title triumph. Rohit Sharma&rsquo;s men defeated a dangerous South Africa by seven runs in the summit clash in Bridgetown, Barbados on Saturday.
<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 am just grateful to be in that moment to do something special for the country... god&rsquo;s plan it was,&rdquo; Suryakumar said when asked about the catch that has become a standout moment from the game.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">Needing 16 runs from the final over, South Africa had the big-hitting David Miller on strike.
<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 hit a wide full toss from Hardik Pandya but Suryakumar steadied himself on the ropes, caught the ball, released it just as he went over the boundary ropes and then came back in to complete an astonishing catch.
<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;">For many old-time fans, it brought back memories of the brilliant catch that Kapil Dev took in the 1983 World Cup final against the mighty West Indies. Kapil had run sideways from mid-on to grab a top edge from the great Viv Richards off Madan Lal&rsquo;s bowling in a fine display of sound judgement.
<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;">On Saturday, the 33-year-old Suryakumar ensured that his name too will be remembered fondly every time an Indian fan recollects the see-saw finale in Bridgetown.
<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;">Before that, the equation was 30 runs from as many balls but South Africa bungled in a typical fashion with Hardik Pandya triggering the collapse, dismissing a well-set Heinrich Klaasen for 52.
<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 Proteas went on to lose four wickets for 17 runs to be restricted to 169/8 in pursuit of 177.
<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;">Suryakumar&rsquo;s decision-making and awareness was also applauded by India&rsquo;s fielding coach T Dilip.
<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;When the moment comes, it&rsquo;s his decision and awareness of rope, that&rsquo;s very important, and knowing with confidence that he can throw and come back, it&rsquo;s a decision-making at that time, and he got on to that,&rdquo; Dilip had said.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&ldquo;We fielded like a pack of wolves, as Rahul bhai and Rohit keep saying.... Everybody knew their roles but together we hunted every opportunity which came our way leaving no stone unturned,&rdquo; he added.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">The title conquest ended an 11-year wait for an ICC title for India.
<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 side is currently stranded in Bridgetown due to a category 4 hurricane that has pounded the island leading to a complete shutdown of air services. 
&nbsp;

Surya exudes modesty over his winning catch in T20 WC final

Australia has significantly increased the cost of student visas for international students from USD 710 to USD 1,600, a move that will heavily impact the large number of Indian students aspiring to study in the country.
&nbsp;
This change, effective from July 1, has sparked outrage among student representatives, who warn that the steep price hike will deter prospective students and drive them to competing destinations.
&nbsp;
ABC News reported on Monday that student visa fees have more than doubled, marking a significant financial strain for many international students.
&nbsp;
The Australian federal government has justified the fee increase, stating that the additional revenue will support various educational initiatives.
&nbsp;
These include reductions in graduate debt, financial aid for apprentices, and the continued implementation of the country's migration strategy.
&nbsp;
Minister for Education Jason Clare pointed out the importance of maintaining the integrity and quality of Australia's international education sector.
&nbsp;
"International education is an incredibly important national asset, and we need to ensure its integrity and quality," Clare stated.
&nbsp;
According to the Indian High Commission in Canberra, as of August 2023, there are approximately 1,20,277 Indian students enrolled in Australian institutions, making them the second-largest group of international students in the country.
&nbsp;
Yeganeh Soltanpour, the national president of the Council of International Students Australia, criticized the decision, highlighting the additional burden the fee increase places on students.
&nbsp;
She maintained that the combination of high visa fees and substantial deposit requirements is particularly disheartening for many students, causing them to consider other countries for their education.
&nbsp;
"The possibility of spending all that money only to face rejection is quite disheartening for many students. It has caused many in the student community to explore other options and competitive countries," Soltanpour said.
&nbsp;
Phil Honeywood, CEO of the International Education Association of Australia, echoed these concerns, describing the announcement as the "last straw" for an already struggling international education sector.
&nbsp;
He warned that the increase could lead to a significant decline in Australia's USD 48 billion-a-year education industry and harm relationships with Indo-Pacific nations that rely on Australian education for their young people.
&nbsp;
"We are really in danger of losing a USD 48 billion-a-year industry," Honeywood cautioned, adding that this change could push prospective students towards the United Kingdom, which currently charges USD 900 for student visas.
<div class="mt-1 flex gap-3 empty:hidden juice:-ml-3">
<div class="items-center justify-start rounded-xl p-1 flex">
<div class="flex items-center">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

Melbourne

Australia doubles international student visa fees

The first FIR under India's new criminal code, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, was officially registered at 12:10 am in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, for a motorcycle theft. This clarifies earlier reports that incorrectly claimed the first case was against a street vendor in Delhi. Union Home Minister Amit Shah addressed the confusion, asserting that the initial case indeed involved a stolen motorcycle worth ₹1.80 lakh.
&nbsp;
In Delhi, however, the first application of the new law did occur shortly thereafter. A street vendor was charged for obstructing a road near the railway station.
&nbsp;
This case was registered under Section 285 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which penalises any act causing danger, obstruction, or injury to any person in a public way.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The street vendor, identified as Pankaj Kumar from Patna, Bihar, had set up a makeshift stall selling water bottles and gutkha. Despite repeated requests from police to move his stall, he did not comply, leading to the filing of the FIR.
&nbsp;
The new criminal codes&mdash;Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam&mdash;came into force today, replacing the colonial-era Indian Penal Code, Indian Evidence Act, and the Code of Criminal Procedure. These changes aim to modernise India's criminal justice system, ensuring speedy justice and addressing contemporary types of crime.
&nbsp;
Union Home Minister Amit Shah emphasised that the overhaul of these laws was necessary to bring them in line with Indian ethos and the spirit of the Constitution.
&nbsp;
The new codes prioritise crimes against women and children and are designed to expedite legal proceedings. Judgments are now mandated within 45 days of trial completion, and charges must be framed within 60 days of the first hearing.
&nbsp;
The implementation of these new laws has not been without controversy. Opposition parties, including the Congress, have criticised the government for what they perceive as a hasty rollout.
&nbsp;
They argue that sufficient discussion and debate were not conducted before the enactment of these significant legal changes. However, Shah has countered these claims, stating that no other law in India's history has been discussed in such detail in Parliament.
&nbsp;
The legal community and the public will be closely watching how these new laws are applied and whether they achieve the intended goals of delivering swift and fair justice.
&nbsp;
The early cases, such as the motorcycle theft in Gwalior and the street vendor's obstruction in Delhi, will serve as initial tests for the effectiveness and practicality of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and its accompanying codes.

