News Arena Network

Vats Ambardar

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

New Delhi

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

Deepan

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

Dharamshala

Dalai Lama turns 89, dismisses health concerns

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

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

Ranchi

Officers exceeded in J'khand tender scam cuts: ED

Amarpreet Kaur

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

Mumbai

Kalki 2898 AD hits ₹800 crore at box office

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

CBI arrests second suspect from Jharkhand in NEET leak case

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

Security forces neutralise 35 Maoist IEDs in Jharkhand

Shweta Sengar

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

Justin Bieber leads star-studded performances at Ambani bash

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

London

Daydreaming and sluggishness? It could be CDS

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

Bucharest

Fabiano defends Superbet Classic title

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

Mangaluru

First international cargo flight departs Mangaluru airport

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

Patna

Lightning strikes in Bihar kill 9

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

Hyderabad

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

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

Ozempic, Wegovy linked to blindness risk

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

Ahmedabad

Gujarat businessman defrauds Govt in multi-crore GST scam

Five officers from the Jammu and Kashmir police have been awarded the prestigious Shaurya Chakra for their remarkable courage and bravery.
&nbsp;
This is the first time in history that five officers from the J&amp;K police have been awarded for their role in counterterrorism operations.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The President of India, Draupadi Murmu, presented these prestigious medals at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Friday.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The recipients from J&amp;K Police were SGCt Saifullah Qadri (posthumously), DySP Mohan Lal (now SP), SI Amit Raina, SI Feroz Ahmad, and Constable Varun Singh.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Additionally, Parshotam Kumar, a Village Defence Committee (VDC) member from Rajouri, was also honoured with the Shaurya Chakra.
&nbsp;
Director General of Police (DGP) Rashmi Ranjan Swain praised the courage of these officers, stating that they brought honour and glory to the J&amp;K Police.&nbsp;
"This recognition shows the exemplary commitment of one of the finest Police forces of the country," he said.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
He expressed gratitude to President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and other officials for acknowledging the bravery and sacrifices of the J&amp;K Police and thanked the people of J&amp;K for their continuous support.
&nbsp;
The Ministry of Defence announced these awards on Independence Day 2023 and Republic Day 2024.
&nbsp;
The Jammu and Kashmir Police manage civilian cases and have been deeply involved in intelligence gathering and counter-terrorism operations in the valley for over three decades.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
This force has demonstrated its combat efficiency to the highest standards. One of its specialised units, the Special Operations Group (SOG), is trained similarly to Special Forces to effectively handle counter-terrorism operations.

Srinagar

Five J&K police officers honoured with Shaurya Chakras

Despite an ongoing outbreak of bird flu in dairy cows, the popularity of raw milk has only risen. Advocates claim raw milk has superior health benefits over pasteurised milk. There is little evidence to support these claims, however, and the risk of serious illness is much greater.
&nbsp;
Mississippi State University food scientists Juan Silva and Joel Komakech and nutritionist Mandy Conrad explain the difference between pasteurised and raw milk, addressing common misconceptions about the health risks and purported benefits of consuming unpasteurised milk. These questions are more important than ever, since cattle can shed viral material into their milk. Not only can pathogens end up in milk, but at least three farmworkers reportedly have contracted H5N1, the virus that causes avian influenza, in 2024. Farmworkers can get sick by handling infected animals or their byproducts, such as raw milk.
&nbsp;
What is pasteurisation? Does it destroy nutrients?
&nbsp;
Pasteurisation is a process that involves heating beverages and foods at high temperatures &ndash; over 145 degrees Fahrenheit (62.78 degrees Celsius) &ndash; to kill harmful microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses and parasites. This reduces the total number of microorganisms in the product and also inactivates enzymes that could contribute to spoilage.
&nbsp;
The taste, nutritional value and quality of pasteurised products aren&rsquo;t significantly affected by the process.
&nbsp;
While pasteurisation can lead to some nutrient losses, the changes are generally minimal and outweighed by the benefits. Pasteurisation typically causes minor denaturation of proteins and has little effect on fats and carbohydrates. While water-soluble vitamins such as vitamin C and some B vitamins, usually not abundant in milk except vitamin B2, can be partially degraded during pasteurisation, fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E and K, found in significant amounts in milk) are more heat stable and suffer minimal loss.
&nbsp;
Thus, nutritional losses in milk due to pasteurisation are generally small compared with the significant benefits of reducing foodborne illnesses and spoilage.
&nbsp;
Is raw milk healthier than pasteurised milk?
&nbsp;
Studies have compared the benefits of raw milk with pasteurised milk and have found little evidence that raw milk is superior to pasteurised milk. The perceived advantages of raw milk are outweighed by its health risks.
&nbsp;
First, raw milk does not improve lactose intolerance.
&nbsp;
Raw milk also does not have more vitamins than pasteurised milk. Milk is not a good source of vitamin C or other heat-sensitive vitamins, and pasteurisation does little to reduce vitamin B2 or riboflavin, which is not as sensitive to heat. Moreover, Vitamin D is added to pasteurised milk to enhance your body&rsquo;s ability to absorb the calcium in milk.
&nbsp;
Fortified milk replaces nutrients that may be lost in the pasteurisation process. Vitamin D is added to milk to enhance the uptake of the calcium found in the milk. No single food is perfect, so it is OK for milk to lack some nutrients, as these can be obtained from other foods.
&nbsp;
Some people believe that probiotics &ndash; foods or supplements that contain live bacteria beneficial to health &ndash; are more prevalent in unpasteurised milk and products made from raw milk. However, raw milk is generally lacking in probiotics and has significantly more harmful bacteria. Probiotics are added to many dairy foods such as yogurt after pasteurisation.
&nbsp;
Furthermore, a 2011 review of the available research on the health benefits of raw milk found that many of these studies were conducted with poor methods, meaning their results should be interpreted with caution.
&nbsp;
What are the health risks of consuming raw milk?
&nbsp;
The health risks of consuming raw, unpasteurised milk come from the harmful microorganisms that may be present.
&nbsp;
Raw milk has been associated with hundreds of foodborne disease outbreaks. Between 1998 and 2018, 202 outbreaks resulted in 2,645 illnesses and 228 hospitalizations. More recently, from 2022 to 2023, there were 18 outbreaks and recalls associated with raw milk. A number of outbreaks and recalls associated with pathogens in raw milk have already occurred in 2024. In all cases, pathogens in the raw milk that cause human diseases were directly responsible for these illnesses.
&nbsp;
Some illnesses from the pathogens in raw milk can have serious long-term effects, including paralysis, kidney failure and death.
&nbsp;
Researchers found that areas where raw milk was legally sold in the U.S. from 1998 to 2018 had over three times more outbreaks than areas where selling raw milk was illegal. Areas where raw milk was allowed to be sold in retail stores had nearly four times more outbreaks than areas where sales were allowed only on farms.
&nbsp;
Is it safe to eat foods made from raw milk?
&nbsp;
Many, if not all, dairy products made from unpasteurised milk are not safe to eat. A number of products can be made from raw milk, including soft cheeses, such as brie and Camembert; Mexican-style soft cheeses, such as queso fresco, panela, asadero and queso blanco; yogurt and puddings; and ice cream or frozen yogurt. Pathogens in raw milk can survive the processes involved in making these types of dairy products and thus be unsafe for consumption.
&nbsp;
Only products that undergo a process to inhibit or kill harmful microorganisms may be safe enough to be made from unpasteurised milk. However, the potential for cross contamination of raw and cooked food as well as the survival of pathogens from inadequate processing is high when products are made with raw milk.
&nbsp;
Can pasteurised milk still get you sick?
&nbsp;
The few reported outbreaks associated with pasteurised milk can be traced to contamination after pasteurisation. When handled properly, pasteurised milk is a very safe product.
&nbsp;
The U.S. government requires farmers to destroy milk from herds infected with avian influenza. As of June 2024, 12 states have reported herds positive with H1N5, the virus that causes bird flu.
&nbsp;
There is currently no evidence that consuming pasteurised milk from infected cows causes illness in people. Based on the evidence available, the Food and Drug Administration currently states that pasteurisation is able to destroy or inactivate heat-sensitive viruses such as H5N1 in milk.
&nbsp;
Consuming raw milk, however, may pose a risk of disease transmission to people.
&nbsp;
Can you gain immunity from H5N1 from drinking raw milk?
&nbsp;
Some people believe that drinking raw milk can strengthen their immune system. However, there is no scientific evidence to support that drinking raw milk can improve immunity against disease.
&nbsp;
Vaccines train your body to protect itself from future infections without actually getting sick from that infection. They do this by exposing your immune system to very small amounts of dead or significantly weakened pathogen.
&nbsp;
Raw milk contains live H5N1 virus, meaning it could still infect you and make you sick. Rather than contributing to your immunity, raw milk exposes you to the virus at its full strength and can result in severe illness. Any protective antibodies that may be present in raw milk are likely degraded in stomach acid.
&nbsp;
Moreover, people who contract bird flu from raw milk run the risk of transmitting it to other people or animals by giving the virus a chance to adapt and improve its ability to spread between people. This increases the risk of more widespread disease outbreaks.
 This article first appeared in The Conversation
&nbsp;

Washington D.C.

