News Arena Network

Ansh Mavani

After a disappointing performance in the recent Assembly and Lok Sabha elections, Biju Janata Dal (BJD) President Naveen Patnaik has announced a major organisational restructuring of the party. This move is aimed at addressing the reasons behind the electoral setbacks and revitalising the party's structure.
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As part of this restructuring, several new appointments have been made within the BJD. Fourteen leaders, including Prasanna Acharya, Pramila Mallik, Debi Prasad Mishra, Pratap Keshari Deb, Arun Kumar Sahoo, Captain Dibya Shankar Mishra, Devi Ranjan Tripathy, Shrimayee Sweta Snigdha Mishra, Lekhashree Samantsinghar, Sudam Marndi, Sulata Deo, Ramesh Chandra Majhi, Bhrugu Baxipatra, and Lenin Mohanty, have been appointed as state-level spokespersons.
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At the national level, Santrupt Misra, Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo, Amar Patnaik, Sasmit Patra, and Pradeep Kumar Majhi have been named as spokespersons for the BJD. Santrupt Misra has also been appointed as the political secretary to Naveen Patnaik.
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In addition to these appointments, Pratap Jena has been named the Senior State Media Coordinator, Swayam Prakash as the Social Media Coordinator, and Lenin Mohanty and Priyabrata Majhi as Media Coordinators. Sukant Kumar Panda has been appointed as the Public Relations Officer to the Leader of the Opposition and BJP President Naveen Patnaik.
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The party has dissolved its state-level office bearers, with new appointments expected soon. However, district-level BJD office bearers will continue in their positions for the time being.
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The recent elections saw a significant setback for the BJD. In the 18th Lok Sabha elections, the party failed to secure any of the 21 seats, while the BJP won 20 seats and the Congress managed to win one seat. In the state assembly elections, the BJD won 51 out of 147 seats, while the BJP secured a majority by winning 78 seats.
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This election result marks a significant change in Odisha's political landscape. The BJD, which has ruled the state since 1997, lost to the BJP, ending Naveen Patnaik's 24-year tenure as Chief Minister.
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Following the party&rsquo;s electoral loss, VK Pandian, a former bureaucrat and close aide to the ex-chief minister, has decided to step back from active politics. This move signifies a potential shift in the party's strategy and leadership dynamics as it looks to rebuild and regain its foothold in the state's political arena.

Bhubaneswar

Naveen Patnaik orders BJD reshuffle post-poll defeat

After Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena directed a temporary halt on the transfer of 5,000 teachers, Delhi Education Minister Atishi expressed strong opposition to any attempts to disrupt Delhi's education system. Her comments followed Saxena's decision to pause the transfer orders as an interim measure.
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Atishi criticised the transfers, which took place overnight on July 2, alleging they were orchestrated by the BJP through the Lieutenant Governor. She emphasised that these teachers played a crucial role in transforming Delhi's government schools over the past decade alongside Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.
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According to Atishi, the dedication of these teachers has elevated the city's public schools to a standard surpassing private institutions.&nbsp;Atishi welcomed Saxena's decision to halt the transfers, stating that her party will continue to defend the rights of teachers and ensure the quality of education for Delhi's children.
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She reaffirmed the commitment of Kejriwal's government to protecting the interests of the schools and opposing any future attempts to undermine Delhi's educational progress.
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Ajay Veer Yadav, General Secretary of the Government Schools Teachers Association of India, met with LG Saxena regarding the transfer orders. Following the meeting, Yadav reported that Saxena assured the formation of a committee to review the transfer policy, providing significant relief to the teachers.
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Raj Niwas Delhi, managed by the Delhi LG Secretariat, announced on its official X handle that Saxena had received numerous representations from various government school teachers' associations and had met with their delegation. The post highlighted Saxena's ongoing efforts to improve service conditions for government employees to enhance their performance.
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Saxena advised the Chief Secretary and the Directorate of Education to take a sympathetic, holistic, and fair view of the recent transfer orders. He suggested that the orders be kept in abeyance for the time being.
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Previously, on July 4, Atishi wrote to Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar, directing the immediate withdrawal of the transfer orders issued on July 2. She also called for a halt to any further compulsory transfers of teachers who had completed ten years at a particular school.
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According to Atishi, Clause 16 of the transfer circular mandated that teachers who had served more than ten years in the same school apply for transfers. Failure to comply would result in their reassignment to other schools by the Directorate of Education (DoE). This clause led to nearly 5,000 teachers being transferred, despite their significant contributions to the city's education system.
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Atishi also demanded disciplinary proceedings against officers who defied her directive issued on July 1, 2024, regarding the compulsory transfers. She called for a vigilance inquiry into any corruption or malpractice related to the teachers' transfer process.

New Delhi

Atishi rues LG decision to pause teacher transfers

Shweta Sengar

A bus from Haryana Roadways flipped over in Pinjore on Monday, resulting in injuries to several school children, as reported by the police.
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The precise count of injured children in the incident near a mountainous region was not immediately apparent.
&lt;&gt;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Around 40 school students injured after a bus overturns near Pinjore in Haryana; Injured students admitted to govt hospital in Pinjore Visuals from Govt hospital, Pinjore <a href="https://t.co/zI5rEUI2mS">pic.twitter.com/zI5rEUI2mS</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1810167665551438078?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 8, 2024</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;"Some school children are among those injured in the accident involving a Haryana Roadways bus," a police official from Kalka said over the phone.
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When asked how many school children were injured in the accident, the official said, "we are gathering full details".
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Some of the injured children have been rushed to a hospital, police said.&nbsp;

Chandigarh

Bus overturns in Pinjore, school children injured

A spokesperson stated that in Assam's renowned Kaziranga National Park, a total of 129 wild animals have perished due to the severe flood as of Sunday.
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By Saturday, the devastating flood, which has affected the entire Northeastern state, had claimed the lives of 114 animals.
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Among the deceased creatures are six rhinoceroses, 100 hog deer, two sambar, and an otter. Drowning was cited as the primary cause of death, while two animals perished in collisions with vehicles while migrating to higher ground, according to the spokesperson.
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The animals use a section of the NH-715 to traverse the hills of Karbi Anglong.
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The spokesperson reported that twenty of these animals passed away during treatment.
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To date, 96 animals have been rescued, including 84 hog deer, two each of rhino, sambar, and scops owl, as well as one each of swamp deer, hare, rhesus macaque, otter, elephant, and jungle cat.
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The official said that 26 animals are currently under medical care, while 50 others have been released after treatment.
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The park is experiencing the worst inundation in recent years. The last such devastation happened in 2017, when 350 animals died.
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The official said that of the 233 camps in the Eastern Assam Wildlife Division, 68 were inundated by Friday evening.
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The camps inside the national park are where forest personnel reside for patrolling and other related tasks in order to safeguard the plants and animals.
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At the same time, restrictions on vehicular movement along NH-715 have been enforced under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), with vehicles limited to speeds of 20-40 km per hour.
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Guwahati

129 animals die in flood at Kaziranga National Park

Violence erupted across France following an exit poll suggesting a left-wing coalition&rsquo;s lead in the snap election. This unexpected outcome dealt a significant blow to Marine Le Pen&rsquo;s ambitions of forming France&rsquo;s first hard-right government since World War II.
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Masked demonstrators took to the streets, igniting flares and causing disturbances. Riot police were dispatched nationwide to manage the chaos. The French election night turned turbulent as results showed a left-wing coalition poised to claim the majority of parliamentary seats. This prompted both celebrations and unrest in Paris.
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Prime Minister Gabriel Attal announced his resignation as a far-left political alliance unexpectedly surged ahead in the snap elections. Thousands gathered at Paris&rsquo;s Place de la Republique to cheer the news, highlighting widespread support for the coalition over Prime Minister Emmanuel Macron&rsquo;s centrist bloc, which secured second place. Conservatives were left reeling by the upset, having anticipated Marine Le Pen&rsquo;s National Rally to seize power.
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Social media footage captured fiery scenes in Parisian streets. Authorities in riot gear managed crowds as tear gas was deployed amid clashes. Protesters reportedly threw Molotov cocktails and set off smoke bombs.
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The victorious left-wing coalition, known as the Popular Front, comprises France&rsquo;s Socialist Party, the French Communist Party, the Ecologists, and France Unbowed.
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Their platform includes overturning Macron&rsquo;s pension reforms, advocating for a retirement age of 60, raising public sector wages, reinstating a wealth tax, and increasing France&rsquo;s minimum wage.
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The election results marked a significant shift in French politics, with the National Rally, led by Jordan Bardella, claiming substantial gains despite initial high expectations.
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Bardella criticised Macron for purportedly &ldquo;pushing France into uncertainty and instability&rdquo; and expressed disappointment at falling short of projected outcomes despite an increase in parliamentary seats.
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President Emmanuel Macron will wait to make decisions about a new government, according to a statement from Elysee Palace, following the announcement of preliminary results from the second round of parliamentary elections.
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In Paris, the announcement that the left-wing Popular Front was projected to surpass the National Rally sparked jubilation among supporters. The result marked a turnaround from the National Rally&rsquo;s initial lead after the first round of elections. Parisians took to the streets, holding signs and cheering as the outcome was confirmed at 8 pm local time.
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Amidst the celebrations, expressions of relief were evident as flares were lit and chants of &ldquo;everyone hates fascists&rdquo; echoed through the streets. Initial projections were released at 8 PM Paris time, with official results anticipated to be announced between late Sunday and Monday.

Paris

Violence erupts in France amid Left-wing election Lead

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming visit to Austria will mark the first time an Indian Prime Minister has visited the country in 41 years. The last visit was by Indira Gandhi in 1983.
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Modi's official visit is scheduled for July 9-10 and coincides with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Austria.
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Jawaharlal Nehru visited Austria in 1955, marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1949.
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"India and Austria have had a regular exchange of visits including at the level of leaders, ministers and parliamentarians highlighting the importance that both countries accord to further strengthening their relations," according to a profile of India-Austria bilateral relations put up on the Ministry of External Affairs website.
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It also shares the history of PM-level and President-level visits from India to Austria.
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It said that then-prime minister Indira Gandhi visited Austria in 1971, which was followed by the visit of then-Austrian chancellor Bruno Kreisky in 1980. Gandhi's visit in 1983 was followed by the visit of then-chancellor Fred Sinowatz in 1984.
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Gandhi was in Vienna from June 16-18 during her 1983 visit, and people familiar with the matter said,
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While India has not had prime ministerial visits since Indira Gandhi's visit, there have been President-level visits.
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According to the profile on the MEA website, President KR Narayanan visited Austria in 1999, then President Heinz Fischer in 2005, Austrian Vice Chancellor Josef Proll in 2010, and President Pratibha Devisingh Patil in 2011.
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Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra briefed the media on Friday about Prime Minister Modi's upcoming tour to Russia and Austria from July 8 to 10.
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The official visit to Moscow by the prime minister is scheduled for July 8-9, following an invitation from Russian President Vladimir Putin for the 22nd India-Russia Annual Summit.
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The second part of the trip involves Modi's visit to Austria on July 9-10, which is being arranged at the invitation of the Chancellor of Austria.
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"This will be Prime Minister Narendra Modi's first visit to Austria. Prime Minister had met then Austrian Chancellor, who's now the Foreign Minister, His Excellency Schallenberg, in October 2021 on the sidelines of COP26 in Glasgow.
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"The last prime ministerial visit from India to Austria took place more than 40 years ago," the foreign secretary said.
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During his visit, Modi will call on the President of Austria and "hold restricted delegation-level talks as also a high-level business engagement in Austria", in addition to interacting with the Indian community in Vienna.
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Kwatra said Austria offers "excellent opportunities" for bilateral cooperation in infrastructure, renewable energy, high-tech areas, start-up sectors, media, and entertainment.
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External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar visited Austria from December 31, 2022, to January 3, 2023.
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During the trip, he had meetings with Austrian Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen, Chancellor Karl Nehammer, and President of the National Council Wolfgang Sobotka.
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He engaged in talks with the Austrian Foreign Minister, Alexander Schallenberg, along with a delegation.
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Additionally, five agreements were signed during the visit, as mentioned in the bilateral relations profile dated June 2023.
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During Austrian Foreign Minister Schallenberg's visit to India in 2022, both ministers had discussed the "entire gamut of bilateral relations, including political, economic, commercial and consular ties".
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Before his trip to Austria, Prime Minister Modi stated on Sunday that the common principles of democracy, freedom, and the rule of law are the foundation for the two nations to establish a stronger partnership.
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Modi's remark came a day after Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer posted on 'X', "I very much look forward to welcoming Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of India, the world's largest democracy, next week in Vienna." "This visit is a special honour as it marks the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister in over 40 years and a significant milestone as we celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations with India," he said.
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"We will have the opportunity to talk about further deepening our bilateral relationship and closer cooperation on the many geopolitical challenges," the Austrian chancellor said.
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Responding to Nehammer, Modi said, "Thank you, Chancellor Karl Nehammer. It is indeed an honour to visit Austria to mark this historic occasion.
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"I look forward to our discussions on strengthening the bonds between our nations and exploring new avenues of cooperation." Austria is known for its rich cultural and architectural heritage with Vienna renowned for its legacy of orchestral music and legendary composers.
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"The visit of India's philosopher-poet and Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore twice to Vienna -- in 1921 and 1926 -- was one of the crucial bridges of cultural and intellectual exchange between India and Austria," the MEA website said.

Austria hosted Nehru in 1955, Indira Gandhi in 1983

Last month, millions of people on five continents experienced extreme heat, and on Monday, the European Union's (EU) climate agency, Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S), verified that June was the hottest on record.
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This also indicated that global temperatures had been 1.5 degrees Celsius above the pre-industrial average for 12 consecutive months.
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C3S scientists stated that every month since June of the previous year had been the warmest on record.
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In January, the world marked an entire year with the mean surface air temperature surpassing the 1.5-degree Celsius threshold. Additionally, June was the 12th consecutive month with monthly average temperatures above those of the 1850-1900 pre-industrial era.
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During the 2015 UN climate talks in Paris, world leaders pledged to restrict the global average temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius above the pre-industrial period to mitigate the worst effects of climate change. However, a continual breach of the 1.5-degree Celsius limit outlined in the Paris Agreement pertains to sustained warming over a 20 or 30-year period.
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The global surface temperature of the Earth has risen by approximately 1.2 degrees Celsius compared to the average in 1850-1900, due to the increasing concentration of greenhouse gases, mainly carbon dioxide and methane, in the atmosphere. This increase in temperature is believed to be the cause of extreme droughts, wildfires, and floods across the globe.
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New data indicates that June 2024 experienced the highest temperatures on record, with an average surface air temperature of 16.66 degrees Celsius. This was 0.67 degrees Celsius higher than the average for the month of June during the period from 1991 to 2020, and 0.14 degrees Celsius higher than the previous record set in June 2023.
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"The month was 1.5 degrees Celsius above the estimated June average for 1850-1900, the designated pre-industrial reference period, making it the 12th consecutive month to reach or break the 1.5-degree threshold," C3S said in a statement.
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It also marked the 13th straight month of setting record-high temperatures, which was due to both the 2023-24 El Nino event and human-induced climate change. While uncommon, a comparable series of consecutive monthly global temperature records occurred back in 2015-16.
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"This is more than a statistical oddity and highlights a large and continuing shift in our climate. Even if this specific streak of extremes ends at some point, we are bound to see new records being broken as the climate continues to warm. This is inevitable, unless we stop adding greenhouse gases into the atmosphere and the oceans," said Carlo Buontempo, the director of C3S.
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The global average temperature for the most recent 12 months (July 2023-June 2024) has been confirmed as the highest on record by the European climate agency, with a rise of 0.76 degrees Celsius above the 1991-2020 average and 1.64 degrees Celsius above the 1850-1900 pre-industrial average.
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In June, the world's sea surface also reached its highest recorded temperature for the month.
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June saw several countries grappling with unprecedented heatwaves, as well as devastating floods and storms.
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According to an analysis from Climate Central, a group of independent scientists and communicators based in the United States, over 60% of the global population experienced extreme heat during June 16-24, and climate change makes it at least three times more likely.
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According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), northwest India experienced its highest June temperatures since 1901.
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India, which endured one of its most scorching and prolonged heatwaves, documented over 40,000 suspected cases of heatstroke and more than 100 heat-related fatalities. The extreme heat strained the water supply and electricity grids, leading to a severe water shortage in Delhi.
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According to the IMD, 11 states experienced 20 to 38 days of heatwaves&mdash;up to four times the typical number of such days&mdash;from April to June. The temperature soared above 50 degrees Celsius in some parts of Rajasthan, and nighttime temperatures remained around 35 degrees Celsius in numerous areas.

June warmest ever, global temps exceed 1.5°C

In a bid to rejuvenate the forests of Udhampur, the Forest Division has come up with a plan to plant 1.1 lakh saplings of diverse species.
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Officials reported that these saplings have been cultivated in the nurseries of the Udhampur Forest Division on Sunday.
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Approximately six nurseries are dedicated to growing these saplings, with the Central Nursery of the Jammu and Kashmir Forest Department and the Udhampur Range Mand standing out.
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Officials noted that forest department personnel cultivate various saplings, which are subsequently planted in the forests of the Udhampur Division.
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This effort is vital given the recent wave of forest fires in Udhampur, which have devastated many trees, according to forest officials.
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Subsequently, the Forest Department has targeted these fire-damaged areas for a plantation drive to restore their greenery.
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Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Navneet Singh detailed the department&rsquo;s nursery network and planting strategies.
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&nbsp;He said, &ldquo;The Udhampur Forest Division&rsquo;s six nurseries collectively produce 5 lakh saplings, with more than 3 lakh currently available.&rdquo;
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Singh elaborated that 1.1 lakh saplings will be planted in Udhampur&rsquo;s forests during this phase, while an extra 20,000 saplings will be utilised in planting initiatives conducted in partnership with schools, colleges, the Army, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and the police.
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He acknowledged the significant challenges faced this year due to drought and subsequent forest fires but expressed hope that recent rainfall will aid planting efforts.
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Singh pointed out that &ldquo;the department is dedicated to mitigating the damage caused by forest fires, and I am confident that the upcoming plantation drive will not only restore lost greenery but also exceed previous efforts to revitalise Udhampur&rsquo;s forests.&rdquo;

Jammu

Udhampur to restore forests with 1.1 lakh tree saplings

The Directorate of Health Services Kashmir has introduced a "pony ambulance" service to provide critical healthcare to Amarnath pilgrims during their journey.
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Launched by Dr. Mushtaq Ahmad Rather, Director of Health Services Kashmir, under the guidance of Dr. Syed Abid Rashid Shah, Secretary of Health and Medical Education, the service has been well-received by the pilgrims.
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The pony ambulance is a horse-mounted unit equipped with medical supplies and oxygen cylinders. It accompanies pilgrims on the Baltal and Pahalgam routes and offers a swift medical response to any health issues.
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Trained personnel operate the Pony Ambulance, significantly reducing morbidity and mortality rates among pilgrims.
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Dr Syed Abid Rashid Shah praised the initiative, stating, "We are committed to ensuring the well-being of Shri Amarnath Ji Yatris.
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&ldquo;The Pony Ambulance service has boosted pilgrims&rsquo; confidence and comfort during the Yatra."
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This innovative service highlights the health department&rsquo;s dedication to providing quality healthcare in challenging terrains.
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The pony ambulance has set a new standard for emergency response in remote areas, showcasing Kashmir&rsquo;s healthcare innovation.
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Health officials report that the service has received positive feedback from both pilgrims and locals, becoming an essential part of the pilgrimage experience by providing timely access to healthcare.

