News Arena Network

Vats Ambardar

The counting of votes in Iran's snap presidential election, held on Friday in the wake of Ebrahim Raisi's death in a helicopter crash, is currently underway.
Hard-line candidate Saeed Jalili, close to Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, is leading by a slight margin against moderate candidate Massoud Pezeshkian.
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Provisional results from Tehran's Interior Ministry show that over 14 million ballots have been counted so far.
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Pezeshkian has secured over 5.9 million votes, while Jalili has garnered more than 5.5 million. The voter turnout was around 40%, one of the lowest since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
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The election is taking place amid growing public frustration over economic hardship and restrictions on political and social freedoms.
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Additionally, Iran faces escalating regional tensions due to the conflict between Israel and Iranian allies Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon.
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Iran's presidential election features a tightly controlled group of three hard-line candidates and one low-profile moderate.
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Despite Supreme Leader Khamenei handling significant state matters, including Tehran's nuclear program and militia support, the president influences domestic and foreign policy and manages daily government operations.
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Eligible voters include over 61 million Iranians aged 18 and above, with about 18 million aged between 18 and 30.
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Activists and opposition groups have widely used the Twitter hashtag #ElectionCircus to call for regime change.
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If no candidate achieves at least 50% plus one vote, including blank votes, a run-off round between the top two candidates will occur on the first Friday after the results are declared. Jalili and Pezeshkian are likely headed for a run-off, according to media reports.&nbsp;&nbsp;
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Pezeshkian, who advocates economic reform, social liberalisation, and political pluralism, has said, "We will respect the hijab law, but there should never be
any intrusive or inhumane behaviour toward women," referencing the death of Masha Amini in 2022, which sparked widespread protests in Iran.

Tehran

Iranian presidential race heats up

At least five police personnel, including a deputy superintendent of police, were injured on Saturday after allegedly being attacked by a mob protesting against an anti-encroachment drive in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua district, officials said.
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A drive was launched in the Nagri area of Hiranagar to demolish an illegal place of worship that was resisted by a group of locals, the officials said.
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They turned violent and attacked the police, injuring five personnel, including a deputy superintendent.
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Reinforcements have been rushed to the area to restore law and order, the officials said.
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Jammu

Mob attack injures 5 cops in JK's Kathua

Deepan

The Barpeta Road police have apprehended nine individuals involved in a significant mark sheet scam at Gauhati University.&nbsp;
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According to authorities, the scam involved illicitly inflating marks on student records through financial transactions.
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Addressing the issue in Barpeta, Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma cited the seriousness of the situation.&nbsp;
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He confirmed that both the Assam Police and the CID are conducting a joint investigation, resulting in the apprehension of eight accused individuals thus far.
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The scandal came to light when authorities at Ganeshlal Choudhury College (GLC College) in Barpeta Road discovered discrepancies in the marks of Azizul Haque, a sixth-year undergraduate student.
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A case was swiftly registered at the Barpeta Road police station, although initial investigations by district police were reportedly inadequate, leading to Haque's release from custody.
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Local media played a pivotal role by bringing the mishandling of the investigation to the Chief Minister's attention.
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In response, Dr. Sarma ordered a thorough probe, uncovering the involvement of several university and college staff in the fraudulent activities.
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Among those arrested are Krishnan Krishnamurthy from Samastipur, Bihar, employed at Gauhati University, and Shivtosh Mahto, a junior computer assistant at Dhubri Law College.
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The arrests were made following coordinated raids by Barpeta and Dhubri police.
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The nine accused include Azizul Haque, Krishnan Krishnamurthy, Ismail Hussain of Kalgachia, Alamgir Khan of Amguri, Kalgachia, Moinul Haque of Bordanga, Kalgachia, Hamez Uddin of Nagaon, Aminul Islam, librarian at Langla College, Shivtosh Mahto of Dhubri Law College, and Abul Bacher of Langla Kalgachia.
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Cases have been registered against the accused under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, with additional arrests anticipated as the investigation progresses.
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Police authorities have refrained from making further comments to the media at this time.

Guwahati

Nine held in Gauhati University mark sheet scam

The Export Credit Guarantee Corporation (ECGC) of India Limited, in collaboration with the NGO Manav Vikas Sanstha, has introduced advanced health technology to government medical facilities at the Primary Health Centre in Chuchot, Leh.
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The Chuchot Primary Health Centre now boasts a state-of-the-art health ATM machine, capable of diagnosing over 46 health parameters.
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This innovative device offers residents quick and comprehensive health screenings, significantly enhancing healthcare accessibility and efficiency.
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In-charge Chief Medical Officer (CMO) of Leh, Dolma Choskit, highlighted the machine's convenience and efficiency, noting its potential to revolutionise healthcare delivery in the region.
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Amit Kumar from ECGC Limited expressed enthusiasm for the new health ATM and said this state-of-the-art machine would benefit the community.
"This initiative reflects the commitment of central and state governments to provide quality and advanced healthcare to people in rural areas," he said.
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Kartikeya Tewari of Manav Vikas Sanstha provided an in-depth overview of the health ATM's capabilities.
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He said that the device is capable of measuring height, weight, body temperature, detection of glucose levels in blood, haemoglobin range and as well as blood pressure.
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It is also capable of detecting several other diseases including cardiovascular ones. "He said the machine performs both invasive and non-invasive blood tests and does heart check-ups and tests for diseases such as dengue, malaria, and Typhoid."
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This innovative technological advancement especially in medical sciences will provide a boost to the healthcare setup in the Ladakh region, ensuring that residents have access to comprehensive medical screenings and timely diagnosis, ultimately contributing to improved health outcomes.
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Leh admin installs a state-of-the-art health ATM

Shweta Sengar

Five soldiers have been killed after their tank met with an accident during a river-crossing exercise near the Line of Actual Control in Ladakh. The soldiers were crossing the river in a T-72 tank near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the Nyoma-Chushul area in Ladakh early Saturday, officials said.&nbsp;
 A Junior Commissioned Officer, or JCO, is among the five dead.
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They said the incident occurred near Mandir Morh, 148 kilometres from here, during an exercise around 1 am.
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The T-72 tank with five soldiers on board sank due to flash floods while they were crossing the river, the officials said.
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A rescue operation has been launched.
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Further details are awaited.

Tank swept away, 5 soldiers killed in Ladakh

India achieved a historic milestone in women&rsquo;s Test cricket on Saturday, surpassing Australia&rsquo;s previous record of 575/9.
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The new record was set during the one-off Test against South Africa when Richa Ghosh's boundary off the first ball of the 109th over propelled India beyond Australia's mark.
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The achievement was fueled by stellar performances from Indian openers Shafali Verma (205) and Smriti Mandhana (149), who shared a monumental 292-run partnership, the highest ever in women's cricket for an opening stand.
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Contributions from Jemimah Rodrigues (55), along with captain Harmanpreet Kaur and Richa Ghosh, who both secured unbeaten half-centuries, further bolstered India's commanding total.
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Previously, on Day 1, India had ended at 525 for four, also setting a record for the highest single-day total in Test cricket, surpassing Sri Lanka's men's team's previous mark of 509/9 against Bangladesh in Colombo in 2002.

Chennai

India achieves highest women's test team total

The pre-wedding festivities for Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant are far from over. After hosting a cruise party in Italy for family, friends and Bollywood celebrities, the Ambanis are now busy hosting parties at their home in Mumbai as part of the festivities.
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Photographer Varinder Chawla shared a video featuring the Ambani family bidding farewell to RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat after a dinner at their home.
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As part of the pre-wedding celebrations for Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant, the Ambanis have also invited underprivileged individuals to a collective wedding event scheduled for July 2.
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This charitable initiative by the Ambani family will be held at 4:30 pm at Swami Vivekanand Vidyamandir in Palghar.
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Anant Ambani, the youngest child of billionaire Mukesh Ambani and his philanthropist wife Nita Ambani, is preparing to exchange vows with Radhika Merchant, the daughter of business tycoons Viren Merchant and Shaila Merchant, on July 12.
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Their wedding ceremony will be held at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai.

Mumbai

Ambanis host pre-wedding bash at Antilia

Former J&amp;K Chief Minister and PDP president Mehbooba Mufti has expressed deep concern over the Jammu and Kashmir Police&rsquo;s decision to invoke the Enemy Agents Ordinance (EAO) against those suspected of aiding foreign terrorists in the region.
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This reaction comes after DGP RR Swain announced that the J&amp;K police would use the EAO, an old law from the Dogra Maharaja era, to prosecute individuals assisting militants. Mufti criticised this move, describing the ordinance as draconian and a significant breach of justice.
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Mufti emphasised that the EAO lacks clear criteria for determining guilt, making it problematic to prove someone's involvement in militancy. She argued that the ordinance's vague definitions and potential for misuse threaten constitutional rights and justice.
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Legal and political activists echoed Mufti&rsquo;s concerns, questioning how authorities could differentiate between those assisting militants willingly and those coerced into it. They also highlighted the risk of prolonged legal battles due to the law's loopholes.
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Earlier this week, DGP Swain stated that those found supporting militants would face prosecution under the EAO, which prescribes severe penalties, including life imprisonment, death, or imprisonment for up to 10 years. He declared that fighters should be dealt with harshly, and their supporters treated as enemy agents.
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Mufti condemned the use of such archaic laws, asserting that they violate human rights and are incompatible with constitutional principles. She urged the government to address security concerns without trampling on constitutional rights and the rule of law.
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The EAO, originally promulgated by the Maharaja after the 1947 tribal raid, was later adopted by the J&amp;K Government. Following the abrogation of Article 370, it was adopted by the Central Government under the J&amp;K Reorganisation Act.

Srinagar

Mufti decries use of enemy agents ordinance in JK

Filmmaker Karan Johar has expressed his intention to reintroduce the iconic movie "Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham" to theatres on its 25th anniversary, citing the growing trend of re-releasing films as "fantastic."
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The 2001 family drama, often abbreviated as K3G, featured Amitabh Bachchan, Shahrukh Khan, Hrithik Roshan, Jaya Bachchan, Kajol, Kareena Kapoor, and Rani Mukherjee, marking Johar's second directorial venture which garnered immense box office success.
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"At the trailer launch of Dharma Productions&rsquo; upcoming romantic comedy 'Bad Newz', Johar disclosed his plan, spotlighting the film's anticipated milestone in two years. 'I feel when K3G&rsquo;s 25 years is completed, we should re-release the film,' he remarked, adding that he personally refrains from watching his own films after their initial completion," Johar conveyed to media persons.
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Johar highlighted the nostalgic impact of revisiting classic films, noting the recent positive reception to the re-release of 'Rockstar' and retrospectives honouring filmmakers like Zoya Akhtar.
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"As audiences who grew up with these films reminisce, re-releasing them is a testament to the enduring charm of Hindi cinema," he affirmed.
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Expressing enthusiasm for the resurgence of cinematic gems, Johar underscored the cultural significance of reminding audiences of Bollywood's rich legacy spanning the 80s, 90s, and 00s.
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"We should constantly remind everybody that Hindi cinema rocks," he asserted, advocating for the continuation of the re-release trend.
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Directed by Anand Tiwari, "Bad Newz" features Vicky Kaushal, Tripti Dimri, and Ammy Virk in pivotal roles, marking a collaboration between Kaushal and Tiwari after their successful venture with "Love Per Square Foot" (2018).
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Produced by Amazon Prime in collaboration with Dharma Productions and Leo Media Collective, the film anticipates a blend of romance and comedy for audiences.
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'Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham' to hit theatres again

A player survey has revealed that the T20 World Cup is closing the gap in the race to become the "most important" ICC event to players around the world, marking a shift from the dominance of the ODI World Cup.
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According to a survey conducted by the World Cricketers Association (WCA), formerly FICA, an overwhelming 85 per cent of players viewed the 50-over World Cup as the most important in 2019, compared to 15 per cent for the T20 World Cup.
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In 2024 however, those figures have changed with 50 per cent of the players considering the ODI showpiece as the most important and 35 per cent favouring its T20 equivalent.
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The ongoing edition of the T20 World Cup, jointly hosted by the USA and West Indies, will conclude with the title clash between India and South Africa in Barbados on Saturday.
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As per the survey done by the re-branded body, for players under 26, the inclination towards the T20 World Cup rose significantly, with 41 per cent preferring it over the 50-over World Cup at 49 per cent in 2024.
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Overall, there has been a sharp increase in the popularity of the T20 format. Compared to 2019 when 82 percent of players picked Test cricket as the most important format, it's only 48 percent right now.
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As many as 30 per cent of the players picked T20 as the most important format.
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Players from India, Pakistan and Afghanistan are among those who are not represented by the WCA since they are not unionised.
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Responses were sought from players of other major cricket nations, including Australia, England, New Zealand, South Africa, Bangladesh and West Indies.
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According to the WCA, the sample size for this year's survey was around 330 professional players from 13 different countries, with the majority of them being current internationals.
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There is a higher proportion of female respondents in 2024.
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In the current edition of the T20 World Cup, the much-awaited clash between arch-rivals India and Pakistan garnered a staggering 256 million viewing hours in India alone.&nbsp;

Barbados

T20WC on course to become most important ICC event

The Uttar Pradesh government has taken stringent action by suspending six officials from the Public Works Department (PWD) and the Uttar Pradesh Jal Nigam for their negligence in the construction of the 14-km Ram Path and sewer lines underneath, which suffered damage following recent rains on June 23 and June 25.
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Several lanes and streets adjacent to Ram Path faced severe waterlogging, with water even entering nearby houses.
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Special Secretary Vinod Kumar issued suspension orders on Friday for PWD executive engineer Dhruv Agrawal, assistant engineer Anuj Deshwal, and junior engineer Prabhat Kumar Pandey.
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Meanwhile, PWD Chief Engineer (Development) VK Srivastav oversaw the suspension of these officials.
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Similarly, Uttar Pradesh Jal Nigam Managing Director Rakesh Kumar Mishra suspended executive engineer Anand Kumar Dubey, assistant engineer Rajendra Kumar Yadav, and junior engineer Mohammad Shahid, all posted in Ayodhya.
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The state government also issued a notice to Ahmedabad-based contractor firm Bhuvan Infracom Private Limited, holding them accountable in the matter.
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An office order from the Public Works Department highlighted the urgency of the situation, citing damage to the Ram Path soon after its construction, which reflects poorly on the government's priorities and reputation.
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Executive engineer Dhruv Agrawal, identified with Nirman Khand-3, faces suspension under Rule 7 of the Uttar Pradesh Government Servants (Discipline and Appeal) Rules 1999.
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He will remain attached to the office of the chief engineer in Ayodhya during this period.
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Principal Secretary of PWD, Ajay Chauhan, confirmed ongoing investigations into the incident, which gained national attention after images of the damaged Ram Path circulated widely on June 25

Ayodhya

Engineers suspended for Ram Path damage in Ayodhya

Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) penalised sexual violence against animals, but the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, does not include any provision to afford animals similar protection.
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Section 377 of the IPC regarded the rape of an animal as a non-bailable offence and carried a punishment of &ldquo;[imprisonment for life], or with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years and shall also be liable to fine&rdquo;.&nbsp;
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The IPC was replaced by the BNS after it was approved by both houses of Parliament and received the president's assent on 25th December.
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The new set of Indian criminal laws is scheduled to go into effect on the 1st of July.
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In 2021, a report by the Federation of Indian Animal Protection Organisations revealed that in the previous decade, almost 500,000 animals, including cows and dogs, had been victims of crimes, with many subjected to sexual violence.
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Previously, a report from Voice of Stray Dogs estimated that instances of sexual abuse of animals were frequently not reported but probably occurred at a comparable frequency to cases of human rape.
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Many violent criminals have a documented history of cruelty to animals. Meanwhile, a study published in Forensic Research and Criminology International Journal found that "[t]hose who engage in animal cruelty were 3 times more likely to commit other crimes, including murder, rape, robbery, assault, harassment, threats, and drug/substance abuse. The major motivations for engaging in animal cruelty include anger, fun, control, fear, dislike, revenge, imitation, and sexual pleasure.&rdquo;&nbsp;

New Delhi

New Indian laws do not penalise animal rape

Counting of votes commenced on Saturday for Nagaland's civic body polls, marking a significant return after a gap of two decades.
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The tallying for elections to 24 urban local bodies&mdash;comprising three municipalities and 21 town councils&mdash;spanning 10 districts, began at 8 am across 16 centres, according to the State Election Commission.
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In a notable win, the NDPP clinched the Chiephobozou Town Council in Kohima, with candidates securing uncontested victories across all nine wards.
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A robust voter turnout of nearly 82% was recorded among the over 2.23 lakh electors during the civic polls held on June 26. Notably, these elections marked the debut of 33% reservation for women, a first in Nagaland's electoral history since 2004.
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Despite previous attempts by the government to conduct these elections, objections from tribal bodies and civil society groups over women's reservation and property taxation had delayed the polls.
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A total of 523 candidates from 11 political parties contested, with an additional 64 nominees elected uncontested across various civic bodies.
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Key contenders included the NDPP, BJP, Congress, NPF, Rising Peoples&rsquo; Party, RPI (Athawale), JD(U), LJP, NCP, and the NPP.
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However, 14 urban local bodies in six districts of Eastern Nagaland did not witness elections due to boycotts by tribal bodies, notably the Eastern Nagaland Peoples&rsquo; Organisation (ENPO), advocating for a 'Frontier Nagaland Territory' citing neglect of the region.
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Despite 59 nominations from the region being accepted, pressure from tribal bodies compelled candidates to withdraw their nominations.

Dimapur

Counting begins for historic Nagaland ULB polls

In the midst of the ongoing Parliament session, a group of NDA MLAs from Manipur arrived in Delhi on Friday to seek a resolution to the ongoing ethnic conflict in the state.
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According to sources, at least seven MLAs from the BJP and its ally, the Naga People&rsquo;s Front (NPF), have reached the national capital. This move follows a meeting chaired by Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh with NDA MLAs on Thursday.
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The meeting was attended by MLAs from the BJP, NPF, NPP, and JD(U), but excluded the 10 Kuki-Zomi legislators.
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Several MLAs reportedly expressed dissatisfaction with the handling of the crisis and conveyed the public pressure they were experiencing.
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The ethnic strife in Manipur began 14 months ago, in May 2023, and has shown little sign of abating.
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K. Ibomcha Singh, a BJP MLA and Manipur BJP spokesperson stated that the legislators came to Delhi to pay a "courtesy call" to the central leadership.
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"We had a meeting of NDA MLAs chaired by the Chief Minister, where we decided to meet the Prime Minister, Home Minister, and other senior leaders to request a solution to the problem in the state. Some others will arrive tomorrow, and the Chief Minister will come later after securing an appointment," he said.
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Singh pointed out that the Manipur issue is included in the 100-day programme for the new central government, and that the delegation intends to pursue central leaders to address the issue as a priority.
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The movement of MLAs to Delhi has sparked speculation about potential trouble for the state government.
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However, Chief Minister Biren Singh dismissed these concerns, asserting that the visit was not politically motivated but a courtesy call to the Prime Minister.&nbsp; "The Prime Minister and Union Home Minister are doing their best to address the challenges confronting the state. The Parliament session's schedule has prevented all of us from being there simultaneously, but we will visit New Delhi and press for peace in the state," he said.
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A BJP MLA who attended Thursday&rsquo;s meeting said that legislators had highlighted the persistent discontent among the populace.
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"For 14 months, there has been no normalcy. This discontent was evident in the Lok Sabha election results, where both seats in Manipur, previously held by NDA MPs, were won by the Congress. The MLAs are feeling the public's dissatisfaction. During previous visits to Delhi, the response from the Centre was inadequate. Many MLAs now seek a final, decisive message from the leadership," the MLA said.
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Another legislator from a BJP ally noted the lack of a concrete plan despite the MLAs expressing their displeasure and anger.
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"We are under immense public pressure. The MLAs decided to go to Delhi and seek an appointment with the Prime Minister to convey that there has been no normalcy for over a year and that a drastic political decision is needed. We want concrete action to be taken," the legislator stated.
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The Manipur assembly comprises 60 MLAs, including 10 from the Kuki-Zomi community, who have abstained from participating in the assembly since the violence began.
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Of the remaining 50 MLAs, five are from the opposition Congress and two are Independents, while the rest are aligned with the NDA.
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The BJP won 32 of the 60 assembly seats in the 2022 elections, with five JD(U) MLAs joining the BJP later that year.