Raw milk health risks: What you need to know

President Droupadi Murmu honored the bravery and sacrifice of military and paramilitary personnel in the line of duty at a defence investiture ceremony held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on Friday. She presented 10 Kirti Chakras, including seven posthumously, and 26 Shaurya Chakras, including seven posthumously, to recognize their extraordinary valour and courage in the line of duty.
&nbsp;
The Kirti Chakra, India's second-highest peacetime gallantry award, was conferred upon personnel from the Army and paramilitary forces. Sepoy Pawan Kumar of The Grenadiers, 55th Battalion, the Rashtriya Rifles; Captain Anshuman Singh of the Army Medical Corps, 26th Battalion, the Punjab Regiment; and Havildar Abdul Majid, 9th Battalion, the Parachute Regiment (Special Forces) from the Indian Army have been conferred the Kirti Chakra posthumously, according to the list of awardees shared in the statement.
&nbsp;
Inspector Dilip Kumar Das, Head Constable Raj Kumar Yadava, Constable Bablu Rabha, and Constable Sambhu Roy of 210 CoBRA Battalion, CRPF have been also conferred the Kirti Chakra posthumously. 
&nbsp;
Three personnel, including two of major rank and one naib subedar, have been conferred the Kirti Chakra, the ministry said.
&nbsp;
The Rashtrapati Bhavan later also shared pictures from the ceremony on its official X handle. 
&nbsp;
"President Droupadi Murmu conferred Kirti Chakra upon Captain Anshuman Singh, The Army Medical Corps, 26th Battalion The Punjab Regiment, posthumously. Disregarding his own safety, he exhibited exceptional bravery and resolve to rescue many people in a major fire incident," it said. 
&nbsp;
In another post, it wrote, "President Droupadi Murmu confers Kirti Chakra on Major Digvijay Singh Rawat, 21st Battalion The Parachute Regiment (Special Forces). In Manipur, he established an intelligence network, which enabled him to map all Valley-based Insurgent Groups (VBIGs) accurately. In one of the operations, he apprehended three insurgents by physically overpowering them," the Rashtrapati Bhavan posted. 
&nbsp;
The gallantry awards were given for displaying conspicuous gallantry, indomitable courage, and extreme devotion to duty, the ministry said.
&nbsp;
"Attended the Defence Investiture Ceremony-2024 (Phase-1) at Rashtrapati Bhavan, where Rashtrapati Ji presented the Gallantry Awards. Our nation is proud of the valour and dedication of our brave soldiers. They exemplify the highest ideals of service and sacrifice. Their courage will always inspire our people," Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted on X and also shared photos.
&nbsp;
A constable of J&amp;K Police was also bestowed a Shaurya Chakra posthumously, besides six other personnel from the Army.
&nbsp;
A group of personnel from the Army, the Air Force, the Navy, and those rendering services under the Ministry of Home Affairs have also been conferred the Shaurya Chakra, according to the list.
&nbsp;
The Shaurya Chakra is India's third-highest peacetime gallantry award after the Ashok Chakra and Kirti Chakra.

Prez Murmu honours bravehearts with Kirti, Shaurya Chakras

Kerala has reported its fourth case of amoebic meningoencephalitis, a rare and fatal brain infection caused by a free-living amoeba found in contaminated water.
&nbsp;
The latest patient, a 14-year-old boy from Payyoli, is currently receiving treatment at a private hospital.
&nbsp;
His condition is said to be improving, according to hospital sources.
&nbsp;
This marks the fourth reported case in Kerala since May, with all patients being children. Tragically, three of them have already succumbed to the disease.
&nbsp;
The most recent fatality occurred on Wednesday, when another 14-year-old boy, Mridul lost his battle with the infection. Prior to that, a five-year-old girl from Malappuram and a 13-year-old girl from Kannur died on May 21 and June 25, respectively.
&nbsp;
Doctors attribute the boy's improving condition to the prompt identification of the infection and the immediate administration of treatment, which included medicines sourced from abroad.
&nbsp;
In response to the rising number of cases, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan convened a meeting on Friday to discuss preventive measures.
&nbsp;
The chief minister urged the public to avoid bathing in unclean water bodies and pointed out the importance of proper chlorination of swimming pools.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Special caution was advised for children, who are most susceptible to the infection.
&nbsp;
The use of swimming nose clips was also recommended to prevent the amoeba from entering the body through the nose.
&nbsp;
Medical experts explained that the infection occurs when the amoeba enters the body through the nasal passage from contaminated water.
&nbsp;
This disease had previously been reported in Kerala's coastal Alappuzha district in 2023 and 2017.
&nbsp;
The government is now calling for increased vigilance and cleanliness to prevent further infections.

Thiruvananthapuram

Kerala reports fourth brain-eating amoeba case

Although it might seem strange, the authorities in Uttar Pradesh's Pratapgarh came up with a unique method to determine the ownership of a buffalo that had disappeared from its owner's home.
&nbsp;
When the local council failed to settle the dispute, the authorities decided to leave the decision to the buffalo by abandoning it on the road. After some time, the buffalo made its way back to its owner's home, and the matter was resolved.
&nbsp;
The incident involved Nandlal Saroj, a resident of Rai Askaranpur village under Maheshganj police station in the district. His buffalo had gone missing and ended up in Purey Harikesh village, where a man named Hanuman Saroj reportedly took possession of it.
&nbsp;
After an extensive search, Nandlal finally located the animal after three days. However, Hanuman refused to return the buffalo. Nandlal then went to the Maheshganj police station and filed a complaint against Hanuman Saroj.
&nbsp;
The police summoned both claimants to the police station on Thursday. Despite a lengthy panchayat session, both individuals continued to insist that the buffalo belonged to them.
&nbsp;
SHO Shravan Kumar Singh of Maheshganj police station came up with a solution to resolve the dispute. He proposed that the buffalo itself should decide. The buffalo would be left alone on the road, and the person it followed would be declared its owner.
&nbsp;
The villagers accepted this proposal, and both Nandlal and Hanuman were asked to stand in opposite directions on the road to their villages.
&nbsp;
The police then released the buffalo, and it immediately headed towards Rai Askaranpur village, following Nandlal. In accordance with the buffalo's decision, it was handed over to Nandlal.
&nbsp;
The other claimant was admonished by both the police and the villagers.
&nbsp;

Lucknow

Buffalo resolves dispute UP local panchayat couldn't settle

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to BJP ideologue Syama Prasad Mookerjee on his 123rd birth anniversary on Saturday.
&nbsp;
Lauding Mookerjee's fierce nationalism, Modi remarked that his sacrifice and dedication to the motherland continue to inspire.
&nbsp;
Mookerjee, a key founder of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh&mdash;the precursor to the Bharatiya Janata Party&mdash;was a member of Jawaharlal Nehru's Cabinet.
&nbsp;
He resigned in protest over disagreements with Nehru, subsequently establishing the Jana Sangh with RSS support.
&nbsp;
Mookerjee passed away in 1953 following his arrest in Jammu and Kashmir during his agitation against the state's restrictions on Indian citizens. He was a vocal critic of the special status accorded to Jammu and Kashmir.
&nbsp;
Modi highlighted his government's 2019 decision to revoke Article 370, which granted special rights to the state, as the fulfillment of Mookerjee's long-standing vision.

PM Modi honours Syama Prasad Mookerjee on his birth anniv

Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is set to visit Ahmedabad, Gujarat, on Saturday to address party workers and meet with the families of those who lost their lives in recent tragedies, including the Rajkot game zone fire, the Vadodara boat capsize, and the Morbi bridge collapse.
&nbsp;
The visit comes shortly after a clash between BJP and Congress workers outside the Gujarat Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) office in Ahmedabad over alleged anti-Hindu remarks made by Gandhi in the Lok Sabha.
&nbsp;
The altercation led to the arrest of five Congress workers and complaints lodged by both parties.
&nbsp;
Gujarat Congress president Shaktisinh Gohil, addressing the media on Friday, confirmed Gandhi's schedule. "Rahul Gandhi will arrive at the GPCC office around 12.30 pm.&nbsp;He will meet and address party workers and also visit the families of those who perished in the Rajkot game zone fire and other tragedies. Additionally, he will interact with the families of the five Congress workers who are currently in police custody," Gohil said.
&nbsp;
The clash on July 2 saw BJP's youth wing members protesting outside Rajiv Gandhi Bhavan, the Congress state headquarters in Paldi, against Gandhi's Lok Sabha comments on Hindus.
&nbsp;
The protest escalated into a stone-pelting incident involving both sides, resulting in injuries to five policemen, including an Assistant Commissioner of Police.
&nbsp;
Following the incident, Ellisbridge police registered two FIRs. The first FIR named nearly 450 workers from both Congress and BJP, while the second targeted Congress workers based on a complaint from the BJP's youth wing in Ahmedabad. Five Congress workers were subsequently arrested.
&nbsp;
Gandhi's visit aims to bolster the morale of party workers and extend condolences to families affected by recent calamities.
&nbsp;
His presence is expected to address the tensions following the recent clash and reinforce the Congress's support base in the region.