Srinagar

J&K launches pony ambulance for Amarnath pilgrims

According to several news reports, at least five Democratic lawmakers spoke out on Sunday, suggesting President Joe Biden withdraw from the upcoming US presidential election on November 5.
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During a Democratic Party phone call convened to discuss Biden's poor debate performance against his Republican rival, Donald Trump, in Atlanta on June 27, Jerry Nadler, Mark Takano, Joe Morelle, Ted Lieu, and Adam Smith all shared their opinion on this matter.
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Biden himself has described his performance as "a bad night". The level of support for him has decreased, and members of his own party have begun to question his health and ability to lead the country for the next four years. Biden has stated that he plans to continue in the race and has expressed confidence in his ability to win the election against Trump in November.
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House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries organized an online meeting of his party colleagues in the House of Representatives to explore the changing political landscape following the June 27 presidential debate between Biden and Trump.
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The virtual meeting was billed as a "listening session" to get input from members about the viability of Biden's candidacy, "The New York Times reported. The paper added that it was clear before the call that many top Democrats felt strongly that Biden had to go.
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Congressman Smith, who holds the highest position on the Armed Services Committee, expressed the opinion, based on information from two sources, that Biden should step down, as reported by the daily. The four additional members of Congress shared this sentiment and agreed that it was appropriate for Biden to withdraw from the race.
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"Lieu was the highest-ranking person in the House Democratic leadership to support pressing for Biden to not seek reelection," "The Washington Post" reported.
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"The developments opened a wide crack in Biden's wall of support, bringing the number of House Democrats publicly or privately saying he should step aside to about 10. They included the top Democrats on the Judiciary, Armed Services and Intelligence committees. The defections cast further doubts on Biden's path forward, even as he largely controls his own fate thanks to sweeping the Democratic presidential primaries," "The Wall Street Journal" reported.
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Meanwhile, Biden and his team appeared defiant to such a call and asserted that he is in the race. Biden himself has exuded confidence that he would defeat Trump in November.
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Biden was in Pennsylvania on Sunday, addressing rallies and meeting people in the key battleground state.&nbsp;

Washington D.C.

Five Democrats call for Biden to withdraw from race

A bridge got swept away, and 54 people were saved after their homes were flooded by heavy rains in Maharashtra's Thane district in the past 24 hours, officials reported on Monday.
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According to a statement from the district administration, the intense rainfall on Sunday damaged around 275 houses in various areas and carried away about 20 vehicles.
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The district received 65 mm of rainfall on Sunday.
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Thane city recorded 120.87 mm of rain in the 24-hour period ending at 6.30 am on Monday, according to Yasin Tadvi, the head of the local civic body's disaster management cell.
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He mentioned that the city received 45.98 mm of rain within just one hour, between 3.30 am and 4.30 am on Monday.
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The city has received 858.87 mm of rainfall since June 1, compared to 917.90 mm during the same period last year, he added.
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Shahapur taluka, located in Thane district, experienced significant damage, particularly with a bridge on the Asangaon-Mahuri road being washed away and the Barangi river in the Gujrati Baug area being flooded, according to reports.
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Flood waters inundated 70 houses in the region, damaging various household items. Additionally, 20 two-wheelers and four-wheelers were swept away.
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In the Gotheghar area of Shahapur, water entered the Wafa Nursery area, necessitating the rescue of 38 occupants from three houses.
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In the Vashind area, 12 individuals were rescued and relocated to safer locations following the inundation of 125 houses, as reported by officials.
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The heavy rainfall also caused soil erosion along the railway tracks in Atgaon.
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Furthermore, about 12 houses in Shahapur sustained partial collapse, according to officials.
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In Kalyan taluka, five houses in Khadavali and three in Waveghar were affected due to flooding, they said.
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The officials said that water entered 40 houses in different parts of Bhiwandi taluka and damaged a 'kutcha' (mud) house in Goutepada.

Mumbai

Heavy rains in Thane; flooded houses, bridge washed away

The upcoming Maha Kumbh Mela in 2025 promises to be an unparalleled spiritual gathering, as declared by Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya. Scheduled from January 14 to February 26, 2025, in Prayagraj, this grand event is expected to draw a staggering 50 crore participants from across the globe.
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Maurya expressed these sentiments after participating in the Pran Pratishtha and idol installation ceremony at the Shri Narmadeshwar Shiv Temple in Umarpur Niwan, Prayagraj district.
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Maurya emphasised, &ldquo;The Kumbh of 2025 will be historic, grand, and divine, with nearly 50 crore people expected to participate from all corners of the world.&rdquo; He underscored the significance of this upcoming event, highlighting its anticipated magnitude and spiritual resonance.
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In readiness for this monumental gathering, Uttar Pradesh Minister AK Sharma affirmed the state government&rsquo;s commitment to complete all development projects well in advance of the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025.
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These projects include the construction of pontoon bridges and roads to enhance transportation for tourists and devotees. Sharma assured, &ldquo;All development initiatives will be finalised before the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, ensuring visitors experience the divine essence of this grand event.&rdquo;
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The preparations also entail substantial efforts to upgrade facilities along major routes, with subsidies announced for the transformation of dhabas, restaurants, and hotels. These enhancements aim to offer superior amenities to the influx of tourists and devotees expected during the festival.
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Commencing on January 13, 2025, with the Poush Purnima bathing festival and concluding on February 26, 2025, with Maha Shivaratri, the Maha Kumbh Mela features key bathing ceremonies, notably the &ldquo;Shahi Snan&rdquo; (royal baths) on January 14, January 29, and February 3. These rituals are central to the spiritual experience sought by millions of attendees.
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Deputy Chief Minister Maurya also shared his reflections on social media following his visit to the Narmadeshwar Shiv Temple, expressing gratitude for the warm reception received from party officials, workers, and local residents at Bamrauli Airport, Sangam, Prayagraj. He affirmed his prayers for the well-being and prosperity of devotees, locals, and the state&rsquo;s populace during this auspicious period.
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As anticipation builds for the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, its preparations underscore a blend of spiritual significance and logistical readiness aimed at providing an unforgettable experience for all participants.

Prayagraj

Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 eyes 50 Cr pilgrims in Prayagraj

Hemant Soren, who recently took the oath of office for the third time, is set to expand his cabinet after proving his majority in a special session of the Jharkhand Legislative Assembly. This cabinet expansion is scheduled to take place on Monday.
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Hemant Soren was sworn in as the 13th Chief Minister of Jharkhand at Raj Bhavan in Ranchi on July 4. His return to the Chief Minister's office marks a significant moment in Jharkhand's political landscape, especially following his recent legal challenges.
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Soren was granted bail by the Jharkhand High Court on June 28 after spending five months in jail. His predecessor, Champai Soren, resigned just five months after taking the oath, paving the way for Hemant Soren to reclaim the role. Champai Soren had taken the oath as the 12th Chief Minister of Jharkhand at Raj Bhavan on February 2 this year.
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Hemant Soren's legal troubles began with his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in January on charges related to an alleged land scam and money laundering. He resigned as Chief Minister before his arrest on January 31. After nearly five months in Birsa Munda Jail, he was released on June 28 following bail from the Jharkhand High Court.
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This isn't the first time Hemant Soren has faced challenges in his political career. He had previously taken the oath as Chief Minister on December 29, 2019, marking his second term in office. Despite these hurdles, Soren's return as Chief Minister is expected to strengthen the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), which has a significant influence in the tribal-dominated state.
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In the 2019 assembly elections, the JMM formed an alliance with the Congress and Lalu Prasad's Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), securing a comfortable majority with forty-seven seats in the 81-member house. Hemant Soren's leadership is seen as a pivotal factor in this success, and his return is anticipated to bolster the party's position further.
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As Hemant Soren prepares to expand his cabinet, the political scenario in Jharkhand remains dynamic. The decisions made in this new term will likely have a lasting impact on the state's governance and development. The upcoming cabinet expansion is a crucial step in shaping the administration that will govern Jharkhand in the coming years.

Ranchi

Hemant Soren set for cabinet expansion after floor test

In a thrilling second T20I match at the Harare Sports Club, India, led by Shubman Gill, secured a commanding 100-run victory over Zimbabwe, levelling the five-match series 1-1. Abhishek Sharma's explosive century and disciplined bowling by the Indian bowlers were the highlights of the game, as Zimbabwe struggled to chase down a massive target of 235 runs.
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India's innings began with a hiccup as they lost their captain Shubman Gill for just 2 runs, with Blessing Muzarabani claiming his wicket early. However, Abhishek Sharma and Ruturaj Gaikwad steadied the ship. The duo initially focused on consolidating the innings on a pitch that was not very friendly to batsmen. They managed to score 36 runs in the first six overs of the powerplay, with Abhishek Sharma showing more aggression.
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Abhishek Sharma's brilliance was evident as he notched up his maiden T20I half-century off just 33 balls, hitting four boundaries and three sixes. His aggressive play helped India cross the 100-run mark in just 11 overs.
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Sharma's partnership with Gaikwad flourished, reaching 100 runs for the second wicket in 64 balls. Sharma then went on to score his maiden T20 international century in spectacular fashion, hitting three consecutive sixes to reach the milestone in just 46 balls. He was eventually dismissed for 100 by Wellington Masakadza, caught by Dion Myers, leaving India at 147 for 2.
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Rinku Singh joined Gaikwad at the crease, and the pair continued to pile on the runs. Gaikwad reached his fourth T20I half-century in 38 balls, and together with Rinku, they added 50 runs for the third wicket in just 24 balls.
&nbsp;
The duo's aggressive batting took India past the 200-run mark in the 18th over, with India finishing their innings at a formidable 234 for 2. Ruturaj Gaikwad remained unbeaten on 77 from 47 balls, while Rinku Singh scored a quickfire 48 from 22 balls.
&nbsp;
Zimbabwe's chase got off to a disastrous start, with opener Innocent Kaia falling for 4 in the first over, bowled by Mukesh Kumar. Brian Bennett showed some aggression but was soon dismissed for 26 by Mukesh, leaving Zimbabwe at 40 for 2.
&nbsp;
The Indian bowlers continued to dominate, with Avesh Khan and Mukesh Kumar taking wickets at regular intervals. Avesh Khan dismissed Dion Myers and Sikandar Raza in quick succession, reducing Zimbabwe to 46 for 4.
&nbsp;
Wessly Madhevere tried to anchor the innings, but wickets kept falling around him. Washington Sundar and Ravi Bishnoi joined the wicket-taking party, with Sundar dismissing Johnathan Campbell and Bishnoi getting rid of Clive Madande for a duck.
&nbsp;
Zimbabwe's innings continued to collapse, with Wellington Masakadza being run out and Luke Jongwe providing some resistance before being dismissed for 33 by Mukesh Kumar. Madhevere's lone fight ended when he was bowled by Bishnoi for 43, and Zimbabwe was eventually bowled out for 135 in 18.4 overs.
&nbsp;
Avesh Khan and Mukesh Kumar were the pick of the bowlers, taking three wickets each, while Ravi Bishnoi and Washington Sundar chipped in with crucial wickets. India's comprehensive win by 100 runs was a testament to their all-round performance, levelling the series and setting the stage for an exciting continuation of the T20I matches.
&nbsp;
The match showcased India's dominance with both bat and ball, and Abhishek Sharma's century will be remembered as a highlight of the series. The Indian team will look to carry this momentum into the remaining matches as they aim to secure the series victory.

Harare

India thrashes Zimbabwe by 100 runs to level T20 series

Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena met with representatives of various government school teachers&rsquo; associations on Sunday to discuss recent transfer orders affecting teachers.
&nbsp;
During the meeting at Raj Niwas, Saxena advised the Directorate of Education to take a fair and balanced view of these transfer orders. According to a post on the official X handle of Raj Niwas Delhi, Saxena has received numerous representations from different teachers&rsquo; associations, prompting this discussion.
&nbsp;
The post emphasized Saxena&rsquo;s commitment to improving service conditions for government employees to enhance their performance. He suggested that the Chief Secretary and Directorate of Education should consider the recent transfer orders with sympathy and fairness. Saxena also recommended that these orders be temporarily suspended while a holistic review is conducted.
&nbsp;
This meeting followed a letter from Delhi Education Minister Atishi to Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar on July 4, in which she directed an immediate withdrawal of the transfer orders issued on July 2. Atishi also instructed a halt to any further compulsory transfers based solely on teachers having completed ten years in a particular school.
&nbsp;
Minister Atishi highlighted that clause 16 of the circular mandated teachers who had served more than ten years in the same school to apply for a transfer.
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Failure to apply would result in the Directorate of Education transferring them to another school. Atishi noted that nearly 5,000 teachers who did not apply for any transfer were transferred to other schools under this contentious clause.
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Additionally, Atishi directed the Chief Secretary to initiate disciplinary proceedings against officers who willfully defied the directive dated July 1, 2024. She called for a vigilance inquiry into any corruption or malpractice related to the transfer of teachers.
&nbsp;
This ongoing issue reflects the broader challenges faced by educators and the administration in balancing policy implementation with the well-being and stability of teachers.
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The Lieutenant Governor&rsquo;s involvement and the Education Minister&rsquo;s directives aim to address these challenges, ensuring that teachers&rsquo; concerns are heard and addressed fairly.
&nbsp;
As the Directorate of Education re-evaluates the transfer orders, the focus remains on fostering a supportive environment for teachers, which is essential for maintaining the quality of education in Delhi&rsquo;s government schools.
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The outcome of these deliberations and the subsequent actions taken by the Directorate of Education will significantly impact the teaching community and the overall education system in the city.

Delhi LG advises fair review of teacher transfer orders

Neha Singh

Not burdening a film with star fee can decide its survival and of those engaged in making it, says actor-producer Riteish Deshmukh, stressing that he doesn't charge a single penny when he casts himself in a project backed by his banner.
&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;">Deshmukh, who is set to make his series debut with Pill, ventured into film production with the 2013 Marathi movie Balak-Palak under Mumbai Film Company. He later starred in Lai Bhaari (2014) and Ved (2022), both Marathi titles produced by his stable.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; 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;">Asked to comment on the ongoing debate about rising star fee and overhead costs, the actor-producer told the media: &ldquo;I&rsquo;m a producer who casts me and I don&rsquo;t pay myself, so I&rsquo;m fine... I just feel that it's important that you do not burden any film with an actor&rsquo;s fee because the film needs to survive. And if the film survives, everyone will survive.&rdquo;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
Helmed by director Rajkumar Gupta, Pill showcases the dark reality of the pharmaceutical world of making medicine from the lens of medical officers and whistleblowers.
&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">Produced by Ronnie Screwvala under his banner RSVP Movies, the series will start streaming on JioCinema Premium from July 12.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">Gupta, known for films such as Aamir and Raid, said the overall cost of production needs to come down.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; 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 money needs to be spent in the right place. Having said that, there also needs to be transparency from the studio or producer&rsquo;s side. A lot of times what happens is people don&rsquo;t want to subscribe to a model because they think that there is no transparency.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; 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;">Pill, set in north India, will see Deshmukh play the role of a medical officer called Dr Prakash Chauhan.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">The actor said he worked closely with a dialect coach to get into the skin of the character.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">Pill also features Pavan Malhotra in a pivotal role. 
&nbsp;

Riteish Deshmukh ignites debate around fees of actors

The recent killing of Tamil Nadu Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) Chief K Armstrong has sparked significant attention, with Chennai police suspecting it to be a revenge murder linked to the assassination of gangster Arcot Suresh. Armstrong was brutally hacked to death on Friday evening by a group of unidentified men near his residence in Perambur, Chennai.
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According to Additional Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) Asra Garg, a thorough investigation has led to the arrest of eight individuals in connection with the murder.
&nbsp;
The police have seized seven blood-stained weapons, a Zomato t-shirt, a Zomato bag, and three bikes used in the crime. Garg revealed that the primary motive behind the killing appears to be revenge. Associates of gangster Arcot Suresh, who was murdered last year, believed that Armstrong had conspired in Suresh's assassination.
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Further investigations by special teams have resulted in the apprehension of three additional suspects. Preliminary findings suggest that the murder was orchestrated by associates of Arcot Suresh, including his brother, who has also been arrested.
&nbsp;
The police are continuing their comprehensive probe into the case to uncover all involved parties and the exact circumstances leading to Armstrong's murder.
&nbsp;
In a statement to the press, Greater Chennai Police Commissioner Sandeep Rai Rathore dismissed any political motives behind the BSP leader's murder, emphasising that the incident was a result of gang-related activities rather than political rivalry. Rathore's clarification aims to quell speculations about potential political implications in the case.
&nbsp;
Armstrong's death has sent shockwaves through the community, with many paying their respects to the slain leader. His mortal remains were placed at Corporation School Ground in Chennai, where numerous people, including prominent political figures, gathered to offer floral tributes. BSP Chief Mayawati and the party's National Coordinator also travelled to Chennai to pay their respects.
&nbsp;
Mayawati condemned the brutal murder and called for immediate action from the Tamil Nadu government to prevent such incidents in the future. In a post on &lsquo;X,&rsquo; she highlighted the dedication and hard work of Armstrong, expressing the deep impact of his loss on society and urging the authorities to take strict measures to ensure justice and safety.
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The police are diligently working on the case, and further developments are expected as the investigation progresses. The focus remains on uncovering all elements of the crime and ensuring that those responsible are held accountable.
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Armstrong's tragic death underscores the ongoing issues of gang violence and the need for robust measures to address such threats to public safety and order.