HM Amit Shah clarifies first case under new laws in Gwalior

Expelled Bharatiya Janata Party leader KS Eshwarappa on Monday said he has been invited by the saffron party to rejoin it.
&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, however, said he is not in a hurry to join the party and would discuss it before taking a call.
<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;A few BJP leaders approached me, asking to rejoin the party. I haven't decided yet. I am not in a hurry,&rdquo; Eshwarappa 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;">Eshwarappa had rebelled against the party and contested the Lok Sabha election ignoring the party high command&rsquo;s direction. He was defeated by former Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa&rsquo;s elder son BY Raghavendra.
<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 expelled leader, who held several key positions including the Deputy Chief Minister, Leader of Opposition in the Karnataka Legislative Council and the BJP state president, was upset when the party denied his son KE Kantesh a ticket in the recent Lok Sabha election to contest from Haveri Lok Sabha seat.
<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 opened a front against former Chief Minister and BJP stalwart BS Yediyurappa and his two sons Raghavendra and BJP state president BY Vijayendra accusing them of making BJP a &lsquo;dynastic party&rsquo; in Karnataka. 
&nbsp;

Bengaluru

Eshwarappa asked to rejoin BJP again by party leaders

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in the 111th episode of &lsquo;Mann Ki Baat&rsquo; on Sunday, June 30, praised the &ldquo;flavour and significance&rdquo; of Araku coffee from Andhra Pradesh. He recalled sharing a moment over coffee with the state chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu during his visit to Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.
&nbsp;
&ldquo;There are numerous products from India that enjoy high demand globally, and it fills us with pride to see our local products achieving international recognition. One such product is Araku coffee, renowned for its rich flavour and aroma, cultivated extensively in the Alluri Sita Ram Raju district of Andhra Pradesh. Approximately 1.5 lakh tribal families are involved in its cultivation&hellip;,&rdquo; PM Modi said.
&nbsp;
A political slugfest seems to have begun between the Bharatiya Janata Party and Congress over Prime Minister Narendra Modi Araku coffee comment.
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh took a potshot at PM Modi for &ldquo;exaggerating&rdquo; facts.
&nbsp;
Taking to X, the Congress leader said that the Prime Minister gave the impression that he had invented the Araku coffee brand.
&nbsp;
&ldquo;It was the Naandi Foundation that was responsible for the initiative of coffee cultivation by tribal communities in the lovely Araku Valley of Andhra Pradesh with assistance from the state and the central government. As Minister of State of Commerce, I had been privileged to launch the brand in Araku Valley on December 21, 2007. I had been back there five years later as Union Minister of Rural Development.&rdquo;
&nbsp;
GI tag for Araku coffee
&nbsp;
Araku coffee received its Geographical Indication (GI)&nbsp; in 2019. A GI tag signifies products originating from a specific geographical area, known for possessing unique qualities or reputation due to their origin.
&nbsp;
Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal also shared the Prime Minister&rsquo;s mention about Araku coffee on his X (formerly Twitter) account. &ldquo;Truly matchless! Andhra Pradesh&rsquo;s GI-tagged Araku coffee is empowering tribals and strengthening brand India globally,&rdquo; Goyal wrote.
&nbsp;
Araku Valley Arabica coffee is sourced from the hilly terrains of Visakhapatnam district in Andhra Pradesh, and the Odisha region is grown at elevations of 900-1100 metres above sea level.
&nbsp;
The coffee production by tribal communities follows an organic approach, emphasising practices such as the use of organic manures, green manuring, and organic pest management.
&nbsp;
Other types of Indian coffee with GI tags
&nbsp;
Coorg Arabica coffee is cultivated exclusively in the Kodagu district of Karnataka.
&nbsp;
Wayanaad Robusta coffee is grown specifically in the Wayanad district in the eastern&nbsp;part of Kerala.
&nbsp;
Chikmagalur Arabica coffee is produced in the Chikmagalur district, located in the Malnad region of Karnataka on the Deccan plateau.
&nbsp;
Bababudangiris Arabica coffee is grown in the birthplace of coffee in India, situated in the central part of Chikmagalur district. It is meticulously hand-picked and processed using natural fermentation, resulting in a full-bodied cup with acidity, mild flavour, and a prominent aroma with hints of chocolate.
Monsooned Malabar Robusta coffee, a distinctive specialty coffee from India, received GI certification earlier.
&nbsp;
Monsooned Malabar Robusta coffee, a distinctive specialty coffee from India, received GI certification earlier.
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
&nbsp;

Political slugfest surrounding Araku coffee

On Monday, Pakistan handed over to India a list of defence personnel who went missing during the wars of 1965 and 1971, in addition to exchanging lists of civilian prisoners and fishermen in each other's custody. This exchange took place through diplomatic channels in both New Delhi and Islamabad.
&nbsp;
Pakistan's Foreign Office announced that a list containing 38 missing Pakistani defence personnel, who are believed to be in Indian custody since the 1965 and 1971 wars, was provided to India.
&nbsp;
This exchange of information is part of a regular practice stipulated by the bilateral Agreement on Consular Access of 2008, which mandates such exchanges every year on January 1 and July 1.
&nbsp;
In the exchange, Pakistan provided a list of 254 individuals, either Indian or believed-to-be-Indian civilian prisoners and fishermen, currently held in Pakistani jails. Similarly, India handed over a list of 452 individuals, either Pakistani or believed-to-be-Pakistani civilian prisoners and fishermen, detained in Indian jails.
&nbsp;
The Foreign Office emphasised that the Pakistani government has called for the immediate release and repatriation of all Pakistani prisoners who have completed their sentences in India.
&nbsp;
Moreover, a request for special consular access to several believed-to-be-Pakistani prisoners, including those who are physically and mentally challenged, was made. Pakistan seeks expeditious confirmation of their national status to facilitate their return.
&nbsp;
Pakistan also urged India to ensure the safety, security, and well-being of all Pakistani or believed-to-be-Pakistani prisoners awaiting their release and repatriation.
&nbsp;
The Pakistani government has been actively working on this issue, resulting in the repatriation of 62 Pakistani prisoners in 2023 and four more in the current year.
&nbsp;
The exchange of these lists and the discussions surrounding the missing defense personnel highlight the ongoing humanitarian concerns between the two countries.
&nbsp;
It underscores the need for continued diplomatic efforts to resolve issues related to prisoners and missing persons, ensuring that those who have completed their sentences are returned to their homeland and that the well-being of detainees is maintained while they await their return.