Rahul Gandhi to meet Rajkot fire victims' kin

Amarnath Yatra has been temporarily halted from both the Pahalgam and Baltal routes to the holy cave on Saturday due to heavy rainfall, the officials said.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
According to officials, the inclement weather has made the tracks slippery, prompting authorities to activate a temporary base camp at Chanderkot in Ramban for pilgrims.&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The administration has assured that the pilgrimage will resume once the weather improves and the tracks are deemed safe.&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The Amarnath Yatra commenced on June 29, following twin routes - the traditional 48-km Nunwan-Pahalgam path in Anantnag and the shorter 14-km Baltal track in Ganderbal.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Officials reported that 21,650 pilgrims undertook the pilgrimage on Friday, with devotees having 'darshan' of Baba Bholenath on the seventh day of the annual journey.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Among the pilgrims, there were 15,151 men, 4,147 women, 374 sadhus, and two sadhvis who paid homage to the cave shrine. Additionally, over 1,700 security personnel, one transgender person, and 275 children completed the pilgrimage.&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;
With this, the total number of pilgrims visiting the 3,800-metre-high cave shrine in the south Kashmir Himalayas has reached 1,51,946.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Tragically, two deaths have been reported during this year&rsquo;s Yatra due to cardiac arrests on the Baltal route in June. The deceased was a Sevadar from Haryana and a pilgrim from Jharkhand.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The 52-day pilgrimage will conclude on August 19. Last year, more than 4.5 lakh pilgrims visited the cave shrine.&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;
This year, over 3.50 lakh devotees have registered online for the pilgrimage, not including offline and on-site registrations.&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Authorities have implemented extensive measures to ensure a smooth and safe journey for pilgrims, including three-tier security, area dominances, route deployments, and checkpoints.

Amarnath Yatra halted amid heavy rainfall

Heavy rains continue to pour in parts of Himachal Pradesh and Punjab on July 6. The IMD has already predicted heavy to very heavy rainfall FOR Northwest and East India and Northeast India over the next 3-4 days. The heavy rains are expected to last till July 11.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Heavy rain disrupted daily life in vast swathes of north India, including Himachal and Uttarakhand, while the flood situation in Assam remained grim with major rivers flowing above the danger mark and nearly 24 lakh people affected. 
&nbsp;
5 yr old drowned in a rainwater in Uttarakhand: 
&nbsp;
In Uttarakhand, which has received heavy rain over the past few days, a five-year-old drowned in a rainwater-filled pit in Dehradun and a teenager in a Haridwar rivulet. 
&nbsp;
Daily life was disrupted in the hill state as the rain triggered numerous landslides, blocking key roads, including the national highway leading to Badrinath. 
&nbsp;
Roads closed in Himachal: 
&nbsp;
Heavy rain also lashed several parts of Himachal Pradesh, leading to the closure of 64 roads. The regional Met office warned of moderate flash flood risk in few areas of Kangra, Kullu, Kinnaur, Mandi, Sirmaur, and Shimla districts in the next 24 hours. 
&nbsp;
In Rajasthan, heavy rain continued to batter the state with Malpura in Tonk district recording 176 mm rainfall in 24 hours. 
&nbsp;
Himachal Pradesh has already received 59 per cent excess rain in July at 43.2 mm against a normal of 27.2 mm. 
&nbsp;
Sixty-four roads - 55 in Mandi, seven in Chamba, and one each in Kangra and Shimla districts - are closed for traffic following torrential rain, the emergency operation centre said. 
&nbsp;
The Met office in Shimla has issued a 'yellow' alert for heavy rain, thunderstorms, and lightning at isolated places on Saturday.
&nbsp;
77 wild animals dead in Assam: 
&nbsp;
In Assam, 77 wild animals have died - either due to drowning or during treatment - while 94 have been rescued from the flooded Kaziranga National Park as of Friday, an official said. 
&nbsp;
The flood situation was critical with nearly 24 lakh people affected in 30 districts and all major rivers flowing above the danger mark. 
&nbsp;
Chief Minister Sarma reviewed the situation in Dibrugarh town, which has been under water and facing severe power shortages for the past eight days. He visited some areas on foot and interacted with the people. 
&nbsp;
Two persons, including a child, were killed and another was injured in a landslide following incessant rainfall in the Dispur area of Kamrup Metropolitan district, taking the death toll in this year's floods, landslides, and storms to 64. 
&nbsp;
No fresh casualty, however, was reported due to the floods, with the number of people losing lives only due to the deluge remaining at 52.
&nbsp;
Dhubri is the worst-hit district with 6.48 lakh people affected, followed by Darrang with 1.90 lakh people and Cachar with 1.45 lakh. 
&nbsp;
Delhi monitoring Yamuna: 
&nbsp;
Delhi government has set up a 24x7 flood control room to monitor real-time data from the Hathnikund barrage from where water is released in the Yamuna to Delhi. 
&nbsp;
"Last year, the Yamuna reached its highest level in 70 years. The Delhi government is gearing up to tackle any possibility of floods. The control room is in touch with officials at the Hathnikund barrage from where Yamuna river discharge is received. After the release of one lakh cusecs of water, relief and rescue machinery starts working," said Atishi, the city government's water minister. 
&nbsp;
Saurabh Bharadwaj, the irrigation and flood control minister, said the control room would monitor data in real-time and be entirely computerised. 
&nbsp;
As soon as more than one lakh cusecs of water is released from the barrage, all agencies - including the flood control department -- will be activated, Aitshi said. 
&nbsp;
The Met office has predicted generally cloudy skies with light rain, accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning, on Saturday. It has also forecast heavy rainfall during the next four to five days. 
&nbsp;
In Uttarakhand, meanwhile, the State Emergency Operation Centre said landslides had blocked 88 rural motorable roads, two border roads, one state highway, and the national highway leading to the Badrinath temple.
The Rishikesh-Badrinath National Highway was blocked at Lambagad - an area highly vulnerable to landslides. 
&nbsp;
In Rudraprayag district, debris from a landslide blocked the opening of an old tunnel on Friday. However, no casualties were reported, Superintendent of Police Vishakha Ashok Bhadane said. 
&nbsp;
Continuous intermittent heavy rain in Dehradun had left many roads waterlogged. 
&nbsp;
In Rajasthan's Bikaner, a toddler was among three people killed in a wall collapse following heavy rain while three people were rescued after being stuck while crossing a stream overflowing with rainwater in Tonk. 
&nbsp;
Light to moderate rain was recorded in many districts, including Jaipur, Tonk, Sawai Madhopur, Kota, Chittorgarh, Jhunjhunu, Alwar, Udaipur and Jodhpur on Friday, a spokesperson for the Jaipur Meteorological Centre said. 
&nbsp;
The heavy rain in Tonk on Friday caused rivers and streams to overflow. 
&nbsp;
The increased inflow also caused the water level in many dams to rise.
&nbsp;
In the Namokiya village of the Malpura area in Tonk, three people on a tractor were stuck in the fast-flowing water while crossing a stream. They were rescued by police, Malpura SHO Chenaram said.
&nbsp;
In Bikaner district's Bichwal area, three people, including a toddler, were crushed to death after a factory wall collapsed amid heavy rain. Bichwal SHO Naresh Kumar said two workers and a child died after being trapped under the debris. 
&nbsp;
The victims have been identified as Madhya Pradesh natives Pinna, Sanjay, and one-year-old Manisha. 
&nbsp;
A circulation system over southwestern Uttar Pradesh and adjoining eastern Rajasthan contributed to the heavy rain, with the monsoon trough line passing through Bikaner and Sikar. 
&nbsp;
Rain-drenched northern West Bengal is likely to receive more showers till July 9, the Met office said. 
&nbsp;
A trough from Rajasthan to the northeast and an active monsoon over northern West Bengal is likely to bring heavy rainfall to the region, it said.
&nbsp;
Heavy to very heavy rain with extremely heavy rain in one or two places is likely in the sub-Himalayan districts of Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar and Coochbehar, the Met said in a special bulletin. 
&nbsp;
The downpour may cause landslides in the hill districts of Darjeeling and Kalimpong and waterlogging of low-lying areas in the plains. 
&nbsp;
Water levels of rivers such as Teesta, Jaldhaka, Sankosh, and Torsa may rise owing to heavy rain, it added.
&nbsp;
Meghalaya received 44 per cent excess rains in the last month, causing large-scale damage to public infrastructure and upending the lives of people, officials said. 
&nbsp;
The state received 117.32 cm of rain between June 1 and July 3, which was 44 per cent higher than normal, a senior disaster management official said. 
&nbsp;
"The southern districts of the state are the worst affected," he said.
&nbsp;