Chennai

Chennai police arrest eight in Armstrong murder case

Nearly 12,000 Afghan migrants were deported from Iran and Pakistan from July 3-6, according to the Taliban-led Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation, as reported by Khaama Press. The ministry's newsletter detailed that 11,997 Afghan migrants were expelled by the governments of these two countries and subsequently returned to Afghanistan.
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These deportees entered Afghanistan through the borders of Torghundi, Spin Boldak, Islam Qala-Herat, and Abreshim-Nimruz.&nbsp;This trend of deporting Afghan migrants continues amid a significant humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, despite international reactions and condemnation.
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The forced deportation from Iran and Pakistan has worsened the dire humanitarian conditions in Afghanistan, where many returnees face uncertain futures in a country plagued by economic instability and a lack of basic services.
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The sudden influx of returnees has overwhelmed local communities and stretched the capacities of humanitarian organisations struggling to provide adequate support.
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Human rights groups and international organisations have condemned these mass deportations, raising concerns about the safety and well-being of Afghan deportees.
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They argue that such actions violate international law, particularly the principle of non-refoulement, which prohibits the forced return of refugees to a country where they may face persecution or serious harm.
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In addition to the forced deportations, Afghanistan is grappling with a severe humanitarian crisis. Vulnerable groups, including women and children, are among the deportees, further highlighting the ongoing human rights violations and challenges in protecting the rights and safety of Afghan refugees.
&nbsp;
Since taking power, the Taliban has imposed numerous restrictions on women, including closing schools for girls from grades 7 to 12, barring women from pursuing university education, and preventing most Afghan female staff from working at aid agencies. The Taliban has also shut down beauty salons and restricted travel for women without a male guardian.
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The international community has expressed deep concern over these developments, urging immediate action to address the humanitarian crisis and protect the rights of Afghan migrants.
&nbsp;
The forced deportations and the Taliban's restrictive policies have drawn widespread criticism, emphasising the urgent need for a coordinated response to support the returnees and address the broader issues facing Afghanistan.
&nbsp;
As the situation continues to unfold, the plight of Afghan migrants remains a pressing global concern, necessitating increased humanitarian aid and international solidarity to mitigate the crisis and uphold the rights of vulnerable populations.

Kabul

Afghanistan faces crisis as Iran Pakistan deport 12000

In a poignant moment of respect and sorrow, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) Supremo Mayawati paid tribute to the slain party leader K Armstrong in Chennai. The tribute took place at the Corporation School Ground, where Mayawati urged the Tamil Nadu government to hand over the investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
&nbsp;
She was joined by BSP National Coordinator Akash Anand, who also honoured K Armstrong, brutally murdered near his residence in Perambur, Chennai.
&nbsp;
Mayawati described the incident as deeply saddening and devastating. She expressed her grief over the loss of K Armstrong, who was not only a dedicated leader of the Tamil Nadu BSP but also a close friend.
&nbsp;
She highlighted his unwavering commitment to the party and its principles, drawing inspiration from the movement led by Baba Bhimrao Ambedkar. Mayawati emphasised the tragic nature of his assassination, which occurred near his home, reflecting on the gravity of the loss.
&nbsp;
Addressing the gathering, Mayawati made a fervent appeal to the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) government, urging them to ensure law and order in the state, particularly for the weaker sections of society.
&nbsp;
She stressed the importance of feeling safe in the state and criticised the government for not having apprehended the accused yet. In light of this, she called for the case to be referred to the CBI for a thorough and unbiased investigation.
&nbsp;
The investigation into K Armstrong&rsquo;s murder has seen some progress. Asra Garg, the Additional Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) for North Chennai, informed ANI that eight suspects have been arrested so far.
&nbsp;
The police have seized seven blood-stained weapons, a Zomato t-shirt, a Zomato bag, and three motorcycles used in the crime. The arrests came after extensive interrogation and careful analysis of the suspects' involvement in the crime.
&nbsp;
The motive behind the killing is suspected to be linked to the associates of gangster Arcot Suresh, who was murdered in August last year. ACP Garg highlighted that Armstrong&rsquo;s murder appears to be a revenge killing orchestrated by Suresh's associates, who believed that Armstrong was involved in the conspiracy to murder Suresh.
&nbsp;
The police have formed special teams to delve deeper into the case, with three more suspects secured recently.&nbsp;The brutal assassination of gangster Arcot Suresh in August 2023 has set off a chain of violent reprisals, with his family and associates pointing fingers at K Armstrong for allegedly masterminding the murder.
&nbsp;
The police&rsquo;s preliminary investigation supports the theory of a revenge killing, as Armstrong&rsquo;s murder is believed to be in retaliation for his alleged role in Suresh&rsquo;s death.
&nbsp;
This tragic cycle of violence highlights the urgent need for a robust and impartial investigation, which Mayawati believes can be achieved by involving the CBI.
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The call for a CBI investigation reflects the gravity of the situation and the need for justice in the face of such heinous acts. The people of Tamil Nadu, especially the followers of BSP, look forward to a resolution that brings peace and security back to their communities.

Mayawati demands CBI probe into TN BSP leader's murder

Delhi Police have registered an FIR against TMC Lok Sabha MP Mahua Moitra for her &ldquo;derogatory&rdquo; social media remark on National Commission for Women chief Rekha Sharma, officials said on Sunday.
&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;">Moitra was booked under Section 79 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) that deals with a word, gesture or act intended to insult modesty of a woman. This was the first FIR registered under the BNS by the Delhi Police's Special Cell since it came into force on July 1.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; 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 Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader commented on a video posted on X that showed Sharma arriving at the site of a stampede in Uttar Pradesh&rsquo;s Hathras on July 4. Moitra later deleted the post, which referred to a man holding an umbrella and walking behind the National Commission for Women (NCW) chief.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">Reacting to the development, BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla asked what was stopping TMC chief Mamata Banerjee from sacking Moitra.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">A senior officer said the FIR was registered on the basis of a complaint to the police commissioner by the NCW.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; 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;">Saying the NCW took suo motu cognisance of Moitra&rsquo;s &ldquo;derogatory remarks&rdquo;, the FIR stated, &ldquo;The crude remarks made by Moitra are extremely outrageous and a sheer violation of a women's right to live with dignity.&rdquo; According to the officer, the commission observed that the remark attracted Section 79 of the BNS.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; 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 commission strongly condemns the defamatory remarks made by Moitra. Therefore, you are requested to take strict action against Moitra&hellip;. A detailed action-taken report may be communicated to the commission within three days,&rdquo; the FIR stated.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; 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;">Moitra&rsquo;s now-deleted comment drew a sharp response from the Bharatiya Janata Party, with the saffron party demanding that she be &ldquo;sacked&rdquo; from the TMC.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; 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 Sunday, after Moitra was booked, BJP leader Poonawalla said in a post on X, &ldquo;Case lodged against TMC MP Mahua Moitra. She is accused of hurting the dignity of a woman.&rdquo;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">The NCW had earlier alleged Moitra&rsquo;s remark was &ldquo;outrageous and a violation of a woman&rsquo;s right to dignity&rdquo;, observing that it attracted Section 79 of the BNS.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; 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;An FIR should be registered against Moitra and a detailed action report should be communicated to the commission within three days,&rdquo; it had said in a post on X.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">Reposting the NCW&rsquo;s post, Moitra had said, &ldquo;Come on Delhi Police, please take action immediately on these suo moto orders. Am in Nadia in case you need me in the next three days to make a quick arrest.&rdquo;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
&ldquo;Also Delhi Police, while you&rsquo;re at it can you please register an FIR against another serial offender under your new Act,&rdquo; she had said. 
&nbsp;

Delhi Police book TMC's Mahua over remark against NCW chief

Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has called for increased compensation for the families affected by the tragic Hathras stampede incident, which claimed the lives of at least 121 devotees during a religious gathering in Uttar Pradesh.
&nbsp;
Following his visit to Hathras on July 5, Rahul Gandhi personally met with the grieving families and subsequently addressed the issue with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
&nbsp;
Expressing his deep concern, Rahul Gandhi conveyed his sentiments to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath through a letter, urging him to enhance the compensation for the bereaved families promptly. In a social media post shared in Hindi, Rahul Gandhi emphasised the importance of collective support and condolences for those affected by the tragedy.
&nbsp;
"The families affected by the Hathras stampede are in deep sorrow, and it is our responsibility to stand by them in this difficult time," Rahul Gandhi stated in his online communication.
&nbsp;
The stampede occurred on July 2 during a 'Satsang' event led by self-styled godman Suraj Pal Singh, also known as 'Bhole Baba', in Fulari village, Hathras. The incident led to a massive loss of lives as devotees gathered for the religious event.
&nbsp;
In response to the tragic event, authorities have taken swift action. Devprakash Madhukar, the main accused in the case, was recently arrested after being on the run. He appeared before the Chief Judicial Magistrate Court and was subsequently remanded to judicial custody for 14 days.
&nbsp;
During the court proceedings, questions arose about the permissions granted for the gathering, with Madhukar confirming that he had obtained permission from the SDM for an assembly of 80,000 people.
&nbsp;
The arrest of Madhukar, who had been absconding and was subject to a substantial reward for his capture, marks a significant development in the investigation. Additionally, two other suspects, Ramprakash Shakya and Sanju Yadav, were also apprehended by the police.
&nbsp;
The Hathras stampede has sparked widespread concern and calls for accountability regarding public safety and event management protocols. As investigations continue, there is a growing demand for comprehensive measures to prevent such tragic incidents in the future.
&nbsp;
Rahul Gandhi's advocacy for increased compensation underscores the urgency of addressing the needs of the affected families and ensuring that they receive adequate support during this challenging period.
&nbsp;
The incident has not only highlighted issues of public safety and crowd management but also prompted a broader dialogue on religious event oversight and regulatory enforcement.
&nbsp;
The tragic loss of lives in Hathras has left a profound impact on the community, with ongoing efforts aimed at providing justice and support to the victims' families.
&nbsp;
The incident serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of stringent safety measures and responsible event planning to prevent such disasters from recurring.

Hathras

Rahul Gandhi urges more compensation for Hathras stampede

Rath Yatra was celebrated with reverence to Lord Jagannath and gaiety across West Bengal on Sunday with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee participating in the festival and paying obeisance to the deity.
&nbsp;
She pulled the ropes of the chariot of Lord Jagannath at ISKCON Rath Yatra here, and said, &ldquo;We live together with all religions&rdquo;.
&nbsp;
Chariots with idols of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra were pulled in various places of the state with the largest gatherings being in Kolkata and at Mahesh in Hooghly district.
&nbsp;
The Rath Yatra at Mahesh, the oldest in the state, was participated in by devotees from various places.
&nbsp;
Braving rains, thousands of devotees gathered to participate in the festival in Kolkata, dancing and chanting &lsquo;Jai Jagannath&rsquo; along with the monks of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON).
&nbsp;
&ldquo;Jai Jagannath to all of you throughout the world, all my ISKCON brothers and sisters and devotees on this auspicious day,&rdquo; the chief minister said.
&nbsp;
Banerjee performed &lsquo;arati&rsquo; with candles and offered prayers to the deities of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra before pulling the ropes of the chariot of Lord Jagannath at the start of the ISKCON Rath Yatra along with the devotees and monks.
&nbsp;
&ldquo;We live together with all religions. Jagannath Dev is very sacred to all of us,&rdquo; Banerjee, who attends the ISKCON Rath Yatra every year, said.
&nbsp;
The chief minister also said a large number of people from the state participated in the Rath Yatra festival in Odisha&rsquo;s Puri, as well as in Hooghly's Mahesh and Kolkata and other places.
&nbsp;
Rath Yatra is also synonymous to fairs at many places in Bengal, mainly in the rural areas, where children and the elders participate to make the most of the good things on offer, from various joyrides to snacks like jalebis and fried papad, some customary eatables on the occasion in the state.
&nbsp;
Stating that a temple, which is a replica of Puri's Jagannath temple, in the seaside tourist town Digha is almost complete, Banerjee said that it will be inaugurated after the Durga Puja.
&nbsp;
&ldquo;Rath Yatra will be held at Digha from next year,&rdquo; she said, addressing the devotees.
&nbsp;
Dance performances by women were also held in front of the ISKCON Rath Yatra chariot in south Kolkata before it was pulled by the monks and the devotees through different streets of the metropolis.
&nbsp;
The chariot will be stationed at Maidan in the heart of the city for devotees to have darshan till the return of the chariot after eight days.
&nbsp;

Kolkata

Bengal: CM Mamata offers prayers at ISKCON Rath Yatra

On the occasion of Rath Yatra on Sunday, a Berhampur-based businessman unveiled an exquisite piece of eco-friendly artistry &mdash; a miniature chariot and deity of Lord Jagannath, meticulously crafted from matchsticks and discarded wood.
&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">This intricate replica of Lord Jagannath&rsquo;s &lsquo;Nandighosh&rsquo; chariot stands as a testament not only to his remarkable craftsmanship but also to his unwavering commitment to environmental conservation.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; 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 miniature Nandighosh, crafted by 47-year-old Satya Narayan Moharana, stands three inches tall and two inches wide, with the deity measuring just one inch in height.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; 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;">Moharana replicated all the elements of the chariot, including 16 wheels, four horses, and a charioteer (sarathi). Except for the wheels, which are made from discarded wood, the entire chariot and its components were constructed using matchsticks. The artiste used gum to connect the sticks and watercolours to paint the deity and other parts of the chariot to make them look vibrant.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; 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;">"By making this sculpture, I want to give a message to society to celebrate the eco-friendly Rath Yatra without using banned plastic items," said Moharana. A businessman by profession, he has been making miniature chariots and deities of Lord Jagannath for the Rath Yatra for the past 10 years.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">In previous years, he has used materials such as gambhari and sal wood, old newspapers, bamboo, ice-cream sticks, and shirt buttons to construct his miniature chariots.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; 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;">"Every year, I make the miniature Nandighosh chariot using common and discarded items. Through this, I want to spread the message to celebrate the festival in an eco-friendly manner," 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;">Sudhir Rout, a green activist, praised Moharana's efforts to promote the non-use of plastic materials through his artworks during Rath Yatra and other festivals over the past few years.&nbsp;
&nbsp;

Odisha trader uses matchsticks to make Jagannath chariot

Ayesha Banerjee

"Param Vir Chakra, Captain Vikram Batra, it's been 25 years since your fearless actions and ultimate sacrifice made history. Your legacy to this day remains the highest ideals of bravery and honor," Malhotra captioned an archival photo of Captain Vikram Batra on X.
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Captain Vikram Batra had led the charge of his troops of the 13th battalion of the JAKRIF regiment of the Indian Army during the Kargil War in 1999.
&nbsp;
He died on July 7, 1999 fighting Pakistani forces during the war at the age of 24. He was given the highest wartime gallantry award Param Vir Chakra' posthumously.
&nbsp;
Due to his exemplary feat, Captain Vikram Batra was awarded many titles, he came to be fondly called the 'Tiger of Drass,' the 'Lion of Kargil' and 'Kargil Hero'.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
'Yeh dil mange more' (the heart wants more) was his victory slogan.
&nbsp;
"We remember and honor you today and always for 'Yeh Dil Mange More'. Jai Hind #CaptainVikramBatra #25YearsOfKargilVijay #Kargil," the actor wrote in his post.
&nbsp;
Kargil Vijay Diwas is observed every year on July 26 to mark India's win over Pakistan in the war. This year marks its 25th anniversary.
&nbsp;
Shershaah was directed by Vishnuvardan and had a direct-to-digital release on Prime Video in 2021 and featured Malhotra in the double role of Captain Vikram Batra and his twin brother Vishal Batra.
&nbsp;
The Hindi film received an overwhelming response from the critics as well as the audiences for its heartfelt story and soulful songs such as Raataan Lambiyan and Mann Bharryaa.
&nbsp;
At the 69th National Film Awards, Shershaah won the Special Jury Award (Feature Film).
&nbsp;
Shershaah also starred Kiara Advani, Shiv Panditt, Raj Arjun, Pranay Pachauri, Himanshu Ashok Malhotra, Nikitin Dheer, Anil Charanjeett, Sahil Vaid, Shataf Figar and Pawan Chopra. It was jointly produced by Dharma Productions and Kaash Entertainment.
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Malhotra and Advani, who played Dimple Cheema, the fiancee of Captain Vikram Batra in Shershaah, tied the knot in February 2023, two years after the release of the film.&nbsp;

Post

Legacy of bravery: Sidharth Malhotra remembers Vikram Batra

The Madras High Court recently heard a plea from K Porkodi, the wife of slain Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) Tamil Nadu Chief K Armstrong, seeking permission to bury his body at the BSP office in Chennai.
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Armstrong was tragically assassinated by unknown assailants near his Chennai residence on Friday evening.
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Justice V Bhavani Subbarayan of the Madras High Court noted that the proposed burial site at the party office was a passage. She inquired if there was an alternative location available, considering the residential nature of the area where the party office is situated.
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The petitioner&rsquo;s counsel requested time until 1 p.m. to propose an alternative location, but due to the absence of an alternative, the hearing was adjourned until 2:15 p.m.
&nbsp;
K Porkodi, in her written petition, sought court approval to bury her husband at the BSP office in Chennai. However, objections were raised by the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) government, citing the residential zoning of the area.
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The mortal remains of K Armstrong are currently lying at the Corporation School Ground in Chennai for public homage. Earlier today, BSP supremo Mayawati and national coordinator Akash Anand paid their respects to the deceased leader with floral tributes.
&nbsp;
Mayawati also urged the state government, especially the Chief Minister, to ensure law and order in the state, particularly for the safety of weaker sections. She expressed disappointment over the delay in arresting the accused and demanded that the case be handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
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According to police reports, eight suspects have been apprehended so far in connection with the brutal assassination of the BSP leader. The investigation into the case continues, exploring various angles to uncover the truth behind this tragic incident.
&nbsp;
The plea to bury K Armstrong&rsquo;s body at the BSP office reflects the emotional and legal challenges faced by his family amidst the ongoing investigation and public mourning.
&nbsp;
The Madras High Court&rsquo;s deliberations underscore the complexities of balancing personal wishes with legal and zoning regulations in a sensitive case like this.