India and Pakistan swap prisoner and soldier lists

An attack by Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), alleging its leaders are not Hindus as they engage in "violence and hate" drew massive protests from the treasury benches, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi accusing the Congress leader of calling the entire Hindu community violent.
 Gandhi responded, however, by saying he was speaking about the BJP and neither the ruling party nor the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) nor Modi represents the entire Hindu society.
&nbsp;
Besides Modi, who intervened twice, at least five cabinet ministers also interjected during Gandhi's speech that lasted for about an hour and 40 minutes, with Home Minister Amit Shah demanding his apology for painting the Hindu community as violent.
&nbsp;
"It is not just one religion that talks about courage. In fact, all our religions talk about courage," Gandhi said in his debut speech as the leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha that was watched by his mother Sonia Gandhi and sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra from the visitors' gallery.
&nbsp;
Gandhi quoted Prophet Mohammad to highlight that the Quran also talks about fearlessness and said when our hands are raised for "dua," the "abhay mudra" can also be observed in a way.
&nbsp;
Holding up pictures of Lord Shiva, Guru Nanak and Jesus Christ, he referred to Hinduism, Islam, Sikhism, Christianity, Buddhism and Jainism to underline the importance of fearlessness. He also cited the attributes of Lord Shiva and teachings of Guru Nanak, Jesus Christ, Buddha and Mahavir to state that all religions and great people of the country have said "daro mat, darao mat (do not be scared, do not scare others)".
&nbsp;
"Shivji says daro mat, darao mat, shows the abhay mudra (the right hand held upright with the palm facing outwards), talks about ahimsa, but those who call themselves Hindus indulge in hatred, violence and untruths round the clock," Gandhi said, pointing towards the BJP MPs.
&nbsp;
As the treasury-bench members stood up in protest, Gandhi slammed the BJP, saying, "Aap Hindu ho hi nahi (You are not Hindus). It is clearly written in Hinduism that one should stand with the truth and not back down from the truth or be scared of it," he said.
&nbsp;
Intervening during his speech, Modi said, "This issue is very serious. Calling the entire Hindu community violent is a serious issue."
&nbsp;
Gandhi said he is talking about the BJP and the ruling party is not the sole representative of Hinduism.
&nbsp;
Shah sought the Congress leader's apology to the House and the country for hurting the feelings of crores of people who take pride in identifying themselves as Hindus.
&nbsp;
He said the ruckus created by the opposition cannot drown the fact that the words -- "those who call themselves Hindus indulge in violence" -- were used in the House.
&nbsp;
Shah spoke of the Emergency and 1984 anti-Sikhs riots to hit back at Gandhi, saying he has no right to talk about non-violence when the Congress had spread "ideological terror" in the country.
&nbsp;
In a swipe at Gandhi for alleging that ministers do not greet him due to the fear of Modi, the prime minister said democracy and the Constitution have taught him to take the leader of opposition seriously.
&nbsp;
Gandhi accused the BJP of launching "systematic attacks" on the Constitution and the fundamental idea of India, noting that millions of people have resisted the ideas proposed by the ruling party.
&nbsp;
"I was attacked on the orders of Prime Minister Modi and the government. There were 20-plus cases (against me), a two-year jail sentence, (my) house was taken away, 55 hours of interrogation by the ED," he said.
&nbsp;
As Gandhi held up a picture of Lord Shiva, Speaker Om Birla reminded him that rules do not allow displaying placards in the House.
&nbsp;
The Congress leader also accused the BJP of threatening minorities and spreading hatred and violence against Muslims, Sikhs and Christians.
&nbsp;
He said minorities represent India in all spheres and bring pride to the nation. "They stand like a rock with the country and are patriots, but you (BJP) attack them," he said.
&nbsp;
Referring to the Agnipath scheme for short-term military recruitment, Gandhi said the government regards the Agniveers as "use-and-throw labourers" and does not even give them the status of a "shaheed" (martyr).
&nbsp;
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh intervened to rebut Gandhi's charge and said an Agniveer who lays down his life in the line of duty gets a compensation of Rs 1 crore.
&nbsp;
"This House is not for spreading lies. Rahul Gandhi should apologise to the House, to the country and to Agniveers," Shah said.
&nbsp;
Gandhi claimed that the armed forces know that Agnipath was Modi's brainchild, prompting Singh to accuse the leader of opposition of misleading the House.
&nbsp;
"If we come to power, we will scrap the Agnipath scheme as it is against jawans, the armed forces and deshbhakts (patriots)," Gandhi said.
&nbsp;
He also hit out at the Centre over the situation in Manipur, alleging that it has pushed the northeastern state into a civil war.
&nbsp;
The former Congress chief also slammed the government over farmers' issues, saying it did not want to give a legal guarantee on the minimum support price (MSP) for crops.
&nbsp;
Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan objected to Gandhi's remarks and accused him of "misleading" the House. Union ministers Kiren Rijiju and Bhupender Yadav also intervened at different points of Gandhi's speech.
&nbsp;
Later, Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, along with Rijiju and BJP leader Sudhanshu Trivedi, held a press conference to rebut Gandhi's allegations.
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Referring to a row involving medical entrance exam NEET, Gandhi said students do not believe in the exam because they feel that it is for the rich people and there is no place in it for meritorious students.
&nbsp;
Talking about his new role as the leader of opposition, Gandhi said his job is to represent all parties equally with love and affection.
&nbsp;
"So when Hemant Soren or (Arvind) Kejriwal goes to jail, I should be concerned. When you unleash enforcement agencies on them, we should defend them. When you are a constitutional person, your personal aspirations should take a back seat," he said.
&nbsp;
In his concluding remarks, Gandhi asked the ruling party not to spread fear or hatred in the minds of people.
&nbsp;
"Do not think of the opposition as your enemies. We are ready to discuss any issue that you bring before us. I congratulate you for winning 240 seats," he said.