India battles heavy rains

Dr Abby Philips, known as The Liver Doc on social media, criticised Samantha Ruth Prabhu, calling her a "health and science illiterate" for sharing alternative health treatments. In response, the actor accused him of being impolite.
&nbsp;
Ruth Prabhu, who has been candid about her battle with Myositis diagnosis, recently discussed the benefits of hydrogen peroxide nebulisation. However, Dr Abby Philips, a hepatologist with over 2.5 lakh followers, condemned her for spreading misinformation to her fans.
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Left: Influential Indian actress Ms. Samantha Ruth who is unfortunately a health and science illiterate advising millions of her followers to inhale hydrogen-peroxide to prevent and treat respiratory viral infections. Right: Scientific society, The Asthma and Allergy Foundation&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/Ihn2xocKUt">pic.twitter.com/Ihn2xocKUt</a>
&mdash; TheLiverDoc (@theliverdr) <a href="https://twitter.com/theliverdr/status/1808804909783159003?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 4, 2024</a></blockquote>
Ruth Prabhu, who has 35.3 million Instagram followers, posted a lengthy statement on Friday. In it, she expressed that over the years, she has undergone various medical treatments recommended by highly qualified healthcare professionals, which have not always been effective.
&nbsp;
This led her to read up on "alternate therapies and treatments", and what she shared on social media was done with "good intentions" and suggested by a highly-qualified doctor, who is an MD and has served DRDO for 25 years.
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Ms. Samantha Ruth Prabhu has responded to my "provocative" criticism of her endorsement of unscientific, pseudoscientific and baseless alternative medicine therapies by playing the victim card and endorsing more alternative practices. Please note, she is a serial offender in&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/eRvsXrGlZq">https://t.co/eRvsXrGlZq</a> <a href="https://t.co/iRadZgrHTE">pic.twitter.com/iRadZgrHTE</a>
&mdash; TheLiverDoc (@theliverdr) <a href="https://twitter.com/theliverdr/status/1809086284637315473?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 5, 2024</a></blockquote>
&ldquo;A certain gentleman has attacked my post and my intentions with rather strong words. Said gentleman is a doctor, too. I have no doubt that he knows more than I do. And I&rsquo;m quite sure his intentions were noble.
&nbsp;
&ldquo;It would have been kind and compassionate of him had he not been so provocative with his words, especially the bit where he suggests that I should be thrown in prison. Never mind. I suppose it goes with the territory of being a celebrity,&rdquo; the 37-year-old actor wrote.
&nbsp;
Ruth Prabhu, who revealed her Myositis diagnosis in 2022, said her post was not a paid endorsement, but she will be more careful in future.

Samantha hits back at The Liver Doc's harsh criticism

The movie "Kalki 2898 AD" has received acclaim for blending elements from the Mahabharata with science fiction. Director Nag Ashwin, who is already working on a sequel, is confident that Indian mythological stories if portrayed accurately, can rival the complexity of the Western superhero genre.
&nbsp;
Featuring Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Haasan, Prabhas, and Deepika Padukone in prominent roles, this film has proven to be a commercial success despite the failure of many high-budget films at the box office.
&nbsp;
Is "Kalki 2898 AD" India's answer to superhero movies from the stables of Marvel and DC Studios in Hollywood? "I don't know if it is an answer or not, but we definitely have the kind of stories and the depth, complexity and heroism that any other Marvel or DC movie (has). We just have to delve into it and tell it in the correct way.
&nbsp;
"If we tell it in a way that the generation now is used to, maybe mix it with sci-fi, I feel that would be the correct way. And that's actually worked out because people are now feeling that it is our story," Ashwin told PTI in an interview.
&nbsp;
In the futuristic dystopian metropolis of Kashi (Varanasi), the plot centres on Bachchan's undying fighter Ashwathhama, who endeavours to safeguard the forthcoming incarnation of Lord Vishnu, borne by Padukone's Sumathi. Prabhas' character Bhairava, a mercenary, is dispatched to locate her by Haasan's adversary, Supreme Yaskin.
&nbsp;
The follow-up to "Kashi 2898 AD" is currently in progress, he mentioned, and it will be an extension of the narrative, offering a blend of the familiar and the new.

Indian epics can rival Marvel's stories: Nag Ashwin

State president of the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) in Tamil Nadu, K Armstrong met a tragic end on Friday evening in Chennai when he was brutally hacked to death by a gang of six assailants near Perambur.
&nbsp;
The 47-year-old leader was chatting with acquaintances outside his residence when the attackers, armed with machetes and sickles, launched a sudden assault.
&nbsp;
Eyewitnesses recounted the chilling scene as Armstrong's friends fled in fear while the gang mercilessly attacked him, leaving him critically wounded.
&nbsp;
His family, alerted by his cries, rushed to the spot only to find him lying unconscious in a pool of blood, suffering from severe injuries to his head and neck.
&nbsp;
Despite being rushed to a nearby private hospital, doctors pronounced him dead upon arrival.
&nbsp;
Law enforcement officials, led by Deputy Commissioner of Police I Eswaran and Assistant Commissioner of Police Praveen Kumar, swiftly responded to the crime scene.
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Following the murder in Chennai's Perambur on Friday evening, police arrested eight accused after they surrendered to the Deputy Commissioner of Anna Nagar.
&nbsp;
A 10-member SIT has been formed to investigate and apprehend the culprits.
&nbsp;
Additional Commissioner Chennai North Asra Garg is leading the investigation after BSP supporters demanded CM MK Stalin's resignation after the murder of the party state chief.
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Armstrong, a prominent Dalit advocate-turned-politician, had a history of involvement in civic activism and had garnered attention for his role within the BSP despite the party's limited influence in Tamil Nadu.
&nbsp;
Political figures across party lines have condemned the killing, with BSP leader Mayawati calling for swift justice and heightened security measures. Taking to her X handle, Mayawati stated, "The gruesome killing of Mr. K. Armstrong, Tamil Nadu state Bhajun Samaj Party (BSP) president, outside his Chennai house is highly deplorable and condemnable. An advocate by profession, he was known as a strong Dalit voice in the state. The state Govt. must punish the guilty, said BSP Supremo Mayawati taking to her X handle."
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
The gruesome killing of Mr. K. Armstrong, Tamil Nadu state Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) president, outside his Chennai house is highly deplorable and condemnable. An advocate by profession, he was known as a strong Dalit voice in the state. The state Govt. must punish the guilty.
&mdash; Mayawati (@Mayawati) <a href="https://twitter.com/Mayawati/status/1809286914731622728?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 5, 2024</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
Former Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami criticised the DMK-led state government's handling of law and order.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
பகுஜன் சமாஜ் கட்சியின் தமிழ்நாடு மாநிலத் தலைவர் திரு. <a href="https://twitter.com/BspArmstrong?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BSPArmstrong</a> அவர்கள் சென்னை பெரம்பூர் பகுதியில் மர்ம நபர்களால் வெட்டிப் படுகொலை செய்யப்பட்டார் என்ற செய்திகேட்டு மிகுந்த அதிர்ச்சியும் துயருமுற்றேன். திரு. ஆர்ம்ஸ்ட்ராங் அவர்களை இழந்து வாடும் பகுஜன் சமாஜ் கட்சியின் தேசியத்&hellip;
&mdash; Edappadi K Palaniswami - Say No To Drugs &amp; DMK (@EPSTamilNadu) <a href="https://twitter.com/EPSTamilNadu/status/1809251444614475905?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 5, 2024</a></blockquote>
 On the other hand, VCK chief Thol Thirumavalavan urged for a dedicated investigative unit to ensure the culprits are apprehended promptly.
&nbsp;
Armstrong's political journey began with a noteworthy victory as an independent candidate in the 2006 local body elections, reflecting his grassroots support and commitment to community representation.
&nbsp;
He is survived by his wife and daughter.

Chennai

Tamil Nadu BSP Chief assassinated in Chennai ambush

After a tragic stampede claimed the lives of 121 individuals at his 'satsang' in Hathras, Uttar Pradesh, earlier this week, Bhole Baba, a former constable who now styles himself as a godman, expressed deep sorrow over the incident.
&nbsp;
"May God give us the strength to bear this pain. Please keep faith in the government and the administration. I have faith that anyone who created the chaos would not be spared. Through my lawyer AP Singh, I have requested the members of the committee to stand with the bereaved families and the injured and help them throughout their lives," said 'Bhole Baba' in a video statement.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Hathras Stampede Accident | Mainpuri, UP: In a video statement, Surajpal also known as 'Bhole Baba' says, "... I am deeply saddened after the incident of July 2. May God give us the strength to bear this pain. Please keep faith in the government and the administration. I&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/7HSrK2WNEM">pic.twitter.com/7HSrK2WNEM</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1809409854949429586?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 6, 2024</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
The assembly of followers, known as 'satsang', drew in as many as 250,000 devotees. The stampede was triggered when participants began to pick up dust from the ground where Bhole Baba's vehicle had passed.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
This disorderly situation caused men, women, and children to stumble over one another, resulting in multiple fatalities. According to the police, the crowd far surpassed the 80,000-person limit imposed by the authorities.
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
VIDEO | Visuals from Surajpal alias Narayan Sakar Hari alias Bhole Baba's ashram in UP's <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kasganj?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kasganj</a>. A total of 121 people, mostly women, were killed in the stampede after Surajpal's 'satsang' in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Hathras?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Hathras</a>' Fulrai village on July 2. (Full video available on PTI Videos -&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/mSfUccNu1V">pic.twitter.com/mSfUccNu1V</a>
&mdash; Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) <a href="https://twitter.com/PTI_News/status/1809433656638709819?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 6, 2024</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
Bhole Baba, also known as Narayan Sakar Hari, had remained elusive since the stampede. His attorney, AP Singh, had stated yesterday that he would collaborate with the investigation.
&nbsp;
"We have district-wise lists of the victims, and Narayan Sakar Hari's trust would take care of the education, health, and wedding expenses of the families of those who died in the stampede," Singh said.
&nbsp;
According to the Hathras Police, Delhi police have detained Devprakash Madhukar, the 'chief volunteer' of the 'spiritual gathering'. Madhukar's arrest brings the total number of individuals detained in the situation to seven.