Madras Court hears plea to bury BSP leader at party office

The India-UK talks for the proposed free trade agreement (FTA) began in January 2022. The 14th round of talks stalled as the two nations stepped into their general election cycles.
&nbsp;
The official said the two sides are in touch, and the next round is likely to start this month.
&nbsp;
Britain's newly-elected Prime Minister Keir Starmer spoke to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday and said he stood ready to conclude an FTA that worked for both sides.
&nbsp;
The two leaders agreed to work towards the early conclusion of a mutually beneficial India-UK FTA.
&nbsp;
There are pending issues in both the goods and services sectors.
&nbsp;
The Indian industry is demanding greater access for its skilled professionals from sectors like IT and healthcare in the UK market, besides market access for several goods at nil customs duty.
&nbsp;
On the other hand, the UK is seeking a significant cut in import duties on goods such as scotch whiskey, electric vehicles, lamb meat, chocolates and certain confectionary items.
&nbsp;
Britain is also looking for more opportunities for UK services in Indian markets in segments like telecommunications, legal and financial services (banking and insurance).
&nbsp;
The two countries are also negotiating a bilateral investment treaty (BIT).
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There are 26 chapters in the agreement, which include goods, services, investments and intellectual property rights.
&nbsp;
The bilateral trade between India and the UK increased to USD 21.34 billion in 2023-24 from 20.36 billion in 2022-23.
&nbsp;
The Labour Party's election manifesto for the recent polls also committed to clinching the deal.
&nbsp;
The new Starmer-led government's new Foreign Secretary David Lammy is also on the record saying that he wants to finish the job on the FTA and plans to visit India within the first month of being elected.
&nbsp;
According to the think tank GTRI (Global Trade Research Initiative), the agreement is nearly finalised and with a few minor adjustments like curtailing the number of visas for Indian professionals, the Labour Party is likely to give its approval.
&nbsp;
It has suggested that India should focus on two issues - Carbon Border Adjustment Measure (CBAM) and non-traditional subjects like labour, environment, gender, and intellectual property rights - in the pact.
&nbsp;
Historically, India has resisted incorporating these topics into FTAs as they often require domestic policy changes.
&nbsp;
The GTRI report has stated that even if the UK agrees to eliminate tariffs on sectors like textiles, Indian exports might still need to meet stringent UK sustainability requirements, and this could adversely affect Indian exports, especially in labour-intensive sectors.&nbsp;

India-UK FTA talks likely this month

The Delhi High Court is set to hear a plea from Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on July 8, requesting additional meetings with his lawyers during his judicial custody at Tihar Jail. Kejriwal seeks two extra sessions to discuss his legal matters, citing the complexity of his cases across the country and his right to a fair trial.
&nbsp;
Justice Neena Bansal Krishna's bench will preside over the hearing following a recent dismissal of Kejriwal's plea by the trial court. The earlier decision cited&nbsp;that Kejriwal had filed numerous litigations and had been arrested in another case by the CBI after the plea was submitted.
&nbsp;
Previously, co-accused Sanjay Singh was granted additional legal consultations on February 22, 2024. The trial court, in its order, emphasised that Kejriwal's fresh plea did not present new grounds different from those considered in the April 10, 2024 ruling, which differentiated it from Singh's case.
&nbsp;
Recently, the Rouse Avenue Court of Delhi declined Kejriwal's request for his wife's presence during consultations with the medical board, citing adherence to Prison Rules.
&nbsp;
The court upheld Rule 479 (C) of the Delhi Prison Rules, 2018, which allows a family member to accompany an undertrial prisoner only when hospitalised outside the jail premises. Kejriwal, currently in judicial custody at Tihar Jail, is not admitted to any external hospital, as clarified by the court.
 However, the court permitted Kejriwal's wife to independently meet with the medical board or doctors to discuss his medically prescribed diet, if permitted under Hospital Rules. Additionally, it directed jail authorities to provide medical records of Kejriwal's consultations with doctors to his wife.
&nbsp;
The petition stems from the excise policy money laundering case involving allegations by the ED and CBI of irregularities in modifying the excise policy. Allegations include undue favours to licence holders, waiver or reduction of licence fees, and extensions of L-1 licences without proper authority approval.
&nbsp;
The legal proceedings highlight Kejriwal's efforts to secure fair access to legal consultations and medical oversight while in custody. The upcoming hearing at the Delhi High Court will determine the next steps in addressing his plea for additional legal meetings during his time at Tihar Jail.

Delhi HC to review Kejriwal’s request for lawyer meetings

Former Haryana Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition in the Assembly Bhupinder Singh Hooda has promised a railway connection and a new university for Mewat when his party, the Congress, comes to power in the state.
 Hooda was In Nuh on Sunday to address party workers and thank them for the work they put in to ensure the Congress performed at par with the BJP during the Lok Sabha elections.
 Hitting out at the BJP, he said its "misdeeds" had been exposed. &ldquo;Now the BJP has accepted the failure of its schemes. Therefore, the government is taking a U-turn from all its plans, seeing (likely) defeat in the Assembly.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
"In 10 years, this government has created such a mess that it is impossible to cover it in three months (when the Assembly elections take place). BJP has now lost the right to repent, and the public is now going to punish it by ousting it from power,&rdquo; he stated.
 The former Chief Minister was accompanied by Haryana Congress President Chaudhary Udaibhan and Congress Lok Sabha candidate from Gurugram Raj Babbar.&nbsp;
 The wheels of development will be set in motion again when Congress government is formed in the state, Hooda added, announcing that &ldquo;Elderly people will be given ₹6,000 pension and employees will be given the benefit of the Old Pension Scheme."
 &nbsp;To provide relief from inflation 300 units of free electricity and LPG cylinder for Rs 500 would be offered. "To curb unemployment, two lakh vacant posts will be filled and employment will be generated by creating an environment of investment in the state again,&rdquo; he said. &nbsp;
&nbsp;
People will get relief from medical bills as the Congress will provide free treatment of up to Rs 25 lakh, he said.
&nbsp;
Hooda thanked the people of Mewat for voting for the Congress in large numbers in the Lok Sabha elections and expressed hope that Congress will get more support in the forthcoming assembly elections.
 In his address, Udaibhan said the Congress had worked hard for the development of Mewat earlier and would ensure it progressed in future. &ldquo;Congress built a medical college here in the name of Hasan Khan Mewati but today BJP is not even providing full staff in it,&nbsp; with 60 per cent posts lying vacant,&rdquo; he said.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Listing the party's past achievements, Udaibhan said IMT was built in the area, Kotla lake was renovated, mini secretariat and judicial complex were built when the Congress was in power. &ldquo;To overcome water shortage, Rs 485 crore were spent under the rainwell drinking water project. All works like roads, schools and ITI were implemented by the Congress,&rdquo; he said.
 The BJP, Udaibhan alleged, was only engaged in creating division among the people, instead of doing any development work. &ldquo;The BJP creates discrimination and division among people in the name of caste and religion, with a narrow mindset. The strength of Congress is unity and brotherhood.&rdquo;&nbsp;
&nbsp;
He asked people to watch out in case the BJP attempted to create trouble in the area.
&nbsp;
Speaking on the occasion, Raj Babbar also thanked the people of Mewat for their votes and support in the Lok Sabha elections.
&nbsp;
The Lok Sabha results clearly indicated that the Congress government is going to be formed in Haryana. If that happens, "development, brotherhood and unity of all communities will be strengthened in the state,&rdquo; he stated.
&nbsp;
The conference was organised by Congress Deputy Leader in the Assembly, MLA Aftab Ahmed, Maman Khan, Mohammed Ilyas and former MLAs Shahida, Lalit Nagar and Mohammed Israel.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Senior leader Mehtab Ahmed was also present.

Cong win will ensure rail line, varsity for Mewat: Hooda

Thanking the people for protesting against his arrest in September last year, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Sunday said the Telugu Desam Party will soon regain its past glory in Telangana also.
&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;">Addressing TDP workers here, Naidu said the party was born in Telangana (four decades ago) and soon it will be restructured.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">TDP did not contest the Assembly polls in November 2023 and the Lok Sabha polls this year in Telangana for a variety of reasons.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; 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 party is currently headless after Kasani Gnaneshwar resigned as the state president before the Assembly polls last year.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; 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;TDP which was born for Telugu people should be in Telangana. I am asking you whether the party which was born on the land of Telangana should function or not (in the state)? There were several people who worked for the party. We will restructure the party very soon (in Telangana),&rdquo; Naidu said amid cheers by the party cadre.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; 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;">Asserting that he would work to bring the past glory to the party in Telangana, he said TDP will encourage youth and the educated in the state.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">On the meeting with his Telangana counterpart A Revanth Reddy on Saturday, Naidu said though different parties are in power in AP and here, when it comes to the interests of Telugu people, there is a need to work together.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; 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;">Chandrababu Naidu and Revanth Reddy met here on Saturday and decided to constitute committees of ministers and officials to address pending issues related to bifurcation of undivided Andhra in 2014.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&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;Yesterday, we held discussions with the Telangana government. I am hoping that they will be taken forward in future also,&rdquo; he 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;">Recalling his contribution as a Chief Minister to the development of Hyderabad city two decades ago, the TDP supremo said now Telangana enjoys the top slot as far as per capita income is concerned and the gap between it and Andhra Pradesh was 33 per cent in 2014.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&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 said he was able to reduce the gap to 27 per cent during his tenure as CM between 2014 and 2019. However, it again went up to 44 per cent during the YSR Congress regime.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; 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 Andhra CM claimed that several industries are expressing their willingness to invest in AP, but are apprehensive of the opposition YSRCP&rsquo;s &ldquo;attitude&rdquo;. Despite several hurdles and problems he assured that he would take the responsibility for the development of Andhra Pradesh. 
&nbsp;

Telangana

TDP to regain lost glory in Hyderabad: Naidu

Accusing the Congress government in Karnataka of being in deep slumber and mired in competition for Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister posts and internal rifts, Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje on Sunday urged the CM Siddaramaiah and his administration to &ldquo;wake up&rdquo; and save the people.
&nbsp;
Highlighting health issues such as dengue cases, also deteriorating law and order situation, stalled infrastructure projects in the state and the city among others, the Member of Parliament from Bangalore North accused the Siddaramaiah government of having forgotten the people amid its internal rifts.
&nbsp;
&ldquo;There are several issues in the city and the state, and there is no government here that responds to it. This government is in a deep slumber. There is no use of telling anything to this government, it will be like pouring water on a rock,&rdquo; Karandlaje said.
&nbsp;
While speaking to reporters here, she said the only thing that is happening in this government is, competition as to who should become the Chief Minister and the Deputy Chief Minister, and because of this competition and internal rift, the government that is there in Karnataka has forgotten the people of the state.
&nbsp;
&ldquo;The government has to wake up immediately before more lives are lost. Also the law and order situation has deteriorated, there are several rape, murder, daylight murder cases that are coming out, but there is a situation where there is no one to question. So I urge the government and the Chief Minister to wake up and protect people,&rdquo; she added.
&nbsp;
Noting that along with dengue, there are also reports about Zika virus cases in Karnataka, Karandlaje said people are getting admitted to hospitals and there are issues concerning the availability of medicines and their prices.
&nbsp;
&ldquo;Bangalore water supply and sewerage board (BWSS) is not functioning efficiently. Neither the government or its departments are looking into it.&rdquo;
&nbsp;
Further alleging that neither the Chief Minister nor Deputy Chief Minister or Ministers in the state government have gone for rounds to inspect the projects that are lying without completion or where water is accumulating leading to mosquito generation, Karandlaje said there are marshals in Bengaluru, but they are for collecting money or indulged in money-making, and not for public work.

Bengaluru

K'taka Cong busy with CM, DCM posts: UM Karandlaje

No water in taps, nothing to drink. The nightmare scenario could come true quickly if nothing is done about groundwater depletion as about 450 cubic kilometres have already been lost in northern India during 2002-2021, according to a new study.
&nbsp;
Climate change will further accelerate its depletion in the years to come, the study adds.
&nbsp;
The amount (450 cubic kilometres) is about 37 times the quantity of water the Indira Sagar dam -- India's largest reservoir -- can hold at full capacity, lead author Vimal Mishra, Vikram Sarabhai Chair Professor of Civil Engineering and Earth Sciences at IIT Gandhinagar, said.
&nbsp;
Using on-site observations and satellite data and models, researchers found that across north India, rainfall in the monsoon season (June to September) has reduced by 8.5 per cent during 1951-2021. Winters in the region have become warmer by 0.3 degrees Celsius over the same period, they found.
&nbsp;
The team, comprising researchers from the National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI) in Hyderabad, said lesser rainfall during the monsoons and warming of winters will increase irrigation water demand and reduce groundwater recharge, further stressing the already depleting groundwater resource in north India.
&nbsp;
While a drier monsoon leads to more reliance on groundwater to sustain crops during rainfall-deficit periods, warmer winters result in relatively drier soils, again requiring more irrigation -- something the researchers observed during the unusually warm winter of 2022, the fifth warmest for India since the India Meteorological Department started records in 1901.
&nbsp;
"The accelerating trend of depleting groundwater is expected to continue as the planet warms because even though climate change causes more rainfall, most of it is projected to occur in the form of extreme events, which does not support groundwater replenishment," Mishra told PTI.
&nbsp;
The shortage of rainfall in the monsoons followed by warming winters, both driven by climate change, is projected to cause a "substantial decline" by about 6-12 per cent in groundwater recharge. The study's manuscript, accepted for publishing in the journal Earth's Future, was shared exclusively with PTI.
&nbsp;
"For groundwater to get recharged, we need low-intensity rainfall spread over more days," Mishra explained. Changes in groundwater levels are known to be largely dependent on rainfall received during summer monsoons and groundwater pumped out for irrigating crops during their respective growing seasons -- June to September for Kharif crops and December to March for Rabi.
&nbsp;
The combined effect of intensified irrigation demands and reduced groundwater recharge in the future, therefore, can put more strain on an already fast-depleting resource, he said.
&nbsp;
The findings challenge the optimistic perception that climate change-driven increase in rainfall will solve our water problems, the lead author of the study said.
&nbsp;
In 2009, a monsoon drier by almost 20 per cent, followed by an unusual winter that was warmer by a degree, had "detrimental" effects on groundwater storage -- it had reduced by 10 per cent, the authors found.
&nbsp;
Moisture lost from soil during winters also was found to have significantly increased over the past four decades, suggesting the potential role of warming and stepped-up demands in irrigation.
&nbsp;
The authors have projected that under continued warming, monsoons drier by 10-15 per cent and winters warmer by 1-5 degrees Celsius will together spike irrigation water demands by 6-20 per cent.
&nbsp;
A warming of 1-3 degrees Celsius across north India will also hamper groundwater replenishment considerably by 7-10 per cent, they said.
&nbsp;
"The findings have policy implications as the water crisis witnessed during this year's heatwave highlights the need for cautious and judicious exploitation of the groundwater," Mishra said.
&nbsp;
Groundwater, vital for food and water security in India, will become a more crucial resource in a warmer climate because of increased demands for irrigation and industry alike, the author said.
&nbsp;
"This is because surface water storage, such as in reservoirs and dams, is insufficient to meet demands during summer, as seen in cities such as Delhi and Bengaluru. Not paying attention to the resource could pose water security challenges in the future," Mishra added.&nbsp;

37 full reservoirs: North India lost that much groundwater

The Chardham yatra was temporarily suspended on Sunday in view of the weather department&rsquo;s prediction of heavy to very heavy rains in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand on July 7-8.
&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;">Garhwal Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey said it has been decided to postpone the Yatra for the safety of pilgrims.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; 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 weather department&rsquo;s prediction of heavy rains in Garhwal division on July 7-8, all devotees are urged not to start for the Chardham yatra beyond Rishikesh on July 7, he 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;">Those who have already proceeded on the pilgrimage should wait wherever they are until the weather clears to resume their onward journey, he 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;">Heavy rains in various parts of Uttarakhand over the past few days has triggered landslides in the hills with the highway going to Badrinath blocked at a number of points by the rubble falling from the hills.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; 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;">Two pilgrims from Hyderabad were killed on Saturday after being hit by boulders falling from the hillside in the wake of a landslide near Chatwapeepal area of Karnaprayag in Chamoli district. They were returning from Badrinath on a motorcycle when they met with the accident.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; 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 rivers of Uttarakhand are also in spate with the Alaknanda flowing near the danger mark at Vishnu Prayag near Joshimath. The Alaknanda merges with Dhauli Ganga at Vishnu Prayag. 
&nbsp;

Dehradun

Chardham Yatra put on hold over heavy rainfall alert

Terrorist activities intensified in troubled Jammu and Kashmir during the weekend with an attack on an Army camp in Rajouri on Sunday and twin encounters at Kulgam continuing from Saturday, pushing up the death toll to eight, with two soldiers martyred and six terrorists killed.
&nbsp;
A soldier was injured as two terrorists fired at an Army camp in Rajouri and fled as security forces retaliated.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Search operations have been launched to find them
&nbsp;
The twin encounters began on Saturday in two villages of Kulgam district. Bodies of two terrorists were recovered from Modergam encounter site while four bodies of terrorists were recovered from the Frisal Chingam site, officials said.
&nbsp;
Talking to reporters on Sunday, J&amp;K DGP RR Swain said, according to confirmation of bodies, six terrorists were killed.&nbsp; This was "significant to strengthen the security environment in the state. Operations against militants and flow of information from public proves this fight will reach its logical conclusion," he added.
&nbsp;
Security forces recovered bodies of two more terrorists on Sunday, taking the number of ultras killed to six, officials said.
 Lance Naik Pradeep Nain, an elite Para commando lost his life in a gunfight at Modergam village as security personnel came under fire during &nbsp;search operations when they tracked three terrorists holed up in one place.
 Havaldar Raj Kumar of 1st Rashtriya Rifles was killed when terrorists fired upon security forces searching Frisal Chingam village following a tip-off about Lashkar terrorists in the area.&nbsp;
 "Encounter started at Modergam Village of #Kulgam District. Police and Security Forces are on work. Further details shall follow," Kashmir Zone Police tweeted on X about the first encounter.
 One terrorist remains trapped at Frisal Chingam and gunfights were continuing in both villages, Inspector General of Police, Kashmir, VK Birdhi said after visiting the sites earlier in the day.
 The anti-militancy operation was continuing on till last reports came in.&nbsp;
&nbsp;

J&K's Kulgam toll 8, with 2 soldiers and 6 terrorists killed

At least three persons were killed and three others were injured after being buried under the debris of a two-storey building that collapsed in Jharkhand's Deoghar district on Sunday, officials said.
&nbsp;
A rescue operation was underway as a few others were feared trapped under the debris of the building that collapsed in Deoghar town around 6 am.
&nbsp;
"As many as six persons were retrieved from under the debris and brought to the Sadar Hospital here. Of them, two were brought dead. Another woman succumbed to the injuries. The treatment of the three others, including a child, is underway," Deoghar Civil Surgeon Ranjan Sinha told PTI.
&nbsp;
A team of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has been deployed for the rescue operation.
&nbsp;
Deoghar Sub-divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Ritvik Srivastava told PTI, "A few more seem to be still trapped under the debris. The rescue operation is underway." NDRF Inspector Randhir Kumar, who is leading the operation, said that efforts are underway to retrieve the trapped persons.