Ruckus in Parliament after Rahul’s anti-BJP remarks

China has deployed its second aircraft carrier, 'Shandong,' to patrol waters off the Philippine coast as Manila intensifies its efforts to assert claims over a disputed shoal in the South China Sea, opposing Beijing's counterclaims.
&nbsp;
The Shandong, with a displacement of about 70,000 tonnes, was observed patrolling the waters as a deterrent against "continuous Philippine provocations" on Chinese islands and reefs, according to a report by the state-run Global Times on Monday.
&nbsp;
The deployment of Shandong comes amid heightened maritime territorial conflicts between China and the Philippines.
&nbsp;
Experts quoted by Chinese media suggest that the aircraft carrier is on a scheduled exercise that might also prepare it for potential long-distance voyages into the West Pacific.
&nbsp;
In response to rising tensions, the People's Liberation Army (PLA) has also deployed major surface combat ships, including large and medium destroyers, as well as main amphibious landing ships in the South China Sea.
&nbsp;
Ni Lexiong, a defence professor at Shanghai University of Political Science and Law, told the Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post that Shandong's presence aims to act as a deterrent to both Manila and Washington, highlighting "China's determination to protect territorial sea sovereignty" amid tensions over the Second Thomas Shoal.
&nbsp;
Chester Cabalza, president and founder of International Development and Security Cooperation, a Manila-based think-tank, described the carrier's patrol as "performative politics" by Beijing, warning that frequent such patrols might indicate a significant security threat.
&nbsp;
He added, "Once we see massive military force, that means Beijing is preparing for a war."
&nbsp;
Amid these tensions, a Chinese Coast Guard ship rescued two Philippine fishermen after their vessel suffered damage from an explosion near Huangyan Dao, also known as Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea.
&nbsp;
The Philippine side expressed gratitude for the humanitarian rescue conducted by the China Coast Guard, according to Global Times.
&nbsp;
The confrontation between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea has escalated to violence, with naval ships from both nations colliding last month.
&nbsp;
This marked the first such incident since Beijing issued new regulations to act against foreign vessels and detain foreigners suspected of violating its territorial waters.
&nbsp;
A few weeks ago, a collision occurred between a Philippine naval ship and a Chinese vessel near the Second Thomas Shoal, a region claimed by Manila.
&nbsp;
The incident further strained the already tense relations between the two countries, which have experienced numerous face-offs in recent months.
&nbsp;
The South China Sea is a heavily disputed region, with China claiming most of it, while the Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam, Brunei, and Taiwan also assert claims.
&nbsp;
The Philippines, backed by the United States, is vigorously asserting its claims based on a 2016 ruling by a tribunal under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which endorsed Manila's rights.
&nbsp;
China, which boycotted the tribunal proceedings, has rejected the ruling and continues to assert its claims fiercely. Last month, China enacted a new law empowering its coast guard to seize foreign ships illegally entering its territorial waters and detain foreign crews for up to 60 days.
&nbsp;
The law also authorises the coast guard to use force if necessary.
&nbsp;
In a show of support for Manila, the United States has deployed mid-range Typhon missile systems in the Philippines. Additionally, the Philippines has imported BrahMos missiles from India to bolster its defence capabilities.
&nbsp;
China currently operates two aircraft carriers: Liaoning, a refitted Soviet-era ship, and Shandong, an indigenously built carrier commissioned in 2019. China's third aircraft carrier, Fujian, which has a displacement of 80,000 tonnes, is currently undergoing trials.
&nbsp;
The Fujian is the first fully domestically developed and constructed aircraft carrier, equipped with an electromagnetic aircraft launch system (EMALS) similar to that of the American USS Gerald R. Ford.
&nbsp;
Unlike China's other two carriers, which have ski-jump take-off ramps, the Fujian features a flat-top flight deck. China uses its indigenously built J-15 aircraft for its carriers.

Manila

China’s Shandong carrier on Philippine coast raises eyebrows

July 1 has been observed as National Doctor&rsquo;s Day since 1991. However, the day&rsquo;s relevance is slightly more pertinent this time than the previous years.
 At the very onset of the day, the National Testing Agency (NTA) declared the result of the retest for the medical entrance exam NEET-UG 2024.
 The revised list was announced on Monday after a retest was conducted for candidates who were earlier awarded grace marks to compensate for loss of time as the exam on May 5 started late at six centres.
 NTA appears to be very tactical with the dates.
&nbsp;
It was June 4, when it first declared the results of the NEET-UG 2024&mdash; a day when the outcome of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections was declared. And the retest&rsquo;s results coincide with the National Doctor&rsquo;s Day.
&nbsp;
Is, the day &mdash; National Doctor&rsquo;s Day &mdash; selected for declaring the re-test results of the NEET examination a move to give justice to the students, amid allegations of irregularities?
 Alas, the events that followed regarding the irregularities in the NEET examination still continue to rock the nation. &nbsp; July 1&mdash; History and its Significance
 National Doctors Day is celebrated on July 1st (since 1991) in India to honour the birth and death anniversary of the renowned physician Dr Bidhan Chandra Roy.
 He was the former Chief Minister of West Bengal, who is remembered for his contributions to the medical field and his commitment to the welfare of the people.
 The theme chosen for National Doctor&rsquo;s Day in 2024 is &ldquo;Healing Hands, Caring Hearts.&rdquo;
 As far as the significance of the day is concerned, National Doctor's Day acknowledges the critical role doctors play in society. From providing routine medical care to responding to emergencies, doctors are the backbone of the healthcare system.&nbsp;
 The day is also considered an opportunity for the public to express gratitude to the medical community. This day encourages society to appreciate and support the medical profession and to advocate for better working conditions and resources for healthcare workers.
 Prime Minister Narendra Modi, too, extended his greetings on the occasion taking to platform X.
&nbsp;
&ldquo;Greetings on Doctors Day. This is a day to honour the incredible dedication and compassion of our healthcare heroes. They can navigate the most challenging complexities with remarkable skill. Our Government is fully committed to improving the health infrastructure in India and ensuring doctors get the widespread respect they deserve,&rdquo; PM Modi wrote.
 On the other hand, a day, which should be reserved for expressing gratitude to the entire medical fraternity, also saw discussion in the Parliament over the controversy surrounding the NEET exam.
 The tensions between the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the Congress-led INDIA bloc persisted on Monday in the Lok Sabha, with the INDIA walking out over its demand for a discussion on the ongoing NEET row.
 The Opposition, led by the Congress, pressed for a dedicated one-day debate on the issue of the NEET paper leak in the Lower House of Parliament. Conversely, the government aimed to continue the Motion of Thanks on the President&rsquo;s address to the Parliament.
 The Opposition demands a solution into the NEET issue, as LoP Rahul Gandhi stressed, &ldquo;We need to send a strong message from Parliament to the students that we prioritise the NEET issue&rdquo;.
 The PM, too, took to X to address how the healthcare heroes of the country have to navigate through &ldquo;challenging complexities&rdquo; to serve the nation.
 The manner in which students who work hard to succeed in the examination, which will enable them to live their dreams of becoming a doctor, have been failed with the reported irregularities is worrying. And they should be served justice.
 Mere addressing the issue and turning it into a political debate will not serve the problem.
 Although the Central Bureau of Investigation is conducting an investigation, punishment for those found guilty should act as a testament that will help avoid any such controversy around India&rsquo;s top-notch medical examination in future.