Manipur MLAs in Delhi urge 'concrete' govt action

Kathmandu, June 28: An earthquake of 4.2 magnitude hit Nepal's Bagmati Province on Friday, according to the National Earthquake Measurement Centre.
The quake with epicentre at Helambu Rural Municipality in Sindhupalchowk district, 100 km East of Kathmandu, struck around 7.03 am Friday, the agency said.
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Tremors were also felt in Kathmandu and other neighbouring districts.
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So far, there is no information about any damage caused by the earthquake.
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Earthquakes are common in the Himalayan nation as it lies on a major geological faultline where the Indian tectonic plate pushes up into the Eurasian plate, forming the Himalayas, and earthquakes are a regular occurrence.
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At least 157 people were killed after a strong earthquake hit a remote pocket of Nepal last November.
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Nearly 9,000 people died in 2015 when a 7.8-magnitude quake struck Nepal, destroying more than half a million homes.&nbsp;
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Kathmandu

4.2 magnitude quake hits Nepal's Bagmati province

The new set of criminal offences will go into effect on July 1, 2024. The Bharatiya Nyaya Samhita, 2023 (BNS), has replaced the Indian Penal Code and notably eliminated Section 377 entirely.
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Under the new law, the definition of rape is restricted to situations where the perpetrator is a man and the victim is a woman.
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In all other cases where the victim is a non-cisgender woman, they would be covered under the section pertaining to grievous hurt, which is a bailable offence with the possibility of imprisonment for up to 7 years.
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Rape laws post July 1, 2024
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The provision known as Section 377 of the IPC, which criminalised "unnatural offences," has sparked controversy. In the case of Navtej Singh Johar v. Union of India, the Supreme Court interpreted Section 377 and chose not to strike it down.&nbsp;
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It decriminalised consensual same-sex relations among adults while retaining Section 377 in the IPC to address non-consensual acts and bestiality.&nbsp;
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However, the new BNS legislation has completely excluded this section. Section 63, which pertains to rape, defines it in a way that considers only women as victims and only men as perpetrators.&nbsp;
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Under this section, the minimum term of imprisonment is 10 years, and it can extend to life imprisonment.
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The rape laws in India do not apply equally to men and transgender persons, and as of July 1, the rape of men and transgender persons will not be considered a crime.&nbsp;
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Men will be able to seek recourse under Sections 114 and 115 of the BNS, which addresses serious injury.&nbsp;
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This section allows for a maximum prison sentence of 7 years. Similarly, the transgender community can seek recourse under the same sections of the BNS as well as Section 18 of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019.&nbsp;
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This section mandates a prison sentence of no less than 6 months and a maximum of 2 years. Shockingly, those who commit bestiality will escape unpunished!
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Several countries, such as Nepal, South Africa, and New Zealand, have implemented laws on rape that are gender-neutral.
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These countries acknowledge that rape is a violation that affects all individuals, and they guarantee equal protection to everyone, irrespective of gender.

No rape protections for men under new law

In response to the tragic roof collapse at Terminal 1 of Indira Gandhi International Airport, which claimed the life of a 45-year-old cab driver and injured eight others, Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu has announced a comprehensive structural audit of all airports in India.
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"We will conduct a structural preliminary inspection at all airports to ensure that such incidents do not recur. Reports have been requested from all airports within 2-5 days, after which necessary measures will be implemented," said Naidu..
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The collapse, which occurred around 5 am on Friday, led to the immediate closure and evacuation of Terminal 1, with all flight operations being redirected to Terminals 2 and 3.
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Naidu expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and assured the injured were receiving appropriate medical care.
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In the wake of the incident, the Civil Aviation Ministry has established a war room to manage refunds and alternate flights for affected passengers.
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Naidu guaranteed refunds within seven days or alternative flights for those whose journeys were disrupted.
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"Terminal 1 is completely closed and evacuated. Flights have been shifted to Terminals 2 and 3. Passengers affected by cancellations are being offered refunds or alternate flights. We have issued a circular to ensure refunds are processed within seven days," Naidu added.
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The minister also noted that a circular has been sent to airlines, instructing them not to increase ticket prices in light of the incident. "When such incidents occur, airfares tend to rise. We have directed airlines to maintain current ticket prices," he stated.
&nbsp;
Naidu criticized the opposition Congress for allegedly spreading false information and politicising the tragedy. "It is disheartening that the opposition is using this incident for political gain. They have falsely claimed that this terminal was inaugurated by Prime Minister Modi. In reality, the collapsed building is an older structure from 2009. Using this tragedy to attack the government sets a poor precedent," he said.
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Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), which operates the airport, reported that the roof at the old departure forecourt of Terminal 1 partially collapsed, possibly due to heavy rainfall and strong winds.
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A technical committee has been formed to investigate the exact cause of the collapse.
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The Civil Aviation Ministry has announced compensation of ₹20 lakh for the family of the deceased and ₹3 lakh for those with minor injuries. The police have registered a case on charges of causing death by negligence.
&nbsp;
In addition to the structural audits, the ministry's immediate actions include setting up war rooms at Terminals 2 and 3 to assist affected passengers and ensure smooth operations during the closure of Terminal 1.
&nbsp;
"We have placed officers in the war rooms to manage the situation and provide support to passengers," Naidu said.

Nationwide airport audits ordered post-T-1 fall

The annual Amarnath Yatra commenced on Saturday, with the first group of pilgrims departing from the twin base camps in Baltal and Nunwan to begin their journey to the 3880-meter-high cave shrine in the south Kashmir Himalayas.
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The yatra set off early in the morning on the twin tracks&mdash;the traditional 48-km Nunwan-Pahalgam route and the 14-km Baltal route.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
VIDEO | Amarnath Yatra 2024: The first batch of devotees begins their trek from Domail at Baltal base camp, Jammu and Kashmir, earlier today. (Full video available on PTI Videos - <a href="https://t.co/n147TvqRQz">https://t.co/n147TvqRQz</a>) <a href="https://t.co/nzvHn65kCn">pic.twitter.com/nzvHn65kCn</a>
&mdash; Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) <a href="https://twitter.com/PTI_News/status/1806880581910737366?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 29, 2024</a></blockquote>
Officials mentioned that the groups of pilgrims on the twin routes were given a ceremonial send-off by the respective deputy commissioners and senior police and civil administration officials.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
VIDEO | Community kitchens (langars) have been set up by social and religious groups at Nunwan, Pahalgam, the base camp of annual <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AmarnathYatra?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AmarnathYatra</a>.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AmarnathYatra2024?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AmarnathYatra2024</a> (Full video available on PTI Videos - <a href="https://t.co/n147TvqRQz">https://t.co/n147TvqRQz</a>) <a href="https://t.co/vlDhMMdTGU">pic.twitter.com/vlDhMMdTGU</a>
&mdash; Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) <a href="https://twitter.com/PTI_News/status/1806884863775015115?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 29, 2024</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha flagged off the initial contingent of 4,603 pilgrims from the Yatri Niwas base camp in Bhagwati Nagar in Jammu on Friday morning.
&nbsp;
The local administration and residents warmly greeted the pilgrims at the Kashmir Valley in the afternoon.
&nbsp;
The pilgrims will worship at the cave shrine containing a naturally formed ice lingam.
&nbsp;
Strict security measures have been implemented to ensure the smooth running of the pilgrimage.
&nbsp;
Thousands of security personnel from various forces, including the police, Central Reserve Police Force, Indo-Tibetan Border Police, and other paramilitary forces, have been stationed to guarantee absolute security. Aerial monitoring will also be conducted.
&nbsp;
The 52-day journey will end on August 19.

Amarnath Yatra: First pilgrims head to cave shrine

Tibetan spiritual leader, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, is set to be discharged from a hospital on Saturday following a successful knee surgery in the United States.
&nbsp;
The news was confirmed by Dr. Tsetan D Sadutshang, the Dalai Lama's personal physician, and Tenzin Taklha, Secretary to His Holiness, in a concise online briefing.
&nbsp;
They reported that the Dalai Lama underwent a total knee replacement surgery on Friday morning, which was deemed a success.
&nbsp;
"Dalai Lama's knee surgery this morning was very successful, and His Holiness is now resting in his hospital room. His condition is stable," they announced during the briefing on the platform X.
&nbsp;
Dr. Sadutshang further reassured the public that there were no complications with the surgery.
&nbsp;
"There was no problem at all. His Holiness is ready to take his lunch right now. He will be discharged from the hospital tomorrow," he stated.
&nbsp;
He also commended the medical team for their exceptional care.
&nbsp;
"All the doctors and nurses in the hospital are providing their services at the highest standard to His Holiness. The staff here are highly dedicated in giving their best services," he added.
&nbsp;
Citing the quality of the facility, Dr. Sadutshang noted, "This is the best hospital for knee surgery in the US, and the orthopaedic surgeons here are among the best in the country. Therefore, everyone can feel at ease."
&nbsp;
The Dalai Lama arrived in New York on Monday after a brief stopover in Zurich, Switzerland, where he received a warm welcome from members of the Tibetan community and well-wishers.
&nbsp;
During his stop in Zurich, the Dalai Lama was greeted with a traditional Tibetan welcome at his hotel, where he interacted with his followers and old friends.
&nbsp;
Before heading to the US for his surgery, the Dalai Lama had travelled from Dharamshala to Delhi.
&nbsp;
His journey has been marked by enthusiastic receptions, with hundreds of Tibetans and devotees gathering to pay their respects and offer their good wishes.

Washington D.C.

Dalai Lama recovering well after knee operation

Early Saturday, the authorities recovered the body of a labourer from under the debris of a collapsed wall at a construction site in the Vasant Vihar area during heavy rain.
&nbsp;
Officials said that two more labourers are possibly trapped under the rubble.
&nbsp;
The incident took place on Friday and was reported to the Delhi Fire Services (DFS) at around 5:30 am.
&nbsp;
The deceased, identified as 19-year-old Santosh Kumar Yadav, was found around 6:10 am on Saturday, according to Delhi Fire Services officials. His death was confirmed by doctors at Safdarjung Hospital.
&nbsp;
Officials also added that the rescue operation for the remaining two labourers is currently in progress.
&nbsp;
The operation is being carried out by personnel of the National Disaster Response Force, the Delhi Disaster Management Authority, and civic agencies.
&nbsp;
Officials said cranes are being used to remove debris while water is being pumped out of the foundation pit to recover the remaining bodies.&nbsp;

3 bodies found under debris in Delhi wall collapse

The cup of woes of the opposition Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) continues as yet another legislator from the party Kale Yadaiah crossed over to the ruling Congress on Friday, taking the total number of BRS switching loyalties so far to six.
&nbsp;
Once seen as the architect of the Telangana statehood movement, the BRS suffered a severe drubbing in the recent assembly polls, managing to win 39 seats in the 119-member House, while Congress came to power with 64 seats. Following a change of guard in the state, the regional party is now struggling to keep its flock together.
&nbsp;
Kale Yadaiah, representing Chevella constituency on the outskirts of Hyderabad, is the latest to jump ship. He joined the Congress in the presence of Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy and AICC in charge of Telangana Deepa Das Munshi, in New Delhi.
&nbsp;
Notwithstanding a series of meetings the BRS supremo and former Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao had with the party legislators in the last three days, the spree of desertions continues to haunt the party.
&nbsp;
Earlier this week, Jagityal BRS MLA Dr Sanjay Kumar and Banswada MLA and former Assembly Speaker Pocharam Srinivas Reddy joined the Congress in the presence of the Chief Minister. Tellam Venkat Rao, Danam Nagender, and Kadiam Srihari are the other three MLAs who have switched over to the Congress. More legislators are expected to cross over to the ruling party in the coming days.

Hyderabad

Desertions continue from BRS camp in Telangana

India will implement new criminal laws starting from July 1.
&nbsp;
The new laws, namely Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita 2023, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam 2023, will replace the British-era Indian Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure, and the Indian Evidence Act respectively, starting from July 1.
&nbsp;
Key highlights of these new criminal laws include the introduction of Zero FIR, the option to register police complaints online, serving summons through electronic methods, and the mandatory videography of crime scenes for all serious crimes.
&nbsp;
The Union home ministry is gearing up to roll out the three new criminal laws starting next week. Forty lakh grassroots functionaries will be trained to ensure people are aware of the legislation and its impact on everyone, particularly women and children.
&nbsp;
Over 5.65 lakh police, prison, forensics, judicial and prosecution officials have also been trained about the new laws.
&nbsp;
The BPR&amp;D provided 250 training courses, webinars, and seminars, through which they trained 40,317 officers and personnel.
&nbsp;
Under the new laws, victims will be provided with a complimentary copy of the FIR, ensuring their involvement in the legal process.
&nbsp;
A noteworthy addition to the law is that the individual who has been arrested has the right to inform a chosen person about their situation.
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This will ensure immediate support and assistance for the arrested individual.
&nbsp;
Additionally, details of the arrest will now be prominently displayed in police stations and district headquarters, providing easy access to important information for the families and friends of the arrested person.
&nbsp;
To strengthen the case and investigations, forensic experts must visit crime scenes for serious offences and collect evidence. Additionally, the process of evidence collection at the crime scene will be videographed to prevent tampering with evidence.
&nbsp;
This dual approach significantly enhances the quality and reliability of investigations and contributes to a fair administration of justice.
&nbsp;
The fresh regulations give top priority to probing crimes against women and children, aiming for prompt completion within a two-month period from when the information is recorded. With the new legislation, victims have the right to receive frequent updates on the status of their cases within 90 days.
&nbsp;
This rule ensures that victims stay informed and engaged in the judicial proceedings, which improves transparency and builds trust.
&nbsp;
The new laws guarantee free first-aid or medical treatment to victims of crimes against women and children at all hospitals. This provision ensures immediate access to essential medical care, prioritising the well-being and recovery of victims during challenging times.
&nbsp;
Electronic service of summons is now permitted, which speeds up legal processes, reduces paperwork, and facilitates efficient communication among all involved parties.
&nbsp;
In cases of specific offences against women, the victim's statements should, whenever possible, be documented by a female magistrate. In the absence of a female magistrate, a male magistrate should be present along with a woman to ensure sensitivity and fairness, thereby creating a supportive environment for victims.
&nbsp;
Both the accused and the victim have the right to receive copies of the FIR, police report, chargesheet, statements, confessions, and other documents within 14 days.
&nbsp;
Courts may grant a maximum of two adjournments to prevent unnecessary delays in case hearings, thus ensuring timely delivery of justice.
&nbsp;
New legislation has made the implementation of a witness protection program mandatory by all state governments to ensure the safety and cooperation of witnesses, thus improving the credibility and efficiency of legal proceedings.
&nbsp;
The definition of "gender" has been expanded to include transgender individuals, aiming to promote inclusivity and equality.
&nbsp;
The new laws allow for all legal proceedings to be conducted electronically, providing convenience to victims, witnesses, and the accused, thereby streamlining and expediting the entire legal process.
&nbsp;
To offer greater protection to victims and ensure transparency in the investigation of rape cases, the statements of victims must now be recorded by the police using audio or video means.

Zero FIR, victim rights: India's new criminal laws

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on Friday that he is formulating a "comprehensive plan" outlining Kyiv's vision for concluding the ongoing war with Russia.
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This initiative comes amid an absence of public negotiations between Ukraine and Russia, with both sides maintaining divergent stances on the terms for a potential peace settlement.
&nbsp;
Zelensky made this declaration during a press conference in Kyiv alongside Slovenian President Natasa Pirc Musar, citing the significance of global support for Ukraine's proposed peace plan.
&nbsp;
"It is very important for us to show a plan to end the war that will be supported by the majority of the world," Zelensky stated.
&nbsp;
Earlier this month, Zelensky hosted a major international summit in Switzerland aimed at garnering backing for Ukraine's position.
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Notably, Russia was not invited to this summit.
&nbsp;
The event saw participation from leaders and senior officials from over 90 countries.
&nbsp;
The final communique stressed the necessity of respecting Ukraine's "territorial integrity" in any peace settlement.
&nbsp;
However, some key countries, such as India, did not endorse this communique, while others, including Russia's ally China, boycotted the summit in protest of Moscow's exclusion.
&nbsp;
Ukraine has consistently insisted that Russia must withdraw its troops from internationally recognized Ukrainian territories, including Crimea, annexed by Moscow in 2014, as a precondition for peace talks.
&nbsp;
Conversely, Russian President Vladimir Putin, who initiated the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, demands that Ukraine cede additional territories in the east and south.
&nbsp;
During his visit to Brussels on Thursday, Zelensky indicated that he would present a "detailed plan" within months.
&nbsp;
"We don't have too much time," he remarked, highlighting the severe casualty rates among soldiers and civilians.
&nbsp;
Meanwhile, Russian forces continue to make incremental advances on the battlefield.
&nbsp;
On Friday, they claimed to have captured another small frontline village.
&nbsp;
Currently, Russia occupies approximately one-fifth of Ukraine and, in 2022, asserted the annexation of four additional regions, none of which it fully controls.
&nbsp;
Ukraine's resistance heavily depends on Western financial and military aid.
&nbsp;
However, Ukrainian troops, after more than two years of intense combat, face challenges such as being outgunned, outmanned, and exhausted.

Ukraine

Zelensky drafts plan to end Ukraine-Russia war

In a rare honour for a media personality, the Andhra Pradesh government has announced that a road in the capital city of Amaravathi and a proposed film city project in the port city of Visakhapatnam will be named after media baron Cherukuri Ramoji Rao who passed away recently.
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Ramoji Rao, a pioneer in Telugu journalism, was known for his discipline, high moral values and keen business acumen. His life journey&mdash;from a humble middle-class family in the Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh to becoming one of the leading media icons in the country&mdash;was as much a celebration of entrepreneurial skills and passion for innovation as it was of moral uprightness in an era where the credibility of the media saw a steady decline.
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Founder of India's largest movie production facility, Ramoji Film City, in Hyderabad and chairman of the Eenadu Group of publications and news channels, Ramoji Rao (87) passed away in the early hours of June 8 at a corporate hospital in Hyderabad.
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He was born into an agricultural family on November 16, 1936, in a small village called Pedaparupudi in Krishna district.
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He went on to become a powerful and influential media entrepreneur in the history of Telugu states. He owned the largest Telugu daily in both Telangana and Andhra, Eenadu. In addition, he ran a bouquet of entertainment and news channels under the ETV brand.
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The NDA government honoured him with India's second-highest civilian award, Padma Vibhushan, in 2016.
&nbsp;
Speaking at a memorial service organised by the state government in Vijayawada on Thursday, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said that Amaravathi will have a knowledge Centre named after the media baron.
&nbsp;
Paying rich tributes to Ramoji Rao, the Chief Minister said the media baron had run the daily newspaper with moral values and never compromised even when he was subjected to harassment. He demanded that Ramoji Rao, who was a role model and an inspiration to Telugus across the world, be awarded Bharat Ratna posthumously.
&nbsp;
Naidu, along with his wife, Bhuvaneswari, attended the programme. Soon after arriving at the venue, the Chief Minister visited the photo exhibition and later and later paid floral tributes to the photo of Ramoji Rao on the dias. Recalling the services of the late Ramoji Rao to various sections of society in the state, Naidu said,
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"Ramoji was an example of how a person born into a middle-class family can reach the greatest heights," Naidu said.
&nbsp;
Recalling the services of Ramoji Rao in various sectors, the Chief Minister said that it was Ramoji Raop who suggested the name of Amaravathi for the capital city of the state.
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"This is the reason why I have decided to establish a Ramoji Knowledge Centre (Vignana Kendram) in Amaravathi," Naidu announced.
&nbsp;
The family members of Ramoji Rao donated Rs 10 crore for building Amaravathi and handed over the cheque to the Chief Minister. Deputy chief minister Pawan Kalyan, Tollywood's ace director, SS Rajamouli, and Oscar-winning music director, MM Keeravani, also participated in the memorial meeting.
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Vijayawada

Roads, projects in AP to be named after Ramoji Rao

West Bengal Governor C.V. Ananda Bose on Friday initiated a defamation suit against Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee at the Calcutta High Court.
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This move followed Banerjee&rsquo;s recent statement alleging that women were fearful of visiting the Raj Bhavan due to certain activities there, according to a source.
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Earlier in the day, Governor Bose expressed his disapproval of Banerjee&rsquo;s remarks, emphasizing that it is expected of public representatives not to create "erroneous and slanderous impressions."
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The Governor also filed defamation suits against specific leaders of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) who made similar remarks, the source revealed.
&nbsp;
During an administrative meeting at the state secretariat on Thursday, Banerjee asserted that "women have informed her they are afraid to visit Raj Bhavan due to recent incidents reported there."
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"Governor C.V. Ananda Bose on Friday approached the Calcutta High Court and filed a defamation suit against Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her party leaders for their comments," the source said.
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On May 2, a contractual female employee of Raj Bhavan had alleged molestation by Bose, prompting a probe by the Kolkata Police.
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When contacted, TMC Rajya Sabha MP Dola Sen expressed the need to consult party leadership before commenting on the matter.
&nbsp;
"I have to talk to my party leadership to find out what actually happened. This is quite a sensitive matter," Sen said.
&nbsp;
Senior BJP leader Rahul Sinha voiced his support for Bose's decision.
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"I think Governor Bose has taken the right decision. He should have taken this decision long back. I fully support him for this," Sinha said.
&nbsp;
Veteran CPI(M) leader Sujan Chakraborty criticised the ongoing tussle between Bose and Banerjee, stating that it is detrimental to the state.
&nbsp;
"It's actually taking us down. They seem to have forgotten their Constitutional responsibilities. Their acts are damaging West Bengal's image at the national level," Chakraborty remarked.