3 dead, 3 injured as building collapses in Jharkhand

&nbsp;Several persons were feared trapped under the debris of a two-storey building that collapsed in Jharkhand's Deoghar district on Sunday morning, officials said.
&nbsp;
Four people were rescued from under the debris of the building that collapsed in Deoghar town around 6 am.
&nbsp;
A team of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has been deployed for the rescue operation.
&nbsp;
Deoghar Sub-divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Ritvik Srivastava told PTI, "Four people have been rescued so far. Few more seem to be still trapped under the debris. The rescue operation is underway."
&nbsp;
Those rescued were admitted to Deoghar Sadar Hospital.
&nbsp;
NDRF Inspector Randhir Kumar, who is leading the operation, said that efforts are underway to retrieve the trapped persons.

Building collapses in Jharkhand, 4 rescued, many trapped

An Israeli air strike on a school in the Gaza Strip has reportedly killed around 16 people and left many injured, Palestinian officials have claimed.
&nbsp;
Thousands displaced at the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza had been sheltering in the school, the health military run by Hamas said.
&nbsp;
Confirming the strike, the Israeli Defence Force said it had struck &ldquo;terrorists &nbsp;operating in structures located in the area of Al-Jaouni School,&rdquo; BBC reported.
&nbsp;
Videos surfacing on social media of the smoke-filled and debris-littered Nuseirat school area showed with desperate adults carrying injured, bleeding children to hospitals.
&nbsp;
&nbsp;Around 7,000 people were using the building as a shelter, BBC said.
&nbsp;
Other agencies quoted a woman as saying that some children reading the Koran were killed in the strike.
&nbsp;
BBC quoting sources also said one room used by Hamas police had been targeted by the IDF.
&nbsp;

Gaza 

16 killed in Israel strike on Gaza school

A soldier was injured on Sunday after a terrorist attack led to exchange of gunfire at an Army camp in Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said.
&nbsp;
According to reports terrorists fired on a sentry post of Territorial Army at village Galuthi in Manjakote area around 4 am, prompting retaliation by troops.
&nbsp;
The soldier was injured in the exchange of fire that continued for nearly half-an-hour between the two sides but the terrorists managed to flee into the nearby forest.
&nbsp;
Search operations have been launched to hunt them down.
&nbsp;
Terrorist activities have intensified in the area, with two encounters on Saturday leaving two soldiers martyred and four terrorists dead in Kulgam district , officials said.
&nbsp;
Lance Naik Pradeep Nain, a special forces Para commando lost his life in a gunfight at Modergam village after security personnel launched search operations and traced around three terrorists holed up in one place.
&nbsp;
<div class="blogRootContainer">
Havaldar Raj Kumar of 1st Rashtriya Rifles was killed when terrorists fired upon security forces searching Frisal Chingam village following a tip-off about Lashkar terrorists in the area.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
"Encounter started at Modergam Village of #Kulgam District. Police and Security Forces are on work. Further details shall follow," Kashmir Zone Police tweeted on X about the first encounter.
&nbsp;
One terrorist remains trapped at Frisal Chingam and gunfights were continuing in both villages, Inspector General of Police, Kashmir, VK Birdhi said after visiting the sites.
</div>

Soldier injured as terrorists attack Rajouri Army camp

The 147th Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath rolled out early Sunday morning in Gujarat&rsquo;s Ahmedabad city where a large number of devotees flocked the procession route to pay obeisance to the deity.
&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 raths (chariots) of Lord Jagannath, his brother Balbhadra and sister Subhadra are pulled by Khalashi community members as per the age-old tradition.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; 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 Rath Yatra is taken out on the Ashadhi Beej (second day of Hindu Ashadh month) every year.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; 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;">Union Home Minister Amit Shah performed the &lsquo;mangla aarti&rsquo; and Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel performed &lsquo;pahind vidhi&rsquo;, the ritual of cleaning the way using a golden broom, as the chariots rolled out from the 400-year-old Lord Jagannath temple in Jamalpur area.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; 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;
<figure class="image"><img title="Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel offers prayers on the occasion of Rath Yatra. " src="https://api.newsarenaindia.com//uploads/patelnaijpg_1720325737444.jpg" alt="Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel offers prayers on the occasion of Rath Yatra. " width="1500" height="800">
<figcaption>Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel offers prayers on the occasion of Rath Yatra on Sunday,</figcaption>
</figure>
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; 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 senior police official earlier said more than 22,000 security personnel will guard the event and some balloon-mounted cameras will also be deployed to keep a watch on the people&rsquo;s movement.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">As many as 4,500 personnel have been deployed to walk with the procession along the entire 16-km route while 1,931 personnel are managing traffic during the 147th edition of the annual Rath Yatra.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">As per the decades-old tradition, the procession, led by chariots, would return by 8 pm after traversing different localities in the Old City, including some communally sensitive areas.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; 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 procession usually consists of 18 decorated elephants, 100 trucks and 30 &lsquo;akhadas&rsquo; (local gymnasiums).
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; 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;">Senior police officials will keep a close watch on the procession using 1,733 body-worn cameras linked to a control room.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; 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;">Besides, 20 drones and 96 surveillance cameras have been installed at 47 locations on the route.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; 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;">Nearly 1,400 CCTV cameras installed by shopkeepers on the route will also be used for live surveillance, Ahmedabad Commissioner of Police GS Malik told reporters on Thursday.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">To address any medical emergency, 16 ambulances and medical teams at five government-run hospitals have also been kept on stand-by, as per officials. 
&nbsp;

Ahmedabad

Rath Yatra begins in Ahmedabad, Shah & Patel offer prayers

Heavy rainfall across large parts of India has compensated for the June deficit, bringing the overall monsoon precipitation into the surplus category.
&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 India Meteorological Department (IMD), more spells of heavy to very heavy rain are likely over northwest India and the western parts of the peninsular India during the next two-three days and over the northeast during the next five days.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">India, the world&rsquo;s top producer of critical crops such as rice, wheat and sugarcane, logged a rainfall deficit of 11 per cent in June, with northwest India recording a shortfall of 33 per cent.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; 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;">Heavy rain in the first week of July compensated for the shortfall but caused flooding in many northeastern states.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">Since the four-month monsoon season began on June 1, the country has received 214.9 mm of rainfall against a normal of 213.3 mm, according to IMD data.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; 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;">Northwest India and the southern peninsula have recorded 3 per cent and 13 per cent above-normal rainfall, respectively.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; 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 heavy rain in the east and northeast region has reduced the deficit from 13 per cent on June 30 to zero on July 6.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">The rainfall deficit in central India has decreased from 14 per cent to 6 per cent during this period.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; 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 IMD data showed that 23 per cent of the sub-divisional area of the country experienced excess to large excess rainfall, 67 per cent received normal rainfall, and only 10 per cent experienced deficient rainfall.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; 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 weather department on Saturday said heavy rainfall will continue in northeast India over the next five days.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; 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 northeastern states are already grappling with severe floods.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; 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;">Assam&rsquo;s flood situation remains critical, with over 2.45 million people affected and 52 lives lost in the second wave of flooding this year.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; 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;">Heavy rainfall in Manipur, Mizoram, and Arunachal Pradesh has caused rivers to reach warning levels and triggered landslides.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; 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 IMD earlier this week said India could experience above-normal rainfall in July, and heavy rain may lead to floods in the hilly states and river basins in the central parts of the country.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; 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 17 of the 25 years when June rainfall was below normal, the seasonal rainfall was normal or above normal, the IMD said. 
&nbsp;

Heavy rainfall in early July bridges India's monsoon deficit

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday said he has spoken to the UK's new Foreign Secretary David Lammy and both sides reaffirmed to "enhance our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership".
&nbsp;
In a post on X, the external affairs minister also said he looked forward to an "early in-person meeting".
&nbsp;
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Friday named Lammy as his new foreign secretary as the new premier started the process of forming a Labour Party government after a landslide victory in the general election.
&nbsp;
"Delighted to speak to UK Foreign Secretary @DavidLammy. We reaffirmed our commitment to enhance our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Look forward to an early in-person meeting," Jaishankar posted on X.
&nbsp;
On Friday, the external affairs minister in a post on the social media platform congratulated Lammy on his appointment as the Foreign Secretary of the UK.
&nbsp;
"Congratulations to @DavidLammy on being appointed Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom. Look forward to continuing our engagement and strengthening the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership," he wrote.
&nbsp;
The 51-year-old Labour politician is also a lawyer.
&nbsp;
In a post on 'X' earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "Pleased to speak with @Keir_Starmer. Congratulated him on being elected as the Prime Minister of the UK. We remain committed to deepening Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and robust India-UK economic ties for the progress and prosperity of our peoples and global good."&nbsp;

Jaishankar speaks to UK foreign secy to reaffirm ties

Two soldiers and four terrorists were killed in two encounters in Jammu and Kashmir's Kulgam district on Saturday, in Modergam and Frisal Chingam villages, officials said.
 Lance Naik Pradeep Nain, a special forces Para commando lost his life in a gunfight at Modergam village as security personnel came under fire during&nbsp; search operations and traced around three terrorists holed up in one place.
&nbsp;
Havaldar Raj Kumar of 1st Rashtriya Rifles was killed when terrorists fired upon security forces searching Frisal Chingam village following a tip-off about Lashkar terrorists in the area.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
"Encounter started at Modergam Village of #Kulgam District. Police and Security Forces are on work. Further details shall follow," Kashmir Zone Police tweeted on X about the first encounter.
&nbsp;
One terrorist remains trapped at Frisal Chingam and gunfights were continuing in both villages, Inspector General of Police, Kashmir, VK Birdhi said after visiting the sites.

2 soldiers, 4 terrorists killed in J&K encounters

The death toll in the collapse of a six-storey building in Gujarat&rsquo;s Surat city has gone up to seven with the recovery of six more bodies overnight, police said on Sunday.
&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 residential building, located in Pal area, collapsed at around 2.45 pm 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;">While a woman was rescued soon after the collapse, the body of a man was pulled out on Saturday night, an official earlier 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;">Rescue teams later pulled out six more bodies from the debris, according to police.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; 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;">Seven bodies have been recovered in the operation that continued through the night, Sachin GIDC police station inspector Jignesh Chaudhari 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;">After the incident, the rescue operation was launched with the help of teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and local fire department.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; 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 woman rescued soon after the building collapse was rushed to a hospital where she was undergoing treatment, Chaudhari 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;While the operation to remove the rubble continues, we do not think there is anyone else trapped inside,&rdquo; he 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 building was constructed in 2016-17, Surat Police Commissioner Anupam Singh Gehlot said 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;">Around five flats were occupied, mostly by those who work in factories in the area, he said. 
&nbsp;

Surat

Surat building collapse: Death toll rises to 7

Shyna Gupta

The Jagannath Rath Yatra 2024 is set to begin in Puri on Sunday, with President Droupadi Murmu attending the grand event.
&nbsp;
The festival attracts lakhs of devotees from across the country and abroad, celebrating with immense enthusiasm.
&nbsp;
This year&rsquo;s Rath Yatra will be a rare two-day event, a phenomenon last witnessed in 1971, due to specific celestial arrangements.
&nbsp;
To ensure smooth festivities, the newly-elected Odisha government has made special preparations for President Murmu&rsquo;s visit, emphasizing her roots in the Mayurbhanj district.
&nbsp;
In honor of the event, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has declared a two-day public holiday on July 7 and 8.
&nbsp;
The chariots are positioned in front of the Lion's Gate of the Jagannath temple, from where they will be pulled to the Gundicha temple on Sunday afternoon. They will remain at the Gundicha temple for a week, marking the deities' annual sojourn.
<h3>Special Highlights of This Year's Rath Yatra</h3>
Departing from the customary practice, several rituals involving the three sibling deities: Lord Jagannath, Devi Subhadra, and Lord Balabhadra, will be performed on a single day this Sunday.
&nbsp;
This year, the Rath Yatra and associated rituals like &lsquo;Nabajouban Darshan&rsquo; and &lsquo;Netra Utsav&rsquo; will all take place on July 7. Typically, these rituals are conducted before the Rath Yatra.
&nbsp;
&lsquo;Nabajouban Darshan&rsquo; signifies the youthful appearance of the deities, who remain behind closed doors for 15 days during &lsquo;Anasara&rsquo; (quarantine) following &lsquo;Snana Purnima&rsquo;.
&nbsp;
According to mythology, the deities fall ill due to excessive bathing on &lsquo;Snana Purnima&rsquo; and thus stay indoors. Before &lsquo;Nabajouban Darshan&rsquo;, priests perform the special ritual &lsquo;Netra Utsav&rsquo;, where the deities' eyeballs are freshly painted.
&nbsp;
The Rath Yatra, also known as the Chariot Festival, is as ancient as the Jagannath Temple itself. It marks the journey of the Holy Trinity to their maternal aunt, Goddess Gundicha Devi's Temple, and concludes with their return after eight days.
&nbsp;
The festival spans from Akshaya Tritiya in April and concludes with the deities' return to the Shree Mandir premises.
&nbsp;
The state government has organized arrangements to ensure the festival proceeds smoothly and on time.
&nbsp;
"With the cooperation from all stakeholders, all the rituals are going on smoothly. With the blessings of Lord Jagannath, all other rituals will also be conducted according to schedule," said Puri Collector Siddharth Shankar Swain.

Puri

Jagannath rath yatra 2024 begins in Puri

Singapore&rsquo;s Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Saturday warned of the risk of emergence of &ldquo;violent splinter cells&rdquo; in the recent future following the dissolution of the terrorist group Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) in Indonesia.
&nbsp;
The longer term impact of the outfit&rsquo;s dissolution, however, remains to be seen, the Channel News Asia reported, citing the MHA.
&nbsp;
Multi-ethnic Singapore, a hub of global multinationals, is always on alert and on guard against terrorism activities in Southeast Asia, the ministry said as it warned that the threat of terrorism to Singapore remains high and the country continues to be a prized target for terrorists.
&nbsp;
The ministry urged the public to be vigilant and contact the police or the Internal Security Department promptly should they come across suspicious people or activities.
&nbsp;
Indonesia&rsquo;s terror group JI is behind some of Southeast Asia&rsquo;s deadliest attacks, including the 2002 Bali bombings that killed over 200 people, the ministry said.
&nbsp;
&ldquo;For example, the JI&rsquo;s radical ideologies, including the goal of establishing an Islamic caliphate in Southeast Asia through armed struggle, will likely continue to have appeal among some groups and individuals,&rdquo; it added.
&nbsp;
JI leaders in Indonesia had announced the group&rsquo;s dissolution at a June 30 event organised by Indonesia&rsquo;s national police counter-terrorism squad.
&nbsp;
Welcoming the development, the Singapore government had said the dissolution of JI in Indonesia is a &ldquo;significant development and a major accomplishment&rdquo; for Indonesian authorities.
&nbsp;
A video of the announcement, uploaded on the YouTube account of hardline Islamic website Arrahmah on Jul 3, showed 16 JI officials standing on a stage. They included Abu Rusdan, a militant cleric and former JI leader arrested in Bekasi in September 2021, and Para Wijayanto, who was arrested in 2019 for recruiting militants and raising funds for Syria. Both are still in detention.
&nbsp;
The dissolution was agreed upon by the assembly of seniors and leaders of Islamic boarding schools affiliated with JI, said Abu Rusdan.
&nbsp;
The JI members agreed to return to the fold of the Republic of Indonesia and make changes to the curriculum of the JI-affiliated schools so that there are no more materials that teach extremism.
&nbsp;
The group was formed in 1993 by Abdullah Sungkar and Abu Bakar Bashir with the mission of building an Islamic state in Southeast Asia.
&nbsp;
The United States in 2017 designated MMI as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) for its alleged links to the Al Qaeda and Al Nusra Front movements.
&nbsp;

Singapore

S'pore warns of violent splinter cells

&nbsp;Heavy rainfall across large parts of India has compensated for the June deficit, bringing the overall monsoon precipitation into the surplus category, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
&nbsp;
The IMD has forecasted more spells of heavy to very heavy rain over northwest India and the western parts of the peninsular India during the next two to three days, and over the northeast during the next five days.
&nbsp;
India, the world's top producer of critical crops such as rice, wheat, and sugarcane, recorded an 11 percent rainfall deficit in June, with northwest India experiencing a shortfall of 33 percent. However, heavy rain in the first week of July compensated for the shortfall but caused flooding in many northeastern states.
&nbsp;
Since the four-month monsoon season began on June 1, the country has received 214.9 mm of rainfall against a normal of 213.3 mm, according to IMD data. Northwest India and the southern peninsula have recorded 3 percent and 13 percent above-normal rainfall, respectively.
&nbsp;
The heavy rain in the east and northeast regions has reduced the deficit from 13 percent on June 30 to zero on July 6. The rainfall deficit in central India has decreased from 14 percent to 6 percent during this period.
&nbsp;
IMD data revealed that 23 percent of the sub-divisional area of the country experienced excess to large excess rainfall, 67 percent received normal rainfall, and only 10 percent experienced deficient rainfall.
&nbsp;
After making an early onset over Kerala and the northeastern region on May 30, and progressing normally up to Maharashtra, the monsoon lost momentum.
&nbsp;
This delayed the rains in West Bengal, Jharkhand, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh, exacerbating the impact of a scorching heatwave in northwest India.