Tactical move to declare NEET retest result on Doctor's Day

In a recent crackdown, the Government Railway Police (GRP) in Agartala detained 39 Bangladeshi nationals and five Indian touts over the past month.
&nbsp;
The latest development saw 11 individuals, including children, apprehended on Monday at Agartala Railway Station.
&nbsp;
Tapas Das, Officer-in-Charge of Agartala GRP, disclosed that acting on a tip-off late Sunday night, they apprehended 11 suspects who confessed to entering India from Bangladesh without valid documents.
&nbsp;
They were arrested under the Indian Passport Act after initial interrogation.
&nbsp;
Among the detainees, six are women and five are minors, underscoring concerns over illegal immigration from Bangladesh into India.
&nbsp;
Over the past four days alone, 24 Bangladeshi nationals have been arrested at Agartala Railway Station.
&nbsp;
This follows an earlier incident on Saturday when 11 individuals were intercepted while attempting to board trains destined for Chennai, Delhi, Karnataka, Odisha, and Kolkata.
&nbsp;
The arrested individuals, aged between 19 and 36 years, include Md Sujan Rana, Azizul Shaik, Md Limon, Nargis Akhtar, Yousuf Ali, Sahidul Islam, Nipa Mandal, Akhe Begam, Omi Akhtar, Sajib Ali, and Asma Biswas.
&nbsp;
In a separate incident on Friday, two Bangladeshi women were apprehended at Agartala Railway Station for illegally entering Tripura with intentions to travel to Karnataka for employment.

Agartala GRP nab 22 illegal Bangladeshi immigrants in 3 days

India, except for some parts of the northeastern region, may experience above-normal rainfall in July as predicted by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Monday.&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Addressing a virtual press conference, IMD chief Mrutyunjay Mohapatra said July rainfall averaged over the country as a whole is most likely to be above normal - more than 106% of the long-period average of 28.04 cm.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
"Normal to above-normal rainfall is most likely over most parts of the country except many parts of northeast India and some parts of northwest, east, and southeast peninsular India," he said.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The Met office said maximum temperatures are likely to be normal to below normal over many parts of northwest India and south peninsular India, except the west coast.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
"Above-normal maximum temperatures are likely over many parts of central India, east and northeast India, and along the west coast," it said.
&nbsp;
The minimum temperatures are most likely to be above normal over many parts of the country except some parts of northwest and the adjoining areas of central India, and some pockets of southeastern peninsular India, he said.
&nbsp;
We are expecting good monsoon rains in July. Cloudy conditions generally result in higher minimum temperatures, Mohapatra said.
&nbsp;
Northwest India recorded its warmest June last month since 1901, with a mean temperature of 31.73 degrees Celsius, the IMD said on Monday.
&nbsp;
The monthly average maximum temperature in the region settled at 38.02 degrees Celsius, 1.96 degrees Celsius above normal. The average minimum temperature stood at 25.44 degrees Celsius, 1.35 degrees Celsius above normal, according to IMD data.
&nbsp;
Northwest India recorded a mean temperature of 31.73 degrees Celsius in June, 1.65 degrees Celsius above normal and the highest since 1901, the IMD chief said.

IMD predicts above-normal July rainfall for India

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma disclosed on Monday, July 1 that the flood situation in Assam has deteriorated overnight.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The Brahmaputra River is currently flowing above the danger mark at Neamatighat and Tezpur, with several other rivers also breaching danger levels in various areas.
&nbsp;
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heavy rainfall alert for districts including Nalbari, Karbi Anglong, Dima Hasao, and Tinsukia, predicting a critical situation in the next 3-4 days.
&nbsp;
The ongoing floods have affected 14 districts, 41 revenue circles, and 698 villages, impacting approximately 2.74 lakh people.
&nbsp;
The NHPC (National Hydroelectric Power Corporation) released 409 cubic metres of excess water, leading to the displacement of 21,000 people in North Lakhimpur. 
Prime Minister Narendra Modi contacted Chief Minister Sarma to discuss the escalating flood situation in Assam.
&nbsp;
The conversation focused on the state's second wave of floods this year, primarily triggered by heavy rainfall in Arunachal Pradesh and upper Assam.
&nbsp;
During the conversation, Sarma briefed the Prime Minister on the current flood conditions and outlined the relief measures initiated by the state government.
&nbsp;
The floods have disrupted normal life across numerous districts, posing significant challenges for residents and authorities alike.
&nbsp;
"I informed him about Assam experiencing a second wave of floods this year due to heavy rains in Arunachal Pradesh and parts of upper Assam. I also apprised him of the relief measures taken by the state government," Sarma tweeted.
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
"Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah called me and assured of all help to deal with the situation,&rdquo; Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma said.
&nbsp;
The NDRF and Army will be on standby to deal with any emergency, he said.
 