Kolkata

Bengal Guv files defamation suit against Mamata

The final takeaway of the 2024 General Elections is that Narendra Modi has become the Prime Minister for the third consecutive term. He led the Bharatiya Janata Party to a substantial score of 240 seats, just 32 short of the absolute majority. Had it not been for the 400+ hype created by the BJP ahead of elections, 240 would not have felt as small as it was felt after the results.
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Still, the 32 seats loss was compensated by 52 members from other National Democratic Alliance (NDA) partners. Modi is now comfortably heading a coalition with the BJP being the main and the dominant partner with 240 members of its own.&nbsp;
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Second, the BJP has retained all the important ministries including the Home, the Defence, the Foreign Affairs, the Finance and the Railways. Third, the BJP has retained the post of the Speaker.&nbsp;
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The opposition parties would celebrate the prospect of BJP losing some important ministries to the allies as well as the post of the Speaker. The party lost none and retained everything.
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In comparison, the Congress-led Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) could win only 232 seats, 8 less than the BJP won on its own and 40 short of the halfway mark.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The Congress on its own could still not touch the &lsquo;three-figure&rsquo; mark, as it was stuck at 99. The Congress&rsquo; score for three elections is still less than 200; 44 in 2014, 52 in 2019 and 99 in 2024 making it a total of 195 only.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The Congress is still &ldquo;celebrating&rdquo;, by trying to make it out as a victory for itself and a &ldquo;political and moral defeat&rdquo; for the BJP and the Prime Minister Modi, in particular.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
But the fact is that the BJP&rsquo;s worst performance in the last three General Elections since 2014 under Modi&rsquo;s leadership has still been better than the Congress&rsquo; best.
&nbsp;
The Congress&rsquo; best performance after 1984, when it swept elections in the aftermath of Ms Indira Gandhi&rsquo;s assassination, was in 1991 when it got 232 seats. That was also partially because of the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi during the campaign by Sri Lankan Tamillian militants.
&nbsp;
After that, it was in 2009 when Dr Manmohan Singh was the Prime Minister that the Congress won 206 seats.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Afterwards, Congress under Rahul Gandhi&rsquo;s leadership, whether de facto or de juro, has seen consistent electoral debacles. The party&rsquo;s spin managers however have managed to project the third consecutive defeat like a &ldquo;victory&rdquo; drawing solace from BJP&rsquo;s less-than-expected performance while trying and managing to downplay its (BJP&rsquo;s) return to power.&nbsp;
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Congress, for the first time in India&rsquo;s independent history, will remain in opposition for a record third consecutive term. It is the longest period, it will remain out of power. Changing goals
&nbsp;
Congress has changed its goalpost. Despite having been a pan-India party and being a centrist party, with an appeal among all sections of people, it has stopped aspiring to win a majority of its own.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Instead, it has surrendered to the regional parties like the Samajwadi Party in Uttar Pradesh, the Trinamool Congress in West Bengal, Aam Aadmi Party in Delhi, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam in Tamil Nadu, Nationalist Congress Party and Shiv Sena in Maharashtra and National Conference in Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
All these parties were Congress&rsquo; bitter opponents not long ago. So much so, the Congress made the United Front government headed by IK Gujaral fall by withdrawing support to it after it refused to drop DMK ministers in the aftermath of Jain Commission revelations which held DMK responsible for supporting Sri Lankan Tamil militants led by the LTTE.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
LTTE was responsible for the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi.
&nbsp;
Right now, the Congress has its independent existence in just nine states, which include Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Chhattisgarh, Telangana and Gujarat.
&nbsp;
&nbsp;In MP and Gujarat, it has been continuously losing elections to the state assembly and almost drawing a blank in the parliamentary elections, but it continues to exclusively occupy the opposition space there.
&nbsp;
In all major states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra it has been playing second fiddle to regional parties and is dependent on their whims and moods.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
It is highly unlikely that Congress can go further than what it got in 2024. At best it may retain the same number of seats in the future General Elections and the worst can be lower than this. In another way, Congress has already peaked and is unlikely to better this performance and that too when its entire leadership believes it to be its &ldquo;emphatic victory&rdquo;. Some mutual interests
&nbsp;
There appears to be a mutual interest between the &lsquo;Gandhi&rsquo; family and the leaders loyal to it, who cannot look beyond what they have already got and achieved. Any senior and outstanding leader in Congress, as long as the family remains in control, can only aspire to be an MP or a minister, if it comes to power.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
It does not matter to such leaders, as who is in control of the party as they do not have any grand ambitions, neither to run the government nor the party, as they keep on enjoying whatever perks they get by becoming MPs from here or there, with the hope of ministerial bonus, if the party manages to form a government some time.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
That is why the party does not have any concrete programme or proposal. Take for example the 2024 General Election campaign. It was just a &ldquo;hit and trial&rdquo; campaign where the party stuck to the theme of &ldquo;threat to the Constitution&rdquo;, while actually there was none.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The party did manage to create apprehensions among the vulnerable sections of the society about it. But this cannot be a lasting theme that too against an ideologically rooted and driven BJP.
&nbsp;
The BJP has managed to convince the people of the country, both, those who support it and also those who oppose it, that the party has a particular agenda, whether nationalism or liberalised economy. The Congress no longer has any well-defined theme.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Although Rahul Gandhi did try to project the party purely as a &ldquo;secular&rdquo; and a &ldquo;socialist&rdquo; force as an alternative to the BJP, he did not manage to get sufficient dividends.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
He will have to stick to this theme, which should not be difficult as his party has the guaranteed support of the minorities, almost 100 per cent. Also, a mere theme alone is not enough as a lot depends on the leadership. Rahul&rsquo;s third failure in a row 
Rahul has failed a third time in a row to lead his party or alliance to victory. He and his family have still managed to retain the control of the Congress party, rather have further strengthen it.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
He has himself become the Leader of the Opposition, the first constitutional post he has occupied. But that does not guarantee that he will certainly go further.
&nbsp;
He may claim that the NDA is a fragile alliance and that the Modi government may not last long. This may hold for the INDIA bloc as well as it may not hold together for a long time. Gandhi does not have much to offer to prospective allies, while Modi is in power and has a lot to offer to prospective allies from the opposition. Redemption for the Gandhis, but what about the Congress? 
The 2024 General Elections, indeed, have been redeeming for the Gandhi family that it managed to firm up its grip over the party, but these certainly have not been good for the Congress. If &ldquo;securing&rdquo; Rahul&rsquo;s leadership and control over the Congress was the ultimate goal, which it seems it was, then the party has done exceptionally well.
&nbsp;
Rahul is the Leader of the Opposition. His mother, Ms Sonia Gandhi is the Chairperson of the Congress Parliamentary Party. His sister Priyanka Gandhi is likely to get elected from the Wayanad parliamentary constituency, which Rahul vacated.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
All three will be in the parliament.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Besides, they have a compliant party president Mallikarjun Kharge there. It is all good for the Gandhis.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
But is it really good for the Congress, only time will tell.

Congress run by Gandhis despite another defeat

Meteorologists have stated that the forecasting models did not anticipate the extreme weather event that caught Delhi residents off guard early Friday, resulting in a historic 228.1 mm of rainfall.
&nbsp;
This quantity exceeds the June average of 74.1 mm by more than three times and marks the highest for the month since 1936.
&nbsp;
An official from the IMD clarified that the monsoon winds interacted with the remnants of a western disturbance, leading to heavy rains in Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu and Kashmir.
&nbsp;
Independent scientists say a thunderstorm over North Delhi could have sparked the torrential rains.
&nbsp;
On June 26, the IMD had forecasted only light to moderate rain and thunderstorms with gusty winds for Friday (June 28).
&nbsp;
On Thursday afternoon, the Met office noted a trough extending from a cyclonic circulation over central Gujarat to west Bihar in the lower tropospheric levels.
&nbsp;
In the weekly weather briefing uploaded on the IMD's YouTube page, scientist Soma Sen Roy said this trough was pumping moisture into north and central India.
&nbsp;
"The east-west trough is likely to strengthen during the week, and rainfall will increase over north India," she explained.
&nbsp;
The extended range forecast released by the IMD on Thursday night anticipated "a fairly widespread to widespread occurrence of light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning across northwest and east India over the next five days".
&nbsp;
The forecast also indicated the possibility of "extremely heavy rainfall" in Delhi on June 29 and June 30, although no one foresaw the heavy rain on Friday morning.
&nbsp;
At 4:58 am on Friday, the IMD issued an alert, stating "light to moderate intensity rain with heavy intensity rain over a few places and winds of 20-40 kmph would occur over and adjoining areas of entire Delhi and NCR, Gannaur, Sonepat, Kharkhoda, Jhajjar, Sohna, Palwal, Baraut, Baghpat, Khekra, Pilakhua, and Sikandrabad during the next two hours".
&nbsp;
Later, it reported that the Safdarjung Observatory recorded 148.5 mm of rainfall between 2:30 am and 5:30 am, indicating that much of the rain had already occurred before the IMD issued the alert.
&nbsp;
Also, it declared the arrival of the monsoon in Delhi on Friday noon, less than 15 hours after it had projected that the primary rain-bearing system would reach Delhi within two to three days.
&nbsp;
"Not much rainfall was happening due to the eastern arm of the monsoon in West Bengal, Bihar, and up to Uttar Pradesh. The eastern arm monsoon moved slowly. But one pulse suddenly arrived from the Madhya Pradesh side. Nobody expected this massive amount of moisture," an IMD official said, requesting anonymity.
&nbsp;
"The models could not capture it. Also, convective clouds started developing in the evening and intensified over time. Predicting thunderstorms in advance is not easy," the official added.

Weather models failed to predict Delhi's rainstorm

The adjusted mobile service tariffs for Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea will lead to a 10-24 per cent increase starting in the first week of July.
&nbsp;
Starting from July 3, Bharti Airtel is implementing a 10-21 per cent increase in both prepaid and postpaid mobile tariffs, following Reliance Jio's announcement of rate increases.
&nbsp;
On the same day, Vodafone Idea (Vi), a struggling telecom operator, also revealed plans to raise mobile tariffs by 11-24 per cent starting from July 4.
&nbsp;
However, Vi has decided not to make changes to several plans, including the Rs 1,799 and Rs 3,099 plans with 365 days validity, as well as certain data add-on packs.
&nbsp;
Bharti Airtel has emphasised the need for mobile Average Revenue Per User (ARPU) to exceed Rs 300 in order for telecom companies in India to establish a financially viable business model.
&nbsp;
"We have ensured that there is a very modest price increase (less than 70 paise per day) on entry-level plans in order to eliminate any burden on budget-challenged consumers," Airtel said, announcing revision in its mobile tariffs.
&nbsp;
The mobile operators raised their tariffs right after the 10th spectrum auction, which had a weak industry response and ended in just two days.
&nbsp;
On Thursday, Jio, India's biggest telecom operator, revealed a 12-27 per cent increase in mobile tariffs.

Airtel, Vi to raise mobile tariff in July

Amid a heated controversy concerning alleged irregularities in competitive exam administration, the National Testing Agency (NTA) has released new dates for cancelled and postponed examinations. The UGC-NET will now take place from August 21 to September 4.
&nbsp;
The University Grants Commission&ndash;National Eligibility Test (UGC-NET) was called off the day after it was conducted on June 18 due to concerns raised by the education ministry about the exam's integrity being compromised.
&nbsp;
According to Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, the question paper was leaked on the darknet and shared on the Telegram app. The CBI is currently investigating the matter.
&nbsp;
The UGC-NET is a test used to ascertain eligibility for the Junior Research Fellowship, select assistant professors, and admit students to PhD programs.
&nbsp;
In a shift from the earlier pattern, the exam was conducted in offline mode this year on a single day. However, the rescheduled exam will be conducted according to the earlier pattern of Computer-Based Tests (CBT) spread across a fortnight.
&nbsp;
The CSIR UGC-NET, originally postponed due to concerns about exam irregularities, has been rescheduled to take place from July 25th to July 27th.
&nbsp;
The CSIR UGC-NET is a valid qualification for admission to PhD programs in Chemical Sciences, Earth, Atmospheric, Ocean and Planetary Sciences, Life Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, and Physical Sciences.
&nbsp;
The National Common Entrance Test (NCET) for admission to the four-year Integrated Teacher Education Programme (ITEP), initially delayed just before its scheduled start on June 12, will now be held on July 10.
&nbsp;

UGC-NET to be held from Aug 21-Sept 4

A portion of an under-construction bridge collapsed in Bihar's Madhubani on Friday, the fifth such collapse in 11 days.
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The most recent incident took place in the Bheja police station area of Madhubani district, located in the northern part of the state near the Nepal border.&nbsp;
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
𝟗 दिन के अंदर बिहार में यह 𝟓वाँ पुल गिरा है। मधुबनी-सुपौल के बीच भूतही नदी पर वर्षों से निर्माणाधीन पुल गिरा। क्या आपको पता लगा? नहीं तो, क्यों? बूझो तो जाने? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bihar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bihar</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bridge?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bridge</a> <a href="https://t.co/IirnmOzRSo">pic.twitter.com/IirnmOzRSo</a>
&mdash; Tejashwi Yadav (@yadavtejashwi) <a href="https://twitter.com/yadavtejashwi/status/1806717536198926782?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 28, 2024</a></blockquote>
Although officials remained silent about the occurrence, sources from the Rural Works Department, responsible for constructing the 75-meter-long bridge, confirmed that one of the pillars was washed away a few days ago.
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They said the bridge was being constructed at a cost of about Rs 3 crore over the Bhutahi river which has been in spate on account of torrential rains in catchment areas of Nepal.
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According to sources, the district administration has been tasked with investigating the issue and providing a report. The relevant contractor has been directed to repair the structure promptly.
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A video depicting the collapsed bridge, which has been under construction for over two years, has become widely circulated.
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Tejashwi Yadav, the leader of the opposition in the state assembly, shared the video on X, indirectly criticising the Nitish Kumar government.
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"Another bridge has collapsed in Bihar. Did you get to know? If not, guess why," said the RJD leader, who is also a former deputy CM.
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Last week, one incident each of bridge collapse was reported from the Araria, Siwan and East Champaran districts while a similar mishap took place in Kishanganj on Thursday.&nbsp;

Patna

Another bridge collapses in Bihar, 5th in 9 days

Ansh Mavani

In response to heavy rainfall causing severe waterlogging across Delhi, the city government convened an emergency meeting at the Delhi Secretariat on Friday. Led by several senior officials and chaired by four ministers, the meeting addressed the pressing issue of waterlogging exacerbated by the recent downpour.
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At a subsequent press conference, Delhi Minister Atishi emphasised the gravity of the situation, highlighting that excessive rainfall, surpassing the drainage capacity, led to waterlogging at over 200 identified hotspots in the city.
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She underscored that 40 of these locations are under constant CCTV surveillance by the Public Works Department (PWD), reflecting proactive measures to manage the crisis.
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"We have identified approximately 200 areas prone to waterlogging due to the recent heavy rainfall. The current volume of rain, such as the 228 mm recorded recently, exceeds the drainage capacity, causing prolonged water accumulation," Atishi explained, addressing concerns about the city's preparedness for such weather events.
&nbsp;
Echoing her sentiments, Delhi Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj outlined the decisions taken during the emergency meeting to mitigate waterlogging risks. He stressed the collaboration between Traffic Police and local authorities to identify vulnerable areas and streamline inter-departmental responses. Bharadwaj also referenced historical data, noting that the city hadn't witnessed such intense rainfall in June since 1936.
&nbsp;
Simultaneously, Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena convened a meeting of key agencies including the Delhi Jal Board, PWD, Irrigation and Flood Control Department, Delhi Police, Municipal Corporation of Delhi, National Disaster Management Control, and Delhi Development Authority. This assembly aimed to assess the current water logging situation and strategize emergency responses amidst the ongoing pre-monsoon showers.
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During the meeting, concerns were raised about incomplete desilting operations and delayed issuance of Flood Control Orders, underscoring gaps in the city's preparedness for monsoon emergencies.
&nbsp;
In response, Saxena issued 11 directives for immediate action, including the establishment of a 24x7 emergency control room and deployment of mobile pumps to alleviate waterlogging.
&nbsp;
Earlier in the day, scenes of waterlogged streets and symbolic protests underscored the public's frustration with the situation. BJP councillor Ravinder Singh Negi's act of rowing an inflatable boat on NH9 highlighted the civic discontent, aimed at drawing attention to governance issues amid such crises.
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According to the Indian Meteorological Department, the Safdarjung observatory recorded 228 mm of rainfall by 8:30 am on Friday, marking it as the second-highest 24-hour rainfall in June since 1936, just shy of the record set on June 28, 1936, of 235.55 mm.
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The ongoing efforts by the Delhi government and relevant agencies reflect a concerted response to mitigate the immediate impacts of heavy rainfall and address systemic challenges in urban flood management.
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As the monsoon season progresses, continuous vigilance and adaptive strategies remain crucial to safeguarding Delhiites from the effects of extreme weather events.

Heavy rains paralyse Delhi, Govt calls urgent meet

Ayesha Banerjee

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Friday reacted to a racist slur targeted at him, saying it made him &ldquo;hurt and angry&rdquo;.
 Speaking to reporters on the general election campaign trail, Sunak said his two daughters, Krishna and Anoushka, had to see and hear Reform UK activists who campaigned for party leader Nigel Farage &ldquo;calling me a Paki".
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"It hurts, and it makes me angry," the 44-year-old British Indian leader said, adding that Farage has questions to answer.
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Sunak noted: "I don't repeat those words lightly. I do so deliberately because this is too important not to call out clearly for what it is.
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"When you see Reform candidates and campaigners, seemingly using racist and misogynistic language and opinions seemingly without challenge, I think it tells you something about the culture within the Reform Party."&nbsp;
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He was speaking after a campaigner for the far-right Reform UK was filmed using the slur considered racist towards people of South Asian heritage, forcing the party&rsquo;s leader and general election candidate Nigel Farage to condemn the actions as &ldquo;appalling,&rdquo; PTI reported.
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Reform UK is fielding hundreds of candidates in the July 4 election on an anti-immigration stance with the hope of posing a major challenge for the incumbent Conservative Party, which is heavily trailing in the polls.
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However, with the election called earlier than expected, the party has been unable to fully vet all its campaigners and one of them &ndash; Andrew Parker &ndash; was filmed by an undercover reporter from Channel 4.
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&ldquo;The appalling sentiments expressed by some in these exchanges bear no relation to my own views, those of the vast majority of our supporters or Reform UK,&rdquo; Farage said in a statement.
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The same activist was also heard suggesting that army recruits with guns should be posted to &ldquo;just shoot&rdquo; illegal migrants landing on UK beaches.
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Speaking at a campaign event on Thursday, Farage said that &ldquo;one or two people let us down and we let them go&rdquo; but added that &ldquo;in most cases they're just speaking like ordinary folk.&rdquo;
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The 60-year-old divisive politician is making his eighth attempt to be elected to Parliament after seven failed bids. This time, polls suggest a comfortable lead for him in the race to represent the seaside town of Clacton-on-Sea.
&nbsp;
While Reform is likely to win only a handful of seats, at most, in the 650-seat House of Commons, Farage says his goal is to get a foothold and lead the &ldquo;real&rdquo; Opposition to a Labour Party government &ndash; which is widely expected to succeed the Sunak-led Tories after the general election.&nbsp;
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The British Indian leader has, meanwhile, warned voters that a vote for Reform UK was effectively a vote in favour of a tax-raising Labour Party.
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He has also hit back at Farage&rsquo;s own controversial statements claiming that the West had provoked Russian President Vladimir Putin into attacking Ukraine.&nbsp;&ldquo;What he said was wrong, it was completely wrong. It plays into Putin&rsquo;s hand,&rdquo; Sunak told &lsquo;The Telegraph&rsquo;.
&nbsp;
&ldquo;This is the guy [Putin] who used nerve agents on British streets, he&rsquo;s doing deals with North Korea. That is who we&rsquo;re talking about here. This kind of appeasement is very damaging not just for our security, but the security of our allies that depend on us and it emboldens Putin further,&rdquo; he said.
&nbsp;
Senior Tories are worried that disaffected party supporters switching to Reform UK could cost them seats and hand Labour a &ldquo;super-majority&rdquo; in the election.
&nbsp;
Sunak attempted to reach out to this disaffected set of voters in the last week before the election with a plea that a &ldquo;Labour government isn&rsquo;t just something that you buy that if you decide you don&rsquo;t like you can take back to the shop and return it.&rdquo;
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&ldquo;It&rsquo;s going to have profound consequences for you and your family, potentially for decades if they change the system to stay in power that long. So you should think very carefully about the choice at this election because it has consequences,&rdquo; he said.
&nbsp;
It comes as his party continues to battle the betting scandal engulfing the Tories, with his chief of staff said to be assisting with the Gambling Commission&rsquo;s ongoing inquiries into possible cheating behind some candidates betting on a July election date based on insider knowledge.