Heavy rainfall offsets June deficit in India

Vats Ambardar

An inexperienced yet spirited Zimbabwe pulled off an upset of massive proportions when they stunned an Indian team brimming with an array of Next-Gen stars by 13 runs in the first T20I of the five-match series here on Saturday.
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India, who were recently crowned champions in the T20 World Cup albeit with a different set of players, were expected to trot past an unfancied Zimbabwe and the script followed that line when the hosts were restricted to 115 for nine.
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But from there, Zimbabwe wrote their own narrative, reducing India to 28 for four in the Power Play and then eventually bowled them out for 102 in 19.5 overs.
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Pacer Tendai Chatara (3/16) and skipper Sikandar Raza (3/25) led the home side bowling with aplomb.
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It was India&rsquo;s first defeat in T20Is in 2024 and first against Zimbabwe in eight years.
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The second match of the series is slated on Sunday.
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India&rsquo;s stutter began in the first over itself, losing Abhishek Sharma, one of three T20I debutants along with Riyan Parag and Dhruv Jurel, for a duck.
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Sharma's almighty cross-batted heave off Brian Benett was caught easily by Wellington Masakadza in the outfield.
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But what was perceived as an initial scratch soon turned into a deep gash as India kept losing wickets.
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Ruturaj Gaikwad (7) could not negate a slightly bouncier offering from pacer Blessing Muzarabani, edging it to Innocent Kaia at the floating first slip.
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Soon, pacer Tendai Chatara dealt a double blow to India, dismissing Parag (2) and Rinku Singh (0) in the space of three balls in the fifth over.
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Parag&rsquo;s over-enthusiastic loft over mid-off could not clear substitute Brandon Mavuta, while Rinku did not have the necessary space to execute pull off a climbing-up delivery.
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However, skipper Shubman Gill kept India in the chase with a sensible knock (31, 5x4), but Sikandar Raza accounted for his counterpart with a delivery that skidded past his bat to rattle the stumps.
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Avesh Khan (16, 12b) and Washington Sundar (27, 34b) added 23 runs for the eighth wicket to take India to 84 but a full-blooded smash off a Masakadza full-toss was accepted by Raza at long-off.
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At 84 for eight and then at 86 for nine, the fight was well and truly over.
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India needed 16 runs off the last over and despite Washington being there, they could only manage just two runs as Zimbabwe celebrated a famous win with all fervour.
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Before their batters faltered, the Indian bowlers led by leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi, performed admirably on a pitch that had a hint of extra bounce and sufficient carry.
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Bishnoi returned with a career-best 4/13 and received adequate support from off-spinner Washington (2/11) as Zimbabwe struggled to stitch any meaningful partnership.
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However, Zimbabwe made a rather brisk start to their innings, reaching 40 for two in the Power Play segment even though their batters were not always convincing.
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After the early dismissal of Kaia, who dragged a Mukesh Kumar delivery onto his stumps, Wessly Madhevere (21, 22b) and Bennett (22, 15b) added 34 runs in quick time.
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The highlight of their alliance was the fifth over in which they plundered 17 runs off left-arm pacer Khaleel Ahmed.
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Bennett hammered him for two successive boundaries as Zimbabwe seemed to have recovered from the early loss of Kaia.
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But the ouster of Bennett by Bishnoi in the sixth over changed the complexion of Zimbabwe&rsquo;s innings. Bennett could not read Bishnoi&rsquo;s googly, which also carried three more Zimbabwe batters to their doom later &ndash; Madhevere, Muzarabani and Luke Jongwe.
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They crawled to 74 for three from there, courtesy the patience of skipper Raza (17, 19b) but lost their way from that point, losing six wickets for 41 runs.
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The hosts' batters seemed to have slipped into a state of panic, evidenced by the dismissal of Jonathan Campbell, son of former Zimbabwe captain Alastair Campbell.
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Campbell pushed an Avesh delivery to the covers and called for a single and his partner Dion Myers responded.
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But Campbell changed his mind suddenly and stayed back as Myers crossed the crease, forcing the former to walk back.
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Their last hope rested on experienced Raza, and he raised some hope, smashing Avesh for a six over the bowler&rsquo;s head.
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But the extra bounce Avesh generated soon did Raza in as his mis-timed pull ended in the hands of Bishnoi in the deep.
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Washington joined the party with two wickets in as many balls, jettisoning Myers (23, 22b) and Wellington Masakadza (0) off consecutive balls.
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In the process, the Tamil Nadu man also completed 100 wickets in T20s.
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Clive Madande&rsquo;s cameo (29 not out, 25b) helped Zimbabwe go past the 100-run mark and that proved a tad too many for India this day.&nbsp;

Zimbabwe stun India by 13 runs in first T20I

Iran&rsquo;s president-elect, Masoud Pezeshkian, urged Iranians on Saturday to stick with him on &ldquo;the difficult road ahead&rdquo; after winning the run-off presidential vote.&nbsp; Pezeshkian, a 69-year-old cardiac surgeon and the sole moderate in four candidates' original field, defeated former nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili. He will replace hardline President Ebrahim Raisi, who died in a helicopter crash in May.
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Pezeshkian has pledged to promote a pragmatic foreign policy, ease tensions over stalled negotiations with major powers to revive the 2015 nuclear pact and improve prospects for social liberalization and political pluralism.&nbsp;
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However, many Iranians are sceptical about his ability to fulfil his campaign promises, as Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei holds ultimate authority in the Islamic Republic.
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&ldquo;Dear people of Iran, the election is over, and this is just the beginning of our working together. A difficult road is ahead. It can only be smooth with your cooperation, empathy, and trust,&rdquo; Pezeshkian said on social media platform X.
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&nbsp;&ldquo;I extend my hand to you and swear on my honour that I will not abandon you on this path. Do not abandon me.&rdquo;
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After the election result is confirmed by a hardline watchdog body and approved by Khamenei, Pezeshkian will take the oath of office before parliament in Tehran in the coming days.&nbsp;
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Turnout was almost 50% in Friday&rsquo;s vote, following historically low turnout in the first-round ballot on June 28.
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Pezeshkian&rsquo;s victory has lifted hopes of a thaw in Iran&rsquo;s relations with the West that might create openings for defusing its nuclear dispute with world powers.&nbsp;
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Commending what he called a &ldquo;high turnout,&rdquo; Khamenei congratulated Pezeshkian on his win and counselled him to continue Raisi&rsquo;s policies.
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Videos on social media showed Pezeshkian&rsquo;s supporters dancing in the streets and motorists honking car horns to cheer his victory. The election coincided with escalating regional tensions due to conflicts between Israel and Iranian allies Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon, as well as increased Western pressure on Iran over its fast-advancing nuclear program.
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Under Iran&rsquo;s dual system of clerical and republican rule, the president cannot usher in any major policy shifts on Iran&rsquo;s nuclear program or support for militia groups across the Middle East, as Khamenei calls all the shots on top state matters. However, the president can influence the tone of Iran&rsquo;s policy and will be closely involved in selecting Khamenei&rsquo;s successor, now 85.
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Backed by Iran&rsquo;s reformist camp led by former President Mohammad Khatami, Pezeshkian is faithful to Iran&rsquo;s theocratic rule and has no intention of confronting the powerful security hawks and clerical rulers.
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Foreign leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Saudi Arabia&rsquo;s King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, have sent congratulatory messages to Pezeshkian.

Tehran

Masoud Pezeshkian is the new Iranian president

Deepan

Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, is scheduled to visit Manipur on July 8, according to sources within the party.
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During his visit, he plans to tour relief camps and meet with Manipur Congress leaders.
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Gandhi's itinerary includes visits to locations such as Moirang and Churachandpur on the same day, where he will interact with internally displaced people seeking refuge in relief camps, as per sources familiar with the arrangements.
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Earlier this year, Rahul Gandhi initiated the Congress party's extensive outreach programme, Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, from Thoubal in Manipur.
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The yatra spanned over 6,700 km across 15 states, culminating in Mumbai.
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In recent remarks at a rally in Manipur, Gandhi censured the BJP sharply for ethnic clashes in the state, which have claimed over 220 lives since May 2023.&nbsp;
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He denounced what he called the BJP's "politics of hatred" and expressed concern over the suffering of Manipur's residents.
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"Manipur has seen division and widespread suffering," Gandhi stated. "Many have endured immense losses, yet the Prime Minister has not visited to offer comfort. Perhaps, for PM Modi, BJP, and RSS, Manipur is not recognised as part of India," he added. 
After his engagements in Manipur, Rahul Gandhi is expected to proceed to Nagaland on the same day, continuing his visit to the northeastern region.

Imphal

Rahul Gandhi likely to tour Manipur on July 8

Devprakash Madhukar, the key accused in the July 2 Hathras stampede, was on Saturday sent to 14-day judicial custody by a magistrate court, officials said.
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Besides, Sanju Yadav, another suspect who has been arrested in connection with the case, was also sent to jail for the same duration, they said.
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Earlier in the day, Hathras Superintendent of Police Nipun Agarwal told reporters that the police would apply in the court to get the remand of Madhukar and other suspects.
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"Devprakash Madhukar and Sanju Yadav were produced before the judicial magistrate's court today and both were sent in judicial remand for 14 days," Assistant Prosecution Officer Uma Shankar Yadav told reporters.
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The APO said Ramprakash Shakya, who too has been arrested in the stampede case, would be produced in the court on Sunday since he was arrested after Madhukar and Yadav and has some police formalities pending.
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Madhukar was arrested from Delhi's Najafgarh area late on Friday night by a Special Operations Group of the Hathras police. Shakya and Yadav were arrested on Saturday from Hathras, according to police.
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Madhukar is the only named accused in the FIR, which also mentions as accused "several other unidentified organisers" of the satsang.
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The stampede after a satsang of self-styled godman Surajpal alias Narayan Sakar Hari alias Bhole Baba left 121 people, mostly women, dead.&nbsp;

Noida

Hathras stampede key accused sent to 14-day custody

In a strategic move echoing China&rsquo;s efforts across the Line of Actual Control (LAC), India has decided to establish new villages closer to the LAC in Arunachal Pradesh.
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This initiative, according to the defence experts, aims to integrate security and civilian infrastructure while fostering local development along the sensitive border region.
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Reports indicate that existing villages in Arunachal Pradesh, located 50 to 60 km from the LAC, have benefited from infrastructure under the Centre&rsquo;s ongoing Vibrant Villages Programme.
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However, their distance from the LAC presents challenges for seamless integration into dual-use security-civilian frameworks.
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To address this, the government plans to establish new habitations closer to the LAC.
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These new villages will leverage infrastructure, including roads reaching forward military locations along the LAC, and cater to adventure tourism.
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A similar initiative in Jammu and Kashmir's Keran sector has successfully attracted tourists to the Kishanganga riverbanks opposite Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
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Unlike Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, where Indian villages are closer to the LAC, Arunachal Pradesh&rsquo;s sparse population necessitates the creation of new habitations.
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This effort aligns with the Vibrant Villages Programme, which aims to upgrade 662 villages with a focus on infrastructure, renewable energy, high-speed telecom connectivity, and tourism promotion.
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In contrast, China has established 628 &ldquo;prosperous villages&rdquo; along the LAC, including areas opposite Arunachal Pradesh, reinforcing territorial claims and military readiness.
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These villages potentially serve a legal defence under the Border Defence Cooperation Agreement-2005, safeguarding settled populations during future delineation exercises of the LAC.

Itanagar

India to set up new villages near LAC in Arunachal

Five Naxalites surrendered before the security forces in Chhattisgarh's Sukma district on Saturday, police said.
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Two of them together carried a reward of Rs 3 lakh on their heads.
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The Naxalites turned themselves in before senior officials of the police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) citing disappointment with atrocities committed by the Maoists on tribals and the "inhuman and hollow" Maoist ideology, an official said.
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They were also "impressed" by the state government's Naxalism elimination policy and the Sukma police's rehabilitation drive 'Puna Narkom' (`new dawn' in Gondi language), he said.
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Of those who surrendered, Kartam Sukka alias Hadma carried a reward of Rs 2 lakh on his head.
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Siyam Badra carried a reward of Rs 1 lakh on his head.
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Madkam Hadma, a member of Sindurguda Revolutionary Party Committee, surrendered with a firearm, the official added.
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The surrendered Naxalites will get benefits as per the state government's surrender and rehabilitation policy, he said.

Raipur

Five Naxalites surrender in Chhattisgarh's Sukma district

In a bid to promote environmental awareness, Sikkim will observe 'A Day for Mother Earth' on July 7th, 2024, with a unique initiative to halt all vehicular movement for seven minutes.
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Launched by Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang in 2019, this annual event aims to contribute to nature and raise awareness about environmental issues.
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On July 7th, from 11:00 am to 11:07 am, all vehicles across the state will come to a standstill, with the exception of emergency and essential services.
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This pause is designed to draw attention to the pressing issues of global warming and climate change. Traffic police have been instructed to ensure compliance during this period.
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The state government has urged all traffic police personnel to facilitate the halt and ensure a smooth implementation of the initiative.
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By involving various stakeholders, Sikkim aims to create widespread environmental awareness and encourage collective action to address the adverse effects of climate change.
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Gangtok

Sikkim to mark 'Mother Earth' Day with 7 min vehicular pause

At least one soldier was killed during an encounter with terrorists in the Kulgam district of Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday, officials reported. The gunfight began in Modergam village after security forces launched a search operation based on intelligence inputs.&nbsp;
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Security forces have cordoned off all entry and exit points to the village, where they have surrounded two to three terrorists in their hideouts.
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The Kashmir Zone Police confirmed the encounter on microblogging site X, stating, "Encounter started at Modergam Village of #Kulgam District. Police and Security Forces are on the job. Further details shall follow."&nbsp;
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As of the latest update, the encounter was still ongoing, and more information was awaited.&nbsp;
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This incident follows last month&rsquo;s Pulwama encounter, where two top commanders from The Resistance Front, an offshoot of Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, were killed by security forces.&nbsp;
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Security forces, in collaboration with the Jammu and Kashmir Police, have successfully eliminated multiple terrorists this year.&nbsp;
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The encounter coincided with the ongoing Amarnath Yatra in the Kashmir Valley. This is a developing story; more details will follow.

Soldier killed in ongoing Kulgam encounter

The overwhelming win of a Labour Party candidate in the UK general elections prompted jubilant celebrations in Uttar Pradesh's Kanpur and Gorakhpur, even though they were thousands of kilometres away.
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Navendu Mishra, who was re-elected to the House of Commons from the Stockport constituency for a second term, was born in Kanpur in 1989. His maternal grandfather's residence is located in Gorakhpur.
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According to Mishra's maternal uncle Nilendar Pandey, who is a social worker and businessman now residing in Lucknow, some individuals in Gorakhpur, Lucknow, and Kanpur expressed their joy at his victory by distributing sweets and lighting fireworks.
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Pandey mentioned that Mishra moved to the UK with his parents at the age of four. His father, a marketing manager for Indian Petrochemicals Corporation Limited, relocated to the UK after assuming a position with a British company.
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Mishra was raised in the UK with his brother and sister.
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After finishing his studies in London, he ventured into politics and won a seat in the House of Commons during the 2019 elections, representing Stockport as a member of the Labour Party.
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According to Pandey, Mishra's entry into politics stemmed from his involvement in the trade union movement.
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Pandey mentioned that Mishra shares a strong bond with him and recounted that his nephew reached out to seek his blessings after emerging victorious in the election.
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Pandey said, "He (Mishra) likes coming to India. He is always keen on doing something for his country." "He visits India once every year or two and makes it a point to visit relatives from Gorakhpur to Delhi. He is a vegetarian and loves home-cooked food common in eastern Uttar Pradesh," he said.
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Praising his nephew, Pandey said, "You can guess his popularity by his victory margin. In the UK, where elections are won by margins of only 1,000-2,000 votes, Mishra won by about 16,000 votes." Mishra secured 21,787 of the votes cast. His closest contender, Reform UK candidate Lynn Schofield, got 6,517 votes.
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Pandey said Mishra returned to India for the first time after about seven years in the UK and spent time at the home of his maternal grandparents in Gorakhpur.
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"Mishra used to fly kites and play cricket in the streets with the children of locals, including my two sons and daughter. My children are also ecstatic over his victory," he added.
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On a recent trip to India, Mishra headed a group to visit Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel. The group also had a meeting with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in Delhi.
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After this, he enjoyed time with his family in Delhi and Lucknow, Pandey stated.
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Experts in politics suggested that Mishra's win and his relationship with India would enhance bilateral relations and strengthen cultural, political, and social connections between the two countries.
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Pandey said Mishra had also planned to visit the Ram temple in Ayodhya but that programme did not materialise.
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Ishwar Singh, an associate of Pandey in Gorakhpur, told PTI, "Mishra was inspired to join politics and social service by his maternal uncle Nilendar Pandey." "When he visited Gorakhpur at a young age, he used to see the crowds gathering to meet Pandey and got inspired," he added.
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The home of Mishra's father in Arya Nagar, Kanpur, was filled with locals who had gathered to congratulate the family on his consecutive election wins. It has been approximately two years since Mishra's last visit to his family home in Arya Nagar.
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On Friday, Keir Starmer became the UK's new prime minister after his Labour Party secured a landslide victory in a general election in which weary voters inflicted a "sobering verdict" on Rishi Sunak-led Conservatives.
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The Labour Party secured 412 seats in the 650-member House of Commons. Sunak's Conservatives won just 121 seats.
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Discussing plans to invite his nephew to India, Pandey said, "We have invited Mishra to come here soon and a welcome ceremony will be organised in Lucknow after his arrival."