'Bhole Baba' expresses sorrow over Hathras stampede

The Orissa High Court recently ruled that female employees who have children through surrogacy are entitled to the same maternity leave and benefits as natural and adoptive mothers.
&nbsp;
Justice SK Panigrahi, sitting as a single-judge bench, issued the ruling on June 25 after considering a petition from Supriya Jena, an Odisha Finance Service (OFS) officer, filed in 2020.
&nbsp;
Jena, who became a mother through surrogacy, was refused 180 days of maternity leave by her superiors in the Odisha government. In response, she took the government to the high court.
&nbsp;
The court noted that female government employees are granted 180 days of leave when they adopt a child who is up to one year old, similar to the maternity leave provided to biological mothers, in order to properly care for the adopted child.
&nbsp;
Nevertheless, there is no provision for maternity leave for the specific purpose of caring for a child born through surrogacy, the court stated.
&nbsp;
"If the government could provide maternity leave to an adoptive mother, it would be wholly improper to refuse to provide maternity leave to a mother who had begotten a child through surrogacy procedure after implanting an embryo created by using either the eggs or sperm of the intended parents in the womb of a surrogate mother," the court said.
&nbsp;
The court has mandated that female employees who become mothers through surrogacy should be eligible for maternity leave to ensure impartial treatment and assistance for all new mothers, regardless of their method of becoming parents.
&nbsp;
Granting maternity leave to these mothers guarantees that they have ample time to establish a nurturing and stable environment for their children, which contributes to the well-being of both the mother and the child, the high court stated.
&nbsp;
The court has instructed the state government to approve 180 days of maternity leave for the petitioner within three months of receiving the order.
&nbsp;
"It is further directed to the department concerned of the state to incorporate this aspect in the relevant provisions of the rules to treat a child born out of surrogacy in a similar manner as a child born out of the natural process and provide the commissioning mother with all the benefits provided thereto," the judgment read.

Bhubaneswar

Surrogate mothers entitled to maternity leave: Orissa HC

On July 10, the Supreme Court is set to review several requests to reconsider its decision from last year, which did not recognise same-sex marriage as legally valid.
&nbsp;
The court's upcoming session on July 10, as listed on the official website, will involve Chief Justice DY Chandrachud leading a five-judge panel to privately consider the requests for review of the verdict issued on October 17 last year.
&nbsp;
In line with standard procedure, panels of five judges review such requests in private.
&nbsp;
The other judges on the panel, alongside Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, will be Justices Sanjiv Khanna, Hima Kohli, BV Nagarathna, and PS Narasimha.
&nbsp;
Gay rights activists faced a setback when, on October 17 last year, the highest court declined to legally recognise same-sex marriage, stating that there is "no unqualified right" to marriage except for those recognised by law.
&nbsp;
However, the top court emphasised the rights of queer individuals to prevent discrimination in accessing goods and services available to others. Additionally, they called for the establishment of safe houses known as 'Garima Greh' in all districts to provide shelter to community members facing harassment and violence and recommended the introduction of dedicated hotline numbers for their use in case of trouble.
&nbsp;
The apex court previously stated that transgender individuals in heterosexual relationships are allowed to marry according to the current legal regulations. The court also mentioned that legal recognition of their right to union, similar to marriage or civil union, can only be established through an &ldquo;enacted law.&rdquo;
&nbsp;
The Supreme Court stated it was within Parliament's ambit to change the law to validate such unions.
&nbsp;
The LGBTQIA rights activists, who had won a major legal battle in 2018 in the Supreme Court which decriminalised consensual gay sex, had moved the top court seeking validation of same-sex marriage and consequential reliefs such as rights to adoption, enrollment as parents in schools, opening of bank accounts and availing succession and insurance benefits.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Some of the petitioners had urged the top court to use its plenary power, "prestige and moral authority" to push society to acknowledge such a union, which would ensure LGBTQIA lead a "dignified" life like the heterosexuals.

Supreme Court to review same-sex marriage verdict

A historic 28 individuals of Indian descent secured seats in the UK Parliament following a decisive electoral outcome on Friday, marking a significant representation boost despite challenges faced by the Conservative Party.
&nbsp;
Among the elected MPs, a record-breaking 12 hail from the Sikh community, with six of them being women, all representing the Labour Party.
&nbsp;
The cohort includes nine newcomers, two incumbents re-elected for the third term, and one MP returning for her second stint in the House of Commons.
&nbsp;
Labour stalwarts Preet Kaur Gill and Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi secured victories in Birmingham Edgbaston and Slough respectively, each marking their third consecutive wins.
&nbsp;
Nadia Whittome, notable for being the youngest MP at 23, clinched Nottingham East for the second term, identifying proudly as both queer and a Catholic Sikh.
&nbsp;
In a historic first, Kirith Entwistle, also known as Kirith Ahluwalia, became Bolton North East's first female MP, while Sonia Kumar achieved a similar milestone in Dudley. Harpreet Kaur Uppal entered Parliament for the first time with a victory in Huddersfield.
&nbsp;
The UK now ranks second globally, after Canada, in terms of Sikh representation, underscoring its diverse political landscape.
&nbsp;
Outgoing Prime Minister Rishi Sunak led the charge for Conservative British Indians, securing a resounding victory in Richmond and Northallerton, Yorkshire.
&nbsp;
Other prominent Tory figures retaining their seats included former Home Secretaries Suella Braverman and Priti Patel, alongside Sunak's ally Claire Coutinho of Goan origin.
&nbsp;
In a notable win for the Conservatives, Gagan Mohindra retained his seat in South West Hertfordshire, while Shivani Raja added a gain in Leicester East, a closely watched contest against Labour's Rajesh Agrawal.
&nbsp;
Both candidates campaigned vigorously on local issues, including the preservation of Leicester's cherished Diwali lights amid budget concerns.
&nbsp;
However, the Conservative losses included Shailesh Vara, narrowly defeated in North West Cambridgeshire by Labour, and Ameet Jogia, losing the Hendon seat in London.
&nbsp;
Reflecting the overall outcome, the Labour Party celebrated a substantial number of victorious candidates from the Indian diaspora, including seasoned figures like Seema Malhotra.
&nbsp;
Valerie Vaz, sister of former MP Keith Vaz, secured Walsall and Bloxwich, while Lisa Nandy emerged victorious in Wigan.

Indian diaspora grows strong in UK parliament

Following a massive turnout of Mumbaikars to celebrate the Indian Cricket Team&rsquo;s T20 World Cup victory, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) cleared a staggering 11,500 kg (11.5 metric tonnes) of waste from the Marine Drive area the next day.
&nbsp;
An official from the BMC mentioned, &ldquo;The extensive crowds hindered our cleanliness efforts at various points. Regardless, we managed to finish the clean-up by 8 am. By that time, we had cleared and loaded the waste onto one compactor, one dumper, and five SCBVs. Much of the waste loaded onto the smaller vehicles consisted of bulky, low-weight materials,&rdquo; said a senior civic official.
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
A big thank you to the sanitation workers of the Mumbai Municipal Corporation. Before the citizens who celebrated the World Cup victory parade woke up, the sanitation workers had already cleaned and tidied up the Marine Drive area. The previous night, the Marine Drive area was&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/VJvDaPDCUC">pic.twitter.com/VJvDaPDCUC</a>
&mdash; Vaibhav Kokat (@ivaibhavk) <a href="https://twitter.com/ivaibhavk/status/1809047724408590558?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 5, 2024</a></blockquote>
During an all-night operation, the civic body deployed its employees along with 25 laborers recruited through NGOs to ensure that the littered areas were cleared before morning walkers could access the promenade on Friday.
&nbsp;
After the victory parade concluded and most of the fans left, Marine Drive was covered in litter, including plastic bottles, chip wrappers, cups, paper, clothing, shoes, and sandals, lost in the chaos of the excited crowd.
&nbsp;
At 11:30 pm on Thursday, the BMC enlisted 25 labourers from NGOs to conduct a night-time cleanup while solid waste management department employees worked in the early hours.
&nbsp;
Working throughout the night, the municipal workers filled two vehicles&mdash;a dumper and a compactor&mdash;with over nine metric tonnes of waste. The dumper can hold three tonnes, and the compactor can handle up to six tonnes.
&nbsp;
The civic body plans to send the waste, including recyclable materials collected from five small jeeps containing shoes and slippers, for reprocessing.