London

Post

Rishi Sunak ‘hurt, angered’ by racist slur

Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu announced on Friday that an investigation has been launched into the canopy collapse incident at Delhi Airport&rsquo;s Terminal 1. Heavy rain caused a portion of the canopy to collapse early Friday morning, resulting in the death of one person and injuries to several others.
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Minister Kinjarapu stated that experts from the department will be brought in to thoroughly investigate the incident. Based on the findings of the investigation, appropriate action will be taken. He emphasised that the safety of all airport buildings across the country would be reviewed to prevent similar incidents in the future.
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A review meeting was scheduled for today, and the Minister announced a compensation of Rs 20 lakh for the family of the deceased and Rs 3 lakh each for the injured. He assured that the injured individuals, currently receiving treatment at the hospital, are being well cared for. He clarified that the collapsed building was an older structure inaugurated in 2009, not the one recently inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
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Earlier, Minister Kinjarapu issued a statement regarding the canopy collapse, mentioning that Prime Minister Modi is closely monitoring the situation and has assured full support.
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The immediate priority was the safe evacuation of all passengers from the terminal. Consequently, all flights scheduled until 2 PM were cancelled, with passengers receiving full refunds or options to rebook on alternative flights and routes. Flights scheduled to depart after 2 PM were redirected to Terminals 2 and 3.
&nbsp;
The Minister noted that a thorough examination of the terminal's structure is being conducted by experts to ensure safety. Various agencies, including DGCA, BCAS, CISF, Delhi Police, and NDRE, are working in close coordination to manage the situation effectively. He reiterated the commitment to providing compensation to the affected families and those injured.
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Minister Kinjarapu also visited Safdarjung and AIIMS hospitals in Delhi to meet with the injured individuals. When asked about the possibility of additional patients requiring treatment, he mentioned that there was no such information at the moment but that they were prepared to receive more patients if necessary.
&nbsp;
This incident highlights the importance of stringent safety measures and regular inspections to ensure the structural integrity of public buildings, especially those as critical as airport terminals.
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The government&rsquo;s swift response and commitment to investigating the cause of the collapse aim to prevent future occurrences and ensure the safety of travellers.

Experts to investigate Delhi Airport accident

Senior advocate and DMK MP P Wilson met with Law and Justice Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal on Friday at Parliament to seek reconsideration of the need for enacting three new criminal laws.
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These new laws, namely, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita 2023, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam 2023, are set to replace the Indian Penal Code of 1860, the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1973, and the Indian Evidence Act of 1872, and are scheduled to come into effect from July 1.
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In a post on X, Wilson expressed the concerns of stakeholders, including lawyers, advocates associations, and various State Bar Councils, about the unrest caused by these acts.
&nbsp;
He highlighted that these new laws have led to widespread protests and dissatisfaction within the legal community. He informed the Law Minister about the protests seeking to scrap the three enactments. Wilson further mentioned that the Law Minister assured him that the concerns would be looked into.
&nbsp;
Wilson argued that the new enactments do not bring substantial changes and are essentially &ldquo;old wine in a new bottle.&rdquo; He urged the Minister to reconsider the necessity of these acts, emphasising the need for comprehensive discussions and reviews before implementation.
&nbsp;
On June 26, the Bar Council of India (BCI) requested all Bar Associations to refrain from any form of agitation or protest at this juncture. The BCI assured that it would initiate discussions with the Union Government, represented by the Union Home Minister and the Law Minister, to convey the concerns of the legal fraternity.
&nbsp;
The BCI received numerous representations from Bar Associations and State Bar Councils across the nation, expressing strong protests against the newly introduced criminal laws.
&nbsp;
These Bar Associations have signalled their intent to engage in indefinite agitations and protests unless these laws are suspended and subjected to thorough nationwide discussions, including a comprehensive review by Parliament.
&nbsp;
Concerns have been raised that several provisions of these new laws are perceived to be anti-people and more draconian than the colonial-era laws they intend to replace. They pose a serious threat to the fundamental rights of citizens.
&nbsp;
Notable legal luminaries such as Kapil Sibal, Abhishek Manu Singhvi, Mukul Rohatgi, Vivek Tankha, P. Wilson, Dushyant Dave, Indira Jaising, and many other Senior Advocates have voiced strong opposition to these laws.
&nbsp;
Several Bar Associations have also called for a fresh examination of the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UA(P)A), asserting that these laws contravene the principles of fundamental rights and natural justice.
&nbsp;
The BCI has requested all Bar Associations to refrain from any form of agitation or protest at this juncture. BCI Chairman and senior advocate Manan Kumar Mishra said that the council will initiate discussions with the Union Government, represented by the Union Home Minister and the Law Minister, to convey the concerns of the legal fraternity.
&nbsp;
The BCI will also seek the intervention of the Union Minister for Environment, Bhupendra Yadav, who is an advocate, to mediate in this matter.
&nbsp;
Additionally, the BCI requests all Bar Associations and senior advocates to submit specific provisions of the new laws they deem unconstitutional or detrimental, to facilitate a productive dialogue with the government.

DMK MP urges Law Minister to review criminal laws

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is set to lead the Indian delegation at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Astana, Kazakhstan, next week. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced this on Friday. The summit, scheduled from July 3-4, will see participation from member states of the SCO, with Kazakhstan hosting the event this year.
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Kazakhstan has taken over the SCO presidency from India, which hosted the summit virtually in July 2023. Kazakhstan&rsquo;s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev is this year&rsquo;s host and has proposed several initiatives, including the establishment of a joint investment fund.
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In a recent telephonic conversation with President Tokayev on June 25, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed full support for the upcoming summit's success in Astana.
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Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing bilateral strategic partnerships. Prime Minister Modi expressed confidence that Kazakhstan&rsquo;s leadership would significantly advance regional cooperation.
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During a weekly briefing, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed that the External Affairs Minister would lead the Indian delegation at the summit. The conversation between PM Modi and President Tokayev underscored their shared commitment to strategic partnerships and regional cooperation.
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PM Modi, in a post on X, conveyed his confidence in Kazakhstan&rsquo;s leadership and reiterated India's support for the summit.
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The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, established in 2001, is a political, economic, and security organisation. Its current members include China, Russia, India, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Iran became a full member in 2023 during India&rsquo;s presidency of the grouping.
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Belarus, currently an observer state, is next in line for full membership. The SCO aims to enhance regional security, counter-terrorism efforts, and economic cooperation among its member states. The organisation encompasses over 60 percent of the Eurasian landmass, 40 percent of the world population, and 30 percent of the global GDP.
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The upcoming summit in Astana is a significant event, reflecting the collaborative efforts of the member states to address regional challenges and strengthen economic ties.
&nbsp;
The leadership transition from India to Kazakhstan marks a new phase in the SCO's ongoing efforts to promote stability and development in the region.
&nbsp;
As the Indian delegation, led by EAM S. Jaishankar, prepares to participate, the focus will be on continuing to build on the progress made during India's presidency and supporting the new initiatives proposed by Kazakhstan.

EAM Jaishankar to attend SCO summit in Kazakhstan

Former Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, soon after being released from jail, stated that attempts are being made to suppress people's voices in a planned manner across the country.
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Soren, who was granted bail by the Jharkhand High Court on Friday, immediately visited his father and Jharkhand Mukti Morcha chief Shibu Soren at his residence.
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Speaking to the media after meeting his parents, Soren said, "I have come out of jail after five months. These five months have been very worrying for our state and the people of Jharkhand. The whole country knows why I went to jail, and finally, the court has delivered its justice, under which I have been released today."
&nbsp;
"I respect and honor the court. But, it is concerning that in present times, there are attempts to suppress the voices of politicians, social workers, writers, and journalists in a very planned manner. This is not hidden from anyone," he said.
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"The time it takes to get justice is more critical than normal times. That period is creating trouble for people in a planned manner. I was kept in jail for five months based on false and fabricated stories," he added.
&nbsp;
Soren further noted that many individuals who raise their voices in different parts of the country are imprisoned.
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He mentioned that the Chief Minister of Delhi is in jail, along with many ministers, and that the justice process is taking so long that it spans years instead of days and months. Dedicated individuals are being obstructed from doing their work.
&nbsp;
The former Jharkhand CM urged people to review the court's order thoroughly and inform the country.

Ranchi

Voices of people being suppressed: Hemant Soren

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Friday arrested Dr. Ehsanul Haq, Principal of Oasis School in Hazaribagh, and Center Superintendent Imtiaz in connection with the NEET paper leak case.
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A total of 12 individuals, including Dr. Haq, were taken into custody for questioning.
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Dr. Haq served as the district coordinator for the NEET exam in Hazaribagh, Jharkhand. For the past two days, a CBI team has been interrogating Haq and several others at CCL&rsquo;s Charhi Guest House in Hazaribagh.
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The NEET paper leak case spans across Jharkhand, Bihar, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra. During a raid by the Bihar Police on the hideouts of the suspects, photocopies of half-burnt question papers were discovered.
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The Economic Offenses Unit (EOU) of Bihar matched these with the original question paper provided by the National Testing Agency (NTA), finding 68 identical questions.
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Further investigation revealed that these question papers matched booklets from Oasis School in Hazaribagh.
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Initially, when summoned by the CBI, Dr. Ehsanul Haq denied any involvement. However, the EOU indicated that the principal's role appeared suspicious.
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Ehsanul Haq also serves as the city coordinator for CBSE and had responsibilities covering four districts: Hazaribagh, Chatra, Koderma, and Ramgarh.
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During CBI interrogation, Dr. Haq claimed his role was limited to receiving the question papers from the bank and ensuring they were kept securely in the control room.
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He noted that NTA installs CCTV cameras and the room remains locked.

CBI arrests Hazaribag principal in NEET paper leak

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has taken a significant step in the ongoing Excise Policy case by filing a supplementary prosecution complaint (chargesheet) in Delhi's Rouse Avenue Court. This development marks the eighth chargesheet filed in connection with the alleged money laundering linked to Delhi's excise policy.
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The charge sheet specifically names Vinod Chauhan, who stands accused of facilitating illicit transfers of funds purportedly received by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) through hawala channels. Scheduled for hearing on July 1, the case is being pursued vigorously by Special Public Prosecutor Naveen Kumar Matta before the vacation judge at Rouse Avenue Court.
&nbsp;
Vinod Chauhan's involvement revolves around the transfer of funds amounting to Rs 25.5 crores out of a total of Rs 45 crores allegedly utilised during the AAP's electoral campaign in Goa. His arrest in May, conducted by the ED from its Goa Zonal Office, has placed him in judicial custody pending further proceedings.
During previous court appearances, the ED, represented by Advocates Zoheb Hossain and Naveen Kumar Matta, asserted that Chauhan was fully aware of the illicit origins of the transferred funds, which were linked to the Delhi liquor excise policy scandal.
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According to ED allegations, Chauhan played a pivotal role in facilitating hawala transfers and managing cash movements. Moreover, he was purportedly a key intermediary between bureaucrats, politicians, and the funds' recipients.
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In the course of investigations, searches conducted at various locations yielded significant findings, including the seizure of Rs 1.06 crores from Chauhan's residence. The ED contends that this amount, allegedly associated with the South Group, was being held for AAP leaders.
&nbsp;
The Excise Policy case has drawn attention for alleged irregularities during the modification of Delhi's excise policy. Both the ED and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) have accused individuals of extending undue favours to licence holders, waiving or reducing licence fees, and extending the L-1 licence without proper authorization from competent authorities.
&nbsp;
As legal proceedings continue, the ED's latest chargesheet underscores ongoing efforts to unravel the complexities surrounding financial irregularities linked to Delhi's excise policies. The case remains a focal point in the scrutiny of alleged misconduct and financial impropriety within the political landscape.

ED files 8th chargesheet in excise policy scam

Neha Singh

Ousted from power in Odisha by the Bharatiya Janata Party, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) joined the opposition ranks on Friday and&nbsp;protested, demanding a discussion on NEET in Rajya Sabha.
&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">As the INDIA bloc parties gave notices demanding a discussion on the NEET issue, the BJD MPs also joined the protest and trooped in the Well of the House.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; 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 Biju Janata Dal and other opposition parties... strongly wanted a discussion on NEET. When it was not done, we went to the Well of the House.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; 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;">We protested (and) asked for a discussion. (But) it was not allowed,&rdquo; BJD leader in Rajya Sabha Sasmit Patra said outside Parliament.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; 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 BJD also joined the opposition's walkout, which was staged after Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar refused to adjourn the House after Congress MP Phulo Devi Netam fainted in the House.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&ldquo;We had only&nbsp;requested that the House should be adjourned because a member had fainted. Even that was not done. So we all opposition parties have walked out in protest,&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 BJD, in the first two terms of the BJP-led NDA, had been a reliable source of support for the government in passing of legislations, even though it was not a formal ally.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; 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 could not win any Lok Sabha seats this time, but has nine MPs in Rajya Sabha.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; 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 BJP defeated the BJD in the recently held Odisha assembly elections. 
&nbsp;

Bhubaneswar

BJD joins Opposition in protest against NEET row

Shyna Gupta

Scientists at the University of Tokyo have discovered a revolutionary method to attach living human skin to robotic faces without causing damage or tearing.
&nbsp;
This innovation promises to significantly enhance the ability of robots to display realistic human expressions, such as smiling and other facial movements.
&nbsp;
The research team, led by Professor Shoji Takeuchi from the Institute of Industrial Science, drew inspiration from the structure of human skin ligaments. The team created &lsquo;anchors&rsquo; by applying collagen gel to small V-shaped holes on the robot&rsquo;s exterior surface.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
According to Professor Takeuchi, this method offers &ldquo;a more seamless and durable attachment.&rdquo; The combination of human skin's flexibility and the strong adhesion provided by these anchors allows for mechanical movement without damaging the skin.
&nbsp;
Takeuchi&rsquo;s team has also developed a living robot skin using collagen a protein found in human skin and human dermal fibroblasts, the primary cell type in connective tissue. This innovation has enabled a robotic finger to bend without breaking the skin, marking a significant advancement over previous methods that often damaged the skin.
&nbsp;
Notably, this new approach allows robots to heal their own skin, mimicking the self-repair capabilities of human skin. While the technology is still in its developmental stages, it holds immense potential for future applications.
&nbsp;
&ldquo;For quite some time, one of the major issues when trying to attach human skin to mechanical beings was manipulating the soft and wet biological tissue during the development process,&rdquo; Professor Takeuchi explained. &ldquo;With this new method, we believe the research could also have implications for skin ageing, plastic surgery, and cosmetics.&rdquo;

Tokyo

Robots can now smile with real skin

India, recently, witnessed the biggest electoral festival. While the festival is over, its after effects still find resonance with one&rsquo;s day-to-day life.
&nbsp;
People exercise their franchise in favour of the leader whom they assume to fight for their cause. And political leaders, too, channelise their every move in the direction of the votes, which they need to remain in power. &nbsp; West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee on Thursday, in keeping with all too familiar forecasts from sections in her party, apparently stepped back in a matter of 68 hours from her newfound toughness as the head of the state government to crack down on encroachments and illegal constructions. &nbsp; CM Banerjee &mdash; seen on live television in the 4pm meeting on Monday at the State Secretariat &mdash; took the backseat in a similar exercise at the same venue from 12pm on Thursday. And &lsquo;Didi&rsquo;&mdash; the mass leader took over. &nbsp; The Trinamool Congress chairperson pressed the pause button on the anti-encroachment exercise for a month and offered to accommodate the concerns of those displaced by the drive. &nbsp; &ldquo;Nobody has given us the right to take away people&rsquo;s food (livelihood). We do not have the right to render anybody unemployed,&rdquo; said Mamata at the second televised meeting. &nbsp; Within a span of a few hours, the tough chief minister, who wanted to teach the state&rsquo;s hawker&rsquo;s a lesson, came up with a renewed sense of concern for their &lsquo;livelihood&rsquo;.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Why this sudden change in stance? &nbsp; It has been learnt that she had convened the meeting after widespread criticism from the party over the visuals of bulldozers pitilessly tearing down structures from where hawkers and vendors made a living for themselves and their families. &nbsp; The chief minister, who has been caustic in her criticism over the years of bulldozer-driven action in Bharatiya Janata Party-ruled states, such as by the Yogi Adityanath government in Uttar Pradesh, was suddenly being criticised for the same.
 The Left had already started calling her out on the allegedly Adityanath-esque action. &nbsp; Was the surprising change in plan for encroachers based on Opposition&rsquo;s criticism? Or, CM Banerjee is eyeing her voters? &nbsp; For a chief, it is acceptable to not care about the Opposition&rsquo;s remarks. But can a mass leader afford to upset her voters? The latter, not by any chance. &nbsp; On closer analysis, the sudden change in CM Banerjee&rsquo;s decision can be perceived as a balancing act. There is, after all, no point in antagonising those sections of the society that largely stood by her even amid the poor show in 69 of the 125 civic areas of Bengal. &nbsp; &ldquo;The poorer sections of the urban, semi-urban, and peri-urban centres still voted for Trinamool in large numbers. The hawkers and vendors represent those sections. Each hawker or vendor affected by this impacts the voting pattern of five-seven, even 10-odd diligent voters of their family,&rdquo; said a ruling party insider. &nbsp; He has said if one goes micro to the extent of booth-level examination of the results in the 125 civic areas, it is clear that the slum-dwelling populations in civic wards backed Trinamool wholeheartedly. &nbsp; A senior on the Assembly treasury benches pointed out that encroachment by hawkers or vendors in urban spaces has been a perennial problem for decades, having proliferated during the Left regime.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
CM Banerjee made a career of standing by such sections whenever stern measures were taken&mdash; such as during the Kolkata Municipal Corporation&rsquo;s contentious Operation Sunshine in 1996. &nbsp; &ldquo;Now, this sudden U-turn (the Monday decision) goes against her very image. It was also strengthening the hands of the Opposition, which was throwing its weight behind the affected people,&rdquo; he said, referring to the support pledged by the Left and even the BJP on Wednesday. &nbsp; Didi&rsquo;s intervention without much ado gives one a way to believe that not too much damage has been done already by the crack down on encroachers. &nbsp; Moreover, her decision to not completely walk away from the decision and choosing to enforce a time-out in order to be more discreet about it appears like a well-thought plan, where her image both of a mass leader and the state government&rsquo;s chief remains intact. &nbsp; However, how much this pause on the eviction drive might make the encroachment problem critical continues to appear as the bone of contention.