"All Ministers, MLAs and officials have been asked to closely monitor the situation,&rdquo; he added.
 Altogether 2,70,628 people in 14 districts, including Brahmaputra and Barak valleys, are reeling under the deluge, officials said.

Assam floods worsen, Brahmaputra above danger level

Himachal Pradesh Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla on Sunday stated that there are no differences between the state government and Raj Bhawan amid the controversy over the appointment of Palampur Agriculture University's vice chancellor.&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Governor Shukla's remarks followed a meeting with Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Friday, during which the Chief Minister clarified that the file regarding the appointment of the agriculture university's VC is with the government and attributed the issue to a "communication gap."&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Talking to reporters in Solan, Governor Shukla said that a minister had made a statement due to some misunderstanding which has been clarified by Chief Minister Sukhu.
&nbsp;
On June 27, Shukla took exception to the reported remarks by state Agriculture Minister Chander Kumar blaming the Raj Bhavan for the delay in the appointment of vice chancellor for the agriculture university in Palampur.
&nbsp;
Kumar had reportedly said that the file regarding the appointment of VC of Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya at Palampur was pending in Raj Bhavan.
&nbsp;
On Sunday, the governor said the file has actually reached the government around three months ago and at present it is with the law department.
The chief minister himself has said this, Shukla said.
&nbsp;
Asked about preparedness for the monsoon, the governor said that he held talks with CM Sukhu recently and the government was directed to take adequate measures so that any disaster, like last year's, does not take place.
&nbsp;
"I feel that the CM is working in this regard. I hope that this time preparations will be better," he added.

Shimla

No rift between state govt, Raj Bhawan: Himachal Guv

Medha Patkar, a renowned social activist, has been sentenced to five months of simple imprisonment by a Delhi court in a defamation case that has been ongoing for 24 years.
&nbsp;
The case was brought against her by VK Saxena, who is currently serving as the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi. In addition to the jail term, the court ordered Patkar to pay Rs 10 lakh in damages to Saxena.
&nbsp;
The legal conflict between Patkar and Saxena began in 2000, when she filed a suit against him for publishing advertisements that targeted her and the Narmada Bachao Andolan (NBA), a movement she has been associated with for decades.
&nbsp;
Saxena responded by filing two cases against Patkar, accusing her of making derogatory remarks about him on a television channel and issuing a defamatory statement.
&nbsp;
In May of this year, Patkar was convicted by the court of Metropolitan Magistrate Raghav Sharma. The court found that her statements against Saxena were not only defamatory but also intended to incite negative perceptions about him. The conviction marked a significant development in a protracted legal battle that had spanned nearly a quarter of a century.
&nbsp;
During the sentencing on Monday, the court took into account Patkar's age and health, opting for a term of simple imprisonment rather than rigorous imprisonment. At 69 years old, Patkar's health was a significant consideration in the court's decision.
&nbsp;
Despite the conviction and sentencing, Patkar has moved a bail plea before the court, which has resulted in the suspension of her jail term for 30 days pending the outcome of the bail plea.
&nbsp;
Patkar's legal troubles stem from her long-standing activism and the contentious nature of her work with the Narmada Bachao Andolan. The NBA has been a focal point of her efforts to address the displacement of people due to large dam projects on the Narmada River. Her activism has often placed her at odds with various authorities and stakeholders, leading to numerous legal and political challenges over the years.
&nbsp;
The defamation case highlights the ongoing tensions between activists and authorities in India. It also underscores the risks faced by individuals who challenge powerful interests in their pursuit of social justice.
&nbsp;
Patkar's conviction and sentencing are likely to have significant implications for her future activism and may influence the broader landscape of activism in India.
&nbsp;
As Patkar awaits the hearing of her bail plea, her supporters and critics alike are watching closely. The outcome of her bail plea will determine whether she will have to serve the five-month jail term or if she will be granted temporary relief.
&nbsp;
In the meantime, the case continues to be a poignant reminder of the complexities and challenges faced by those who dedicate their lives to social activism.

Medha Patkar jailed for 5 months in defamation case

With worsening flood condition in Assam, rising water levels have impacted more than 43 per cent of the 233 forest camps at Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve, an official report said on Monday.
&nbsp;
As a significant portion of wildlife habitat is now submerged, scores of animals have started crossing the National Highway 715 in search of higher ground towards the southern direction in East Karbi Anglong district.
&nbsp;
However, no death of animals has been reported as of now due to floods or accidents while crossing the highway.
&nbsp;
Floodwaters have submerged a total of 101 forest camps, of which six have been vacated, across Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve, according to a flood report.
&nbsp;
It said 35 camps in Agoratoli range, 21 in Kaziranga, 10 in Bagori, five in Burhapahar range and nine in Bokakhat are submerged.
&nbsp;
Besides, 21 forest camps in Biswanath Wildlife Division of the national park have been inundated, the report added.
&nbsp;
"Kaziranga National Park is well-prepared for the upcoming flood season with comprehensive measures in place to ensure the safety of wildlife, staff and visitors. Continuous monitoring and timely interventions will be prioritised to mitigate the impact of flooding," the report said.
&nbsp;
It said that herds of elephants have begun moving towards East Karbi Anglong through Hati Dandi corridor and animal sensors are in place to detect the movement.
&nbsp;
"Joint patrolling by commando action groups and forest teams is being conducted regularly. Additional staff from neighbouring divisions have been deployed to intensify patrolling. Joint patrolling in the fringe areas of the park is being carried out by Forest and Police Departments," the report said.
&nbsp;
The Kaziranga National Park (KNP) authority has set up a dedicated floodwater gauge station with support from the Central Water Commission, while rescue teams and veterinary care units are on standby for immediate deployment.
&nbsp;
"Boats, boatlines, barricades, raincoats, rescue materials and medicines have been procured and are already deployed. Country boats, speedboats and mechanised boats have been strategically deployed in key areas for swift response," the bulletin said.
&nbsp;
Meanwhile, the Golaghat district administration on Sunday evening issued prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the CrPC to safeguard the animals crossing the NH-715, which passes through KNP.
&nbsp;
Stating that the highway attracts huge traffic, Golaghat District Magistrate Vivek Shyam Pangyok said, "Plying of vehicles during active flood attracts unwarranted risk and a cause for imminent threat to wild animals."
&nbsp;
He said the animals use the corridors to temporarily migrate to the natural highland (hillocks) for shelter falling under Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council.
&nbsp;
Accordingly, a set of orders have been issued for traffic management along NH-715 passing through the KNP with effect from Monday.
&nbsp;
It said no commercial vehicle shall be allowed to move through Kaziranga National Park and only private ones will move at the regulated speed during the daytime.
&nbsp;
"Only local private vehicles will be allowed to cross KNP during night hours," it added.
&nbsp;
The order further mentioned various traffic diversion points for both commercial and private vehicles.
&nbsp;
The flood situation across the state continued to deteriorate with incessant rains inundating many districts, affecting lakhs of people.
&nbsp;
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday enquired about the prevailing flood situation in Assam and assured of all support to handle the crisis, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said.&nbsp;