Labour candidate with Kanpur roots wins in UK elections

Amarpreet Kaur

Heavy rain pounded parts of Himachal Pradesh, with Dharamshala and Palampur in Kangra district receiving over 200 mm of rainfall. The downpour has resulted in widespread disruptions, with 150 roads closed for traffic across the state. The affected roads include 111 in Mandi, 13 in Sirmaur, nine in Shimla, eight each in Chamba and Kullu, and one in Kangra district.&nbsp;
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According to the emergency operation centre, the heavy rain has also disrupted power supply, with 334 transformers affected. Additionally, 55 water supply schemes have been impacted, leaving many areas without access to clean water. The centre is closely monitoring the situation and working to restore essential services as soon as possible.&nbsp;&nbsp;
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Kangra&rsquo;s Dharamshala recorded the highest rainfall of 214.6 mm, followed by Palampur 212.4 mm, Jogindernagar 169 mm, Kangra city 157.6 mm, Baijnath 142 mm, Jot 95.2 mm, Nagrota Suriyan 90.2 mm, Sujanpur Tira 72 mm, Dhaulakuan 70 mm, Ghamroor 68.2 mm, Nadaun 63 mm and Berthin 58.8 mm.&nbsp;&nbsp;
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The Shimla meteorological office has issued a &ldquo;yellow&rdquo; alert, warning for thunderstorms and lightning at isolated places till July 12. &nbsp;Other tourist destinations of Dalhousie received 31 mm of rain, Manali received 30 mm, Kasauli 24 mm, Narkanda 19 mm and Shimla 17.2 mm.&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;
According to the parameters, 2.5-15.5 mm of rain is considered light rainfall, 15.6 mm-64.4 mm as moderate, 64.5-115.5 mm as heavy, 115.6-204.4 mm as very heavy and over 204.5 mm as extremely heavy.&nbsp;&nbsp;
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The minimum temperatures witnessed an appreciable fall and Keylong in tribal Lahaul and Spiti recorded the lowest night temperature at 6.9 degrees Celsius on Friday night. &nbsp;On Thursday night Kukumseri in Lahaul and Spiti recorded a minimum temperature of 11.6 degrees Celsius.&nbsp;&nbsp;
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So far, the state has received 72.1 mm of rain against the normal of 35 mm, an excess of 106 per cent in the month of July.&nbsp;

Shimla

Heavy rains in Himachal, roads closed, power supply affected

India's Diksha Dagar gave away a costly and rare triple bogey on the 16th hole of the third and final round as she dropped out of Top-10 at the Aramco Team Series London golf tournament.
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The left-hander, who is headed to the Major Evian Championships next week and then to the Olympic Games in Paris, finished with a round of 2-over 75 and was T-14 after being inside the Top 5 at one stage.
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It was still her best individual finish in the Aramco Series. Except for that Par-4 16th in the final round, she indicated that her game was in good shape for the bigger events.
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India&rsquo;s other player to make the cut, Tvesa Malik (75) was T-48, while Pranavi Urs had withdrawn after the first round.
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Leona Maguire became the first Irishwoman to win on the Ladies European Tour (LET) after sinking her eagle putt on the final hole. Maguire led from the first day in the Individual competition at Centurion Club after rounds of 66 (-7) and 72 (-1).
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Diksha, fourth at the start of the final day, began in the afternoon on the final day and bogeyed the third hole. Birdies on the fifth and ninth hauled her back into Top-10 and she had a string of pars before the crippling triple bogey.
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Tvesa had four bogeys and a birdie in the stretch between the fifth and the ninth. Then came a double on the 11th before a birdie on the 13th and a birdie-birdie finish gave her a T-48 finish.
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It was an up-and-down day for Maguire who made the turn in two-over par, and she was level on the back nine heading into 18 knowing she needed to make an eagle to secure victory.
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Maguire hit an excellent second shot to leave herself with an eagle chance and she duly rolled in the putt to make history on the LET and win with a total of eight-under-par.
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Spain&rsquo;s Maria Hernandez finished in second place on seven-under-par after a bogey-free final round of 68 (-5). The Spaniard rolled in birdies on holes one, five, 10, 16 and 18 to seal another top-10 finish on the LET in 2024.
&nbsp;
Three players finished in a share of third place with Ireland&rsquo;s Lauren Walsh, America&rsquo;s Alison Lee and England&rsquo;s Georgia Hall all on six-under-par.
France&rsquo;s Agathe Sauzon ended the week in outright sixth place on five-under with Germany&rsquo;s Laura Fuenfstueck one shot further back.
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In the team competition, Team Nadaud secured victory over Team Hall after a three-hole playoff at the end of the day.
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In the LET Order of Merit, Hernandez climbed up to sixth place in the Order of Merit with Walsh now 12th and Maguire jumped from 134th to 28th place.&nbsp;

London

Diksha finishes 14th in London after a triple bogey

While many Indians were disappointed by Rishi Sunak&rsquo;s loss of power in the recent Rishi Sunak, a small town in north Bihar is celebrating a different victory.&nbsp;
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Kanishka Narayan, a Labour Party MP, has brought joy to Muzaffarpur, his ancestral home, by winning a seat in the UK Parliament.
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Kanishka, representing Vale of Glamorgan, has roots in Muzaffarpur, about 70 km from Bihar&rsquo;s state capital. Jayant Kumar, Director of Shri Krishna Law College, expressed the town&rsquo;s excitement. "The mood is upbeat in our housing complex, where many remember Kanishka as a toddler," he said.
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Kanishka's father, Santosh, is Kumar's younger brother. The 33-year-old MP entered politics after leaving a career in the British civil service.
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"We hail from a village in Goraul block of Vaishali district. A passion for law runs in our blood. Our late father, Krishna Kumar, founded the law college here," Jayant Kumar proudly shared.
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Kanishka was born in Muzaffarpur and studied locally until the third grade. His family then moved to Delhi and later to Cardiff when he was 12. Both his parents, Chetana Sinha and Santosh Kumar, worked as solicitors in the UK.
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Jayant Kumar expressed hope for stronger UK-India relations given the Labour Party&rsquo;s positive stance towards India and its migrants.
&nbsp;
"That a member of our family has the opportunity to do his bit is icing on the cake," he said.
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Filled with excitement, Kumar looks forward to meeting his nephew in his new role. "The UK has always been like a second home. I spent four years studying in Wales. My daughter and son-in-law live there. It is an extended family," he added.

Patna

Bihar town celebrates Kanishka's UK Parliament win

A court here on Saturday extended till July 16 the judicial custody of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's aide Bibhav Kumar.&nbsp;&nbsp;
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Kumar is accused of assaulting Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal on May 13 at the Chief Minister's official residence.&nbsp;&nbsp;
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Kumar was produced through video conferencing before Metropolitan Magistrate Gaurav Goyal who extended his judicial custody.&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Kumar was arrested on May 18. He was sent to police custody for five days the same day by a magisterial court, which observed that his anticipatory bail plea had become infructuous because of his arrest.&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;
On May 24, he was sent to four days judicial custody, following which he was again remanded in police custody for three days.&nbsp;&nbsp;
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An FIR was registered against Kumar on May 16 under various Indian Penal Code provisions, including those related to criminal intimidation, assault, or criminal force on a woman with the intent to disrobe and attempt to commit culpable homicide.&nbsp;

Court extends Bibhav's custody in Swati Maliwal assault case

Thieves stole approximately Rs 25 lakh from an ATM on Phagwara-Palahi road early Saturday morning. The robbers utilised a gas cutter to gain access to the machine and escaped with the cash. 
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The heat from the gas cutter also damaged some currency notes inside the ATM.
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The authorities are working to determine the number of individuals involved in the heist. 
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Phagwara Superintendent of Police Rupinder Kaur Bhatti said that CCTV footage from nearby cameras is being reviewed to identify and apprehend the suspects.
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The police are actively investigating the incident and scanning the footage to trace the robbers. 
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The ATM heist has raised concerns about the security of financial institutions in the area, and the authorities are taking steps to prevent such incidents in the future.

Phagwara

Rs 25 Lakh stolen from ATM in Punjab's Phagwara

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Saturday lashed out at Congress leader P Chidambaram over his comment that the three new criminal laws were "drafted by part-timers", terming it as "inexcusable" and urging him to withdraw his "derogatory, defamatory and insulting" observation.
&nbsp;
Dhankhar said he was "shocked beyond words" when in the morning he read Chidambaram's interview to a leading national daily wherein he had said that "the new laws were drafted by part-timers".
&nbsp;
"Are we part-timers in the Parliament? It is an inexcusable insult to the wisdom of the Parliament... I do not have words strong enough to condemn such a narrative being set afloat and an MP being labelled as a part-timer.
&nbsp;
"I appeal to him (Chidambaram) from this platform, please withdraw this derogatory, defamatory and highly insulting observations about the Members of Parliament (MPs). I hope he does it," the Vice President said while addressing the 12th convocation of the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST) here.
&nbsp;
Dhankhar further said that "when informed minds knowingly lead you astray, we need to be on guard".
&nbsp;
"This morning, when I read a paper, an informed mind, who had been the Finance Minister of this country, a Parliamentarian for long and currently a member of the Rajya Sabha, stunned me," the VP said.
&nbsp;
Dhankhar said that he took pride in the fact that the Parliament did "a great thing" by "unshackling us from the colonial legacy" and giving three laws that were of "epochal dimension".
&nbsp;
The VP, who is also the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, said that every MP had the opportunity to contribute when the three laws -- Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita and Bharatiya Saksha Adhiniyam -- were being debated in the House.
&nbsp;
"With a heavy heart, I am sharing with you, that this honourable gentleman, a distinguished member of Parliament who has a great background as finance minister, did not use his lung power. He gave total rest to his vocal chords while debate was going on," he said.
&nbsp;
Dhankhar said that Chidambaram must hold himself accountable for the "failure of duty on your part, an act of omission/commission, dereliction of duty, which can never be explained".&nbsp;

Thiruvananthapuram

VP Dhankhar slams P Chidambaram over 'part-timer' remark

Two workers lost their lives, and ten others were injured as heavy rain lashed Kathmandu and other parts of Nepal on Friday and Saturday, officials reported.
&nbsp;
The tragic incident occurred at the under-construction Bhotekoshi Hydropower Project in Sindhupalchowk district, about 125 km east of Kathmandu.
&nbsp;
The workers were buried when a tunnel at the Bhotekoshi site collapsed due to the relentless rainfall. Rescuers managed to recover the bodies of the deceased, while ten injured workers were promptly admitted to a local hospital for treatment.
&nbsp;
In a separate incident, an 18-year-old boy went missing after being swept away by the Rapti River in the Dang district of Western Nepal. The same river stranded two other men on a tree, who were later rescued by security personnel.
&nbsp;
Additionally, a woman in the Dolakha district, approximately 180 km east of Kathmandu, has been reported missing after being carried away by floodwaters.
&nbsp;
The incessant rainfall has led to alarming water levels in rivers across the Kathmandu Valley.
&nbsp;
The Hanumante River in Bhaktapur district has surpassed danger levels, inundating local residential areas and placing over 600 houses at risk.
&nbsp;
Dinesh Raj Mainali, spokesperson for the Kathmandu Valley Police Office, confirmed that police teams have been deployed along the riverbanks to prevent further incidents.
&nbsp;
"We have mobilised police teams on the banks of rivers and streams, considering the possible risks of floods and inundations in the nearby settlements," Mainali stated.
&nbsp;
Police vehicles are on constant watch along the Bagmati, Bishnumati, Manohara, and Hanumante rivers.
&nbsp;
Most regions in Bagmati, Gandaki, and Lumbini provinces experienced light to moderate rainfall, while heavy downpours were recorded in parts of Bagmati, Koshi, Gandaki, and Karnali provinces, exacerbating the flood risk.

Kathmandu

Heavy rains claim lives of two, injure 10 in Nepal

Having seized a controversial fifth term as President, recently Russia&rsquo;s Vladimir Putin has been on a mission to gain much-needed geopolitical approval.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Last month, Russian state TV went into an overdrive televising the famous car ride taken together by President Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in a Russian-built Aurus limousine. Now as PM Modi embarks on a three-day visit to Moscow and Austria this week, once again Putin hopes to leverage the visit to salvage his approval ratings back home and showcase his clout to the West.&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Notably, this marks Narendra Modi&rsquo;s first bilateral visit since taking oath for the third consecutive term as India&rsquo;s prime minister last month. Even more significantly, this is PM Modi&rsquo;s first visit since the Ukraine war.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The diplomatic development once again makes many revisit as to why India and Russia have remained steadfast allies for decades now.&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Ever since the all-out and much-criticised invasion of Ukraine by Russia in February 2022, the Indian government, the right-wing public and large segments of Indian mainstream media have firmly been on Putin&rsquo;s side. Social media hashtags like IstandwithPutin are one of the many barometers of this stance.
&nbsp;
The Indian government, most notably sided with Vladimir Putin, by refusing to support UN resolutions that condemned the invasion, thereby clearly stating through its actions that India was not willing to jeopardize its diplomatic ties with Russia at any cost.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Russia and India have been strong allies since forever
&nbsp;
India-Russia&rsquo;s geopolitical ties go back to the Independence in 1947. Over the years, both nations have routinely taken a stance supporting each other on major contentious international issues. While Moscow sees its ties with New Delhi as a means to offset American dominance, India views the same as a means to overcome political threats from China.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Russia&rsquo;s support for India on the crucial issue of Kashmir is another instance. UN Security Council resolutions in 1957, 1962 and 1971 called for international intervention in Kashmir.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
However, the Soviet Union vetoed all of the resolutions, making clear its position that Kashmir was a bilateral issue and needed to be solved through negotiations between India and Pakistan.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Russia&rsquo;s pro-India stance on Kashmir once again came under the spotlight when the Modi government scrapped Article 370 in 2019, revoking Jammu &amp; Kashmir&rsquo;s special status. While severe criticism came from a few sections of international media and world leaders, Russia stood firmly by India and called this to be, &ldquo;an internal matter&rdquo; of India.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The most recent efforts of international intervention in Kashmir came in January 2020, following China-led efforts to do so. Russia&rsquo;s representative to the UN, Dmitry Polyanskiy was among the prompt ones to tweet, &ldquo;UNSC discussed Kashmir in closed consultations. Russia firmly stands for the normalisation of relations between India and Pakistan. We hope that differences between them will be settled through bilateral efforts.&rdquo;&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The alliance between the two nations goes beyond political support and extends to military cooperation and economic ties as well.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
While the Kremlin says, &ldquo;all issues are on the agenda,&rdquo; India&rsquo;s Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra has called the visit &ldquo;purely bilateral&rdquo; alongside dismissing suggestions that Modi&rsquo;s talks with Putin would appear in contrast to the NATO summit that begins in the U.S on the same day, that is July 9. However, the Russia-Ukraine conflict is expected to be on the agenda.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Deepening Russia-China relations?&nbsp;
&nbsp;
One of the many reasons for the visit is speculated to be deepening Russia-China ties as the meeting comes only two months after Putin went to China as the first foreign visit of his new term. Last month, US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller refused to comment on the development, &ldquo;until the visit was publicly confirmed by the two governments.&rdquo; Modi&rsquo;s visit is likely to not be viewed favourably as it dents the West&rsquo;s efforts to label Putin as an outcast.&nbsp;

Modi’s Moscow visit again highlights strong Indo-Russia ties

The Dalai Lama, the supreme spiritual leader of Tibetans, turned 89 on Saturday.
&nbsp;
He reassured his followers about his health, stating he is recovering from knee surgery and feels "physically fit," dismissing any rumours of ill health.
&nbsp;
The Tibetan community in exile celebrated the occasion at the Dalai Lama's main temple in Mcleodganj, marking the event with festivities and prayers.
&nbsp;
The revered Tibetan spiritual leader is currently recuperating in the United States following knee surgery.
&nbsp;
"Recently I had surgery on my knee, which has given me some problem. However, I am recovering and have no problem at all now," the Dalai Lama declared in a video message, addressing speculations about his wellbeing.
&nbsp;
The Nobel Peace Prize laureate, celebrated globally for his efforts in popularising Buddhism, addressed concerns, "There may be people trying to confuse you about my health, saying that the Dalai Lama has gone to a hospital and is undergoing treatments, and so on, making my condition sound grave. You don't need to trust such misinformation."
&nbsp;
Exiled since 1959, following China's military intervention in Tibet, the Dalai Lama remains a symbol of Tibetan autonomy and spiritual guidance.
&nbsp;
His advanced age and health challenges have heightened the discourse on his succession among Tibetans, who face continued struggles for autonomy or independence from China.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Tibetan Buddhists hold the belief that their spiritual leaders reincarnate, raising crucial questions about the Dalai Lama&rsquo;s eventual successor.
&nbsp;
Approaching his 90th year, the Dalai Lama hinted at addressing these succession questions.
&nbsp;
"I am nearly 90 now but I don't feel unhealthy, except for the slight discomfort in my legs. I would like to thank all my fellow Tibetans in and outside Tibet for your prayers on my birthday," he stated, acknowledging the natural decline associated with ageing.
&nbsp;
Saturday saw tens of thousands of Buddhists and well-wishers worldwide gathering to celebrate his birthday, praying for his long life.
&nbsp;
The Dalai Lama's enduring presence continues to embody hope for a return to Tibet for many of his followers.

Dharamshala

Dalai Lama turns 89, dismisses health concerns

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his newly elected UK counterpart, Keir Starmer, engaged in a significant discussion on Saturday, committing to expedite the completion of a mutually advantageous India-UK free trade agreement.
&nbsp;
PM Modi extended his congratulations to Starmer on his remarkable electoral victory and assumption of office.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The dialogue highlighted the historical ties between India and the UK, with both leaders expressing their determination to deepen and enhance the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
&nbsp;
They acknowledged the substantial contributions of the Indian community to the UK's social, economic, and political spheres and pledged to continue fostering these close people-to-people connections.
&nbsp;
Modi invited Starmer for an early visit to India, and both leaders agreed to maintain regular communication.
&nbsp;
In a statement on social media platform X, Modi remarked, "Pleased to speak with @Keir_Starmer. Congratulated him on being elected as the Prime Minister of the UK. We remain committed to deepening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and robust India-UK economic ties for the progress and prosperity of our peoples and global good."
&nbsp;
&nbsp;

PM Modi, UK’s Starmer discuss swift India-UK free trade deal

The Enforcement Directorate has revealed that in the Jharkhand Tender scam of the Rural Development department, officers took more commission than ministers.
&nbsp;
The minister took a 1.35 per cent commission, while officers and engineers took a 1.65 per cent commission.
&nbsp;
During ED interrogation, engineers, including the Chief Engineer, stated that the money was collected for Minister Alamgir Alam through his Personal Secretary Sanjeev Lal.
&nbsp;
Engineers confessed that the commission amount for Minister Alamgir was collected through his PS Sanjeev Lal, while the rest of the commission amount was collected by the Chief Engineer himself.
&nbsp;
Sanjeev Lal collected commissions from contractors through his friend Munna Singh, a contractor, and his brother Santosh Singh.
&nbsp;
The amount was then handed over to Sanjeev Lal&rsquo;s domestic help Jahangir Alam near Deendayal Nagar or Abhinandan Marriage Hall in Ranchi. Jahangir kept this money in his flat.
&nbsp;
The ED also claimed that contractor Munna Singh admitted to taking about Rs 53 crore from Rajiv Kumar, Santosh Kumar, Rajkumar Toppo, Ajay Kumar, Ashok Kumar Gupta, Ajay Tirkey, and Amit Kumar on Sanjeev Lal's instructions.
&nbsp;
Sanjeev kept Rs 2.05 crores of the collected amount for himself. He spent Rs 40 lakhs on his house in Sanskruti Vihar, Bariatu. Munna Singh also stated that Sanjeev had given him Rs 50 lakh in cash.
&nbsp;
All the engineers provided the same information about the commission percentage to the ED. They also admitted that commission collection is common for politicians, officers, and engineers in RWD, RDSD, and JSRRDA.
&nbsp;
The ED reported that two mobile numbers of Sanjeev Lal were saved in the mobile of former Chief Engineer Virendra Ram. One mobile number was used by Jahangir Alam.

Officers exceeded in J'khand tender scam cuts: ED

Director Nag Ashwin's ambitious 3D spectacle, "Kalki 2898 AD", has achieved a remarkable milestone by grossing over Rs 800 crore at the worldwide box office.
&nbsp;
This impressive feat makes it one of the highest-grossing Indian films globally.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Produced by Vyjayanthi Movies, "Kalki 2898 AD" is the most expensive Indian film to date, with a budget of Rs 600 crore. The mythological and sci-fi action drama was released on June 27 in six languages, including Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada, Hindi, and English.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The film boasts an ensemble cast, featuring legendary actors Amitabh Bachchan and Kamal Haasan, alongside Deepika Padukone and Prabhas. Additionally, the film stars Disha Patani, Saswata Chatterjee, and Shobhana in key roles.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The production house, Vyjayanthi Movies, shared a poster highlighting the film's impressive box office earnings, with the caption "THE BOX OFFICE ON FIRE #EpicBlockbusterKalki in cinemas". This achievement solidifies "Kalki 2898 AD"'s position as a landmark film in Indian cinema.