West Bengal

CM Mamata Banerjee steps back & ‘Didi’ takes over

The Odisha government-run Academy of Tribal Languages and Culture (ATLC) has decided to set up an academic centre and language laboratory dedicated to the development of tribal languages and culture.
&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;">Nityananda Gond, Minister of ST and SC Development, Minorities &amp; Backward Classes Welfare Department, has directed the setting up of the new academic centre and language laboratory as part of the department&rsquo;s 100-day plan, an official statement on Friday said.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">According to the minister, the centre and language laboratory will come up at Gothapatna on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar, near the proposed Adivasi Bhawan.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
The centre will serve as a multipurpose venue for meetings, conferences, shows, and exhibitions of tribal art and culture, the statement added.
&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;">ATLC, a premier autonomous institution under the ST, SC Development Department, was previously known as the Academy of Tribal Dialects and Culture (ATDC).
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; 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;
Established in 1979, it was later rechristened as ATLC during 2007-2008 and currently operates from the Adivasi Exhibition Ground in Bhubaneswar. 
&nbsp;

Odisha makes way to promote Tribal lang & Culture

The equity benchmark Sensex fell for the first time in seven days on Friday, ending its winning streak.
&nbsp;
The Nifty50 index also recorded its first loss in five days. Despite the day's decline, both indices reached new intraday record highs before closing lower.
&nbsp;
After reaching an intraday peak of 79,672, the Sensex closed at 79,033, down 210 points, or 0.3 percent. Similarly, the Nifty closed at 24,011, down 34 points, or 0.14 percent. The decline in banking stocks overshadowed gains in Reliance Industries (RIL), which saw its shares rise by 2.3 percent. Conversely, IndusInd Bank and Axis Bank each fell by over 2 percent.
&nbsp;
Over the week, the Sensex rose by 2.4 percent, while the Nifty gained 2.2 percent. RIL emerged as a standout performer, with its stock surging by 7.6 percent&mdash;its best weekly performance in two years driven by increases in mobile tariffs.
&nbsp;
The Nifty Private Bank index also saw a weekly rise of 1.02 percent.
&nbsp;
Siddhartha Khemka, head of retail research at Motilal Oswal Financial Services, commented on the market's outlook: &ldquo;We expect the positive momentum to continue steadily with stock-specific action. The release of economic data next week would add a little volatility."

Sensex six-day winning run ends, drops by 210 pts

Deputy National Security Adviser Vikram Misri, renowned for his expertise on China, has been appointed as India's next foreign secretary.
&nbsp;
The decision, approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, will see Misri assume office from July 15, succeeding Vinay Kwatra, who is expected to become India's ambassador to the US.
&nbsp;
Misri, a seasoned Indian Foreign Service officer of the 1989 batch, brings a wealth of diplomatic experience, having served as India's ambassador to China during a crucial period from 2019 to 2021.
&nbsp;
His tenure witnessed significant diplomatic engagements amidst strained relations following the Galwan Valley clashes in 2020.
&nbsp;
Throughout his distinguished career, Misri has held pivotal roles, including private secretary to three prime ministers&mdash;Gujral, Singh, and Modi&mdash;reflecting his deep-rooted understanding of national and international strategic dynamics.
&nbsp;
His diplomatic assignments also spanned across key nations such as Spain and Myanmar, alongside postings in Pakistan, the US, Germany, Belgium, and Sri Lanka.
&nbsp;
Misri's diplomatic finesse and strategic acumen are expected to guide India's foreign policy amidst evolving global challenges.
&nbsp;
In related developments, Jawed Ashraf, currently India's ambassador to France, is likely to assume the role of deputy NSA.
&nbsp;
The government is concurrently deliberating on appointments for India's ambassador to the US and the permanent representative to the United Nations, following recent retirements and vacancies.
&nbsp;
Vinay Kwatra, who received a six-month extension in March, is anticipated to take charge as India's ambassador to the US, succeeding Taranjit Sandhu.
&nbsp;
Additionally, the post of India's permanent representative to the UN remains vacant following Ruchira Kamboj's retirement this month.

Dy NSA Vikram Misri steps up as Foreign Secretary

Amid the ongoing NEET controversy gripping the nation, Gauhati University finds itself embroiled in a scandal involving tampering of marksheets for financial gain.
&nbsp;
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma confirmed the arrest of the main accused in what has become a widening probe into systemic malpractice at the university.
&nbsp;
During a visit to Barpeta, Chief Minister Sarma expressed deep concern over the extent of irregularities unearthed in the marksheet updating process.
&nbsp;
"Our investigation has uncovered serious discrepancies, indicating illicit manipulation of student marks for monetary gratification," he revealed.
&nbsp;
Initial findings point to the involvement of university personnel and a management firm entrusted with record-keeping duties, suggesting a complex web of complicity.
&nbsp;
The scandal surfaced following the detection of forged marks linked to Azizul Haque, a sixth-year undergraduate student at Ganeshlal Chaudhary College in Barpeta Road.
&nbsp;
Chief Minister Sarma assured rigorous efforts to uncover the full scope of the fraud, citing collaboration with law enforcement agencies.
&nbsp;
"Education Minister Ranoj Pegu has been briefed on developments and necessary action will be taken," CM Sarma added. 
The revelation has sparked widespread concern regarding academic assessments and the oversight mechanisms within Gauhati University. 
Authorities are set to meet with the university's Vice Chancellor to escalate efforts in bringing all perpetrators to account.

Marksheet fraud at Gauhati Uni, CM confirms arrest

Netflix on Friday announced what it called a &lsquo;desi gangster series&rsquo; on the OTT platform, titled Tribhuvan Mishra: CA Topper and starring Manav Kaul and Tillotama Shome in lead roles.
 Set to launch on the streaming platform on July 18, the show is produced by musician Ram Sampath and showrun by Puneet Krishna, a press release said.
&nbsp;
Tribhuvan Mishra: CA Topper will present the tale of an ordinary man&rsquo;s wild ride through chaos and secrets as he stumbles into a world of comedic mishaps and becomes the target of a dangerous gang of &lsquo;halwaais,&rsquo; the official plotline read.
&nbsp;
The series will also feature Shweta Basu Prasad, Sumit Gulati, Naresh Gosain, Naina Sareen, Faisal Malik and Ashok Pathak. It is directed by Amrit Raj with Krishna as co-director.
&nbsp;
"Tribhuvan Mishra's transformation, driven by desperation and the need to survive, gave us a rich canvas to play with themes of ethics, survival, and those tricky unintended consequences.
&nbsp;
&ldquo;Writing this series was all about striking the perfect balance between humour and the serious choices he has to make. I can&rsquo;t wait for everyone to meet Tribhuvan and his crazy world," Krishna said.
&nbsp;
"Our amazing ensemble cast really brought all the characters to life, adding so much depth and authenticity. And with Netflix's audience in 190 countries, it's awesome to think our mix of humor and desi drama will reach so many people worldwide. It's going to be a fun ride for everyone watching," he added.
&nbsp;
Sampath has also composed music for the series with background score by Anurag Saikia. Anuj Samtani is the cinematographer.&nbsp;

Now 'desi' gangsters to take over Netflix

In one of the rainiest periods recorded in June, Delhi received 228.1 mm of rainfall in the past day, leading to waterlogging in various areas of the capital. Between 2.30 am and 5.30 am, Delhi experienced over 150 mm of rain.
&nbsp;
The highest amount of rainfall ever recorded in 24 hours at Safdarjung, Delhi's primary observatory, during the month of June was 235.5 mm on June 28, 1936.
&nbsp;
AAP MLA Somnath Bharti stated that this was the second-highest rainfall in the month of June in 88 years.
&nbsp;
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) officially confirmed that this is the first instance of Delhi experiencing over 228 mm of rain in 24 hours since 1966. According to the Met Department, Delhi typically receives 800 mm of rainfall during the entire monsoon, with 25 per cent of the total monsoon rainfall occurring in a 24-hour period.
&nbsp;
"Experts are saying that in 1936, there was 235 mm of rainfall in the month of June. Today, there was the second-highest rainfall of 228 mm in the month of June after 1936. The infrastructure is not designed to handle such heavy rain," Bharti said.
&nbsp;
The high water flow in the national capital caused drains to overflow.
&nbsp;
Social media posts shared visuals of inundated roads and severe traffic congestion in certain areas of Delhi.
&nbsp;
Due to severe waterlogging on Minto Road in Delhi, vehicles were submerged, and trucks were also engulfed in water at the Azad Market underpass.
&nbsp;
The Delhi Traffic Police reported that the Ring Road in both directions from Naraina to Moti Bagh was affected by waterlogging under the Dhaula Kuan flyover.

Delhi records 228.1 mm rain, highest since 1936

A total of 146 Indian students, including 75 females, have been granted the prestigious Erasmus Mundus scholarship for the academic years 2024-2026, announced the Delegation of the European Union to India on Friday.
&nbsp;
The scholarship, part of the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's programme, offers a two-year study programme jointly delivered by international consortia of higher education institutions.
&nbsp;
This year, 2,603 students from 137 countries have been selected for the programme.
&nbsp;
Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's programme highlights its significant impact on students, higher education institutions, and countries worldwide, beyond the EU.
&nbsp;
India has emerged as the largest beneficiary of this programme, with over 2,000 students receiving scholarships since its inception in 2004.
&nbsp;
Over the years, more than 6,000 Erasmus+ scholarships have been awarded to Indian students, providing access to advanced education, research facilities, international exposure, and valuable professional networks.
&nbsp;
Herv&eacute; Delphin, Ambassador of the European Union to India, spotlighted the transformative opportunity this scholarship provides, fostering cultural exchange and enhancing bilateral ties between the EU and India. He expressed confidence that the selected students will excel and become ambassadors of this partnership.
 The selected students will pursue studies and research across a minimum of two universities in different European countries, earning joint or double degrees in fields ranging from sustainability, pharmaceuticals, engineering, quantum sciences, data sciences, to various STEM and social science disciplines.
&nbsp;
The fully funded scholarship covers European Union to India, and living allowances, ensuring a comprehensive support system for the recipients.
&nbsp;

EU's Erasmus Mundus scholarship for 146 Indians

Heavy rains lashed Shimla and surrounding areas on Friday with a landslide burying vehicles and the MeT department issuing an 'orange warning' indicating "very heavy rain", thunderstorms and lightning at isolated places in the state over the weekend.
 Earlier on Friday, debris from drains littered the roads at several places in Shimla and three vehicles parked near a drain in the Malyana area were buried in a landslide. No casualties were reported, officials said.
&nbsp;
The MeT also issued a 'yellow warning' of heavy rain, thunderstorms and lightning at isolated places on July 1 and 2 and predicted a wet spell in the state till July 4. Delayed by five days, the southwest monsoon had hit several parts of Himachal Pradesh on Thursday.
&nbsp;
The orange warning was issued for Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, Shimla, Sirmaur and Solan districts on Saturday and Sunday.
&nbsp;
In another incident, four roads -- two in Kangra and one each in Kinnaur and Kullu districts -- have been blocked for vehicular traffic following rains as per the state emergency operation centre.
&nbsp;
Rain lashed state capital Shimla and surrounding areas . Jubbarhatti in the suburbs recorded 36 mm of rain on Thursday evening while Shimla recorded 84 mm of rain.
&nbsp;
Gohar received 42 mm of rain, Mashobra 38 mm, Slapper 34.6 mm, Kufri and Shilaroo 24.2 mm, Sarahan and Berthin 22 mm each, Ghagas 18.8 mm, Karsog 18.2 mm, Kahu 16 mm and Pandoh 12 mm as per the data released by the MeT.
&nbsp;
The MeT has cautioned of damage to plantation, horticulture and standing crops, partial damage to vulnerable structures, minor damage to kutcha houses and huts due to strong winds and rain, disruption in traffic and waterlogging in low-lying areas.
 Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said that reports of damage have also come in from Nerva near Chopal in Shimla district. "I request the people of the state to stay away from Rivers and drains as the level of water rises following cloudbursts which could prove fatal and people should take precautions.
&nbsp;
He said the state government was prepared to deal with any eventuality arising from monsoon. "All the field staff have been told to stay active and I am also taking stock of the situation", he added.
&nbsp;
Meanwhile, the state Public Works minister Vikramaditya Singh, who met the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Thursday, requested him to release Rs 150 Crore already announced by him for repairing PWD roads connecting the National Highways given the ensuing monsoon season.&nbsp;

Shimla

Landslide buries vehicles, orange alert in HP

The Delhi government will establish a 24-hour control centre to oversee the waterlogging situation in the national capital. Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj made this announcement on Friday following heavy rains, which marked the highest single-day rainfall in June in 88 years.
&nbsp;
After the city experienced heavy rainfall that led to waterlogging and significant traffic disruptions in various areas, Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj and his ministerial colleagues Atishi, Gopal Rai, and Imran Hussain held an emergency meeting in the afternoon to assess the situation.
&nbsp;
Due to the rain, a section of the roof of Delhi Airport's Terminal-1 collapsed, resulting in one fatality and six injuries.
&nbsp;
"Delhi recorded 228 mm of rainfall in the past 24 hours which was the highest since 1936. It led to waterlogging," Atishi told a press conference.
&nbsp;
Bharadwaj mentioned the establishment of a 24/7 control centre at the PWD headquarters, where senior officials will oversee the waterlogging situation.
&nbsp;
The Delhi government has initiated a WhatsApp chatbot with the number 8130188222 and a helpline with the number 1800110093 for reporting waterlogging complaints, he added.
&nbsp;
During the day, Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena assessed the situation in Delhi and instructed officials to establish an emergency control room and deploy static pumps to address waterlogging reports. At an emergency meeting, the LG instructed all senior officers on leave to return to duty immediately and prohibited leave for the next two months, as per his office.
&nbsp;
Saxena also acknowledged the lack of readiness and an emergency response system in the national capital, as per the LG office.
&nbsp;
The meeting was attended by high-ranking officials from civic agencies such as the Delhi Jal Board, Public Works Department, Municipal Corporation of Delhi, Delhi Development Authority, Irrigation and Flood Control Department, and the Delhi Police.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Saxena commented that the desilting of drains had not been finished and the Flood Control Order had not been issued yet. He urged the officials to prioritise desilting work over the next week.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The Irrigation and Flood Control department was instructed to stay in contact with their counterparts in Haryana and Himachal Pradesh to gauge rainfall levels and discharges from the Hathnikund barrage.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The LG directed the revenue department to activate the disaster response cell under the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) in case of excessive rainfall and to seek assistance from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) for any emergency measures during the monsoon.

Delhi sets up control room for waterlogging issues

The Western Ghats are bracing for heavy rains as the southwest monsoon intensifies, prompting the Tamil Nadu forest department to issue a tourist advisory for the Mancholai area until further notice. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted prolonged heavy rainfall across the Western Ghats in the coming days.
&nbsp;
Due to these weather conditions, tourists are strongly advised against visiting Mancholai. The forest department has cautioned that the area's roads are submerged under continuous downpour, severely impacting the movement of vehicles meant for tourism.
&nbsp;
In the Ambasamudram region of Nellai district, heavy rains have persisted for several days. The rising water levels in dams like Babanasam Servalalar Manimutthar are a direct result of this relentless rainfall.
&nbsp;
Areas such as Mancholai, Kakachi, Uthu, Nalu Moku, and Khor Vetti within the Western Ghats have reported significant rainfall, leading to localised flooding.
&nbsp;
Recent heavy rains in Pandalur and Gandalur areas of Nilgiri district prompted local authorities to declare a holiday on June 26. IMD has also warned of moderate rain accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning in Nilgiris, Coimbatore's ghat areas, Tirunelveli, Virudunagar, Tenkasi, and Kanyakumari.
&nbsp;
The forest department remains vigilant as these weather patterns continue to affect the Western Ghats region, emphasising safety measures for both residents and tourists alike during this period of heightened rainfall.

Forest dept warns tourists of Western Ghats rains

The promised artificial intelligence revolution requires data. Lots and lots of data. OpenAI and Google have begun using YouTube videos to train their text-based AI models. But what does the YouTube archive actually include?&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Our team of digital media researchers at the University of Massachusetts Amherst collected and analysed random samples of YouTube videos to learn more about that archive. We published an 85-page paper about that dataset and set up a website called TubeStats for researchers and journalists who need basic information about YouTube.
&nbsp;
Now, we&rsquo;re taking a closer look at some of our more surprising findings to better understand how these obscure videos might become part of powerful AI systems. We&rsquo;ve found that many YouTube videos are meant for personal use or for small groups of people, and a significant proportion were created by children who appear to be under 13.
&nbsp;
Bulk of the YouTube iceberg&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Most people&rsquo;s experience of YouTube is algorithmically curated: Up to 70% of the videos users watch are recommended by the site&rsquo;s algorithms. Recommended videos are typically popular content such as influencer stunts, news clips, explainer videos, travel vlogs and video game reviews, while content that is not recommended languishes in obscurity.
&nbsp;
Some YouTube content emulates popular creators or fits into established genres, but much of it is personal: family celebrations, selfies set to music, homework assignments, video game clips without context and kids dancing. The obscure side of YouTube &ndash; the vast majority of the estimated 14.8 billion videos created and uploaded to the platform &ndash; is poorly understood.
&nbsp;
Illuminating this aspect of YouTube &ndash; and social media generally &ndash; is difficult because big tech companies have become increasingly hostile to researchers.
&nbsp;
We&rsquo;ve found that many videos on YouTube were never meant to be shared widely. We documented thousands of short, personal videos that have few views but high engagement &ndash; likes and comments &ndash; implying a small but highly engaged audience. These were clearly meant for a small audience of friends and family. Such social uses of YouTube contrast with videos that try to maximize their audience, suggesting another way to use YouTube: as a video-centered social network for small groups.
&nbsp;
Other videos seem intended for a different kind of small, fixed audience: recorded classes from pandemic-era virtual instruction, school board meetings and work meetings. While not what most people think of as social uses, they likewise imply that their creators have a different expectation about the audience for the videos than creators of the kind of content people see in their recommendations.
&nbsp;
Fuel for the AI machine&nbsp;
&nbsp;
It was with this broader understanding that we read The New York Times expos&eacute; on how OpenAI and Google turned to YouTube in a race to find new troves of data to train their large language models. An archive of YouTube transcripts makes an extraordinary dataset for text-based models.
&nbsp;
There is also speculation, fueled in part by an evasive answer from OpenAI&rsquo;s chief technology officer Mira Murati, that the videos themselves could be used to train AI text-to-video models such as OpenAI&rsquo;s Sora.
&nbsp;
The New York Times story raised concerns about YouTube&rsquo;s terms of service and, of course, the copyright issues that pervade much of the debate about AI. But there&rsquo;s another problem: How could anyone know what an archive of more than 14 billion videos, uploaded by people all over the world, actually contains? It&rsquo;s not entirely clear that Google knows or even could know if it wanted to.
&nbsp;
Kids as content creators&nbsp;
&nbsp;
We were surprised to find an unsettling number of videos featuring kids or apparently created by them. YouTube requires uploaders to be at least 13 years old, but we frequently saw children who appeared to be much younger than that, typically dancing, singing or playing video games.
&nbsp;
In our preliminary research, our coders determined nearly a fifth of random videos with at least one person&rsquo;s face visible likely included someone under 13. We didn&rsquo;t take into account videos that were clearly shot with the consent of a parent or guardian.
&nbsp;
Our current sample size of 250 is relatively small &ndash; we are working on coding a much larger sample &ndash; but the findings thus far are consistent with what we&rsquo;ve seen in the past. We&rsquo;re not aiming to scold Google. Age validation on the internet is infamously difficult and fraught, and we have no way of determining whether these videos were uploaded with the consent of a parent or guardian. But we want to underscore what is being ingested by these large companies&rsquo; AI models.
&nbsp;
Small reach, big influence&nbsp;
&nbsp;
It&rsquo;s tempting to assume OpenAI is using highly produced influencer videos or TV newscasts posted to the platform to train its models, but previous research on large language model training data shows that the most popular content is not always the most influential in training AI models. A virtually unwatched conversation between three friends could have much more linguistic value in training a chatbot language model than a music video with millions of views.
&nbsp;
Unfortunately, OpenAI and other AI companies are quite opaque about their training materials: They don&rsquo;t specify what goes in and what doesn&rsquo;t. Most of the time, researchers can infer problems with training data through biases in AI systems&rsquo; output. But when we do get a glimpse at training data, there&rsquo;s often cause for concern. For example, Human Rights Watch released a report on June 10, 2024, that showed that a popular training dataset includes many photos of identifiable kids.
&nbsp;
The history of big tech self-regulation is filled with moving goalposts. OpenAI in particular is notorious for asking for forgiveness rather than permission and has faced increasing criticism for putting profit over safety.
&nbsp;
Concerns over the use of user-generated content for training AI models typically center on intellectual property, but there are also privacy issues. YouTube is a vast, unwieldy archive, impossible to fully review.
&nbsp;
Models trained on a subset of professionally produced videos could conceivably be an AI company&rsquo;s first training corpus. But without strong policies in place, any company that ingests more than the popular tip of the iceberg is likely including content that violates the Federal Trade Commission&rsquo;s Children&rsquo;s Online Privacy Protection Rule, which prevents companies from collecting data from children under 13 without notice.
&nbsp;
With last year&rsquo;s executive order on AI and at least one promising proposal on the table for comprehensive privacy legislation, there are signs that legal protections for user data in the US might become more robust.
&nbsp;
Have you unwittingly helped train ChatGPT?&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The intentions of a YouTube uploader simply aren&rsquo;t as consistent or predictable as those of someone publishing a book, writing an article for a magazine or displaying a painting in a gallery. But even if YouTube&rsquo;s algorithm ignores your upload and it never gets more than a couple of views, it may be used to train models like ChatGPT and Gemini.
&nbsp;
As far as AI is concerned, your family reunion video may be just as important as those uploaded by influencer giant Mr. Beast or CNN.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
This article first appeared in The Conversation

Are family videos on YouTube training AI models?