Kaziranga National Park hit by Assam floods, 43% submerged

Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced on Monday that the newly implemented criminal laws in India mark the end of British-era legislation, transforming the criminal justice system into a completely 'Swadeshi' framework.
&nbsp;
He emphasised that these laws align with the spirit of the Indian Constitution and, upon full implementation, will be among the most modern legal systems globally.
&nbsp;
In his statement, Shah expressed pride in the transition to 'Swadeshi' laws, highlighting that it has taken 77 years since independence to achieve this milestone.
&nbsp;
He noted that the new laws, developed in the Indian Parliament, replace the colonial laws that had governed the country for decades. Shah remarked that the essence of these changes lies in their foundation on Indian values and ethos.
&nbsp;
The new criminal laws prioritise the rights and protections of various groups, particularly women and children. Shah explained that the focus has shifted from punishment ('Dand') to justice ('Nyay').
&nbsp;
The reformed laws aim to ensure speedy trials and timely justice, addressing the long-standing issue of delays in the judicial process. Unlike the old system that primarily protected the rights of the police, the new laws are designed to safeguard the rights of victims and complainants as well.
&nbsp;
The reformed legal framework includes significant changes: the Indian Penal Code (IPC) has been replaced by the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) by the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and the Indian Evidence Act by the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA).
&nbsp;
Shah underscored that the restructuring of these laws prioritises sections and chapters that protect women and children, reflecting the urgent need for such reforms.
&nbsp;
Addressing concerns about the legislative process, Shah dismissed accusations that the laws were passed without sufficient parliamentary debate. He asserted that these laws have undergone extensive discussion, more so than any other law in India's history.
&nbsp;
Shah also mentioned the first case registered under the new laws, which occurred in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh. The case involved a motorcycle theft and was registered at 12:10 am, symbolising the immediate application and enforcement of the new legal framework.
&nbsp;
Amit Shah's announcement marks a significant shift in India's criminal justice system, emphasising justice, speed, and the protection of victims' rights. The transition to 'Swadeshi' laws represents a monumental step towards aligning India's legal system with its constitutional values and societal needs.

Amit Shah hails new era of Swadeshi criminal laws

'Orange alert' has been issued in Punjab, and Haryana amid heavy rainfall prediction by the India Meteorological Department from June 30 to July 2. An alert has also been issued for thunderstorms, lightning, moderate rain, and wind speeds of 30 to 40 kmph across multiple areas.
&nbsp;
Eleven districts in Punjab and Chandigarh are expected to experience rain and strong winds - Mansa, Sangrur, Barnala, Patiala, Fatehgarh Sahib, S A S Nagar, Bathinda, Sri Muktsar Sahib, Faridkot, Ludhiana. 
&nbsp;
Light thunderstorms with wind speeds of 30-40 kmph, accompanied by lightning, are expected in various areas including - Nuh, Palwal, Taoru, Ballabgarh, Sohna, Gurugram, Charkhi Dadri, Bhiwani, Rewari, Pataudi, Kosli, Matanhale, Jhajjar, Bahadurgarh, Berikhas, Rohtak, Bawani Khera, Hansi, Narnaund, Nathusari Chopta, Ellenabad, Fatehabad, Rania, Faridabad, Bapouli, Gharaunda, Karnal, Meham, Gohana, Julana, Israna, Safidon, Jind, Panipat, Asandh, Kaithal, Narwana, Sirsa, Tohana, Kalayat, Ratia, Dabwali, Thanesar, Guhla, Pehowa, Shahabad, Ambala, Kalka, Narayangarh, and Panchkula.
&nbsp;
Though, pre-monsoon rains and strong winds in North India have brought relief from the heat.&nbsp;

Orange alert for Punjab, Haryana; thunderstorms predicted

In a pointed critique, BJP lawmaker Anurag Thakur aimed at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's transition into the role of Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, suggesting Gandhi had previously enjoyed "power without responsibility."
&nbsp;
Thakur, initiating discussions on the motion of thanks on the President's address to Parliament, highlighted Gandhi's new position and its accompanying responsibilities.
&nbsp;
"For many years, Gandhi was enjoying power without responsibility... now he has power with responsibility," Thakur remarked.
&nbsp;
Addressing the challenges ahead for Gandhi, Thakur questioned his commitment to parliamentary duties, quipping, "Will he sit in Lok Sabha all day? He is not here now."
&nbsp;
Thakur proceeded to enumerate the achievements of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government over the past decade, highlighting India's economic growth and the absence of corruption charges against Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration.
&nbsp;
He also criticised the opposition's response during recent parliamentary sessions, including the walkout following disagreements over discussing the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (Undergraduate) paper leak.
&nbsp;
"India, once a fragile economy, has become the world's fifth-largest and fastest-growing economy," Thakur asserted, contrasting this with alleged economic failures and corruption scandals during Congress rule.
&nbsp;
Turning to internal Congress matters, Thakur scrutinised the party's decisions and personnel, including comments on Rahul Gandhi's leadership claims and the role of individuals like Sam Pitroda within the party.
&nbsp;
Anurag Thakur mocked the Congress for its 99 seats in the Lok Sabha, contrasting them unfavourably with BJP's 240.
&nbsp;
"They're feeling the pain. After three tries, they couldn't even hit 100," he remarked.
&nbsp;
Thakur also criticised Congress over alleged remarks by Sam Pitroda, describing him as "someone's uncle, friend, philosopher, and guide."
&nbsp;
He questioned Rahul Gandhi's decision to reintegrate Pitroda into the party, citing alignment between Pitroda's statements and Congress' ideology.
&nbsp;
Further, Thakur took aim at Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's situation, quipping, "I've heard of work from home, but never of work from jail."