Kalki 2898 AD hits ₹800 crore at box office

The Central Bureau of Investigation has made a second arrest from Dhanbad, Jharkhand in the NEET paper leak case. An accused named Bunty was caught by the CBI from Bastakola in Jharia, Dhanbad, on Thursday night.
&nbsp;
According to sources, the CBI team has taken Bunty to Patna.&nbsp; The first accused, Aman Singh, was arrested after obtaining information from Chintu and Mukesh, close associates of Sanjeev Mukhiya, the key conspirator of the case.
&nbsp;
Aman's elder brother Amit Singh, a B.Tech degree holder, works in securing admissions. Aman Singh is considered to be very close to Rocky, who is absconding in the paper leak case.
&nbsp;
The CBI has so far arrested more than half a dozen accused from Jharkhand in the NEET paper leak case.
&nbsp;
After the NEET paper leak case was connected to Dhanbad, the kingpin of the paper leak, Aman Singh, was arrested on Tuesday. After Aman and Bunty, Amit Singh is being sought.
&nbsp;
Bunty was arrested after withdrawing a huge amount from an account. According to sources, during the search of Aman Singh's house, the CBI team seized about four lakh rupees, three bank accounts, four mobiles, village land papers, and two four-wheelers.
&nbsp;
The CBI is interrogating Aman Singh and Bunty, who, according to sources, have revealed the names of many people associated with the racket.
&nbsp;
Aman Singh is very close to Rocky, who is absconding in the paper leak case. Rocky is the nephew of Sanjeev Mukhiya, who is associated with the hotel business in Ranchi.
&nbsp;
Rocky had arranged solvers to prepare the answers after the NEET paper leak. Rocky is the mastermind of the Sanjeev Mukhiya gang in Jharkhand. MBBS students from Ranchi and Patna were used as solvers.

CBI arrests second suspect from Jharkhand in NEET leak case

Security forces recovered 35 Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) from rural roads in the Gumla district of Jharkhand on Friday evening. The IEDs were later destroyed by the Bomb Squad, officials said.
&nbsp;
According to reports, Maoists had planted these IEDs on the road to target security forces. First, 5 IED bombs were recovered from the under-construction Kutma-Bamda road, which were later defused by the bomb disposal squad and STF team on Friday night.
&nbsp;
Additionally, 30 IEDs were recovered from the Harinakhad area of the district and were defused on Saturday. Panic has spread in the area due to the discovery of the IEDs. However, the search operation is still ongoing to find other IEDs.
&nbsp;
According to police, villagers saw a wire coming out of the ground in the village and immediately informed the police. Security forces soon called the bomb disposal squad from Ranchi.
&nbsp;
The squad reached the village with the team and investigated, recovering and deactivating 5 can bombs.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Previously, bombs buried in the ground have been recovered in many villages of Gumla. Many people have also been injured by these bombs.
&nbsp;
Gumla Superintendent of Police Shambhu Kumar Singh said a large quantity of can bombs was recovered and there is a possibility of more recoveries.
&nbsp;
Due to security reasons, the team returned on Friday night. He said the search operation is being conducted on Saturday as well, and it will also be investigated how old the planted bombs were.

Security forces neutralise 35 Maoist IEDs in Jharkhand

Justin Bieber wowed the audience at the pre-wedding celebrations of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant, where popular actors Salman Khan, Ranveer Singh, Alia Bhatt, and Ranbir Kapoor also delivered impressive performances on stage back-to-back.
&nbsp;
Bieber arrived in Mumbai on Friday morning before setting the stage at the Jio Convention Centre on fire at night with his chartbusters such as "Baby", "Peaches", "Love Yourself", and "Sorry".
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
More of Justin Bieber performing at Radhika and Anant&rsquo;s sangeet at the Jio World Convention Center in Mumbai, India (July 5) <a href="https://t.co/mleIf2fzJ5">pic.twitter.com/mleIf2fzJ5</a>
&mdash; Justin Bieber News (@jbtraacker) <a href="https://twitter.com/jbtraacker/status/1809394432195649688?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 6, 2024</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
The Canadian singer, who became a teen idol after the success of his first extended play album "My World" in 2009, was enthusiastically welcomed by the audience, who sang and danced along.
&nbsp;
Notable personalities from the entertainment and sports world, including Deepika Padukone, Arjun Kapoor, Janhvi Kapoor, MS Dhoni, Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya, and Surya Kumar Yadav, were present at the event.
&nbsp;
Several social media videos from the event depict a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere.
&nbsp;
Bieber was reportedly paid USD 10 million for his performance at the event, and he flew to Miami immediately after the sangeet.
&nbsp;
Although this wasn't his first time performing in India, his last visit was in 2017 for his first concert in the country. Bieber was set to return in 2022 for the Indian leg of his 'Justice World Tour' but had to cancel due to health reasons.

Justin Bieber leads star-studded performances at Ambani bash

Do you find that you daydream a lot? Are you often sluggish and tend to disengage easily when doing a task? You might have cognitive disengagement syndrome, or CDS.
&nbsp;
CDS was first described by psychologists in the 1960s and 1970s when they noticed that some people display these traits more persistently than others. But why is it considered a syndrome rather than just a quirky personality trait? The distinction lies in the effect. For people with CDS, their behaviour significantly interferes with their daily lives, academic performance and social interactions.
&nbsp;
While everyone daydreams occasionally, those with CDS find it hard to stay focused on tasks for extended periods. This isn&rsquo;t just about being inattentive or lazy, CDS is a persistent pattern that can disrupt a person&rsquo;s ability to succeed in various areas of life.
&nbsp;
Unlike attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), which includes hyperactivity and impulsivity, CDS is characterised by its &ldquo;sluggish cognitive tempo&rdquo; &ndash; an earlier name for the condition.
&nbsp;
The condition is not recognised as a distinct &ldquo;attention disorder&rdquo; in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, the standard classification of mental disorders used by professionals in the US. However, the growing body of research suggests that it deserves more attention and should be looked at separately from ADHD.
&nbsp;
A way to look at the two is, if a person has ADHD, they are able to focus on something but they will probably become distracted and switch their focus to something else. If a person has CDS, they are unable to focus in the first place.
&nbsp;
How do we identify CDS?
&nbsp;
Diagnosis is tricky because there are no official criteria. However, some psychologists use a combination of questionnaires and behavioural observations to assess symptoms like frequent daydreaming, mental fogginess and slow processing speed.
&nbsp;
Parents and teachers often report this behaviour in children who seem &ldquo;out of it&rdquo; or who take longer to respond to questions and complete tasks.
&nbsp;
Slow processing speed means that people take longer to take in information, make sense of it and respond. For example, at school a student with slow processing speed may take longer to answer a question or complete an assignment because they need more time to understand the material and think through their response. This isn&rsquo;t due to lack of intelligence or effort &ndash; their brain simply processes information at a slower pace.
&nbsp;
Support and treatment for CDS are still evolving. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is commonly used to help people develop better ways of coping and improve their focus.
&nbsp;
Some researchers are exploring the use of stimulant drugs, similar to those used for ADHD, but the evidence is still inconclusive.
&nbsp;
Lifestyle changes, such as having a more stable sleep routine and incorporating regular exercise, are also recommended to help manage symptoms.
&nbsp;
Lack of awareness 
&nbsp;
One of the biggest difficulties is the lack of awareness. Many people, including some healthcare professionals, may dismiss CDS as mere laziness or lack of effort. This stigma can prevent people from seeking help and receiving the support they need.
&nbsp;
Despite the lack of official recognition, it&rsquo;s estimated that CDS may affect a significant portion of the population. Studies suggest that it could be as common as ADHD, which affects around 5 to 7 per cent of children. This indicates a substantial number of people might be struggling with the symptoms of CDS without even knowing it.
&nbsp;
Understanding CDS is crucial because it can help those affected to get the support they need. By recognising that CDS behaviour is not just quirks &ndash; or an attempt to show that you are too cool to care &ndash; but potential indicators of a broader issue, we can better support people in managing their symptoms and improving their quality of life.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
This article first appeared in The Conversation.

Daydreaming and sluggishness? It could be CDS

World number two Fabiano Caruana defended his Superbet Classic title by winning all three rapid games in a thrilling four-way tiebreaker, featuring Indian Grandmasters D Gukesh and R Praggnanandhaa, after a rather dull tournament.&nbsp; &nbsp; Caruana lost to Anish Giri of Holland in the Classical format to split the competition wide open as Gukesh, Praggnanandhaa, and France's Alireza Firouzja all finished the classical section tied for first.&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Praggnanandhaa survived by the skin of the teeth against Alireza, who held a completely winning position for a long time. If the Frenchman had won the final classical round there would have been no need for tiebreak games as he would have overtaken Caruana on points.&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;
But Caruana lost, Gukesh and Praggnanandhaa drew and that set up a four-way tiebreaker to decide the winner.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Caruana, not known as a tiebreaker master, proved that he could get the better of the younger generation as he defeated all three - Gukesh, Praggnanandhaa, and Alireza to come up trumps and win the first prize hamper of USD 68500.&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The tiebreaker saw the two Indians on the back foot. Gukesh could have done better but Caruana was spot on while Praggnanandhaa could have complicated things.&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Earlier, Praggnanandhaa was staring at his first defeat in the tournament as Alireza was clearly on top.&nbsp; The Indian struggled in the middle game and had to part with a rook for a minor piece but fought till the last to salvage a lost position.&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Gukesh played out a draw with Wesley So in a mere 22 moves, the Nimzo Indian defense did not give any confidence to the American and the draw was through repetition of moves.&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Results final round: Anish Giri (Ned, 4.5) beat Fabiano Caruana (5); Alireza Firouzja (Fra, 5) drew with R Praggnaanandhaa (Ind. 5); Deac Bogdan-Daniel (Rom, 3.5) drew with Maxime Vachier-Lagrave (Fra, 4.5); Wesley So (USA, 4) drew with D Gukesh (Ind, 5); Ian Nepomnichtchi (Fid, 4.5) drew with Nodirbek Abdusattorov (Uzb, 4.5).&nbsp;

Bucharest

Fabiano defends Superbet Classic title

Mangaluru International Airport has inaugurated its international cargo operations, marking a significant milestone in its growth. The first international cargo flight, IndiGo's IX 815, carried 2,522 kilograms of fruits and vegetables to Abu Dhabi.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The airport's integrated cargo terminal was formally launched on Friday in the presence of officials from AAHL Cargo, Mangaluru International Airport, Customs, IndiGo, Air India Express, and CISF.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
This development comes just over a year after the airport began domestic cargo operations in May 2023.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The airport was appointed as a Customs Cargo Service Provider by the Commissioner of Customs on May 10, paving the way for international cargo operations.
&nbsp;
The start of international cargo operations will benefit exporters from coastal Karnataka, Kerala, and the hinterland, enabling them to export perishable goods such as fruits, vegetables, food, and more to destinations in the Middle East.
&nbsp;
IndiGo and Air India Express will provide connectivity to Dubai, Doha, Dammam, Kuwait, Muscat, Abu Dhabi, and Bahrain. The airport has also achieved success in domestic cargo handling, processing 3,706.02 tonnes of cargo in the first 11 months of operation.
&nbsp;
The majority of outbound domestic cargo (95%) consisted of post-office mail, including bank and UIDAI-related documents.

Mangaluru

First international cargo flight departs Mangaluru airport

The past 24 hours took nine lives in Bihar, as lightning strikes in six districts of the state, the officials said on Saturday.
&nbsp;
The lightning deaths were reported from Jehanabad, Madhepura, East Champaran, Rohtas, Saran, and Supaul districts, they said. 
&nbsp;
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar expressed grief over the death of nine people due to lightning and announced an ex-gratia of Rs 4 lakh to each of the deceased's family members. 
&nbsp;
According to a statement issued by the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) on Saturday, Jehanabad district reported three deaths followed by two in Madhepura, one each in East Champaran, Rohtas, Saran, and Supaul.
&nbsp;
The chief minister has urged people to follow advisories issued by the Disaster Management Department.&nbsp;

Lightning strikes in Bihar kill 9

The Telangana High Court, on Saturday, has granted permission to a 12-year-old rape survivor to undergo an abortion at 26 weeks of pregnancy. 
&nbsp;
The court directed the Superintendent of Gandhi Hospital to terminate the pregnancy and collect tissue and blood samples for DNA testing. The procedure will be performed by a senior gynaecologist within 48 hours, if the victim and her mother consent.
&nbsp;
"If the victim girl or her mother gives consent for termination of pregnancy through a medical procedure, respondent No.4 - the Superintendent, Gandhi Hospital, Hyderabad, shall forthwith admit the victim girl, conduct medical examination and by taking all necessary precautions, terminate pregnancy of victim girl medically or through surgical procedure as may be required, within 48 hours," Justice B Vijaysen Reddy said in his orders.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Earlier, the doctors at the Gandhi Hospital informed the victim's mother (petitioner) that since the girl had advanced pregnancy beyond 24 weeks, the same cannot be terminated under the provisions of the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (Amendment) Act 2021, prompting her to approach the court. 
&nbsp;
Justice Reddy on Thursday directed the Gandhi Hospital Superintendent to constitute a medical board and examine the victim girl with regard to the gestation period of her foetus, feasibility to terminate the pregnancy and submit a report to this court in a sealed cover without disclosing the identity of the girl. 
&nbsp;
Vasudha Nagaraj, counsel for the petitioner argued that the victim was sexually abused and raped by several persons and if she is made to continue with the pregnancy, it will cause mental anguish to her. 
&nbsp;
She also put forth her argument saying that it is not only the victim, but also the child born will face physical and mental trauma; further, there is no guarantee that the mother and foetus will have good health if the pregnancy is continued and eventually the baby is delivered.&nbsp;

Hyderabad

Telangana HC permits abortion for 12-year-old rape survivor

Patients using diabetes and weight-loss drugs Ozempic and Wegovy might face a higher risk of developing a serious eye condition. This condition, called a stroke of the optic nerve or NAION, can lead to blindness, as per new research findings.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The study looked at the active ingredient in these drugs, semaglutide and found that people taking semaglutide were more likely to be diagnosed with NAION than those not taking it. However, scientists caution that this does not mean semaglutide causes NAION.
&nbsp;
In 2023, around 900 million people were prescribed with Ozempic and Wegovy worldwide.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Dr Joseph Rizzo, the study&rsquo;s lead author and director of neuro-ophthalmology at Mass Eye and Ear, advised caution.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Ozempic (semaglutide) was first approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in December 2017.
&nbsp;
It has been marketed as a treatment for type 2 diabetes, helping to control blood sugar levels along with diet and exercise.
&nbsp;
In India, the only drug available is Novo Nordisk's Rybelsus pill, which was launched in 2022 but is considered less effective than popular injectables. It contains the same ingredients as Wegovy and Ozempic but is in pill form.
&nbsp;
"This is serious information that doctors should discuss with their patients," Rizzo told reporters while sharing the new findings. He added that patients should consider these findings when deciding whether to take these medications.
&nbsp;
Novo Nordisk, which makes Ozempic and Wegovy, has responded that their data does not show that semaglutide causes NAION. They also noted that NAION is not listed as a side effect on the drugs&rsquo; FDA-approved labels.
&nbsp;
According to official data quoted by a prominent international magazine, &ldquo;Novo has a market capitalisation of just under $600 billion &mdash; more than the GDP of its home country, Denmark &mdash; a long way up from around $375 billion this time last year, around $257 billion in 2022 and $171 billion in 2021.&rdquo;
&nbsp;
The disease NAION is a rare condition that affects 2 to 10 out of every 100,000 people. It is supposed to be caused by reduced blood flow to the optic nerve and is the second leading cause of blindness due to optic nerve damage after glaucoma. People with high blood pressure or diabetes are at higher risk for NAION.
&nbsp;
The study reviewed records of about 17,000 patients over six years, focusing on those with type 2 diabetes or obesity.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Among 710 diabetic patients, 194 were prescribed semaglutide, and 17 of them developed NAION. This is compared to six out of 516 patients on other medications.
&nbsp;
Similarly, among 979 overweight or obese patients, 20 of the 361 prescribed semaglutide developed NAION, compared to only three of 618 on other medications.
&nbsp;
Dr. Rizzo pointed out that more research is needed to understand if there is a cause-and-effect relationship.
&nbsp;
"This study shows an association between semaglutide and NAION, but we don&rsquo;t know if one causes the other," he said.
&nbsp;
However, what is confirmed is that people who are taking this magic drug &ldquo;Semaglutide&rdquo; present in both Ozempic and Wegovy, are definitely at risk of developing serious health problems, especially eye blindness and several other endocrine diseases, the study revealed.

Ozempic, Wegovy linked to blindness risk

In a significant uncovering of GST fraud, businessman Virbhadrasinh Chauhan of Gujarat has been found guilty of defrauding the government for several years through a sophisticated scheme. Chauhan, director of M/s Xerxes HR Services Private Limited, collected GST from various government bodies but failed to deposit the amount to the GST department.
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Chauhan exploited a loophole in the GST taxation system, identifying that the firms he billed did not claim credits on GST for the services they purchased. This allowed him to amass a substantial fortune over more than five years, highlighting the need for further reforms in the GST system.
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The Central GST Gandhinagar Commissionerate discovered the fraud through specific intelligence. It was revealed that Xerxes HR Services, engaged in providing manpower services primarily to government bodies like the Gujarat Pollution Control Board and Gujarat State Seeds Corporation Limited, did not pay GST despite collecting it from its clients.
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Investigations showed that even after the GST registration of Xerxes HR Services was cancelled for the non-filing of returns, the firm continued to issue taxable invoices quoting the cancelled registration number and collecting GST at 18%. The firm neither filed GST returns nor deposited the collected GST with the government.
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Financial records, bank statements, and details from various government departments indicate that the total amount of tax collected but not paid to the government is around Rs. 6.74 crores for the period from 2017-18 to 2023-24.
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Upon confrontation with the evidence, Chauhan admitted to collecting but not paying GST amounting to Rs. 6.74 crores. The CGST officers arrested him on July 4, 2024, under Section 69 of the CGST Act, 2017, for committing an offence under Section 132(1)(d) of the CGST Act, 2017, which is punishable with imprisonment of up to five years.
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Following his arrest, Chauhan was medically examined and presented before the Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate in Ahmedabad, who remanded him to judicial custody for 15 days.
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This case marks a major detection of tax non-payment by a taxpayer who collected but did not remit taxes to the government. The investigation was the result of specific intelligence data refined through rigorous analysis of information available on the GST Network and gathered during the investigation.

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