In preparation for the two-month-long Amarnath Yatra that began on Friday, Indian Railways has decided to increase train services to Jammu and introduce new trains starting from July 3 to accommodate the influx of pilgrims.
&nbsp;
Railway sources have confirmed that the frequency of two special festival trains operating between New Delhi and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra will be increased.
&nbsp;
"To facilitate the convenience of pilgrims visiting Jammu from across the country, Indian Railways has announced an increase in the frequency of two festival special trains running from Jammu," said a railway official.
&nbsp;
A total of 18 additional trips for train number 04075-04076 New Delhi-Shri Mata Vaishno Devi-New Delhi reserved festival special train have been scheduled.
&nbsp;
This train will now run from July 3 to August 1, departing from New Delhi Railway Station every Wednesday and Sunday, and from Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Railway Station every Thursday and Monday.
&nbsp;
Additionally, a new train service will commence from New Delhi on July 3 and from Katra on July 4.
&nbsp;
The train will have stops at Sonipat, Panipat, Karnal, Kurukshetra Junction, Ambala Cantt, Jalandhar Cantt, Pathankot Cantt, Jammu Tawi, and Shaheed Captain Tushar Mahajan Udhampur railway stations on both its routes.
&nbsp;
"The weekly special train running between Safdarjung and Shaheed Captain Tushar Mahajan Udhampur (station) will make five additional trips starting from July 1 until July 30," the official added.
&nbsp;
Train number 04141 will depart from Safdarjung Railway Station every Monday, while train number 04142 will leave Shaheed Captain Tushar Mahajan Udhampur Railway Station every Tuesday.
&nbsp;
By providing additional trips and launching new trains, the Railways aim to ensure that pilgrims have reliable and comfortable transportation options throughout the pilgrimage season.
&nbsp;

Railways to run special trains for Amarnath Yatra

Meghalaya's 76-year-old marathon enthusiast, Kmoin Wahlang, has been selected to represent India at the prestigious 13th Pan Pacific Masters Games 2024 in Gold Coast, Australia.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Her participation has garnered full support from the Meghalaya government, which has pledged to cover all expenses related to her journey and participation in the event.
&nbsp;
Wahlang, known for her resilient spirit and athletic prowess, expressed her determination to bring home a gold medal from the upcoming competition.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
&ldquo;I will strive to bring back a gold medal if I get there,&rdquo; she had said.
&nbsp;
Her journey to the international stage began after her impressive performance at a national event in Hyderabad earlier this year, catching the attention of the Pan India Masters Games Federation.
&nbsp;
Accompanied by Meghalaya Sports Minister Shakliar Warjri, Wahlang recently met with Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma to discuss her preparations and upcoming challenges in Australia.
&nbsp;
Taking to social media, state Sports Minister Warjri wrote, "I'm pleased to announce that we assured her the government would extend support for her upcoming race. We hope she brings medals for our state and country."
&nbsp;
Departing for Australia on October 29, Wahlang's participation in the Pan Pacific Masters Games would include events such as the 800m, 1500m, and 3000m races.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Her itinerary for the event, featuring multiple events in the 75-plus age category, will be finalised after the closure of entries on October 18, 2024.
&nbsp;
Her selection for the Indian athletics team is dedicated to her commitment and past achievements in marathons across India, including Mumbai, Kolkata, Guwahati, and her home state of Meghalaya.
&nbsp;
Wahlang's athletic journey began as a response to health challenges following the birth of her 12th child.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Starting with walking due to a lack of running shoes, she soon embraced running and has since completed marathons nationwide.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Supported by the RUNMeghalaya Association (RMA), Wahlang has participated in prestigious events like the Pinkathon and Tata Mumbai Marathon, setting records as the oldest female participant in the 42K run.
&nbsp;
Her achievements resonate deeply within the Khasi community of Meghalaya's Mawkyrwat region, known for their historical prowess in long-distance running akin to Mexico's Tarahumara tribe.&nbsp;

Shillong

Meghalaya's 76-year-old readies for Pacific Games

Owing to heavy rains in the coastal regions of Karnataka, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning for fishermen till June 29.
&nbsp;
Stating that squally weather with wind speeds of 35 kmph to 45 kmph, gusting to 55 kmph, is likely to prevail till June 29, the IMD reiterated its warning to fishermen, asking them not to enter the sea.
&nbsp;
It has also issued high wave alerts for the coast of Dakshina Kannada (Mulki to Mangalore) Udupi (Baindur to Kapu) and Uttara Kannada (Majali to Bhatkal).
&nbsp;
With high waves in the range of 2.9 m to 3. 7m till June 29, the Met Centre advised caution while doing marine operations and nearshore recreations.
&nbsp;
Stating that waterlogging and flooding of low-lying areas as well as mudslides and rock falls are possible, it has warned people to avoid areas prone to flash
floods and be prepared for power outages and traffic disruptions.
&nbsp;
According to its report, Bengaluru is likely to receive very light rain, with temperatures varying from 26.4 degrees Celsius to 21.3 degrees Celsius tomorrow.
In Karnataka, Agumbe has received the highest rainfall at 81.5 mm on June 27 and Bengaluru city the lowest at 0.1mm.
&nbsp;
Meanwhile, Bengaluru&rsquo;s water expert and one of the founders of Biome Trust, S Vishwanath, who tracks the reservoir inflow on 'X' has pointed out that there has been a good inflow in Kaveri basin.
&nbsp;
"Kabini roars in," he posted on the social media on June 27 from his handle @zenrainman. He had also observed earlier that Kabini will be the first reservoir to fill up as it&rsquo;s a small reservoir with a large rainy catchment area.
&nbsp;
As per Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre, as on June 28, water inflow to Kabini stands at 20,113 cusecs.
&nbsp;
Another 'X' user, who too tracks weather in the state through his handle Namma Karnataka Weather (@namma_vjy) has pointed out that the water level has started receding in Bhagamandala Triveni Sangama.
&nbsp;
"Intensity of rain has reduced all across Kodagu and repo areas in north Kerala. Big rains are again possible during the next surge in July. So next few days are likely to provide light to moderate showers across Kodagu," he posted on 'X'.&nbsp;

Bengaluru

IMD issues high wave alert for coastal Karnataka

Google has expanded its translation services to include Khasi, one of the primary languages of Meghalaya, as part of a major update to Google Translate.
&nbsp;
This addition, along with 109 other languages, marks a significant step in bridging communication gaps for millions worldwide.
&nbsp;
The inclusion of Khasi is expected to greatly enhance the experience of tourists visiting Meghalaya.
&nbsp;
Visitors will now be able to more easily navigate local areas, communicate with residents, and understand cultural nuances, potentially leading to increased tourism in the region.
&nbsp;
Google's latest update to its translation service incorporates a diverse range of languages, from widely spoken tongues with over 100 million speakers to those used by small Indigenous communities.
&nbsp;
This expansion, powered by artificial intelligence (AI), will enable translations for an additional 614 million speakers globally, representing about 8% of the world's population.
&nbsp;
Among the newly added languages are Cantonese and several African languages.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The company spotlighted that some of the included languages have few native speakers but are part of active revitalisation efforts.
&nbsp;
This update not only facilitates easier communication for travelers but also plays a crucial role in preserving and promoting lesser-known languages.
&nbsp;
For Meghalaya and other regions with newly added languages, this development could lead to improved cultural exchange and economic opportunities through enhanced tourism accessibility.

Meghalaya's Khasi language now on Google translate

VK Saxena, the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, convened an urgent meeting today involving key government agencies such as Delhi Jal Board (DJB), Public Works Department (PWD), Irrigation and Flood Control Department (IFC), Delhi Police, Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), National Disaster Management Control (NDMC), and Delhi Development Authority (DDA).
&nbsp;
The meeting was prompted by the escalating water logging situation, overflowing drains, and clogged sewer lines exacerbated by pre-monsoon rains in the city.
&nbsp;
The focus of the meeting was to assess the city's readiness and response capabilities, especially as the monsoon season has yet to fully set in. The Lieutenant Governor expressed concern over the inadequate emergency response preparedness and highlighted unfinished desilting works and the absence of Flood Control directives.
&nbsp;
During the session, 11 directives were issued for immediate implementation. These included setting up a 24&times;7 emergency control room with a dedicated public reporting hotline for waterlogging incidents, deploying mobile pumps, issuing regular advisories by traffic police during waterlogging episodes, and maintaining close coordination with Haryana and upper Himachal Pradesh for rainfall assessments and Hathnikund barrage discharges.
&nbsp;
Earlier today, residents navigated through waterlogged streets across various parts of the city, while BJP councillor Ravinder Singh Negi made a symbolic protest by rowing an inflatable boat on NH9.
&nbsp;
According to the Indian Meteorological Department, the Safdarjung observatory recorded 228mm of rainfall by 8:30 a.m., marking the second-highest 24-hour June rainfall in Delhi's history. The record for highest June rainfall remains 235.55 mm, set on June 28, 1936.
&nbsp;
The emergency meeting underscored the urgent need for proactive measures and swift actions to mitigate the impact of monsoon rains on Delhi's infrastructure and residents.

Delhi LG calls urgent meet over city's water woes

Technology is a golden thread binding an organisation's work to its future vision, and the power of artificial intelligence (AI) can strengthen this thread, says Tech Mahindra chairman Anand Mahindra.
 Penning his thoughts in the annual report 2023-24 of IT services and consultation company Tech Mahindra, the billionaire businessman said it was impossible to talk about any business today without talking about technology.
&nbsp;
"Technology is the Golden Thread that binds what an organisation is doing today with the future world it is trying to create. Across multi-business organisations, it enables synergy and creates unexpected business connections. Across industries, it creates collaboration and transformation," he wrote.
&nbsp;
Mahindra, 69, said the future belongs to those who can creatively weave this Golden Thread into a value-enhancing business tapestry.
&nbsp;
He said IT services will play a pivotal role in enhancing Golden Thread by integrating AI seamlessly into the core business functions.
&nbsp;
"From extracting data-driven insights to solving industry-specific problems to revolutionising customer engagement, the synergy between IT and AI will enable a new era of technological prowess...
&nbsp;
"...the future undoubtedly belongs to IT services that can increase the value of that Golden Thread from 18 carat to 24 carat with the power of AI," he said.
&nbsp;
He said the winners will be companies that are agile, well-prepared and can "Scale at Speed" (a promise that Tech Mahindra has positioned itself on time and again).
&nbsp;
"Even without a crystal ball, I can venture to predict that Tech Mahindra, under its new leadership, is well-positioned to leap into this new orbit," Mahindra said, basing his optimism on three factors, according to PTI.
&nbsp;
He said tackling changes requires preparation, and both speed and scale.
&nbsp;
"Tech Mahindra has made Scale at Speed their promise and war cry. A holistic 3-year roadmap for achieving profitable growth, covering every aspect of the organisation -- be it structure, strategy, technology, client focus, skill development, talent management, performance enhancement -- has been shared with investors. The future landscape is clearly mapped out, and actions are clearly communicated," he said.
&nbsp;
He expressed confidence in Tech Mahindra's past record, its preparedness, and the "enormous" experience of the new leadership.
&nbsp;
Tech Mahindra MD and CEO Mohit Joshi took charge in December last year, taking the helm from CP Gurnani, who retired after serving the IT major for 19 years.
&nbsp;
"During his 19 years with the Company, over 11 of which were as the MD and CEO, MBT (Mahindra British Telecom) morphed into Tech Mahindra; the business vision expanded from the telecom business to a multi-vertical digitally led IT company whose revenue rose 22 times from USD 280 million in 2006 to USD 6.3 billion in 2024," Mahindra wrote, remembering CP, as he was famously called.
&nbsp;
IT services will evolve to become the interface between the potential of AI and its business application, he added, saying that professionals who can understand, interpret, leverage, and exploit the new powerhouse of AI will be the most in demand.
 "Tech Mahindra has an edge few other companies have. It is the child of a multi-business corporation.
&nbsp;
"The Mahindra Group itself is their real-time playing field and proving ground to sharpen their skills -- if anyone knows how to find the golden thread, how to embroider it across businesses, and how to weave the future with it, it is Tech Mahindra," said Mahindra, who is also the chairman of Mumbai-based conglomerate Mahindra Group.
&nbsp;
Rumours that the advent of AI will be the death of IT services are grossly exaggerated, he said.
&nbsp;
"AI will push these services towards a new frontier, into directions that were hitherto unimaginable -- and Tech Mahindra will be in the vanguard," he said.&nbsp;

AI can secure future of businesses: Anand Mahindra

Amid an impasse over the oath-taking of two newly elected Trinamool Congress MLAs, the office of West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose on Friday criticised Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for her remarks suggesting women allegedly felt unsafe going to Raj Bhavan, stating it is expected of public representatives not to create &ldquo;erroneous and slanderous impressions&rdquo;.
&nbsp;
Baranagar MLA Sayantika Bandyopadhyay and Bhagabangola legislator Rayat Hossain Sarkar have refused to take oath at Raj Bhavan as requested by Bose, instead staging a dharna in the assembly complex since Thursday, insisting that the swearing in take place in the Vidhan Sabha.
&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&ldquo;It is expected of public representatives to uphold Constitution and refrain from creating erroneous and slanderous impressions that may cast aspersions on the Governor,&rdquo; the Raj Bhavan said 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;">Stating that Bose has no right to prevent the oath-taking process, Banerjee had alleged on Thursday that she received complaints from women who felt unsafe going to Raj Bhavan after reports of certain activities there.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; 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;">Referring to allegations of molestation of a woman in the Governor House in May, actor-turned-politician Sayantika Bandopadhyay on Thursday said, &ldquo;My family members won&rsquo;t allow me to go to Raj Bhavan alone as they are also aware of reports of a woman being molested there. Who will take the responsibility of my safety and security?&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;
A political storm had erupted in May over a complaint by a Raj Bhavan woman employee who had accused the Governor of &ldquo;molesting&rdquo; her, even as Bose had dubbed the allegations as &ldquo;baseless and absurd drama&rdquo;.
&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">The Governor&rsquo;s office clarified that the newly elected MLAs had initially requested a venue shift to the Assembly due to personal preferences but had not raised any specific safety concerns about Raj Bhavan otherwise.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; 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 newly elected MLAs had requested Hon'ble Governor to consider shifting the venue to the Assembly because of their personal preferences and never expressed any apprehensions about coming to Raj Bhavan otherwise,&rdquo; the post 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;">When the MLAs declined the governor&rsquo;s invitation to take the oath at Raj Bhavan on Wednesday, Bose left for Delhi the same evening.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">Stating that Bandyopadhyay and Sarkar were unable to take the oath despite having got elected a month back, the Chief Minister accused the Governor of obstructing them from doing so.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; 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 Raj Bhavan post, however, said all issues are addressed by the Governor with promptitude and constitutional propriety as also this one.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; 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;Responses unjustifiably critical of the Governor was least expected from an experienced public representative,&rdquo; it said.&nbsp;
&nbsp;

Mamata's remarks on women's safety erroneous: Gov

The Sikkim Transport Department has announced the implementation of a cashless digital payment system for bus bookings, in a move aimed at reducing cash transactions and streamlining the booking process for passengers.
&nbsp;
According to a statement by the department, the decision aligns with its objective to modernise the booking experience.
&nbsp;
The department has introduced multiple digital payment options for booking Sikkim Nationalised Transport (SNT) buses. These include:
<ol>
<li>
UPI payment via Paytm Soundbox: All booking counters across Sikkim, including the Siliguri office, are now equipped with Paytm Soundbox devices. Passengers can make payments by scanning the QR codes provided on these devices.
</li>
<li>
UPI payment via Paytm stickers: Paytm stickers with QR codes have been affixed to all SNT buses, enabling passengers to scan and pay directly.
</li>
<li>
Debit/Credit card payment: Point of Sale (PoS) machines are available at the Gangtok and Siliguri booking offices. Passengers can pay by swiping their debit or credit cards or by scanning the QR codes on these devices.
</li>
<li>
Online bus ticket booking: Passengers can book tickets online through platforms such as RedBus, PhonePe, and their affiliated service providers.
</li>
<li>
Online bus ticket booking through SIKKIM CAB mobile app: The SIKKIM CAB Mobile App offers an online booking option for bus tickets, enhancing convenience for passengers.
</li>
</ol>
In a related development, the Sikkim government has announced the launch of the Sikkim Cab mobile app for online taxi booking on a &ldquo;sharing basis&rdquo; between Gangtok and Siliguri.
&nbsp;
This initiative is in response to recent tourist complaints about &ldquo;exploitative&rdquo; cab rates in Sikkim.
&nbsp;
The motor vehicle division of the transport department will soon roll out the Sikkim Cab app, featuring a special category for shared bookings between Gangtok, Siliguri, Bagdogra, and NJP.
&nbsp;
Under this system, different passengers will share the vehicle, with seating limited to five passengers.
&nbsp;
The transport department has invited interested parties to enlist their vehicles for the shared service.
&nbsp;
&ldquo;Interested owners and drivers of luxury and maxi cab vehicles are requested to provide their details to the transport department as soon as possible,&rdquo; a source from the department stated.
&nbsp;
The vehicles must not be older than 10 years. Luxury vehicles can charge ₹1,000 per passenger, while maxi cabs can charge ₹400 per seat.