BMC removes 11,500 kg trash after T20 celebrations

Shubman Gill, gearing up for his captaincy debut in India's T20I series against Zimbabwe, aims to secure a permanent spot as an opener, steering clear of comparisons with stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli who recently retired from international T20 cricket.
&nbsp;
Despite missing out on the T20 World Cup squad and being a travelling reserve, Gill is set to lead the team in the absence of senior players.
&nbsp;
Reflecting on his preferred batting position, Gill expressed his inclination towards opening, a role previously dominated by Rohit and Kohli in the recent World Cup campaign.
&nbsp;
"I think Rohit Bhai was an opener and Virat Bhai also opened in this World Cup...I have also opened in T20s. So, I think I will want to open in T20Is," Gill stated during a media interaction, outlining his aspirations while acknowledging the challenges of emulating his predecessors' achievements.
&nbsp;
Managing the weight of expectations, Gill emphasised the individual paths players must forge.
&nbsp;
"Pressure and expectations... they I think always remain. But what Virat Bhai and Rohit Bhai have achieved, if I look to achieve that or reach that, it will be very difficult for me," he commented, recognising the towering legacy of Kohli and Rohit in Indian cricket.
&nbsp;
While Gill holds Kohli and Rohit in high esteem as idols and legends, he stressed the importance of defining personal goals amidst the pressures of performance and public scrutiny.
&nbsp;
Looking ahead to the Zimbabwe series, Gill confirmed that Abhishek Sharma, renowned for his IPL exploits with Sunrisers Hyderabad, will partner him at the top of the order in the upcoming five-match T20I series.
&nbsp;
Drawing from his experience leading the Gujarat Titans in the IPL, Gill highlighted the psychological challenges of captaincy and his learnings in handling team dynamics.
&nbsp;
"I've learnt a lot of lessons when I captained my IPL team for the first time. I got to know a lot more things about myself and a lot more things about the leadership perspective," he shared, citing the mental fortitude required in leadership roles.
&nbsp;
With a youthful Indian squad set to gain valuable international exposure, Gill highlighted the series' significance in nurturing talent and preparing players for higher stakes.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
"Our aim for the series is to give them more international exposure and experience," he remarked, noting the blend of young talent and the opportunity to fill the void left by senior players.
&nbsp;
Assessing the challenge posed by Zimbabwe, Gill acknowledged their competitive spirit, particularly in limited-overs formats. "I think you guys have got a good T20 team...The way you guys are going to come against us is going to be no different than any other nation and that's the challenge for us," he concluded, gearing up for the competitive encounters ahead.

Harare

Gill aims T20 opener spot post Kohli, Rohit era

The sweeping majority for Britain&rsquo;s Labour Party under Keir Starmer heralds a new chapter in the UK-India relations, previously strained by the Kashmir issue.
&nbsp;
Historically, the Labour Party has taken a robust stance on human rights violations and the Kashmir conflict more vigorously than other British political parties.
&nbsp;
In 2019, under Jeremy Corbyn&rsquo;s leadership, the Labour Party passed an emergency motion on Kashmir at its annual conference, criticizing India's decision to revoke Jammu and Kashmir&rsquo;s special status in August that year.
&nbsp;
The motion highlighted a humanitarian crisis and called for self-determination for the Kashmiri people. India&rsquo;s response was unequivocal, branding the move by Corbyn-led Labour as &ldquo;uninformed and unfounded.&rdquo;
&nbsp;
The motion stirred controversy within the Labour Party, leading to a backlash against several Labour MPs of Indian origin and others with significant Indian voter bases, as the resolution was perceived as anti-India.
&nbsp;
The situation was further compounded when Corbyn was suspended from the party in 2020 amid an antisemitism row, prompting him to contest as an Independent and win from Islington North, a constituency he has represented since 1983.
&nbsp;
Now, with Starmer at the helm and as Britain's new prime minister, there is a palpable shift in approach. Starmer's manifesto includes a pledge to establish a "new strategic partnership" with India.
&nbsp;
&ldquo;Labour will build and strengthen modern partnerships with allies and regional powers. We will seek a new strategic partnership with India, including a free trade agreement, as well as deepening cooperation in areas like security, education, technology, and climate change,&rdquo; states the manifesto.
&nbsp;
David Lammy, Labour Party leader and now foreign secretary, echoed this sentiment last month, pointing out continuity in the approach towards India.
&nbsp;
Speaking at the India Global Forum in London, Lammy described India as an economic and technological superpower, vital for the future of Asia. He remarked, &ldquo;India contributes significantly to British prosperity. Last year, India was our second-largest foreign direct investment contributor. Over 950 Indian companies employ over 100,000 people in the UK. However, India is only our 12th largest trade partner, and we believe it could be much more.&rdquo;
&nbsp;
Lammy spotlighted the need for a &ldquo;reset and a relaunch&rdquo; of the India-UK relationship, criticising the Conservative Party for consistently &ldquo;over-promising and under-delivering&rdquo; on India.&nbsp;

Labour changes Kashmir stance, seeks India relations 'reset'

Heavy rains wreaked havoc across vast regions of north India on Friday, severely affecting daily life in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.&nbsp;The flood situation in Assam remained dire, with major rivers breaching danger marks and nearly 24 lakh people impacted by the deluge. 
In Assam, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma toured flood-hit areas in Dibrugarh, one of the 30 affected districts, highlighting the scale of what is considered one of the worst floods in recent memory.
&nbsp;
Uttarakhand, battered by incessant rain over the past few days, reported tragic incidents, including the drowning of a five-year-old in a rainwater-filled pit in Dehradun and a teenager in a Haridwar rivulet.
&nbsp;
The relentless downpour triggered numerous landslides, blocking key roads, including the national highway to Badrinath, causing significant disruptions.
&nbsp;
In Himachal Pradesh, heavy rain led to the closure of 64 roads.&nbsp;The regional Meteorological office issued warnings of moderate flash flood risks in parts of Kangra, Kullu, Kinnaur, Mandi, Sirmaur, and Shimla districts over the next 24 hours.
&nbsp;
Rajasthan also experienced severe weather, with Malpura in Tonk district recording 176 mm of rainfall in 24 hours. The deluge has caused rivers and streams to overflow, leading to increased water levels in many dams.
&nbsp;
Assam&rsquo;s flood crisis deepened as 77 wild animals perished, either due to drowning or during rescue operations, while 94 were rescued from the inundated Kaziranga National Park. The flood's impact extended to 30 districts, with all major rivers flowing above danger levels, affecting nearly 24 lakh people.
&nbsp;
Chief Minister Sarma's review of the situation in Dibrugarh town, which has been submerged and facing severe power outages for the past eight days, brought attention to the region's critical state. He toured affected areas on foot, engaging with the distressed residents.
&nbsp;
In the Kamrup Metropolitan district, two individuals, including a child, died in a landslide triggered by incessant rainfall, raising this year's toll from floods, landslides, and storms to 64. While no new casualties were reported from flooding, the deluge has claimed 52 lives.
&nbsp;
Dhubri emerged as the worst-hit district with 6.48 lakh people affected, followed by Darrang with 1.90 lakh, and Cachar with 1.45 lakh.
&nbsp;
In response to the impending threat, the Delhi government has established a 24x7 flood control room to monitor real-time data from the Hathnikund barrage, where water discharge into the Yamuna is regulated.
&nbsp;
"Last year, the Yamuna reached its highest level in 70 years. We are preparing to handle any flood possibilities," stated Atishi, Delhi's water minister.
&nbsp;
Saurabh Bharadwaj, the irrigation and flood control minister, assured that the control room would be fully computerised and responsive to any significant water release from the barrage.
&nbsp;
The Meteorological office has predicted generally cloudy skies with light rain, accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning, for Saturday. It also forecasts heavy rainfall over the next four to five days.
&nbsp;
In Uttarakhand, the State Emergency Operation Centre reported that landslides had blocked 88 rural motorable roads, two border roads, one state highway, and the national highway leading to Badrinath.
&nbsp;
The Rishikesh-Badrinath National Highway was obstructed at Lambagad, a landslide-prone area. Debris from a landslide also blocked the opening of an old tunnel in Rudraprayag district, although no casualties were reported, according to Superintendent of Police Vishakha Ashok Bhadane.
&nbsp;
Dehradun has been particularly affected by continuous heavy rain, resulting in widespread waterlogging.
&nbsp;
Neighbouring Himachal Pradesh recorded 59% excess rainfall in July, with 43.2 mm against a normal of 27.2 mm. The state has closed 64 roads, including 55 in Mandi, seven in Chamba, and one each in Kangra and Shimla districts, due to torrential rain. The Shimla Meteorological office issued a 'yellow' alert for heavy rain, thunderstorms, and lightning in isolated areas for Saturday.
&nbsp;
In Rajasthan&rsquo;s Bikaner, a toddler was among three people killed in a wall collapse following heavy rain. Three individuals were rescued from a fast-flowing stream in Tonk.
&nbsp;
Light to moderate rain affected various districts, including Jaipur, Tonk, Sawai Madhopur, Kota, Chittorgarh, Jhunjhunu, Alwar, Udaipur, and Jodhpur. The heavy rain caused rivers and streams to overflow and raised water levels in several dams.
&nbsp;
In the Malpura area of Tonk, three people were rescued after being stuck in a fast-flowing stream. In Bikaner&rsquo;s Bichwal area, a factory wall collapse claimed the lives of three individuals, including a toddler.
&nbsp;
The victims, identified as Pinna, Sanjay, and one-year-old Manisha, were natives of Madhya Pradesh.
&nbsp;
A circulation system over southwestern Uttar Pradesh and adjoining eastern Rajasthan contributed to the heavy rainfall, with the monsoon trough line passing through Bikaner and Sikar.
&nbsp;
Northern West Bengal, drenched by rain, is likely to receive more showers till July 9, according to the Met office. A trough from Rajasthan to the northeast and an active monsoon over northern West Bengal is expected to bring heavy rainfall to the region.
&nbsp;
Heavy to very heavy rain, with extremely heavy rain in isolated places, is predicted in the sub-Himalayan districts of Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar, and Coochbehar.
&nbsp;
The downpour may trigger landslides in the hill districts of Darjeeling and Kalimpong and cause waterlogging in low-lying areas of the plains. Rivers like Teesta, Jaldhaka, Sankosh, and Torsa are expected to see rising water levels due to heavy rain.
&nbsp;
Meghalaya has experienced 44% excess rainfall in the last month, causing extensive damage to public infrastructure and disrupting the lives of residents. The state received 117.32 cm of rain between June 1 and July 3, significantly higher than normal, according to a senior disaster management official. "The southern districts are the worst affected," the official noted.
&nbsp;