'Enjoying power without responsibility,' Thakur slams RaGa

Director Nag Ashwin's 3D science fiction extravaganza "Kalki 2898 AD" raked in a whopping Rs 555 crore globally during its debut weekend, the production team revealed on Monday.
&nbsp;
Made with an estimated budget of Rs 600 crore, this multilingual film boasts a stellar ensemble cast that includes Prabhas, Deepika Padukone, Amitabh Bachchan, and Kamal Haasan.
&nbsp;
Initially named "Project K", "Kalki 2898 AD" is described as an amalgamation of the Hindu epic Mahabharata and futuristic elements and is produced by Vyjayanthi Movies.
&nbsp;
Vyjayanthi Movies shared the latest box office figures on its official X page, with the caption: "555 CRORES &amp; counting&hellip; "The BIGGEST FORCES are dominating the GLOBAL BOX OFFICE, show no signs of slowing down #Kalki2898AD #EpicBlockbusterKalki @SrBachchan @ikamalhaasan #Prabhas @deepikapadukone @nagashwin7 @DishPatani @Music_Santhosh @VyjayanthiFilms @Kalki2898AD @saregamaglobal @saregamasouth." The film had a global release on Thursday in six languages: Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada, Hindi and English.
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Please remember the following information: During its opening weekend in India, the Hindi version of "Kalki 2898 AD" achieved a net box office collection of over Rs 115 crore, as stated in a separate announcement.
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As per Prathyangira Cinemas, the distributor of the movie in the US, "Kalki 2898 AD" set a new record for the highest first weekend earnings for any Indian film in North America, with a total of USD 10.5 million.
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The film features Disha Patani, Saswata Chatterjee, and Shobhana, and it is said to be the most expensive movie ever made in Indian cinema history.

'Kalki 2898 AD crosses Rs 500 crore-mark at globally

Bharatiya Janata Party women MLAs in West Bengal on Monday staged a protest on the Assembly premises over the assault on a couple in North Dinajpur and the alleged stripping and torture of a woman in Cooch Behar, party&rsquo;s chief whip Sankar Ghosh said.
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The BJP has called for West Bengal &nbsp;Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's resignation on July 1 over a &ldquo;severe deterioration&rdquo; in the State&rsquo;s law and order after a video of a man flogging a couple in public in the State surfaced on social media.
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In the North Dinajpur incident, Tajimul Islam, better known as &lsquo;JCB&rsquo; among the locals, was arrested on Sunday for publicly whipping a man and a woman after a video of the incident surfaced on social media.
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According to residents, he is a local TMC leader and he himself claims to be a powerful person. However, TMC leaders claimed that Tajimul holds no position in the party.
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Police have registered a case based on the video of the incident happened on June 28 and managed to arrest Tajimul of Dighalgaon village in Lakhipur gram panchayat under the Uttar Dinajur district five days after the incident took place
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According to the local political leaders of opposition parties, the accused is a Trinamool Congress (TMC) supporter and allegedly organises kangaroo courts in disputes of all kinds, ranging from property to extramarital affairs. Besides the physical assaults, he also imposes fines, they say.
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&ldquo;He is a TMC worker and close to the local MLA. He is called JCB because he demolished his opposition. Such is his terror among the common people his way of justice came to the light this time because of the video. Other such courts he had held went unreported,&rdquo; said Surajit Das .The victim man and woman and their families (in the present incident) are too scared to lodge a police complaint,&rdquo; said Sen.
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&ldquo;The entire Lakkhipur panchayat area is under his and his team&rsquo;s control. He continues to rule the area through his political backing,&rdquo; said Anarul Haq, CPM&rsquo;s district president.
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Trinamool MLA of Chopra Hamidul Islam said: &ldquo;Police have taken action and we have condemned the incident.&rdquo;
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&ldquo;Police promptly identified and arrested one person who had publicly assaulted a lady,&rdquo; read a post from West Bengal Police on X. Islampur SP Joby Thomas K said, &ldquo;The accused has been booked under relevant sections (of assault) and will be produced in a court tomorrow.&rdquo;
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Woman assaulted in Cooch Behar
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The police on Sunday recorded the statement of a woman BJP worker, five days after she was assaulted allegedly by Trinamool Congress women activists. BJP&rsquo;s Cooch Behar District Vice President Deepa Chakraborty and District General Secretary Biraj Bose accompanied the party worker to a women police station where her statement was recorded.
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The development comes a day after BJP MLA Agnimitra Paul met the injured party worker and demanded a CBI probe into the matter. Paul also accused the police of delaying the process of recording the victim&rsquo;s statement.
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Meanwhile, member of National Commission for Women (NCW) Delina Khondup also met the victim on Sunday. She also met district police officers to learn the details of the investigation.
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The NCW has already directed the state police to invoke relevant provisions of the Indian Penal Code in the FIR filed in the case.
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According to the complaint filed by the woman at the Ghoksadanga police station in Cooch Behar district&rsquo;s Mathabhanga, she was surrounded by some women activists of the ruling Trinamool Congress on June 25. She alleged that she was stripped, beaten up and dragged for nearly a kilometre.
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The police have arrested seven people in connection with the incident. &ldquo;Out of the 10 accused, seven have been arrested. Search is on to arrest the three others. Today, the victim recorded her statement. Investigation is on,&rdquo; said a senior police officer of Cooch Behar district.
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However, earlier, Cooch Behar district police said in a press release that the incident happened because of a grudge within the woman&rsquo;s family. &ldquo;It has come to our attention that false rumours are being spread regarding an incident involving a Muslim woman in Cooch Behar, West Bengal. It is being falsely reported that the woman was stripped and beaten for supporting a political party. This misinformation is being used to give communal and political colours to a family dispute for vested interests,&rdquo; it said.
Police even claimed that the victim&rsquo;s mother and son had provided video statements saying the incident was &ldquo;purely over a family fight among women over grass cutting,&rdquo; and that no men were involved.
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