Gangtok

Sikkim bus bookings now cashless and digital

Amarpreet Kaur

Chandigarh administration has permitted shops and commercial establishments registered with the labour department to open now round-the-clock, a move aimed at promoting ease of business.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
"The female employees will not be allowed to work after 8 pm, but in case they are (willing) then their written consent in this regard shall be taken and adequate safety and security arrangements of such employees shall be made during working hours," according to a recent order issued by the administration here.
&nbsp;
According to the order dated June 25, all the shops and commercial establishments which are registered under the Punjab Shops and Commercial Establishment Act, 1958 (as applicable to the Union Territory of Chandigarh), in Chandigarh are permitted to keep open on all 365 days and operate 24 hours.
&nbsp;
According to an official statement, the move is to promote ease of doing business. It is also to simplify labour laws and regulations regarding opening and closing timings and operations on all days of the week. Further, it is for the benefit of traders and shopkeepers in Chandigarh.
&nbsp;
However, liquor vends and bar or pub timings will remain as earlier, as they are regulated by the excise laws.
&nbsp;
Secretary-cum-Labour Commissioner Vinay Pratap Singh said the administration is conscious of the welfare and ease of doing business needs of all shopkeepers and traders of Chandigarh and thus, this benefit of extended hours throughout the year has been granted to the registered shops.
&nbsp;
According to the order, the female employees shall be provided separate lockers, security, and restrooms at the workplace.
&nbsp;
For females who give their consent to work during night hours, the order stated that it shall be ensured that they reach their homes safely after their work is over.
&nbsp;
The management or employer has to ensure certain conditions for the women employees including adequate safety, proper transportation, annual self-defence workshops, and implementation of other guidelines and rules as specified by the labour department from time to time, states the order.
&nbsp;
Adequate safety and security arrangements shall be ensured for all employees and visitors by the management, it said.
&nbsp;
For all the employees working in the shops and commercial establishments, a provision of one day rest in a week and a rest period of at least 30 minutes after five hours of continuous work has to be given. No employee shall be required to work for more than nine hours in a day or 48 hours in a week, as per the order.
CCTV cameras with a minimum of 15 days' recording backup shall be installed on the shop or commercial establishment premises for safety purpose.&nbsp;

Chandigarh

Chandigarh shops to remain open 24/7

Aam Aadmi Party MP Sanjay Singh criticised the central government sharply following widespread infrastructure failures across India after heavy rainfall. Singh pointedly highlighted Ayodhya's predicament, emphasising that even minor rainfall caused water to enter the revered Ram Mandir's Garbhagriha, displeasing the temple's main priest.
&nbsp;
He underscored other instances of infrastructure collapse, including the Atal Setu Bridge, Jabalpur terminal, and the Bundelkhand Expressway, noting that Ayodhya, touted by the Centre for development, was left waterlogged. Singh also condemned the collapse of Delhi Airport's Terminal 1, inaugurated by PM Modi in March, attributing it to alleged corruption within the BJP.
&nbsp;
&ldquo;Our government in Delhi is actively addressing the issue of waterlogging,&rdquo; Singh added, responding to concerns about ongoing challenges in the national capital.
&nbsp;
In Delhi, Mayor Shelly Oberoi remarked that despite initial challenges with the monsoon's arrival, significant improvements had been made in managing waterlogging compared to previous incidents. Municipal departments and officials have been actively addressing affected areas to prevent future occurrences and ensure public safety.
&nbsp;
Meanwhile, heavy rainfall brought relief from a prolonged heat wave in Delhi but also led to significant waterlogging in various parts of the city, disrupting traffic and affecting daily life for residents and commuters.
&nbsp;
Instances of people navigating through inundated streets highlighted the severity of the situation, with BJP Councillor Ravinder Singh Negi resorting to rowing an inflatable boat on NH9 in protest.
&nbsp;
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the Safdarjung observatory recorded 228 mm of rainfall, marking one of the highest 24-hour rainfalls in June. The historical record of 235.5 mm, set on June 28, 1936, remains the highest for the city.
&nbsp;
At Indira Gandhi International Airport, a portion of Terminal 1's roof collapsed early in the morning, resulting in one fatality and injuries to eight others, according to the Delhi Fire Services.
&nbsp;

Ayodhya waterlogged after rain, AAP criticises BJP

At least 60 Indian nationals, part of a group alleged to be engaged in online financial scams, have been arrested by Sri Lanka's Criminal Investigations Department (CID).
 They were arrested on Thursday from the Colombo suburbs of Madiwela and Battaramulla and the western coastal town of Negombo.
&nbsp;
According to Police Spokesman SSP Nihal Thalduwa, the CID conducted simultaneous raids in these areas, leading to the seizure of 135 mobile phones and 57 laptops.
&nbsp;
The crackdown follows a complaint from a victim who was lured into a WhatsApp group in which cash was promised for social media interactions.
&nbsp;
Investigation revealed a scheme in which victims were coerced into making deposits after initial payments. In Peradeniya, a father-son duo admitted to aiding the fraudsters, Daily Mirror Lanka newspaper reported, according to PTI.
&nbsp;
Key evidence uncovered during a luxury house raid in Negombo led to the initial arrest of 13 suspects and the seizure of 57 phones and computers.
&nbsp;
Subsequent operations in Negombo yielded 19 additional arrests, exposing international links in Dubai and Afghanistan. Victims included both locals and foreigners, the report added.
&nbsp;
It is suspected that they were involved in financial fraud, illegal betting and various activities of gambling.&nbsp;

Colombo

60 Indians held in Lanka for cyber scams

Kathua/Jammu, June 28 : Describing the Jammu and Kashmir Police as a sword in the fight against terror, its chief R R Swain on Friday said no war against a terror ecosystem can be won without the police.
&nbsp;
Pointing to a series of recent terror attacks in the Union Territory, the DGP said terrorists can neither defeat the force nor diminish its resolve.
&nbsp;
He made the remarks at an event to regularise nine special police officers to the rank of constables, recognizing their contributions in eliminating two terrorists in the Hiranagar border belt of Kathua district.
&nbsp;
"The Jammu and Kashmir Police is like a sword against the terror ecosystem. If this sword, which belongs to the people, is not properly maintained, victory in this war against terrorism cannot be achieved," Swain said.
&nbsp;
He said the Union government has also realised the importance of the police and is working to support them accordingly.
&nbsp;
Two terrorists and a CRPF jawan were killed while a civilian was injured in an encounter between security forces and militants in Saida Sukhal village in Kathua district's Hiranagar area near the International Border on June 12.
&nbsp;
The DGP said while terrorists may inflict some harm, they cannot defeat the police forces and their resolve. "Rest assured, we will defeat them. It is our resolve," Swain said.
&nbsp;
He also said the police are well-equipped with advanced weaponry, including arms from Israel and Germany. "We have no weaknesses as far as arms are concerned," the DGP said.&nbsp;
 
&nbsp;

JK police like a sword against terror: DGP

parvesh_kapoor

The first batch of pilgrims for the annual Amarnath Yatra reached the Kashmir valley on Friday amid stringent security arrangements, officials said. &nbsp;
&nbsp;
After they arrived in Srinagar, senior officials in police and civil administration, and local people welcomed the 4,603 pilgrims at the Navyug tunnel in the Qazigund area of south Kashmir's Kulgam district, they added.
&nbsp;
The 52-day pilgrimage will begin from the twin tracks - the traditional 48-km Nunwan-Pahalgam route in Anantnag and the 14-km Baltal route in Ganderbal - on Saturday and conclude on August 19.
&nbsp;
Amid chants of "Bum Bum Bhole" and "Har Har Mahadev", Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha flagged off the first batch from the Yatri Niwas base camp at Bhagwati Nagar in Jammu early Friday morning.
&nbsp;
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha wished the pilgrims a safe journey.
 "May the blessings of Baba Amarnath ji bring peace, happiness, and prosperity to everyone's life," he said.
&nbsp;
They reached Srinagar in a cavalcade of 231 light and heavy vehicles, the officials said.
&nbsp;
Kulgam Deputy Commissioner (DC) Athar Aamir Khan told reporters that upon their arrival, the pilgrims who would travel via both the axis, Baltal as well as Pahalgam, were welcomed by the administration, members of civil society, trade fraternity, fruit growers, and market associations.
 "We welcome all of them. There are proper arrangements in place for them," Khan said.
&nbsp;
The officials said the pilgrim convoys left separately for the base camps in Baltal and Pahalgam from where they will go for the 3,880-metre-high holy cave shrine early on Saturday.
&nbsp;
Comprehensive arrangements, including three-tier security, area dominations, elaborate route deployment, and checkpoints, have been made to ensure a smooth yatra, a senior official stated.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
"Traffic restrictions will be imposed on various routes from June 28 to August 19, with daily advisories issued to minimise inconvenience," the official said.
&nbsp;
According to reports, more than 3.50 lakh people have registered for this year's yatra. As many as 125 community kitchens (langars) have been set up along the two routes to the cave shrine and are supported by over 6,000 volunteers.

First batch of Amarnath pilgrims arrives in valley

In a bid to modernise agricultural production techniques in the state, Tripura&rsquo;s Agriculture Minister Ratan Lal Nath announced on Friday the state's initiative to integrate drone technology into its agricultural sector. Women's Self-Help Groups (SHGs) will be trained to operate these drones for various farming tasks. 
Minister Nath, addressing the media after inaugurating the Agriculture Development Research and Training Centre at Killa in Gomati district, said that the integration of drone technology aims to tackle specific agricultural challenges. "Within the next few months, we will see the deployment of drones in our agriculture sector. This initiative, known as the 'Drone Didi' scheme, is particularly designed for women," he stated. 
Women's Self-Help Groups (SHGs) will be trained to operate these drones for various farming tasks. Following this launch, Tripura established a state committee to oversee the implementation. Based on the committee&rsquo;s recommendations, drones will be distributed to agricultural sub-divisions. 
"The trainers have already been recruited. We expect drones to be available in each of the 47 agri-subdivisions within two months," Nath informed. The drones will be used for tasks such as spraying fertilizers and pesticides in fruit and flower gardens. 
Additionally, Nath announced a special scheme to appoint "Krishi Sakhis" (Friends of Farmers), who will provide agricultural solutions to farmers in rural areas. "One Sakhi will be appointed for each rural local body, including Gram Panchayats and Village Committees. We have forwarded the proposal to the central government and are awaiting approval. Once approved, the appointment process will commence immediately," he added.

Agartala

Women SHGs to operate 'Agri-Drones' in Tripura

Dashing India opener Shafali Verma smashed the fastest double-century in the history of women's Test cricket, eclipsing Annabel Sutherland of Australia during the one-off Test against South Africa here on Friday.
&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;">Shafali, 20, scored her double tonne off just 194 balls, bettering Sutherland's feat, which came off 248 balls against South Africa earlier 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;">Shafali also became the second Indian after former skipper Mithali Raj to hit a double century in Test cricket after almost 22 long 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;">Mithali's 214 had come off 407 balls and the former India skipper achieved during the drawn second Test against England at Taunton in August, 2002.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">Shafali struck 23 fours and eight maximums during her attacking knock.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; 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;">She brought up her twin ton with consecutive sixes of off-spinner Delmi Tucker, followed by a single.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; 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;">Shafali was finally run out at 205 off 197 balls.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; 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, her opening partner Smriti Mandhana also made an attacking 149 off 161 balls with the help of 27 boundaries and one six to stitch a formidable opening partnership of 292 runs, which came off in just 52 overs.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; 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 are going great guns against South Africa on the opening day scoring at close to a run-a-ball. 
&nbsp;

Shafali smashes fastest double-centurion in Test

<h4 dir="ltr">Nag Ashwin's 3D spectacle "Kalki 2898 AD" registered a record opening at the global box office, earning Rs 191.5 crore gross on day one of its release, the makers said on Friday.</h4>
Touted as a marriage of Hindu epic Mahabharata and science fiction, the big-budget film is produced by Vyjayanthi Movies and was released on Thursday in six languages: Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada, Hindi and English.
&nbsp;
It features a star cast led by Prabhas, Deepika Padukone, Amitabh Bachchan and Kamal Haasan, along with Disha Patani, Saswata Chatterjee and Shobhana.
&nbsp;
Vyjayanthi Movies shared the opening day figure of the movie on its official X page through a poster which stated that "Kalki 2898 AD" earned Rs 191.5 crore in gross box office collection (GBOC).
&nbsp;
The film's day-one earnings is the third-highest opening day collection for any Indian film. It is behind SS Rajamouli's "RRR" (Rs 223 crores) and "Baahubali 2" (Rs 217 crores), which also featured Prabhas in the lead role.
&nbsp;
On Thursday, trade pundits had predicted that the film might earn around Rs 200 crore globally on its opening day.
&nbsp;
Previously titled "Project K", it is arguably the most expensive feature film in Indian cinema history at a reported Rs 600 crore.
&nbsp;
Large crowds were seen outside theatres in several cities, including Hyderabad and Mumbai. The initial reviews were also favourable.&nbsp;
&nbsp;

‘Kalki 2898 AD’ earns a massive ₹191.5 cr on day 1

As the sun sets over Barbados this Saturday, Indian cricket fans may witness a poignant chapter in the saga of two modern legends.
&nbsp;
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, whose careers have intertwined to form the backbone of Indian cricket, might be playing their final T20I in Indian colours.&nbsp; This potential farewell in the game's shortest format comes at a time when the nation eagerly looks to the future, setting the stage for a poignant and nostalgic farewell. 
No fan wants to see Rohit Sharma, the 'Hitman,' walk off the field with tears brimming in his eyes. Nor do they wish to recall the vacant stare of Virat Kohli, the 'King,' gazing at the ODI World Cup trophy a few months ago. Instead, what every supporter dreams of is a spectacular last dance from these cricketing maestros, a final display of their brilliance in the T20I format.
 Understanding the current dynamics of Indian cricket, it&rsquo;s evident that the BCCI and national selectors are ready to usher in a new era.
&nbsp;
The upcoming series against Zimbabwe is set to mark this transition, with a keen eye on the 2026 T20 World Cup in India.
&nbsp;
By then, a 39-year-old Rohit and a 38-year-old Kohli may no longer fit into the team&rsquo;s plans, necessitating a timely and graceful exit from the format.
&nbsp;
A quiet retirement?
&nbsp;
With the focus firmly on winning the final, discussions around retirement are hushed.
&nbsp;
Yet, insiders believe that a victory over South Africa in Barbados will signify the end of an era for Rohit and Kohli in T20Is.
&nbsp;
There might not be a grand announcement, as both players will continue to shine in the IPL, where their names are synonymous with excellence alongside other luminaries like Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Shah Rukh Khan.
&nbsp;
For Kohli, this potential farewell caps an illustrious career with all three ICC white-ball trophies adorning his cabinet&mdash;2011 ODI World Cup, 2013 Champions Trophy, and now possibly the T20 World Cup.
&nbsp;
This journey mirrors that of Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara, who bid adieu to T20Is immediately after their 2014 World Cup triumph.
&nbsp;
Legacy of two titans
&nbsp;
Kohli and Rohit, with 8334 T20I runs, six centuries, 69 fifties, and 119 catches between them, represent the last link between the old guard and the new generation.
&nbsp;
Their careers have been marked by highs and lows, and they deserve to stand together with the T20 World Cup trophy in hand&mdash;a testament to their enduring legacy.
&nbsp;
Both are World Cup winners, but those triumphs were shared with legends like Dhoni, Tendulkar, and Yuvraj. This time, the glory would belong to them, and them alone.
&nbsp;
Champions harbor egos, whether overt or concealed, and Kohli&rsquo;s visible pain after the England match spoke volumes. Counting him out is always a perilous mistake.
&nbsp;
For Rohit, the narrative of November 19, 2023, could be encapsulated by the title of Sudhir Mishra's 1996 cult classic, "Is Raat Ki Subaah Nahi" (No Morning for this Night).
&nbsp;
Despite his assertions of moving on, the desire for closure remains strong. Winning this T20 World Cup would offer that much-needed resolution.
&nbsp;
An organic popularity
&nbsp;
Rohit&rsquo;s popularity is unique. Dhoni was revered as &ldquo;Mahi bhai,&rdquo; Kohli earned respect through his monumental achievements, but Rohit is loved&mdash;purely and unconditionally.
&nbsp;
His empathy and leadership, as narrated by Ravichandran Ashwin, who recalled how Rohit ensured a physio accompanied him to Chennai during a family health crisis, highlight his humane side.
&nbsp;
Rohit and Kohli have witnessed the evolution of Indian cricket together. They arrived when the Nokia 3310 was the rage and now, in their twilight, they see fandom dominated by 'Viratians' and 'Rohitians.'
&nbsp;
Their exit will leave a significant void, not just in terms of their cricketing prowess, but also in the emotional connection they share with fans.
&nbsp;
If Saturday indeed marks their last dance in T20Is, the gap they leave will be challenging to fill. Their journey has been one of shared triumphs and trials, and their final bow will be a moment of both celebration and sadness for Indian cricket.

Final T20I tango for Rohit and Kohli?

Voting in the snap presidential elections in Iran begins on June 28 to determine the successor to Ebrahim Raisi, who lost his life in a helicopter crash on May 19 this year.
 As per reports, every Iranian aged 18 or older is eligible to participate in the elections in Tehran. Across the nation, 58,640 polling stations have been established in various public locations including mosques and schools.
&nbsp;
To cast their vote, voters must first complete an application and present their national ID card at the polling booth. They use a secret ballot to write down the candidate&rsquo;s name and code, which is then deposited in a ballot box.
&nbsp;
If no candidate secures at least 50 per cent plus one vote from all cast ballots, including blank votes, a run-off round between the top two candidates will take place the following Friday after the announcement of the initial results.
&nbsp;
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has already cast his vote and encouraged the public to actively participate in this critical electoral process.
&nbsp;
Speaking at a mosque linked to his offices, Khamenei highlighted the importance of a high turnout, describing the election as a significant political test.
&nbsp;
Meanwhile, two candidates withdrew from the presidential race. On Wednesday night, 53-year-old Amir-Hossein Ghazizadeh Hashemi dropped out, urging fellow candidates to follow suit to strengthen the revolution's front, as reported by regional media.
&nbsp;
Alireza Zakani, the mayor of Tehran, also announced on Thursday that he would no longer participate in the presidential race.
&nbsp;
Originally scheduled for 2025, the presidential elections were advanced due to Raisi's untimely death.
&nbsp;
Raisi, aged 63, was a key figure in Iran's succession planning for the 85-year-old supreme leader and was widely expected to secure another term in office.
&nbsp;
His death in the helicopter crash in north-western Iran also claimed the life of Iran&rsquo;s Foreign Minister, Hossein Amirabdollahian, along with other officials.
&nbsp;

Iran polls begin to choose Raisi’s successor

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on Friday that the Kamakhya Access Corridor project will only commence after receiving clearance from IIT Guwahati.
&nbsp;
Speaking to reporters after offering prayers at the Kamakhya Temple atop Nilachal Hills, Sarma revealed that Larsen and Toubro Group (L&amp;T) have been assigned the project and have submitted the blueprint and plans for IITG's approval.
&nbsp;
IIT Guwahati will evaluate hydrological and geological concerns before granting clearance. "No deadline has been set for IITG's review, which may take three to four months or even longer," Sarma stated.
&nbsp;
The chief minister assured that the construction would not pose any problems as the Public Works Department will focus on improving and widening the road while providing amenities for devotees.
&nbsp;
A writ petition filed by a few temple priests is pending in the Gauhati High Court, expressing concerns that the proposed development might affect the temple's eternal springs, including the holy spring in the 'garbhagriha' (sanctum sanctorum).
&nbsp;
The next hearing is scheduled for July 27.
&nbsp;
Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation for the Rs 498 crore Kamakhya Access Corridor under the Prime Minister's Development Initiative in the North East (PM-DevINE) in February this year.
&nbsp;
The chief minister, accompanied by his wife Riniki Bhuyan Sarma, offered prayers at the temple two days after its reopening following its annual three-day closure during the Ambubachi Mela.
&nbsp;
"Every year, we offer prayers on the day the temple doors open, but this year, due to the unprecedented crowd, I had to defer it by two days. I prayed to the Goddess for the welfare and blessings of all people of the state," Sarma said.
&nbsp;
The temple doors were closed to devotees on June 22 and reopened on June 26 for the Ambubachi Mela, which marks the belief in the annual menstrual cycle of Goddess Kamakhya.
&nbsp;
The project aims to improve access to the revered Kamakhya Temple, ensuring better facilities for the influx of devotees visiting during major events like the Ambubachi Mela.