Heavy rain batters north, west India; Assam floods worsen

The Hathras police have apprehended six individuals from the satsang's organising committee, including two women volunteers, following the fatal stampede that took place earlier this week.
&nbsp;
The main accused, Dev Prakash Madhukar, an aide of self-styled godman Surajpal, also known as Bhole Baba, was detained in Delhi on Friday.
&nbsp;
Superintendent of Police Nipun Agarwal confirmed Madhukar&rsquo;s arrest, stating that he was being brought back to Hathras to face the court.
&nbsp;
Madhukar, who served as the 'mukhya sevadar' (chief volunteer) at the event where the stampede occurred, is the sole individual named in the FIR registered at Sikandra Rao police station in connection with the incident.
&nbsp;
In a video message, Madhukar&rsquo;s lawyer, AP Singh, asserted that his client had voluntarily surrendered in Delhi, where he had been receiving medical treatment.
&nbsp;
"Today, we have surrendered Dev Prakash Madhukar, who has been identified as the main organiser in the FIR related to the Hathras case. We informed the police, the SIT, and the STF in Delhi about his surrender, as he was undergoing treatment here," Singh explained.
&nbsp;
"We had assured that we would not seek anticipatory bail because we believe we have done nothing wrong. What is our crime? He is an engineer and a heart patient. Doctors have confirmed that his condition is now stable, hence our decision to surrender today to cooperate with the investigation," he added.
<h3>Political response</h3>
On Friday, Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, visited Hathras to meet with the families of the stampede victims.
&nbsp;
Gandhi reported that the bereaved families had expressed concerns over inadequate police arrangements for the religious event, which they believed led to the tragic stampede.
<h3>Arrests and investigations</h3>
The arrests of the six individuals from the organising committee occurred a day after Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath&rsquo;s visit to Hathras.
&nbsp;
Among those detained were Ram Ladete (50) from Mainpuri, Upendra Singh Yadav (62) from Firozabad, Megh Singh (61) from Hathras, Manju Yadav (30) from Hathras, Mukesh Kumar (38) from Hathras, and Manju Devi (40) from Hathras.
&nbsp;
Inspector General of Police for the Aligarh range, Shalabh Mathur, announced that the arrests included volunteers responsible for crowd management, collection of donations, and other logistical arrangements.
&nbsp;
"On interrogation, it was revealed that these individuals were part of the organising committee and worked as sevadars (volunteers). They were involved in crowd gathering, donation collection, barricading, crowd management, electricity arrangements at the venue, vehicle parking, and cleanliness. The organisers had provided them with uniforms," Mathur stated.
&nbsp;
The police further disclosed that the volunteers had obstructed the police and administrative officials from taking photographs and videos of the event and had even misbehaved when questioned.
&nbsp;
"The incharge of the Samagam (Satsang), Dev Prakash Madhukar, in whose name permission was sought for the Satsang, had been absconding after being named in the FIR by the Hathras police. A reward of ₹1 lakh was declared for his arrest, and a non-bailable warrant (NBW) was issued," Mathur added.
&nbsp;
Bhole Baba, who owns assets worth over ₹100 crore, is also under scrutiny.
&nbsp;
The police indicated that everyone mentioned during the investigation, including Bhole Baba, would be questioned if necessary. 
An FIR was lodged in the matter on July 2 under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) sections 105 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder), 110 (attempt to commit culpable homicide), 126 (2) (wrongful restraint), 223 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by the public servant) and 238 (causing disappearance of evidence).
&nbsp;
On July 3, the Uttar Pradesh government formed a three-member judicial commission headed by a retired high court judge to probe the Hathras tragedy and to look into the possibility of a conspiracy behind the stampede.

Hathras

Key accused in Hathras stampede arrested in Delhi

Ansh Mavani

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

Royal Family congratulates Keir Starmer on election win

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

Sanjay Singh named chairperson of AAP Parliamentary Party

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

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

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

Chandigarh

Hisar firing incident: Traders stage protest, observe bandh

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

Bihar bridge collapse incidents: Govt suspends 15 engineers

Neha Singh

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and his Telangana counterpart A Revanth Reddy will meet here on Saturday to resolve pending issues related to bifurcation of two Telugu states.
&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">The meeting would take place at the Mahatma Jyoti Rao Phule Bhavan here on Saturday evening.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">TDP leaders and activists in Telangana accorded a grand welcome to Naidu when he arrived at the Begumpet airport here on Friday evening after concluding his Delhi trip.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">Telangana came into existence on June 2, 2014 following the bifurcation of undivided Andhra Pradesh.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">Ten years after separation, several issues such as bifurcation of assets, state-run institutions, power bills dues, transfer of leftover employees to their native states are still unresolved between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">Hyderabad ceased to be the common capital for both the states from June 2 this year as per the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">The metropolis is now the capital city of Telangana only.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">Opposition BRS leaders here demanded that the Telangana government press for return of some villages from Andhra to Telangana.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">These villages were merged with Andhra Pradesh at the time of bifurcation to facilitate the construction of multi-purpose Polavaram project.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">Taking the initiative for the talks, Naidu wrote a letter to the Telangana Chief Minister last week, proposing a face-to-face meeting on July 6 to address unresolved bifurcation issues.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">Revanth Reddy, who welcomed Naidu&rsquo;s proposal, invited him for a 'tete-e-tete' on July 6.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">It is understood that Naidu and Revanth Reddy share a cordial relationship as the latter was a TDP leader before he joined the Congress and had even served as the working president of TDP's Telangana unit.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">During the last 10 years, the Chief Ministers of both states have met to resolve the bilateral issues.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">Former Andhra Pradesh CM YS Jagan Mohan Reddy had met the then Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao in 2020.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">Prior to that, Naidu and KCR too had a meeting during the TDP chief&rsquo;s previous tenure as Andhra Chief Minister between 2014 and 2019.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">KCR had also attended the foundation laying ceremony of Andhra's capital Amaravati then. 
&nbsp;

Telangana

Two Telugu state's CMs to meet on July 6

Ayesha Banerjee

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

Post

Team India sing Vande Mataram, AR Rahman shares video

Amid the growing clamour for cancellation of the controversy-ridden NEET-UG, 2024 exam over alleged malpractices, the Centre and the National Testing Agency told the Supreme Court on Friday that scrapping it would be &ldquo;counterproductive&rdquo; and &ldquo;seriously jeopardise&rdquo; lakhs of honest candidates in the absence of proof of large-scale breach of confidentiality.
&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">The National Testing Agency (NTA), which conducts the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test-Undergraduate (NEET-UG) for admissions to MBBS, BDS, AYUSH and other related courses, and the Union Education Ministry have been at the centre of media debates and protests by students and political parties over alleged large-scale malpractices ranging from question paper leak to impersonation in the test held on May 5.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">The Union Education Ministry and the NTA filed separate affidavits opposing the pleas which have sought scrapping of the exam plagued by controversy, a re-test and court-monitored probe into entire gamut of issues involved.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">In their responses, they said the CBI, the country&rsquo;s premier investigating agency, has taken over the cases registered in different states.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&ldquo;It is also submitted that at the same time, in the absence of any proof of any large-scale breach of confidentiality in a pan-India examination, it would not be rational to scrap the entire examination and the results already declared,&rdquo; the Centre said in its preliminary affidavit filed by a director in the Ministry of Education.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&ldquo;Scrapping the exam in entirety would seriously jeopardise the lakhs of honest candidates who attempted the question paper in 2024,&rdquo; the ministry said.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">The NTA, in its separate affidavit, reiterated the Centre&rsquo;s stand and said: &ldquo;The cancellation of the entire examination on the basis of the aforesaid factor, would be hugely counterproductive and significantly harmful to the larger public interest, especially to the career prospects of the qualified candidates.&rdquo;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
The agency said the entirety of NEET-UG 2024 exam was carried out fairly and with due confidentiality without any illegal practices, and the claim of &ldquo;mass malpractice&rdquo; during the exam is &ldquo;completely unfounded, misleading, and lacks any basis&rdquo;.
&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&ldquo;It is submitted that if the entire examination process is cancelled without their being any tangible factors warranting such actions it would be highly detrimental to the larger public interest involving the academic career of lakhs of students who have attempted the examination fairly without any wrongdoing or even an allegation of wrongdoing,&rdquo; the NTA said.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">The government said it has constituted a high-level committee of experts to suggest effective measures for conducting transparent, smooth and fair examinations by the NTA.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">The affidavit said the panel shall make recommendations on reforms in the mechanism of the examination process, improvement in data security protocols and structure, and functioning of the National Testing Agency.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">The top court is scheduled to hear on July 8 a batch of pleas, including those alleging irregularities in the examination held on May 5 and seeking a direction that it be held afresh. 
&nbsp;