Kamakhya project to begin post IITG nod: CM Sarma

The popularity of his much-loved character from Kota Factory points towards the dearth of mentor figures in people&rsquo;s lives, says actor Jitendra Kuman decoding why his role of Jeetu Bhaiya resonates with viewers so much.
&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">In the Kota-set series, Jeetu bhaiya is a mentor and teacher at a coaching institute, where students prepare for the highly competitive Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) entrance exams.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">According to Jitendra, the character acts as a support system to the students going through challenges. &ldquo;The only thing that I'm able to decode from the love this show and this character has received is that we have very few mentor-figures. Either there isn&rsquo;t the right kind of mentorship or it is completely unavailable so much so that people feel alone.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&ldquo;As humans, we are social and we have a need to express ourselves and we need support, a lot. At times, we make friends who are in the same competition and that's why we are not able to share certain things with them... that&rsquo;s why people have related with this fictional character of Jeetu bhaiya,&rdquo; Jitendra told the media.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">The new season of the black-and-white series, which hails from The Viral Fever (TVF), sees the students preparing for final exams while dealing with other challenges in their life.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; 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;">Jitendra, also known for his work on series TVF Pitchers and Panchayat as well as feature film Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan, is an alumnus of IIT Kharagpur who also studied in Kota.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; 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 coaching days, the actor said students were taught in huge numbers in big halls and auditoriums.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&ldquo;A teacher used to take the lecture in a big hall or an auditorium for 1.5 hours and there are at least 20-25 classes every week. They don&rsquo;t have the time to personally understand the problems of each and every student.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; 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;Students get inspired and impressed by their teachers, whether by their teaching methods or style... My teachers were my stars and when I used to meet them, it was a huge deal. I was starstruck by them.&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;
After Kota Factory came out, the actor said his former professors sent messages and congratulated him.
&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&ldquo;I went back to Kota and met them there. And they told me how this series has changed their perspective towards their work. They never had this thought that they can personally connect with students.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&ldquo;We tend to focus too much on studies and solving the numerical equations that we forget about the students. This series has changed them a lot and they now try to help their students in solving their personal problems as well. And this was a winning feedback for me and this series,&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;">Kota Factory also features Mayur More, who plays the role of Vaibhav, an IIT aspirant in Kota.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; 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 playing the character for three seasons, More believes that stress and anxiety about performing well in competitive exams is a very common human feeling but one should just focus on the process and enjoy it.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&ldquo;You can do a lot of preparation but still feel stress. At times, there is stress because you feel you have over prepared.... At times, we have already decided the result of something in our heads and then we get disappointed. Some people achieve those results and some don&rsquo;t.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&ldquo;I believe that that disappointment is very important.... So one should just enjoy the process and try to better what you have in your hand,&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;">Directed by Pratish Mehta and showrun by Raghav Subbu, Kota Factory also features Ranjan Raj, Alam Khan, Revathi Pillai, Ahsaas Channa, Rajesh Kumar and Tillotama Shome. 
&nbsp;

Kota Factory's Jeetu bhaiya speaks on mentorship

Jammu &amp; Kashmir's Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) has initiated the process for assembly elections in the Union Territory, instructing district election officers (DEOs) to implement the tasks outlined in the Election Commission of India's election planner after a decade.
&nbsp;
According to an official letter obtained by a local news agency, the CEO has directed all 20 deputy commissioners, who also act as district election officials, to take up responsibilities outlined in the ECI's "election planner". The letter from the CEO's office states, "As you are aware, the process of conducting elections to the Legislative Assembly of Jammu &amp; Kashmir has been set in motion by the Election Commission of India by issuing the schedule for the summary revision of the electoral roll vide its letter No: 23/2024-ERS(vol. III) dated 20-06-2024.
&nbsp;
&ldquo;I am thus directing you to begin the activities outlined in the election planner communicated by the Election Commission of India via letter No: 464/INST/2022-EPS dated 27-12-2022 so that the pre-poll activities are carried out appropriately and completed within the time frame specified for the successful conduct of elections to the Legislative Assembly."
&nbsp;
The election commission overlooks plans and activities required for the election. On June 20, Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a visit to Srinagar stated that preparations for the assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir had begun.
&nbsp;
"What could be better than the people of Jammu and Kashmir electing representatives and dealing with their issues through them? This is why preparations for the assembly elections have begun.
&nbsp;
You will soon be able to elect the future administration of Jammu and Kashmir with your votes. "The day will come soon when J&amp;K will shape its future as a state once more," he stated.
&nbsp;
In the 2014 Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly elections, the People's Democratic Party (PDP) emerged as the single largest party, winning 28 seats out of 87. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won 25 seats, making it the second-largest party.
&nbsp;
After the elections, the PDP and BJP formed a coalition government. Mufti Mohammad Sayeed of the PDP was sworn in as Chief Minister on March 1, 2015.
&nbsp;
Following his death in January 2016, his daughter, Mehbooba Mufti, took over as Chief Minister in April 2016.
&nbsp;
This coalition government continued until June 2018, when the BJP pulled out of the alliance, leading to the imposition of the governor's rule in the state.
&nbsp;
This will be the first assembly election in ten years and the first since J&amp;K's special status was revoked.
&nbsp;
Political parties, especially the National Conference (NC), have begun early preparations for the upcoming polls in the Union Territory.
&nbsp;

J&K gears up for Assembly poll after a decade

Two newly-elected Trinamool Congress MLAs sat on a dharna for the second consecutive day on Friday in front of BR Ambedkar&rsquo;s statue in West Bengal Assembly, as a stalemate over their demand to be administered oath in the House against Governor CV Ananda Bose&rsquo;s invite to do so in the Raj Bhavan continued.
&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;">Baranagar MLA Sayantika Bandyopadhyay and Bhagabangola MLA Rayat Hossain Sarkar, who won in by-polls, refused to take oath in the Raj Bhavan as asked by Governor Bose and sat on a dharna in the assembly complex 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;">They sat on dharna again on Friday at noon in front of the statue of Ambedkar in the West Bengal Vidhan Sabha complex, demanding that Bose facilitate the oath-taking ceremony in the assembly, enabling them to perform their duties as legislators.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; 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 governor had invited the two MLAs to take the oath at the Raj Bhavan on Wednesday.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; 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;
They declined the invitation, claiming that convention dictates that in the case of by-poll winners, the governor assigns the speaker or the deputy speaker to administer the oath.
&nbsp;
The controversy took a new turn on Thursday with chief minister Mamata Banerjee claiming that women were scared to go to Raj Bhavan.
&nbsp;
&ldquo;I have received complaints that because of various scandals and misconduct going on at Raj Bhavan, women are afraid to go there,&rdquo; Mamata said, referring to the recent complaint lodged against the governor by a woman employee of Raj Bhavan.
&nbsp;
&ldquo;Even after winning (by-elections), my legislators have been waiting for a month! The governor is not allowing them to take the oath. People have elected them. What right does he have to prevent them from taking the oath? He should give this right (to administer the oath) to the Speaker or the deputy Speaker. If not, then, he should go to the Assembly himself. Why should everyone go to Raj Bhavan?&rdquo; asked Mamata.
&nbsp;
As the two MLAs continued to wait for the oath-taking, Biman Banerjee wrote to President Droupadi Murmu detailing the entire chain of events and asked her to intervene to end the stalemate.
&nbsp;
&nbsp;

Swearing-in row in WB: MLAs continue dharna

The first presidential debate for the 2024 U.S. election cycle has concluded between President Joe Biden and his Republican challenger, Donald Trump. The event, held at CNN headquarters in Atlanta, featured a heated exchange covering a wide array of topics including international conflicts, economic policies, climate issues, and more.
&nbsp;
Trump criticised Biden's handling of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, accusing him of passivity and indirectly encouraging Russian actions. Biden retaliated by labelling Russian President Vladimir Putin a war criminal and emphasising his commitment to halting Russian aggression.
&nbsp;
The debate also delved into the Israel-Hamas conflict, with Biden advocating against Hamas and emphasising U.S. support for Israel, while Trump countered with claims of his proactive stance if in power. Trump highlighted the financial support extended to Israel during his presidency.
&nbsp;
On economic matters, Biden defended his policies, citing the Paris Peace Accord as a landmark achievement and criticising Trump's economic record. Trump countered by praising his own economic stewardship, claiming to have overseen unprecedented prosperity during his tenure.
&nbsp;
The debate took a personal turn when Biden criticised Trump's character, referencing allegations of moral and legal misconduct. Trump, in turn, lambasted Biden's leadership style and questioned his coherence during the debate.
&nbsp;
The event, notable for its lack of a live audience and muted microphones during exchanges, highlighted the intense polarisation within the electorate and the contentious issues shaping the upcoming election.
&nbsp;
Both candidates clashed over foreign policy, immigration, and domestic social issues, underscoring the high stakes of the 2024 election. Biden faced scrutiny over his handling of the Afghanistan withdrawal and other global engagements, while Trump defended his approach to immigration and the Supreme Court appointments.
&nbsp;
Despite the spirited exchange, opinions on the debate were divided among viewers and analysts. Some expressed concern over Biden's delivery and coherence, while others praised Trump's forceful presentation.
&nbsp;
The debate marks a pivotal moment in the presidential campaign, setting the stage for further discussions on critical issues affecting the nation's future. As the election season progresses, both candidates are expected to intensify their efforts to sway undecided voters and solidify support within their respective bases.

Georgia

Trump, Biden spar in Presidential debate 2024

Palak Chouhan

Bharti Airtel on Friday announced a 10&ndash;21% increase in prepaid and postpaid mobile tariffs, just a day after its larger rival Reliance Jio raised its rates.This marks the first significant tariff hike by the telecom industry in two-and-a-half years.
&nbsp;
Airtel&rsquo;s new tariff rates, effective July 3, will see daily data add-ons (1GB) rise by Rs 3, from Rs 19 to Rs 22. The 365-day validity plan offering 2GB/day will increase by Rs 600, from Rs 2,999 to Rs 3,599. Unlimited voice plans will see a Rs 20 increase, with the 28-day validity plan offering 2GB of data rising from Rs 179 to Rs 199.
&nbsp;
"We have ensured that there is a very modest price increase (less than 70 paise per day) on entry-level plans in order to eliminate any burden on budget-challenged consumers," Airtel said in a statement.
&nbsp;
Bharti Airtel has consistently stated that the mobile average revenue per user (ARPU) needs to be above Rs 300 to sustain a financially healthy business model for telecom companies in India.
&nbsp;
"We believe that this level of ARPU will enable the substantial investments required in network technology and spectrum and offer a modest return on capital," the company added.
&nbsp;
Following Reliance Jio's 12&ndash;27% tariff hike announcement on Thursday, market analysts anticipate a similar move from Vodafone Idea soon.
&nbsp;
Despite the hike, most Airtel mobile plans will still cost more than those of Reliance Jio. Airtel has long advocated for tariff increases in the industry, citing the 'absurdly low' rates in India compared to global standards.
&nbsp;
Airtel&rsquo;s revised rates include an 11% increase in the unlimited voice plan category, with prices changing from Rs 179 to Rs 199, Rs 455 to Rs 509, and Rs 1,799 to Rs 1,999. Daily data plans have also been adjusted, with the Rs 479 plan (56-day validity, 1.5GB/day) increased to Rs 579 and the 1GB/day plan (28-day validity) rising from Rs 265 to Rs 299.
&nbsp;
Longer 84-day validity plans will see a Rs 140 increase, with the 1.5GB/day plan rising from Rs 719 to Rs 859 and the 2GB/day plan rising from Rs 839 to Rs 979.
&nbsp;
Data add-ons have also become more expensive, with 1GB for one day increasing from Rs 19 to Rs 22, and 2GB rising from Rs 29 to Rs 33. The 4GB add-on with 65-day validity will increase from Rs 65 to Rs 77.
&nbsp;
Postpaid rates will see a 10&ndash;20% increase, translating to a Rs 50&ndash;200 hike depending on the number of connections and benefits.
Airtel confirmed that the new prices apply to all circles, including Bharti Hexacom Ltd. circles.

Airtel raises mobile tariffs 10-21% after Jio

The elusive Mainland Serow, a vulnerable mammal species recognised by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), has been documented for the first time in Assam&rsquo;s Raimona National Park.
&nbsp;
This significant discovery was made recently by forest officials and conservationists using digital camera traps.
&nbsp;
The Mainland Serow was captured on camera twice near the Ganda Bajrum anti-poaching camp in the park's western range.
&nbsp;
The photographic evidence was collected by personnel from the forest department and members of the biodiversity group Aaranyak.
&nbsp;
"The discovery of the Mainland Serow in Raimona National Park is a positive development for biodiversity conservation. We are thrilled by this finding," said Bhanu Sinha, Divisional Forest Officer of the Kachugaon Forest Division.
&nbsp;
According to Sinha, the forest department aims to conserve this species along with other wildlife in the national park.
&nbsp;
The Mainland Serow&rsquo;s presence in Raimona is notable as its population is widely distributed in neighbouring regions such as Phibsoo Wildlife Sanctuary and Royal Manas National Park in Bhutan, potentially aiding population recovery in Assam.
&nbsp;
The discovery has been detailed in a scientific paper published in the Journal of Threatened Taxa. "Raimona National Park harbours a wealth of wildlife, and this finding is encouraging for the conservation community," said M. Firoz Ahmed, a senior scientist at Aaranyak.
&nbsp;
The Mainland Serow (Capricornis sumatraensis thar) is known to inhabit various regions from the Himalayas to southern China, mainland Southeast Asia, and Sumatra.
&nbsp;
However, its populations are fragmented and declining due to poaching, habitat destruction, and loss, according to senior conservationist Dipankar Lahkar.
&nbsp;
Lahkar highlighted the challenges in conserving the Mainland Serow due to the lack of reliable data on its abundance and distribution.
&nbsp;
He stressed the importance of effective conservation actions for the species' long-term survival.
&nbsp;
Raimona National Park faces conservation concerns such as occasional poaching for bushmeat and habitat alteration from logging during ethnopolitical violence.
&nbsp;
"With government protection, future efforts should focus on securing and recovering the species&rsquo; population and restoring degraded habitats," Lahkar added.
&nbsp;
Raimona was designated a national park by the Assam government on June 8, 2021, marking a significant step toward preserving the region's biodiversity.

Assam’s Raimona Park hosts rare Mainland Serow

The Tamil Nadu Assembly on Friday once again passed a unanimous resolution urging the Centre to exempt the state from National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test and allow it to admit students to medical courses based on Plus Two exam marks.
&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 resolution, adopted by the House amid the Bharatiya Janata Party&rsquo;s opposition and walkout, called upon the Centre to amend the National Medical Commission Act and abolish the country-wide screening test taking into account the irregularities and increasing opposition to the test in several states, which toed Tamil Nadu&rsquo;s line.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; 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;">BJP&rsquo;s ally, the PMK, however supported the resolution piloted by Chief Minister and DMK president MK Stalin, who argued that the test was discriminatory and deprived an opportunity for the rural and poor students to access medical education and denied states their rights to admit students with Plus Two marks as the qualifying criteria.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; 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;">BJP leader Nainar Nagendran argued that the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) was required as it had many benefits.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; 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 argument that the poor and rural students found it difficult to pursue medical education because of the test, he said then Union Health Minister JP Nadda and then Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami ensured 7.5 per cent reservation for state government school students who passed the test.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; 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;NEET is needed. The Assembly resolution against NEET is unacceptable and we are staging a walkout,&rdquo; Nagendran said and walked out along with the BJP legislators.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; 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 principal opposition AIADMK was not present in the House as all the members were suspended for the brief session concluding on June 29 for disrupting the House over the Kallakurichi hooch tragedy incident.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; 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;">Moving the resolution, Stalin said apart from making medical education inaccessible to the poor and rural students, NEET will affect the medical services in the rural and backward 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;">&ldquo;The DMK has consistently been opposing NEET since it was made mandatory in 2017 and had even launched a massive signature campaign aiming to abolish the test,&rdquo; the Chief Minister said and recalled the two earlier Assembly resolutions adopted by the House seeking presidential assent to exempt Tamil Nadu from NEET.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; 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;">Further, the irregularities in the conduct of NEET, scams that surfaced in many states and grace marks that were awarded and later rescinded, leading to the Centre order an enquiry by the CBI, led to the states opposing the test, 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;">Stalin referred to the letters written by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav, leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi, and Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Tejaswi Yadav to the Centre demanding scrapping of the NEET in the aftermath of irregularities in the conduct of the test.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; 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 voice of Tamil Nadu has now become the voice of the country,&rdquo; he said and appealed to the members to support his resolution against NEET.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; 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;NEET should be abolished. Tamil Nadu should be allowed to admit students to medical courses taking the Plus Two marks as the qualifying criteria.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">Taking into account the irregularities in several states and opposition to the test, the Centre should appropriately amend the National Medical Commission Act to totally scrap NEET,&rdquo; the resolution 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;">It was unanimously passed, Speaker M Appavu said. 
&nbsp;

TN passes resolution to exempt state from NEET

Like the popular characters of "Mirzapur", the team behind the hit crime series is also gaining a "level of maturity" as they move forward with the third season, says the show's director Gurmeet Singh.
&nbsp;
The rawness and aggression of the youth have given way to a "certain madness" that comes when characters have to deal with power, the director said, acknowledging that they look forward to feedback and fan theories for the Prime Video show, whose third season will premiere on July 5.
&nbsp;
"When we started off, we knew we were going into an action-crime-drama-thriller, our characters were much younger. The colour of the first season was raw because they were young people with angst and testosterone. They were trying to find a space for themselves in a place like UP. The depiction of whether it was language or violence was also like that, it was in your face, it was aggressive, brutal,&rdquo; Singh told PTI in an interview.
&nbsp;
In the third part, Guddu Pandit, played by Ali Fazal, is getting ready to defend the throne of Mirzapur that he took from Pankaj Tripathi&rsquo;s Kaleen Bhaiya who is also preparing a comeback.
&nbsp;
"Our characters are back and they are in a position where they are dealing with power, so there&rsquo;s a sense of madness to it. But it is for the audience to tell us, and we are open to feedback, whether it is shown validly or not. We are open to criticism. It is done keeping in mind the story and what will drive it forward with a level of maturity that we are gaining through the show as we go along,&rdquo; Singh added.
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The gangster drama series, whose first part premiered on Prime Video in 2018, followed by an equally successful second part in 2020, has fascinated fans all over the world.
"When we came into season two, we matured. We saw and understood things, and made sure that only when the story requires, we get into something like that (violence). The impact of the violence is still there but it was treated as an aspect of the character&rsquo;s journey,&rdquo; the director said.
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In the mix of "Mirzapur" season three are characters old and new fighting for their relevance in the crime-riddled world, which borrows its title and setting from the eponymous city in Uttar Pradesh. 
Other talented actors completing the world of "Mirzapur" include Rasika Dugal, Shweta Tripathi Sharma, Vijay Varma, Harshita Shekhar Gaur, Amit Sial, Anjumm Sharma, Priyanshu Painyuli, Sheeba Chaddha, Manu Rishi Chadha and Rajesh Tailang.
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Asked why it took four years to come up with the third season when there was only a gap of two years between the first two, Singh said the pandemic delayed the series for a year and a half. They also wanted the writing to be watertight for the show, produced by Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani's Excel Entertainment.
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"'Mirzapur' is not taken from any existing written material so the writing has to always be from scratch. The characters that we have, the journey that we want to give them is always something that we find from within the character itself. We are not looking for it from the outside, so that takes time to develop.
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"The process is to give each character their journey, their graph and their trappings and then start making them intersect. When they intersect, the drama happens and you finalise the process. All this takes a lot of time." Like any popular show, "Mirzapur" enjoys its own set of fan theories and Singh said sometimes it helps in fleshing out details of a character, like Golu's character in the third season chews 'gutka', which evolved from a discussion he had with a bureaucrat's wife in Varanasi. 
"She was a fan and said, &lsquo;Give me a role to play, but don&rsquo;t give me a teacher kind of a role, give me a 'tabadtod' (strong) role, where a woman is having gutka and spits that&rsquo;. I asked if this fascinates her as a person, and she said, &lsquo;Of course, it does&rsquo;.
&nbsp;
"I told Shweta, &lsquo;Why don&rsquo;t we give this characteristic to Golu, that she is a woman in a man&rsquo;s world, trying to fit in with the boys&rsquo;. If she is a girl who has a gang of boys with her, will she eat pan masala?&rsquo; It came from our interaction with people in real life.&rdquo; Similarly, the character of Imran Alam, popularly known as the dancing uncle, was extended further in season two purely because of the love it received from fans. The role was played by veteran actor Hemant Kapadia.
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In the final episode of the first season, Alam is shown dancing at a wedding, totally unaware that Munna (Divyendu) and his gang members have barged their way in and murdered a lot of people. The climactic scene ended with the killings of Bablu (Vikrant Massey) and Sweety (Shriya Pilgaonkar).
"In season two, we needed a character, a witness who has witnessed the wedding massacre and can testify against Munna. And suddenly the dancing chacha who was very popular came to our mind.
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"We thought if we have that character, then there&rsquo;s fun to add along with the emotion and quirk. So, that came out of fan love. That&rsquo;s the only thing that we borrowed externally.&rdquo; According to Singh, fans feel invested in knowing the journeys of the show's characters, irrespective of where they fall on the moral spectrum.
&nbsp;
"The characters are such that people have related to them, they want to know what&rsquo;s going to happen in their journey further. The writing of the show doesn&rsquo;t judge any of its characters and presents them in a manner that you can love the most devious of characters, and you can hate the most lovable characters.
&nbsp;
"It gives you that range and spectrum to play with. And, people have got attached to the characters that constantly surprise along the way. This beautiful cast that we are blessed with, they bring that magic on to the screen. If you&rsquo;ve this cast then why won't people like to watch it more?&rdquo; The unending love from viewers serves as the motivation for the team to keep pushing boundaries.
&nbsp;
"Please do ask us (about the next season) because that is our fuel. It drives us. We are writing season four," he added.&nbsp;
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A madness to it: 'Mirzapur' director Gurmeet Singh

In a tense moment aboard the International Space Station (ISS), NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore were compelled to seek emergency shelter in Boeing's Starliner spacecraft as space debris posed a threat to the orbiting laboratory.
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The incident unfolded when NASA received reports of a satellite breakup near the station. Following standard safety protocols, Mission Control promptly instructed all crew members to retreat to their respective spacecraft. Williams and Wilmore, who have been aboard the ISS since June 5, took refuge in the Starliner capsule.
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For about an hour, Mission Control closely monitored the trajectory of the debris while the astronauts remained in their protective shelters. Once it was confirmed that the immediate danger had subsided, the crew received clearance to leave their spacecraft and resume normal operations on the station.
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This event underscores the ongoing challenge posed by space debris and highlights the critical importance of safety procedures in orbital activities. It also showcased the Starliner's role as a potential lifeboat during emergencies, a pivotal capability for any crew vehicle docked at the ISS.
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The incident occurred during an extended stay for Williams and Wilmore, whose return to Earth has been delayed due to technical issues with the Starliner spacecraft.
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Initially planned for an 8-day mission, the astronauts have now spent over three weeks in space while NASA and Boeing address helium leaks and thruster problems affecting the capsule.
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Despite these challenges, NASA has reiterated the Starliner's capability to safely bring the astronauts back to Earth if necessary. This recent precautionary measure further emphasises the spacecraft's crucial role in ensuring crew safety during space missions.
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As humanity's activities in space expand, managing orbital debris remains a paramount concern for space agencies worldwide. The incident serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in space exploration and the continuous efforts to safeguard astronauts and space assets.

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