Centre, NTA oppose pleas for scrapping NEET 2024

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

PM Modi set for private dinner with Putin in Russia

The National Commission for Women (NCW) on Friday said it has initiated legal action against Lok Sabha MP Mahua Moitra for her remarks against its chairperson Rekha Sharma.
&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">This came a day after the Trinamool Congress, commenting on a video posted on X showing the NCW chairperson&rsquo;s arrival at the site of a stampede that recently took place in Uttar Pradesh&rsquo;s Hathras, wrote, &ldquo;She is too busy holding up her boss&rsquo;s pajamas&rdquo;.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">The NCW in a statement said that a formal complaint has been filed with the Delhi Police and a letter has been sent to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla at the Parliament stating that Moitra&rsquo;s remarks are condemnable in strongest possible words and being a Member of Parliament, it is unbecoming of her stature.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">Reacting to the same, Moitra took a jibe at the NCW and posted on X, &ldquo;Come on @DelhiPolice please take action immediately on these suo moto orders. Am in Nadia in case you need me in the next 3 days to make a quick arrest. I Can Hold My Own Umbrella&rdquo;.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">In the letter to Birla, the NCW has urged the speaker of the Lok Sabha to look into the matter and take appropriate action against Moitra.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&ldquo;These crude remarks are not only outrageous but also a severe violation of a woman&rsquo;s right to dignity,&rdquo; the NCW said.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">While in the letter to the Delhi police, the NCW said upon careful consideration, the Commission said it has determined that Moitra&rsquo;s remarks fall under Section 79 of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita, 2023.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">The NCW demanded registration of FIR against Moitra.
&nbsp;

Row over Mahua's remark against NCW chief

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

Maharashtra opposition walks out over Budget debate

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

Record 26 Indian-origin MPs elected to UK Parliament

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

Iran set to elect new President by Saturday morning

West Bengal Assembly Speaker Biman Banerjee on Friday administered the oath to two newly elected Trinamool Congress MLAs, instead of the Deputy Speaker who was authorised by Governor CV Ananda Bose for the job.
&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">After a month-long impasse between the Raj Bhavan and the assembly, two TMC MLAs &mdash;Rayat Hossain Sarkar from Bhagwangola in Murshidabad district and Sayantika Banerjee from Baranagar on the northern outskirts of Kolkata &mdash; took oath during a special session of the state assembly.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">In a sudden development on Thursday evening, Governor Bose authorised Deputy Speaker Asish Banerjee to administer the oath in the assembly on Friday, shifting from his previous stand that the MLAs would be sworn in at the Raj Bhavan.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">However, during the special session of the assembly, the Deputy Speaker recused himself from the programme and said, &ldquo;It is against the norms for the Deputy Speaker to administer the oath when the Speaker is present on the Chair.&rdquo;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
Following the Deputy Speaker&rsquo;s appeal, Biman Banerjee called both the MLAs to the floor of the House and administered the oath.
&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">Protesting the governor&rsquo;s stand, both legislators had been on a sit-in on the assembly premises for the past few days, demanding they be administered oath by the Speaker as per the convention of the House. 
&nbsp;

Kolkata

Impasse ends: Bengal Speaker swears in 2 TMC MLAs

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

Peshawar

Roadside blast kills 3 in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

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

Supreme Court to review decision on queer marriage rights

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

Aizawl

Amit Shah to oversee Assam Rifles base shift in Mizoram

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

Kathmandu

Nepal PM Prachanda to face floor test on July 12

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

Amaravati

Naidu seeks liberal central funds for his dream projects

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

Court extends Kavitha's custody till July 18

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

Seoul

Workload compels robot to die by suicide in South Korea?

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

Itanagar

Arunachal to launch India's first aqua park in Ziro

Ahead of the Union Budget presentation, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Friday met Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, pressing for enhanced financial support to the debt-burdened state.
&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">Sources said Naidu, during the meeting in North Block, highlighted various ongoing projects in Andhra Pradesh that require urgent central assistance.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&ldquo;The CM presented a detailed memorandum outlining the state&rsquo;s financial requirements and the rationale behind the demand for increased allocation,&rdquo; the sources added.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">Telugu Desam Party ministers in the Centre were present during the meeting.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">Naidu also met Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Health Minister JP Nadda.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">According to the state government data, the public debt of Andhra Pradesh has increased from 31.02 per cent of the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) in 2019-20 to 33.32 per cent in 2023-24 fiscal, indicating deterioration in the fiscal health of the state in the last five years.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">Key among Naidu&rsquo;s demands were funds for the Polavaram irrigation project, special assistance for backward regions, and support for the development of the new capital, Amaravati.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">The chief minister also sought resolution of pending issues stemming from the bifurcation of the erstwhile Andhra Pradesh.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">The meeting assumes significance as it comes just weeks before the presentation of the Union Budget 2024-25.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">The sources indicated that Sitharaman gave a patient hearing to Naidu&rsquo;s concerns and gave an assurance that she will look into Andhra Pradesh's demands within the broader fiscal constraints.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">Naidu has been vocal about the state&rsquo;s financial distress and sought increased central support to tide over the fiscal challenges, when he met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several Union Ministers on Thursday.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">The Naidu-led TDP is a crucial partner of the NDA with its 16 Lok Sabha MPs supporting the Narendra Modi-led government. 
&nbsp;

Naidu seeks added financial aid for debt-ridden Andhra

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

Himachal's Una tops nationwide anti-drug campaign

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

PM Modi acknowledges Sunak's work on India UK ties

Amitabh Bachchan on Friday expressed gratitude to fans for the love that has come his way for Kalki 2898 AD and praised the audacious mind of director Nag Ashwin for transforming the Hindu epic Mahabharata for modern-day viewing.
&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">The 81-year-old actor is receiving glowing reviews for his role of the immortal warrior Ashwathhama in the star-studded sci-fi spectacle. Released worldwide on June 27, the movie has grossed over Rs 700 crore at the box office.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&ldquo;The essence of KALKI resounds within and without&hellip; and my gracious gratitude,&rdquo; Bachchan wrote on X.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">In a lengthy post on his personal blog, the screen icon said he watched Kalki 2898 AD for the third time recently.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&ldquo;The experience just keeps building&hellip; every time you notice and admire the pains taken by the Director in purring this massive vision in fructification, and presenting it in a manner that makes the film historic&hellip; historic not just in its commercial prospects, but historic in its values of the audacious mind of the Director in metamorphosing the legend of the Mahabharat with its manifestation after 6000 years , into the viewage of modern day humans that go to see the film TODAY in 2024&hellip;&rdquo; he wrote.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">Bachchan revealed he had an on-camera conversation with Ashwin about Kalki 2898 AD, which he said will be put out soon as a podcast or an interview on TV channels.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">It also stars Prabhas, Deepika Padukone, and Kamal Haasan, with Saswata Chatterjee, Shobana, and Disha Patani. Mounted on a reported budget of Rs 600 crore, the film released in Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, Hindi, and English. 
&nbsp;

Big B praises Kalki 2898 AD as 'marvellous spectacle'

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

Imphal

Armed attack on Ratha Yatra chariot in Imphal

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

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

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

Guwahati

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

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

Amethi

Indian Army gets 35000 AK203 rifles from IRRPL Amethi

Shyna Gupta

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

India to launch space, deep sea missions by 2025

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

Banking stocks weigh on Nifty, Sensex loses 53 pts

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

Soren slams Centre over HC Chief Justice appointment delay

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

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

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

Kohli, Jadeja laud Mumbai police for victory parade success

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

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

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

June sees 10% hike in veg thali prices

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

NEET PG rescheduled to August 11 in two shifts

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

Agartala

Seven Rohingyas en route to Hyderabad held in Tripura

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

Ludhiana

Shiv Sena leader attacked by Nihangs, critically injured

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

Jammu

Assembly polls likely in J&K after Amarnath Yatra

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

Marine drive victory parade leaves tonnes of trash behind

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

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